Oceanview 1br Maui Condo..at famous Kapalua Resort!

We booked a unit (this unit) months ago, fond of its sweeping ocean views and the nicely updated kitchen. The listing was removed from VRBO (or so I thought) months ago.. We entered out unit to see a whole lot of golf course view, with a peek of ocean off to the right. The view is better from the bedroom on the second floor, but with a much smaller, less sheltered patio VRBO said it had been re-listed under a different ID number (ID2377605). Sure enough….there were the views we paid for, along with the upgraded kitchen (with granite counters, instead of tile). I called the owner, but the call was cut off mid-sentence….as though he hung up on me. I called again and the call immediately went to voicemail…same for my husband a few minutes later. The person listed as owner, perhaps prompted by VRBO, finally texted me back to admit that the unit had in fact been changed—but without any prior notification to me—to a “comparable unit.” He then offered a ‘small compensation’ So, if the unit is truly ‘comparable,’ why offer a refund? The listed owner claimed there was ‘last minute construction’ near our original unit and causing the change. We said we would prefer a comparable unit with similar views and were told he could not do more than the refund….funny thing was though, the new listing (for the unit we actually booked) was showing as currently available and of course at an ‘up-charge’ of the rate we booked under. When I mentioned this, I never got a response….but a few hours later, only the remaining days of our trip were now ‘ironically’ blocked out and the unit was now magically available on the very date that we were leaving. Also ironic, is that there was construction occurring near the one we were given (at the unit directly under ours) every day of our trip. He ultimately did refund some money, but not the total amount promised in his text to us. I advise anyone to take screenshots of the unit you reserve, to help ensure you get the exact unit you reserved.

Raymond White, the so-called host, is actually operating a shell company for Aloha Vacation Villas, who's name is nowhere on the listing. Jake, who runs it and won't even divulge his last name, prefers to remain anonymous, as his company has received numerous complaints on the Better Business Bureau website and terrible reviews throughout the internet. White added seven big ones above what Aloha actually charges, as his fee for keeping Aloha at arm's length. Aloha's Vicky (no last name, of course) actually admitted White is a crook and not authorized to rent for them, but White still has the listing going currently. So obviously the arrangement works for them. The unit was horrible. We found the upstairs toilet had leaked downstairs with Category 3 Black Water stains on the ceiling above the kitchen. There was also visible stinky black mold in the upstairs bedroom, so we dragged the mattress downstairs and slept in the middle of the living room. Jake refused to move us to another condo or offer a full refund. While we were gone one day he sent his crew in without telling us, and they patched the moldy spot. And left us a can of Febreze! You can't make this stuff up! Even after we left and his inspector confirmed the water damage we pointed out, he still refused to give us a full refund. He told us if we wanted our money we should go to Raymond White, the crook they're working with.. We took numerous photos and saved all of our emails and texts with these two characters. This is only the beginning of our campaign to protect other travelers from a ruined vacation. Will never trust VRBO again, which guarantees everything has been properly vetted. The guys certainly weren't.

Firstly, the property owner was very prompt and clear with communications-always appreciated. Secondly, the property itself was spotless, spacious and very nicely appointed. The bed was very comfortable, the AC worked quickly when needed, and honestly the unit had everything we needed and more. The patio was incredible to have-very large, covered, great furniture and lovely view of the water and Molokai! I also cannot say enough about the location-walking distance from several beaches and hiking trails, access to the golf course snack shop (equipped with a selection of Maui Brewing beers!) and also walking distance to several nice restaurants and a convenience store. If/when we return to Maui, I would likely book in this same location. It would be tough to beat. Mahalo to the host for providing us with the opportunity to stay at this lovely property!

Excellent location! Great views! Terrific property!