WHERE TO SLEEP?
Maui offers a wide range of accommodations. The choices can be overwhelming.
If you have never visited the island it's also difficult to decide what part of the island to stay in.
Having visited Maui many times, we have gathered a list of pros and cons to help you plan the perfect getaway.
Do you want to stay at an ocean-side resort and enjoy breakfast on the beach?
The morning view at the Royal Lahaina in Kaanapali.
TIP: When booking at a hotel or resort make sure to ask about the daily activity fee which is added to the price of the hotel.
The Grand Wailea in south Maui is a high-end resort set on 40 acres of tropical gardens.
Maui areas:
WAILEA (SOUTH)
Pros: This part of the island is lined with luxurious resorts and top-notch spas (Four Seasons, Grand Wailea). Beautiful beaches line these properties and are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Many resorts offer daily activities and tours right from the property. There are also numerous restaurants and shops inside the resorts. Visitors on the south side of the island, often enjoy the high-end shopping at The Shops at Wailea and the nearby golf amenities.
Cons: Wailea resorts have everything you can could dream of – and it comes with a hefty price tag. The luxury resorts can be quite large and overwhelming in size. You will need a car to explore restaurants and shops that are not located on the resort.
KIHEI (SOUTH)
Pros: Kihei is the place to stay and eat for budget travelers. Some of Maui’s best beaches are in Wailea and Kaanapali, so staying in Kihei lets you split your time exploring both parts of the island. If you are interesting in learning to surf, many of the local surf shops offer lessons at Kalama Park in Kihei.
Cons: Kihei has lots to offer and is close to many things but if you came to Maui to enjoy the beaches you’ll be spending time in your car to get to the better beaches.
LAHAINA (WEST)
Pros: Lahaina is a historic whaling village and is full of shops and restaurants. If you’re staying in nearby Kaanapali you will probably spend lots of time here picking up groceries, eating at the plentiful restaurants, and enjoying cocktails from one of the numerous bars. Lahaina is close to Kaanapali and has a Safeway grocery store, in addition to many restaurants and shops. One of Maui's most important boat harbors is located in Lahaina, which is the meeting point for many whale watching and snorkel tours. The largest Banyan Tree in Hawaii is located in Lahaina's central park. Not only is it a must-see town when on the island, there are also art and craft markets available to explore.
Cons: Lahaina is a bustling part of Maui and can be quite busy, especially when the cruise ships dock.
KAANAPALI (WEST)
Pros: Kaanapali is home to a three-mile beach that offers some of the calmest waters on the island. It is a favorite for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Black Rock and Airport beach are two excellent snorkeling locations that are accessible from the shoreline. This area has a mix of resorts and condos, and some of them offer free transportation between sites, through the Kaanapali Trolley. There is a beautiful boardwalk that stretches the length of the beach. Whalers Village is the hub for shopping and enjoying restaurants.
Cons: Kaanapali has some of the best beaches and can be crowded with visitors. If you're not a guest at one of the resorts, the quota of public parking spots goes fast.
Kahului (Central)
Pros: Kahului is close to the airport, and most visitors stop here for supplies on the way to other parts of the island. You can find big-box shopping like Walmart, Costco and K-Mart here.
Cons: Visitors to the island generally don’t plan their vacation here as it's the industrial and commercial part of the island. If traveling to Maui on a budget consider staying in Kihei.