We were 6 people: parents, grandparents, and 2 preschoolers. Our top priority was to be directly on a good beach (no roads to cross), and to find a reasonably priced 2 bed, 2 bath unit. This was our first visit to Maui. The Hale Hui Kui ("House by the Ocean") suited us perfectly. It really is just a few steps to the sand - no shoes required - and Keawapu is a lovely beach - sunset views, clean sand, uncrowded - and you can walk for literally miles, from bay to bay, right down into the fancy area of Wailiea, or north to the Kamaole beaches. The surf was high on the first few days, big waves, due to a storm out in the Pacific, but later in the week we had lovely gentle waves breaking close to shore, & we all boogie- and paddleboarded. Location is great: it's next door to a larger resort that has a convenience store and also rents equipment. Very handy. We were impressed by the tropical feel of the Hale Hui Kai. As you walk into the building along the central corridor, you feel like you are in a lush garden, and directly in front of you is the shady atrium - and the glittering ocean. There's a nice little pool, but it isn't used a lot because the beach is so nice. We liked the midweek pastry and coffee party, and we thought that Cindy and all the cleaning crew did a great job. The building is around 35 years old, and it is designed to stay cool without air conditioning.( I think you might need a/c if you are on the third floor. We were on the 2nd and it was fine with just the ceiling fans.) Our first condo was #210. It hasn't been renovated yet (I believe it is scheduled to be done this spring.) and has a great view from the lanai! Fantastic vista out over the ocean, waves pounding in, humpback whales giving birth, sea turtles bobbing along.There is a sofabed in the living room, so we didn't need an air mattress to sleep 6. The condo was well equipped. But - the bedroom walls are completely louvered for ventilation on the corridor side - charming, but so noisy! It was very hard to sleep. One memorable night, we were awakened by people returning home after midnight and holding a conversation in the corridor - you hear every word. And then at 5:30am someone conducted a long telephone interview outside our room! And then at 6:30 someone took a crying baby out for a beach walk... you get the picture. I understand that when renovated, the louvers will be closed up and windows installed, so that should help with the noise. Then we moved to #205, which was a little cheaper. Very nice, newly renovated with granite and stainless steel. Much quieter - we slept well. However, no view - lanai very private, screened by beautiful plants. No sofabed. The blow up mattress isn't very comfy. But we liked both units and hope that we can return next year. For the view, we will try to rent a third floor unit, or 210 again, as it really was spectacular.
- Hale Hui Kai
