Where to Stay on Maui? Your Guide to the Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals

Aloha! Are you planning a trip to the beautiful island of Maui and wondering where to stay on Maui?

We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to the island’s best hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.

Choosing the right accommodation is key to making the most of your Maui adventure.

Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, lush rainforests, breathtaking sunsets, or a mix of everything, Maui has something to offer for every traveler’s dream vacation. With that, let’s dive into the different areas of the island and help you discover the best places to stay on Maui, ensuring your vacation is nothing short of extraordinary.

Also Read: Maui Adventures – 67 Top Things To Do on Maui

We spent six months living and exploring everything Maui has to offer. This island paradise offers an array of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Where to Stay on Maui

We have curated this comprehensive guide to assist you in choosing the ideal area to stay in Maui. The guide is organized into the 5 most popular regions on the island. Each section will share insights into each region’s unique features, attractions, and vacation rentals.

For those who do not have time to read this article, here’s our quick list Maui hotel guide.

The best Hotel to book with hotel credit card points is Hyatt Regency Maui Resort. Learn to book a Hyatt hotel with points!

Maui Map & Overview

Region Breakdown

• West Maui: Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina
• South Maui: Wailea, Kihei and Maalaea
• North Shore: Paia, Haiku and Hullo
• East Maui: Hana and Kipahulu
• Upcountry: Kula, Haleakala, Makawao 

Exploring West Maui Accommodations

Areas to stay in West Maui: Lahaina, Kapalua, Kaanapali

West Maui is a popular destination for travelers seeking stunning beaches, world-class resorts, and exciting water activities. With the majestic West Maui Mountains rising in the backdrop, this region offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays, all within easy access to beautiful beaches, snorkeling spots, and local attractions.

Ka’anapali (our favorite area on the Island!)

Ka’anapali is like a slice of paradise on Maui’s west coast, and you won’t believe how beautiful it is! The beaches are out-of-this-world stunning, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for relaxing and snorkeling with turtles. You can find all kinds of amazing hotels, resorts, and condos here to fit your style and budget.

Whether you want to chill on the beach, dive off the Black Rock, or explore Whalers Village for shopping and good eats, Ka’anapali has everything. Golf lovers can’t resist the fantastic courses with incredible coastal views. So, if you’re looking for a tropical escape that’s both romantic and fun, you’ll want to book your Maui accommodations in Ka’anapali.

Kapalua & Napili Bay

Kapalua, a luxurious retreat on Maui’s northwest coast, is one of the most luxurious resort areas on Maui. You’ll find quiet coves with pristine beaches and incredible unobstructed views of the West Maui Mountains.

Napili Bay (our favorite!) is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches with waterfront accommodations, perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling.

The Kapalua area captivates golf enthusiasts from around the globe with its upscale vacation amenities and stunning golf courses like the renowned Plantation Course and Bay Course. With scenic coastal walking trails, top-notch dining, and breathtaking views, Kapalua promises an unforgettable stay in Maui.

Lahaina

Nestled on Maui’s West shores, Lahaina, pronounced lah-HIE-nah, is a perfect region on Maui for travelers seeking a range of attractions, including some of Maui’s best restaurants, all within a few blocks from Front Street and the buzzing town!

When it comes to shopping, this town offers the biggest variety on the whole island. You can find everything here, from souvenirs and cool t-shirts to unique handmade jewelry, cool gifts, awesome art galleries, local crafts, and even the island’s only outlet mall.

Where to stay in Lahaina:

This post has been updated to reflect the accommodations affected by the Lahaina fires. We will continue to provide updates as hotels and vacation rentals in Lahaina begin rebuilding.

With its warm and dry climate, Lahaina stands apart from most parts of the island, living up to its older name, Lā hainā, meaning Cruel Sun.

South Maui

Areas to stay in South Maui: Wailea, Kihei

South Maui is another popular region for travelers, catering to upscale vacationers, families, and budget-conscious visitors. This area is home to beautiful white sand beaches, world-class resorts, and various vacation rentals, providing something for everyone.

Wailea, Kihei, and Makena are all great options for accommodations in South Maui. The island boasts some of the best weather, with the least amount of rain and clouds.

Wailea

Welcome to Wailea, the epitome of a dream Hawaiian getaway! This luxurious resort community, just south of Kihei, is what most people imagine when they think of Maui – a tropical paradise with its lush, perfectly manicured grounds. Picture yourself strolling along the beautiful walking path in front of the resorts, connecting you to awesome beaches and offering stunning sunrise and sunset views.

With the largest concentration of luxury resorts and hotels, Wailea is the ultimate destination for those seeking a lavish experience. The area boasts mega beachfront resorts, inviting condo complexes, excellent restaurants, world-class golf courses, and an upscale outdoor mall.

There are quite a few Wailea Beach Resort accommodations to choose from. The Andaz Maui Resort and Grand Wailea Maui Resort Maui are two popular upscale hotels in the area, with comfortable accommodations with stunning ocean views.

Kihei

Kihei, located on Maui’s sunny south coast, is a laid-back beach town with a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. Kihei offers a wide range of vacation rentals for a more comfortable and private alternative to hotels, from condos to spacious villas.

Travelers on a budget can still enjoy South Maui’s stunning beaches and attractions without overspending on high-end luxury accommodations. The long stretch of coastline offers various sandy shores, including the Kamaole Beach Park (also referred to as Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III) where visitors can swim, snorkel, take a surf lesson, or soak in the sun.

We lived in Kihei for our six-month stay on Maui. This area of the island is far more budget-friendly than other areas. Most of your Kihei accommodations options will be condos.

Also Read: Maui Turtle Guide, where we share beach information on where you can locate and swim with sea turtles in Kihei, as well as other north shore beaches!

We recommend staying near the area nicknamed the “Barmuda” Triangle (search Kihei Kalama Village on Google Maps for location). This area boasts a wide range of bars and restaurants, surf lessons, coffee shops, beach volleyball courts, and more! We also love the renal homes and condos across from Kamaole Beach Park II.

North Maui

Areas in stay in North Maui: Paia

Paia

Paia, a cool little town on Maui’s north shore, offers visitors a unique and laid-back experience. This is the place to be if you’re looking for a more bohemian and artistic vibe.

With its funky shops, vibrant art galleries, and diverse eateries, Paia has a charming and eclectic atmosphere. For a mouthwatering walk-up-and-order experience, you can’t beat Paia Fish Market. And let me tell you, you absolutely can’t miss our all-time favorite, Mama’s Fish House. Trust me, both of these spots are worth the drive.

Paia is a haven for surfers and windsurfers, thanks to its epic waves and fantastic wind conditions. Be sure to check out Hookipa Beach Park to see turtles beached up on the sand.

East Maui

Areas to stay in East Maui: Hana and Kipahulu

For a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path experience, East Maui and Hana Highway lodgings offer a unique opportunity to explore the island’s hidden gems.

Hana

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature, then Hana is your spot. With its lush rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and uncrowded beaches, Hana has a serene and untouched charm. It’s a place to unwind, slow down, and appreciate the beauty of Hawaii’s raw nature.

Most people do the Road to Hana in 1 day on an organized tour. Let me tell you… one day in Hana is too quick. You’ll likely miss out on much of what Hana has to offer.

We recommend staying at least one night in Hana at the beginning or end of your trip. This allows you to disconnect from the world and connect with the island’s authentic spirit.

Don’t miss Hana’s Black Sand Beach and Red Sand Beach!

Don’t miss the Road to Hana Group Tour!

Michael and I spent a romantic weekend getaway in Hana!

Up Country Maui

Areas to stay in Upcountry Maui: Haiku,Kula, Makawao, Pukalani

Upcountry Maui offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking a more rural and tranquil getaway. This region is perfect for those wishing to explore the island’s hidden gems, such as scenic drives, farms, and Haleakala National Park. Upcountry has some charming towns with great local shops and eateries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best area to stay in Maui?

It depends on your preferences and budget. West Maui is popular for luxury resorts and stunning beaches, while South Maui offers a mix of upscale hotels and budget-friendly options. East Maui and Hana Highway provide a more secluded experience, while Upcountry Maui is perfect for those seeking a more tranquil experience away from the hustle and bustle of beach towns.

If your budget permits, we recommend staying in Wailea or near Kaanapali Beach. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend booking a condo in Kihei.

How long should I stay in Maui?

The ideal length of stay depends on your interests and the time you have available. However, 7-10 days is generally a good amount of time to explore the island and experience the diverse regions and attractions. We recommend booking a rental car on Maui to make the most of your stay.

Also Read: The 67+ Best Things to Do on Maui.

Can I find budget-friendly accommodations on Maui?

Absolutely! There are a variety of budget-friendly options in Maui, including smaller hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. For budget-friendly condos, we recommend looking at accommodations near Kihei.

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