Should You Buy A Condo At Kihei Akahi Resort?

Kihei Akahi Resort is a wonderful South Kihei condo complex across the street from the famous Kamaole II Beach.

Completed in 1977, the design is similar to nearby Maui Banyan, contemporary, with mature landscaping and well-kept grounds. Amenities are excellent, and some high-floor units have ocean and/or Hakeakala views, especially in the D Building.

Kihei Akahi, Pluses and Minuses

The 6.69 acre property is made up of 3 two-story building, 1 six-story building, and 1 seven-story building, with 240 separate residences. Amenities include elevators, BBQ, a tennis courts, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, 24 hour security, and outdoor picnic areas.

Kihei Akahi is conveniently located across the street from Kamole II beach, near shopping, dining, and the Kihei Boat Ramp (for activities like whale watching and snorkeling). It’s a 7 minute walk to Keawakapu beach, one of the nicest in all of Maui, and a 5 minute drive to Wailea.

The property is well-managed and the location is perfect for many people who like the south Maui feel. But Kihei Akahi is not without it’s issues. If you are thinking about buying here, you need to be aware of a few things before you make an offer or agree to buy.

First, the good..

  • Hotel Zoned: Because it was originally built in a Hotel zone, Kihei Akahi has been, and will continue to be, a legal vacation rental. If Maui county does crack down on short-term occupancy, this property could actually benefit since there will be fewer legal options for visitors, and they will need to stay somewhere with Hotel zoning or in an actual hotel.
  • Guest Loyalty: Kihei Akahi is a guest favorite, with many visitors returning year after year. Look at AirBnB reviews and note the comments about the complex. It's not uncommon for families to rent multiple units for a month or more, year after year. Popular units are often sold with tens of thousands of dollars of pre-bookings, which become yours as the new owner.
  • Propane included in HOA fees: Kihei Akahi is one of the few resorts that includes propane in the HOA fees. This is used for both gas stoves, which is a rarity on Maui, as well as central hot water heating which brings the individual energy bills down.
  • 24 Hour Security: This part of Maui is relatively safe, but it's nice to know that there is an on-site security team watching over the complex.

Now, for the not so good..

  • HOA Fees: A property like this needs to be maintained, and that costs money. In addition, insurance costs have increased for nearly all Maui condo complexes since the Lahaina fires. The upside is that HOA fees are inclusive of many things, including building upkeep, security, landscaping, pools, and BBQ, as well as water (including central hot water), propane, sewage, cable, Internet, and trash pickup. At the time of this writing, HOA fees are approximately $861 to $1,152 per month, depending on how big your unit is.
  • Limited Views: Because of the way the complex is sited, the best views are from the upper floors of the C and D buildings and the units in front, which don't come up very often. Of course, garden-view units are less expensive here than many other Hotel-zoned properties, so you do get a break on price. If sweeping ocean views are important, you may want to look at a different complex like the Mana Kai or the Royal Mauian.

Should You Buy At Kihei Akahi?

Kihei Akahi is a great centrally located complex that’s a visitor favorite. It’s Hotel-zoned and right across the street from the beach.

The grounds are well managed, and there’s a 24 hour a day front desk along with full time security. If you are looking for a place you will be able to legally short-term rent, both today and tomorrow, this is a great option. Prices are down approximately 22% in the past year, mainly due to the Lahaina fires and Covid.

Kihei Akahi Fact Sheet

Recent Sales Price Ranges: $650k to $1.295k

Maintenance Fees: $861 – $1,152/month

Kihei Akahi Sales History
  • Address: 2531 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Zoning: H-2/H-1/H-M (Hotel)
  • Vacation Rentals: Allowed
  • Front Desk: Yes
  • Oceanfront: Across the street
  • Nearest Beach: Kamaole II Beach Park
  • Amenities: 2 pools, BBQ, tennis courts, picnic area, propane included in HOA fees
  • Construction: Concrete
  • Year Built: 1977
  • Stories: 2 - 7
  • Units: 240
  • Buildings: 5
  • Elevator: Yes
  • Air Conditioning: Allowed
  • Pets Allowed: No
  • Solar: Yes
  • Flood Zone: No
  • Value: A-
  • Design: B+
  • Location: A-
  • Overall Grade: A-

Kihei Akahi Plat Map

The Verdict...

In our opinion, Kihei Akahi is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a vacation property they can rent when they aren’t visiting. It’s near shopping, dining, activities, and the beach.

To see all available units, click the button…

REVIEW ALL AVAILABLE KIHEI AKAHI UNITS HERE

Call or Text Levi Mizel at 808-281-1928

Coldwell Banker is Hawaii’s number #1 brokerage. Levi Mizel is a long-time Maui resident with extensive knowledge of the South Maui real-estate market and a ready supply of properties.

If you are thinking of buying a property or condominium on Maui, get your free Buyers Guide with detailed listings sorted by area, complex, and price. You may be surprised what you can afford right now.

Who Is Levi Mizel?

Expert Market Knowledge

Levi has extensive knowledge of all available South Maui homes, condos, and land, including recent closings, and price reductions. Let him be your guide to buying or selling for the best price on the Island of Maui.

23 Year Maui Resident

Levi is both easy-going and professional, offering friendly, high-touch service. His connections give him access to the best deals and his association with Coldwell means the deal gets done correctly.

Long Time Investor

A property investor since 1989, Levi knows how to leverage time and resources. And his local knowledge means he knows the best complexes and locations on the island for income and vacation use.

Is Now A Good Time To Buy?

With the market changing from a Seller to a Buyer’s market, many people are asking if it’s a good time to purchase property on Maui. To help you understand your options, ask yourself these questions:
  • Do you dream about living on Maui?
  • Are you tired of paying outrageous hotel rates?
  • Would you like an income generating investment?
  • Have you ever thought of relocating to the Islands?

If you said yes to any of those questions, click the button and find out what your choices are. You may be surprised what you can afford.