The Hale Pau Hana

As you walk around Hale Pau Hana, the guests seem perfectly
contented and you might even notice a smug smile on their faces. It’s a smile
that comes from feeling like they know a secret that only a few others share -- the secret of these lovely beachfront condos in one of the best locations in Kihei.Beachfront property is a commodity in this area of Maui, and
the sweeping views from the balconies of Hale Pau Hana are some of the best in
the area. And with that prime beachfront location, the relaxing,
refreshing sound of the waves crashing on the sand permeates the condos at all
times, reminding you constantly that the ocean is just outside your doorstep.The name Hale Pau Hana means “House of No Work” in the
Hawaiian language, which is the perfect phrase to summarize the effortless calm
and relaxation that this place embodies. With just 65 units, this is one of the
smaller properties in Kihei, which allows for a much more intimate and friendly
feel. The resort sees many guests the come back year after year, and in fact, their
occupancy is about 60 percent returning guests most of the time. One way that Hale Pau Hana maintains this level of community
is by holding weekly events that encourage guests to meet and mingle. Every
morning, there is free coffee served on the lawn. There’s live music and other
entertainment on holidays. And every Thursday night, guests gather for the popular
Pupu Cocktail Party just before sundown. Just bring a snack or appetizer to
share, and meet your neighbors for a cocktail and exchange tips and info about
Maui.  

Hale Pau Hana is one of the few properties that offers a
truly beachfront location in Kihei. It sits on a small strip of land that
fronts Kamaole Beach Park II, on the south side of the small town of Kihei,
closer to Wailea. This area of South Maui is lined with many condo properties
up and down the coast, however most of them are situated on the inland side of
the road, across the street from the beach. The views at Hale Pau Hana can’t be
beat. There are several shops and dining options within a short walk of the
property, including great cinnamon rolls across the street. There is a supermarket a five-minute drive up
the road, and it’s about a 25-minute drive to the Kahului Airport.

Hale Pau Hana has 65 condos over four buildings, including
three two-story buildings and a high-rise. While the rooms in the high-rise are
more updated, the shorter buildings are quieter and more private. There are one- or
two-bedroom units available, all with living rooms and fully equipped kitchens.
At the front of each condo, large picture windows and sliding glass doors let in lots of natural light. There’s a lovely breakfast nook or small
dining room area with windows looking out to the sea, great for watching
sunsets.Since the condos are all individually-owned and decorated, updates
to furniture, kitchens, and bathrooms vary from unit to unit. The resort posts
photos of every single unit on its website, as it wants potential vacationers
to know exactly what they’re going to get. Newer condos have updated bathrooms
with marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances with nice counters and
backsplashes in the kitchens. Some rooms have Keurigs, while others have
regular coffeemakers, and some units have older kitchens, where appliances and
cabinets are not updated. All condos have large flat-screen TVs. There is only AC in the bedrooms of each unit.Decor is typically contemporary and island-themed, with items like
carved wooden turtles and big colorful photos of vivid beach sunsets. Most
rooms have beachy wicker or bamboo furniture in light colors. The whole
pineapple in the fridge upon check-in was a nice touch. There are beach chairs
and coolers in the hall closet, and ample closet space in the bedrooms. The
highlight, of course, for every room is the nice lanai with a table and chairs,
and a great view of the ocean and the beach off to the left.

There is one, nice oval-shaped pool in the center of the
property surrounded by grassy lawns that overlook the beach. There are several
lounge chairs surrounding the pools and many more set across the green,
palm-tree-lined lawns. This is where most of the guests spend their afternoons,
lounging in the shade, waiting for sunset. And there seems to be plenty of
chairs and shade to go around.Near the pool, there are a few outdoor showers and there are
two barbecue grilling areas that are regularly cleaned and well-maintained by
the staff. There is no fitness room on the property, and no hot tub. (Most
other condo properties in the area usually have one or the other.) There’s a
good-size laundry room with coin operated machines, next to the reception
desk. (There’s no washer or dryer in the units.)Just beyond the pool, steps lead down to a lovely, fairly wide
beach with some trees providing natural shade along the end. This peaceful,
golden-sand beach is great for swimming and offers enough space for kids to run
around, though it can get crowded at peak times. There are nice walking paths
that wind along the shore as well, and
connect to other beaches.