Maui Sunset Condos

Maui Sunset is a condo hotel with 200 units arranged over two long buildings that are angled toward the sea on a five-acre property. The two buildings, labeled A and B, are arranged in a V shape, flanking a main lawn area and a swimming pool in between.There is a large grassy area that leads to a park in front of the hotel, before the beach and ocean. Many of the rooms toward the beach side of the buildings offer great ocean views and spectacular sunsets, right from the lanai.The overall scene is active and welcoming, featuring many young families with children roaming the sprawling lawns and playing the games.  Afternoons by the pool are especially lively, and many guests can be found socializing and making friends. (But for those looking for a quiet afternoon nap, the pool might not be the place to go.) The vibe at Maui Sunset Condos is super laid-back and casual. It’s a good value option for vacationers looking for a space in Kihei with middle-of-the-road condos, but nice amenities and a friendly, outgoing atmosphere.

While Maui Sunset Condos is situated on five acres of land that runs right along the waterfront, it’s not truly a beachfront property, as there’s a small municipal park that sits between the resort and the beach. It’s located on the north side of Kihei, a small town on the coast of South Maui. Although this beach is narrow, rocky, and often windy, there are several nice swimming beach within a short drive of the property, including the lovely Kamaole Beaches, just three miles down the coast. (Note that mid-range Hale Pau Hana Beach Resort is right on Kamaole Beach Park II; it might be worth comparing rates.) Maui Sunset Condos is within walking distance of supermarkets, shops, and restaurants, and heaps of more options are reachable by a 10-minute drive. It’s about 25 minutes from the airport by car.

The choices include one-, two-, and three-bedroom units -- but large groups should note that there are only two three-bedroom units available, so it's smart to book one early. All of the one-bedroom condos come with two full baths, but the second bath is quite small, with a tiny standing shower. Every condo includes both a twin bed that folds down in the living room and a pull-out couch for extra guests. The layouts are similar, featuring an open kitchen-dining-living room that includes a countertop with bar stools. Kitchens are small but fully equipped with a fridge, stove, oven, microwave, coffeemaker, and dishwasher. In Premium units, the kitchens are more updated with newer finishes.The bedrooms feel very hospitality style, with the sink on the outside of the bathroom and a small flat-screen TV hanging in one corner. There are also floral print bedspreads, and some bedrooms have old tube TVs. Rooms in the Premium category have a few upgrades and newer furniture. Overall, units feature similar decor that includes light pine wood and bamboo-frame furniture. The color palette is light and sunny, with accents of pale green, warm yellows, and grays. Many condos are adorned with fully mirror-covered walls in the living room and other touches that feel dated.All condos have a washer and dryer in the unit, as well as a stereo system and a large flat-screen TV. The hall closets may offer books, games, and beach items like a cooler or a boogie board. There are large windows to let in the sun and sliding glass doors that open up to a nice lanai with a table and chairs. Some have great ocean views. 

Though this property is located steps from the sand, the beach is rather rocky and narrow, especially at high tide, and the sand is on a steep slope. Also, it’s known to be a windy area, which is great for kiteboarders and windsurfers, but not great for beach-goers -- bottom line, it’s not the best beach for hanging out, swimming, or napping the day away. There’s a large municipal park with grassy fields that stretches between Maui Sunset and the beachfront. A few public tennis courts are open to use, and guests can borrow gear from the resort.The main pool area is where the action is -- and it can often be crowded and noisy, especially in the afternoons. This lively area is where families gather on the many lounge chairs, but in peak times, shady spots can be hard to come by. Next to the pool are a large hot tub, stand-up paddle-boards and other gear available for rent, and a desk for booking tours.There are two grill areas with barbecues on either side of the large lawn area between the two buildings, as well as few picnic tables scattered about on the grass. There’s a nice herb garden, where guests can cut fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for their meals. Lawn games include a golf putting green area and four shuffleboard courts. There is a small, dark fitness room with no windows, and the equipment shows a little wear and tear but is functional. There is also a sauna in the fitness center. There are a computer and printer in the small lobby, next to reception.