In a word, this place is amazing! We stayed here for 8 nights with two adults and three children and could not have been happier.
The unit was nice, clean, comfortable, and well-appointed with everything necessary to make it your home while in Maui. Having the master bedroom on the main floor and second bedroom in a loft was optimal for us to provide a little separation between the parents and kids. The second-floor location was great because we felt safe leaving the windows open all the time. That it is a beachfront unit is icing on the cake and well worth the additional cost.
The grounds of the Maalaea Surf Resort are beautiful, impeccably maintained, and a nice size so as to be quiet but still offer some basic services (including nice gas grills). If you want onsite restaurants, lots of activities, and large pools with waterslides and such, this is not the place for you. My kids and I loved playing shuffleboard right next to the beach. Most times, we had beautiful Sugar Beach to ourselves. The swimming is great with a nice gradual, sandy bottom.
The location between Kihei and Maalaea is our favorite because it is close to everything and provides the warmest and driest weather on the island. There is a good bakery (the malasadas are not to be missed!), Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (delicious - best on the island!), farmers’ market, a convenience store, and a gift shop just a very short walk down the beach and across the road. The only thing of which to be aware is that it is windy, which was fine for us because we enjoyed the surf, both while swimming (body-surfing and boogie-boarding) and while in the condo (listening to the waves). We never ran the AC, because the nice breeze flowed through the unit with the windows open...and the sound of the waves on the beach is heavenly!
The owner is pleasant and easy to deal with, and was always responsive, both before and after our booking. She even accommodated a late departure for us, which made our last day so much more enjoyable.
If you are considering this property, book it now! When we return to Maui, we will absolutely look first to stay here again.
Highly recommended!