Very well-run but laid-back older Kihei condominium project that makes the very most of its location. Koa Lagoon appears to date back to the 1970s, but a good maintenance program, a forgiving environment, and good original design combine to shave years off the building. Top-of-the-line views from the lanais complement a wonderful side-entrance unit design that avoids the usual "hallway-past-the-bedrooms-to-the-living-space" layout, and gives a very gracious and spacious feel to the units which, though smaller than more recently constructed condos, seem much larger. Lanais can have a quirky design that somewhat limits their usefulness, but there is still room for four or more to dine comfortably. The kitchen, in particular, was well thought-out with enough room for two-to-three people to work simultaneously. The entrances to the units are laid out to create a sense of privacy that many projects of this vintage lack, and the elevator was particularly welcome in this 6-story building. Koa Lagoon, like all other buildings to the south, are set back from the ocean by 200-300 hundred feet (perhaps because the land was created by dredging?) but this does not detract from the views. The neighboring project, Menehune Shores, is built right to the shoreline, but its bulk does not compromise the views greatly and the landscaping minimizes the visual impact of that very large structure. Much is made of the seaweed and beach problem at Koa Lagoon but we observed several swimmers and kayakers in the water. There is no surf to speak of and with so many world-class beaches only minutes away, we came to prefer the beach since it does not attract more than one or two visitors at any time adding to the peacefulness and serenity that seems to be the hallmark of this area. The site forces the building to be very close to Kihei road which has become much noisier in recent years due to increasingly numbers of knob-tired pick-ups and SUVs. Luckily, the units have window A/C units in each bedroom, the noise of which completely drown out any road noise--we slept perfectly. Overall the project has limited, though attractive gardens, and a miniature koi pond which was probably deemed exotic in 1975 and is now just quaintly interesting. The staff is friendly, helpful, efficient, accommodating, and non-intrusive again adding to the "we'll-leave-you-alone" atmosphere that my family came to love. Central Kihei location puts the entire island in easy driving distance and necessary shopping is close-by (Safeway at the Pi'ilani Plaza and Star Market at Kihei and Lipoa), though it is a distance to the nightclubs and bars at Kalama Center. Peaceful and tranquil, hard to give the property andything other than a top-rating.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, Great pool scene, Pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure