Wailea Ekolu Village By Destination Residences Hawaii
Hillside condos above Wailea with wide ocean vistas and full kitchens at lower rates than beachfront resorts.
The verdict
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Wailea Ekolu Village provides spacious, apartment-style condos perched along the hills of South Maui. Guests consistently praise the expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean and well-equipped kitchens that accommodate extended stays. However, reaching the beach requires a steep hike or finding scarce public beach parking, and several units suffer from noticeable noise from upstairs neighbors and nearby traffic. 72332
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Guests agree that the ocean views from the lanais are spectacular, looking out over Molokini, Lanai, and the West Maui Mountains. 15426
- The condos are consistently described as clean and spacious, featuring well-stocked kitchens packed with everything needed for extended stays. 2023
- Reviewers also note that the property offers solid value for the upscale Wailea area compared to neighboring beachfront resorts. 15
The catch
- Reviewers disagree on the location: some appreciate the easy driving access to both Wailea and Kihei, while others find it inconvenient for beach trips due to steep walks and difficult beach parking. 317
- Sound levels also vary depending on unit placement, with some guests reporting quiet stays while others hear traffic noise or upstairs neighbors walking around. 32
Who it's for
- — Guests prioritizing panoramic ocean views
- — Travelers wanting full kitchens for extended stays
- — Budget-conscious visitors to Wailea
Skip it if
- — Anyone demanding direct beachfront access
- — Light sleepers sensitive to upstairs neighbor noise
- — Travelers seeking on-site food and beverage service
Seen on camera
1 moments · 1 video · Wailea Ekolu Village By Destination Residences Hawaii
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“i'll show you the living room space and the kitchen so maybe it's better coming from here maybe it's brighter so pretty…”
youtube.com2:31Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
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Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.
This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: medium · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 60/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
20Food
89Location
100- “Located along the hills of Wailea with incredible vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the neighboring islands of Molokini, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe, this condo resort has an ideal location at the gateway to Wailea.” 7
- “The elevated location provides breathtaking sunset views and refreshing trade winds.” 23
Noise
84Room
60Service
50- “I found service, like food and beverage, to be nonexistent. Here's how the website describes what's available, but I didn't find that easy to get.” 3
- “I don't know if it was the fact that they didn't have my correct phone number or what the problem was, but the end result was several hours of stress while I waited to hear back from their team. I did get to go on a hike they suggested at La Perouse Bay, but it was the most frustrating check-in at a hotel I've ever had.” 3
Bed & Sleep
20- “The queen-size bed was fairly comfortable though the bedding seemed a little thin and not top quality.” 3
Value
60Where it is, how to reach it
Details read from tripadvisor.com · checked 2026-08-24
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Falls short of what $$$ usually buys
Scores 32 points below the upscale median of 92, across 365 hotels in the same bracket. In Maui it sits 28 points below the local median of 88.
- This hotel
- 60
- Bracket median
- 92
- Index median
- 90
Based on 365 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
- 7 mentions
- 1 mention
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
View the 56 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
- “The elevated location provides breathtaking sunset views and refreshing trade winds.” 23
- “The location in Wailea is great if you are planning daytrips on your vacation around Maui; however, if you want easy access to the beach you should book elsewhere.” 3
- “Grand Champions is a bit of a hike to get to the beach. The closest beach to walk to is Ulua or Wailea.” 2
- “Considering its location in posh Wailea, Ekolu Village is an affordable option.” 19
- “Known for it's tranquility, amazing views and easy access location, Ekolu Village attracts many returning visitors.” 1
- “malandterv • 6mo ago We really liked Ekolu but only stayed once for that reason. We really liked Ekolu but only stayed once for that reason. It's just too far to walk to the beach so you end up driving instead.” 2
- “Location is worth the extra, especially if you have kids. Not having to pack everyone in a car to go to the beach means you will go more often.” 2
- “Between those two, Elua is hands down nicer and yes the location is worth paying extra.” 2
- “Wailea Ekolu is ideally located just above The Shops at Wailea and minutes from world-renowned beaches, luxury resorts, championship golf, and some of Maui's finest dining.” 18
- “Located along the hills of Wailea with incredible vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the neighboring islands of Molokini, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe, this condo resort has an ideal location at the gateway to Wailea.” 7
- “Setting up above "downtown" Wailea, you have larger views than other resorts in the area.” 25
- “Great location in Wailea, short walk to the beach and good access to everything on the west side of Maui.” 17
- “I found the location especially inconvenient if you want to go to the beach. It's hard to find parking near the beaches if you don't want to walk.” 3
- “Lovely ocean views from your lanai and oh so convenient to all the world class beaches, restaurants, boutique shopping, golf courses, and the indescribable beauty of the Wailea Beachwalk.” 18
- “Good views at Ekolu though, and convenient to restaurants.” 2
- “Destination by Hyatt Ekolu Village is a skip for me. It's not convenient to restaurants or the beach.” 3
- “The queen-size bed was fairly comfortable though the bedding seemed a little thin and not top quality.” 3
- “Makena Surf south of wailea. Right on the beach, quiet, spacious. Only downside is that you really can't walk anywhere.” 2
- “One annoyance was that I could hear my upstairs neighbors all day and all evening during my whole stay. If you have upstairs neighbors, know that you will hear them, especially if they are loud. The ceiling seems a bit thin.” 3
- “A standout feature is the retractable ceiling-mounted TV paired with a Sonos sound system, there when you want it, out of sight when you don't.” 18
- “Definitely worth the extra money. Our condo was on the outside of the community (closer to the road) and we heard a lot of traffic noise and there were a lot of stairs on the walk down to the beach (which made it a little harder for our guest with mobility issues).” 2
- “Palms can be even more affordable, but the layouts of the condos aren't as conducive for parents with kids who are light sleepers. The second bedroom is sliding, slatted doors so it is noisier there and just feels more like an expansion of the living area.” 10
- “I found service, like food and beverage, to be nonexistent. Here's how the website describes what's available, but I didn't find that easy to get.” 3
- “The owners are amazing, readily accessible and very helpful. Highly recommend!” 20
- “I don't know if it was the fact that they didn't have my correct phone number or what the problem was, but the end result was several hours of stress while I waited to hear back from their team. I did get to go on a hike they suggested at La Perouse Bay, but it was the most frustrating check-in at a hotel I've ever had.” 3
- “Even better this time, we got introduced to our host, Teri. She was super helpful and amazing to deal with.” 20
- “Clean comfy condo nice kitchen.” 2
- “The condo is an older one meaning the pool is older without a view, but great value for the money and we had a lovely time.” 20
- “I chose the Wailea Ekolu Village, which is a Destination by Hyatt Residence. It was a decent value, but there were service issues, and next time I'd stay closer to the beach.” 3
- “I stayed at Wailea Elua in December and the location was amazing! Definitely worth the extra money.” 2
- “As others have mentioned about Elua, don't get units up high by the main road, you will pay the price walking back up. We made that mistake with our unit last year at Ekahi and it was pretty tough.” 2
- “Clean, high quality, designer-styled and upscale furnishings. This unit is a rock solid value - you get Wailea location and quality for not much more than a Kihei price tag.” 15
- “TPG booked this one-bedroom condo for 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night. That's a pretty good deal considering I also didn't have to pay the egregious resort fee because I booked with points.” 3
- “I'm not sure why they are charging a resort fee for such limited amenities.” 3
- “Ekolu has some good rentals on vrbo or airbnb for good prices.” 10
- “Additionally, the privacy and views of Wailea Ekolu come at a cost, the project is just far enough from the beach and off-site amenities that you would likely need to drive.” 25
- “An excellent value, it is the perfect location for a golf vacation, quality family time or for those simply wishing to spend their time in paradise away from the traffic and higher costs found in beach front locations.” 1
- “Whether you're seeking a high-performing vacation rental, a lock-and-leave second home, or a comfortable full-time residence, Wailea Ekolu #1204 offers exceptional value in one of South Maui's most desirable communities.” 18
- “Enjoy upper floor privacy with absolutely amazing ocean and outer island views from this recently renovated (2025), 2 Bedroom, 2 bath unit!” 18
- “Palms can be even more affordable, but the layouts of the condos aren't as conducive for parents with kids who are light sleepers. The second bedroom is sliding, slatted doors so it is noisier there and just feels more like an expansion of the living area.” 10
- “There was a large living area and a separate full kitchen packed with everything you might need for an extended Hawaii stay. There is a pullout couch that turns into a bed, though I pity whoever ends up getting that sofa bed as it is not comfortable at all.” 3
- “i'll show you the living room space and the kitchen so maybe it's better coming from here maybe it's brighter so pretty spacious okay so this think of it as your one bedroom apartment” On camera122:31
- “The master bedroom has a top-quality King-sized bed with luxury linens.” 15
- “The upscale tropical style living room furniture is centered around a luxuriously comfy down feather couch and chair.” 15
- “Most of the deluxe 1 and 2 bedroom condos sleep 1-6 folk (some Townhome style 2 bedroom units offer accommodations for up to 8), overlook lush, green fairways and feature breathtaking views of Maui's neighboring islands.” 1
- “Comfortable, well stocked with everything you needed. Best view of ocean and sunsets you could ask for!” 20
- “Aerial view of Wailea Ekolu showcasing lush surroundings and the scenic island landscape. 46/51” 17
- “Great view, very comfortable beds and a well stocked kitchen.” 20
- “Mark N Our family had another great stay at Ekolu. We love this property, as the units are roomy, the facilities are great, and the view is unbeatable.” 20
- “Excellent spot for a getaway. Comfortable beds, unreal view and a well stocked kitchen.” 17
- “Great view of ocean and Molokai .” 15
- “Experience paradise at Wailea Ekolu 104, where breathtaking panoramic ocean views and spectacular Maui sunsets await.” 4
- “At dusk, when the sun sinks into the sea you can enjoy your front row seat while taking in the romantic vision the twinkling lights from your lanai - it's a view you'll never forget, and truly one you'll feel like never leaving.” 23
- “Great view, very comfortable beds and a well stocked kitchen. The owner is a pleasure to work with.” 20
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about floor level.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- Bathroom rests on 1 source — too thin to rely on.
- Food rests on 3 sources — too thin to rely on.
- Location rests on 1 source — too thin to rely on.
Ask about Wailea Ekolu Village By Destination Residences Hawaii
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How much we read
Light coverage · 59/100We read 29 sources for this property, and pulled 85 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-26.
Watch this hotel
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
5 of 5 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 29 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 1Wailea Ekolu Village Rentals: Golf Vacation condosmauiownercondos.comReview siteDate not stated7 quotes used
“Known for it's tranquility, amazing views and easy access location, Ekolu Village attracts many returning visitors.”
Read originalmauiownercondos.com - 2Wailea condo for family : r/MauiVisitorsreddit.comForum threadDate not stated15 quotes used
“Makena Surf south of wailea. Right on the beach, quiet, spacious. Only downside is that you really can't walk anywhere.”
Read originalreddit.com - 3A review of the Destination by Hyatt Wailea Ekolu Village ...thepointsguy.comReview siteDate not stated17 quotes used
“The queen-size bed was fairly comfortable though the bedding seemed a little thin and not top quality.”
Read originalthepointsguy.com - 4Wailea Ekolu 104cbislandvacations.comReview siteDate not stated2 quotes used
“Great location and convenience! This beautifully appointed home is situated on the Fairway of Wailea's elite Blue Golf Course.”
Read originalcbislandvacations.com - 5
- 6Book our Wailea Ekolu Condosmyperfectstays.comReview siteDate not statedRead originalmyperfectstays.com
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