- Each part of Maui has its own distinct feel, with beautiful places to stay.
- From 5-star luxury to charming inns and beachfront resorts, these are the best places to book on Maui.
- Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations.
When planning a trip to Maui, it's tempting to book any hotel on the beach. And while that'll make for a nice vacation, as a Hawaii-based travel writer, I believe any visit to Maui should include relishing what makes the island, well, Maui. Each area has its own distinctive feel, so it's easy to find the right location for your individual vacation vision.
For the person who likes to shop, consider staying around historic Lahaina town, the bustling central part of the island. For people who want to unplug and immerse themselves in nature, camp out in a gorgeous state park, like Waianapanapa State Park.
Then again, there's nothing wrong with planning your stay entirely around the beach. For sandy shores that stretch for miles and offer the ultimate in photogenic relaxation, I go straight to Wailea.
After visiting the island regularly for years, combined with expert intel from my on-the-ground and in-the-know fellow Hawaiian locals, the following represents my personal list of the best places to stay that fit all the above and more.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
For many, Maui is an idyllic paradise of relaxation and beauty. The palatial Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea captures that essence with its sublime oceanfront views, three saltwater pools, a spa, tennis courts, and more. When luxury is top of mind and an ample budget is available, this is the hotel that my Maui-born friends promise is worth the splurge.
And if the manicured grounds look familiar, that's because this resort is where the HBO series "White Lotus" was filmed. The rooms are posh and modern with tropical touches, glam bathrooms, and come with lanais to soak in views of the oceans, mountains, or gardens.
The Plantation Inn and Kaanapali Beach Hotel
For visitors who want to stay within walking distance of Maui's best restaurants, shops, and things to do without spending a lot, I recommend the intimate 18-room Plantation Inn for its low-key, charming accommodations.
Centrally located in historic Lahaina, breakfast is also included, adding value, and staying here comes with privileges at the hotel's sister property, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, which is where I grew up staying when my family visited Maui. I have the fondest memories of walking right onto the beach and whale watching during the winter season. It costs quite a bit more than the Plantation Inn, so the former is a good choice if you want to save without sacrificing amenities.
Both hotels also offer cultural activities for families, such as hula and lei making. They may lean toward the simpler side, but these hotels are, in my opinion, west Maui landmarks.
Kula Lodge
"Upcountry" describes not only the mountainous inland area surrounding the Haleakala volcano but also a slower, more relaxed way of life. Experience that lifestyle at one of Kula Lodge's rustic cottages.
Tucked into the mountain at an elevation of 3,200 feet, the cottages provide a much-needed escape into nature and come with lanais that offer an impeccable view — perfect while sipping your morning coffee. Two of the five cottages have ladders to a lofted bed for a whimsical, romantic night's sleep.
On a clear day, I love to spot the other islands on the horizon, so keep an eye out for Molokini and Molokai from either your cabin or the property's lush gardens. Amenities include a full-service bar, and the lodge is within walking distance to the craft marketplace, Kula Marketplace.
Romantic Hamoa Bay Bungalow
Hawaii hotels are notoriously expensive for rooms that might feel quite standard. For something a bit more spacious and unique, consider a vacation rental like this dreamy Airbnb surrounded by fragrant ginger and giant ferns.
The romantic hideaway embraces Hawaii's indoor-outdoor lifestyle, making it a nice choice for lovebirds on a honeymoon or those looking for amenities like a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and outdoor lava-rock shower (there's a regular indoor bathroom, too).
Located right along Hāna Highway, this bungalow is minutes from Hamoa Beach, a secluded, pristine beach. In my experience, Hana is quieter than the rest of Maui, and lodging can be limited, making this a good choice for those who want to immerse themselves in a remote island getaway.
Waianapanapa State Park Cabins
For the folks who find inspiration from hiking and outdoorsy pursuits, consider the cabins in Waianapanapa State Park. With a two-night minimum stay, these cozy cottages can fit up to six people and have a living room and kitchen area with a two-burner hot plate, microwave, and refrigerator, as well as a bathroom and bedroom.
It's more of a DIY-stay, and you might want to bring extra blankets on chilly winter nights can get chilly, plus your own utensils and lots of drinking water, but you'll have a front-row stay to the park's blowholes, lava caves, native hala-tree forest, and a heiau (religious temple) that are all unique to Maui.
My favorite thing to do in the park is to have a picnic at the small, private black-sand beach that was made by the lava rocks of Haleakala, capped by nightly stargazing, which is unparalleled.
The Kulani Maui
For intimate accommodations with vintage Hawaiian appeal (aka rich koa wood and outdoor daybeds), I recommend the Kulani Maui. The breezy bungalows are private, romantic, and well-appointed, and the friendly owners are known to share insightful tips and local stories.
The gorgeous property is steps from Front Street in Lahaina but has lush tropical gardens that make you feel as if you're tucked far away in the countryside. Just know that there's no pool, making this a good choice for guests who know they'll be out and about exploring rather than relaxing inside a resort. Regardless, the ocean is only a five-minute walk away.
Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott
For Marriott members, the oceanfront Wailea Beach Resort is located on the south shore of Maui and is a solid all-around choice for families, couples, or groups who want a self-contained resort experience. There are multiple eateries, an adventure pool with the longest waterslide on Maui for the kids, an adults-only infinity-edge pool with floating cabanas, and a spa and fitness center.
Rooms are sleek with lanais and comfortable bedding. I'd opt for a room that's just a few feet from the ocean. It will cost a few extra dollars, but it'll be worth it to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.
The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono
If you're the type of person who likes to connect with locals while traveling or have fond memories of staying with a host family during a study-abroad program, you'll want to book the Old Wailuku Inn. This warm, welcoming hotel feels as if you're staying at a friend's tūtū's (grandma in Hawaiian) house with a home-cooked breakfast served daily, and modest rooms with beds covered in traditional Hawaiian quilts.
The central location is more residential than Lahaina or Wailea and removed from the typical tourist areas for a more one-of-a-kind experience. When you're ready for the beach, it's a 20-minute drive to the south shore.
View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Maui.