Looking for where to stay in Maui Hawaii? Picking not only the best hotel, but area of the island is so important when planning the vacation of your dreams. From 5-star luxury resorts to secluded beach stays and budget options, this is your guide to paradise. Here’s our picks for the best hotels and areas to stay in Maui Hawaii!
Best Area to Stay in Maui Hawaii
There are so many great islands to discover in Hawaii! After reading this guide, be sure to check out the best places to stay in Oahu for couples.
Maui is unique in the sense that you can easily pick one home base and spend your days exploring the entire island. However, if you don’t mind changing accommodations, there are countless hotels to pick from.
In this article, we will break down our favorite places in paradise. From luxury hotels to beachside hostels, you can choose one location or spend your days adventuring! So what is the best area to stay in Maui?
Where to Stay in South Maui
This is our top pick for where to stay in Maui on your first visit to the island. We stayed in Kihei and love the area! This strip of epic beach towns consists of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. It’s chalked full of luxury hotels, dozens of beaches, and amazing restaurants.
Here you can experience the Hoapili Trail, where you’ll walk through the Maui lava fields. In the afternoon, you can stroll the coastline on the Wailea Beach Walk for sunset.
South Maui is also a strategic location on the island. Staying in Kihei, we were only 20 minutes from the airport and centrally set between Lahaina and Upcountry. If you plan to do a lot of exploring, this is certainly the best area to stay in Maui.
Ultra Luxury – Four Seasons Resort Maui – Wailea – Known as one of the most elite hotels on Maui, the Four Seasons has three swimming pools, and 5-star service. You’ll also enjoy that it’s just steps from the beach.
Fun Vacation – Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – Wailea – This modern, upscale hotel is packed with swimming pools and ocean views.
Bed & Breakfast –Maui What a Wonderful World Bed & Breakfast – Wailea – Get all the local charm you can handle at this fantastic bed and breakfast. Awesome location that will provide a homey welcome to the island.
West Maui Hawaii Hotels
Lahaina is the main town here, but the entire coast of West Maui is full of great accommodations. In this area of the island, you can find budget-friendly options in addition to the high-end luxury resorts.
If you’re looking for a hostel, this is likely where you’ll be staying. The good news is there are some surprisingly good options! This part of Maui also has some of the best snorkeling spots.
Ultra Luxury – Montage Kapalua Bay – Kapalua – Massive luxury hotel that is also one of the most expensive on the island. Set steps from Kapalua Beach and Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Aparthotel – Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort – Lahaina – Great for travelers looking to have a little more space and a kitchen.
*We express our deepest sympathies to those affected by the wildfires in this part of Maui. Keep this in mind when planning your visit to Lahaina.
Where to Stay in Upcountry
Staying in upcountry isn’t something that many travelers consider, as you won’t find any of the large Maui Hawaii hotels here.
However, it’s a great base if you plan to spend a lot of time in Haleakalā National Park. While the accommodations are sparse in Central Maui ,it will be an experience unlike any other.
You’ll be in close proximity to the best hikes on Maui Hawaii, and there are endless things to do for those who may not come just for the beaches. Upcountry also hosts one of the best weekly Maui farmers markets.
Upcountry Stay – Kula Lodge – Unique tropical style lodge with views over the island and amazing sunsets.
Where to Stay in East Maui
Driving the Road to Hana in Maui is known as one of the best experiences in all of Hawaii. It has even been voted one of the best drives in the entire world!
Like other travelers, we drove to this part of Maui on a day trip. Make sure to check out our 10 tips for driving the Road to Hana if you plan to do the same.
Looking for a unique experience? Consider booking in advance and staying in Hana town! This remote area will give you more time to appreciate a part of the island that many people unfortunately rush through.
Accommodations are limited here, but there are some great options if you plan ahead. This is also a great area if you want to ditch a hotel and go camping for a few days. There are several companies that rent camping equipment around Maui.
Remote Resort Hana Maui Resort A Destination by Hyatt – Hana – Located along the Road to Hana. Incredible resort by Hyatt offering both seclusion and luxury.
Guest House- Heavenly Hana Paradise– Hana – Welcoming rooms and a beautiful covered terrace. You’ll feel like you’re in a tropical escape here.
Aparthotel- Kailani Suite at Hana Kai Resort– Hana – Walking distance to Hāna Beach Park, this aparthotel is a great location close to town.
Do you have a favorite bed and breakfast or Maui Hawaii hotels that you’d recommend to travelers? What about your pick for the best area to stay in Maui? Let us know in the comments!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
PIN FOR LATER ↓
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
