Ma’alaea Kai: Loft-Style Oceanfront on Ma’alaea Bay
Ma’alaea Kai faces one of the more interesting stretches of ocean on Maui — the property sits directly above the Freight Trains surf break, a wave famous enough among surfers to draw spectators whenever the south swell lines up right.
The 79-unit building occupies a quiet cul-de-sac at the edge of Ma’alaea, with Ma’alaea Harbor and Maui Ocean Center within walking distance and the rest of the island fanning out in both directions.
Laundry is on-site with coin-operated machines. No resort fees, and parking is assigned.
The grounds at Ma’alaea Kai read like a natural extension of the unit — an expansive lawn stretches from the building to the water’s edge, lined with palms and lounge chairs, with an oceanfront pool and BBQ grills set into the landscape.
The building has elevator access, which matters for a fourth-floor penthouse after a beach day. On calm mornings the water in front of the property is clear enough to see reef structure from the lawn; when the surf picks up, the break offshore puts on a show worth watching with coffee from the lanai.
While Ma’alaea Kai is situated right on the water, beach sizes in Maui are prone to seasonal shifts and tide changes.
Ma’alaea’s food scene is small but worth knowing. Seascape Ma’alaea at the Maui Ocean Center sources fish directly from the harbor and serves it with views across the water.
Tante’s Fish Market and Havens Harborside both sit at Ma’alaea Harbor — one casual seafood, the other a proper chophouse. The Ma’alaea General Store handles morning coffee and quick provisions. For a wider restaurant scene, Kihei is a 10–15 minute drive south and Ka’anapali is about 25–30 minutes north — Ma’alaea sits at the geographic center of Maui’s coast, which makes it a practical base for exploring both sides. Haleakala National Park is roughly an hour’s drive upcountry.
Every reservation at Ma’alaea Kai includes free daily activities through our Xplorie partnership and the MPP Starter Kit: starter toiletries, paper goods, and dishwasher detergent — plus beach towels, beach chairs, and a cooler for your stay.
Browse our Ma’alaea vacation rentals for nearby alternatives, our broader South Maui properties, or let the team at MPP Vacations match you to the right unit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ma'alaea Kai Vacation Rentals:
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Where is Ma'alaea Kai located?
Ma'alaea Kai is at 70 Hauoli Street in Ma'alaea, on a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking Ma'alaea Bay. The property is walking distance from Ma'alaea Harbor and the Maui Ocean Center aquarium. Ma'alaea sits at Maui's geographic midpoint — Ka'anapali is about 25–30 minutes north, Kihei and Wailea are 10–20 minutes south, and Kahului Airport is roughly 15–20 minutes east.
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Is Ma'alaea Kai oceanfront?
Yes. The property sits directly on the ocean with an expansive lawn stretching to the water's edge, an oceanfront pool, and BBQ grills along the grounds.
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Does Ma'alaea Kai have a pool?
Yes — a heated oceanfront pool with lounge seating, plus BBQ grills with outdoor dining areas on the grounds. The property's lawn extends to the shoreline with palm trees and additional seating along the ocean side.
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What's nearby Ma'alaea Kai?
Ma'alaea Harbor is walking distance — it's the departure point for Molokini snorkel boats, fishing charters, and whale-watching cruises (December through April). The Maui Ocean Center aquarium and several harbor-side restaurants — Seascape Ma'alaea, Tante's Fish Market, Havens Harborside — are also within walking distance. Sugar Beach, one of Maui's longest stretches of sand, begins just south of the harbor. The central location puts both West Maui and South Maui resort areas within a 15–30 minute drive.