61 N Kihei Rd, Kihei, Hawaii, United States | (251) 219-4428
Quiet condo complex with direct access to Sugar Beach
18 one-bedroom, one-bathroom units with full kitchens and living rooms
Some rooms have contemporary decor and flat-screen TVs
Tiny pool and two outdoor grilling areas
On-site laundry machines
Free parking and Wi-Fi
Units are individually owned, so decor varies throughout
Complex is dated, and most rooms could use upgrades
Not within walking distance of downtown Kihei
No restaurant or gym on-site
A lower-middle-range, 18-unit condo complex with direct access to Sugar Beach, Kihei Kai Oceanfront Condos are ideal for travelers in search of spacious, no-frills accommodations. Decor varies throughout the individually owned condos, but all are one-bedroom, one-bathroom units with full kitchens, separate living spaces, and outdoor balconies. There are a tiny pool, two grilling areas, free parking and Wi-Fi, and coin-operated laundry machines, but the hotel’s best feature is its setting along Sugar Beach, a gorgeous stretch of golden sand. Although the hotel is technically in Kihei, it isn’t within walking distance of downtown. Those looking to be within walking distance of local shops, bars, and restaurants may prefer Kihei Akahi, though it isn’t directly on the beach.
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Scene
A quiet beachfront condo complex
Kihei Kai is a humdrum condo complex wedged between a few small hotels on Sugar Beach. Upon arrival, guests walk through the parking lot before reaching the center of the property, where a tiny office occupies one of the ground-floor units. The office doesn’t keep long business hours, so guests should coordinate their arrival and departure times with the on-site managers. There's not a lot to this hotel, aside from a small pool area, but it's a good value for those wanting to be along the beach. Kihei Kai is a quiet property mostly patronized by older American and Canadian couples. Travelers seeking a nearby property with a few more amenities may prefer Sugar Beach Resort.
Location
In Kihei, but not within walking distance of downtown
Although it’s technically in Kihei, Kihei Kai isn’t within walking distance of downtown, so travelers will have to drive to restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. On the upside, it's situated along pretty Sugar Beach. There isn’t much to see or do within walking distance, save for Ululani’s Shave Ice (arguably the best on the island) and the Maui Farmers Market, which opens weekly. The hotel is a 25-minute drive from Kahului Airport, one of the shortest distances from the airport to a hotel on Maui.
Rooms
Decor varies throughout individually owned one-bedroom units
Each of the condos at Kihei Kai is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit with a full kitchen, separate living space, and an outdoor balcony. A few rooms have better views of the ocean, but most just overlook the hotel’s narrow grounds. Units occupy two buildings, and floor plans differ slightly in both buildings. Since each condo is individually owned, decor varies throughout, though we can say most units are dated. Kitchens are equipped with everything travelers might need, including cutlery, flatware, pots and pans, and small appliances such as coffeemakers and toasters. Flat-screen TVs are not a guarantee, but all rooms have access to free Wi-Fi. Some bathrooms have shower/tub combos, while others only have shower stalls. Balconies have table and chair sets, where guests can dine outside.
Features
An unappealing pool area, a few outdoor grills, and direct access to Sugar Beach
A tiny L-shaped pool awkwardly occupies the eastern end of the property, near the entrance. The pool is surrounded by a fence and some hedges, which doesn’t allow for much patio space around the water. Leaves from the hedges fall into the pool constantly, which doesn’t make for the most pleasant swimming experience. There’s one grill in the pool area, and two more closer to the beach, all of which are popular with guests. The hotel’s best feature is undoubtedly its direct access to Sugar Beach, a miles-long stretch of golden sand with calm water and views of the West Maui Mountains. Sugar Beach is a prime spot to watch the sunset, and many guests congregate around the shoreline to watch the spectacle each evening. The hotel provides lounge chairs, but guests have to set them up. Kihei Kai also has coin-operated laundry machines, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
