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.
Kauhale Makai (Village by the Sea) delivers a classic Kihei, oceanfront condo experience with big views and a laid‑back vibe. Guests consistently praise the sweeping lawn to a sandy shoreline, gorgeous sunsets from the lanai, and seasonal whale and turtle sightings. The location is central yet a bit removed from the busiest strip, making it an easy base for exploring all sides of Maui while staying quieter at “home.” Grounds are well kept, with a small pool, hot tub, and plentiful BBQs, and many reviewers found parking easy. Numerous units are freshly remodeled, very clean, and well stocked with full kitchens and beach gear (chairs, umbrellas, coolers), and hosts/property managers are often noted as communicative and responsive.
Comfort is strong overall, especially in updated units with effective A/C and comfortable beds; balconies are a highlight for sunrise coffee and sunset dinners. Do note that laundry is typically shared on each floor (paid by app or quarters), and a few units don’t have ovens. Families appreciate two‑bed/two‑bath layouts, beach toys, and the kid‑friendly pool, while couples like the quieter setting and views. Proximity to pickleball courts and easy access to Kihei’s shops, food trucks, and restaurants add convenience.
Common trade‑offs: the beach out front is excellent for walks and sunsets but can be rocky or murky for swimming/snorkeling; the best swim beaches (Kamaole/Wailea) are a short drive away. The pool is modest, shade is limited, and it can be lively with kids; afternoon winds are typical in North Kihei. Quality varies by individually owned unit—some feel dated or have occasional maintenance/housekeeping hiccups (sliding doors, TVs, A/C, or worn beach gear), and a few note road or trash‑truck noise depending on location. Tip: choose a recently updated unit with confirmed A/C, verify codes and laundry payment method, bring water shoes, and plan to drive to prime beaches and dining. Overall, guests would happily return for the value, views, and central island access.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 reviews
Would stay here again. Bed very comfortable.
Becky S.
September 2025
We were happy with our stay and very much enjoyed Maui.
Veronica E.
September 2025
Our family travels a lot and stays in a lot of vacation rentals. This one was probably a top 2 for me. First of all the view is phenomenal, cannot be topped. Steps from the beach, nice quiet pool. The remodel is top notch. Parking is easy and free, check in and check out was seamless. I was sad to leave. It was so nice to have all the beach gear, chairs, umbrellas, boogie board. I love that they even thought to have a drying rack for all your swim suits and towels. Love, love, love, 5 stars, would recommend.
Deidra W.
September 2025
Our stay at this condo in Kihei was very good. The location was an grest choice for visiting excellent beaches of the West. From the balcony, there's a beautiful view of the bay and mountains opposite from the 2 chairs on the deck. Inside there's a lot of space to stretch out with a large couch and chair in the living room. The kitchen has everything needed for preparing all meals. The bedroom has a bed with a great mattress. Double sinks in the bath with a great shower was everything we needed for cleaning up. Having beach equipment was also very nice.All in all it is a great place to home base while visiting Maui.
Gregory H.
September 2025
The place was clean, great views of the beach/sceneries. Close to most restaurants in Kihei and Wailea. Communication with host was great, very thorough and detailed. Would definitely stay here again next time we’re in Maui
Melinda H.
September 2025
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The unit is the best location in the complex, on ground floor and facing the beach. Super accommodating and replied promptly. When there was some confusion regarding what time our flight got in., accommodated and check in- they won’t be extra Mile (or kilometer depending on where you are from)
Jared T.
September 2025
Exactly as described. My wife and I stayed and it was the perfect size for us. Just a short walk to the beach across grass. Manager on duty was very friendly.
Daniel B.
September 2025
My wife and I stayed for four nights at this condo in August and we had a great time. Plenty of space for a couple, comfortable bed, and clean. The view of the water and mountain is lovely and so was the balcony. The condo complex was safe and within walking distance to a nice beach to walk on in the evenings. Kihei was a convenient location to explore much of Maui. Glad we stayed here!
Ryan
September 2025
Great view, place was nice and clean
Jesse R.
September 2025
We had a wonderful trip for our 20th wedding anniversary! The condo looks even better in person! We spent hours sitting in the comfy chairs on the lanai drinking coffee. The bed was extremely comfortable. This time of the year, we could see the sunrise and sunset from the lanai. It is a short walk over a grassy lawn to the beach. We were able to swim during the day and go on late afternoon walks. The pool area is excellent. We swam everyday! We also used the very nice grills for dinner one night. There are three beach chairs and two coolers for your convenience. We left a new beach umbrella! You can walk to Akamai Coffee which we highly recommend. Long’s Drugs has most things you may need. The Cinnamon Roll Place was so good! We stopped at Ululani’s twice for shave ice. Try the lavender lemonade flavor there! You won’t regret it! Kihei felt pretty local even though there are several condos for rent. We will be back!
Tolleson N.
September 2025
Great place on the beach. It was perfect and the host was great at communicating the details.
Felicia J.
September 2025
Wonderful stay and excellent hospitality! Highly recommend!!
Joey D.
September 2025
We really enjoyed our stay and the view from the balcony. The space was adequate for the three of us and the remodel we well done. Very nice place!!
Gina F.
September 2025
The property was nice. The condo itself needed repairs. The sofa bed was very very very dirty. The fans provided were filthy.
A few more towels for a pool and beach vacation could have been provided.
I feel the owner was not truthful with me. At the last minute, a few days before he tried to cancel our reservations. He stated it was due to an air conditioner problem. I don’t think this was true. When we showed up at 4pm the cleaning lady was still at the condo. I would not rent from this owner again. In fact I was concerned to do the review until after I received my deposit back.
Amanda
September 2025
lovely updated and kept property with all amenities you will need for a relaxing visit. property was well maintained, beautiful views.
Sarah M.
August 2025
We had an amazing view, great location and nice apartment. We had everything what you need for a vacation, boogie board, umbrella etc, the box outside were packed with good stuff. The kitchen was well equipped. Overall it was good, except the pillows were smelly.
Tamas F.
August 2025
My family and I loved everything about our stay. The apartment had everything we needed and was very clean. The views were spectacular, the amenities were perfect, and we loved the central location. This was our favorite stay at a rental so far because of how clean everything was and how attention to details was payed throughout the apartment including towels, bedding, basic needs, kitchen equipment, etc. I would gladly stay here again and would absolutely recommend staying here.
Marina M.
August 2025
Clean, quiet and perfectly located!
Amanda D.
August 2025
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:
Beautiful condo, great views and location
Pam B.
August 2025
The place was cute but I would say this is more for 2 people not 4.
Cassandra C.
August 2025
The rug by the shower is too slippery. I had a really bad fall because of it. If it wasn't for that, the stay would have been great.
Krissy H.
August 2025
Our family had a lovely stay in Margo’s beautiful condo. The condo itself was clean, well-appointed and well-stocked (with everything from utensils to paper towels and TP.). From the moment we entered, we felt right at home. The pool and grounds were beautiful as well, especially at night! We were beyond sad to leave our new home away from home on Maui but will be back as soon as we can. Mahalo Margo!
Kristin S.
August 2025
Fabulous!
Maggie F.
August 2025
The stay was fine overall. The only thing to note is that the slider door doesn’t seem to latch.
Alex J.
August 2025
The condo was very clean, and well equipped with everything you could need. The owner Lisa has very good communication throughout the stay. Special shoutout to Juls, the property manager. She went above and beyond during our stay, even researching an urgent care when our daughter got sick. Would highly recommend
BOBBY K.
August 2025
Amazing experience.
Bharathan D.
August 2025
We had a good stay during our time in Maui. The property as a whole is slightly dated but well-kept, had a good pool area, and easy access to the beach and town which were important to us. It suited our needs and was a good size for two people. The actual unit has been updated, but didn’t seem to be as clean or well-kept as we expected. There was obvious wear and tear on some of the finishing/baseboards, staining on the curtains, and it was noted that the electrical outlet in the bathroom did not work (which made things difficult when getting ready). Overall, it suited our needs and allowed us to enjoy Maui at the level we wanted to.
Lexie F.
August 2025
We loved sitting out on the balcony eating breakfast looking at the pool and ocean. Condo decorations were a wonderful beach vibe. Beach chairs, fins, and snorkel were nice to have in room to borrow. Kitchen had everything we needed for our stay. My daughter had her wedding on a beach while we were in Maui and staying at the condo was convenient for all the activities we did while in Maui. I would recommend staying at this condo.
Ruth R.
August 2025
Well stocked, comfortable & clean.
joe s.
August 2025
I can’t thank the host enough on this place. Not only is it one of my favorite places to stay in Maui but the host made it even better for me. Had a couple issues arise and the communication was amazing, the effort to fix the issue was above and beyond, and I would stay here again in a heart beat! Super hard to beat this sunset as well.
August 2025
Check-in was easy, and the condo was very clean.
Kim L.
August 2025
Property is located beachfront with other beaches nearby. Also near groceries and restaurants.
The condo itself needs some updating. The blinds on the patio doors keep falling every tine you move them to open the sliding door. The a/c was very noisy with something rattling every time it turns on and off. The mattress needs to be replaced. There's a foam mattress topping and you just sink in- very uncomfortable. The sofa cushions are also very uncomfortable. The kitchen is well stocked. We enjoyed the view of the ocean and the mountain from the patio.
Elenita
August 2025
I would give 4.5 stars if I could. I go to Maui every year and usually stay in Kaanapali. I tried this side this time because I have 3 kids now and wanted to try something different. The condo is in a great location. Loved being able to try different coffee shops and food all within a 2-10 minute drive. There were limitless options. It was also close to the airport. The condo itself was clean and had good AC. Perfect view for morning coffee and evening sunsets. Only downfall was the beaches weren’t great. Too rocky and no sand. There were better beaches a couple miles down the road. Overall great place
Michael A.
August 2025
Check in was very easy and this is a perfect location for ocean access.
Tracy C.
August 2025
Great location and price. Would stay here again.
Victor P.
August 2025
Owner Lisa & local manager Juls were responsive to questions, gave good suggestions. Made sure we knew in advance to leave for activities before a 7:30 am road closure. Condo was immaculate, had everything for beach trips, pool, iron & board because we were going to a wedding. We didn't really cook on vacation, but every kitchen tool, pans are there. Large fridge/freezer. Nice quiet AC. Good counter space in kitchen & bathrooms. Loved it!
Linda M.
August 2025
Great place to stay. Beautiful condo and close to everything. Definitely recommend.
Tara E.
August 2025
Property as described. Owner was very communicative prior to our arrival.
Corie M.
August 2025
I love the ocean view!
Emily L.
August 2025
This is centrally located in Kihei with Pool, Jacuzzi access . Everything is well thought and pantry, bathroom were cleaned and fully stuffed. Michael has provided snorkeling equipment, beach chair, surf boards, umbrellas etc in the closet near to bathroom. I would definitely recommend this property.
Sachin Chandrakant T.
August 2025
Beautiful place in a great location! We loved it. Would definitely book again!
Erin D.
August 2025
It was accurately represented in the VRBO listing. We loved everything about it. Great location. Clean. Amazing ocean views.
Julie O.
July 2025
This was a beautiful condo and fit us perfectly. We only wished for a longer stay. It was very comfortable and the view off the balconies was stunning. Thank you for sharing with us.
Gale V.
July 2025
The condo is newly renovated and absolutely beautiful! I would hire the decorator for my own home. The view of the sunset is amazing! Communication with the host was timely and detailed. Everything about our stay was enjoyable! Highly recommend!!
Aimee O.
July 2025
This was a great condo for our stay in Kihei. Would stay here again!
Eric B.
July 2025
Very nice apartment. It had everything needed for a nice stay. It was comfortable and very clean. The communication was great. Had a problem with tv and it was taken care of immediately. Highly recommend.
Patricia H.
July 2025
Great property!
Marla S.
July 2025
As advertised. Great communication from AA.
Gavin M.
July 2025
Right on the beach. Loved the grassy area between the condo and beach. Pool and grounds were fabulous. Unit was great, very comfortable and cool.
Janice I.
July 2025
The condo was perfect for our family of 3. We enjoyed the space as well as being able to cook and enjoy coffee in the morning on the lanai. The location was perfect - beautiful views, close to all of the things in Kihei and right by a quiet beach. The property was very clean and quiet, and everyone was very nice. We enjoyed the pool everyday which was warm and a great place for relaxing in the afternoon. We will definitely be back and want to stay here again!
Tina B.
July 2025