I am often times asked why I suggest purchasing a vacation rental investment condo in South Kihei vs North Kihei. The difference is huge if your main focus is occupancy rate. Why is the occupancy rate better? Let’s explore North Kihei and South Kihei to see what the main differences are.
North Kihei
North Kihei offers great complexes on the oceanfront or beachfront for more reasonable prices vs South Kihei. Some condo complexes include Sugar Beach, Maalaea Surf, Kauhale Makai, Luana Kai, and Menehune Shores. One of the more beautiful complexes includes Maui Sunset. Maui Sunset has golf course grass, a beautiful pool, public tennis courts in front, and offers up a great spot to view the sunset. Take a look at my listing, Maui Sunset Unit B402.
The beach in North Kihei extends all the way to Maalaea from Maui Sunset. You could spend the whole day on the beach picking up seashells and beach glass. The beaches in North Kihei are narrow, and not used for basking in the sun and playing in the waves.
Maui Sunset is closer to the amenities in central Kihei, including Coconut’s Fish Tacos, Nalu’s, Fork & Salad, and Thai food. Also, 4th Friday is a big hit with local artists, music, and food trucks. As you head more North, the further you are from readily available options.
South Kihei
South Kihei is known for Charlie Young Beach, Kamaole Beach I, II, and III.
Then you end at Keawakapu Beach, one of my favorite beaches for its white sand and small waves.
Not only are the beaches plentiful, the amenities are endless with restaurants, snorkel shops, shopping, and bars. A few good restaurants include: Maui Thai Bistro, Cafe Olei, 808 Deli, Mooses & Freds, and S&Q’s snacks and coffee shack. Kihei boat ramp makes it easy to go on a whale tour or Molokini snorkel cruise.
Some great beachfront or oceanfront condo complexes in South Kihei include: Royal Mauian, Mana Kai, Hale Hui Kai, Surfside, and Hale Pau Hana, but you will notice the purchased prices jump. Just across the street you will find Maui Vista, Pacific Shores, Kihei Kai Nani, Kihei Akahi, Maui Banyan, Haleakala Shores, Kamaole Sands, Hale Kamaole, and Maui Kamaole.
Beach next to Royal Mauian, Kamaole Beach I
Pacific Shores is one of the lower priced complexes, which includes 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. See my listing, Unit B318. This unit has a whopping $57,000 gross income for 2017. The purchase price is a low $399,000. Pacific Shores and Maui Banyan tend to be some of the greater occupancy rate complexes in the area. A Maui Banyan unit listed just under $650,000 has a gross of $82,000 for 2016.
The primary reason you see higher occupancy rates in South Maui is due to the proximity to amenities and beaches. You will find during the off season, during the summer, visitors will focus on South Kihei for accommodations. For this reason, your occupancy rate will be much higher as compared to North Kihei.
More Information
If you would like to learn more about purchasing a vacation rental condo in Kihei, please contact me.
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