We stayed in Condo 117. While we were wary of staying on the ground floor due to the reviews that mentioned theft, we found it to be very pleasant and uneventful. Just keep your screen doors locked at all times and you don't have to worry.

We combed the reviews for "good" unit numbers and called ahead, which I think helped. These condos are privately owned, so the availability is based on if the owners have them booked or
are using them themselves. We requested a nice upgraded unit and ended up with 117 (tip: they assign units on the Thursday prior to the week you arrive). Unit 117 was upgraded, gorgeous granite counters, new appliances, bath, tile floor, just wonderful. It was also spotless, and cleaned by the owner's cleaning staff. Everything we needed was there, including boogie boards, extra towels, blender, coffee maker, hair dryer, plasma TV with cable, everything.

We cooked in the whole week because there is a Farmer's Market on Mon-Wed-Fri mornings, and a natural food store just 1.5 miles south of Kahana Reef. You can walk there! The natural food store makes delicious tropical fruit smoothies too. Kahana Reef has 2 barbecues available for grilling.

The view from our patio was breathtaking. You're right on the Ocean, with a seawall about 20 feet from the front of the north building (there are 3 buildings at Kahana Reef; I would recommend the northernmost if you want to avoid the pool area; less foot traffic). The seawall keeps tourists from wandering through from neighboring beaches, which we liked. You face the sunset, and Molokai which looks mystical from there, plus the channel between the 2 islands (miles wide) means WHALE viewing! We were so surprised to see hundreds of jumping humpback whales during our stay, all from our patio! We heard busy whale time is February, but March was unbelievable. We did a whale watch tour to see them up close because there were so many.

here's some other enjoyable activities:

-Do the Pacific Whale foundation whale watch tour. $35 and great.

-Snorkel Cruise to Molokini: On the Prince Kuhio: for $100 a person, we got Breakfast and Lunch on the boat, 2 snorkeling stops, all equipment included. Add on the underwater camera for $40, it is really worth it and unlimited great quality pics! They burn a cd for you on the boat.

-the drive to Hana: we got as far as the Garden of Eden, which was beautiful ($10 a person). That waterfall is accessible by the way: drive past the garden and park at the pullout past the second (white stone) bridge. You can climb down to the stream, go south a bit and you're in the waterfall pond living the hawaiian waterfall fantasy!

-Snorkeling south of Wailea: don't try the "aquarium" spot any more. the locals don't want you there and have placed boulders in front of the lava rock path. Try the park north of the fishbowl instead, it's staffed (no car break-in issues), and we saw amazing fish, plus a barracuda!

Mahalo Kahana Reef!

I will have to admit that when I found out we would be staying in room 220, having read a previous review stating that 220 was "Run down, and in need of an update", I expected the worst.

When we arrived at the Kahana Reef, I left the luggage in the car and went right up to the room. I opened the door to find a very clean, nicely furnished condo. There was a note from the maid saying if we needed anything to please call her. There were plenty of clean towels, the bedding was clean, basically nothing like I had imagined.

The view from the lanai is fabulous. The residents of the Kahana Reef are very friendly. We cooked out on the gas grills one night. The pool is very clean (and warm). There is a good Chinese restaurant just across the street. The Maui Brewing Co. is about a block away.

Lahaina was about a 15 minute drive away.

One of the complaints about the Kahana Reef is that there is no air conditioning. This may be a issue in July, but was certianly not a problem for us (there was a ceiling fan in the bedroom and in the living room)

As far as being "run down" this is definately not the case in my opinion. Are there a couple of things that could be updated? Certainly, but from what I seen it's mostly a couple minor cosmetic things.

There was a unit on the floor above us (317) for sale, so we decided to check it out one morning. This condo had been remodeled and was outstanding. New cabinets, granite countertops, completely new bathroom etc...

As a final thought, if you are the type of person who just has to have room service, someone to carry your luggage, clean linens every day and expects 4 star treatment, then go stay down the road at the Ritz Carlton". However, if you are looking for a quiet place with a fabulous view, to be your "home away from home" for a few days...then the Kahana Reef is definately worth checking out. We will most definately come back!

My sister and I just returned from a relaxing week at the Kahana Reef. We stayed in Unit 107, a beautifully renovated ground floor unit with a new kitchen, granite countertops, beautiful artwork and furnishings. Absolutely perfect!.
Enjoyed dinners on the Lanai beside the pool and BBQ area. Met some very welcoming owners who gave us great advice on what to do on our vacation. The helicopter ride over Molakai was amazing!
The complex is older but the grounds are very well maintained. The units are individually owned and are not all as nice as our unit. Our parents stayed in Unit 220 which was run down and in need of an update.
The complex is right on the water but the beach is located next door and is perfect for swimming. The Kahana Reef is a short drive to the town of Lahaina and to great snorkling at Black Rock and Napili Beach.
If you are looking for a laid back week in an economical oceanfront condo, this is the place for you.

You can't get a better view of the ocean and can fall asleep to waves your so close. If your looking for simplicity, peace, and quiet this is your place. A 5 minute drive south to the beaches (north of the black rock), can bring you some amazing snorkeling. Also Kahana is between Kaanapali and Napili, offering various dining options each way.