Sands of Kahana

This four-building condo complex is a mixed bag of timeshares and vacation rentals. The buildings feel institutional but look better maintained than in years past. The elevators can take an exceptionally long time during busy hours. They’re on skinny Kahana Beach, which has been eroding more and more in recent years—don’t let any promotional material fool you into thinking the beach here is a selling point. The water often looks clearer than it is once you’re actually in it, but swimming can be good when calm. Plus, turtles are often seen cruising by.

On the positive side, the rooms are very large, and the layouts are pleasing, though slightly odd in places. Some bathrooms have showers and tubs with an ocean view. Stick with buildings 2 or 3 for the best views. Units vary from nice décor to so-so. Some units have central A/C. There are tennis courts, two pools (including children’s pool) and a decent restaurant and bar. Rates vary a lot with view, quality and season. 1/1s are 800–835 sq. ft., 2/2s are 1,500–1,685 sq. ft., 3/2s and 3/3s are 1,790–2,290 sq. ft. 5- to 7-night minimum, depending on season.