Deciding where to stay in Maui is not an essay task, and it can be overwhelming with all the choices that it has to offer.
As a matter of fact, there is no bad place to stay in Maui, but the hotels or resorts can very depend on where they located on the island and what amenities they have to offer.
Deciding where to say on the island depends on the type of vocation and activity you wish to have. Therefore, stick around as we break down some of the best places to stay on Maui and the activties nearby.
The Best Places To Stay In Maui:
If you have done research on where to stay in Maui, the chances are Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Napili comes in the top results of Google search engine.
Those are well known neighborhoods on the island, and should be your top choices when it comes to finding the best areas to stay in Maui.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the best hotels in Maui by areas, allowing you to pick your best option beside on the place and activity you wish to enjoy.
1) Kaanapali:
Kaanapali is my favorite out of the three areas mentioned above, and it is my first choice when it comes to finding a good place to stay in Maui.
However, you get what you paid for, so expect no cheap accommodation less than $250 per night. There are many beachfront resorts and hotels in the area, allowing you to enjoy 3 miles of beach coastline.
Kaanapali excel in providing the best beach activities. There are a lot of recreational activities to choose from, such as sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, parasailing, bodyboarding, whale watching, and much more.
To find a good place to stay and rent equipment for any of the activities mentioned above, you should go to Aqualani, which is a resorts’ recreation management company.
The Best Places To Stay In Kaanapali, Maui:
A. The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas:
The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas offers a cinvenient access to many activities on the island, such as snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving, whale watching, and sailing.
There are two popular attractions nearby in Maui Ocean Center and Kahekili Beach Park. It also has access to resort pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush greenaries.
There are distinctive restaurants to enjoy dining at the beachfront resort and a pool bar. This is not all, it has a fitness center and a full service spa, making it a good escape for couples.
The rooms are spacious and contains full amenities of everything you need from toiletries and much more. The beds are quite comfortable and clean, allowing you to sleep like a baby.
B. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas:
This 16 acres of land is famous for its picturesque settings, allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding Oceanside.
There is a reason why it offers one of the best accommodations in Maui with highly designed and comfortable furniture.
You can either book a one, two, or three bedrooms villas that feature resort or ocean views. Each villa has a furnished lanai, fully equipped kitchen, dinning and living room.
There are a lot of activities that offered from the resort. They can keep your whole family busy all day long, specially if you have kids, such as outdoor games, arts and craftsmanship.
On the other hand, parents can book a spa massage, workout at their fitness center, or swim mat in the pool or at the beach.
Not to forge the Mauka Makai restaurant that serves farm-fresh Hawaiian cuisine. The Inu Pool Bar offers some delicious Hawaiian drinks and cocktails at the pool.
2) Lahaina:
When searching for hotels in Maui, some of them are situated in Kaanapali Beach, but there are a few that located in the Lahaina town.
Choosing where to stay in Lahaina has some advantage or disadvantages. Staying closer to the beach might be far away from restaurants, shopping areas, and bars.
However, being close to the beach may not have those services. My advice, you should choose close to the town as you may not spend your whole day at the beach.
Lahaina town is known for its shopping boutiques, art galleries, surfing spots, and whale ports. If you want to enjoy some whale watching tours, then you came to the right place.
It is also known for its beginner snorkeling paddleboarding spots, where you can witness some marine life, specially sea turtles.
You can also walk along its coastal trails that offer a panoramic ocean view with an opportunity to spots some wildlife animals. Therefore, bring your camera to enjoy some wildlife photography.
The Best Places To Stay In Lahaina, Maui:
A. Aston Kaanapali Shores:
Located at the shores of Kaanapali Beach, the hotel offers on site amenities and entertainment venues. Each room comes with a TV, free internet, and a Playstation 3.
There are many rooms with a private balcony that offers a panoramic Oceanside view. You can head down to their library, tennis court, swimming pools, restaurants, and bars.
You can leave your kids at the gaming room or kids club to enjoy a private beach, live musical performances, and many other kids activities.
If you feel tired after a long day roaming around the island, you can lay down in their comfortable bed or book a spa massage session at their spa center.
It is half a mile away from Honokawai Beach Park and only one mile away from Lahaina Sunba. The hotels have access to many travel packages, such as horseback riding on the beach, cycling, hiking, windsurfing, diving, and snorkeling.
B. Kaleialoha Condominiums:
Kaleialoha Condominiums offers verities of fully equipped condos near Kaanapali Resort area. Located, west of Maui, this beachfront resort offers easy access to the beach, in-ground pool, sunset BBQ area, and free internet.
You can rent a bike to roam around the beach or visit some nearby restaurants and stores. They are a few minutes walking distance, so you can walk if you want to.
Lahaina town is only 4 miles away, so you can visit it and spend your whole day there. We already mentioned what you can find in town, so it is your choice.
Some of the best activities nearby are snorkeling and watching the honu (sea turtles) swimming around. You can also soak the beach and enjoy a sunset walk at the beach.
You can also ask the front desk about scuba diving tours, zip-lining, helicopter tours, or boat rides at the Molokini dock. There is also a good spa area on site to relax and leave all your worries behind.
3) Napili/Kapalua:
Napili and Kapaulu are lovely areas that have a bite of everything and off the beaten path vibes. They are great places to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life.
The accommodation are a bet older comparing to other areas, so they offer some of the cheapest accommodations in Maui.
If you want to save some money and stay longer, then this is your top choice as you can find similar activities than other areas in Maui, but in cheaper price. On the downside, it can be busy, specially during the peak season.
You and your family can enjoy some beach activities, such as snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, and much more at the Napili Beach, Honolua Bay, Kaanapali Beach, and D.T Fleming Beach.
They are known for having some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui, specially in Honolua Bay. You can spot some marine life, such as green sea turtles, swimming around the beach.
Hiking are some of the most common activities among tourist and locals. There are many mountains and waterfalls to explore. The nightlife is vibrant in both areas as well.
The Best Places To Stay In Napili/Kapalua, Maui:
A. Montage Kapalua Bay:
Located in the northwest corner of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay offers panoramic views of the ocean and beach. People can enjoy some watersport activities, such as fly-fishing and snorkeling.
There are other activities to enjoy beside in the ocean, such as zip lining, helicopter tours, and traditional Hawaiian Luau shows.
There are many shopping areas nearby to buy some souvenirs for your fellow travelers. You can also play tennis at their court or golf at their golf course.
The rooms are quite spacious and comfortable with full amenities. You got everything you need at the comfort of your home, so I would highly recommend it.
B. The Ritz Carlton Kapalua:
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua redesign their rooms to represent the spirit and heritage of the Hawaiian Islands. There is no better place to experience the Hawaiian culture than this place.
This prestigious place comes on the top list of the best luxury resorts in Maui, making it your top choice when looking for accommodation on the island.
It contains quite comfortable private bedrooms with full kitchen in the Napili Tower. You can relax at their private lanais that come with direct pool access, hammocks and fire features.
You can also enjoy a beautiful view of Honokahua Bay from your room, or head down to the Alaloa Lounge to enjoy some upscale garden vibes and live music.
4) Kihei:
Kihei is a laid back neighborhood with less tourist crowd. It is by far one of my favorite spot in Maui. As far as choosing the best area for excursion purposes, Kihei comes to the top list.
It is close to Haleakala, Iao Valley, the Kahului Airport, and the well known scenic Road to Hana. It also contains some of the best restaurants and beach hotels in Maui.
On the plus-side, the island contains a good weather all year round, making it a perfect hangout for vacationers at any time of the year.
This tropical paradise is known for having sunshine all year round and ocean conditions, which makes it a good place to snorkel, scuba dive, and enjoy other beach activities.
My favorite part about it is that it is only a few miles away from Haleakala National Park and Maui Ocean Center, making it a good place to enjoy all kinds of excursions from hiking to mountain biking.
The Best Places To Stay In Kihei:
A. Hale Pau Hana:
Situated in Kamaole Beach, the Hale Pau Hana offers full ocean front lanais. There are spacious and comfortable bedrooms that overlook the beach with easy access to Kamaole beach.
There are some beautiful snorkeling spots nearby, so get the chance to explore its marine life and see them at their natural habitats.
It also offers a live Hawaiian entertainment on Thursday evening from local artists. There are also gas BBQ grills on site for the whole family to enjoy.
You can take things slow and easy to enjoy the sunset and sunrise at a vantage point. There is a coffee shop nearby to buy a coffee while enjoying the sunrise (highly recommended).
B. Maui Schooner Resor:
Situated a few steps from Waipuilani Beach and only 1 km of Kalepolepo Beach, Maui Schooner Resort is something out of the ordinary.
You can enjoy some beach activities, such as snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and much more. There is no better place to do all that, in Kihei.
If you have a car or what to enjoy other excursions, you can drive to Mai Poina Beach, Wailea Emerald Course, or Iao Valley State Park. Kihei Regional Park is only 6.8 km away from the complex, while Wailea Blue Course is only 11 km away.
Beside offering a cozy and comfortable environment, there is a balcony with oceanic view, well-equipped kitchen, and private bathroom. You can also enjoy a flat screen TV with a free Wi-Fi.
5) Wailea:
Wailea has some stunning and luxurious hotels in board that can make you feel like a superstar, making it an ultimate destination for laid-back, tropical vocation.
The restaurants in the areas are something not to miss as they can provide some local Hawaiian dishes that can make your mouth watering.
Not to forget the miles of golden sand beaching that are suitable for sunbathing and water sport activities, such as snorkeling, horseback riding, and scuba diving.
This upscale community offers an abundance of shopping areas that allow you to shop until you drop, such as the Wailea shop mall. It has some of the most famous brands, such as Gucci, Louis, and Prada.
It is also vibrant with bars and lively entertainments. The nightlife at Wailea is something not to miss. You can order your favorite drink at a local bar and enjoy live music.
The Best Places To Stay In Wailea, Maui:
A. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea:
Overlooks the Wailea Beach, the resort is luxurious hotels that features 3 swimming pools and 3 restaurants on site, allowing you to relax at oceanic or garden views rooms.
The rooms are quite elegant, comfortable, spacious and top-notch comparing to other resorts. If you can afford it, I would highly recommend it.
You can enjoy a Hawaiian and Californian cuisine at Chef Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant. Not to forget the Ferraro’s Bar, which futures some rustic Italian cuisine. Duo Steak and Seafood restaurants.
The Lobby Lounge offers drinks and sushi with oceanic views. You can enjoy the outdoor dinning while drinking your favorite cocktail.
You can leave all your worries behind by booking a message at their on-site spa and wellness center. Furthermore, you can also play tennis at their tennis courts.
There are many shops nearby that are less than 1 mile away from the hotel. The Wailea Golf Club is only 2 minutes drive, while Haleakala National Park is 43 miles away.
B. Grand Wailea Resort:
Grand Wailea Resort is one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Maui. The comfort of your room with a beautiful ocean view and abundance of amenities, make it your top choice when looking for a hotel in Maui.
Guest are welcome with a morning beach yoga and afternoon garden yoga. Meditation and stretch classes favorite among tourists.
Not only that but also, the resort offer beach cruiser bikes and other beach activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Not to forget the photography sessions.
You can also book a hula and ukulele lessons to learn your favorite songs using those instruments. It is suitable for kids or people of all ages.
It has easy access to Wailea Beach, allowing you to sunbath, swim, or enjoy some beach activities. Early morning beach walk is highly recommended because the weather is nice and the view for you to enjoy.
Honeymooners or babymooners can book a couple massage at Mohalu by Spa Grande to relax and escape the busy life.
There are also eight world-class restaurants at the resort, allowing you to try several multicultural dishes and please your taste buds.
Conclusion:
Where ever you choose to stay on the island, there is a taste for you. However, choosing where to stay in Maui depends on your price range and activities you wish to enjoy.
This is why we mentioned the best hotels in Maui and decided them by areas. For each area, we selected two well known hotels that can compete for the spot of the top resorts in Maui.
I hope you an amazing visit to this Paradise Island, and please, share your experience. Other travelers, including us, would love to hear how your experience went. How do you like the hotel or resort and how it went. Please comment below.
You can learn about when is the best time to visit Hawaii in our separate blog, scuba diving in Maui, hiking to waterfalls in Maui, or snorkel at Hanauma Bay.
We do also have a blog about the best hotel on the Big island, zipline in Oahu, the best surfing gears in Hawaii, and the best things to do in Honolulu.
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