Hi,
I've checked out a ton of websites, (www.vrbo.com, crhmaui.com, etc...) but wondered if anyone on this board has had experiences with a Maui condo they'd want to share...I'm looking for a 1 br, with AC, a pool, washer and dryer, clean and pretty decor, ocean/beachfront if possible (if not, has to be VERY close to a good swimming/sunning beach). Hoping to spend between $125-$175 per night next August for honeymoon. Thanks!

Haven't actually stayed here, but was just reading many, many great reviews about the Aston Mahana condos at Kaanapali. Check out the reviews on http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ui_Hawaii.html.

I also found several listings for the Mahana on the vrbo.com website. This place gets consistently great reviews and the prices seem very reasonable. Good luck.

We've stayed at the Mahana about 6 times and love the fact that ALL the condos face the ocean. Simply fantastic views. They all have washer/dryer, daily maid, a/c, fully equipped kitchens, lanai's, etc. etc. You cannot beat these condos if you want dead on ocean views. Thepool is small and the beach is not that great, but if you walk slightly to the left a few yards it is fine. You might ask for an updated/remodeled unit. We've always gotten nicely decorated ones (soft pastels, rattan furniture, etc.) but they are individually owned and I know there are some that don't look as good as others. You can always ask to see what is available when you get there and go take a look before going up with the luggage. Views of Molakai and Lanai are simply marvelous from your lanai.

Check out the Maui Kai. We stayed there last August and truly enjoyed the complex. You can either rent thru the office at mauikai.com or thru a few owners directly, awaketowaves.com.
Select a one-bedroom corner unit. The extra windows on the side increase the view. All units are beachfront.
Enjoy!

Check out www.stayonmaui.com. Stayed there last summer and the condo was beautifully furnished with everything you could ask for. I think the same owner has added a second condo. Both of them are in the Mahana with beautiful views and a perfect layout.

We booked a condo thru vrbo last June at the Maui Eldorado and it was exceeded all we hoped for - and the price was great. The condo was huge, seemed to be very recently refinished and had all new furniture and appliances. It was not directly on the beach but just a few minutes walk across the golf course to Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock and Whaler's Village. Cost was less than 1/3 of what you pay at the Sheraton and twice the space. The owner also has a web site that gives some more info on the condo at www.magicalmaui.com. We are planning to stay there again next year.

http://www.maui.net/~makai/makai_inn/

Can't be beat on Lahaina side.

try chasenrainbows.com - they have a large variety on great properties. I've used them several times & never been disappointed.

Grand Champions Villas in Wailea is a great place to stay. Wailea is a first class area. It's perfect for a honeymoon and the rates at Grand Champions are really reasonable unless you rent thru a management company. Check out www.grandchampionsvillas.com for a one bedroom unit on the golf course side with a partial ocean view directly thru owner.

I'd be interested in this type of condo, too. Anybody else?

Have stayed at Mahana 10 times and agree with everything that Lori says (above). In the morning you open the front door and watch the sunrise over the West Maui Mountains. In the evening you open the rear door and watch the sunset over lanai from your lanai. All rooms are very comfortable and nicely appointed and have AC and washer/dryer. One bedroom with large living room and small kitchen (with everything) runs roughly $2,000 for 7 days, but may be bargained lower. Nice pool tol the side and a beach out front. Hope you have a wonderful honeymoon.

augustlilly, wife & I stayed at the Mahana last month, 1BR/1BA, 8th floor.We booked thru' American Airlines' www.aavacations.com (Aston) 7 nts approx $1250 incl taxes & they gave 11K bonus miles. It was as advertised, very clean, good maid service. No complaints here.
Another reseller site is http://www.royalhawaii.com/mahana.htm as well as individual owners mentioned above.
People swim off the Mahana's beach & to the left (south) it's open and the right (Maui Kai & then Embassy) but there's coral in front. Kahekili Beach Park is about a mile south, easy drive or even beach-walk. If the beach aspect is really important you might check out properties in Napili Bay area, here's a webcam link to get you going (looks best about 2pm HST +/-) http://www.tenoch.com/NapiliBay/livecam.htm
Others will say Kihei is the best choice for your requirements, I haven't stayed there so can't offer an informed opinion other than to say there's good beaches and lots of condo places there. See the aerial photos of the properties at www.wizardpub.com also look at tripadvisor.com for opinions.
Like you say, the choices are somewhat overwhelming but it's fun researching the trips. Good hunting.