We just returned from spending 10 days in HK 236 rented through KMB Hawaii. We travelled with 4 adults and 3 kids (5,3,1) in a 2 bdrm, 2 ba suite. The resort exceeded our expectations.

The kids spend ALL DAY splashing in the pools, playing with other kids on the grassy areas, feeding the koi and visiting the beach. They were so exhausted by 7 o'clock we never had a problem putting them to bed. As for the adults, it was a relaxing vacation even with the kiddos because the pools are designed in such a way that the adults don't have to hover around them constantly. There are plenty of shallow areas for the kids to play safely. The water slide was a big hit with my kindergartener. We also used the kids club for a half day so that we could truly relax without worry. The teachers were fun and both kiddos wanted to return. Another highlight with the kids was the koi feeding at 8:30 every morning. Theres a guy that gives the kids some pellets and the huge fish will eat out of their hands.

We ate at Dukes, the onsite restaurant, a couple of times and enjoyed the happy hour where the prices are more reasonable. Don't miss out on the calamari! You can bring your own bevis to the pools if you bring them in plastic cups but there is also poolside service from Dukes if you want. Mostly we used out kitchen and made the quick trip up to our room for meals.

It's a lovely resort with helpful staff, beautiful views and in a great location. We will return!

We're just finishing up our trip here at Honua Kai, and it has been spectacular. We traveled as a group of 7 - grandparents, us, our two kids (4 and 6), and my 20 something brother. We rented a ground level 3 bedroom unit via VRBO (Hokulani Unit 104 - listing # 227461), and the experience has been beyond what we imagined. From the beginning, the communication with the owner has been concise, helpful, and prompt. On arrival day, we changed our arrival time 3 times (due to late flights & I sick child), the on island agent was SO accommodating and helpful, and changed his schedule 3 times to ensure we could check in at a convenient time for us.

The Unit is spectacular. It's spacious, loaded with deluxe appliances, the kitchen has everything we needed ( included a stocked spice pantry), and the bathrooms were luxurious (2 shower heads, yes please!). The unit is fully loaded with electronics - flat screen TV's, in house sound system that plays different inputs & different rooms, and wifi that worked perfectly. The activity closet was loaded with fun stuff - boogie boards, snorkels, skim boards, sand toys, even some hats & rash guards. Upon arrival they had stocked the kitchen with coffee & filters so we wouldn't miss out on our first morning of coffee on the lanai. My favourite part of the unit is the nano-wall ( a glass wall) that completely opens up. In the morning & evening we always had the nano wall open, and it just felt so tropical!!

The resort itself is gorgeous. Our kids couldn't get enough of the pools, waterfalls, waterslides, kids water features, and hot tubs. We also went on a tour of the property hunting for plants & flowers - the grounds are SO lush! We ate at Dukes a few times ( we cooked lots here), and the food was yummy, prompt, and priced well ( for Maui). The Lava flows are to die for!

We spent lots of days on the beach our front as well. It's not ideal if you want to swim tons ( there is coral right off shore), but our family had plenty of fun jumping in the waves and trying out all of the fun toys in the activity closet. My parents also loved walking/running on the beach every morning.

All in all, this vacation was perfect. There was enough space that we weren't on top of each other, we cooked 80% of of meals in the condo (which save money & was much easier than taking the kids out for every meal), and the resort was spectacular.

To address a few of the common negatives I saw in other reviews (that freaked me out!)

1. The Wind - yep Maui is windy. Once or two it made it cold by the pool, but a vigorous play session with the kids fixed that pretty quickly. Our first few days we didn't notice wind at all. The past few days have been windy, but so has everywhere else!

2. The sewage smell - huh?? Never smelled this once.

3. The uncomfortable pool chairs - really, if this puts a bee in your bonnet, maybe you should just stay home grumpy pants. Besides, this isn't the best hotel to lay by the pool all day, there's lots of kids! And if you don't like kids, don't stay here ( that's right lady who glared at us in the hot tub!).

4. Bad customer service - as we rented via VRBO we didn't have much interaction with hotel staff. The limited times we did, it was great. Our on island rental agent was FABULOUS!

I can't recommend Honua Kai enough, I hope we'll be back!!

To address some of the negatives I've seen in other reviews.

We just finished a 10 day stay at Honua Kai, and we completely enjoyed it! This resort is an all suite resort featuring top notch appliances in a well decked kitchen, washer & dryer ( we loved this!) beautiful views. Because it was just my husband and I traveling, we had a ocean view studio - plenty of room for the two of us. Gorgeous la'nai that opens up completely for a spectacular view, first day here we watched the whales and dolphins from our room! Bring binoculars! Restaurant on site is good & convenient. Ate at Duke's 3 times, all very good. Heard comments prior to the wind, can honestly say that the ten days we were here the wind only blew for one. We were still able to enjoy the beach, just had to put up with a warm wind, not miserable though. Lots of kids at the resort, but we enjoyed that and never felt like we couldn't find somewhere quiet to be if we so choosed. Great snorkeling right outside - nice reef in front of resort. Enjoyed our stay so much, we are busy planning a return stay in a couple years with our daughters!

We are a family of 3 (3yr old) and a grandma. We all loved Honua Kai big time and we lean on the picky side- OK we're incredibly picky and hard to please. When you are on vacation and spending above average rates for your lodging there should be no compromises and we experienced none. Classy comfy place and would absolutely stay there again. Dukes has great food to boot- bonus!