Condo

The best spot for whale watching!

Photo gallery for The best spot for whale watching!

Amazing View
Living area
Living area
Smart tv
Dining on Lanai

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 269.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Hot tub
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Lahaina, HI
  • Whalers Village
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Kaanapali Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Black Rock
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Kapalua, HI (JHM-West Maui)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

The best spot for whale watching!

Don't worry about picking the right Instagram filter—with views like these, you can opt for #nofilter. From its perch on the 10th floor of the Maui Kai at Ka'anapali, "Gem of Maui," a 1BR/1BA penthouse condo, offers panoramic ocean vistas that will take your breath away. It was love at first sight the first time we saw the views for ourselves - and we think you'll agree!

Of all the accommodations on all of the Hawaiian islands, Maui Kai at Ka'anapali is one of the closest to the water. Any closer and you'd be sleeping in the seaweed with the whales and turtles! In fact, every year, Molokai and Lanai host momma whales ready to birth their calves. And you'll get a front-row seat to the magic from this penthouse condo.

MILES OF VIEWS - INSIDE AND OUT

While the sights are definitely share-worthy, with a setting like this, you may want to just ignore your phone for a while. Settle into the lounger on the lanai to watch the turtles and whales zip through the emerald waters. Sitting at the 4-person patio table, it's almost like you're dining with them.

Even when you leave the beach, you don't have to leave the sights, sounds, and the smell of sea air: floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors connect the living room to the lanai, letting the ocean breezes blow through and creating a true indoor/outdoor space. There's also comfy couch and chair for relaxing after your day in the sun and sand.

Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the crashing waves in the king bed, made up with elegant linens and bedding. The master also offers a 40" flat screen TV, plenty of storage space, and updated bathroom with walk-in shower.

Whether you're an at-home chef or a takeout aficionado, the fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook (or re-heat restaurant leftovers). It's outfitted with full-size appliances, plus extras like a blender and mixer. Cooking up the most important meal of the day is a cinch with a coffeemaker, egg poacher, waffle iron, and muffin tin. Enjoy your meals at the 4-person table, where you can still see the ocean as you enjoy a home-cooked meal. Or grill out in the cabana area by the pool.

FREE AMENITIES GALORE

While other resorts nickel and dime, here there's free parking and NO RESORT FEES. The penthouse condo comes with a flat screen TV, stereo with iPod docking system, and complimentary WiFi.

The checklist of other awesome amenities stretches as far as the views: air conditioning, coin-operated washer/dryer outside your door, free parking, and ice maker.

CAN'T-BE-BEAT LOCATION

Like the Zac Brown Band song says, you can have your toes in water and butt in the sand in just a few steps. The hotel sits right on the beach and we provide beach chairs, boogie boards, coolers, and towels for you to use during your stay.

Consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world, Ka'anapali Beach with three miles of soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Ka'anapali also is home to the open-air Whalers Village with oceanfront dining, shopping, and entertainment, including a cool whaling museum.

When you need to stock up on the essentials, Times grocery store is a just a 5-minute walk. Experience the food and culture of Hawaii at the farmers market, fish market, and local restaurants like Maui Grill Ka'anapali and Roy's, all just minutes away.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
ALLOWED
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
A security deposit hold prior to arrival $250. and will be automatically refunded 4 days after departure unless there is damages.
Guest is Required to sign Rental Agreement.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number GE-009-819-9552-01, TA-009-819-9552-01, 4440011000076

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Kaanapali

Located in Kaanapali, this condo is in a rural area. Shoppers can check out Whalers Village, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock.
Map
Lahaina, HI

What's nearby

  • Kaanapali Kai Course at Kaanapali Golf Resort - 5 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Whalers Village - 6 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Kaanapali Beach - 7 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Black Rock - 8 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Napili Bay - 9 min drive - 7.4 km

Getting around

  • Kapalua, HI (JHM-West Maui) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Hula Grill Kaanapali - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Duke's Beach House Maui - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Paradiso - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Slappy Cakes - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does The best spot for whale watching! have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is The best spot for whale watching! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The best spot for whale watching!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The best spot for whale watching!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The best spot for whale watching! located?

Situated in a rural location, this condo building is steps from Keka'a Beach and within 3 mi (5 km) of Kaanapali Beach and Whalers Village. Honokowai Beach Park and Kahana Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 137 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 137 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 137 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 137 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 137 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Jim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great View! Average condo.

We enjoyed our time in Maui. The view from this condo on the 10th floor facing the ocean is as advertised is exactly as advertised - outstanding.The condo itself is in decline, a victim of age and the aggressive salt atmosphere. Lots of rust on appliances and doorways.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brad S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

On the water

Amazing views. Great spot to whale watch and listen to the ocean. Location is great! Tons of options within a ten minute drive.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Nancy L.

Great trip

Wonderful location with all you need for a great trip
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Keith B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to enjoy Lahaina

Really enjoyed staying here. You can hear the waves!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melanie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect vacation accommodation!

The only thing that would have made our stay any better was if we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Stanislav G.

Awesome stop in North Maui

Place and location are fantastic if you are looking for a beach vacation. Everything is close by - good beaches, food and the views and rainbows are top of the line!
Stayed 11 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Shelby M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great honeymoon stay

Cathy was very communicative leading up to our visit, and the location was great for our trip. Can't beat the view from the balcony, it is the perfect getaway!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jane P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning views

The views from the balcony are stunning. Great location and well appointed. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jon M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing view

Great place with an amazing view!!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jenna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay - balcony perfect

We loved our stay - easy to park and access, we spent every sunset on the balcony. Appreciated the chairs, umbrella, and cooler!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donald P.

Great stay.

Very comfortable. Fantastic view.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018

8/10 Good

Douglas M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a view!

Best view in Maui. We had a great stay.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring R&R

Great place to relax and enjoy the view!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ann M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing view

Wonderful location, quiet, relaxing, and the most beautiful sunsets! I would highly recommend this condo and will stay again when returning to Maui!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Brian B.

Fantastic!

Amazing view with all the necessary amenities. Location is perfect. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

Great Kaanapali Location

We loved our stay at the Maui Kai. The unit was clean, spacious and had gorgeous views. It was everything we were looking for in our stay. We would definitely come back again!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

James M.

Wonderful stay

We had a great time during our stay! Everything there and fully equipped! The mattress was very comfortable and the views were amazing! Just wish I was there during whale season!!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ridiculous Ocean View

I would pay to just sleep on the lanai. Our stay was amazing. We couldn't always snorkel down outside the hotel, but when we did it was the best snorkeling we've ever done. Turtles everywhere, tons of fish of all sizes, great location for us, walkable to Snorkel Bob's and ABC Store. It was nicer than the $1500/night suite my mom got down the street.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great view

We had a great 9 day stay at the end of March. The whale watching and relaxing on the lanai was such a highlight of our visit. The unit was well appointed and close to amenities. We would stay here again!
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

Fantastic location, value, and setting!

Had a fantastic time staying at Cathy's beautiful beachfront Condo at the Maui Kai. Convenient Kaanapali location, very clean and well-maintained, and had everything for us to make our stay perfect. Will come back!

10/10 Excellent

Jake B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing views

We had an amazing trip. Condo is as advertised you’ll have phenomenal views everyday we saw turtles whales and a monk seal all from the lanai. We will definitely be coming back.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Smokin

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it..very private..

We had a great time ..!...great view and very private...thx so much.!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice

Great location. Incredible view. Comfortable space.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Linda W.

Clean, staff very helpful, available always!

Comfortable, beautiful sites from the lanai, staff very helpful!! We will recommend the “penthouse” to those we know visiting the island! A fabulous experience... ♥️♥️♥️ Linda Wilson, Fort Worth TX
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2018

About the host

Your host

Host profile image
Hi my name is Cathy Scott my husband Kelly and I own The Gem Of Maui. We have four kids and four granddaughters. We have 4 vacation rentals 2 on Maui and 2 in the Mountains in western Canada. Our family loves the ocean and they love the mountains.

Why they chose this property

1004 is on the top floor of the Maui Kai and the view is amazing. Waking in the morning listening the the sound of the ocean and eating breakfast out on the Lanai (patio). Watching the sea turtle swimming, whale watching, and amazing Sunsets

What makes this property unique

Not Managed by a rental company. Talk to the owner any time. On Island contact person just minutes away. Cleaning can be arranged or just change all the wet towels with just a days notice