What makes Mana Kai one of the most unique oceanfront condos in all South Maui?
It’s the location.
I’ve been coming to Keawakapu Beach my entire life, and there simply aren’t many properties on the island that can compete with Mana Kai.
(Unless you want to spend $20 million to $40 million on an oceanfront home next door.)
You’re literally sitting on one of the best beaches on the planet, right on the cusp of Wailea.
Walk downstairs and you’re basically toes in the sand.
That is tough to beat.
Mana Kai at a glance
Mana Kai was built in 1973 and consists of 98 two-bedroom units.
One of the things that has always made the Mana Kai unique are the floor plans of the condos in the building.
All the units have two bedrooms with a flexible configuration where one ensuite bedroom can function separately from the main living area.
This gives owners tons of options in terms of short-term vacation rentals or their family’s personal enjoyment.
But before we get into what Mana Kai offers today, its history is worth talking about.
Because it’s a pretty frickin’ cool story.
The history of Mana Kai
Did you know Mana Kai has a connection to airline pilots going all the way back to the beginning?
Mana Kai was the vision of Captain Jim Christman, a United Airlines pilot who saw what Maui was becoming as commercial air travel to the island expanded.
Christman and his wife, Helen, teamed up with a group of 25 investors, including other airline pilots, and brought Mana Kai to life.
The eight-story building opened in 1973 with 98 two-bedroom condominiums.
And here’s my favorite part of the story.
Every unit was sold before construction was even completed.
And when you bought one?
Your purchase included a brand-new 1973 Ford Maverick.
Think about that for a second.
Buy an oceanfront condo on Keawakapu Beach…and get a new car with it.
Different times.
More than 50 years later, the Ford Mavericks are probably long gone.
Keawakapu isn’t. It is an enduring icon among Kihei condos.
One of the best stretches of white sandy beach.
Our family history at Mana Kai
Mana Kai isn’t just another Maui property to me.
My family has been making memories here for generations.
My parents had their wedding reception at the Mana Kai in 1984.
More than three decades later, Mana Kai became part of another generation of our family’s memories.
In 2018, my son Gavin took some of his very first steps on the lawn at the Mana Kai.
Of all the memories I’ve accumulated here over the years, that one will always be very special in our hearts.
Today, I still get excited walking down from The Shops at Wailea along Keawakapu toward the Mana Kai.
Every time I see that building and that incredible oceanfront setting, the memories come flooding back.
Over the years, we’ve also had the privilege of representing multiple clients at the Mana Kai.
After more than four decades of our family being in Maui real estate, it remains one of my favorite properties.
Keawakapu beach
One of the nicest beaches on the planet.
It’s one of those beaches that works for just about everything.
Morning walks.
Swimming.
Snorkeling.
Paddleboarding.
Watching whales during whale season.
Or grabbing a chair and doing absolutely nothing.
Mana Kai sits right at the northern end of the beach.
You’re also minutes away from Wailea’s three championship golf courses, exceptional local eateries, and designer shopping while still having easy access back into Kihei.
Amenities at Mana Kai
Mana Kai offers resort-style amenities complementing the oceanfront location.
- Swimming pool
- Barbecue
- A gym
- Yoga facilities
- Elevators
- And direct access to Keawakapu Beach
Merriman’s is also in the process of opening a new restaurant at the resort.
This is a huge value add to the Mana Kai community and another exciting addition to an already incredible neighborhood.
Are vacation rentals allowed at Mana Kai?
This is obviously one of the biggest questions buyers are asking about Maui condos today.
Mana Kai is a Hotel-zoned condo community.
That distinction is extremely important for buyers to understand when evaluating Maui properties, particularly with everything happening around short-term vacation rental regulations.
Buyers should still perform their own due diligence regarding zoning, rental rules, association rules, permitting and their intended use of a property before purchasing.
Never assume every Maui condo operates under the same rules.
They don’t.
Introducing Mana Kai 304
We just listed Mana Kai 304.
And I’ll make a pretty bold statement…
This may be the nicest remodel you’ll ever see in the neighborhood.
You need to see it in person to appreciate the quality!
The owners invested more than $400k into improvements, and when you walk through the front door, you can see where the money went.
And anyone who has remodeled a property on Maui knows one thing.
Remodeling here ain’t for the faint of heart.
Mana Kai 304 is completely done and totally move-in ready.
Just bring your toothbrush.
This wasn’t a quick cosmetic renovation designed to photograph well and get the property back onto the market.
(Every detail was intentional)
The materials.
The finishes.
The design.
The functionality.
The way the space feels when you walk through the door.
It was done right.
Who is Mana Kai 304 for?
Could it work as a second home?
Absolutely.
Could it work for someone looking for a Maui vacation rental property subject to all applicable rules and regulations?
Yes.
Could someone simply buy it because they want an incredible place on Keawakapu Beach?
Of course.
That versatility is part of what has made Mana Kai so desirable over the years.
My take on Mana Kai
I’ve watched the South Maui real estate market for decades.
Properties come and go.
Markets change.
Prices change.
Rental regulations change.
But you know what just doesn’t change?
Keawakapu Beach being one of the best beaches on the planet.
Aloha,
Anthony Sayles R(S)
808-280-6532