I'll start this review by saying that Honua Kai is not a Hotel or a Resort. It's amazing that they charge a $25.00 resort fee, because this place is merely a Condominium Complex. I've read the numerous other reviews on this place, and most of them are spot on. The rooms are nice, because they are new, but everything else goes downhill. Here's my list of complaints:

1. Horrible Raw Sewage smell
2. Cockroaches
3. Too many small children that intrude on everyone else's enjoyment
4. Balcony Chairs make horrible noises to units beneath - it could wake the dead!!!
5. Uncomfortable pool chairs that feel like you are lying on cement & not enough chairs to accomodate the amount of rooms at the place.

This place is a condominium complex, so trying to get "Quality Service" is not going to happen. Most of the units have been sold to private owners who rent the units out either through Honua Kai or other rental companies. The place itself held on to a handful of units so they could make some extra money, but in in the end, this place is NOT A HOTEL or RESORT, it is individually owned condominiums. So don't expect to get good Service or Amenities, because it just isn't going to happen. They shouldn't be advertising it as a Luxury Resort, because it is just plain false advertising. In the end, if you have numerous small children under the age of 6, don't mind the wonderful stench of raw sewage, and can view cockroaches as a tropical enjoyment, this is your place. Otherwise, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

I wish I could give it 4.5 stars. My family of 5 stayed here in a two-bedroom unit. We rented through vrbo and the owner was extremely helpful pre-trip with suggestions and everything went off without a problem.

We had stayed in Honolulu for 5 days prior and flew here for a 6 night stay in Maui. My husband and I had seen this property on a previous trip and thought it would be perfect for our family. The unit was a corner unit with a huge lanai with a partial ocean-view and also a view of the mountains. The landscaping around the property was nice, with streams and rocks. The unit was nicely decorated with nice furniture, linens and mattresses. The pull-out couch actually had a comfortable mattress. The kitchen is beautiful, but small with not a lot of storage or cooking counter space so if you were here for a long stay and you wanted to cook I could see this being a problem.

Our kids (11, 12, 14) really loved the pools. They aren't disney-type pools with lots of slides but there is a lazy-type river and lots of spots to find a chair and privacy. We loved Dukes restaurant on site and had eaten at the one in Honolulu. The bartenders were very friendly and it was nice to be able to grab a drink at the pool and also ocean-front.

It was extremely windy during our time there -- so much so that our kids really didn't like going to the beach. Once you got into the ocean it was ok, but sitting on the beach was not an option because the sand literally whipped your face. I'm sure it's not like this all the time, but we were disappointed because one of the reasons we chose this resort was for the beach.

The service was ok inside the resort. No one went out of their way to check on us or be super-friendly but they weren't rude either. The gormet shop was a good place to pick up lunch or snacks for the room but there is also a grocery store across the street. Whalers Village is just down the street for even more restaurant and shopping options so the location is terrific. Just wish it wasn't so windy on our trip!

In my opinion, the Honua Kai has everything for everyone. We traveled from Jan 22-Feb 1. The staff were friendly and helpful and always greeted you when you were seen.
The room was spectacular with Bosch appliances and flat screen TV's. We really felt like we had moved in to 'home' for the 10days we were there. The beds were a little piece of heaven.
The grounds are beautiful with a different pool for whatever 'activity' you want to do. A lazy river, a waterside, a shallower pool with waterfall caves, hot tubs everywhere, etc.. The view of the ocean is spectacular. We went during the whaling season and just sitting on the beach there is non stop activity as the whales come so close to shore you can capture them with your camera.
Having Dukes on site was a such a treat. The food was great, the ambiance unbeatable and the staff were friendly & enthusiastic about what they do.

My partner and I LOVED our stay at Honua Kai in August 2011. The suite was huge, and furnished beautifully, and had great granite countertops in the full kitchen, a washer and dryer, huge bathroom and daily maid service. I especially loved that the windows to the patio open up totally to let the outside "in". The beach at the resort was perfect for splashing in as well as for snorkeling. We can't wait to head back to Honua Kai.