Maui Banyan Vacation Club

We booked through Airbnb, and the price was clear upfront with no extra fees, unlike what some other reviews mentioned. There are lots of separately managed units here, booked through different vendors, and they vary in how updated they are. Ours was beautiful, modern, very clean, and great for a long work stay. I've seen units with different decor and update levels, but the property itself was very nice. Security and front desk staff were helpful and friendly. Parking was plentiful, free, and covered. The pool area was clean, and the hot tub was hot. There were families, couples, retirees, and locals around. Getting to the beach is an easy short walk down and across the street. Some usual Kihei stops are a little farther away, but still walkable.

We came to enjoy the pool and hot tub, but Maui Banyan shut them down for over 24 hours, starting the day before a storm that hadn't even arrived. It was only a bit windy. Other resorts were still running their pools and hot tubs, so I question this management. A resort stay is part of the Maui experience, and putting safety ahead of guests' comfort to this extent is a problem. The closure was just ridiculous.

The room itself was fine, but the pillows were really hard and the old air conditioner was extremely noisy. Light sleepers might not do well here. We got there early and the room wasn't ready. Usually a hotel can hold your bags, but the area was being renovated and the front desk couldn't help us. The staff member wasn't rude, though I felt she didn't show much empathy. We ended up having to take our luggage to the beach, which was pretty uncomfortable.

The living space was roomy and comfortable, with everything needed for a stay of any length. We had a great reserved parking spot, too. Kamaole II is right nearby, and the beach is less than a five-minute walk away.