Should You Buy A Condo At Keonekai Villages In Kihei?

Keonekai Villages (also known as Keonekai Apartments), is a charming little community in South Kihei, a block from the beach and a few minutes from Wailea.

Built in 1992, the design is simple but nice. There aren’t many amenities, and no short-term rentals are allowed, but the prices are reasonable and you are close to services and activities.

The 11.50-acre property is made up of 27 two-story buildings, with 259 separate residences. This is a popular starter home complex, and even though it does feel more like a residential apartment, many downstairs units have a small yard, and it’s one of the few affordable complexes that is pet-friendly.

Keonekai Villages is conveniently located 500 feet from Kamole III beach, near shopping, dining, and the Kihei Boat Ramp (for activities like whale watching). It’s a 10-minute walk to Keawakapu beach, one of the nicest in all of Maui.

Keonekai Villages, The Good And The Bad

While the complex is great for many people, Keonekai Villages is not perfect. If you are thinking about buying here, you need to be aware of a few things before you make an offer.

First, the good…

  • Affordable: With many condos selling for $1 million or more, Keonekai Villages units are normally in the $500k - $700k range. Though HOA fees are not cheap due to rising insurance costs, they are not unreasonable at $847 a month.
  • Location: For many people, the location is ideal. It's up the block from the beach and close to groceries, restaurants, and activities, which are all within walking distance. Not to mention South Kihei has what many consider the best weather on the island. More temperate than the West side, but warm and sunny. Plus, the ocean water quality in this area is consistently rated as the cleanest and best for snorkeling, swimming, and diving.
  • Great Layout: Though the units are not large (most are just 750 ft²) the 2-bedrooms have either a 1.5 bath or a 2 bath configuration, making it great for roommates or shared living situations. Most downstairs units have a small yard area that is for the owner's exclusive use.
  • Pet Friendly: Per the HOA rules, you are allowed up to two pets, including dogs up to 65 lbs, which is not usually found at this price point. There's even a dog park next to the complex, so you don't need to get in your car to exercise your animal.

And now the bad news…

  • No Real Amenities: There is no pool or hot tub, and there are no tennis courts, fitness rooms, volleyball courts, or much in the way of public spaces. There are up laundry facilities throughout the complex, and also a few small areas for picnicking and BBQ, but that is about it.
  • Assessments: Because the complex is over 30 years old, there may be assessments for roofs, deferred maintenance, and other items. Most need to be paid within 30 to 60 days, so make sure you get a copy of the current board meeting minutes, association by-laws, and house rules so you know the facts and financial condition of the association, and what you might be expected to pay down the line.
  • No Real Views: A few of the units have peek-a-boo views of the ocean or Haleakala, but most don't, though the area is nicely landscaped and you usually get a garden view. But that might not be a problem when you are only a block from the ocean.
  • No Short-Term Rentals: Because this complex is zoned for apartment use, and since it was never envisioned to be used for short-term use, the minimum rental period is six months. If renting your unit short-term is important, you should focus your search on Hotel-zoned properties like Maui Banyan or Royal Mauian.

Keonekai Villages, An Affordable South Maui Option

Keonekai Villages makes for a great pet-friendly starter home or first property on Maui, especially considering that you are in one of the nicest areas of Kihei, with access to the best beaches, activities, and weather.

While there are no real amenities, the units themselves are nice, with lots of natural light, and great layouts for shared living situations. Downstairs units often come with small yards, which is ideal for anyone who has a pet or enjoys spending time outside.

Keonekai Villages Fact Sheet

Recent Price Ranges: $520k to $775k

Maintenance Fees: $847 per month

Keonekai Villages House Rules
  • Address: 160 Keonekai Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Zoning: A-2 (Apartment)
  • Vacation Rentals: Not Allowed
  • Oceanfront: One block to the west
  • Nearest Beach: Kamaole III Beach Park
  • Amenities: Coin-op laundry, BBQ Area
  • Front Desk: No
  • Construction: Wood frame
  • Year Built: 1992
  • Stories: 2
  • Units: 259
  • Buildings: 27
  • Elevator: No
  • Air Conditioning Allowed: Yes
  • Pets Allowed: Yes
  • Flood Zone: No
  • Value: B+
  • Design: B
  • Location: A
  • Overall Grade: B+

Keonekai Village Plat Map

Keonekai Village Location

The Verdict...

While Keonekai Villages is not a high-end luxury condo, and they don’t allow vacation rentals, it is one of the lowest-priced complexes in the area. If you want an affordable residential condo near shopping, dining, activities, and the beach, Keonekai Villages is an excellent choice. 

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Is Now A Good Time To Buy?

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