A major hotel chain plans to open on Maui with an upscale hotel that will be a redo of the current Maui Seaside. That came as a group obtained $58 M for financing the property which had been for sale. The total cost to purchase, upgrade and rebrand the property will, however, be much higher.
The listing agent for the property, Colliers, said of the 55-year-old property that was founded by the Kimi Family, “Maui Seaside Hotel embodies the spirit of Hawaii; a place where hospitality is at the forefront.” The hotel website is still taking reservations starting at $288 nightly. It remains to be seen what will happen with future reservations once the takeover is completed and renovations begin by Hilton.
Reviews didn’t paint a rosy picture.
While they say they embody hospitality when we checked out recent reviews, we found something very different:
The most recent 1-star review included “Terrible hotel,” complaining about receiving wrong bedding, poor service, and parking “at least 2 football fields away.” Another one exclaimed, “Disappointing,” calling it essentially an old unrenovated motel. And while they deemed the staff friendly, they also called them incompetent. Basic amenities such as blankets were missing. And the third most recently said it is a “Nice OLD Hotel,” complaining it was “very musty smelling.”
People did comment widely about the nice grounds, and the beachfront location near Kahului airport will definitely be a plus for many. It sounds like it may just be the perfect time for this big makeover.
Location, location, location.
This beachfront 191 room property in Kahului is uniquely well-positioned. The property is less than 3 miles from the airport and near the boat harbor. So there’s no drive like there is to South Maui or West Maui resorts. The hotel was also free and clesr to be managed under a new agreement, which was the perfect opportunity for this new Hilton Tapestry Collection branding. Maui Seaside sits on over 4 manicured acres.
The new buyer, ASAP International Hotel, intends to renovate then rebrand the hotel as part of the high-end Hilton Tapestry Collection. According to Hilton, this is “an upscale portfolio of more than 70 original hotels that offers guests unique style and vibrant personality.”
“Once renovated, the hotel will be the only Hilton on the island of Maui for the hotel chain’s 90 million Hilton Honors members to utilize their points for vacation.” That according to the new owners. Hilton also has the Grand Wailea Resort, which is instead a Waldorf Astoria branded Maui luxury property.
Check out the “for sale” video below to see the before view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D5U3QZ8EKs&t=49s
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Not the first Maui Hilton. Kaanapali had one many years ago. It’s now Maui Kaanapali Villas.
We stayed one night at the Seaside in Oct. 2018 when we arrived on Maui so we could drive the next day to Hana before going to Kaanapali. It was just what we needed no problems would give it 3 1/2 stars.
Stayed here when my wife and I came over for a weekend from Big Island. Loved it.
My bro and I stayed at the Seaside. He was being tsfrd to Maui from Oahu. Cheap, friendly, clean and good location. Mind you this was back in the late 80’s. Had a great time! Bro finally moved to Nevada and I moved to Oregon. Still miss The Islands and family.
It’s actually sad. Last place affordable for locals to stay is no more. Maui doesn’t need another luxury hotel.
It’s not going to be a Hilton luxury hotel. It’s going to be a Hilton tapestry hotel which is quite different than a luxury. The goal is to have a place for kama’aina to have a staycation at reasonable rates and a beautiful setting. Aloha and mahalo
Wow! I’ve stayed at the Maui Seaside before! It was very ‘basic'(trying to be nice) but in a really good location. I’m very happy Hilton will develop on the site. I’m looking forward to a stay at the new hotel.
Our first trip to Maui, we stayed there. We’ve never returned…
Hilton also has Maui Bay Villas, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, which is a hotel and a timeshare.
The notable thing about the Maui Seaside is that it was like the Pagoda on Oahu, a no-frills place where kamaaina could stay without breaking the bank. Once Hilton renovates it, Maui may lose the primary hotel that mainly catered to locals.
I used to work in the hotel restaurant in high school. I’ve never stayed there after moving away when returning on vacations, but have had friends & family that have. For the money, they were pleased with the accommodations and convenience of location for sure. It’s not high end, certainly, but served the purpose.
Yes, The Grand Wailea is a Waldorf Astoria that is branded as a Maui luxury property but it’s owned by Hilton. We have been using our Hilton Honors member points there for a decade at least now.
I’m trying to get timeshare or an affordable place to stay in Maui in May can anybody
This will be a good thing for the hotel. Hilton will put the necessary money into it and bring the hotel up to date. Tapestry collection is nice. Nobody wants to stay in a musty smelly old hotel with years of deferred maintenance. Can’t wait to see the finished product.