Should You Buy A Condo At The Maui Vista In Kihei?

Maui Vista is a lovely South Kihei complex a block away from Charley Young and Kamaole I Beach Parks.

Built in 1980, the design feels like a cross between modern and island-style, with mature landscaping and well organized grounds. Amenities are pretty good for the price, and some of the units have ocean and/or Haleakala views.

Maui Vista, The Good News And The Bad News

The 8.82-acre property is made up of 3 four-story buildings, with 280 separate residences, making it the 4th largest condo complex in Kihei. Amenities include three pools, 6 tennis courts, and outdoor recreation areas.

Maui Vista is conveniently located near beaches, shopping, dining, the Kihei Boat Ramp (for activities like whale watching and snorkeling trips), and just down the road from Wailea. 

The property is well-managed and the location is perfect for many people who like the south Maui feel and weather. But Maui Vista has a few issues you need to know about before you make an offer or purchase a unit.

First, the good..

  • Affordable: With many area condos selling for $2 million or more, Maui Vista units are normally in the $500k - $700k range for a 1 bedroom and around a million for a well appointed 2 bedroom. HOA fees are not cheap due to rising insurance costs, but they are not unreasonable for a complex of this quality (see below for details).
  • Location: For many people, the location is ideal. South of the Cove, a block away from two excellent beaches, with groceries, restaurants, and activities all within walking distance. Not to mention this part of Kihei has what many consider the best weather on the island. Cooler than the West side, but consistently warm and sunny.
  • Some Units Have Views: Because the property is 4 stories, and about a block from the water, some Maui Vista units have views of the ocean, Haleakala Mountain, or both. See listings below.
  • 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.

And the not so good...

  • Possible Short-Term Rental Restrictions: Originally built in an Apartment Zoned area, Maui Vista has been operating under what is known as the Minatoya List exemption, allowing certain complexes to rent short-term (less than 6 months). Because of the housing shortage on Maui though, the county has proposed removing the exemption. This means there is a risk that Maui Vista will lose it's ability to vacation rent in the future, which will decrease the income significantly. If renting your unit is important, you may want to focus your search on nearby Hotel-zoned properties like Kihei Ali'i Kai or Royal Mauian.
  • Age related Assessments: Because the complex is 45 years old, there may be assesments for maintenance, roofs, common area improvements, and infrastructure. There are no issues currently, but make sure you receive condo docs and review them carefully. If there are known assessments, make sure future work is reflected in the price, or your offer includes a stipulation that the seller pay and money is put into escrow so you don't have an unexpected bill in the future.
  • Increasing HOA Fees: Costs are going up, and in addition to insurance increases, the amenities need constant upkeep. Maintenance, security, landscaping, pools, and recreation areas mean onsite and full-time staff. At the time of this writing, HOA fees are approximately $836 to $1,080 per month, depending on how big your unit is.

Should You Buy A Condo Here?

Maui Vista is a great South Kihei complex. It’s 4 stories, giving many units views of the ocean and in some cases, Haleakala Crater.

The grounds are well maintained, and there’s a 24 hour a day front desk along with full time security. If you are looking for a beautiful complex, and don’t need to rely on short-term rental income, this is a great option. Prices are down approximately 25% in the past year, and it is currently considered a buyer’s market.

Maui Vista Fact Sheet

Recent Price Ranges: $515k to $1 Million

Maintenance Fees: $836 – $1,156/month

  • Address: 2191 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Zoning: A-2 (Apartment)
  • Vacation Rentals: Currently OK (may be limited in the future)
  • Oceanfront: 500 feet from two beaches
  • Front Desk: Yes
  • Nearest Beach: Charley Young and Kamaole I Beach
  • Amenities: 3 Pools, 6 Tennis Courts, Recreation area
  • Construction: Concrete/Wood
  • Year Built: 1980
  • Stories: 4
  • Units: 280
  • Buildings: 3
  • Elevator: Yes
  • Air Conditioning Allowed: Yes
  • Pets Allowed: No
  • Flood Zone: No
  • Value: A-
  • Design: B
  • Location: A-
  • Overall Grade: B+

Maui Vista Plat Map

The Verdict...

If you want an affordable condo near shopping, dining, activities, and the beach, Maui Vista is an excellent choice. Vacation rentals may be restricted in the future, but if you are looking for a great place to live, or a condo for family use, this could work perfectly.

To see all available properties in Kihei, click the button…

REVIEW ALL AVAILABLE KIHEI PROPERTIES HERE

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 by what you can afford right now.

Call or Text Levi Mizel at 808-281-1928

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.

Long Time 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.

Experienced 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 owning property on Maui?
  • Are you tired of paying outrageous rents and hotel rates?
  • Are you waiting for a "buyer's market?"
  • 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.