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.
Guests overwhelmingly love Mana Kai’s unbeatable beachfront setting on Keawakapu Beach in Kihei. Expect panoramic ocean views (Molokini, Haleakalā, sunsets), the sound of waves at night, and frequent turtle and seasonal whale sightings. The vibe is relaxed and family‑friendly, with an oceanfront lawn lined with lounge chairs, a warm pool, gas grills, an on‑site general store/deli, and a beach rental/activities desk for snorkel gear, SUPs and kayaks. Many use it as a central base to explore Wailea and Kihei, yet find the reef right out front good enough to snorkel daily.
Units are individually owned, so décor and updates vary, but many are recently remodeled, very clean, and well stocked (full kitchens, beach chairs/towels, coolers). Beds are often praised as comfortable, Wi‑Fi is reliable, and hosts for several units are notably responsive. Know the common Mana Kai layout: in many “2‑bedroom” condos the oceanfront primary sleeping area is part of the main space with a sliding partition, while the second bedroom sits along the corridor side; privacy and views differ by unit. Laundry is shared on each floor, not in‑unit. Some units have AC throughout; others only in bedrooms or rely on ocean breezes, and trade winds/roosters or the corridor/parking side can add light noise.
Recurring drawbacks are mostly building‑wide or listing clarity issues rather than deal‑breakers: the on‑site restaurant has been closed for a long renovation (periodic construction noise reported by some), and the gym has had intermittent closures. Because the building is older, a few units feel dated or have sticky sliders, worn furniture, or limited starter supplies; cookware quality and beach‑towel counts vary. A handful reported code/communication hiccups at check‑in or with third‑party managers. To set expectations, choose a recently updated unit, confirm AC placement and the floor plan, ask about any active construction, and bring/buy small pantry basics. Despite these caveats, sentiment is strongly positive—many reviewers are repeat guests who call this their favorite Maui stay and plan to return.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 reviews
Fantastic Beach! Wonderful Views! Very clean and organized.
January 2026
The location of this unit is wonderful. Close to beach, parks, restaurants, and tennis.
Paul B.
January 2026
Great spot for whale watching from the lanai. Was great to have a fridge cold water dispenser Comfy beds
Barbara J.
January 2026
Luckily they were very fast to answer the phone as the AC was out when we got there , unable to fix til the next day but answered right away - we got in late afternoon so the wait seemed reasonable. Fixed it the next AM and it was great We were able to add an extra day which was a perk and even tho the door code locked us out - again answered right away so fix was easy
Barbara J.
January 2026
Lovely updated condo with all the amenities. Great hosts.
Lee L.
January 2026
The condo and view were great.
GARY P.
January 2026
The view from the room was simply stunning! Accessing the beach was easy, and the lawn and security workers were so polite and helpful. I personally appreciated having a designated parking place after returning from our daily adventures. Everything we needed was provided, with the exception of blankets for the beds. This location does not disappoint!
Tammy D.
January 2026
Yes, great communication, very helpful. It's very good.
Larry Y.
January 2026
This is our 5th time staying at the Mana Kai and 1st time in this unit. The unit was beautiful with everything you could need and the hosts were very helpful and responsive. We would love to return!
Jamie D.
January 2026
Beach location was terrific. Host was very responsive to questions. They also accomodated a late check out which was greatly appreciated.
Steven F.
January 2026
An absolutely stunning location and Scott was an incredible host. We found the prefect spot to celebrate 30 yrs of marriage.
Brendan M.
January 2026
Property was in a nice area with an excellent view. Easy check in check out.
David G.
January 2026
Equipped
Kay L.
January 2026
It was clean amazing views and well stocked with vacuum and broom chairs and towels I heard some units were not as stocked.
John G.
January 2026
Great place
joel h.
January 2026
Clean and comfortable. Amazing views and snorkeling right in front of the condo. Sea turtles! Also saw some whales across the bay! Will stay here again!
Amy B.
January 2026
Great view, stocked kitchen, lots of beach amenities
Cathy S.
January 2026
Lovely large condo. The view!! So well stocked for cooking, beach gear, overall comfort. We will be back
Cathy S.
January 2026
Had a great stay. Unit was clean and well stocked. The location is amazing and the beach in 2 minutes is wonderful.
Patricia M.
January 2026
The place was wonderful for a quick trip. It was bright and in a perfect location—close to the beach and everything you need. The host was amazing, and we plan to come back for another visit.
Jackie B.
January 2026
You cannot beat this location, and the view from the unit was stunning. We saw whales every day with our binoculars!!
Justina F.
January 2026
Next stay already booked! We’ve been staying at the Mana Kai Maui for 20 years, in various units. However, we found this stunning unit about 7 years ago, and have now stayed multiple times. Not only is this unit on the prime end of the building, it has also been completely remodeled, beautifully updated. And each time we return, they’ve improved something more (this time new TV and mattresses). The owners are wonderful, super responsive and communicative. Their property manger is on it! He’s helped us arrange things, answer questions, and always makes sure our stay is 5-stars!
Beth M.
January 2026
The unit and the location were excellent. It was clean, had everything you needed, and Scott was very responsive and helpful. I highly recommend Scott as a host.
Sean P.
January 2026
The unit was very well stock and furniture was great. Great view of beach
John k.
January 2026
As always a great stay in this beaurifil renovated condo. The views are stunning and the location can’t be beat…right on the beach. Easy access to restaurants and shopping in both Kihie and Wailea. Hosts are friendly and check in is easy with a keypad. Highly recommend!
Jane B.
January 2026
Location is amazing, stunning beach and resort grounds are spectacular. The unit we stayed in was not clean, signs of bugs and rodiants. My kids (teenage boys) complained about the unit not being clean, so that says alot. I had to wash all the dishes before they would eat off of them. The unit is old and several things are broken. It is in desperate need of updating. On site staff is amazimg and property manager was outstanding. This is our favorite beach in Maui and would stay here again but would never stay in the same unit again. Michelle at AA Ocean Front properties did her very best to do anything she could to assist in making it better. She was great and very friendly.
Sabrina P.
January 2026
Great unit - only 1 from the end so the sound of the waves are lovely and great views if it’s whale season - bring your binoculars cause you can watch them from your balcony Extra treat was a filtered water system in the fridge so fresh cold water on demand - bed was comfy - just no complaints from us Happy customers Barbara and Dave
Barbara J.
January 2026
Amazing views. We have visited the Mana Kai several years (I grew up going to the Mana Kai) and love this property. This was our first time staying at Igor’s condo and it was great! All the kitchen amenities and it was clean. We loved the large table outside and all the chairs! The lock off works out well and the grandparents were able to join us for a couple of days and had their own space. We have booked again for next year!
Whitney D.
January 2026
It was fine. View is wonderful and access to beach can’t be beat. It would be nice if there was Tide and dishwasher pods available.
Beth N.
January 2026
excellent location
Ryan W.
January 2026
Beach view may be one of the best in Kihei. From the balcony you can catch both the sunrise and sunset. Highly recommended!
Dan F.
January 2026
The unit we stayed in was wonderful. Great in unit amenities. The location on the beach was 5 star. There is great snorkling and an activities center to rent paddle board and kayaks. The pool is small and not exciting compared to resort pools. Pool is perfect for families with small kids. Most people focused on the beach, not the pool. Gym on site was very nice. We would highly recommend this rental!
Julie V.
December 2025
Great unit and great location. Thank you, Kalani!
Paige M.
December 2025
The communication from the host was excellent and the staff at the Mana Kai was phenomenal. The view is breathtaking and you are literally steps away from one of the best beaches in the world.
Jim S.
December 2025
We really enjoyed the view from the lanai. Sunsets were gorgeous. We would definitely stay here again.
Sherri H.
December 2025
Spectacular views from the large lanai and - beautiful beach front location! Morning moments were the best in the first thing in the morning on the lanai!
Lori C.
December 2025
Beautiful location and views. Hosts are wonderful.
Sandra T.
December 2025
The most beautiful place. Hosts were amazing and every detail thought of for a comfortable stay here. We will definitely come back. Thank you John and Sara.
Sandra T.
December 2025
This unit at Mana Kai is very nice! Being on the 7th floor means beautiful ocean views every day. The kitchen was well supplied although an electric tea kettle would have been nice. We’ve stayed at many units at Mana Kai because we love the location and we would definitely recommend this unit! Clean, bright and well appointed. The most beautiful beach right at your doorstep. Wailea and Kihei restaurants and shops within a five minute drive. We will be back!
Ania M. K.
December 2025
This was our 5th stay at the Mana Kai...we love it! Relaxed complex, fantastic views, i love wandering downstairs right to the beautiful beach. You can walk the .8 mole beach to the pathway along the Wailea resorts. We've stayed in this unit several times now, and it wasn't as nice this time around. It felt like not much upkeep had been done since our last stay. The water pressure in the shower was terrible, the sliding room dividers were dirty, and the kitchen, while decently equipped with cooking items, was missing BBQ tools! One of the perks of the condo is using the grills downstairs and preparing a meal to eat on the lanai, watching the sunset. I had a tough time using the grill with only a short-handled kitchen spatula. But overall we loved our stay!
Amy S.
December 2025
Awe inspiring view. Loved the location and unit. Responsive host as well. Great experience all around!
Robb M.
December 2025
Fantastic. Everything was perfect for our family.
Andrew P.
December 2025
A perfect week! Thank you
Tiffany N.
December 2025
Our stay was fantastic! From the moment we arrived the staff was very inviting and kind. Our room was exactly as described. It was clean and well stocked.
Kristina R.
December 2025
This was our third time staying at this property and it’s always amazing! The location is perfectly situated between Wailea and Kīhei and the restaurants near the property are fantastic. The condo is luxurious (nicely updated with modern finish outs) and quickly begins to feel like home! It has a well stocked kitchen with everything you need. We love spending time at the beach and enjoying the lawn chairs available to condo guests and residents. The staff at the property are great and the residents you meet are very friendly. It’s become a yearly tradition for our family to spend time at this property and we hope to continue that tradition in the years ahead. John and Sara are amazing hosts and we know that you’ll have a great experience if you choose to book your vacation at their Mana Kai condo.
Carsten F.
December 2025
The rental unit and property were fantastic, clean, great views and very comfortable. Everything is well maintained. Beach access is excellent.The one MAJOR ISSUE was the deceptive pricing from VRBO. They claim the cost of the rental is all inclusive of fees when booking. But we found out after booking and getting charged that VRBO adds a separate fee on top of the all-inclusive rental costs that were quoted in their app. So if you are renting through VRBO, be aware that you will be charged an extra fee more than the all-inclusive fees quoted. IT'S VERY DECEPTIVE!!! AND SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!!!
Sofia G.
December 2025
There were concerns with some things in the condo. There was a swarm of insects in the bedroom. We pulled the bed out, and there were cobwebs, dust and insects on the floor. The bathroom rugs were heavily used. The closet door in the hallway was off the track. The use of shower curtains is quite dated.
Greg G.
November 2025
Beautiful ocean view. Host communicated very well and access was simple. We could hear the waves at night which was wonderful. My only complaint if there was any is there is no AC. So if you come from cold climates you will feel toasty. Before the week was up we did finally acclimate. We would stay there again for sure.
Keith T.
November 2025
Great location with a beautiful view. This condo is very nice and clean and comfortable. Will definitely return!
Shannon M.
November 2025
The condo was exactly as appears in the listing photos—clean, well-appointed and views that cannot be beat. Scott has thought of everything and provided an easy and enjoyable experience. We will be back!!
Kelly R.
November 2025