Did you know that 8 out of the 18 Wailea condo communities have names that start with the word Wailea? It’s a certainly a prestigious word with a reputation built over decades as one of the top destinations for the enjoying luxury lifestyle on Maui, so it’s not surprising that the word Wailea is used first for so many great developments in the master planned community.

Most of these condos have vastly different names after the word “Wailea”, such as Wailea Beach Villas or Wailea Point, but there are two that seem so similar at first glance that many people get them mixed up.

The difference between Ekahi and Ekolu

Do you know what Ekahi and Ekolu mean in Hawaiian?

while Ekolu means “three” or “third”.

And those names tell part of the story of how Wailea was originally developed.

Early condo developments in Wailea

Wailea Ekahi and Wailea Ekolu were two of the very first condominium communities developed within the Wailea Resort by Alexander & Baldwin in the late 1970’s.

And these two communities are especially meaningful to me because I actually lived in both of them growing up as a kid.

Long before I was selling Wailea real estate… I was living it.

Wailea Ekahi was Wailea’s original condominium community, developed in three phases between 1976 and 1978 and located along Keawakapu Beach.

Today, Ekahi encompasses approximately 34 acres with 294 residences spread throughout 54 low-rise, two-story buildings. That works out to about 8.6 residences per acre, or roughly 0.12 acres of land for every residence.

What makes Ekahi so special?

It can be easily summarized with one word…

Density

Or more accurately, the way the density was designed.

The buildings are clustered throughout the property rather than spread evenly across the acreage, leaving extensive mature tropical landscaping, open green space and pathways between the buildings.

That design is a big part of why Wailea Ekahi feels more like a tropical garden than a condominium complex.

And then, of course, there’s the location.

Walk through the property…and your feet are in the sand at Keawakapu Beach.

Ekahi also has a beachfront pavilion and multiple pools, and you’re within walking distance of The Shops at Wailea, restaurants, hotels and the Wailea coastal walkway.

Latest Wailea Ekahi listings

Ekolu offers elevation

Wailea Ekolu was developed shortly thereafter in 1979…but offers a completely different experience.

Ekolu sits at a higher elevation and borders the Wailea Blue Golf Course.

The community encompasses approximately 18.45 acres with 148 residences in 17 two-story buildings. That works out to about 8 residences per acre, or approximately 0.125 acres of land per residence.

So when you look at the numbers, something interesting emerges…

Ekahi has approximately 8.6 residences per acre.

Ekolu has approximately 8 residences per acre.

In other words, the overall land-to-residence ratio is remarkably similar. But the experience is completely different because of the location and elevation.

Instead of direct beach access… at Ekolu you get elevation.

And with elevation come some incredible panoramic ocean, golf course and outer-island views. Ekolu also has a noticeably quieter and more residential feel.

You’re directly across from the Wailea Tennis Club…a short walk down to Wailea Village…and still just minutes from the beach.

Latest listings at Wailea Ekolu

Which condo is better?

It really comes down to one question…

Do you want views or a beachfront location?

If waking up steps from the sand is most important to you…Ekahi is hard to beat. It’s a classic example of we well planned Maui oceanfront condo community.

If you’d rather have elevation…sweeping ocean views…and a quieter setting while still being close to everything…Ekolu has the edge.

Having grown up in both communities…and now having spent more than 20 years selling Maui real estate…I have a tremendous appreciation for what makes each one unique.

Two of Wailea’s original communities…two completely different experiences.

Similar land-to-residence ratios, but very different settings…

Views vs. beachfront location…

Which one are you choosing?

Aloha,

Anthony Sayles R(S)

808-280-6532

Anthony@DanoSayles.com