Looking for where to stay in Maui, Hawaii? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Maui is one of the most popular islands in the USA to visit for its unique landscapes and relaxing beaches.
It is also one of the best places for luxury hotels in Hawaii! For something more personal, check out the best Airbnbs in Maui.
There are so many options for hotels, resorts, and local homestays, it can get overwhelming, but we are here to make the process easier for you.
A visit to Hawaii is an amazing experience and booking amazing Maui accommodations can be a highlight of the trip as well.
Below, we will break down the best places to stay in Maui by area, price, and the feel of the area.
We will cover the pros and cons of each option and lay out the best places to stay. We want you to get an understanding of the unique vibe of each area in Maui so you can make a decision based on your interests.
There is something for everyone, from stunning beaches to bamboo forests, and we know there will be something for you too!
This breakdown will help you get a feeling of which Maui hotel and area is best for you and your trip!
Read more: Hawaii Packing List: 10 Things You Area FORGETTING To Bring
Understanding Maui Areas
Hawaii’s island of Maui can be divided into a few distinct areas. These areas are West Maui, North Shore, East Maui, South Maui, and Central Maui.
Each area has a unique feel and things to do. Of course, you may visit all areas during your stay but we recommend choosing 1-2 areas as your home base.
Select your 1-2 hotels based on the parts of Maui you will be spending the most time in.
During your visit to Maui considering transportation when selecting a hotel will be important as well. Maui has a limited bus system and hotel shuttles for those without a car.
If you want to experience a large part of the island, renting a car will be your best choice, which if you’re under 25 isn’t an option.
Of course, you can get creative and still see so much without a car.
If you prefer not to rent then picking the right hotel with some transportation options will be key for you.
Ferry rides, helicopter rides, bicycle rentals, taxis, and foot trails near the hotel are alternative ways to explore the island.
Deciding where to stay in Maui will really depend on your budget, what you’d like to see and do while you visit, and your mode of transportation.
Below we help you discover which part of Maui best piques your interest so you can find the best places to stay for your visit.
South Maui Is The Best Place To Stay In Maui For Couples
One of the two most popular areas for where to stay in Maui, South Maui is a tourist destination and home to many luxury hotels and condos.
Made up of several towns including Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena with small differences between the towns as well.
Maalaea is a more peaceful spot on a scenic harbor to Kihei’s shopping, dining, and activity options across the street from its beaches.
Wailea and Makena are home to many luxury hotel options and resort communities with upscale shopping and golf courses along the beach.
Wailea resorts are most costly and spread further apart than those available in Kihei.
The highlight is the relaxing no rush vibes of the area with resorts right on the beach while Kihei has lower prices, resorts across the street from the beach, more traffic but also more shopping and dining in closer proximity.
If verdant plant life and natural surroundings with cool breezes are what you prefer South Maui might not be your top choice as this part of Maui is the driest visit with the most consistent sun and warm weather.
This is where to stay in Maui for couples who want a slice of paradise to themselves.
Upsides: One of the most tourist-friendly areas. A short 20-minute drive or shuttle from the airport.
Lots of beaches, shops, and restaurants. Consistently sunny warm weather.
Downsides: The tourist-friendly nature of the area may make it busier. The verdant nature of Hawaii is further away.
Where to Stay in South Maui
Affordable: Maui Kamaole
If you are looking for where to stay in Maui on a budget, then consider Maui Kamaole.
These apartments are nicely furnished with a full kitchen, washing machine, and everything you need to feel at home.
The property has two pools, lush gardens, a hot tub, a tennis court, and BBQ facilities.
This lodging in Maui is close to Mokapu Beach Park and Wailea Blue Golf Course.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Wailea Marriott Beach Resort
Wailea Marriott Beach Resort in South Maui is the hotel for you if you are looking for a great mid-level hotel.
This modern hotel has beautiful beach views as well as multiple restaurants, beaches, and a spa within the property so you never have to leave!
The pool range from one with water slides to a dive pool.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is where to stay for the amenities and views!
If you want it all in one neat luxurious package look no further!
The Four Seasons has three onsite pools and three onsite restaurants while also being right on the beach.
While you can find all you need at the resort including a spa and tennis courts the shops at Wailea are less than one mile from the hotel as well.
With such beautiful views, you will agree this is one of the best places to stay in Maui on the beach.
It is truly one of the best luxury hotels in the USA!
Check Rates: Booking.com
West Maui Is Where To Stay In Maui For Families
West Maui has similar vibes to South Maui but city life is a little easier to reach in this area.
For the best mix of modern city life and a beach resort vacation, West Maui is where to stay in Maui with kids.
On the way to West Maui, there is a long stretch of two-lane highway that is oceanfront and so close to the water that waves often splash the passing cars.
After this unique experience, there are waterfront towns with luxury resorts, restaurants, art galleries, and stores.
West Maui is made up of several small towns of varying size and popularity including Kaanapali, Lahaina, Kahana, Napili, and Honokowai.
Kaanapali is known for its beach resorts, condos, golf, and shopping while Lahaina was a whaling port in the past with a charming seafront tourist town feel today.
Honokowai, Kahana, and Napili are smaller more private communities.
The best location for sunset is an arguable point. All the beaches have views of the island Lanai and Molokai that you can watch the sunset over.
Upsides: One of the most tourist-friendly areas with beautiful beaches and nearby shopping. Consistently sunny warm weather.
Downsides: The tourist-friendly nature of the area may make it busier. It’s a bit further from the airport, a 40-minute drive or shuttle, and further from other spots to visit on the island.
Best Places to Stay in West Maui
Affordable: Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is an affordable hotel near the most popular part of West Maui.
Just steps from the beach with ocean views, beautiful gardens, and a pool area all your needs are covered.
Not far from the resort there are activity options including whale watching, surfing, and snorkeling.
This resort also caters to sharing native Hawaiian culture through performances and activities.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger
Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger is a lovely property that is between luxury and affordable at good prices.
Napili is one of the smaller towns with a more private feel and this resort has rooms with kitchens and living room areas for a more homey feel.
Onsite there is an oceanfront restaurant, two swimming pools, a hot tub, and BBQ areas for guests.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is a magical place to stay in Ka’anapali.
This oceanfront property has a full-service spa, five onsite restaurants, a water park, and so much more.
This location outdoes itself with beautiful landscaping and modern amenities.
The water park includes pools with a rope bridge and lava tube waterslide, an infinity-edge pool, a family pool, a children’s pool, scuba lessons, and so much more.
This is one of the best places to stay in Maui for fun activities.
Check Rates: Booking.com
North Shore Maui Is Where To Stay For Road To Hana
North Shore Maui is best known for the windsurfing at Ho’okipa Beach Park which some consider the windsurfing capital of the world (also catch a glimpse of green sea turtles!).
This is one of the best places to stay in Maui for a less crowded and less touristy experience where the Road to Hana begins.
It is also a great area to stay in Maui with kids!
On North Shore, you are closer to the natural wonders of Hawaii but further from swimming-friendly beaches.
The beaches in this area have larger waves and are typically windier but also less crowded.
The area used to be home to a plantation town named Paia which is now full of boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and shops.
The Road to Hana with all its natural wonders along the way, including waterfalls you can swim under, a red sand beach, a black sand beach, and so much more begins at the edge of the North Shore area so this is where to stay in Maui for visiting the Road to Hana.
As a slightly less touristy area, there is less traffic and any drive from here is also a very scenic experience on the way to your destination.
Upsides: Some of the best windsurfing can be found here. The road to Hana is only a short drive away. It is a short 12-minute drive or shuttle from the airport.
Downsides: There aren’t any major resorts and the beaches can be windy and have larger waves, better for surfing than swimming.
Best North Shore Maui Hotels
Affordable: Banyan Tree B&B Retreat
If you are looking for cool places to stay in Maui that will not break the bank, check out Banyan Tree B&B Retreat.
While it is a little farther from the beach, it is surrounded by lush gardens.
The property has a pool, hot tub, and lounge area where you can relax.
The rooms are large and can sleep many people, making this hotel where to stay in Maui with family.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Lumeria Maui, Educational Retreat Center
Lumeria Maui has ocean views and acres of gardens and offers yoga and meditation classes daily.
The hotel also has a saltwater pool, a hot tub, and a farm-to-table restaurant!
There is a spa on location as well, making this one of the best hotels in Maui.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Paia Inn
Paia Inn is a beautiful and reasonably priced hotel in North Shore Maui.
The hotel offers complimentary beach towels, chairs, boogie boards, and snorkel gear for guests to visit the nearby stretch of the beach.
There are a variety of room types all with a homey feel and varying amenities like balconies, BBQ, patios, and even full kitchens.
This is where to stay in Maui on a honeymoon in Hawaii if you want a cozy place to relax.
Check Rates: Booking.com
East Maui Is the Most Unique Area Of Maui
East Maui is the most remote area in Maui.
You’ll take the famous Road to Hana or the other nearby towns Ke’Anae or Kipahulu.
Without stops, it’s a two-hour drive to Hana from the airport, however, you will want to stop over and over again to marvel at the magnificent scenery and explore.
With the widest breadth of natural wonders, East Maui is where to stay in Maui for hikers, adventurers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Road to Hana winds up the side of the mountain often with only one lane around corners and cliffs on the other side of the road.
It can be a nerve-wracking drive and we recommend a driver who is comfortable with this but it is so worth it!
This is the best area to stay in Maui for the numerous places to get off the road and explore natural pools, bamboo forests, and waterfalls as well as red, black, and golden sand beaches.
Along the road you first reach Ke’Anae, then Hana, and last Kipahulu depending on which town you decide to stay in.
There is only one resort in the area but many B&B, condo, and camping options.
Upsides: The least developed part of Maui with the best of what mother nature has to offer on the island.
Downsides: The furthest drive from the airport and grocery stores. Limited restaurants and only one resort option.
Best Hotels in East Maui
Affordable: Heavenly Hana Paradise
Heavenly Hana Paradise is great for its proximity to the unspoiled nature of East Maui.
The hotel rooms have covered terraces and all the expected amenities plus outdoor space to enjoy.
This is the best part of Maui to stay if you love nature.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Kailani Suite at Hana Kai Resort
Kailani Suite at Hana Kai Resort is a short 14-minute walk to Hana and just feet from Hana Beach Park.
The suite has an ocean view, a balcony with seating for meals, a living area, a full kitchen, and more for your stay.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Hana-Maui Resort
Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence, is one of the best places to stay in Maui for a resort experience that’s close to all the natural wonders!
The resort has spa wellness classes, a pool, a hot tub, and local activities, and offers adventure activities like horseback riding.
The spa offers massages and facials. At eth water, you can enjoy canoeing, paddleboarding, and more!
All the cottages have ocean views and refrigerators and the suites have full kitchens.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Central Maui Is Where To Stay In Maui On A Budget
The area considered Central Maui is the isthmus between West Maui and the larger part of the island.
This is where the Kahului Airport is located and is where you will most likely begin your Maui vacation.
You will be close to both water and jungle attractions such as Iao Valley State Park, the Waihe’e Ridge Trail, and Kanaha Beach Park.
You can also go shopping at the two-story Ka’ahumanu Center.
This area is not as touristy, which may be good or bad depending on what you want.
You will be farther from many of Maui’s top attractions, but you will be in a more local area.
You will also be able to save money since this is the best location in Maui for budget travelers.
Upsides: Cheaper accommodations, more local feel, close to both jungle and ocean landscapes, near the airport.
Downsides: Farther from popular tourist spots.
Best Hotels in Central Maui
Affordable: Maui Seaside Hotel
Maui Seaside Hotel in Kahului is a great place to stay in Maui if you want to be near the ocean.
The property has a pool and a restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
This hotel is near many beaches and the Kahului Shopping Center.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono
The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono is found in one of the best areas to stay in Maui.
You will be close to the Iao Needle State Monument, Iao Valley State Park, and the Tropical Gardens of Maui.
Enjoy your beautiful, air-conditioned room. Some include a private balcony or patio.
A delicious breakfast is included in your stay.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury: Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport
If you want a convenient place to stay in Maui, make a reservation at Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport.
This luxury hotel in Maui is only a few minutes away from both the airport and many beaches.
The large rooms include a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and a refrigerator.
There is a pretty pool area with a hot tub. At night, get comfy around a fire pit.
Check Rates: Booking.com
Now you have plenty of ideas of where to stay near Maui! You will have a fantastic time on your Hawaiian vacation!
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