Maui No Ka Oi

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Earlier this week, I visited all of the resorts in the Lahaina, Kahana and Napili area. I would stay in any of the resorts if I could get an Oceanfront unit.

I would rate the top 3 resorts as:

1) Westin Ka'anapali. Best execution of a purpose built timeshare. Best units.
2) Marriott Ocean Club. Best pool. Best location.
3) Ka'anapali Beach Club. Half step below the above 2 resorts, but excellent overall.

The Papakea and Kuleana get honorable mention. The Gardens at West Maui, the Kahana Villa Vacation Club and One Napili Way would be my last choice options for this area.

Yesterday, I visited all of the resorts in the Kihei and Wailea area. One of the appeals of this area is that it is much closer to more activities than is the Lahaina area. Wailea is a very upscale area like Kapalua and Ka'anapali beach. I personally prefer the Lahaina area since I love the oceanviews and Lahaina town. Many of the ocean view units in the Kihei area are across the road. So, they are more obstructed than they are in the Lahaina area.

Even though I prefer the Lahaina area for vacation, if I were to live in Maui (which I will some day), I would choose upcountry Maui or Wailea. Those are some fantastic areas for homes.

That said, my top choices for the Kihei area are:

1) Outrigger at the Palms. The Villas at this resort have the type of feel that I enjoy most in a resort. I think I'll rent a unit to check it out.

2) Maui Lea at Maui Hill. If I could get an oceanview unit overlooking Molokini, this would be my first choice resort to own a fixed week.

Honorable mention honors to go the Maui Schooner, Kamaole Sands and the Kapulanikai Vacation Suites. The Maui Schooner is a TPI resort (whatever that means. If it means TPI has a lot of availability, I will be coming back to Maui often). Fantastic oceanfront units. Kamaole Sands has a great overall feel. More condo complex oriented, but I like that type of resort. And, the Kapulanikai is a cute little resort right on the ocean front. I think it only has about 10 units. Very cozy.

Last choice would be the Kihei Kai Nani, the Maui Banyan Vacation Club and the Best Western Maui Oceanfront Resort. I'd eat at the restaurant there, but probably wouldn't want an exchange there.

Maui has a lot of good choices for resorts. I would stay at any of them just to be in Maui.

The Westin Ka'anapali gets the trophy for the best overall resort in all of Maui.

Outrigger Palms is probably the place I would like to come back to visit next. Avery's friends would find this resort satisfying.

Maui Lea at Maui Hill is the place I am going to look to buy.

Maui Schooner looks like the most likely place to get availability (if TPI can come through like I think they can).

There needs to be more timeshares in the Wailea area. That is a very upscale area that would probably do very well. I saw one private condominium complex that would be perfect. I believe it was called the Polo Beach Club or something like that. Those units would be fantastic for timesharing. Anyone want to get into Timeshare Development?

[tennisWalt Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tennisWalt]

Very Nice Post!

I agree with your post. When you add cost of ownership at your top three Resorts, would you rank them the same?

Walt

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Walt,

That is a great question. My ratings are based on overall resort quality independent of price (or looking at the units since I couldn't get into them yet). I'll do that later when I make contacts that will let me in.

What you are suggesting is what the value would be adjusted for price and cost of ownership. I would need to do a lot more analysis on the market prices for each of these resorts and then assess it's rental value and exchange power in various exchange companies.

I will do that analysis later when I get a chance. This would actually be a useful assessment for potential owners.

You will notice that my first choice for owning was Maui Lea at Maui Hill. My gut tells me instinctively that that has a very appealing value when adjusted for price and ongoing fees. I just did a quick search and found 2 bedroom units for around $7000-8000 with Maintenance fees of less than $800 per year. That is very good value for Maui.

When I get some free time, I'll do the analysis.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

I agree with your post. When you add cost of ownership at your top three Resorts, would you rank them the same?

Walt

I just re-read your post regarding the top 3. I would say that Ka'anapali Beach Club is a far better value than the Marriott or Westin. That's because you can get a better deal for it even with the ROFR.

[tennisWalt Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tennisWalt]

Maui Lea at Maui Hill

Walt,

That is a great question. My ratings are based on overall resort quality independent of price (or looking at the units since I couldn't get into them yet). I'll do that later when I make contacts that will let me in.

What you are suggesting is what the value would be adjusted for price and cost of ownership. I would need to do a lot more analysis on the market prices for each of these resorts and then assess it's rental value and exchange power in various exchange companies.

I will do that analysis later when I get a chance. This would actually be a useful assessment for potential owners.

You will notice that my first choice for owning was Maui Lea at Maui Hill. My gut tells me instinctively that that has a very appealing value when adjusted for price and ongoing fees. I just did a quick search and found 2 bedroom units for around $7000-8000 with Maintenance fees of less than $800 per year. That is very good value for Maui.

When I get some free time, I'll do the analysis.

I'm happy to hear that your first choice for owning was Maui Lea at Maui Hill. We will be back in Hawaii 2009 using our Ka'anapali Beach Club Week. RCI called on 2/2/2007 with a 2 Bedroom (Unit #43) for us beginning on 1/3/2009 for our 2nd week. We stayed at the Maui Sunset in Kihei several years back for a week. So it will be nice to spend more time on this side of the island next time.

Walt

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Maui Schooner looks like the most likely place to get availability (if TPI can come through like I think they can).

Yes TPI has quite a bit of Maui Schooner.

[LisaH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LisaH]

You missed (at least):
Kahana Falls
Sands of Kahana

[shopgirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close shopgirl]

Did you check out Hono Koa? I think the Koa units with that full ocean view are really nice, but the price is always high, at about $12k for a unit. I would pay $7-8 for one, but not that $12K. The maintenance fees are very close to $1K. They just updated the units and we were so, so impressed with the white cabinets and granite countertops.

I am surprised you didn't think better of One Napili Way. I think it is a great place and very close to the beach, though no ocean views, except maybe for one unit. I like the people who sell the units.

Our Gardens at West Maui is a little bargain resort that we do occasionally enjoy but usually rent out and then trade into several others. The interiors are recently remodeled and our expectations of the resort were not high, so we were very happy the first time we saw the units.

Kahana Villas two bedrooms are not bad at all. Did you see one of those? We found the units very comfortable and we did have an ocean view, though there is a bit of a distance to the ocean from those units. I slept like a baby there, with no problem falling asleep and the heat did not bother me at all. That tells me the resort is pretty great. The concierge there is just awful, though, and the spirit of aloha is lacking there.

What did you think of Kahana Falls? I think they shot themselves in the foot with their energy surcharges of $125 for a two-bedroom unit. Exchangers complained, then they slipped to Silver Crown. A sad thing for that beautiful place, especially when they have been updating units there. They should easily have held onto that GC status.

I know that you are used to more upscale resorts, so some of these ordinary ones fall short of your expectations, but I would rather not stay at Sunterra's Kaanapli Beach on those top floors. When we did the tour, I felt nauseous and dizzy when I stepped out onto that balcony--it was so high. It didn't bother Rick or Mom, so I assume it was something with me. The unit interiors were nice. I would ask for a lower floor, if I owned or went there on an exchange.

I would love to see the Marriott and Westin sometime. I just have to talk Rick into stopping by. He is not easy to talk into stopping to look at a unit somewhere.

What about Sands of Kahana? I think it is so overrated. It could be the way they treat anyone that owns resale, but I just think their entire sales team should be fired.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

2) Maui Lea at Maui Hill. If I could get an oceanview unit overlooking Molokini, this would be my first choice resort to own a fixed week.


Maui Lea at Maui Hill is the place I am going to look to buy.



.

I have that view, distant of course since it's across the street-but last time we visited-and our boat trip kept getting canceled-I could sit on the lanai and look at the water and know that we were not going out that day.

hmmm....are you looking for a 2bd? I own a 1bd 2ba.........

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

You missed (at least):
Kahana Falls
Sands of Kahana

Lisa,

I didn't miss them. I just didn't review them on this thread. I was just singling out certain resorts. I visited ALL of the resorts on the island.

Kahana Falls and the Sands of Kahana are right across the street from each other.

The Sands of Kahana is a nice resort. I just rated it in the middle of the pack. I'd stay there anytime I could get an exchange. My only issue with the resort is the exteriors have a bunch of rust or mold growing on it. They need to clean that up. Otherwise, it's a great resort.

Kahana Falls is a nice resort, too. But, it's view almost completely blocked by the Sands of Kahana. I would stay there, but there is no beach without crossing the street. Nearly all the resorts in this part of the island have oceanfronts. I'd rather stay there.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Did you check out Hono Koa? I think the Koa units with that full ocean view are really nice, but the price is always high, at about $12k for a unit. I would pay $7-8 for one, but not that $12K. The maintenance fees are very close to $1K. They just updated the units and we were so, so impressed with the white cabinets and granite countertops.

Yes, I did check out the Hono Koa. It was cute and had very nice ocean views. It wasn't distinctive on the outside of the units relative to the others I saw. Later in the year, I hope to do a more in depth review of the resorts. But, that will take more time and some contacts at the resorts. My review was a 15-30 minute review of the exteriors of all the resorts. That only tells part of the story.

I am surprised you didn't think better of One Napili Way. I think it is a great place and very close to the beach, though no ocean views, except maybe for one unit. I like the people who sell the units.

Again, I only saw the exteriors. It was the only resort that had absolutely no view. I was surprised at what I saw because of all the great things I heard about the resort. I'd stay there, but it wouldn't be one of my top 10 choices.

Our Gardens at West Maui is a little bargain resort that we do occasionally enjoy but usually rent out and then trade into several others. The interiors are recently remodeled and our expectations of the resort were not high, so we were very happy the first time we saw the units.

This may be a great trader. I really wasn't impressed with the resort. It's right next to the driving range of Kapalua. I'm sure it's relaxing. I'd just rather stay at a resort with an oceanfront. More than 10 had them.

Kahana Villas two bedrooms are not bad at all. Did you see one of those? We found the units very comfortable and we did have an ocean view, though there is a bit of a distance to the ocean from those units. I slept like a baby there, with no problem falling asleep and the heat did not bother me at all. That tells me the resort is pretty great. The concierge there is just awful, though, and the spirit of aloha is lacking there.

The upstairs of the lobby area was spider infested and didn't appear to be cleaned or used in years. The exteriors of most of the units looked decent. But, the angled view they have of the ocean is weak relative to all of the ocean front alternatives in the area.

What did you think of Kahana Falls? I think they shot themselves in the foot with their energy surcharges of $125 for a two-bedroom unit. Exchangers complained, then they slipped to Silver Crown. A sad thing for that beautiful place, especially when they have been updating units there. They should easily have held onto that GC status.

It looks nice. But, again, wrong side of the street from the ocean and mostly blocked by Sands of Kahana.

I know that you are used to more upscale resorts, so some of these ordinary ones fall short of your expectations, but I would rather not stay at Sunterra's Kaanapli Beach on those top floors. When we did the tour, I felt nauseous and dizzy when I stepped out onto that balcony--it was so high. It didn't bother Rick or Mom, so I assume it was something with me. The unit interiors were nice. I would ask for a lower floor, if I owned or went there on an exchange.

Actually, I am quite comfortable in standard resorts. I stay in them all the time. I favorite resort group is Bluegreen which is very ordinary on average. I enjoy the high end. But, I also enjoy the standard resorts. I just prefer a view above all else. Today, I went to the Ka'anapali Beach Club to see the model unit. It was impressive from a view. I am somewhat afraid of heights, so I didn't like being so high.

I would love to see the Marriott and Westin sometime. I just have to talk Rick into stopping by. He is not easy to talk into stopping to look at a unit somewhere.

The view I have at the Marriott is to die for. It is spectacular and worth coming back for if only for the view. I don't like the partial kitchens at all.

The Westin is, in my view, the best Timeshare Resort on Maui. The units are purpose built timeshares and the studio units have full kitchens. The balconies in the oceanfront units are huge which is where I spend most of my time.

What about Sands of Kahana? I think it is so overrated. It could be the way they treat anyone that owns resale, but I just think their entire sales team should be fired.

I liked it. I would stay there if I got an exchange. I just didn't like the fact that some of the buildings needed to be painted.

[LisaH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LisaH]

I liked it. I would stay there if I got an exchange. I just didn't like the fact that some of the buildings needed to be painted.

I own there. The exterior is supposed to be painted every three-four years. Last time they did a really bad job and it shows. This is a place that owning really makes sense if you want to go there on a regular base. Owners get ocean front and nice ocean view rooms, while exchangers are put in the lesser view units.

I used to own a 2BR lock-off at Kahana Falls as well, and I sold it when RCI no longer gave the hotel portion good trading power. I never stayed there for the same reason as you mentioned (lack of view). However, for a while, it was a great trader for two weeks when locking-off with a M/F around $700.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

I am surprised you didn't think better of One Napili Way. I think it is a great place and very close to the beach, though no ocean views, except maybe for one unit. I like the people who sell the units.

Our Gardens at West Maui is a little bargain resort that we do occasionally enjoy but usually rent out and then trade into several others. The interiors are recently remodeled and our expectations of the resort were not high, so we were very happy the first time we saw the units.


I know that you are used to more upscale resorts, so some of these ordinary ones fall short of your expectations, but I would rather not stay at Sunterra's Kaanapli Beach on those top floors. When we did the tour, I felt nauseous and dizzy when I stepped out onto that balcony--it was so high. It didn't bother Rick or Mom, so I assume it was something with me. The unit interiors were nice. I would ask for a lower floor, if I owned or went there on an exchange.

.

Cindy,
I think it all depends on what you enjoy when visiting Maui. After a few trips-I think I actually enjoy the Kahana/Napili area better than Lahaina/Ka'anapali or Kihei-where I own. I went up and looked at many of the same places Boca did in the Napili area. I like the Gardens and One Naplili Way-but I don't require an ocean view. It's lovely when I have one-but there are trade offs and I would actually trade my own unit to stay in that area. One Napili Way is very family oriented and they are 3 bds! Aside from Sands of Kahana-3bds are hard to come by in Maui and it's a quick walk to a lovely beach. Many people enjoy the business of Ka'anapali-but I just don't. Don't get me wrong-I can "deal" with a nice resort-like the Westin or Marriott-LOL-I just prefer something quieter and out of the way of the masses. I can drive to the masses.

I agree about the former Embassy. I stopped by for a quick look which turned in to a sales pitch even though I told them I was only looking for exchange purposes-don't even get me started on how awful they treated us afterward-but I too was dizzy and holding on the rails while we were up high. While I am sure the best views are obtained from that vantage point-if I ever stayed there I would have to be near the bottom and that would probably eliminate my view. That said-I would just as well stay somewhere else.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I think. I am pretty simple. When I am able to stay somewhere nice-I feel like the belle of the ball. It just contradicts who I am-but don't tell my kids-LOL-they perk up when I say Marriott or Hyatt-little stinks-it doesn't always happen that way-but when it does-we feel special.

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

Yes TPI has quite a bit of Maui Schooner.

They manage this resort so that's why.

Boca, you forgot to visit the Maui Sunset next door. It is a private condo project with about 50 plus timeshare units. There are three HOAs. One for the condo project and two for the timeshare condos. One HOA has only two timeshare units, I believe. All three work well together from what we read in the quarterly reports. We have owned here since 1983 and we love going back almost every year.

It is not a luxurious resort like the Westin or the Marriott but it has a feel to it like you are at "home". People love to vacation here when you meet them at the pool or at the barbeques at night. Many owners live here full time so it feels like our little home away from home too as it has everything you need and want. The pool has a saline purification system which feels good to the skin.

Our fixed unit has a very nice ocean view plus we can see the top of the Haleakala crater when it is clear so we live on the lanai when we are there from April 4 to April 18 always since it is fixed time too. Each interval is for two weeks so that makes it very reasonable. Maui Sunset has 10 acres of grounds which is a lot in Maui as it is on the ocean. The units of our HOA have all been refurbished. The only drawback is that the ocean here was never suitable for swimming or snorkeling as there is a dead reef. We always drive to Wailea at Ulua beach to go snorkeling.

We were here in December and they really had a problem with seaweed which made it less attractive for walking on the beach. They had a problem with seaweed before but never like we saw it this time. I don't know if this varies during the year or not but even the nice beach right next to us had some seaweed too. We still walked the beach every day but it was quite green instead of sandy. I was going to check with our HOA what is going on but forgot about it.

We rented a unit here in December which was on the ground floor and had only a sliver of an ocean view but it still was very nice because of the immaculate grounds that are so green. Many owners had Christmas decorations so that made it festive.

We love this little timeshare, Boca just like Laguna Surf.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Emmy,

I remember the Maui Sunset very well. I liked it and would stay there in a minute. The oceanfront units there are excellent. I'd stay here in a heartbeat. I almost put this one on the list of my favorites. I didn't because I liked the Maui Lea at Maui Hill and Outrigger Palms a lot more. That is actually surprising since the Maui Sunset is one of the few resorts in Kihei that is on the ocean side of the street.