ArtvanDelay

Hello all - my family (myself, my lovely wife and 2 daughters ages 13 and 17) will be in Maui for 9 days at the beginning of March 2014. After discussions with colleagues that have been to Maui - and research on this forum - we appear to have settled on the Kihei area, specifically around Kamaole III. I have come across 2 condos on VRBO that appear to suit our budget and needs (2 bedrooms and 2 baths). One is at Hale Kamaole and one is at Kihei Shores. Dear Fodorites - what are the pros and cons of these two properties? I like the ability to grill and to be near the beach. We probably won't spend much time at the pool or playing tennis.

Thanks.

ElendilPickle

Hawaii Revealed generally has useful condo reviews. Here's a link:
http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/free-t...uth-kihei-area

Lee Ann

ChiSue

Hale Kamaole is a nice complex, directly across from Kam III. (We own next door' at Maui Kamaole, which is built up the side of a small hill. Our condo overlooks HK, and it always looks well kept.) Of course most condos are individually owned, so decor and maintenance vary.

I'm trying to place Kihei Shores.

The beach 'out front' isn't terribly important when you can drive to so many nice ones in South Maui. The Kamaoles and Keawakapu in South Kihei are great, and there are many more throughout Wailea to the south.

Have you reserved your rental car? March is especially busy due to whale season.

sylvia3

We've stayed 3 times in different units at Hale Kamaole. The two pools are nice, the views are very nice, and the location is excellent; almost in between Kihei and Wailea, and it's easy to access Pilani Hwy to avoid the main drag. Good location for visiting all the south beaches, and steps to the beach (easy to enjoy the sunset every evening).

ChiSue

I googled Kihei Shores and now remember it. You could have some views if you were on a top floor. I'd skip this largely residential complex; no comparison with Hale Kamaole.

ArtvanDelay

Thanks for the quick responses! The Hawaii Revealed website is fascinating. I also found something at the Hale Hui Kai that could be interesting. I have sent messages to the managers at the Hale Kamaole and the Hale Hui Kai.

And I have reserved a car.

janeog

We have stayed in Hale Kamaole several times in various units and always enjoy it. The location across the road from Kamaole Beach III is great and the grounds and facilities are well maintained. It is however an older complex and I would make sure that your chosen unit has been well maintained and modernised - the only time we had a problem was when we booked through an agency and couldn't pick a specific unit but if you're booking a VRBO unit with lots of photos, you should be fine. We are going to Kauai next trip, otherwise we would be definitely heading back to Hale Kamaole.