Noelani Condominium Resort

The Noelani Condominium Resort is a 44-unit mid-range resort where all the condos enjoy panoramic oceanfront views. As it is located on the west coast of Maui, just north of Lahaina, that means fantastic views of the tropical sunset, especially on clear days. Sea turtles are a common sight in the rocks right off the coast of the property and whales can be seen offshore when in season. Arranged over three buildings, the studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom units will suit couples, small groups, or families, and all feel homey and relaxed.

The staff goes out of its way to make guests feel welcome and create a sense of community at Noelani, with events such as live music, and a weekly barbecue and Mai Tai happy hour party at the cabana next to the main pool, where guests can mingle and get to know each other. The resort also offers a lei-making class. With 44 condos, it’s smaller than some nearby properties, adding to the intimate, laid-back, family-like vibe. 

The Noelani Condominium Resort is located in Kahana on the northwest coast of Maui, about a 10-minute drive north of the touristy beach town of Lahaina. It is not far from the big resort and shopping mall-laden are of Ka’anapali, in an area of the island lined with scores of condo properties. This one stands out because it is arranged along the oceanfront with great views, and turtles can be seen playing in the rocks right in front of the resort. There is tiny beach right next door to the property, and a larger beach just a five-minute walk away. There are a handful of shops and restaurants in walking distance, and many more options within a short drive. Most guests have a rental car in this part of Maui. The airport is a 45-minute ride away.

The 44 condos at Noelani consist of studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom units, all nicely maintained and in good condition. The best feature of this resort is that all of the condos are oceanfront, so every room includes a large lanai facing right onto the water with great views. Three-bedroom units are arranged over two levels and have private lanais on both levels. There is no central AC in the condos, though a portable unit can be provided for an extra fee.

All units are individually owned, so upgrades and furnishings differ slightly -- for example, while all condos have a flat-screen TV of at least 27 inches or bigger, some rooms also have iPod docks and surround-sound speakers. The interiors also vary, but all the units have tropical, mostly modern decor, including furniture in dark woods or bamboo. Patterns of palm fronds and other island-themes complement colors in deep neutral tones like chocolate brown, beige and forest green. Busy bedspreads in some condos may strike some as dated, however. 

Big picture windows and sliding glass doors let in lots of light and take advantage of the amazing views. The fully equipped kitchens include a fridge, dishwasher, stove, coffee, blender, and microwave, and most units have a dishwasher. The Deluxe condos are more spacious and include upgrades such as stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and newer floors. Deluxe units also have bathrooms with updated tile and fixtures. There’s a washer and dryer in every unit, except for studios, which have access to a guest laundry room.

The main common area of Noelani Condominium resort centers around the two ocean-view, medium-size pools and a nice hot tub. One of the pools is heated, which kids will love in all seasons. Nice lounge chairs are scattered around the pools and the grassy lawns surrounding the area, though good spots may fill up quickly here in peak times. Nearby, there are a few barbecue grills and an herb garden where guests can feel free to pick some fresh herbs for their meals. Next to the main pool, a small cabana is the site of the weekly cocktail parties. There is a tiny fitness room, which is little more than the size of a glorified closet, with just three machines in it.  

Pahaku Park Beach is right next door to the property, though this small area is more of a sandy cove than a beach. A large, picturesque beach is a five-minute walk farther up the road. The resort offers boogie boards, beach chairs, and coolers to bring to the beach, free for guests to borrow.