4299 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, Hawaii, United States | (618) 248-8274
On a nice, sandy stretch of beach with water sports rentals
Large condos with full kitchens and ocean views
Tennis courts, beach volleyball, and putting green
Outdoor pool, hot tub, and kids' pool
Poolside restaurant and bar
Picnic area with gas grills
Fitness center
Timeshares and individually owned units vary in quality
Some rooms get noise from street or parking lot
Far from other attractions
Resort fee
The Sands of Kahana, a mid-share timeshare property, may be too far afield for some travelers, but its stretch of beach is uncrowded. The older units vary widely in amenities -- many do not have air-conditioning and not all have ocean views. All the condos have full kitchens, and there's an an open-air bar/restaurant on-site. Tennis courts and a putting green distinguish the outdoor activities here from similar vacation rentals in the area, but a car is needed to get get to local attractions and more dining choices.
Scene
Timeshare on a secluded beach
The Sands of Kahana's tropical grounds are decorated with ponds filled with huge colorful koi lurking beneath lily pads. An open-air lobby has a lounge area under a covered roof with bamboo furniture and bright floral cushions. Most of the common spaces are at least partially outdoor, with no air-conditioning, but ceiling fans and ocean breezes alleviate the humid air.
Location
On the beach, some distance north of Lahaina
On a mellow street right off the highway, Sands of Kahana is between Kaanapali Beach and Kapalua. A few restaurants, bars, and fast- food joints are close by, but it's far from popular destinations like Kaanapali Golf Courses and Whalers Village, which will require a car. Historic Lahaina, with its great shopping, dining, and nightlife is about a 15-minute drive south.
Rooms
Timeshare rentals with full kitchens
The one- to three-bedroom units all have full kitchens with modern appliances, washer/dryers, and private lanais. Plain tiled entryways and kitchens lead to carpeted living rooms where the decor and furnishings vary between white-painted rattan furniture and tropical print couches. Bedrooms have a mix of wooden furniture, and some have floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors leading to the furnished lanais. Most bathrooms have double sink vanities and shower/tub combos.
Features
Quiet beach, outdoor pool and kids' pool, tennis courts, poolside restaurant and bar
Surfboards, boogie boards, and kayaks can be rented outside near the beach, which is known for its beautiful reefs that make for great snorkeling. It's generally quieter here than on the beaches to the south too. There are two pools, with the kids' pool being adjacent to a large hot tub -- a thoughtful touch for parents wanting to keep an eye on their children. Tennis courts and a mini putting green add flavor to the on-site activities. There's also a fitness center with treadmills, cardio bikes, and weight-training machines.For dining, Kahana Sands Restaurant and Bar fits the bill for a reasonably priced breakfast, but foodies will likely want to pass on anything else. It's open-air, adjacent to the pool, and the bar has a daily happy hour. There's also a grassy picnic area with gas grills conveniently housed in groups with built-in counter space for easy food prep in view of the ocean.