• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Roamancing Travel Magazine

... travelling in search of those most elusive of creatures ~ love and romance

  • Home
  • Roamancing
  • Our Travellers
  • Article Library
  • Digital Nomad & Travelling Pet Gear Guide
  • Naturally Ours, Web Series
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Leilani Kai with it's Hawaiian style roof, a home-like 10-unit resort on the beach in Kihei on the island of Maui.

Leilani Kai Resort – Home Away From Home in a Quiet, Beautiful Beachfront Setting in the Heart of Kihei on Maui

When life gets stressful, I dream of our family’s beautifully peaceful home-away-from-home, tucked away on a quiet beach, a short walk away from the shops in Kihei, on the Hawaiian Island of Maui – Leilani Kai Resort. My Hawaiian escape and home!

The perfect way to start a day!

My first memories are actually from Leilani Kai Resort, at age three, playing crocodile in the pool with my older sister of 4, and two other girls staying at this 10-unit resort on a quiet beach in Kihei. A beach on which we spent our days building sandcastles and wading through the shallows with our pails to chat with the fishermen and checkout their catch. In those days, our family had two of the units, thanks to my grandfather’s love of Maui, and we’d sit with my grandparents, watching and cheering the neighbourhood boys on, as they’d climb the coconut trees to bring my sister and I down some fresh coconuts to enjoy!

My sister and I on our first visit to Maui, making Leilani Kai Resort one of the homes of our hearts!

Leilani Kai Resort

Amazingly, little has changed about this relaxing little resort over the past few decades. It still remains in a quiet, tucked away spot, bordered by private homes. While the resort’s unit owners have changed to new buyers, or as in our case, the grandchildren of the original owners, the warm, friendly, home away from home ambiance has remained. While local kids no longer climb the palm trees for coconuts, thanks to marine education and restoration efforts, now the resort has new locals that visit, in the form of sea turtles who crawl up on the beach each night to go to sleep.

A local musician playing his guitar and serenading a turtle on the beach in Kihei.
A local musician serenading a turtle on the beach in front of Leilani Kai Resort.

Its a magical place, where after enjoying a beautiful sunset, you can bid your turtle neighbours a good night!

Unit 201 at Leilani Kai Resort

Leilani Kai Resort with it's Hawaiian style roof, a home-like 10-unit resort on the beach in Kihei on the island of Maui.
Leilani Kai Resort, my home away from home in Kihei on the Hawaiian Island of Maui.

Our family shares the two-bedroom unit (in the top left corner, when viewed from the beach) from April 4th – May 2nd every year. Split with my cousins, we each have 9-10 nights. Should those dates be available in any given year, we will share the availability here.

What the Unit includes is two bedrooms – a smaller room with a queen sized bed (my favourite bedroom) and a larger room with two twin beds that can be put together to create a king sized bed. The Unit has one bathroom with a bath with a shower in the bath. The main room on the ocean side of the Unit includes a full kitchen )with a full sized oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave), dining area, and living room, all looking out on the ocean. The couch pulls out into an additional queen sized bed, should you need it. Off of this space, is a balcony over-looking the ocean.

A woman on a balcony overlooking the pool and beach at Leilani Kai Resort, about to enjoy a plate of Huli Huli Chicken and Ribs.
Tucking into a meal of Huli Huli Chicken and Ribs on the lanai.

The Unit includes:

  • Private lanai with beautiful ocean views.
  • Full kitchen with microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal.  Complete with cookware, dishes and utensils.  All you need to bring are the groceries.
  • Ceiling fans, split air conditioning (user pay) and a safe.
  • Free Cable TV, internet and phone (for free calling anywhere in North America).
  • All linens, including beach towels to use while you enjoy thr saltwater filtration pool.  Hours 9:00 AM until dark daily.
  • Spacious oceanfront landscaped property, including 19 coconut palms.
  • Shared barbecues, picnic tables, lounge chairs, and a saltwater pool.
  • One parking spot for the Unit. There is also free parking on the street.
  • On-site manager to assist during your visit.
A local avian visitor enjoying a drink from the pool at Leilani Kai Resort.
A local visitor enjoying the pool at Leilani Kai Resort.

The property also has shared coin operated laundry machines.

In April, we have never needed to use the user pay air conditioning, as the ceiling fans and putting the shades down when we are out, suffice in keeping the Unit at a comfortable temperature.

As Leilani Kai Resort operates, like a home away from home, there is no daily housekeeping and guests are expected to leave their Unit according to the manager’s guidelines at the end of their stay, before housekeeping comes in. Should the Unit not be left to the manager’s guidelines, then an additional cleaning fee is charged.

All right on the beach out front.

My Days at Leilani Kei Resort

Maui Mornings

My days at Leilani Kei Resort often start with a peaceful morning walk on the quiet beaches, exploring the tide pools, watching the fishermen, and enjoying the sand between my toes. Sometimes I will even happen upon a turtle who has yet to return to the sea from hauling out from the night before.

An early morning fisherman casting hi s line from the beach in Kihei.
An early morning fisherman casting hi s line from the beach in Kihei.

Returning to Leilani Kai Resort, I enjoy a cup of locally grown and roasted coffee and a bowl of fresh fruit (mango, papaya, guava, pineapple …) from one of the many local farm markets or fruit stands on the island, on the lanai.

Purchasing fresh fruit and giant avocados from a local farm stand on Maui.
Stocking up on fresh, local fruit and giant avocados from a local farm stand.

Usually I then head off on a morning adventure, while the water is calmer and the temperatures are cooler. This might mean snorkelling (favourite spots of mine include the lava fields at Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve or for a longer trip to Honolua Bay), joining the Kihei Canoe Club for a morning paddle on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, paddle boarding (a pastime that people enjoy right out front of Leilani Kei Resort, where many turtle frequent the reef), or going for a hike (again, a favourite spot is Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, although I have many other hikes on the island that I enjoy too, including the Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge).

Happy paddlers freshly back from the Kihei Canoe Club Tuesday and Thursday morning Sunrise Paddle.
Happy paddlers freshly back from the Kihei Canoe Club Tuesday and Thursday morning Sunrise Paddle.

We highly recommend Kihei Rent a Car for a set of affordable wheels during your stay. They are a wonderful family owned business, who jokingly call themselves ‘Canada’s best kept secret’ in Kihei, and even know to ask British Columbians if we need renter’s insurance or if we have ICBC’s roadside plus to cover our rental. They will also pick you up from the airport and drop you off at the end of your stay.

Enjoying a hike through the lava fields in Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve.
In nerdy naturalist bliss enjoying a hike through the lava fields in Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve.

Maui Afternoons

Returning to Leilani Kai Resort, I will then usually enjoy a light lunch of local goodies on the lanai. For me that usually means fresh poke and wakame (seaweed salad) from the market, along with a giant avocado from a local farm stand and fresh fruit, all washed down with guava or passion fruit juice.

My near daily poke bowl bliss!

Burning easily, while others like to enjoy the pool in the afternoons at Leilani Kai Resort, I tend to prefer a quiet and shadier afternoon – enjoying a nap indoors, getting a bit of work done from the lanai, doing the shopping, exploring the local second hand stores, wandering down the beach to visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitors Center to take in a marine science talk, enjoying a brew and / or a tour at Maui Brewery, arranging for a lomi lomi massage in the shade of a tree by the beach from Beach Day Spa or on the days that I feel like a more active afternoon adventure, heading out for a shadier hike, like to Twin Falls to swim in the pools beneath the falls.

Food shopping wise, Times Supermarket is a short (5-minute or less) walk away and has shockingly good poke and wakame (and this is coming from a fresh fish snob), Azeka Center offers scrumptious goodies like Maui Pie, Tamura’s Fine Wines & Liquors offers additional libations to those found in the supermarket and more poke, and there are local farm stands of fruit and vegetables in the Kihei Craft Fair at the corner of Nohokai St and South Kihei Road and kitty-corner to it. You can also find Huli Huli Chicken and Ribs (which I dream about) from the Kihei Craft Fair from 9 am – 4:30 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

We also love to shop in the plaza across from the Kihei Canoe Club. Farmers Market Maui is a favourite place of ours for fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as locally made tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole (which usually you need to arrive early for). They also have really good dried fruit and ginger (which I always wish I’d bought more of to bring home, both for myself and to share with others). My sister and cousin also love the smoothies and acai bowls. The pies at Sugar Beach Bake Shop are dream worthy. My favourite is the Lilikoi Key Lime Pie. My friends Monica and Andrew also love their malasadas. Additionally, they have delicious local coffees and teas to brew at home. Oh, and Monica and Andrew enjoy Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice next door.

Maui Evenings at Leilani Kai Resort

Unwinding from the day with a Maui brew and the company of local islanders.

For me, my Maui evenings are about the sunsets and turtles. Often I will sit with our Leilani Kai family of neighbours enjoying a brew and sometimes a pupu (finger food) party, enjoying the sunset. Then I will stroll down the beach to say a silent goodnight (at a respectful distance) to the turtles that have hauled up on the beach for the night.

Wishing the sun goodnight!

Usually, I then enjoy cooking a meal of local delights, sometimes barbecuing the local catch of the day.

Eating doesn’t get any better than this!

If friends wish to enjoy a meal out, there are plenty of delicious options within walking distance. A few favourites include Coconut’s Fish Cafe (which my friend Carrie would eat at daily), ekolu kitchen1279, the Kihei Food Truck Park (behind Azeka Center on Piikea Ave) and of course Huli Huli Chicken and Rib Wednesdays and Fridays (to take home, and possibly enjoy with sunset). Andrew and Monica also really enjoy Da Kitchen.

Beautiful woman smiling over a Da Kitchen Feast on the beach.
Da Kitchen Feast on the Beach

How Do You Like to Spend Your Time on Maui?

How about you? How do you like spend your time on Maui? What are your Kihei favourites or favourites elsewhere on the Island of Maui?

Kids boogy boarding.

Written by:
Erica Hargreave
Published on:
December 6, 2023
Thoughts:
10 Comments

Categories: All Aboard!, Around the World, Beaches, Destinations, Erica Hargreave, Hawaii, Itineraries, Our Travelers, Roamancing, Roamancing the Soul, Sleeps, Specialty, Travel Tips, United States, Wellness Travels, World's Best SoaksTags: Kihei, Maui

About Erica Hargreave

Erica Hargreave is the co-founder and editor-in-chief for Roamancing. Her vision for Roamancing is in sharing the love and beauty in this world of ours, as we explore different cultures. Over the years, Erica has won awards internationally for her writing, podcasting, and filmmaking.

As a traveller, Erica was fortunate to grow up in parks, learning about the natural and cultural history of places from her mom, and accompanying her dad on work trips abroad, where she'd explore the area on her own, taking her dad back to her favourite places once he was done his meetings. These days, she can often be found road tripping and hiking with her cat!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nat

    February 21, 2024 at 10:50 pm

    We never spent much time in Kihei, spending most of our Maui time in Lahaina, Makawao and Kipahulu.
    Leilani Kei sounds like a lovely spot. We were supposed to go back this year but opted out.
    Will check back next year to see if you have availability.

    Reply
    • Erica Hargreave

      February 24, 2024 at 5:36 pm

      It is a lovely spot. Thanks Nat.

      Will update this post when I know what next year’s availability is like or you can shoot me an email directly.

      Reply
  2. Sharon Hortola

    June 1, 2024 at 10:49 am

    We also are fractional owners at Lelaini Kai. I learned a few new things from your article. Thank you

    Reply
    • Dr Gloria Malone

      June 8, 2024 at 8:43 am

      We usually stay at Maui Sunset and will again in April. We would like to know your location for future visits. Thanks.
      Dr Gloria Malone

      Reply
    • Erica Hargreave

      December 1, 2024 at 1:29 pm

      My pleasure. You are most welcome. I am sure I could learn a few new things from your Maui favourites too.

      Reply
  3. Andy & Terry (106)

    March 30, 2025 at 4:27 pm

    Happened to do some searching on the resort and came across your site. We purchased two intervals in April last summer and are preparing to leave Thursday to be there for the month.
    I hope you make it this year.

    Reply
    • Erica Hargreave

      April 7, 2025 at 12:41 pm

      Sadly I gave up our time to our cousins’ families, so that they could divide it up evenly between them. You’ll love it though. April is rather a most excellent month to go, as it isn’t too busy there then. Sandy and Eric should be there during your time though, so you will have to say “hello” to them for me. You should find them on the edge of the dunes for sunset most nights.

      Reply
      • Andy Holleman

        April 12, 2025 at 7:51 pm

        April doesn’t seem to be the month for sunset watchers! In November it felt like half the resort was there each night. Pretty quiet, but also, this time of year the sun is setting behind the island rather than the open ocean. Not as dramatic!!

        Reply
        • Erica Hargreave

          April 13, 2025 at 12:42 pm

          Once Sandy and Eric are there, you will see some sunset watchers. I’d also wander to the right up the beach around that time and keep your eyes open for moving ‘boulders’.

          Reply
          • Andy Holleman

            April 14, 2025 at 12:59 pm

            The turtles were consistently on duty the first couple of nights, and then took a break! Just a few nights ago we had one actually emerge in front of us while we sat!

            Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search Our Site

Roamancing Travel

Travelling the globe uncovering the love & beauty all around us!

We're not your average jet-set crew; we're just as happy to hunker around a campfire as we are to be finely wined & dined, as we roamance travel.

Join the Adventure On …

RSS Feed Directory

Lollygag Over Adventures to Be




Recent Adventures

Harbour View on the Island country of Grenada in the Caribbean Sea.

Pure Grenada Wellness

April 8, 2025 by Diana Ballon

Lycia, Türkiye – Where the Dead are Always with Us

March 29, 2025 by Liz Campbell

Fishermen hunting at sea with a spear.

The Last Kereks: A Story of Tradition and Survival in the Far North Russia

March 5, 2025 by Katerina Mukhina

Cape Forchu Lighthouse, near Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on the Acadian Shores

Where to Stay in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and the Acadian Shores

January 14, 2025 by Erica Hargreave

A young aviation lover poises into front of a Canadian Armed Forces Jet at the Canadian Museum of Flight

Canadian Museum of Flight : a hidden gem in Aviation

January 7, 2025 by Anne Webster

BCIT Media Storytelling Courses

Our Post-Secondary Accredited Courses with BCIT's Media Storytelling Department:

Building Your Digital Media Presence (online)
Social Media Storytelling (online)

Feedspot Top Canada Travel Blog

Explore more

Pitch Us Partner With Us Contact Us

Footer

Produced By …

This is another tale brought to you by the creatively whacky minds at Ahimsa Media.

Copyright 2011 © 2025 · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · · Log in