Last minute planning for this July

Question

Hello everyone! I am planning an incredibly last-minute trip for our group of 6 (2 kids 9/11yrs) for the end of this July. We have some wiggle room within the last two weeks. I’m a bit overwhelmed by the amount of condo options in Kihei! I’d like to keep the budget below $600 a night, which led me to mostly looking at units in Kihei vs west Maui as it seems more pricey.

We have more experience on Kauai where we stay on westside (Kapaa) we like that it’s central to both north and south and isn’t super touristy like Poipu.

I’d like the practicality of a condo with the kitchen for cooking meals, but I also would like a bit of a resort feel for the grandparents in case they never make it back to the islands. Any advice would be appreciated!

Answer

Aloha — great question! Planning last-minute for a group of 6 (including kids and grandparents) with a mix of condo practicality and a little resort feel is totally doable in Kihei, especially in July, though you’ll want to act fast. Here are some tailored suggestions, trade-offs, and tips based on your priorities.

What to Prioritize Given Your Goals

Central Location & Access: Kihei is a smart choice — it’s more affordable than west Maui, gives you great access to south Maui beaches (Kamaole I–III), and is a good base to explore the rest of the island.
Condo with Kitchen: You’ll want a place with a full kitchen so you can cook meals and save money. All of the recommendations below have full kitchens.
Resort-Style Amenities for Grandparents: Pools, gardens, BBQs, and nice common areas can give that resort feel without paying resort-hotel prices.
Budget Under $600/night: July is peak season, so availability and pricing will be tight — but there are very good options in Kihei that can hit or come close to your budget, especially for 1- or 2-bedroom units.

Top Condo / Resort-Style Options to Consider in Kihei

Kamaole Sands (South Kihei):
- Large, resort-like complex spread across 15 acres with gardens, waterfalls, and ponds.
- Amenities: 2 swimming pools, kiddie pool, 2 jacuzzis, BBQ areas, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a gym.
- Weekly activities like hula or music (depending on timing) make it feel more “resort-y.”
- Unit example: Kamaole Sands 8-105 is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath that sleeps up to 6 (king + 2 twins + sofa sleeper) — great for your group size.
- Across the street from Kamaole Beach III, which is very walkable.
Maui Kamaole Condos:
- Low-rise, townhome-style condos with tropical landscaping.
- Amenities: 2 pools + spas, gas grills, tennis courts, and in-unit laundry.
- Example: The H202 unit is a 2-bed / 2-bath, sleeps 6, has a renovated kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and good layout for families.
- Note: Some condos are on second floors and require stairs, so check unit placement if grandparents prefer ground floor.
Kihei Resort:
- A smaller, quieter complex (64 condos) with a lush, garden-zen feel.
- Amenities include a pool, hot tub, BBQ area, and koi ponds.
- Unit example: Kihei Resort #111 is a 1-bedroom, sleeps 4, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and lanai.
- Pros: very calm, peaceful, more of a “home base” feel; fewer crowds than large resort condos.
Kihei Surfside (Oceanfront):
- Oceanfront property with 1- and 2-bedroom units with full kitchens and large lanais.
- Amenities: ocean-view pool, barbeque area, large lawn, and great for water-sport access (snorkeling, kayaking).
- This is one of the more “resort-like” condos in Kihei and gives a strong ocean feel.
Mana Kai Maui Resort (South Kihei):
- Condo + resort hybrid: 1- and 2-bedroom suites with kitchens, plus true resort-style amenities.
- Resort features: pool, on-site fitness, open-air lounge, beach access, and a community “activities center.”
- An ideal pick if grandparents want a resort-style stay but you also need space to cook and spread out.

Trade-Offs & Things to Watch

July Demand & Pricing: Peak season, so good 2-bedroom units in resort-style complexes may be harder to find under $600/night — book *as soon as possible.*
Cleaning & Fees: With a group of 6, many owners may charge a higher cleaning fee, so the nightly “rent” is not the only cost.
Location vs Car Rental: While Kihei is central, having a car will be very helpful for exploring. But once you're settled, the condo locations mentioned are pretty good for day-to-day life.
Resort vs Local Vibe: - If you lean more “resort” (pools, daily activities), Kamaole Sands or Mana Kai are your best bets. - For a quieter, low-key stay more like a local home base, Kihei Resort or Maui Kamaole might feel more authentic and relaxing.

Recommended Strategy for Booking Last-Minute

Check VRBO / Airbnb first for available 2-bed condos in Kamaole Sands, Maui Kamaole, or Mana Kai — often owners will list last-minute stays.
Use local vacation rental agencies (or on-island property managers) — they sometimes have cancellations or discounted units last-minute.
Be flexible with *which week in July*: since you have wiggle room, try shifting by a few days — that can significantly lower rate or increase availability.
Ask for a lower floor or ground-floor unit for easier mobility for the grandparents, especially in complexes without elevators (like some Maui Kamaole units).

Bottom Line
Yes — staying in Kihei makes a lot of sense for your group. With a budget under $600/night, you can absolutely find a condo that gives you both the practicality of a kitchen and a “resort-like” environment for grandparents, especially if you look at places like Kamaole Sands, Maui Kamaole, or Mana Kai. The key will be to lock something in now, given July demand.