9 of the Best Vacation Rentals in Kihei (+1 Great Hotel Option)
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The beachside town of Kihei has always been a popular destination for tourists, thanks to its golden beaches and laid-back atmosphere. But unlike other areas on Maui, Kihei is mostly comprised of condo buildings and vacation rental properties. There are very few hotels and resorts here, which is great if you want a laid back experience and access to a kitchen.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options for vacation rentals in Kihei. If you want to enjoy the comforts of home (think full kitchens and laundry), then Kihei is likely to be your very own tropical oasis.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best vacation rental properties in the area so you can truly enjoy your Kihei vacation to the fullest.
We have you covered with even more Maui resources:
– For everything you need to know about Maui, check out our Maui Travel Guide
– If you don’t have your dates yet, be sure to book during the best time to go to Maui
– This is the rental car that has saved us thousands, with no prepayment or cancellation charge
– Once you’ve booked your vacation rental, be sure to look at our activities database to book things like Molokini snorkeling tours and guided Road to Hana tours.
Kihei Vacation Rental FAQs
Is Kihei Worth Visiting?
Kihei is absolutely worth visiting if you’re traveling to Maui. This quaint beach town has some of the highest-rated beaches on the island, which is ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, and water sports enthusiasts. There are even surf lessons right in central Kihei.
It’s also a great base for exploring nearby attractions. For example, the resort town of Wailea (with its stellar beaches and golf course ranges) is just a short drive away. And it’s a jumping-off point for getting to Molokini, an uninhabited island that is very popular for snorkeling.
Does Kihei Have a Downtown Area?
Unlike other towns on the island, Kihei does not have a traditional downtown area. Instead, it’s a long stretch of road dotted with shopping plazas, cafes, and restaurants.
But while there’s not a charming downtown center, Kihei is still relatively walkable, especially in the area referred to as “South Kihei.” If you stay in a vacation rental around here, you can easily get to restaurants, beaches, and parks without needing a car.
Is North or South Kihei Better?
North and South Kihei are unique, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
North Kihei has fewer crowds and is a lot quieter, which makes it an excellent area for those seeking a more tranquil experience. It’s also close to Sugar Beach (the longest beach in all of Maui), as well as the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
But if you enjoy a more active atmosphere, then South Kihei is going to be the better area. There are more restaurants, shops, and cafes, which is great if you want to see other things besides the pool and beach.
And speaking of beaches, the ones in South Kihei tend to be wider, calmer, and more suitable for swimming. This makes it a great option for families or those traveling with young kids.
Related reads:
The 14 Best Things to Do in Wailea (10 minutes south of Kihei)
68 Things to Do on Maui with Kids (by age): your family will love them!
Don’t Miss the 15 Best Restaurants in Wailea & Kihei (by category!)
The 8 Best Beaches for Kids on Maui (from a Maui family)
The Best Vacation Rentals in Kihei
There are so many vacation rentals in Kihei, it can be difficult to know what to book. We have you covered with some of the best vacation rentals in Kihei below.
Kealia Resort Kihei
With a prime location on Sugar Beach, the Kealia Resort Kihei is guaranteed to be the setting for your relaxing Maui getaway. Wake up each morning to the sound of crashing ocean waves before snorkeling in the ocean or going for a dip in the pool.
This 6-story building has fully equipped condos (one and two bedrooms are available) that come with kitchens, air conditioning, private lanais, in-room laundry machines, and stunning panoramic views of the ocean.
The Kihei Farmer’s Market and ABC Store are a short 10-minute walk away if you need to pick up ingredients for dinner. And if you’re in the mood for outdoor cooking, head to the communal outdoor area to fire up a delicious meal on the BBQ. There’s something special about grilling outdoors with the island breeze blowing through your hair!
Sugar Beach Resort Kihei
Why pay big bucks for a room in a resort when you can have an entire ocean-facing condo at Sugar Beach Resort? With larger than average room sizes (the basic one bedroom, one bathroom unit clock in at 700 sq ft), you’ll have plenty of space to sprawl out and relax.
Some one bedrooms can sleep up to four guests, although you may also choose to rent a two-bedroom if you’re traveling with more people.
The property has its very own swimming pool, jacuzzi spa, BBQ area, and a sundeck. And, as an added bonus, there’s also a small restaurant where you can pick up light meals and snacks for the day. Plus, you’re just steps away from the soft white sands of Sugar Beach, where you can spend your afternoon sunbathing or playing in the water.
You can also book condos at the Sugar Beach Resort through Marriott Homes & Villas, like Sugar Beach Resort 321.
Kihei Beach Condos
Featuring one and two-bedroom apartments, Kihei Beach Condos is going to be your new home away from home. All the one and two-bedroom condos face the ocean, so you’ll have unobstructed views of the water (and humpback whales if you’re here in the winter). Trust us, there’s no better spot to enjoy the sunset than from the privacy of your own lanai.
Other amenities include an ocean-front pool, BBQ area, and picnic lawn. There’s also direct access to the beach, so you can go swimming or snorkeling whenever you want.
Coin-operated laundry rooms are available if you’re staying for an extended period of time. Plus, you’re just across the street from the Kihei Farmer’s Market and ABC Store, so you can pick up fresh produce and pantry items to cook.
Kamaole Sands
Can’t decide between a resort and a vacation rental? When you stay at Kamaole Sands, you’ll get the best of both worlds! It’s nice to have the comforts of home, as all the one, two, and three-bedroom units are equipped with full kitchens, washer and dryer units, private lanais, and two bathrooms each. Yes, even the one-bedroom units have two baths!
However, you’ll also have all the benefits of staying in a resort, as Kamaole Sands has a swimming pool, sundeck, BBQ area, fitness center, and an activity area with ping pong and other games.
Not only will you be right on Kamaole Beach Park III, but you’ll also be surrounded by 15 acres of lush tropical gardens. Walking past koi ponds and cascading waterfalls really gives you that laid-back Hawaiian feeling.
You can also book the Kamaole Sands through Marriott Homes & Villas. Check out unit 7-102.
Kihei Sands
Kihei Sands is a boutique condo building and one of the best vacation rentals in Kihei for visitors seeking a more intimate experience. There are only 29 units in the building, so you won’t have to worry about fighting for a spot by the pool (although there are also miles of unspoiled coastline waiting for you at Sugar Beach).
Units are available as one or two-bedrooms and come with everything you need for a short or long stay. Full kitchens, private lanais – even beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas are provided!
And while it’s a smaller condo building, it still has all the must-have amenities of a larger property. There’s a nice grassy lawn and a communal BBQ area, as well as a spacious outdoor pool by the ocean. The location is perfect for those wanting to explore the area, as it is within walking distance of the Kihei Farmer’s Market, ABC Store, and several other shops and eateries.
Kihei Surfside
You simply can’t beat the views from the rooms at Kihei Surfside. All 84 condo units (one bedroom and two bedrooms available) have dramatic 180-degree views of the ocean and even onto the islands of Kaho’olawe and Lanai.
One thing to note is that rooms aren’t air-conditioned, which can be a dealbreaker for some. This shouldn’t be a big issue (unless you’re traveling during the peak of summer), as the units do have ceiling fans to keep you cool if needed.
Amenity-wise, the Kihei Surfside has a heated swimming pool, BBQ area, a putting green, and a large manicured lawn. The grounds are simply gorgeous and likely to be where you spend a lot of your time here!
But if you prefer to go to the beach, Keawakapu Beach is just a short 2-minute walk away. And you’re not far from restaurants and shops, as you can quickly drive to Wailea in just a few minutes.
Mana Kai Maui
The Mana Kai Maui is a resort-style vacation rental located directly on the mile-long Keawakapu Beach. This is an ideal destination for those who would like to have the benefits of staying in a hotel, like maid service, pool towel exchange, and an on-site fitness center.
There are 98 one and two-bedroom units in the building, and none of them are on the ground floor (which means even the cheapest rooms have some sort of ocean view!).
While the majority of rooms here are condo units, you can also book one of their “hotel rooms” if you don’t need lots of space. These rooms are smaller and cheaper, although they do not come with private lanais or full kitchens. Although you won’t be able to cook, you can still grab a bite to eat at the downstairs restaurant (guests staying at the Mana Kai Maui get 20% off for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)!
Kihei Ali’i Kai
While Kihei Ali’i Kai may not be directly on the beach, it’s still one of the best vacation rentals in Kihei (especially if you’re on a budget). Rooms are spacious, and the property is meticulously clean, with tasteful landscaping and an outdoor pool and hot tub. BBQs are also located in this area, as well as sports courts and sauna facilities.
Each of the one and two-bedroom units is privately owned, so appliances, décor, and in-room amenities vary. However, they all have extra-large lanais where you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine.
The building is centrally located next to everything you may need. Restaurants, grocery stores, and water sport rental shops are on the same block, while Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III are minutes away on foot.
Hale Pua Hana
There’s a reason why the Hale Pua Hana is consistently rated one of the best vacation rentals in Kihei. It sits directly on the shores of Kamaole Beach Park II, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant snorkeling opportunities. You can also swim in the ocean-facing pool or soak up the sun on one of the many sun loungers on the lawn.
One of the best things about staying here is the view from the room. Each of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom units has full ocean-facing lanais, so you can enjoy the sunset in private.
Guests also rave about the amenities provided by the condo. From Monday to Saturday, you’ll get free coffee in the morning on the lawn, which is a great way to meet other fellow travelers. And on Thursdays, there is live local Hawaiian entertainment, which is a perk that only resorts usually have!
Maui Coast Hotel
We decided to add the Maui Coast Hotel to this list, even though it’s technically not a vacation rental property. It’s one of the only hotels in Kihei and a great option if you want to be close to the award-winning Kamaole Beach Park I.
The hotel is large, with 265 rooms. Deluxe King and Queen Rooms are like your average hotel rooms, while suites have wet bars and separate sitting areas. Although you might not be able to cook meals, you will have a mini-fridge and microwave for light snacks.
And because it’s a hotel, you can enjoy full-service amenities that you won’t find in other condo buildings. There’s a gym, business center, maid service, hotel shuttle, and ice/soda machines. On top of that, the Maui Coast Hotel also has a cafe (which was voted the Best Breakfast Spot on Maui 10 times by Maui Times) and a pool bar with daily happy hour and nightly live music.
And best of all, the cost isn’t that much higher than booking a condo, so you can choose depending on your travel preferences.
Related reads:
The 12 Best Maui Beach Hotels (+ 5 awesome beachfront condos)
33 Things to Do on Maui (+Things to Skip)
Where to Stay in Hana Maui for One Night: 4 Great Options
The 11 Best Snorkel Spots on Maui (+7 crucial tips)
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