Makani Sands, Maui

Makani Sands is a low-rise, intimate oceanfront resort in Hawaii, featuring 30 units, many of which are occupied by owners year-round. The resort offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, beachside BBQs, picnic area, and complimentary parking. It is conveniently located within walking distance of shops, a farmers market, a natural market, and various restaurants. The resort also provides quick access to its beach for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling, as well as whale watching during the winter months. Nearby attractions include world-class golf courses at Kapalua and Kaanapali, and the historic Lahaina Town, which is just 5 miles away.

Makani Sands Average Rates


As of July 2024, the average price of a 1 bedroom unit at Makani Sands is $292. The average price of a 3 bedroom unit is $710. Note that prices vary depending on the specifc unit and season (holiday rates are usally much higher), and the averages don't include Hawaii's 18% accommodation tax or cleaning and booking fees. Visit the rentals page to see specific unit rates.

Makani Sands's Best Rentals

View All 22 Makani Sands Rentals (with vacancy and search options)

What Do Guests Think? An AI Analysis of 421 Guest Reviews


Reviewer Portrait

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.

The Makani Sands condo resort on Maui receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from guests, highlighting its exceptional location, well-maintained grounds, and comfortable accommodations. Guests appreciate the resort's proximity to beaches, shops, and restaurants, as well as the stunning ocean views and opportunities to watch sea turtles and sunsets directly from their units. The resort is praised for its cleanliness, well-equipped condos, and responsive management. While some guests mention minor issues such as the need for updates in certain units or the absence of a beach due to seasonal changes, the overall sentiment is highly favorable. Guests enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the convenience of on-site amenities like pools and BBQ grills, and the added value of provided beach gear. Makani Sands is recommended for its ability to provide a memorable and enjoyable stay on Maui. This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 421 guest reviews.

Recent Makani Sands Reviews


Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. 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: We had a great stay. Loved the corner unit, great breeze, did not need to use the air conditioner too much. Loved the heated poolAll the staff very helpful

April 2024

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: Makani Sands is our very favorite place to stay in Maui. This was our 5th stay there and every unit we have stayed in has been outstanding. We love sitting on the lanai, poolside or out in front just watching the sea turtles and the whales go by. Makani still has the quiet, family type of place where everyone is made to feel welcome. Tammy at the front desk is always so helpful and pleasant. Just an incredible vacation. We are definitely going to return
Michelle W.
April 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Location is great. This unit needs some love and upgrades. The main curtains were terrible. The bed linen was not clean. The patio doors are really difficult to open. A fan in the bathroom. The dishwasher would come on a few times a day on its own!

April 2024

The condo at Makani Sands was perfect - and you cannot beat the location! Having an unobstructed ocean view was amazing. We loved eating our meals outside on the patio every day. Highly recommend!
Kyle & Heidi P.
April 2024

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: We arrived and found the unit clean and ready for our 7 night stay. The view looking out to the Ocean is the best! We enjoyed visiting with those that live in the complex and those also enjoying their vacation. The evening blowing of the Chonch was an experience we enjoyed. The proximity to all of our adventures we took was a bonus. I would recommend staying here to anyone and would come back.
Michelle T.
April 2024

The location was beautiful, exactly as it looked on line. We had a wonderful time enjoying the water and snorkeling right in front of our room
Traci M.
April 2024

We had never been to Hawaii before. We heard from people that Hawaii is great, but never imagined it to be this good. We stayed for almost a week just before spring break. We saw so many whale activity from the patio chairs, saw a few turtles right up to the beach wall. Absolutely wonderful way to wake up in the morning to the waves and the scenery. We always had our breakfast and dinner out on the patio while looking for whale (and we always saw something). Most amazing sunsets if the clouds are not there. 🙂 The stay was honestly better than we could ever expect. This was our first plane trip with our family of four with a 4 and an 11 year old, and we truly plan on coming back to this spot annually if we can make it fit. 13/10. We loved it so much! Thank you for providing such a wonderful spot to make such memories. It was beyond magical!!! 💜❤️💜
Jackie L.
March 2024

We are a family of six and this Makani Sands location was perfect for our trip to Maui. The views from both balconies were amazing. We loved the beach / sitting area. We were very close to other beaches and restaurants, but we also did a lot of cooking and used the grills one night. The place has everything we needed. Our kids loved the heated pool and spent hours in it. The snorkeling right off the property was quite good. And the other residents are really nice. My step son saw one of them fishing one night, chatted with him, and then was told he could use the fishing pole any time! Someone else gave him some bait. He was in heaven. Great place to stay. Highly recommend it!
Amber F.
March 2024

Nice property and great location. Amazing ocean views right from the lanai. Crazy amount of art work! Tammy made everything easier. She answered all our questions and was always easy to reach with any questions. Would definitely book here again!
Richard P.
March 2024

The property was great! Check in was simple and easy The condo was very well equipped (check to see what’s there before you do your grocery shopping) The views are amazing! Saw many whales and turtles right in front of the property *Afternoon sun does get pretty hot, so make sure to plan accordingly with the shades and windows
Drew S.
March 2024

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: We go to Maui annually, and we stay in this unit. Pretty much plan our vacation around its availability. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you would need, including a cupcake pan (which I've never used). New furniture in the living room and it's so comfortable, as is the king size bed. But my favorite thing about the unit is the "high" chairs on the lanai. I'm short and these chairs elevate me so that I do not have the blue bar directly in my line of sight.
Ida B.
March 2024

Nothing fancy but a clean place to stay with lovely views and quiet neighbors. We really enjoyed our time and appreciated all of Tom’s thorough communication. Would definitely come back.
Nikki D.
March 2024

I left a longer review on the property manager site, so I'll leave a shorter one here. This place is alllll about the views. It was incredible to watch whales and sea turtles right from the Lanai and listen to the waves as we fell asleep. My only wish is that there were more space to store our luggage and supplies. We loved the art, the location, the overall vibes and would definitely stay here again!
Kimber D.
March 2024

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: We rented a 2 bedroom first floor unit. It was more than we could have hoped for. The ocean view was spectacular! Saw whales and turtles! The unit was immaculate and had everything we needed and more. This was our second visit.
Lynn H.
March 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. 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: This is our third year, staying in the condo. We all enjoyed our stay there and will be back. The condo is stocked with the necessities for going to the beach or for cooking in. The management is very responsive to concerns overall, the condo suits our needs.
Benjamin R.
March 2024

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: We totally LOVE Room 209! Love the view. Only have stayed twice. But we enjoy every minute. Thanks for having us.
Rob & Joyce W.
March 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. 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: We stayed in this unit again this year and, once again, loved every minute. The view of Lanai and Molokai is priceless and we enjoyed watching whales from our Lanai. This unit is well equipped, including a cooler and Ice packs in the freezer. The sofa bed and king bed are both comfortable. Love the new washer and dryer in this unit. And the exhaust fan in the bathroom even works great (in so many places that is not true). There is a wonderful breeze that flows from the front to the back of this unit so no air conditioning is needed. Also love the power screen that lowers to shield the lanai from the west sun in the afternoon. The management at Makani Sands is on top of everything and very responsive. Can't wait to return.
Jean J.
March 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was more than happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The biggest issue is the toilet. The bowl was badly stains...tried to clean it but not possible. Even worse was the toilet seat which was wood with old cracks in it which had old brown stains in these cracks....not something one wants to sit on. The lanai chairs need replacement. They have large tears in the fabric. On the positive side, the kitchen is well stocked & the bed & sofa bed are very comfy.
Grace L.
March 2024

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: could not have been any better
Ray K.
March 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Overall room was ok. Dated, humid and a bit smelly (likely due to carpeting combined with no conditioning). That said, price for a three bedroom was reasonable. With no air conditioning you had to leave windows open and it’s pretty noisy with the waves so close to the ocean. Outside pool area was well maintained. Back area by water - only one BBQ worked, but we made do. There were some cockroaches in the first day, but management sprayed and I think we only saw one more after that. Again, location is great with lots of restaurants, beaches and shops close by.Would I stay there again. Yes - but only with air conditioning and a few upgrades. (It was my fault that I didn’t realize there was no air conditioning until after we arrived.)
Bradley H.
March 2024

We had a wonderful time. The location was close to shopping and restaurants but also felt secluded from the pourch. The view is unbelievable. We spent the mornings watching the whales just off the coast and the afternoons with the turtles that swam up near the shore. Highly recommend! Thanks to Tom for providing a wonderful property for us to enjoy.
Christina O.
February 2024

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: Makani Sands has never disappointed in all the years we have stayed at the property! The description of the unit was accurate and everything we needed we there for us. Tammy the property manager was so helpful and on top of every aspect of our stay. We come in February to see the whales and we like to do that with Captain Steve's Whale Watches (they lost their boats in the fire but you can still book through them and go out on smaller boats to get a great experience). You can watch the whales right from your lanai - just bring some good binoculars! There is so much to see and do on Maui and Makani Sands is 10/10 the best place to make your home base for a week or two!!
A guest from Canyon Lake, California
February 2024

Stunning view. Torch lit at night! Romantic and Refreshing. Whale visible almost any time of the day. Spouting, bulls pounding of water with fins and tail, cow training their calf. So good to see them side by side. Sea turtles regularly visable on the beachfront. Many shops, restaurants, beaches and park within easy walking distance. Two grocery stores, one, an easy walk away. Great time TOM! Thanks a bunch! We would definately stay in your unit in the future. We hope to start a tradition!
Vaughn T.
February 2024

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: We have been staying here almost every year for the last 11 years. It is great and Tammy is wonderful to work with.
Donetta F.
February 2024

We stayed for a week, this unit was nicely renovated kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, furnishing. The condo has tiles instead of carpet and that is a big plus for us. Being able to sit and watch the waves and have your coffee first thing in the morning was dreamy. We will be back.
Fazi A.
February 2024

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: The positioning and view of this condo was just perfect, sunrise to sunset. Lots of friendly people, turtles and fabulous sunsets, with the blowing of the conch!
Anne B.
February 2024

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: Outstanding view of ocean incredible loved staying there
Tamara W.
February 2024

Front row seats to watching the whales and turtles right from the oceanside decks! The unit was clean and well-stocked with sheets, fluffy towels, and household items. A few items need repair, but we were very comfortable and happy. Walk to coffee shop, farmers market, and fish market. Supermarket a mile away. The bedrooms facing the street are a little noisy in the morning (traffic, roosters), but we got used to it after the first night. It was a great homebase location for our activities and day trips. We would come back!
Liz C.
February 2024

We loved our stay in this beautiful location. Tom was a great host who responded very quickly when we needed him. I would definitely be staying here again! I highly recommend this wonderful location. Thanks, Tom!
Heide K.
February 2024

We loved being on the ground floor for easy access to the ocean. Sat out there most nights to enjoy dinner and sunset. Saw many whales and had a turtle swimming around right in front one evening. Close to many beaches and restaurants.

February 2024

This condo's ground-floor location allows us to sit a few feet from the water's edge in the morning shade and afternoon sun, watching for whales and often seeing turtles right below us. The unit is comfortably furnished and well equipped for us (two, elderly adventurers) - assistance with water temp was prompt and lighting over the stovetop would help. The non-smoking policy and congenial neighbors are a plus, as are nearby shops, including Snorkel Bobs, coffee cafe, Farmers Market store and tasty takeout. A quaint church and two beach parks are a short walk away; Napili Kai and the Kapalua Coastal Trail are a short drive north. We felt relaxed and safe our entire stay and will strongly consider returning again to Makani Sands.
David B.
February 2024

We so enjoyed our visit!! Soooo incredible to walk right out door and see the ocean and the most amazing view!! Whales, turtles, beautiful sunsets!! The unit was very comfortable and clean and had everything we needed! There was a community feel at the building and we enjoyed the lively street and grocery store nearby. Tom was a very helpful host and We hope to stay again!!
kerry E.
February 2024

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: Our place fit 7 adults well. We enjoyed our view and saw many whales. It is a nice quiet smaller condo complex which made it very relaxing. The unit was well appointed and I would recommend it.
Joan P.
February 2024

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: Sound of the waves at night and sights of the sea all day. What could be better?
Robert D.
February 2024

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: We have stayed at Makani Sands for thirty years. We are always there for six weeks after Christmas. We also have been there many times at other times of the year. Never a bad day for us in Maui.

February 2024

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: Relaxing !!Ricky and Tammy are providing an excellent Customer Service. The propertys grounds are in good codition.
Ernie M.
February 2024

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: It was nice.The shower curtins at Lanai windows need curtains and there needs to be a Condo upgrades
Ernie M.
February 2024

Our 11 day stay in 103 was outstanding. The view from the lanai was fantastic- whales, turtles, surfers, beautiful sunsets and watching the morning sky change with the sun rise. The condo is just as pictured. Loved being on the ground floor. Very clean, quiet and convenient to everything. Staff on site we're very helpful. Highly recommend this location!
J P.
February 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: great location with wonderful guests
Mervyn H.
February 2024

Rating Details: 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 condo is the best, loved the air conditioning, the garbage disposal, the bed was comfortable, and it was very clean. The next time I am in Maui this is right where I am going to stay.
Patricia W. W.
January 2024

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: A very nice relaxing vacation.
Lyndon O.
January 2024

Great views of Molokai and Lanai… and lots of whales!
Dino G.
January 2024

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: We stayed here the first time in 2021. We had a family reunion. We rented 4 units for a week. We loved it so much we rebooked this year but only required two units. We loved the improvements they made in the 2 years between our visits. We will be back
Robert W.
January 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very unhelpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had family meet from Japan, Colorado, and Connecticut in Maui for the first time since 2019. The condo itself was well situated despite the fire in Lahaina. The problem was with the dishwasher which appeared to be original to the condo. When we discussed with the front desk that it was not working, it appeared to be an issue which had been plaguing the previous visitors, and had been reported on before. So a handyman was sent over, who reported that it needed to be replaced. And in the process of inspecting it, he managed to loosen something, because for the next 2 days there was a constant leak in the kitchen, which made the tile turn into an ice skating rink. Each of the children staying in the condo managed to slip and fall at least once. When the front desk was informed of this, they were nonplussed. As this was new years eve it was difficult to get someone to come over but a handyman eventually made it and found the leak source. However, the dishwasher was never replaced and honestly, I doubt it ever will be. So good luck to the next set of occupants, anything advertising a functional dishwasher is probably a lie. Otherwise the place is nice but very dated, does not appear to have been renovated since the building was constructed.
Matthew B.
January 2024

Good place to stay. Located on the upper northwest part of the island.
Alex A.
January 2024

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: Our family of five had a great time staying at Makani Sands! We love being right on the water, love the ocean front bbq’s and the rental we had was so comfortable and had everything we needed to enjoy our week’s stay there. Love the location as well, it is within walking distance to shops, coffee and dining and is just a short drive away from Kaanapali!
Ryan W.
January 2024

We came in winter to see the whales and this place did not disappoint. Sitting on the lanai watching the whales swimming by was the most amazing part of our trip. You can also snorkel right outside the property which was nice. We will definitely be coming back again! Thank you.
Elaine N.
January 2024

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: I can't express how happy I am with this unit. It was very clean, we watched whales all day every day, and I was there for work so I appreciated the very small building with pleasant, respectful guests and a wonderful staff. The experience was better than my honeymoon! I am so very happy I found this unit. I would never imagine staying anywhere else on Maui - and I've spent weeks at the Andaz in Wailea. this unit was paradise. The property manager was lovely. The ocean was spittin' distance. The building had many kind people. I'm so very happy. Thank you so much Lonnie, Rick, and the rest of the team who made this an unforgettable, magical, life altering week for me. I needed it more than you know! I'm sending a friend to this unit in March but I'm scared that when you read this amazing review that I won't get to rent it again. Save room for me! This place is the bomb.
Stephanie H.
January 2024

Wow wow wow!!!! The view is just stunning. We saw whales and turtles up close right from the balancing. My family and I spent most of time and meals sitting on the balcony. The 2 futons in family room were very comfortable for my 2 kids that don’t like sleeping together. It was very spacious for my family of 4 and my parents. They also have a small beach where you can swim off of and snorkel. The host Luan is amazing! He was always available and responds right away with any questions we had. He fully stocks the condo with Things you may need like toilet paper, garbage bags etc. He is so kind and readily available for you! The location was also fantastic. We could walk to multiple restaurants. I walked everyday to a local market and had my delicious Açaí bowl. Yumm! I highly recommend renting this unit. We can’t wait to return!
Michelle G.
January 2024

great apartment and location
adrian jorge l.
January 2024


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