Kauhale Makai Condo - Kihei, Maui, Hawaii and my first VRBO.com rental

On our third trip to Maui I decided to try out vrbo.com to find a “vacation rental by owner”. Having never used this site I was unsure of what to expect. The searching is very open ended and can leave you scanning through hundreds of listings in a popular destination, but well worth the search if you have the time.

After going through my usual dates, location and best deals search online I chose a condo listed on VRBO located in Kihei, Maui. The pictures looked wonderful and the owner, Gina, was prompt and helpful when I sent an inquiry about her condo. Her listed price was unbelievable for what she was offering and last time I checked, she is still offering this great deal!

Upon our arrival to Kauhale Makai I was happy to see the pictures were true to the actual condo. Unlike some of our previous hotels where they used wide angle photos to make rooms appear larger and nicer than they really were in person. The condo was very clean, comfortable and had all the amenities we needed during our stay. A full kitchen, reclining leather couch, Queen bed facing the ocean and even beach chairs and an ice chest for our trips out. Even better, the owner provided free wi-fi and unlimited calls to the U.S. and Canada and the laundry was just across the hall for $1 a load. I truly can’t think of anything she missed in this beautiful Kihei condo. The owner redesigned this 1975 unit to the most up to date appliances and décor possible.

As with any other individually owned condo community, each unit is unique and designed by the owner. From what other residents were telling us, our unit was one of the nicest at Kauhale Makai. So staying here in another unit may not be a similar experience. The community has a pool, kiddy pool, hot tub, outdoor games such as volleyball and nice BBQ area in the commons.

The location in Kihei was centered for a short drive to any attraction you wanted to get to on the island, and a half hour drive to the airport. Stores, shopping and restaurants were all in close proximity - all while the ocean was just a few steps away and a beautiful view from anywhere in the Condo.

I was not only happy with my VRBO experience but extremely happy with this condo and will definitely be returning to one of Gina’s properties. She is extremely helpful and definitely treats her condos like her own home and provides the best service to her customers. To view her condos direct you can visit her at http://www.ginaonmauicondos.com/. Make sure to tell her Travelers Barista sent you over…maybe then I’ll get to visit Hawaii again even sooner!

If you are planning to stay in a popular destination, check out VRBO and search for rentals by owners to get a great deal you may not find with your typical vacation website! ShareThis