Should You Buy A Condo At Kihei Alii Kai Resort?

Kihei Alii Kai Resort is a 127 unit South Maui condo complex across the street from the Kamaole I Beach.

Built in 1979, the design is contemporary, with light brick cladding, mature landscaping, and free covered parking in the rear. Amenities are good, and some higher-floor units have ocean and/or Hakeakala views.

Kihei Alii Kai, Pluses And Minuses

The 3.76 acre property is made up of 4 four-story buildings, with 127 separate residences. Amenities include elevators, BBQ area, a tennis court, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and 24 hour security. The covered parking area also has a place to wash yur car.

Kihei Alii Kai, is conveniently located across the street from Kamole I beach, near shopping, dining, and the Kihei Boat Ramp (for activities like whale watching and snorkeling). It’s a 7 minute walk to the famous Cove surfing spot, and a 5 minute drive to Wailea.

The property is managed by Destination Maui and the location is ideal for people who like being near food, shopping, and activities, without feeling crowded.

But Kihei Alii Kai is not perfect. 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 Alii Kai 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.
  • Central Location: Kihei Alii Kai is very centrally located. It is directly across the street from Kam I Beach, next-door to a natural food store, restaurants, shopping, activities, and only 20 minutes from the airport. Yet, because it is up on the hill, it feels relatively quiet and serene.
  • Guest Loyalty: Kihei Alii Kai 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.
  • 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 bad..

  • HOA Fees: HOAs cover maintenance and day-to-day expenses, which aren't cheap. In addition, insurance costs have increased for nearly all Maui condo complexes since the Lahaina fires. HOA fees include building upkeep, security, landscaping, pools, BBQ, Jacuzzi, as well as water, sewage, cable, Internet, and trash pickup. At the time of this writing, HOA fees are approximately $1,035 to $1,501 per month, depending on how big your unit is.
  • Limited Views: Though you are close to the ocean, not all units have a view. Because of the way the complex is sited, only higher floors and a few units on the side have ocean views, and even those are limited. Of course, that's reflected in the price, which is less expensive than many other Hotel-zoned properties. If sweeping ocean views are important, you may want to look at a different complex like the Mana Kai or the Royal Mauian.
  • Not A Lot Of Open Space: Unlike a large complex like Kamaole Sands, Kihei Alii Kai does not have a lot of open space or picnic grounds. Outside of the small strip to the south of the complex, most areas are paved or used for driveways and parking. If a large greenbelt, picnic area, or grassy field is important to you, this might not be the right choice. Of course you are right across from the beach, so maybe it's not a big issue.
  • Limited Amenities: Although there is a swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna, there is no fitness center, meeting room, or a large public area. It also should be noted that there is only one tennis court.

Kihei Alii Kai 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 hours 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 15% in the past year, mainly due to the Lahaina fires and Covid.

Kihei Alii Kai Fact Sheet

Recent Sales Price Ranges: $679k to $1,025k

Maintenance Fees: $1,035 – $1,501/month

Kihei Alii Kai Sales History
  • Address: 2387 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 I Beach Park
  • Amenities: Pool, BBQ, sauna, tennis court, Jacuzzi, covered parking
  • Construction: Concrete
  • Year Built: 1979
  • Stories: 4
  • Units: 127
  • Buildings: 4
  • Elevator: Yes
  • Air Conditioning: Allowed
  • Pets Allowed: No
  • Solar: Yes
  • Flood Zone: No
  • Value: A-
  • Design: B+
  • Location: B+
  • Overall Grade: B+

Kihei Alii Kai Plat Map

The Verdict...

In our opinion, Kihei Alii Kai 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 ALII KAI UNITS HERE

If you want additional options, make sure to request our free South Maui Buyers Guide…

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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?

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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.

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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.