551 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, Hawaii, United States | (888) 635-3814
Stylish rooftop deck with views of the ocean
Beach is easy to access across the street; free towels, chairs, and coolers provided
Outdoor saltwater pool and hot tub
Free breakfast and a 24-hour grab-and-go bistro
Individually decorated rooms with lanais
Garden patio with grills and covered tables
No kids under 18 allowed (a con for some)
Small business center
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Not directly on the beach
No full restaurant or bar
No fitness center
Formerly the Maui Sunseeker, a mid-range hotel that catered to the LGBT community, the hotel was sold in September 2016 and re-opened as Kohea Kai Resort Maui, which welcomes all adults regardless of sexual orientation. Since no kids are allowed, the atmosphere here is both laid-back and mature. There are no formal dining options, but many rooms come with kitchens, and several grills are available in the garden patio, in addition to a 24-hour grab-and-go bistro. The beach is right across the street. There aren't many restaurants within walking distance, so a car is needed for guests who plan to eat out.
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Scene
A laid-back oasis located across from the beach
The former Maui Sunseeker, sold in September 2016 and renamed the Kohea Kai Resort Maui, caters to all travelers regardless of sexual orientation. A 2011 renovation courtesy of the show "Hotel Impossible" (aired in 2012) transformed the rooftop of the former Maui Sunseeker into a colorful outdoor lounge that's now the heart of the hotel. When we visited, the deck with bamboo screens and comfy sun loungers served as a social hub day and night. Manicured garden paths lead past a small waterfall, a garden patio, and another sundeck, all tucked away from the busy street outside.
Location
Across from Sugar Beach
The Kohea Kai Resort Maui is on South Kihei Road, a busy two-lane coastal highway that runs through the sprawling beach town of Kihei on Maui's western shore. It's in a neighborhood of budget hotels, condos, and some reasonably priced restaurants, making it a good value option in South Maui. Sugar Beach is across the street and Kalepolepo Beach Park is about a five-minute walk to the south. Some of Maui's best shopping, dining, and nightlife can be found in the historic village of Lahaina, about a 30-minute drive north.
Rooms
Wide range of individually decorated rooms, most with private lanais
Standard Rooms are on the small side but are brightly decorated with touches of natural wood and stone that go a long way to enhance the budget decor. These rooms have coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, and small semi-private lanais (some are connected to a neighbor's). The Studio Rooms have small kitchenettes with two-burner stove tops and private lanais with ocean views. Suites (Junior and Full) come with full kitchens and much larger living areas, as well as larger lanais with glass tables big enough to dine on while taking in ocean or garden views. Some have vaulted ceilings with great natural light. Bathrooms typically have tile and painted or stained-wood walls, with walk-in showers and Tommy Bahama and Paul Mitchell bath products. There are also two beautiful Penthouses with custom decor, one having a loft bedroom and a beautiful vaulted wood ceiling, while the other has a huge lanai with a private hot tub.
Features
Rooftop deck, outdoor pool and hot tub
The rooftop deck has ocean views and makes for a great place to sunbathe by day, or drink wine by night. More sheltered, the garden patio lacks the view but has a pleasant ambience of its own, with sail canopies and bulb lights over tables and chairs. There's also a small covered gazebo and several gas grills for guests to use. The small outdoor saltwater pool has a hot tub nearby on a stone sun deck in a courtyard that's shaded by buildings and palms. Though not technically on-site, the beach is just across the street, and the hotel provides free use of beach chairs, towels, and coolers for the beach.
