The following executive summary is based on a comprehensive and impartial AI analysis of guest reviews. Keep in mind that all units are individually owned, and review scores among units can vary considerably.
Island Sands in Ma‘alaea consistently wins praise for its quiet, central location and sweeping oceanfront views. Guests love using it as a low-key home base to explore all parts of Maui, with easy drives to Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina/Ka‘anapali, the airport, and Upcountry. Many highlight being able to walk to Ma‘alaea Harbor for snorkeling/whale tours, the Maui Ocean Center, and a small general store, while enjoying sunrises over Haleakalā and frequent wildlife sightings—sea turtles are seen daily right below the lanais and whale watching in season is a standout. Check-in is typically smooth, hosts are very responsive, and the complex feels safe, friendly, and relaxed.
Units are generally clean and comfortable, with several recently updated. Most come well stocked with full kitchens and extras like beach chairs, towels, coolers, and sometimes snorkel gear; having an in‑unit washer/dryer and assigned parking is a big plus. The pool and BBQs are convenient and rarely crowded, and many guests spend hours on the lanai taking in the view. While there isn’t a broad sandy beach directly in front, a small pocket beach sits beside the property and Haycraft/Sugar Beach is an easy walk for long shoreline strolls and swimming.
Common caveats: this is an older oceanfront complex and experiences vary by unit. A frequent theme is limited air-conditioning—often a single living‑room unit—with bedrooms that can run warm; many guests rely on the strong Ma‘alaea trade winds and cross‑breezes instead. The area is notably windy (great for cooling, but doors can bang and louvers can whistle), and the pool is small with a quiet vibe and no hot tub. Dining and groceries are limited within walking distance, so a car is recommended. Occasional tropical pests, tight parking, and maintenance quirks (sliders, screens, dated furnishings) are reported in some units, but most reviewers would happily return for the tranquility, central access, and unforgettable ocean and wildlife views.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 485 reviews
There was a slight knat problem from the storms…didn’t realize the issue but a cleaning crew came and cleaned up for us and gave us a trap. Great location, it’s quiet with stuff nearby.
Melissa S.
April 2026
Great location, quick easy walk to harbor for excursions and ocean center. Very clean and great view of the bay and volcano
Dennis J.
April 2026
Robert was a great host. Very communicative and helpful if anything came up. I would definitely stay at this property again. It’s a one of a kind!
Joshua W G.
April 2026
The location and view are what made our stay at this property great.The condo does need some updating in the kitchen and washroom; cabinets are kind of ramshackle. And the bed should be replaced unless you like a very soft bed.The property managers responded when I texted about being unable to find a broom or the charger for the vacuum cleaner, but then responded with canned responses when I texted and emailed about getting a bit later checkout on our last day. I had explained our situation in detail and to get the canned responses (I believe there were 4 canned responses) was disappointing.
Sharon S.
April 2026
Great views and easy to get to.
Ali H.
April 2026
Loved our stay. Thank you so much. Will be back again soon!
Sarah H.
April 2026
Everything was clean and great stay. Lots of kitchen utensils and extras.
Trevor C.
April 2026
Located right on the oceanfront with a fantastic view! We spent a lot of time on the lanai enjoying the ocean breeze and sound of the waves. The condo was very clean and kitchen well- stocked with dishes, utensils and appliances. Comfortable bed and furniture. The humidity from the recent storm made entry/exit difficult but that was the only negative.
Jolene B.
March 2026
We had a wonderful time! We saw whales and turtles from the balcony. The condo was clean, beds comfortable and nicely stocked. The location was perfect! We will definitely be back. Thank you for sharing your lovely condo.
Laila B.
March 2026
Get a new bed!!!! There’s a huge sag in the middle and both of us have sore backs now. Location good right on the water to hear waves crashing but the rest is unimpressive. Had no wifi the entire week and templated emails from staff just refer you to vacation insurance. Very impersonal.
Maura D.
March 2026
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This was the perfect condo with awesome views and easy access to everything. In the condo had everything we needed and was very comfortable.
Leslie C.
March 2026
Great location! Beautiful view. We truly enjoyed it. Host was very responsive. The room was clean and well equipped. Washer was nice. Wish there had had more shampoo and conditioner. Maybe some lotion since it is hard to bring these things when flying.
Jian G.
March 2026
Great view. Cleaning could definitely be improved, we wiped down the counters and other surfaces on arrival. It appears to be run by a property management company, light switches that don't turn lights on, no curtains or shades in areas (bedroom and bathroom.)
Fred M.
March 2026
This is great property, one of the best I've stayed in. The appliances are newer and in great condition. The condo is clean and well appointed with comfortable furnishings. The hosts are quick to respond to messages and very thoughtful. I have already rebooked for next year.
Ross S.
March 2026
The hosts were wonderful. Lots of communication! The property is right on the bay. Bed was very comfy. Two bathrooms a real plus. Well stocked with necessities. Food fifteen minutes from shopping and restaurants. Walking distance to the harbor where the tour boats go out of. We had a great stay at this place!
Patricia S.
March 2026
We shared Mermaid Cove for a week long stay with another couple and loved it. Our first evening we sat on the lanai and watched dozens of whales spouting and breaching. The next afternoon we saw turtles frolicking right below us. The views are spectacular and the condo was beautifully decorated and well stocked for beach activities. Our host was easy to contact and always responded right away.We look forward to returning!
Leslie C.
March 2026
Great, central location. Excellent views - so many whales! Unit was nice and clean.The unit was a bit too warm, even with multiple fans and ac running. Couch was broken/ creaky and uncomfortable. Master bed was a bit too hard. Would have been nice to have beach gear available.
Rachel L.
March 2026
It was a beautiful view and it was pretty comfortable for two women with separate bedrooms. The remodeling was very pretty. We appreciated the location for ease of traveling around the island. It is in the landing path of the airport. The sofa was pretty worn out: dipped, made sounds when sitting down. I wouldn’t use it for a bed, even for children. The beds were comfortable. The kitchen’s tableware was minimal with only one teaspoon and it had been in a garbage disposal. I left a list with the rental company on items needed in the kitchen. The back bedroom is next to the elevator, noise from it and people coming and going. Only one hair dryer, so we had to figure out sharing. We enjoyed our time there, but there’s a few simple things that would create more comfort.
Linda D
March 2026
The location is perfect to reach all corners of the island. The condo is designed/decorated beautifully with everything we could need and more. Pure joy watching humpback whales in the bay as we sipped our coffee on the lanai watching the sunrise. Walking the close by beach is awesome. Our host Lisa’s communications and concern for our stay were much appreciated and timely.
Julie B.
March 2026
The main reason for only a 3 star evaluation was the bed old and I woke up with a sore back every morning. Also the couch is old and the front of it is lower than the back and u slowly slide down.
John E.
March 2026
Top notch communication, and all the amenities you could hope for. Loved watching the sea turtles, and whales right off the lanai.
Dale L.
March 2026
Loved the view of the bay!
Ryan K.
March 2026
The condo was amazing. From cleanliness to location. A perfect stay.
Donald
February 2026
The unit was very nice and the ac was excellent. Loved the view and the upgraded bed was a plus. The view was wonderful. The pool was small but very. Nice and the other residents were very friendly. The only down side was I thought the pictures showed a beach but the closest one you could access was a mile away. It was a very nice beach.
Dennis M.
February 2026
The view is priceless. Ocean breezes are the best.
April E.
February 2026
The Host was very helpful, the place was spacioous for us 4 adults, the beds were comfortable. I love watcing the turltes beach each eveing right at the condo. The tv was a bit challenging to figue ou but we got it! The only thing I wish was a bit cleaner was the floors other than that it was great. We will be back!
Janna P.
February 2026
The view was amazing!
Georgette B.
February 2026
Wonderful condo with an amazing view. Location was perfect for the snorkeling trip we took. Condo had everything you would need.
David M.
February 2026
We had a great trip! The condo was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. The view from the balcony is amazing—we saw sea turtles, whales, and dolphins during breakfasts and dinners overlooking the bay.Robert and Kristy were wonderful hosts. We did have an issue with the bedroom AC units not keeping up with the heat, but Kristy was very responsive and quickly arranged for them to be replaced with better units, which made a big difference and allowed us to sleep comfortably.We would be very happy to stay here again!
Michael L.
February 2026
The hosts were amazing. We loved watching the whales and turtles from the balcony. Can't wait to come back!
Sandy R.
February 2026
Wonderful apartment, wonderful stay!
Annette H.
January 2026
The property was very clean and well maintained! We enjoyed our stay.
Cindy B.
January 2026
The host was very responsive and accommodating. We really enjoyed our stay. The location is great and being right on the water is wonderful. We spent a lot of time on the lanai just relaxing listening to the waves and watching the whales.
Janice L.
January 2026
The owner was very cordial and responsive in answering my questions in a timely manner. The view from the balcony was fabulous. The drawbacks were the sliding glass doors to the balcony were very difficult to open and close, the screen doors were off the track so we didn’t even bother opening the bedroom patio door. The shower knob in the one bathroom was difficult to turn off and on and in the other bathroom the lower bar of the towel rack fell off. The one bedroom’s king size bed had a flat sheet on the bottom versus a fitted sheet, and that was very annoying trying to keep it in place. The entry door had to be shut hard in order to close, and I was concerned about it disturbing the other nearby residents. We would not recommend this condo to our friends or rent it again. Sorry.
Karen R.
January 2026
Great location for whale watching!The complex is nice and quiet, and the condo well appointed. We had a very enjoyable stay.
christine s.
January 2026
Beautiful view! Central location, great beach nearby
cindy f.
January 2026
The host was very communicative. She answered all my questions the same day. On the day we arrived, we had trouble getting in, through no fault of the host, and she answered my call immediately and helped us get in. The condo was clean and as advertised. We wanted for nothing. The condo was supplied with blankets, linens, paper towels, beach chairs, and umbrellas. From the balcony, we saw whales, turtles, and snorelers. It was a wonderful place to enjoy a cup of coffee every morning.
The L.
January 2026
It was a perfect view. 5th floor, center. Sunrise over Haleakala, turtles (12 on beach one night) and whales! Condo had everything for a comfortable stay (although would have liked a/c in bedroom).
Tim H.
January 2026
Waking up to turtles just outside in the water most mornings, walking to the shops and food and harbor excursions were great! Also, text communication was so easy
Brian
January 2026
We had a wonderful stay! The sea view from the balcony was absolutely amazing and we truly loved the place. The owners were very responsive and quick to help with anything we needed. As a small suggestion, it would be nice to have basic items like coffee provided, but overall the experience was excellent.
rahul g.
January 2026
Perfect location to explore the entire island! Loved the ocean views and the short walk to the swimming beach just .2 miles away. Clean and comfortable. Everything you would need for your stay in Maui. We also took advantage of the beach chairs for sunset from the West side and appreciated the little cooler & basic toiletries, laundry soap etc.
Pam M.
December 2025
Great location
Adam R.
December 2025
It was ok
SCOTT L.
December 2025
The grounds and pool are well maintained beautiful shrubs and plants.
Debra P.
December 2025
Quick communication from the host. No problems with the unit. We had a wonderful stay! Mahalo!
John Henry M.
December 2025
Kathy's condo was nice. The air-conditioning was not enough to cool off the entire condo. I had a major confrontation with the property manager and felt the need to leave earlier than my original date. I felt very unsafe due to his violently verbal assault.
Lynda S.
December 2025
Never saw the host. Parking spot 3 blocks from the unit. No close handicapped parking. This should have been disclosed during booking.
Joy K.
December 2025
Yes. We had issues with the tv but Kathy and staff were amazing! Very windy area.
Ginny M.
November 2025
Stay was great, condo was well equipped, great location and beautiful view.
Tara C.
November 2025
Nice unit but had roaches. Not what I expected for the cost!
Cyndi Z.
November 2025