When you arrive at Wailea Ekahi Village, make sure you have the map with your condo number handy, as there are several different entrances by car, and some units can be confusing to find. The 294 condos are spread across a sprawling 34-acre property that stretches down a gentle hill to the sea. The condos are housed in 54 small buildings, which provides some element of privacy, but the layout feels more like that of a retirement village than a resort. A few of the buildings at the front of the property do face out to the ocean, but many of the units are farther back and it’s a bit of a walk to reach the beach. There are four pools around the property, though only the main pool by the beach is suitable for kids. While there are good amenities for families here, the quiet atmosphere and the pool rules cater to a slightly older crowd.

One of several properties managed by a company called Destination Resorts Hawaii, Ekahi Village is a mid-range condo resort that offers a more affordable entry point than nearby Makena Surf or Elua Village. Compared to the sister properties, the units here are a little smaller and less updated, and the buildings have an older feel that is reminiscent of the '80s. But Ekahi offers decent value for budget-minded travelers who want to stay in posh Wailea – one of the pricier areas of the island.

The Wailea Ekahi Village is located in South Maui in the posh town of Wailea. It's situated across the street from a golf course and next to the trendy Andaz resort. It is spread out over 32 tropical acres, and a small part of the property extends down to the beach, but most of the land is not situated on the oceanfront. The property offers access to the lovely, family-friendly Keawakapu Beach, though most of the condos are located farther inland and do not have views of the beach or ocean.  It will take about 10 minutes or more to walk to the beach from some units. There are a handful of shops and restaurants within walking distance, but in this largely residential area, a rental car will allow visitors to reach many more options within a short drive. It’s about a 25-minute drive to the Kahului Airport.

The condos at Ekahi Village include studios, one-, and two-bedroom units. The floor plans feature open living-dining-kitchen areas, though they are smaller in square footage than other condos in this area. The studios are small, but pack a lot of utility into a cozy space. They include a queen-size bed and a tiny living room area with a small kitchen connected. Kitchens in general are on the small side and some are due for updates, but are fully equipped with all the essentials, including a refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and coffeemaker. Some units are updated with modern countertops and stainless steel appliances.

The units are decorated to the owner’s tastes, and furniture styles can vary from condo to condo. In general the atmosphere is cozy and warm, featuring dark wood pieces mixed with light, neutral colors, including beige, pale green, and chocolate brown. Many units have beach-inspired styles with bamboo-framed furniture. Most rooms have nice flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and some even include iPod docks, while others may have old tube TVs. All condos have a nice-size lanai with outdoor dining table and most have a barbecue grill. All condos have washer and dryer in the unit, and beach towels and chairs are provided.

Four swimming pools are arranged in different parts of the large property. The beachfront pool is the largest, and is the best place for families with kids. The other three pools around the property are smaller and are designated as “quiet areas.” They are great for guests looking for a more peaceful, serene atmosphere for lounging by the pool. There are barbecue grills and picnic areas near each pool. Nicely maintained grounds offer lots of tropical plants – fresh bananas from a banana tree may even be found in some places. Sport facilities include shuffleboard and a paddle tennis court – which is smaller than a regular tennis court and played with paddles. There is no hot tub or fitness room on the property.

The main pool is the social center of the resort. It can be quite lively, and even crowded in peak season.  Next to the beach access path, the large beachfront pool area features a clubhouse with kitchen facilities, including stoves and microwaves so guests can make lunch by the pool. There are some outdoor showers nearby and a large green grassy lawn to spread out on. There are many lounge chairs surround the pool, but not much shade is available. A locked gate and stairs lead down to the beach from the main pool area. Keawakapu Beach is a very nice, long beach with plenty of room to roam. The generally calm waters are great for swimming and snorkeling, making it a fun and family-friendly spot.