Kihei Oceanfront Condos - Research done already...
 

Forgive the first three words of the title as I have searched extensively on here and done tons of research to arrive at the following inquiry.

After realizing that with a budget of up to 150-175/night, there would need to be compromises made in at least one area (furnishings/view/oceanfront/AC) we have pretty much decided that A/C will be the feature left behind in our lodging search.

My girlfriend and I will be in Maui May 9-16 and will likely stay in the South Maui area.

Because we really want a spectacular view and proximity to a nice beach, we have tentatively narrowed down to the following (all the taller buildings due to the better views it would seem)

Menehune Shores
Royal Mauian
Kihei Surfside
Mana Kai Resort

Any strong feelings on any of these? I understand none have AC (with the exception of the small lock-offs in the Mana Kai)

Any other suggestions would be welcome as well as to anything we are overlooking. Kaanapali and Lahaina are not out of the question, but we plan to avoid Kahana and Wailea seems a bit expensive (save Grand Champions, which is too far from the beaches and has no view to speak of)

Found this post on Bidding For Travel:

I received an email offer through a travel newsletter re: the Maui Sheraton. The promo is called "Spring Fling" for $155/night - book it by 3/31. Offer good 4/7 - 5/27 with some blackouts. Mention the "Spring Fling" when you call them at 1-866-716-8109.

Hale Pau Hana is oceanfront near the Royal Mauian and the bedrooms are airconditioned.
I have stayed at Menehune Shores, the condos are nice but the beach is unswimable

If you want to be close to nice beaches Lahaina ought to be out of the question.

I've stayed a Kihei Surfside twice, about ten years apart. Ocean front and great snorkeling-but the great beach-Keawakapu-is next door starting at the Mana Kai. I'd choose the Surfside over the Mana Kai. I stayed at the Mana Kai for free in 1992-it was dated and dreary then. I wouldn't return at 1992 prices.Both properties have very good views.

You likely won't need air conditioning in May, if ever.

I vote for Kihei Surfside. Really nice. Only minor downside is that there are no W/D in the units, have to use a common area. Not a big deal, and on the plus side, if I didn't have to do a load of laundry I wouldn't have found the little paperback library down there for guests - take a book, leave a book. :)

Surfside is very nice.

Thanks all for the input - that Sheraton deal is a great value, but unfortunately not what we are looking for.

Regarding the surfside - I have seen on this and other boards that there is little to no sound privacy.

Has anyone found this to be an issue? I don't want to hear my neighbors in their bedroom....

Before deciding on lodging ==
Be sure to check www.tripadvisor.com--Just type in name of each property..
I have found these reviews are unbiased-- In the past it has saved me from some real dumps and unsafe places..
Some people on Fodor's refer to www.vbro.com for some good prices on condos. Personally, I have never tried this.--if you do pay attention to cancellation policies..
Good luck
PS I did not know how to pronounce Kihei-- a Maui resident gave me this help..just say "key" "hay".
So simple when you know how....

With regard to noisy neighbors, we didn't have a problem - never heard a peep. Now the birds squawking to each other at 5am is another story. :D

I will make two points. The first is that you definitely do need A/C at times in Hawaii. You probably won't need it in May, but it's possible, depending on the property layout and the weather. I will be blunt and say that for $150 to $175 per night, you might not get great furnishings, views, oceanfront location and "thick" walls in your condo. I wish you good luck though.