Where to Stay on Maui: 7 Best Areas (and Accommodation)

Aloha! Are you trying to decide where to stay on Maui?

You’ve certainly picked one of our favorite Hawaiian islands!

Dubbed “the Valley Isle,” Maui is much loved for its beautiful beaches (more than 80!), whale watching, waterfalls, snorkeling with sea turtles – and gorgeous resorts.

We’ve vacationed on the island of Maui more than a dozen times over the years, staying in all the main areas of the island.

To minimize driving time, we like to base ourselves in an area where we’re walking distance to beaches, restaurants and activities. When planning your Hawaii vacation, you’ll probably want to do the same.

Here’s our definitive guide to the best places to stay in Maui – together with our recommendations for hotels and vacation rentals in each area (many of which we’ve personally bedded down in).

Where to stay on Maui: Areas

And different parts of the island offer different vacation experiences. Families gravitate to Kihei, golfers like Wailea and Kapalua, and nature lovers prefer to get away from it all in Hana.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves…

Best part of Maui to stay

When people ask us “Where should I stay in Maui?” we tell them the answer depends on your interests and budget (and we’ll cover the popular areas in a sec).

One tip: If you’re staying for more than a week in Maui, we suggest you split your time between two different parts of the island – especially if this is your first Hawaii trip.

For example, adding two or three nights in Hana to a stay in Wailea or Kihei is a good mix. So is a combination of Ka’anapali and Wailea (which is how we split our time on our last trip.)

This way you’ll experience two different sides of Maui.

Now let’s move on to the seven resort areas and recommended accommodation!

West Maui

If you’re looking for some of the island’s top hotels, this region is by far one of the best areas to stay on Maui.

In the past, you could visit the charming historic town of Lahaina here. Tragically, Lahaina was destroyed in catastrophic wildfires in 2023, and it will take time for Lahaina to be rebuilt.

Meanwhile, West Maui continues to lure visitors with its sandy beaches, fine dining and high-end shopping – all set against the dramatic backdrop of the West Maui Mountains.

1) Ka’anapali

On the west shore of Maui (about a 40-minute drive from Kahului Airport), Ka’anapali was the first planned resort area in Hawaii.

Ka’anapali is also home to Whalers Village.

A beach boardwalk (about 2¼ miles long) stretches in front of the Ka’anapali hotels and restaurants – we love it for a walk at sunset or in the morning before the sun gets too strong.

It’s easy to get around without a car if you stay in Ka’anapali. Apart from using the boardwalk, the free open-air Ka’anapali Trolley trundles back and forth between the hotels, Ka’anapali Golf Courses and Whalers Village.

With everything it offers, Ka’anapali is also a prime location to base yourself if this is your first time visiting Maui. It’s got lots of buzz, and there’s lots going on.

Recommended Ka’anapali accommodations

Kapalua was once known as the Honolua Ranch back in the 1800’s. Today, it’s where the 23,000-acre Kapalua Resort area is located.

This master-planned area is home to luxury mansions, the award-winning (and beloved) Merriman’s restaurant, 20+ boutique shops and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (discussed next).

Stay here and you can also play at two prestigious, world-renowned golf courses – the Plantation Course and Bay Course at Kapalua Golf.

If luxury accommodations are high on your travel priority list, places like Kapalua could seal the deal in favor of Maui when comparing Maui vs. Kauai – you’ll find many more super deluxe resorts in Maui than in Kauai.

Kapalua tends to be windier than other parts of Maui though. It’s surprising what a difference a few miles can make! We’ve found it can be calm in Ka’anapali, but when driving up to Kapalua for a change of scene, it can be windy on the beach there.

Kapalua also gets more rain than South Maui.

But Kapalua is also greener, lusher and arguably more beautiful.

There are several walking and hiking trails in Kapalua.

Less built-up than other areas, Kapalua is also the best area in Maui to stay on the west or south coasts for peace and serenity.

If you want a respite from the tourists in Maui, Kapalua is your happy place.

Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

You can always count on the Ritz-Carlton to deliver 5-star luxury, and the Ritz in Kapalua is no exception. Situated on 54 tropical acres within the Kapalua Resort area, this 466-room Kapalua resort is its own corner of bliss.

The property boasts a magnificent three-level pool with cascading waterfalls (plus a nearby kids’ pool), along with several top-notch restaurants – like the AAA Four Diamond Banyan Tree – that use locally-sourced ingredients.

You’ll find only elegant contemporary rooms, with rich dark wood floors, furnished balconies, marble bathrooms and 65-inch Smart TVs.

Housekeeping drops by twice a day to spruce up your space.

Stay in a club-level room or suite for access to an exclusive lounge with free breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

For an ocean dip, walk down the lawns to D.T. Fleming Beach. And if the waves are too big for swimming, watch the surfers carve the waves.

Formerly the Ritz-Carlton Residences before they were taken over by Montage and rebranded, these vacation residences are clustered in several buildings on the grounds.

Ranging from 1,250 to a whopping 4,055 sq. ft. in size, they feature polished hardwood flooring, along with washers and dryers. The kitchens are fully kitted out with everything you need to cook, including wine fridges.

Twice-daily housekeeping is de rigueur.

Besides the top-notch facilities, Montage guests can take advantage of a picture-perfect, crescent-shaped beach – Kapalua Bay Beach – located down the hill.

Golfers will be keen to tee off on the Kapalua Golf Club Bay Course, a short seven-minute walk away.

Just be prepared for sticker shock.

3) Napili

For a quieter, less crowded option in West Maui – compared to the upscale Ka’anapali resorts – look no further than Napili. Think low-rise condos with a more low-key rural feel.

The vibe is less glitzy than both Ka’anapali and Kapalua. The condos are less fancy and less expensive.

But there’s nothing generic about the nature and gorgeous beaches in Napili. This part of the west side is greener and lusher than Ka’anapali, with small scattered beaches separated by dramatic cliffs, making for a striking coastline.

You’ll want a car if staying in Napili.

Napili Kai Beach Resort

Napili Kai Beach Resort is a mellow resort situated on pristine Napili Bay. It’s comprised entirely of oceanview two-story condos.

It exudes an authentic Hawaiian holiday vibe that you won’t get at any of Maui’s luxury mega-resorts. And you won’t be nickle-and-dimed with any extra resort fees.

We thought the décor and furnishings were a bit dated though. And you might find a friendly gecko wandering into your unit.

Mind you, the repeat guests who are loyal to Napili Kai don’t mind. Many couples and families have been coming here for years and years, so there’s a strong Ohana (family) feel.

The amenities aren’t grandiose, but they’re just fine for a casual beachside vacation. There are four small pools, two hot tubs, two putting greens (one for kids) and two shuffleboard courts.

For us, the real star is Napili Bay Beach – simply one of the absolute best beaches in Maui. The sand is incredibly soft, and the water is often glassy calm and ideal for swimming. Sea turtles are often seen when snorkeling.

Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger

On the south end of Napili Bay Beach, Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger is another laid-back condo property, made up of 152 individually owned condos.

Its informal and unassuming atmosphere attracts families looking for an easy-going holiday with the comforts of home (i.e., a full kitchen and patio).

If you’re checking out affordable places to stay in Maui – that have a kitchen and are right on a beach – the Napili Shores Maui is a good option. It’s one of the least expensive in this category.

Some one-bedroom units have parking lot noise (as the bedrooms are at the back), so ask for a good location.

The property features two small oceanview outdoor pools, and the beach is a short 50-yard stroll away.

A friendly game of giant checkers, croquet or shuffleboard are other fun ways to spend a sunny afternoon outdoors with the family.

South Maui

After West Maui, South Maui is the most popular part of the island.

Kihei and Wailea are the two largest towns here. They offer the best range of Maui vacation rentals – making it a favorite area for staying in a private condo or home with family comforts instead of a hotel.

Wailea is more glam than Kihei. Along with Kapalua in West Maui, it’s the swankiest area of Maui to stay.

Wailea is also where honeymooners and couples can find many of Maui’s most romantic hotels.

There’s plenty of shopping in South Maui too. The Shops at Wailea, for example, are home to 70 luxury and lifestyle stores (Tommy Bahama, Gucci, Maui Jim Sunglasses, etc.), as well as several restaurants.

The south is also hotter and less rainy than other parts of Maui, which usually translates into more beach weather days.

4) Kihei

Kihei is a laid-back tourist hotspot mixed in with a residential town where many locals live and work.

It lays claim to some six miles of coastline, with about a dozen golden sand beaches. Framed by swaying palm trees, they offer great swimming and boogie boarding.

Located in the sunny and dry pocket of southwest Maui, Kihei is one of the best areas to stay in Maui for good weather. In winter, the rain can dampen your hopes of getting a tan up north in Kapalua – but the sun can be shining in Kihei.

It also has more wallet-friendly accommodations – making Kihei a good choice for budget-conscious families wondering where to stay in Maui with kids.

Kamaole Sands

Kamaole Sands on the south side of Kihei offers a comfortable stay with one- to three-bedroom condo rentals (privately owned), each with a full kitchen.

Guests may use the outdoor swimming pool, kids’ pool and tennis courts. You can also join the weekly Mai Tai party.

Across the road is Kihei’s popular Kamaole Beach Park III.

Mana Kai Maui

What makes Mana Kai one of the best places to stay in Kihei is that you get a choice of condo or hotel accommodations.

Either way – whether you stay in a spacious one- or two-bedroom condo with a full kitchen, or a comfortable hotel room – you get amazing ocean views.

The poshest part of the island, Wailea is renowned for its luxurious mega-resorts, cool South Maui hotels, first-class condos and celebrity homes. (Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler has a multimillion-dollar mansion in Wailea.)

And the Instagram-perfect ocean views in Wailea are some of the most breathtaking in the world.

It has five crescent-shaped beaches, each one as seductive as the next.

Walk the roughly two-mile-long Wailea Beach Path that winds along the beaches and lava rock shoreline – and you’ll catch sight of snorkelers, outrigger canoes and maybe even a turtle or two.

And if you’re in the mood for retail therapy, The Shops at Wailea will happily clean out your credit card. (Lineage, by the way, serves up some tasty Asian-American cuisine there. And its handcrafted cocktails definitely hit the mark!)

Wailea is island luxury at its finest.

North Shore

Rugged and less developed, Maui’s North Shore is where visitors go to experience the more raw and natural side of Maui. The small beach town of Paia offers a cool hippy vibe that’s hard not to love.

There aren’t many hotels and resorts in the north. In fact, there are fewer amenities overall, so that means you’ll find some of the island’s most pristine and isolated beaches in this area.

Bottom line? The North Shore is the best area to stay in Maui if laid-back and off-the-tourist-path is your style.

Paia itself has a hippy vibe, warm earth-friendly community, funky boutique shops and excellent restaurants.

Don’t miss waiting in line for freshly-caught fish at the Paia Fish Market. And, sorry, there’s no getting around it – you will have to wait in line, as it’s really popular.

Paia is also the place to hit for high-quality organic and vegan food.

Shop at Mana Foods for organic groceries, deli items and snacks (Jalapeno seaweed chips, anyone?).

Order acai bowls and green smoothies made with water from hand-cracked coconuts at Choice Health Bar.

And chow down on house-made burgers (from grass-fed Maui cows), all-day Eggs Benedict and banana bread French Toast (whipped up from local bananas and served with organic maple syrup) at the charmingly rustic Island Fresh Café, housed in Paia’s former train depot.

No doubt about it, Paia is a great place to stay on Maui for cool-hunters and surfer types! A car is essential to get you there and around, however.

(Next visit, we’d like to tack on a few days in Paia so we can leisurely explore attractions along the Road to Hana, covered below under #7.)

With private access to three miles of white sand beach, the Paia Inn’s shabby-chic Bali-inspired rooms and suites beckon you to unwind.

Playtime in the water is easy too with the snorkel gear and boogie boards provided to you.

An added bonus is the hotel’s Japanese-inspired VANA Paia restaurant. It serves up tempting dishes made with locally grown ingredients, locally sourced sushi and delicious cocktails.

Inn at Mama’s Fish House

Mama’s Fish House is a household name in Maui – a fine dining establishment famous for its oh-so-fresh seafood. It’s so popular, it’s booked months in advance!

The restaurant also has a few private cottages and suites on their property. And the experience you get at the Inn at Mama’s Fish House is just as exceptional.

The sweet cottages welcome you with fresh flowers, traditional Polynesian décor and kitchens or kitchenettes. Beach chairs and towels are provided.

East Maui/Hana

There’s really only one reason to go to East Maui – the Hana Highway. Not that this makes it any less worthwhile. As one of the most scenic drives in the world, it’s a must-do!

Indeed, all that lush scenery makes driving to Hana one of the most romantic activities on Maui. (Imagine driving in a convertible or Jeep, your hair flying free, your spirits soaring as you pass waterfall after waterfall…)

Since it’s so remote, you’ll need to rent a car to get to East Maui and enjoy the popular Road to Hana excursion. Doing the Hana drive and experiencing the best waterfalls in Maui easily takes up a full day, so an early start is advised.

Several tour companies (e.g., Hike Maui) offer tours in East Maui if you prefer not to drive.

If you choose to stay on the east coast of Maui, there aren’t many accommodation options, so you’ll have to plan in advance.

7) Hana

East Maui is synonymous with Hana and the famous Road to Hana drive – which is high on the list of top things to do in Hawaii.

Hana is lush, picturesque and remote, with very little in the way of accommodations. It’s hands down the best location to stay in Maui for escaping the tourist crowds and immersing yourself in nature.

Be sure to hike the Pipiwai Trail (about four miles roundtrip). Probably the most jaw-droppingly beautiful hike in Maui, it winds through a bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

And don’t miss dozing on the velvety soft, salt-and-pepper sands of Hamoa Beach, backed by a thick grove of Hala trees – it’s our favorite beach in Maui.

Hana-Maui Resort

The end of the Hana Highway is about as private as you can get. And surrounded by 70 acres of stunning tropical gardens, the Hana-Maui Resort is a private tropical Eden.

If you want to unplug and unwind, the Hana-Maui Resort fits the bill. (There are no TVs.)

The resort offers 75 hotel rooms, suites and family residences with private lanais and full or partial ocean views. A lovely pool and restaurant round out the amenities.

While well-maintained and very clean, some accommodations aren’t modern in décor, and you might feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the 80s. But that kind of adds to the away-from-it-all atmosphere.

We like the cottages best, some with hot tubs on the balconies.

The resort will also shuttle you (free) to Hamoa Beach.

Final words on the best places to stay on Maui

As you can see, there’s no shortage of great accommodations throughout the island.

The good news is that no matter where you base yourself, Maui will wow you.

Every time we’ve gone, this Hawaiian island has always been worth every penny we spend. (And you’ll spend many a pretty penny in Maui – it’s an expensive island!)

We’d go back tomorrow in a heartbeat if we could…

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Photo credits: 1, 3 to 6, 8, 9, 13, 17, 20, 21, 25, 28 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase 

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