Maui Coast Hotel

While most of Kihei’s vacation accommodations are condominium complexes, Maui Coast Hotel is one of a few hotel-style properties with sufficient amenities. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by bellmen beneath the lobby’s porte cochere. Inside, the lobby has a stately Hawaiian feel, with tall ceilings, crown molding, and hula dancer wall art. An abundance of potted plants bring the outdoors in, and cozy seating areas create an inviting ambience. Maui Coast guests run the gamut, from couples and solo travelers to families with kids and adult friend groups. It’s an ideal place to stay for anyone who wants to be within easy reach of everything Kihei has to offer.  

Maui Coast Hotel is located on South Kihei Road, across from Kamaole Beach Park I. The hotel is within walking distance of a few local shops and restaurants, but guests will want to rent a car if they plan on exploring the rest of the island. Kihei’s beaches, Kam I, Kam II, and Kam II (their affectionate local nicknames) are stunning stretches of golden sand, with calm waters and prime views of the West Maui Mountains. They have a lively, local feel, with beach volleyball courts, well-kept picnic areas, and dedicated surfer hangouts. Some travelers lament that Kihei’s beaches, and the town of Kihei itself, feel a lot like southern California, not like Hawaii. With its low-rise hotels, strip malls, and surf shops, Kihei does have a generic beach town feel. However, it’s one of the closest towns to Maui’s Kahului Airport (about a 30-minute drive), which also means it’s “close” (still a 90-minute drive) to popular attractions like Haleakala and the Road to Hana. Still, travelers in search of a town with a bit more Hawaiian flair might prefer Lahaina. 

There are three room types at Maui Coast: Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, and One-Bedroom Suites, all of which are outfitted in contemporary, but generic decor in a neutral-tone palette. Expect wood furniture, camel-colored headboards, striped carpet, and local-inspired artwork that's the only hint you're in Hawaii. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms are traditional hotel-style studios with one king or two queen-size beds. They're equipped with flat-screen TVs, small desks, mini fridges, microwaves, and single-cup coffeemakers. Bathrooms are a tight squeeze, with doors that barely clear the toilet when they swing open, and shower/tub combos that also feel narrow. At 355 square feet, it seems as though Deluxe Rooms should feel more spacious, but travelers who need room to sprawl should considering upgrading to a Junior Suite. Junior Suites offer significantly more space at 519 square feet. Bathrooms are also noticeably larger, but amenities are the same in both room types. At 545 square feet, One-Bedroom Suites are the largest units, but they don’t feel much bigger than the Junior Suites, though they do have separate living spaces. All rooms at Maui Coast have furnished outdoor balconies, but they’re tiny, and only a few offer distant ocean views.   

Given that most area properties lack an extensive list of features, the Maui Coast Hotel stands out for its several quality amenities. The freeform pool is one of its nicest features, acting as a quiet oasis with a separate wading area for kids and an adjacent hot tub. Lounge chairs and umbrellas line the patio, and towering palms give the space an island vibe. The pool is hardly ever crowded during the day, but it’s a popular hangout space at night, when guests return from their off-property activities. The adjacent pool bar serves daily drink specials, and promotes the fun atmosphere at night with upbeat music and tiki torches. Most hotels in Kihei do not have on-site restaurants, but Maui Coast is a rare exception. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Ami Ami, is open to the public, and serves breakfast and dinner in an upscale open-air setting. The breakfast menu consists of local favorites like "loco moco" and Kula pork hash, along with visitor favorites like banana and macadamia nut pancakes. Dinner menus feature a variety of options, but the ahi poke tacos and braised pork belly are popular options. Above the restaurant is Maui Coast’s substantial fitness center. With floor-to-ceiling columns and dark-wood moldings, the space clearly didn’t start off as a gym. However, since most Kihei hotels don’t have any kind of fitness center, the one at Maui Coast stands out. The fitness center is equipped with modern Matrix cardio machines, including treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. Additionally, the back of the room is filled with Hoist weight machines. For those who’d rather workout outside, there’s a well-maintained tennis court in the rear of the property. Guests can borrow equipment at the front desk. A sundries shop in the lobby sells snacks, souvenirs, and vacation essentials such as sunscreen and inflatable rafts. Maui Coast’s freebies include Wi-Fi, parking, and beach bikes that guests can ride around town.