2018 Maui: our accommodations for 4 weeks:

For the first time in my 6 trips to Maui (Ken's 4th), we spent a week in the West side of the island---up in Kahana.  In the past, we would make a trip to the West side from Kihei an all day trip, so didn't make it there too often.  Although we thought we were hard core Kihei people, we both really enjoyed the week on the West side, too.

We ended up on the West side for a week because we decided to spend 4 weeks on Maui and only had enough points with Worldmark to get 3 weeks there in Kihei.  So I continually checked RCI and Trading Places for an exchange.  In March, 2017, a 2 bedroom unit at Kahana Villas came available for around the time we wanted to go.  So I booked it.  We didn't end up using the 1st night, but I had actually booked 9 nights there, so we still ended up spending 8 nights there.

Kahana Villas: 2 bedroom/2 bath unit, Building E, unit 403

Since we got there after 5:30, the check in building was closed.  But they have a phone that connects to their sister resort across the street and they gave me the code for the lock box.  In there I found an envelope with our keys and map.   I had read that the E building was noisy since it was close to the highway, but we really didn't hear much noise.  But, we also didn't have the windows up.

 View of E building from the highway.

 View of E building from the parking lot.  We were on the 2nd level, but the elevator was convenient from the parking lot.

 from the entryway.  Nice big kitchen to the right.

 from the lanai door looking towards the front door. 

 stairs leading to 2nd level.

 2nd bathroom to the left of the stair landing.

 linen closet in the landing by the 2nd bathroom.

 master bedroom--with open area to the lower level.  Had also read that it was hot up there since the only ac was a window unit downstairs, but we were comfortable. 

 master bathroom.

 livingroom from stairs

 little bit of an ocean view from our lanai.

 The pool area with our building in the background

 looking towards the tennis courts

 Our guests seemed happy with the 2nd bedroom.  They even said it wasn't noisy except for one night when some loud guests decided to stand outside their window and carry on for awhile.  I didn't think I'd like the open loft bedroom, but it was fine.  The washer and drier were in the kitchen, but at least there was one.  Our unit was really big and nicely appointed.  Only downfall (for my husband) was that both bedrooms and both bathrooms were on the 2nd level of the unit.  The resort and unit looked to be well maintained.  I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.


Worldmark Kihei: 2 bedroom/2 bath---Building 3, Unit 3103

We're owners of Worldmark points, so this is the resort we usually stay in when we're in Maui.  There is another resort with a few Worldmark units up in Kahana, but it's even harder to get into.  The one in Kihei has all Worldmark units, but still reserves out within minutes 13 months out as soon as online reservations come online.  

We like that the Kihei resort is right across Kihei Rd. from Kamaoli 1 Beach.   

 Building 5 and 7.  They are redoing the office now, so the trailer is the current office.  Behind it is the pool area.

 We usually reserve a 2 bedroom/2 bath unit.   Even if we don't have anyone joining us it's nice to have the extra living space and 2nd bathroom.  This is the master bedroom.

 from the lanai sliding glass doors towards the front door.  The 2 bedrooms are to the right, with the 2 bathrooms, laundry room,  and kitchen between them.  There's a large ac unit in the living room that's mounted near the ceiling.

 the small but efficient kitchen.

 Our computer table---some people actually use it for eating at.

view from our lanai.

 the large covered area where Expedia has a conceirge and does island orientations.  The resort also offers activities here like palm basket weaving, lei making, and ukulele lessons (all for a fee).

 The pool/jacuzzi area.  Nice that the pool is heated---even though it's in Hawaii.

 one of the many bar b q areas since they don't want you cooking on the lanais. 

 We were very comfortable there and won't hesitate to go back.
 

Feb.12, 2015--on to Maui from Kauai:

Usually we spend our whole vacation on one island, but this time I took advantage of good award travel itinerary to Kauai and from Maui.   We did have to pay $90@ plus $15 for one checked bag on Hawaiian for our flight between LIH and OGG, but I felt it well worth it to get to see Kauai for a few days, too.  But the 6 nights flew by and before we knew it, it was time to head to Maui.   To see my blog from Kauai, click here---   2015 Kauai


Ken is a nervous traveler, so he made sure we were at the airport plenty early---about 2 1/2 hours early for our 11:10am flight!  The flight was on time and was a nice short flight!
I love that they give you tropical fruit nectar on their flights.

 There was a lot of wind and clouds, but now and then I got pictures of land.  I believe this is Oahu.

I think this is Molokai---or is it Lanai?

  This is West Maui.

 

Feb. 19, 2013:  Makena Landing snorkeling--

Figuring we would be awake early, we agreed to do the "owner update" at 7:30 am in exchange for a $100 certificate for an excursion.  That went quickly and easily --- 45 minutes and we were out of there.   Considering it was in the unit below ours, it was quick and easy to get to also!

Their excursion presentation was starting soon after we finished the update, so we listened to it, too.  Turned out to be a good thing---we won the buy one, get one free coupon to the luau at the Hyatt.  So we used the $100 certificate from the update to buy the other one.  Free luau for us!!!  So next Monday we're off to a luau.

Just a few pictures of our 2 bedroom/2 bath condo at Worldmark Kihei.  Looks like they refreshed the rooms with new furniture, bedding and pictures.  Looks great.

a few pictures put together in a rough pan:  Here I was standing by the lanai door.

another rough pan from the middle of the room looking left towards the sliding doors to the lanai and around to the front door at the right: master bedroom to the right of the sliding lanai door, kitchen in the middle, 2nd bedroom to the left of front door, 2nd bathroom left of 2nd bedroom.  

2006-oct. 30:  Arrival day!

This seemed like a short flight to Hawaii!  Usually I'm flying to Hawaii from St. Louis---with 2 or 3 connections.  This time I was flying from Portland, Oregon, non-stop with my Dad, after spending a few days there with him.  We did have a 1 1/2 hour drive to the airport from Dallas, Oregon, but the flight was only about 5 1/2 hours.  .  We flew from PDX to use his companion flight coupon on Hawaiian Airlines for getting a Hawaiian Airlines credit card. We were only there a week, which wasn't nearly enough time!

We're also co-owners of a Worldmark Resorts contract with enough points for 1 week every year in a 2 bedroom unit.  So we booked Worldmark Kihei and were excited to check it out for the first time.   As luck would have it, we even managed to pick up the week (a day or 2 at a time) on bonus time for $450, so we were able to get our points back to use at another time.  

We were very happy with the resort!  Great location, roomy, air conditioned!, and comfortable. 

 Our first views of the resort.

Heading to our unit---we were in building 6---2 bedroom unit with twins in the 2nd bedroom.  

inside our unit.  Not the fanciest place, but tidy and adequate.

 The kitchen is small, but big enough for us.  We're on vacation!  Don't plan to do much cooking!

 Dad checking out our lanai.

  Dad likes having 2 beds---one for his clothes and one to sleep on, so I sacrificed and took the master bedroom.

 the small but adequate master bath.

 Dad making friends already!

 Gotta check out the pool.  It's really nice.  And Dad was happy that it has a huge hot tub.  We spent a lot of time by the pool.

Even at night!

Didn't do much else today---hit the grocery store for a few necessities, hang out at the pool and hot tub.  Great start to a great vacation.