Your Hawai’i Life Maui Vacation Rental Opportunity Guide: 6 Maui Vacation Rental Complexes to Keep on Your Radar

For millions of visitors each year, Maui is the premier destination to experience the allure of the Hawaiian islands. The island evokes visions of endless beaches, vibrant sunsets, and tranquil blue waters that are truly jawdropping.

As the second largest island (735 square miles) after the Big Island, it is home to towering peaks and lush valleys, verdant rainforests and sun soaked beaches. And it’s no surprise that these remarkable features make it a top choice for affluent vacationers and homeowners.

The alluring blend of lively beachside towns and open nature give the island a distinct character all its own. And, its regulatory landscape for hotel zoning and short-term rentals is just as distinct. Information detailed in our Information detailed in our Hawaii Vacation Rental Property Statement of Facts & Trends Report.

The island’s most populated hotel zones are characterized by two distinct regions. South Maui is home to Kihei and Wailea. Both energetic beachfront communities, they act as a vibrant center for tourists and locals to bask in Maui’s agreeable southern climate.

West Maui includes Kaanapali, Lahaina, Kapalua, Napili, Kahana and Honokowai. This side of Maui gets plenty of sun and rainfall, creating lush forests and scenic drives along the coast between towns. It’s known for its resort towns, historic sites, and quiet beaches that offer some of the best views of sunset on the island.

Stretching 48 miles from East to West, and 26 miles from North to South, Maui is easily traversed in about 2.5 hours by car. Major roadways Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30), Piilani Hwy (Hwy 31) to South and Hana Highway (Hwy 360) connect the island, providing access to Maui’s most well known destinations.

Maui’s landscape and ocean reefs create a perfect environment for water sports. Coral reefs on the western and southern shores provide a natural barrier, and everything from surfing and windsurfing to snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking are widely popular.

The Valley Isle’s reputation for luxury properties precedes it, and it’s worth noting that in 2024 there are still attractive real estate opportunities available. So, how do you discern a qualified vacation rental investment? While popular locations exist across the island, we focus on two specific hotel regions, revealing six distinct complexes to consider.

Ho’olei is located along the south shore of Maui, in Wailea. The property encompasses luxury living with rare 3 bed 3.5 bath units directly across Wailea Alanui Drive from Wailea Beach and Grand Wailea Resort. Lush tropical landscaping opens to private drives and upscale 2-story condominiums. The complex is set apart by its sandy bottom wading pool and access to Wailea’s luxury shopping and golf courses just out the door.

Mana Kai impresses with spectacular ocean views and ready access to Keawakapu Beach. The upscale complex boasts another rare unit design – 2 bed 2 bath floor plans with lockout features. This unique design allows owners to rent units out to two separate groups at one time, one side as a hotel room, and one side as a 1 bed 1 bath condo.

Royal Mauian is an iconic 6-story condominium community nestled between Kamaole Beach Park I and II on the south edge of Kihei. Its 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans and private rooftop garden with panoramic ocean and mountain views are just the beginning of a long list of attractive features. Its enviable position provides ready access to every amenity in both Kihei and Wailea.

Menehune Shores is an impressive 6-story upscale condominium community on one of Kihei’s beaches. An icon on the Kihei skyline, Menehune Shores wows guests with attractive ocean-facing units, a heated oceanfront pool, and impeccable landscaping across the property. Just out the front door of the private complex, Kalepolepo Fish Pond and Beach Park provide a haven for some of the best snorkeling and swimming on the southern shore.

Moving to West Maui, Honua Kai includes two ocean facing towers and a neighboring luxury condo community along Kaanapali North. Among the newer complexes on the island, Hokulani and Kunea towers were developed in 2008 and feature upscale amenities, exclusive pool and lawn, fitness center, and onsite restaurant. The private neighborhood of Luana Gardens features rare 3 bedroom 3 bathroom units set in verdant landscaping.

Montage Kapalua Bay is an iconic destination overlooking Kapalua Bay Beach in Kapalua. The impressive private complex features everything residents or guests need for an exceptional experience. Infinity pool, picturesque grounds, and plentiful onsite amenities add luxurious touches to the property. Montage sets itself apart through carefully crafted onsite cultural, culinary, and recreational experiences tailored to guests. Its proximity to golf courses and ocean activities allow visitors to stay close while enjoying the best of Maui.

Maui’s world class golf courses, abundant sunny weather, and culinary excellence keep visitors returning year after year. The draw of the island is not only in its natural beauty, but the resilience and heart of its communities and towns.

At Hawaii Life, we have Realtors who specialize in working with those focused on second home and vacation rentals. Inquire to learn more about active and potential units for sale in these complexes. These agents have decades of experience, in-depth on the ground knowledge, and access to critical data points that are necessary to make well-informed choices.

Our in-house vacation rental management division generates nearly $30M in revenue and upwards of 74,000 bookings annually. Together with Hawai’i Life agents, we are the most well equipped Hawai’i real estate firm when it comes to helping vacation rental clients.

In upcoming articles, we do a deep dive into each complex to provide comprehensive details on these unique vacation rental properties and how they compare to others on the island.