Maui, the second-largest island in Hawaii, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and endless activities. With so much to see and do, choosing the perfect place to stay is crucial for making the most of your Maui vacation.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Maui 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
- ✨ 5-Star: Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux
- 🏨 4-Star: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport
- 💸 Cheap: Maui Seaside Hotel
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
- 🏩 For Couples: The Ritz-Carlton Maui
In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas and places to stay in Maui, taking into account factors such as proximity to attractions, budget, and accommodation preferences. From the luxurious resorts of Wailea to the laid-back charm of Paia, we’ll help you find the perfect home base for your Maui adventure.
Quick Maui Areas Guide 📋
- 🌟 For History: Lahaina
- 🏖 For Beaches: Paia
- 🏄🏻♀️ For Water Sports: Ka'anapali
- 👪 For Families: Haiku, Hana
- 🏞 For Nature: Wailuku
- ⛳ For Golf: Kapalua
- 💎 For Luxury: Wailea
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Kihei
1. West Maui
West Maui is a popular area known for its stunning beaches, world-class resorts, and a wide range of activities. It encompasses several famous towns and resort areas, including Lahaina, Ka’anapali, and Kapalua. Here’s a closer look at each of these destinations:
Lahaina – Best Area to Stay on Maui for History ⭐
Lahaina is a historic whaling village that has evolved into a vibrant tourist hub. It offers a perfect blend of Maui’s rich history and modern-day amenities.
🛍️ Lively street: Front Street, the main thoroughfare, is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and unique shops. For history, visit the Old Lahaina Courthouse, Banyan Tree Park, and the Baldwin Home Museum to learn about Maui’s fascinating past.
🏨 Accommodation options: Lahaina offers a range of Maui hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals to suit various budgets and preferences.
Ka’anapali – Great Place for Outdoor Activities 🚤
🏖️ Beach paradise: Ka’anapali is one of the most popular resort areas in Maui, known for its beautiful beaches and wide array of activities. Ka’anapali Beach is a three-mile stretch of white sand, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
🏨 Luxury resorts: Many of Maui’s top beachfront hotels and resorts are located in Ka’anapali, offering luxurious accommodations and amenities.
🚣 Water activities: Enjoy water sports, golf at the Ka’anapali Golf Courses, or take a sunset stroll along the Ka’anapali Beachwalk.
Kapalua – Best Place for Golf ⛳
🏌🏻♂️ Golfing paradise:Kapalua is an upscale resort area known for its luxurious accommodations, championship golf courses, and stunning natural beauty.
🏆 Championship courses: The Plantation Course and Bay Course are two renowned golf courses that offer challenging play and breathtaking views. Also, explore the scenic hiking trails in the Kapalua Coastal Trail and Mahana Ridge Trail.
Overall, West Maui offers a perfect mix of Maui hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and activities to cater to various preferences and budgets.
Where to stay in West Maui? 🏨
Best hotels in West Maui
- The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua – The resort features multiple pools, a spa, and top-notch dining options. The service was impeccable and the grounds were immaculate.
- The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas – Staying at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas felt like a home away from home. The spacious villas were well-appointed with full kitchens and comfortable living areas. I loved the resort’s beautiful pools and easy access to the beach.
- Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa – The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa boasts an unbeatable location on Kaanapali Beach. I enjoyed snorkeling right off the beach at Black Rock and watching the nightly cliff diving ceremony. The resort’s pools and restaurants were fantastic.
- The Westin Maui Resort & Spa – The newly renovated rooms were stylish and comfortable. The resort’s extensive pool area was a highlight, complete with waterslides and swim-up bars. The spa treatments were heavenly.
Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Kahana Beach Vacation Club – Kahana Beach Vacation Club offers great value for the price. The condo-style units were spacious and well-equipped. I appreciated the quiet location away from the crowds but still close to beaches and attractions.
- The Gardens at West Maui – The Gardens at West Maui provided a peaceful and affordable retreat. The property was lush and well-maintained. My room was clean and comfortable, and I enjoyed the pool area and BBQ grills.
- Aston at Papakea Resort – The resort had a laid-back vibe and the grounds were beautiful. My room had a full kitchen which was great for saving money on meals. The beach was just a short walk away.
- Napili Village – Napili Village offers simple but charming accommodations. I loved the old Hawaii feel of the property. The staff was friendly and helpful. Napili Bay, one of Maui’s best beaches, was right across the street.
2. South Maui
This area is perfect for those seeking a memorable Maui vacation with a mix of relaxation and adventure. The two main destinations in South Maui are Wailea and Kihei.
Wailea – Where to Stay for Luxury 💎
🤩 Luxury Oasis: Wailea is an upscale resort area known for its luxurious accommodations, world-class spas, and high-end shopping and dining.
🏨 Lavish Resorts: Some of the best Maui resorts are located in Wailea, such as the Four Seasons Resort Maui, Grand Wailea, and Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. These luxury resorts offer top-notch amenities, including resort pools, spa services, and fine dining restaurants.
🏖️ Pristine Beaches: Wailea is home to several beautiful beaches, including Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, and Keawakapu Beach. These pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
⛳ Golfing: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Wailea Golf Club, which features three championship courses with stunning ocean views. The Shops at Wailea is an upscale shopping center featuring designer boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Kihei – Where to Stay on a Budget 💸
💸 Budget-Friendly: Kihei is a more laid-back and budget-friendly option compared to Wailea, making it an excellent choice for families and those seeking more affordable Maui accommodations.
🌊 Family Beaches: Kihei boasts several family-friendly beaches, such as Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III, Charley Young Beach, and Kalama Beach Park. These beaches offer calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
🍽️ Diverse Dining: Kihei has a wide range of dining options, from casual beachfront restaurants to local favorites serving Hawaiian cuisine. It’s also a great base for exploring Maui’s attractions, such as the Haleakala National Park, Molokini Crater, and the Road to Hana.
🏡 Affordable Lodging: Area offers a variety of budget-friendly hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. Many of these Maui lodgings are just steps away from the beach, providing easy access to the ocean.
Where to stay in South Maui? 🏩
Best hotels in South Maui
- Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux – This luxurious adults-only hotel is nestled on a cliff with stunning views of Maui’s southern coastline. I loved the spacious suites with private furnished decks and deep soaking tubs. The free shuttles to nearby beaches and restaurants were very convenient.
- Wailea Beach Resort – The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, with private balconies. I enjoyed the multiple pools, including ones with water slides, and the easy access to beautiful Wailea and Ulua beaches.
- Aston Maui Hill – These condo-style units are perfect for families or longer stays. I appreciated the full kitchens, spacious living areas, and large private lanais. The resort has a great pool area and is within walking distance to Kamaole Beach Park III.
Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Nona Lani Cottages – For a charming and affordable stay, I enjoyed these plantation-style cottages in a garden setting near the beach in Kihei. My cottage had a complete kitchen and a private lanai. The friendly owners provided lots of helpful local tips.
- Maui Banyan Vacation Club – These condos are an excellent budget choice, just across the street from Kamaole Beach II in Kihei. I had a clean and comfortable 1-bedroom unit with a kitchen. The resort has two nice pool areas and free parking.
- Hale Kamaole – Another great condo option in Kihei, with a location right across from Kamaole Beach III. I loved the ocean views from my private lanai. The units are pleasantly furnished, with full kitchens. The grounds have a pool, tennis court, and BBQ area.
- Maui Sunset – This beachfront condo resort in Kihei is perfect for watching stunning sunsets. I had a well-equipped studio with a large lanai. The resort has a pool, putting green, and is right on Waipuilani Beach.
3. Central Maui
Central Maui is the heart of the island, offering a mix of local culture, history, and convenient access to various attractions. The two main towns in Central Maui are Kahului and Wailuku.
Kahului – Near Airport 🛫
🛫 Island hub: Kahului is the main commercial center of Maui and home to the island’s primary airport, making it a convenient base for exploring the island.
🛍️ Local flavor: Kahului offers a variety of local restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visit the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, Maui’s largest shopping mall, for a mix of local and national retailers.
💲 Budget-friendly: While Kahului is not known for its resorts or beachfront hotels, it offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations.
Wailuku – Where to Stay for Local Vibe 🔮
🌴 Local vibe: Wailuku is a historic town located just west of Kahului. It offers a glimpse into Maui’s past and serves as a gateway to the lush Iao Valley. Explore the Bailey House Museum, a historic 19th-century home featuring Hawaiian artifacts and exhibits on Maui’s history.
⛰️ Scenic beauty: Just minutes from Wailuku, Iao Valley State Park is a lush, scenic area with hiking trails and the iconic Iao Needle, a towering volcanic spire.
Wailuku offers a limited selection of accommodations, mostly small bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals. For more options, consider staying in nearby Kahului or other parts of the island.
Where to stay in Central Maui? 🏨
Best hotels in Central Maui
- Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport – I had a great stay at this modern hotel, conveniently located less than 5 minutes’ drive from Kahului Airport. The room was clean, quiet, and well-appointed with a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and coffee machine. I enjoyed relaxing by the outdoor pool and hot tub after a day of exploring Maui.
- Maui Seaside Hotel – This centrally located hotel is just steps from Kahului Shopping Center and 15 minutes’ walk from the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. My room was comfortable and air-conditioned, with a flat-screen TV and mini-fridge. The on-site restaurant, Tante’s Island Cuisine, serves tasty meals throughout the day.
Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Howzit Hostels – The staff made me feel like part of the family, and the common areas were beautiful and inviting. I enjoyed the free WiFi, shared kitchen, and fun activities like karaoke and movie nights.
- Wailuku Guesthouse – This hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood in Wailuku, within walking distance of restaurants and shops. I stayed in a clean and comfortable dorm room with a shared bathroom. The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen, cozy common areas, and a lovely garden where I enjoyed my morning coffee.
4. North Shore
Maui’s North Shore is a laid-back, bohemian side of the island known for its world-class surfing, and vibrant small towns. The two main destinations on the North Shore are Paia and Haiku.
Paia – Best Area to Stay in Maui for Surfing 🏄🏻♀️
🌊 Surf Town: Paia is a charming, historic town that has evolved into a hip, bohemian destination popular with surfers, windsurfers, and those seeking a more relaxed Maui vacation.
🏖️ Beach Haven: Paia is home to several stunning beaches, including Baldwin Beach Park and Ho’okipa Beach Park. These beaches are known for their excellent surfing and windsurfing conditions, as well as their beautiful white sand and turquoise waters.
🛍️ Unique Shops: Paia’s main street is lined with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Browse the boutiques for locally made clothing, jewelry, and gifts, or grab a bite at one of the many casual eateries featuring fresh, organic cuisine.
Town offers a variety of vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts.
Haiku – For a Quiet Stay 🕊
🌴 Secluded Retreat: Haiku is a small, rural town located just east of Paia. It offers a peaceful, lush setting away from the crowds, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a more secluded Maui getaway.
🏄♂️ Surf Spots: It’s located near several beautiful beaches, including Ho’okipa Beach Park and Jaws Beach. These beaches are popular with surfers and offer stunning views of the North Shore coastline.
🌉 Explore Maui: Haiku is a great base for exploring the North Shore’s attractions, such as the Road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, and the Upcountry Maui region.
Whether you choose the lively town of Paia or the peaceful countryside of Haiku, the North Shore offers a unique and memorable Maui experience.
Where to stay on North Shore? 🏩
Best hotels on North Shore
- Lumeria Maui, Educational Retreat Center – I had an incredible stay at this educational retreat center in Makawao. The property is stunning, with beautifully landscaped gardens creating a peaceful atmosphere. The rooms were comfortable and well-appointed, and the breakfast was outstanding.
- Paia Inn – I loved the private beach access and the stylish, clean rooms with high-end furnishings. The central location was fantastic, allowing me to easily walk to various shops and restaurants. The on-site sushi bar, Vana, was a delicious bonus.
Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Puu Koa Palms vacation rental – The property offers free parking, non-smoking rooms, and complimentary WiFi. The location was great for couples, and the outdoor dining area and barbecue were nice touches. The staff was accommodating with check-in and check-out times.
- God's Peace of Maui – The property features a garden, terrace, and shared lounge, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The rooms were clean and well-maintained, and the hosts were warm and welcoming. The location was convenient for exploring Upcountry Maui and the North Shore.
5. East Maui
East Maui, also known as the “Road to Hana” area, is a remote and stunningly beautiful region of the island. It is characterized by its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and secluded beaches. The two main destinations in East Maui are Hana and Kipahulu.
Hana – Perfect Place to Relax ⛱
🌴 Hidden gem: Hana is a small, isolated town located at the end of the famous Road to Hana, a scenic 64-mile drive known for its 600+ curves and 59 bridges. Visit the Hana Cultural Center and Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture, or explore the lush Kahanu Garden and Pi’ilanihale Heiau, the largest ancient Hawaiian temple in the state.
🌊 Pristine beaches: Hana is home to several secluded, pristine beaches, such as Hamoa Beach, Koki Beach, and Wai’anapanapa State Park. These black sand beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
🏨 Limited stays: Town offers a limited selection of accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts.
Kipahulu – Where to Stay for Nature ⛰
⛰ For Nature:Kipahulu is a remote, rural area located just past Hana. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and is home to a portion of the Haleakala National Park.
🌿 Natural wonders:The Kipahulu section of the park features the stunning Oheo Gulch (also known as the “Seven Sacred Pools”), a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that flow into the ocean. Hike the Pipiwai Trail to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls for breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest.
🏕 Limited lodging: Kipahulu offers very limited accommodations, mostly in the form of vacation rentals and camping.
When deciding where to stay in East Maui, keep in mind that this area is very remote and has limited amenities. However, if you’re looking for a secluded, nature-focused Maui getaway, East Maui offers an unforgettable experience.
6. Upcountry Maui
Upcountry Maui is a region located on the slopes of the dormant Haleakala Volcano. This area is known for its cooler temperatures, stunning panoramic views, and rural charm. The two main towns in Upcountry Maui are Kula and Makawao.
Kula – Where to Stay for Agritourism 🌱
🌺 Charming slopes: Kula is a small, agricultural town located on the slopes of Haleakala. It is known for its stunning views, cooler temperatures, and unique agritourism opportunities.
🐐 Farm experiences: Visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm to stroll through fragrant lavender fields and enjoy lavender-infused products. The Kula Botanical Garden showcases native and exotic plants, while the Surfing Goat Dairy offers tours and tastings of their award-winning goat cheese.
🍽️ Farm-to-table: Town Kula is known for its farm-to-table dining scene, with many restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the famous Kula Lodge Restaurant for its stunning views and delicious meals.
Makawao – Best Area on Maui for Local Shopping 🛍
🌇 Cowboy heritage: Makawao is a charming, historic town located in the heart of Upcountry Maui. It is known for its cowboy (paniolo) heritage, art galleries, and unique shops.🎨 Art and shopping: Makawao’s main street is lined with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Browse the boutiques for locally made clothing, jewelry, and gifts, or grab a bite at one of the many casual eateries featuring local cuisine.
🌋 Crater gateway: Town serves as a gateway to the Haleakala Crater, a massive volcanic crater located within the Haleakala National Park. You can drive to the summit for stunning sunrise or sunset views or hike the many trails within the park.
Best Areas & Hotels in Maui on a Map 🗺
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FAQs about Visiting Maui ❔
What part of Maui has the best beaches?
West Maui and South Maui are considered to have some of the best beaches on the island. The Kaanapali Beach Resort area in West Maui features a long crescent of golden sand backed by resorts and amenities. Standouts include Kaanapali Beach itself as well as Kapalua Bay Beach. In South Maui, Wailea Beach is frequently ranked among the best with its wide expanses of soft white sand. Makena Beach, though less developed, is also renowned for its beauty.
Which part of Maui is most beautiful?
While beauty is subjective, the Road to Hana on Maui’s eastern side is widely considered among the most scenic areas. This famous winding road passes through lush rainforests, past numerous waterfalls, across bridges, and offers dramatic views of the island’s rugged coastline.
What is the most swimmable beach in Maui?
Kapalua Bay Beach in West Maui is frequently cited as one of the most swimmable thanks to its sheltered location and protective lava rock formations that create a calm, shallow wading area ideal for families. During periods of high surf, however, it can become too rough. Other top swimmable beaches include Napili Bay, Kaanapali Beach, and Wailea Beach.
Which side of Maui is less windy?
The south side of Maui, especially around Wailea and Makena, tends to be less windy than other coastal areas. Its geography and positioning create a shield from the trade winds that affect other shores more directly. West Maui can also be relatively calm, though North Shore beaches often experience rougher conditions.
Where to stay in Maui for couples?
The resort areas of Wailea and Kaanapali are two of the top destinations for couples visiting Maui. Wailea features high-end resorts, luxury accommodations, championship golf courses, upscale shopping, and beautiful beaches. Kaanapali has a lively vibe with hotels, condos, restaurants and bars all centered around a pedestrian-friendly beachfront area.
Where is the best place to stay in Maui with a family?
The Kaanapali Beach Resort area is very popular for families, with its concentration of hotels and rental condos located right along the beach and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions like whalers village. The calmer beach waters here are ideal for kids.
