Best Places to Stay in Maui in 2023: The Complete Guide

Let’s face it, Maui is an island that’s on nearly everybody’s bucket record. And for good cause. With stunning seashores, spectacular waterfalls, and epic hikes it’s truly arduous to discover an excuse not to go. After visiting the island a number of instances we discovered essentially the most time-consuming and troublesome activity is definitely discovering the most effective locations to keep in Maui and the place to base your self on the island.

Even although you’ll discover a vary of luxurious beachfront resorts and mid-range boutique lodges together with trip leases full of helpful facilities dotted round Maui, it actually pays to plan in advance. Not solely can it’s troublesome to get a rental automotive, however securing a lodge could be simply as difficult.

Top Places To Stay In Maui

We put collectively this information to aid you along with your trip planning so that you could determine what’s the finest place in Maui the place you need to base your self to see the most effective of this superb island. You’ll have the prospect to select the solar and sand, surf alongside Maui’s North Shore, or enterprise inland to climb volcanoes and seize panoramic views of the West Maui mountains rising out of the ocean.

Before we get began let’s get you acquainted with the format of the island. This will aid you see the place issues are situated in addition to aid you determine if you need to be in the extra widespread areas of South Maui and West Maui or have a extra inland expertise in the Upcountry.

Where is the Best Area to Stay in Maui?

Maui is a straightforward island to navigate. It is damaged up into 6 fundamental areas which we’ll spotlight and allow you to know the place we predict are the most effective locations to keep.

Regardless of which neighborhood you select to keep in Maui, there isn’t any scarcity of fantastic views. Although not an enormous island, Maui is finest explored if you hire a automotive. It permits you to cowl extra of the island and provides you the liberty to benefit from the Maui tradition.

Each area in Maui has one thing completely different to supply. When weighing the professionals and cons of every, it’s essential to know what sort of trip you take pleasure in essentially the most. South Maui is the go-to spot thanks to the vary of resorts, whereas East Maui is extra distant, with few lodges however is a chilled getaway.

1. West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua)

West Maui, house to the historic city of Lahaina, a former whaling village and Hawaiian royal capital, boasts of a wealthy historic and cultural context. Today, Front Street, Lahaina’s fundamental thoroughfare, thrives with distinctive retailers, numerous eating places, and artwork galleries, and is a middle of vibrant nightlife. Also in West Maui, you will see Ka’anapali Beach and Kapalua Bay, well-known for his or her world-class resorts, pristine seashores, and top-notch golf programs.

The great thing about West Maui isn’t just restricted to its attractive seashores and splendid lodging. It additionally encompasses a dramatic panorama outlined by the West Maui Mountains, or Mauna Kahalawai, providing a ton of trails for mountaineering and alternatives for out of doors lovers to take in the whole lot Maui has to supply. Moreover, the stretch of shoreline alongside Highway 30 delivers beautiful views of the ocean, neighboring islands, and even humpback whales in the course of the winter months.

The finest locations to keep in West Maui cater to a variety of preferences. Luxury seekers will probably be drawn to the upscale resorts of Kaanapali and Kapalua, full with full-service spas, championship golf programs, and beachfront eating. Those on the lookout for a extra native expertise would possibly want a trip rental in Lahaina or a boutique lodge, the place they’ll take pleasure in being shut to native sights, retailers, and eating places.

As for Napili, house to the enchanting Napili Bay, you’ll discover a laid-back ambiance amongst a set of small resorts and condos that don’t overtake the skyline. The group wraps round Napili Bay, providing friends the prospect to snorkel or dive in the turquoise waters.

Just north of Lahaina, you’ll discover the well-known Kaanapali Beach. The expansive white sands stretch across the shoreline, providing loads of room to discover your individual slice of heaven. When you aren’t buying and selling the turquoise ocean for the mushy sand, head to the north finish, the place you’ll uncover Black Rock. On arrival, you could spot individuals leaping off the cliff face into the deep water beneath. Feel free to be part of or embark on some improbable snorkeling.

Recommended Hotels in West Maui

2. South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, and Makena)

After West Maui, South Maui is the preferred vacation spot on the island. Just 20 minutes from the airport, it’s simply accessible with the seashore, eating places, and retailers proper in your doorstep. Those that arrive at this finish of Maui will normally select between both Kihei or the famed Wailea.

The climate in South Maui tends to be drier and sunnier in contrast to different elements of the island, making it a seashore lover’s haven. And let me inform you the seashores in South Maui are among the many most interesting in Hawaii. Wailea Beach, for example, is legendary for its golden sands, clear waters, and wonderful swimming circumstances.

Makena Beach, often known as Big Beach, is without doubt one of the largest seashores in Maui and is widespread for picnicking, swimming, and typically big-wave browsing. But the most effective half is that the coral reefs are wealthy in marine life, making snorkeling a must-do exercise. The Molokini Crater, {a partially} submerged volcanic crater, is a world-famous snorkeling spot simply accessible from South Maui.

Wailea has the largest focus of luxurious resorts and luxurious lodges. With an exquisite mixture of facilities like nice eating places and golf programs, Wailea Resorts cater to {couples}, honeymooners, and even households. Wailea can be house to the one adults-only resort on Maui like the posh resort Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Enjoy a calming trip, some with waterfront infinity-edge swimming pools, personal seashore entry, and loads of upscale eating places inside strolling distance.

Such stunning seashores and luxurious resorts don’t come low-cost. The main disadvantage for South Maui is the value level, though you could discover a budget-friendly trip rental in Kihei. Vacationers must also remember that a lot of their chosen water adventures, akin to whale-watching boat excursions, will depart from Maalaea Harbor, a few 20-minute drive away.

Recommended Hotels in South Maui

3. Maui’s North Shore (Paia and Haiku)

With the 2 hottest areas of Maui lined, let’s have a look at the island’s North Shore, which presents a higher perception into probably the most spectacular Hawaiian islands. Closer to the pure wonders of Maui, however slightly farther from among the higher swimming seashores, the North Shore is all about shutting off from the world and respiration in the serenity.

West Maui and South Maui are massive resort areas, with helpful facilities on web site. But in case your crew isn’t an enormous fan of that sort of journey, then the North Shore can be an amazing different.

Maui’s North Shore, encompassing Paia and Haiku, is a mecca for surfers and windsurfers from world wide, particularly on the legendary Ho’okipa Beach Park. The space has a bohemian vibe with artwork galleries, boutique retailers, and natural cafes. Paia, typically referred to because the “windsurfing capital of the world,” is a quaint city with a mix of Hawaiian and plantation-era influences.

Families can take pleasure in quite a few family-friendly lodges and laid-back eating in Pa’ia with loads of hearty fare on supply. The fundamental exception to the rule is arguably the most effective restaurant on Maui, Mama’s Fish House.

I discussed that the North Shore isn’t famend for its stress-free swimming seashores, however it’s house to world-class waters for adventurous souls. All alongside the North Shore, you’ll discover some distinctive browsing experiences for people who know their means round some gnarly breaks.

There’s a cause the North Shore is house to a number of professional tour occasions. When exploring the tide swimming pools at Ho’okipa Beach, you may even see a bunch of windsurfers making the most of the coastal winds. They will need to have heard that the seashore can be thought of the windsurfing capital of the world.

As for {couples} who need their very own romantic escape, the North Shore is house to a handful of upscale boutique lodges the place you’ll be able to bask in the sumptuous views away from the crowds. Hand-in-hand, roam the comfortable city of Pa’ia and alongside the seashores the place the waves tumble down alongside the night solar.

Recommended Hotels On The North Shore

4. East Maui

From the crest of the North Shore area, the Road to Hana begins its illustrious journey alongside the rugged coast of East Maui. The well-known drive is a must-do no matter the place you select to base your self on the island. But having it in your doorstep is without doubt one of the fundamental promoting factors for this a part of Maui.

East Maui is a set of waterfalls flanked by rainbows and mountaineering trails by means of rainforests and towering mountains. It’s a extra secluded and fewer developed a part of Maui, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling vacationer areas.

Once in Hana, you’ll be able to discover black sand seashores, freshwater caves, and botanical gardens. Wai’anapanapa State Park is a must-visit, that includes a shocking black sand seashore, sea arches, and blowholes. Hana additionally serves because the gateway to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, the place you’ll be able to hike by means of bamboo forests and swim in the Pools of ‘Ohe’o.

Accommodations in East Maui are restricted in contrast to different areas and primarily include trip leases, small inns, and some luxurious choices. Staying in Hana permits you to expertise previous Hawaii, with its slower tempo and close-knit group. It’s the proper vacation spot for nature lovers and people searching for a extra genuine Hawaiian expertise.

For the trekkers amongst us, among the finest hikes in Maui could be discovered in the jap area. These embrace the unimaginable Pipiwai Trail and the trek to Wailua Falls. It isn’t arduous to see why East Maui is the perfect vacation spot for people who need to get out and about. Trade the nightlife and resort expertise for mountaineering boots and distant seashores to see a rugged however equally beautiful a part of Maui.

Recommended Hotels in East Maui

5. Upcountry / Central Maui (Kahului and Wailuku)

From one journey paradise to one other, depart the coast and head to the mountains for rural Maui. As the title Upcountry suggests, heading inland brings an enormous elevation achieve as you ascend in direction of the sky to be among the many ranches, farms, and small villages.

One of the highlights of Upcountry is the Haleakala National Park, the place guests can witness the dawn from the summit, typically above the clouds, which is a surreal expertise. The park additionally presents quite a few mountaineering trails by means of numerous landscapes together with cinder cones and rainforests. Furthermore, the agricultural richness of the area could be skilled by means of farm excursions and visits to native markets.

Upcountry Maui is the normal house to the Paniolo. You might argue that the Paniolo had been the unique cowboys, whose ranching customs and traditions date again lengthy earlier than the famed cowboys of the Wild West. If you’re in Central Maui on July 4th, commerce the boozy seashore day for a customary rodeo present in Makawao.

Central Maui, encompassing cities like Kahului and Wailuku, serves because the island’s business heart. It’s typically the entry level for guests due to the principle airport and harbor. While it’s not a typical vacationer vacation spot, Wailuku has historic websites and the plush Iao Valley State Park, recognized for the long-lasting Iao Needle.

One of the most effective issues to do, and a serious cause vacationers base themselves in Upcountry Maui, is to hike to the summit of Haleakala. From wherever on the island you’ll be able to see the enormous volcano looming overhead. It checks out that such a peak could be house to the most effective view on Maui.

The expertise requires trekkers to get up lengthy earlier than daybreak and make the journey to the bottom of Haleakala. From there, hikers head up the mountain to seize an unforgettable panoramic dawn. Hot tip, the sundown is simply as mesmerizing, so long as you’ll be able to deal with the hike down in the darkish.

Recommended Hotels in Upcountry / Central Maui

Best Places to Stay in Maui FAQ

What is the nicest space to keep in Maui?

The nicest space is subjective and is determined by what you’re on the lookout for. Wailea in South Maui for luxurious, Lahaina in West Maui for historical past and nightlife, and Hana in East Maui for seclusion and nature.

Is it higher to keep in North or South Maui?

If you favor a laid-back, native vibe with alternatives for windsurfing and beginning your journey to Hana, North Maui could possibly be your preferrred vacation spot. If you’re on the lookout for sunny climate, stunning seashores for swimming, and splendid lodging, you would possibly want South Maui.

Which a part of Maui has the most effective seashores?

Both South and West Maui supply improbable seashores, every with their very own distinctive enchantment. South Maui tends to have quieter, much less developed seashores, whereas these in West Maui are sometimes adjoining to resorts and include extra facilities. .

What aspect of Maui is hottest?

West Maui and South Maui are typically the preferred amongst vacationers due to their seashores, resorts, and sights.

Should You Rent a Car in Maui?

Although it isn’t crucial to hire a automotive, we do recommend it in order to see all that Maui has to supply. Some elements of the island are simpler to discover in a automotive. We have rented one every time we’ve visited and had been glad we did.

Which lodges are closest to Kahului Airport?

Some widespread lodges shut to Kahului Airport embrace Paia Inn, Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport, and Maui Seaside Hotel.

Our Money-Saving Tips for Maui

We all know that Hawaii isn’t precisely a haven for funds vacationers. But there are methods for you to lower your expenses with out sacrificing your expertise in paradise.

One of the most effective methods to lower your expenses in Maui is to keep in a apartment. Many condos are part of native resorts granting entry to surrounding eating places, swimming pools, and seashores. They are cheaper than lodge rooms and include full kitchens so it can save you on consuming out.

Off-season journey comes with decrease room charges and cheaper flights. Arrive between February and May for stable climate and whale watching season with out the crowds and peak costs.

Getting Around Maui

After arriving at Kahului Airport, you’ll have quite a lot of selections for getting round Maui. You can base your self in a sure location and embark on day excursions. Many lodges could have shuttles to native locations akin to retailers and sights. These are extra prevalent in West and South Maui.

There are 14 bus routes across the island, with the world round Hana being serviced the least. A one-way fare for all routes will value $2 with a day go going for $4.

However, if you need to see as a lot of Maui as doable, then you have to to rent a automotive. This will probably be the easiest way to drive the Road to Hana and see the extra distant areas in Maui’s Upcountry.

In conclusion

In the tip, the most effective place to keep on Maui is a mirrored image of your private preferences and what you need to see and do. Whether it’s luxurious, journey, tradition, or tranquility is what you might be on the lookout for, Maui has one thing for everybody. In planning your keep, our suggestion is to place your self central to the actions you need to do essentially the most.

Maui isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s a journey that weaves into your being, leaving an indelible imprint. Cherish the island’s bounty, resonate with its tradition, and let the Aloha spirit information your journey by means of this island paradise. These are the explanations we return repeatedly.