We booked the Akahi as it is an affordable place to stay and the ratings on tripadvisor tended to be favourable. We knew staying in a condo would be a gamble but it definitely was one that paid off as our condo, Building D Suite D04 was fabulous. It was immaculate. The owners had beach towels, beach mats, boogey boards, beach chairs etc. all available for use. Not to mention guidebooks, novels, playing cards etc. We loved it! Building D is quite far back from the main road and therefore a ways from the beach across the road but it only takes a couple of minutes walk. I should mention Kihei Akahi is convenient as it is close to Internet cafes (Internet was available in condo for a fee), restaurants, convenience store, boat launch (for snorkelling and diving), beach. The location is great for getting to other areas of the island too.

Overall, a great place to stay. Next time though we would probably stay somewhere right on the ocean if we could afford to. If we couldn't afford a place on the beach we would stay here again!

We stayed in C-211 Feb 27-March 14, 2006 - it was perfect! No complaints here. Location - excellent...pools/bbq's - clean as a whistle....our condo - had everything, clean, updated, sunset views, quiet (other than those "wake-you-up birds"!)...you're in paradise - what can I say! Makena beach is awesome (south about 15 minutes), Cafe Ole - yummy & reasonable...this condo complex is great for all ages. Have fun - Aloha!!

We rented a studio, D401. When you rent a condo it is a hit or miss proposition, depending on the individual owner of the unit, and unfortunately ours was a miss. The unit was clean but very shabby, with stained carpets, closet door hanging off the hinges, and formica peeling off the kitchen cupboards. The furniture looked like Pier One Imports, circa 1980. On top of that, we had not been warned that the building exterior was being repainted, and there was a lot of noise starting at 8:30 a.m. every day. But the location was great, and the outdoor facilities such as pool and barbecue grills were nicely maintained. I would only consider renting at this complex in the future if I could find out more in advance about the condition of the unit, and about any scheduled renovation work.

Stayed in C building second floor for spring break 2005 with kids aged 12, 10, 7. Had a one bedroom, and made do with a foam mattress supplied by the condo rental for the smallest child. Parents got the sofa bed. Left it late to book, so had to search hard for a place. The unit we had was in decent shape and clean, but was stocked with garage sale stuff. Didn't bother us as a fork is a fork. We would stay there again as the location is excellent for being close to the fine beaches to the south, but I would look for a private rental rather than an agency - much less $$. As well, the amenities of the place were suitable for us. It is an older crowd, but as long as your kids are respectful in the pool, you'll have no problem. We were mostly trying out the beaches anyway. I would be leary of A unit as it is right on the main road. Nuff said about the place.

Now some tips or the island. We went around both islands by rental car. Well worth it, but long days. You should be comfortable on a narrow one lane mountain (steep) road if you are going to go along the north side of North Maui, or down the east side of South Maui. You may also have to back up on such a road to let someone by. There are pullouts, but they are barely wide enough to let a car pass. Travel clock-wise for both - you will be going with the traffic flow. For South Maui, we were glad we went south from the Seven Sacred Pools rather than back on the Hana Highway. It was just as fast, hardly used, didn't make everyone as car sick, and the views were spectacular. Just check at the ranger station at Seven Sacred Pools to see if the road is open. If you can do it, try to stay a night in Hana. This would make the trip less of a marathon and give more time to see the sites. We couldn't do all the available sites. We did stop at the black sand beach in Hana for lunch. This was worth it.

Beaches: Hard to go wrong anywhere south of Kamaole II. The further south you go, the sooner the wind gets up. If you know what you are doing, and are headed that way, the boogie boarding looked awesome at Slaughterhouse beach on North Maui (we stopped here for lunch on our day around North Maui after shopping at the Lahaina Mall). All the kids got pretty good at boogie boarding on the south Kikei beaches. Good for beginners. Bought our boards at Wall Mart - check your unit though, a lot of them have boards.

Snorkelling: We walked into the snorkelling spot known as the Aquarium on La Perouse bay. About 45 min each way. Wear at least runners - the lava will cut you like glass if you stumble. Well worth it. Best snorkelling we were able to get to with kids who were beginners, and a nice hike as well. Go early to beat both any crowds and the wind. If I were going again, I would try some of the pools on the trail on the hike out to the Aquarium. Tried a snorkelling tour also, but the wind made them go to "Coral Gardens" - pretty lame there.

Volcano - well worth a trip up. Dress warm. We went up as the sunrise people were leaving and had the top to ourselves!

Food and shopping:
We stopped at Costco and Wall Mart on our way from the airport, then used a nearby Safeway for the rest of our two weeks. We only ate out twice - once at McDonald's on the way back from driving around South Maui, and once for a birthday. Go to the Farmer's Market to get fruit and vegetables (check the local paper or tourist info for times - was twice a week at the north end of Kihei when we were there). Try the pineapple salsa and the guacamole - stupendous.

Sun: Use a high level sun block and re-apply it often. Where a shirt when boogie boarding or the sand between your belly and the board will rub your skin off...

Enjoy the Lanai....