Top Accommodations in Maui: Best Places to Stay

Maui, the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is recognized as one of the most breathtaking destinations globally. Known as “The Valley Isle” due to the magnificent valley situated between the two prominent volcanoes—Haleakalā and Mauna Kahalawai—Maui is distinguished by its stunning landscapes, luxurious resorts, and an extensive range of tourist attractions and activities.

On this island, visitors can witness the sunrise from the summit of a 10,000-foot volcano, hike through craters, and swim beneath fluttering butterflies. Additionally, one can unwind on a sunbed, enjoy a refreshing cocktail, and escape the stresses of daily life. A true paradise for water sports enthusiasts, Maui guarantees that you will not experience a single moment of boredom.

Although it is a single island, locating accommodations that align with your preferences, tastes, and budget may be a challenge due to the numerous options available. Below is a compilation of popular regions within the island to assist you in choosing where to stay in Maui during your visit.

Lahaina (West Maui)

A historic whaling village and a prominent tourist destination, Lahaina, previously known as “lele,” has undergone significant transformation over the years. Situated in the western region of Maui, Lahaina was reportedly the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii in the 19th century. Currently, this beautiful stretch of land is adorned with opulent beach resorts, numerous art galleries, and a wide array of shopping avenues and fine dining restaurants. Stroll along Front Street to experience a taste of old Lahaina and appreciate the oldest living banyan tree on the island. Adventurers can engage in canoeing, hiking, camping, and whale watching (seasonally).

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Lahaina Prison, Lahaina Historic Trail, Jodo Mission, and Maui Theatre.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas – A couple of minutes’ walk from the beach, this 4-star luxury resort features well-appointed guestrooms with modern amenities, a day spa, a poolside bar and restaurant, two adult swimming pools, one children’s pool, a fitness center, and complimentary shuttle service to the nearby shopping area. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• The Kulakane – Located directly on the beach, the Kulakane offers luxurious apartments with ocean views, barbecue facilities, safety deposit boxes, wardrobes, outdoor dining areas, and ensuite bathrooms. Other amenities include a swimming pool that overlooks the sea, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free parking. Ideal for all types of travelers, including groups of up to 6 people.
• The Plantation Inn – Just steps away from the shopping and dining area of the waterfront, the Plantation Inn provides fully-furnished guestrooms with comfortable double beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and ensuite bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy the onsite pool, restaurant, and free parking. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.

Kaanapali (West Maui)

Regarded by many as the signature beach of West Maui, Kaanapali boasts a three-mile stretch of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Once heralded as the best beach in the United States, this former royal retreat has evolved into a popular destination for travelers globally. Known as the first planned resort of Hawaii, Kaanapali is home to numerous luxurious hotels and condominiums as well as the open-air Whalers Village, a remarkable shopping complex featuring exceptional stores, delightful dining options, abundant Hawaiian entertainment, and a world-class whaling museum. For golf enthusiasts, the Royal Kaanapali and Kaanapali Kai courses provide an opportunity to spot an occasional whale while lining up for a shot.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Daily cliff-diving ritual at Black Rock or Puu Kekaa, ziplining, and Hanako’s Park.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Aston Kaanapali Shores – Just a couple of minutes’ walk from beautiful Kaanapali beach, this elegant hotel offers well-furnished rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, cable channels, PS3 Game Consoles, safety deposit boxes, coffee makers, and ensuite bathrooms. Additional amenities include an ocean-front pool, an on-site massage center, restaurants, complimentary scuba lessons, and a fitness center. Suitable for all types of travelers, including groups of up to 7 individuals.
• Ka’anapali Beach Club By Diamond Resorts – A short distance from the beach, this stylish hotel features beautifully decorated guestrooms with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, extra-large double beds, seating areas, kitchenware, and ensuite bathrooms equipped with free toiletries. Guests can also enjoy the expansive lagoon-style pool. Ideal for families.
• Aston at Papakea Resort – Located 15 minutes walking distance from the Farmer’s Market and Honokowai Beach Park, Aston at Papakea Resort offers comfortable studios with free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms, balconies, DVD players, PS3 Game Consoles, washing machines, kitchenware, and more. Perfect for all types of travelers, including groups of up to 6 members.

Napili (West Maui)

Characterized by white sand and turquoise waters, Napili (also known as Napili Bay) is among the most popular tourist destinations on Maui. Renowned for its picturesque oceanfront, delightful beachside properties, and charming resort community, the bay is also home to Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles. Widely acknowledged as one of the best snorkeling sites on the island, visitors are often treated to magical sunsets and breathtaking views of neighboring islands.

Good for: All types of travelers, particularly snorkelers.
Other Highlights: Napili Sunset Spot, Kapalua Coastal Trail, Honokeana Cove, Kapalua Cliff House, and Kapalua Beach.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort – Located on the beachfront of Napili Bay, this grand property features luxurious suites and apartments equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including private pools (in select rooms), fully-equipped kitchens, patios, and ensuite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy on-site BBQ facilities or utilize laundry services and free parking. Ideal for all types of luxury travelers, including groups of up to 7 individuals.
• Napili Kai Beach Resort – A short walk from Maui’s pristine waters, Napili Kai Beach Resort offers elegantly appointed guestrooms featuring extra-large beds, patios, beautiful views, TVs with cable channels, free Wi-Fi, and ensuite bathrooms. On-site facilities include two 18-hole putting greens, a poolside snack bar, a delightful restaurant, massage services, four pools, and a bocce ball court. Ideal for families, including large groups of up to 5 members.
• The Mauian Hotel – Located on one of the best beaches in Maui, this luxurious property offers studios and guestrooms with ocean views, free Wi-Fi, seating areas, refrigerators, and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel also features a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, ocean-facing shuffleboard courts, and a communal TV room. Complimentary breakfast is served each morning. Suitable for all types of travelers.

Kapalua (West Maui)

A paradise for surfers, Kapalua in West Maui is renowned for its powerful waves that attract elite surfers from around the globe. The region features a rocky coastline with three pristine beaches, five captivating bays, and an abundance of coral reefs and marine life, aside from its famed surf breaks. Home to the annual Billabong Pro, a women’s surf competition held each December, Kapalua is situated at the foot of the West Maui mountains. Recognized as one of the island’s elite resort areas, Kapalua is also home to two world-class golf courses: the Bay Course and the Plantation Course. If you visit in June, be sure not to miss the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival.

Good for: All types of travelers, especially surfers and golfers.
Other Highlights: Kapalua Ziplines, D.T Fleming Park, Kapalua Bay, Makaluapuna Point, and Kapalua Coastal Trail.

Kihei (South Maui)

The six-mile stretch of Kihei’s coastline, with stunning views of West Maui, Lanai, and Molokini, is celebrated for being the sunniest and driest area of Maui. A complete beachcomber’s paradise, Kihei offers excellent opportunities for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking. If you’re fortunate, you may even observe a magnificent humpback whale breaching the ocean surface. Lined with swaying palms and shaded lawns, Kalama Beach Park is one of the area’s major attractions, complete with facilities for beach volleyball, roller-skating, tennis, baseball, and more. The northern extremity of the area, Kealia Pond, serves as a sanctuary for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Maalaea Bay, Kalpolepo, Maui Ocean Center, Waipuilani, and Farmers’ Market.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Kohea Kai Maui, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member – Just a minute’s walk from the beach, this family-friendly hotel features well-appointed guestrooms with modern amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, two outdoor hot tubs, BBQ facilities, a computer room, a rooftop deck, and a daily complimentary breakfast. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• Maui Coast Hotel – Conveniently located across from Kamaole Beach Park, the Maui Coast Hotel provides luxurious rooms with mountain/garden views, laptop safes, flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view channels, seating areas, wardrobes, dining areas, and ensuite bathrooms. On-site amenities include hot tubs, restaurants, swimming pools, and bicycle rentals. Ideal for couples and families.
• Kalama Terrace – Just a minute’s walk from the beach, Kalama Terrace boasts well-appointed apartments featuring private pools, free parking, sea/garden views, barbecue facilities, ensuite bathrooms with baths, seating areas, washing machines, tea/coffee makers, ovens, and kitchenware. Perfect for all types of travelers.

Wailea (South Maui)

A prestigious resort community located on the southern end of Maui, Wailea is renowned for its 1,500 acres of exceptional beaches, luxurious resorts, and numerous tourist attractions. Wailea Beach, the area’s flagship beach, was once rated as the best beach in the United States. Other significant beaches nearby include Polo Beach, Ulua Beach, Keawakapu Beach, and Mākena Beach. This area is also home to several world-class golf courses. Swimming and snorkeling are particularly favored in the beautiful waters surrounding Wailea. For those seeking a more urban atmosphere, The Shops at Wailea feature renowned eateries, remarkable shopping options, and regular entertainment events.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, Mākena State Park, La Perouse Bay, and Hoapili Trail.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – This world-class beach resort, overlooking Wailea beach, features spacious guestrooms with tea/coffee makers, private refrigerated bars, balconies with mountain views, flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view channels, and ensuite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Guests can take advantage of the onsite swimming pools, restaurants, spa and wellness center, tennis courts, and salon services. Suitable for all types of luxury travelers.
• Aston at the Maui Banyan – Located directly across from Kamaole Beach Park, this stunning hotel offers fully-furnished suites and guestrooms equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, a hot tub, a 24-hour front desk, BBQ facilities, and bike rentals. Ideal for all types of travelers, including groups of up to 6 members.
• Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui – This exquisite hotel overlooks the Pacific and provides spacious, exquisitely designed rooms equipped with modern amenities, a variety of onsite dining options, a comprehensive spa, a 24-hour fitness center with complimentary fitness classes, three outdoor pools, and optional walking and canoe tours, as well as live entertainment. Suitable for all types of travelers, including large groups of up to 8 individuals.

Wailuku (Central Maui)

Located a short distance from Kahului Airport in central Maui, Wailuku serves as the commercial hub of the island and the county seat of local government. Best known for its locally owned businesses, a stroll through the charming streets reveals numerous family-run shops, many of which have been in operation for generations. The first Friday of each month is celebrated as Wailuku First Friday, a lively event featuring music, street food, local art and culture, fashion, and more. A wonderful way to explore the area is through the popular “Rediscover Wailuku Tour,” created by the Wailuku Main Street Association to familiarize visitors with the town’s historical and cultural landmarks.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Kapalua Coastal Trail, Iao Theatre, Iao Valley, Market Street, and the Bailey House.

Hotel Recommendation:

• Iao Valley Inn – Located in the picturesque Wailuku, Iao Valley Inn offers luxurious accommodations with well-appointed guestrooms featuring flat-screen TVs, patios, BBQ facilities, seating areas, private entrances, outdoor dining areas, and breathtaking views of the sea, river, mountains, or gardens. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily. Ideal for luxury solo travelers and couples.

Makawao (Upcountry)

Marking a quintessential Hawaiian cowboy town (or paniolo) in the heart of Maui on the mid-slopes of Haleakalā, this quaint village is noted for its vibrant art community. Once recognized among the top 25 art hubs in the United States, Makawao is the largest settlement in Upcountry and hosts the Makawao Rodeo, the premier paniolo competition in Hawaii that has been a tradition for over 50 years. This exciting Fourth of July event features bareback bronco riding, barrel racing, and numerous other thrilling attractions. While visiting, be sure to sample a cream puff from T. Komoda store, a bakery established by a Japanese plantation worker in 1916. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town to witness glassblowers, painters, and other artisans at work.

Good for: All types of travelers, particularly art enthusiasts.
Other Highlights: Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, Piiholo, Maui Hands, Makawao History Museum, and Makawao Park Eddie Tam Center.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Lumeria Maui an Educational Experience – Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the northern shoreline of the island, this remarkable hotel features elegantly-furnished guestrooms equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, yoga and meditation classes, a saltwater pool and hot tub, a sun terrace, free Wi-Fi, and private parking. Guests can also enjoy a daily complimentary organic breakfast and rejuvenating spa services (at an additional cost). Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
• God’s Peace of Maui – A few minutes’ drive from historic Makawao, this charming hotel features well-appointed guestrooms equipped with modern amenities such as cable televisions, refrigerators, closets, balconies, and private entrances. A complimentary full English breakfast is served each day. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small families.

Paia (Upcountry)

The historic town of Paia lies between Hana and Kahului and is divided into two sections – Paia and Lower Paia. This once-thriving sugarcane plantation town is now celebrated for its colorful storefronts, local art galleries, unique boutique shops, and charming eateries. The primary attraction in the area is Ho’okipa Beach, known as the “windsurfing capital of the world.” During the winter months, professional windsurfers and kite surfers from around the globe converge here to ride the impressive waves of the north shore. H.A. Baldwin Beach Park, another valuable attraction, features a stunning lagoon and a family-friendly beach.