Honua Kai Beach

Question

Hi all. Has anyone stayed at the Honua Kai recently? I was reading through reviews saying the beach isn't great. Everything else looks wonderful (updated, spacious for five, pools, location)... and I've narrowed it down to two condos, one in Konea and one in Hokulani via Maui Resort Rentals. We plan to visit other beaches, but part of what makes the cost of this resort worth it, is its proximity to the beach. Thank you!

Answer

Honua Kai Resort on Kaanapali Beach is widely regarded as one of the top family-friendly resorts on Maui, offering spacious, modern condos, multiple pools, a convenient location near shops and restaurants, and excellent amenities for families of five or more. The Konea and Hokulani towers both offer updated units, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference for layout, views, and proximity to pools or elevators.

Regarding the beach, here are some key points to consider:

The beach directly in front of Honua Kai is a small stretch of Kaanapali Beach. It is generally safe for wading and casual swimming, but it is not considered the most pristine or expansive swimming beach on Maui. In some areas, there can be rocks or rough patches, especially during high surf.
For sand quality and ideal swimming, many guests choose to walk a short distance north or south along Kaanapali Beach, where larger stretches of soft sand and calmer water are available.
The resort itself provides easy beach access, lounge chairs, and umbrellas, so you can still enjoy the ocean conveniently even if it isn’t a perfect “picture postcard” beach right at your doorstep.

Other highlights of Honua Kai:

Spacious condos with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and washer/dryer units, which are ideal for families or groups.
Multiple pools including a kid-friendly water playground, hot tubs, and lap pool.
Proximity to Whalers Village, restaurants, and activities along Kaanapali Beach.
Option to explore other nearby beaches such as Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay, or Baby Beach, all within a short drive, for calmer swimming or snorkeling.

In conclusion, if the beach quality is very important to your stay, it may not be the perfect “swim right out your door” beach, but the overall amenities, location, and condo quality at Honua Kai more than compensate. Many guests use it as a base to explore other nearby beaches while enjoying resort convenience.