The Top 15 Places To Stay On Maui
Whatever your budget or style, there’s an accommodation on Maui built for you. From lavish resorts to homey condos and “glampsites,” we’ve got the lowdown on the best places to stay on Maui.
1. Four Seasons Maui at Wailea
Every detail of the Four Seasons is saturated with excellence. The U-shaped property is perched on a breezy oceanfront bluff overlooking Wailea Beach. And while the resort features 338 rooms, the staff still manages to provide attentive, personalized service to each and every guest. Grandeur is the overall theme of the Four Seasons: the rooms are some of the largest and most luxurious in Wailea. Lodgings start at 600 square feet and feature opulent amenities like pillow menus, marble bathrooms, and Nespresso machines. Beyond the accommodations, the Four Seasons boasts three five-star on-site restaurants and a swanky lobby bar with nightly live hula shows and music. The resort also features three saltwater pools. Guests over 21 can take advantage of the well-appointed Serenity Pool. How could this not be one of our favorite places to stay on Maui?
2. Hana-Maui Resort
Formerly known as Travaasa Hana, the Hana-Maui Resort is located at the end of the winding, 64-mile road to Hana. Here, luxury and small-town charm blend seamlessly. Seventy-five rooms and suites are spread across 66 verdant acres, overlooking the rugged east Maui coastline. The bungalows are modern and spacious but void of TVs, radios, and alarm clocks— encouraging guests to unplug. And unplugging is easy to do at the resort’s two tranquil pools or full-service spa. From its location in Hana Town, the Hana-Maui Resort is surrounded by attractions: Waiʻanapanapa Beach, the Pipiwai Trail, and Hamoa Beach— the latter of which guests can reach via complimentary shuttle. The property also features a library, art gallery, fitness center, and cultural activities, making it an excellent escape for couples and families alike.
3. Grand Wailea
Everything about this aptly named Wailea resort is grand. Take the pool area, for instance: the Wailea Canyon Pool alone spans 25,700 square feet, complete with lazy rivers, waterslides, caves, rope swings, and the world’s first water elevator. It’s no wonder this resort is a hit among families with kids. But couples can certainly enjoy themselves, too: the resort also features a world-renowned spa and an adults-only pool. Plus, there are heaps of things to do and see at the Grand Wailea. An on-site luau takes place weekly, cultural activities like lei making and outrigger canoe paddling abound, and larger-than-life Botero sculptures are positioned throughout the lobby. Not to mention, the Polynesian fare at the on-site restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa, rivals that of Mama’s Fish House.
4. Old Wailuku Inn
For an off-the-beaten-path stay, look no further than the Old Wailuku Inn. Equal parts homey, equal parts luxe, the Old Wailuku Inn features ten elegant guest rooms spread across two cottages. Despite the distinct old-Hawaiian feel, rooms feature sumptuous amenities: whirlpool tubs, vertical spa showers, king beds, and private lanais. What the property lacks in beach access or pools is made up for with breezy garden areas bursting with tropical foliage. And the ‘old’ in the inn’s name isn’t a guise— the property was built in the 1920s and flawlessly represents Hawaii’s plantation era. We especially like this inn because the proprietors were born and raised on Maui.
5. Camp Olowalu
On the hunt for beachfront accommodations without the soul-crushing price tag? We know just the place. Camp Olowalu is nestled on a silver strip of sand just off Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui. This reimagined camp is home to a collection of tent camping plots, car-camping sites, “tentalows,” and oceanfront cabins. And while camping on vacation might not sound glamorous, the camp is outfitted with plenty of modern amenities to keep guests comfortable: hot showers, wifi, clean bathrooms with flushing toilets, and charging stations. Plus, the rustic-chic “tentalows” are as fashionable as camping gets. The property fronts Olowalu Reef, the largest intact reef in Hawaii, where manta rays, sea turtles, and massive coral heads are plentiful. Guests can book kayak snorkel tours that depart directly from Olowalu Beach.
6. Honua Kai
Spacious condos meet resort-style living at Honua Kai. Everything about the 38-acre property is enormous— from the accommodations and pool areas to the fudge-drenched slices of Hula Pie served at the on-site restaurant, Dukes. Lodgings range from studios to three-bedroom suites and feature full kitchens and washers/dryers. The long, sandy Kahekili Beach fronts the premises, great for lazing out or snorkeling. Guests can unwind at the Ho’ola Spa or explore Kaanapali and Lahaina, a five and ten-minute drive from Honua Kai.
7. The Whaler
The Whaler affords visitors the best of both worlds. The property is located in the heart of the buzzy Kaanapali strip and borders the shops and restaurants in Whaler’s Village. But unlike other Kaʻanapali resorts, rates at The Whaler are comparatively affordable. The resort’s amenities cover the basics: tennis courts, massage services, BBQ grills, a kids camp, fitness rooms, and a pool area. And with countless nearby restaurants, direct Kaanapali beach access, and stellar ocean views, what more do you really need? Rooms range from studios to three-bedroom suites, each with a full kitchen.
8. Montage Kapalua Bay
Book a stay at the Montage Kapalua Bay, and you’ll hardly need a reason to leave the property. There’s epic snorkeling at Kapalua Bay just steps from the resort, a weekly on-site luau, fine dining at the property’s signature restaurant, Cane and Canoe, and an ultra-luxe spa. In fact, you’ll hardly need a reason to leave your room—Montage offers services like in-residence Chef’s Tables and in-residence luaus. But you’ll have to venture out to take advantage of some of Kapalua’s best attractions: golf courses, hiking trails, and beaches are located within minutes of the resort. The lodgings here are palatial ‘Residences,’ ranging from one to four bedrooms with full kitchens and laundry facilities. Some residences even boast private pools.
9. Maʻalaea Banyans
This low-key condo complex is located in the quiet seaside hamlet of Maʻalaea. Maʻalaea Banyans— and the Maalaea area in general— is great for visitors looking to escape the touristy-vibe at major resorts. The property is perched directly on the oceanfront, overlooking Maʻalaea Bay and the famous surf break ‘Freight Trains.’ Beaches and activities are just a short walk away: the condo is cradled between the silky sands at Sugar Beach and Maalaea Town, home to a harbor, restaurants, and the Maui Ocean Center. The one to two-bedroom accommodations fit Maʻalaea’s surfy, laid-back atmosphere, with coastal/Hawaiian decor and breezy lanais. The property is also outfitted with a pool and hot tub, so you can relax after a long day of exploring.
10. Hotel Wailea
Despite its distance from the beach, Travel and Leisure magazine named Hotel Wailea the best hotel in Hawaii in 2022— which tells you it’s gotta be good. The rooms here are actually plush one-bedroom suites spread across 15 zen-like acres. Each of the 72 suites boasts noteworthy features like private outdoor spaces, kitchenettes, and soaking bathtubs. The adults-only hotel feels like a relaxing retreat, with waterfalls and manicured gardens weaving throughout. Guests can unwind in the upscale pool area or take advantage of the free beach valet service, which shuttles guests to and from Wailea Beach.
11. Mana Kai
Life revolves around the beach at the Mana Kai Maui. This 98-room condo-style hotel overlooks the mile-long Keawakapu Beach— arguably the best beach in South Maui. Straddling the border of Kihei and Wailea, visitors are afforded countless nearby shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities. But the ocean is the focal point here. The hotel’s concierge can arrange snorkeling, stand-up paddling, and kayaking activities. Beachfront yoga is also offered daily. If you’re not into the beach, the hotel features a heated swimming pool, where you can gaze out at the ocean and swaying palms. The digs here are hotel-style rooms or 1-2 bedroom condominiums. Hotel rooms are without a kitchen or lanai, so it’s worth booking a condo if you’re planning an extended stay.
12. Plantation Inn
One glance at the Plantation Inn, and it’s easy to see how it got its name. The building’s plantation-style architecture whisks guests back to the peak of Hawaii’s plantation era. The rooms evoke the same old Hawaiian feel, albeit with amenities you would expect to find in a modern-day hotel room. Despite the old-school vibe, the property features a peaceful outdoor pool area and hot tub. As an adults-only property, you can almost always expect a quiet atmosphere on the inn’s grounds. But you won’t have to go far to let loose— the boisterous bars and restaurants on Front Street are just two blocks away.
13. Andaz Wailea
Sleek and trendy, the Andaz ditches tacky “Hawaiian” decor that abounds in some other resorts. Even the resort’s on-site luau, the Feast at Mokapu, is a reimagined Hawaiian experience— think craft cocktails, chef-curated plated meals, and authentic historical performances. The rooms here are modern and minimalist, with private furnished balconies. Be sure to book an ocean view room, which looks out over the oft-uncrowded Mokapu Beach. The resort is also situated adjacent to Ulua Beach, which is a popular Wailea snorkeling spot and hangout. On the property, guests can enjoy two premier dining options: Morimoto Maui and Ka’ana Kitchen. Two bars, Lehua Lounge and the Bumbye Bar are also perched near Andaz’s four elegant infinity pools.
14. North Shore Lookout
Situated on nine acres above Makawao Town, North Shore Lookout doubles as an inn and working farm. The five suites are ultra chic, each with a different theme— the Duke’s Cottage features modern Hawaiian decor with potted palms, tropical flower arrangements, and a hanging wicker chair. Meanwhile, the Paniolo Suite evokes a mountain-lodge vibe, reflecting Makawao’s cooler temperatures and cowboy culture. There are a plethora of things to do on and near the property: relax by the lava-rock pool, meet the friendly farm animals, or explore the nearby town of Makawao. The entire north shore is at your fingertips, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and beaches no more than a 20-minute drive away. Whatever you get up to, the inn is a welcome retreat from Maui’s buzzy tourism areas.
15. Napili Kai
The digs at Napili Kai are reminiscent of the Hawaii of days passed. The low-rise layout gives the place a laid-back condominium vibe. And while the decor in some rooms is a tad outdated, it’s unapologetically Hawaiian. Guests can look forward to weekly Mai Tai parties, keiki hula shows, and a Grammy-nominated Hawaiian Slack-Key Show. However, Napili Kai’s two biggest allures include the property’s proximity to Napili Bay and the on-site restaurant, which is known for its creative Pacific Rim cuisine and epic views. Many rooms have ocean views, and guests are just steps from soft sand and snorkeling at Napili Bay. While the resort encourages family fun and features shuffleboard courts, putting greens, and a pool, there are stringent rules in place to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. In turn, this might not be a good pick for rambunctious little ones.
