Also known as Village by the Sea
Kauhale Makai
Elevated views and coastal access overlooking Waipuilani Park in Kihei.
Zoning & Vacation Rentals: This property is currently on the Minatoya List. Due to Maui County legislation, properties on this list may be phased out as legal short-term vacation rentals if they are approved for rezoning. Buyers must independently verify current zoning laws, association rules, and legal status before purchasing.
Kauhale Makai Condos for Sale
A Different Perspective on Kihei
At Kauhale Makai (also known as Village by the Sea), the complex name alone tells you very little about the individual condo. The important questions start with: Which building? Which floor? Which unit stack? Which direction does it face?
What is actually visible from the lanai? How close is the elevator? Where is the parking stall? How does the unit relate to the pool and recreation areas? And what is the current legal rental framework?
In a vertically organized condominium property, moving several floors — or several units down the hallway — can materially change the experience. That is what this guide should help buyers understand.
Know Kauhale Makai
Understanding the two-tower configuration and its relationship to Waipuilani Park.
Building Configuration
The property consists of two main towers (often referred to as the Plumeria and Anthurium buildings). Each tower offers different orientations and relationships to the common areas.
- Tower Choice: Determines your proximity to the pool, parking, and specific view corridors.
- Elevator Access: Central elevator cores serve the floors, making distance down the hallway a factor.
Park & Beach Relationship
Kauhale Makai sits adjacent to Waipuilani Park, a large public green space that separates the buildings from the shoreline.
- Waipuilani Park: Provides a massive lawn area between the complex and the beach.
- Beach Access: Walk out of the property, across the park, and directly to the sand.
The Importance of Stack & Floor
In a high-rise condominium, a floor plan tells you the layout. The stack tells you where it sits.
What Changes As You Go Higher?
Higher floors often provide broader view clearances, potentially expanding ocean or mountain visibility. However, they also increase elevator dependence and may change lanai wind exposure.
Understanding The Views
Do not use generic "ocean view" language. Views here depend on the stack, floor, and orientation. Categories include:
- Direct Ocean-Facing
- Ocean + Park
- Mountain / Haleakala
- Pool & Grounds
The Residences
Same building. Very different interiors.
Original / Lightly Updated
Many units retain their original layouts or have seen light updates over the years, offering opportunities for personalization.
Fully Renovated
Other residences have been completely modernized with updated kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and appliances.
Kauhale Makai offers a mix of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom floor plans. When evaluating a residence, consider not just the cosmetic upgrades, but also practical elements like AC configurations (central vs. split vs. window units) and whether laundry facilities are in-unit or communal.
Recreation & Amenities
Pool & Spa
A central pool area, children's wading pool, and spa located between the towers and the park.
BBQs & Recreation
Gas BBQs, picnic areas, and shuffleboard courts situated among the landscaped grounds.
Parking
On-site parking areas. Verify stall assignments and proximity to your specific tower's entrance.
Waipuilani Park & Beach
Understanding the physical relationship between the condominium and the shoreline.
The Park Buffer
Kauhale Makai does not sit directly on the sand. Waipuilani Park, a large public green space, separates the property from the beach. This provides a massive lawn area for recreation, sunsets, and walking, but it means you cross public park land to reach the water.
Waipuilani Beach
The beach here is narrower and often windier than the Kamaole beaches to the south, making it popular for kiteboarding and long walks rather than traditional swimming.
High-Rise Ownership on Maui
For a multi-story concrete condominium building, buyers must evaluate more than just the interior of their unit. The condition of the association's infrastructure is critical.
Key Systems to Investigate
- Elevators: Check modernization history, maintenance, and planned capital projects.
- Plumbing Stacks: In vertical buildings, supply and waste lines are shared vertically. Review replacement history.
- Concrete & Structural: Look for documented spalling repairs, lanai maintenance, and exterior waterproofing/coatings.
- Windows & Sliders: Understand owner versus association responsibility for replacements, especially regarding wind/hurricane requirements.
Insurance & Reserves
Review the master property insurance, including hurricane, wind, and flood coverage limits and deductibles. Cross-reference this with the AOAO's reserve study, annual budget, and recent meeting minutes to identify any pending special assessments or major capital plans.
Zoning & Rental Use
Kauhale Makai has historically seen vacation rental use. However, historical use does not establish current or future eligibility. Buyers must verify current Maui County zoning laws, Minatoya List status, and AOAO rules through 2026 and beyond. Do not rely on historical rental advertisements.
Recent Sales
Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking About Kauhale Makai?
At Kauhale Makai, choosing the right condo is about much more than bedrooms and square footage. Building, floor, stack, orientation, view, renovation, parking, elevators, association condition and current rental rules can all change the ownership experience. Real Maui Life can help you understand those differences before you buy.