Hono Kai
280 Hauoli St, Wailuku, HI 96793
Hono Kai spreads forty six homes across four low-rise, three-story buildings rather than one tower, giving it more of a garden-court feel than the taller buildings nearby. Built in 1972, the oldest complex in this guide, it holds a mix of one and two bedroom units, furnished with the basics (dishwasher, range, and washer or dryer access), around a pool and BBQ area a short walk from the calm water of Maalaea Bay, with whale-watching season views from December through April.
Ownership at Hono Kai is split between fee simple and leasehold units, with the leasehold portion's underlying lease running to July 2032, a separate consideration from rental eligibility that is worth confirming unit by unit. Hono Kai is apartment-zoned and, per available records, is among the Maalaea buildings that fall under Maui County's Minatoya list, the same apartment-district exception used in South and West Maui. Under Bill 9 (Ordinance No. 5909), that short-term rental use is set to phase out countywide by January 1, 2031, since Maalaea isn't in the West Maui zone that faces the earlier 2029 deadline; ask Diane to confirm current status before you count on rental income.
The short version
- ✦46 homes spread across 4 three-story buildings, a garden-court layout instead of one tower
- ✦Built in 1972, the oldest complex in Maalaea
- ✦Mixed fee simple and leasehold ownership; leasehold units run to July 2032
- ✦Pool, BBQ area, and furnished units
- ✦Beachfront, with calm water and December through April whale-watching views
By the numbers
- Year built
- 1972
- Total units
- 46
- Buildings
- 4 (3-story)
- Zoning
- Apartment
- Floor plans
- 1 BR, 2 BR
- Unit size
- 555 to 740 sq ft
- Pets
- Pet-friendly (confirm current house rules)
Short-term rental status
Ownership at Hono Kai is split between fee simple and leasehold units, with the leasehold portion's underlying lease running to July 2032, separate from the question of rental eligibility. Hono Kai is apartment-zoned and, per available records, is one of the Maalaea buildings understood to be on Maui County's Minatoya list, the apartment-district exception used the same way in South and West Maui. Under Bill 9, that short-term rental use phases out countywide by January 1, 2031 (Maalaea does not get the earlier West Maui deadline of 2029). Ask Diane to verify tenure and current status unit by unit before you count on rental income.
Rules are actively changing as of 2026. Contact Diane for the current status of a specific unit.
On the grounds
Layouts
One bedroom
1 bd · 1 ba · 555 sq ft
Two bedroom
2 bd · 2 ba · 740 sq ft
Questions buyers ask
Where is Hono Kai located?
Hono Kai sits at 280 Hauoli Street in Maalaea, between Kihei and Lahaina.
How big is Hono Kai and when was it built?
Built in 1972, Hono Kai is the oldest complex in Maalaea, with 46 units spread across 4 three-story buildings.
Is Hono Kai fee simple or leasehold?
It is a mix of both. The leasehold units carry an underlying lease running to July 2032, so ask Diane to confirm the tenure on any specific unit before you make an offer.
Is Hono Kai set up for short-term rental?
Yes, per available records. Hono Kai is apartment-zoned and understood to be on Maui County's Minatoya list, the exception that allows short-term rental in apartment districts. Under Bill 9, that use is set to phase out countywide by January 1, 2031. Ask Diane to confirm current status before you count on rental income.
Current listings at Hono Kai
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