Is North Kihei the Most Underrated Place to Buy a Condo in Maui?

The Question Buyers Are Asking

When most buyers think of Maui condos, their minds jump to Wailea’s luxury resorts or South Kihei’s bustling vacation rental scene. North Kihei? It’s often dismissed as “windy” or “less glamorous.” But here’s the real question: is North Kihei actually one of the smartest, most underrated places to buy a condo in 2025?

The short answer: yes — and if you know what you’re looking for, North Kihei offers some of the best opportunities on the island.

Why North Kihei Flies Under the Radar

North Kihei sits at the start of Maui’s South Shore, just 10–15 minutes from Kahului Airport. While South Kihei gets the buzz for beaches like Keawakapu and Kamaole I–III and Wailea gets the spotlight for its resorts, North Kihei has long been considered the “quiet cousin.”

• Reputation: Windier afternoons, fewer restaurants within walking distance, and older condo buildings compared to Wailea’s newer stock.

• Reality: Those same “downsides” mean lower prices and higher value, often with oceanfront access that would cost millions more just a few miles south.

What Buyers Get for Their Money

Here’s where North Kihei shines: price per square foot.

• Median Condo Prices (2024–2025): North Kihei condos often sell for 20–30% less than comparable units in South Kihei or Wailea.

• Oceanfront Access: Complexes like Sugar Beach Resort, Kihei Beach, and Menehune Shores sit directly on the sand, offering true beachfront living at prices far below Wailea.

• Unit Sizes: Many North Kihei complexes offer larger floorplans compared to South Kihei’s compact layouts.

For buyers who value space and view over having a luxury spa downstairs, North Kihei delivers.

Lifestyle Advantages

Buying in North Kihei isn’t just about saving money — it’s about lifestyle.

1. Central Location

   • Quick drives to Kahului (airport, Costco, Target, medical centers).

   • Straight shot to Lahaina or Upcountry compared to Wailea’s more remote location.

2. Sugar Beach

   • Maui’s longest continuous beach (nearly 3 miles).

   • Perfect for morning walks, outrigger canoe paddling, or sunset strolls.

   • Less crowded than South Kihei’s Kamaole Beaches.

3. Quiet & Relaxed Vibe

   • Fewer late-night crowds.

   • More residential feel, especially in complexes like Village by the Sea (Kauhale Makai).

Short-Term Rental Potential

One of the biggest reasons buyers consider Kihei at all is vacation rental income.

• North Kihei Vacation Rental Condos: Many complexes fall under Maui’s Minatoya List, meaning short-term rentals are facing legal challenges and prices are down as much as 50% from 2 years ago. Popular options include Kihei Garden Villas, Luana Kai, and Maui Sunset.

• Strong Rental Demand: With direct beach access and hotel zoning, units in Menehune Shores, Koa Lagoon and Sugar Beach 
  Resort, here perform well, especially oceanfront 1- and 2-bedroom condos.

• Competitive Edge: Because prices are lower than South Kihei, the ROI can actually be stronger.

For investors, North Kihei offers a sweet spot: legal vacation rentals at entry prices below Wailea and even some South Kihei complexes.

Challenges Buyers Should Know

No area is perfect, and North Kihei does have quirks that buyers should factor in:

• Trade Winds: Afternoons can be breezy. For some, it’s refreshing; for others, it’s a dealbreaker.

• Older Buildings: Many complexes were built in the 1970s–80s. Renovations and upgrades vary by property, so due diligence is key.

• HOA Fees: Oceanfront buildings can have higher monthly fees, especially when they include reserves for seawalls and maintenance.

A good Realtor® will help you weigh these factors against the value and lifestyle benefits.

Who Should Buy in North Kihei?

North Kihei isn’t for everyone — but it’s ideal for certain buyers:

• Investors: Looking for short-term rental income with lower upfront costs.

• Retirees: Want oceanfront living without Wailea’s $2M+ price tags.

• First-Time Maui Buyers: Entry-level buyers who want a foothold in the Maui market but still value beach access and central location.

The Future Outlook

Looking ahead, North Kihei is positioned for growth:

• Central Maui Development: As Wailuku and Waikapu continue to expand, North Kihei’s location will become even more valuable for commuters.

• Inventory Tightening: With fewer new vacation-rental condos being built, existing complexes in North Kihei gain importance.

• Value Gap: As South Kihei and Wailea prices push upward, more buyers are recognizing North Kihei as the “affordable alternative.”

That value gap is what makes North Kihei condos a strong play for appreciation potential.

Conclusion: Underrated No More

So — is North Kihei the most underrated place to buy a condo on Maui? For many buyers, the answer is a resounding yes.

It offers:

• Oceanfront or across the street ocean access at a fraction of Wailea’s cost.

• Strong short-term rental opportunities.

• A central, convenient lifestyle.

While it may never have the glitz of Wailea, North Kihei’s blend of value, convenience, and potential makes it one of Maui’s smartest real estate plays in 2025.

Contact Benjamin Finnerty Maui's Top REALTOR®

📞 Phone: (808) 481-9748
✉️ Email: benjamin@the808team.com
🌐 Website: benjamin.the808team.com