Summary: Kevin's unit 410 certainly has that "wow" factor as you walk through the entry door to the rear slider windows and take in that direct beach/ocean view that is going to be allllll yours throughout your stay at the Mana Kai. You know right away that you've made a good choice by booking this unit, and the communications with Kevin and Todd prior to checking in made the "pre-game" process seamless and pleasant.
The Details -
First, the location: It's a great location. This unit is technically in Kihei, but it is at the extreme south end of Kihei, about 2 blocks from the beginning of the upscale Wailea addresses. It is direct beach/ocean front, and the beach is Keawakapu, one of the better beaches on Maui. We'd start each morning with a 1 mile beach walk until we hit the boardwalk of the Wailea resorts. At that point, you can walk another 1.5 miles if you'd like before turning around at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Or not. The vibe in Kihei, the 3 mile stretch to the north, reminded me of Santa Cruz, Ca., more of a 70's laid back setting, with a LOT of dining options generally in the $-$$ range with a couple of $$$'s in the mix.
The Resort/Unit: This unit was built in the 70's, and I knew that before I booked it. So you will notice some artifacts of that period in the architecture of the resort/rooms. Some things can never be updated (8-foot ceilings), some can in theory but the resort hasn't done it yet (single-paned windows/sliders), and others kind of grow on you (block walls on the lanai...wife loved how "secluded" it made her feel). The interior space has been upgraded by the owner where it counts, such as granite in the kitchen/bath and a really nice modern AC unit. The kitchen was very well stocked, it was turn-key.
We liked the location of the unit, it's east-west orientation with direct southern view of Keawakapu Beach, the fact that we could go "upscale" or "low-key" within 2 miles south or north, and the morning walks and evening sunsets. To take a quote from "The Terminator"...I'll be back!!