Planning a trip to Maui and wondering where to stay? From luxurious resorts to cozy beachfront retreats, this guide covers the top 7 places to stay in Maui. Whether you’re looking for stunning ocean views, easy access to island adventures, or a peaceful escape, these accommodations offer something for every traveler.
With options ranging from the lush shores of Wailea to the vibrant vibe of Lahaina, discover the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Maui. It’s definitely not the cheapest tropical place to fly to, but it’s well worth it. Let’s dive into the best places to stay on the island!
The Best Areas and Places to Stay in Maui (At a Glance)
- Best for Luxury: Wailea
- Best for Families: Kaanapali
- Best for Nightlife: Lahaina
- Best for Nature Lovers: Hana
- Best for Local Vibe: Kihei
- Best for Golf Enthusiasts: Kapalua
- Best for Surfing & Bohemian Charm: Paia
1. Wailea
Wailea is honestly where you go when you want to pretend you’re a millionaire for a week. The prices are pretty steep, but I visited last month and can’t lie – it’s worth it if you can swing it. The Four Seasons and Grand Wailea are both doing major upgrades right now, so book carefully. The Grand Wailea just launched their new Kilolani Spa which made it onto Vogue’s 2025 spa guide, and they’ve got Nobu on-site now which is incredible but will cost you about $450 for two people.
What’s cool about Wailea is that it’s consistently sunny when the rest of Maui might be cloudy. I spent three days there and didn’t see a single rain cloud. The beaches are legitimately some of the best in the world – Wailea Beach and Polo Beach are both perfect for snorkeling, and you’ll actually see sea turtles if you’re patient. Golf rates are around $439 for resort guests at the championship courses, which isn’t cheap but way better than the $469 standard rate. The Hotel Wailea (adults-only) is getting rave reviews as the most romantic spot, but expect to pay $800+ per night. Shopping at The Shops at Wailea is dangerous for your wallet but pretty awesome.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Hawaii
- You may also like: Beautiful Vacation Rentals in Hawaii
2. Kaanapali
Kaanapali Beach still rocks, but honestly, the hotel situation is mixed right now. The OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort (formerly Kaanapali Beach Hotel) just got renovated and they’re really pushing the “most Hawaiian resort” angle with daily hula shows and cultural activities. It’s gotten some rough reviews lately though – people are saying it feels more like a 3-star despite the prices. I’d probably skip that one.
Your better bets are the Hyatt Regency Maui or Sheraton Maui. The Hyatt just announced their 45th anniversary special with 15% off rates and $45 daily resort credits, which is actually a pretty good deal. The Sheraton sits right at Black Rock where they still do the nightly cliff diving ceremony at sunset, which never gets old. Whalers Village is walking distance for shopping and food, and the beach itself is still one of the most beautiful stretches on the island.
What I love about Kaanapali is that you’re close enough to Lahaina to check out the recovery efforts (more on that below), but far enough away that you’re not dealing with construction noise. Winter is whale watching season here, and you can literally see humpbacks from your hotel room. The Westin Kaanapali villas are also solid if you want more space and kitchen facilities.
- Read next: Molokai Travel Guide to Experience Real Hawaii
- Read more: Top 10 Best Airlines to Maui
3. Lahaina
Okay, let’s talk about Lahaina honestly. The historic town center is still rebuilding after the 2023 fires, but the areas north and south of downtown are fully operational and actually pretty amazing right now. I was there in January 2025 and was surprised by how much is already back up and running.
Royal Lahaina reopened in September 2024 with a complete makeover – new restaurants, updated bungalows, the works. They’ve got Lahaina Noon restaurant right on the oceanfront now. The north end of Lahaina where Lahaina Cannery Mall is located escaped the fires completely, so there are hotels and restaurants operating normally there. Star Noodle moved to a gorgeous waterfront location and was packed when I went.
What’s really cool is that Lahaina Harbor is supposed to reactivate whale watching tours in December 2025. For now, most boat tours are running out of Maalaea. The Pioneer Inn is getting completely renovated and should reopen later this year. If you want to support the recovery, staying in Lahaina is actually really meaningful right now – tourism dollars are desperately needed. Just manage your expectations about the historic downtown area. The vibe is definitely different, but there’s still incredible sunset views and the local community has amazing spirit.
- Read next: Cheapest Airports to Fly into Hawaii
- You may also like: Things to Do in Maui at Night
- For more reading: Best Historic Sites in the World
4. Hana
Hana is still the end-of-the-world retreat it’s always been, but the Hana-Maui Resort (now run by Hyatt) has some serious issues you should know about. I’m seeing tons of complaints about no AC in rooms that cost $800+ per night, which is pretty ridiculous. However, the location is still unbeatable if you want to disconnect completely.
The Road to Hana drive is as spectacular as ever, but heads up – there’s major construction happening around mile markers 9.6-9.8 that can stop traffic for 20-30 minutes on weekdays. Plan extra time. What makes staying in Hana worth it is access to Hamoa Beach and Red Sand Beach (though that one’s gotten more dangerous according to locals).
I actually loved Hana Kai Maui more than the big resort – it’s right on Hana Bay and way more reasonably priced. The Hana Ranch restaurant across the street is solid for dinner, and Hasegawa Store has everything you need for snacks. Hana Farms has amazing pizza if you don’t mind a 10-minute drive. If you’re thinking about Hana, commit to at least two nights. One night isn’t worth that drive, and you’ll actually get to relax and explore the Seven Sacred Pools and Bamboo Forest properly.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Maui
- You may also like: Molokai Travel Guide to Experience Real Hawaii
5. Kihei
Kihei is honestly the best value on the island right now, especially if you want to be close to Wailea without paying Wailea prices. I stayed at the Maui Coast Hotel and it’s a solid mid-range option – recently renovated Kai Tower, decent pool with live music, and you’re literally across the street from Kamaole Beach Park.
The beaches here are fantastic and way less crowded than the resort areas. Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III are all great for families, and I saw sea turtles at all three. Sugar Beach on the north end is perfect for long walks and it’s super quiet. What I really love about Kihei is the local vibe – there are food trucks, Ululani’s Shave Ice, and Coconut’s Fish Cafe which honestly has better fish tacos than most of the fancy resort restaurants.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
If you want condo-style, check out Maui Sunset or The Hale Pau Hana – both give you kitchen facilities and often better ocean views than the hotels for less money. Kihei is also your launching point for Molokini Crater snorkel trips and it’s a quick drive to Wailea if you want to hit the fancy beaches or golf courses. The only downside is it can get pretty windy in the afternoons, but that’s actually great if you’re into kitesurfing or windsurfing.
- Read next: Best Places to Live in Maui
- You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Hawaii
- For more reading: Cheap Islands to Visit This Year
6. Kapalua
Kapalua is still the golfer’s dream, but be prepared to pay for it. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is probably the most luxurious spot on the island right now, and they just got nominated for Condé Nast’s #1 resort on Maui again. The Plantation Course where they hold The Sentry tournament costs $469 for standard players, $439 if you’re staying at the resort.
What’s amazing about Kapalua is that you’re away from all the crowds but still have incredible amenities. D.T. Fleming Beach is consistently rated one of the world’s best beaches, and Kapalua Bay is perfect for snorkeling. I played the Bay Course last time I was there and the ocean views on every hole are just unreal.
Montage Kapalua Bay is the other luxury option and honestly might be even nicer than the Ritz – their suites have full kitchens and the property is smaller so you get more personalized service. Napili Kai Beach Resort is more low-key but still really nice, especially for families. The area can be windier and rainier than south Maui, but the trade-off is lush landscapes and way fewer people. If you’re into hiking, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is gorgeous and you might spot whales during winter months.
- Read next: Flying First Class to Hawaii Tips & Perks
- Read more: 12 Hidden Gems in Maui
7. Paia
Paia is where you go if you want the authentic, bohemian Maui experience. It’s definitely not fancy, but it’s got so much character. Ho’okipa Beach is still the windsurfing capital of the world, and watching those guys fly across the water at sunset is pretty incredible. I’m not skilled enough to try it myself, but the surf schools here are supposed to be some of the best.
Paia Inn is the main accommodation option and it’s actually really charming – boutique-style rooms right on the beach with a cool surf club vibe. The town itself is tiny but packed with great food – Paia Fish Market, Flatbread Company, and Mana Foods (which is like the coolest health food store ever). Cafe Mambo has live music if you want nightlife.
What makes Paia special is that it’s the gateway to the Road to Hana and Upcountry Maui. You can hit Twin Falls for a quick waterfall hike, or drive up to Makawao for the cowboy town experience. The Aloha Surf Hostel is super budget-friendly if you’re backpacking, and they actually provide free tours to hidden spots around the island. Paia gets crowded with day-trippers doing the Road to Hana, but early mornings and evenings are really peaceful. It’s not for everyone, but if you want to feel like you’re living in a surfer movie, this is your spot.
- Read next: Beautiful Vacation Rentals in Hawaii
- Read more: 7 Cheapest Airports to Fly into Hawaii
