Once you have decided the best time for your trip to Maui, the fun begins in planning where you want to stay. The most popular tourist locations on the island are on the West Coast in the towns of Kaanapali and Lahaina and the South Coast in Wailea and Kihei.
Kaanapali
Kaanapali is located on a three-mile stretch of a beautiful sandy beach that is recognized as one of Maui’s top beaches where an array of oceanfront resorts can be found.
-The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali
I had friends that honeymooned here and loved it! They thought the resort had great amenities and was centrally located on the Kaanapali Beach Walk with access to restaurants and Whalers Village.
-Noah’s Hideaway Luxury B&B
I was very intrigued with this B&B as an alternative to a large resort. It is advertised as private and secluded (two suites only) with breakfast served daily, a heated swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, outdoor dining area, golf course views and a 7-minute walk to the beach! Seems like a great relaxing, quaint option!
–Hyatt Regency Maui ($$$)
Oceanfront Maui Resort on Ka`anapali Beach | Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
I had the privilege of staying at the Hyatt Regency Maui while honeymooning with my husband Kevin. I thought this resort was a great option for both honeymooners and families as it offered a wide variety of amenities. The Hyatt has 6 pools, a spa, an on-site golf course, fitness facilities, poolside bars, 3 lounges and 5 restaurants. I thought the resort was beautiful, well maintained, up to date and had friendly staff. It is a great option for those who want to have everything in one location and not feel like they need to leave the property. Located on the Kaanapali Beach Walk, it is the perfect place to be active or relax!
Lahaina
Lahaina is a historical town located on the West Coast of Maui, just south of Kaanapali and is most widely known for “Front Street” where you can find historical sites, shopping, restaurants, and the marina.
-The Plantation Inn
-Best Western Pioneer Inn
–Lahaina Shores Beach Resort ($$)
https://www.destinationhotels.com/lahaina-shores
I loved my stay at Lahaina Shores Beach Resort! The resort is located just a 5–10 minute walk south of the historical town and is situated directly on the beach. Each room includes a lanai, housekeeping, ac, fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, tv, parking, and access to the use of their pool and lounge chairs. The rooms which are individually owned were recently renovated. Kevin and I elected to upgrade to an oceanfront room which offered floor to ceiling windows with a balcony, two chairs and a table. Waking up to the sound and the views of the ocean and watching the sunset at night was beyond breathtaking! We visited in early November (less crowds) and absolutely loved our stay here. At times we were the only ones using the beach and were one of five couples using the pool area. The location is great due to the close proximity to town for dining, bar and shopping options.
Wailea
Wailea is located on the South Coast and is most recognizable for the beautiful beaches and immaculate golf courses. However, for those of you on a budget the Wailea area is expensive!
-Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
-Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
-Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
–Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott, Maui ($$$$)
Hotel in Wailea| Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui
I was lucky enough to stay at the Wailea Beach Resort-Marriot, Maui and it was like living in paradise. This is a four-star resort with modern rooms, housekeeping, ac, free Wi-Fi, tv’s, mini fridge, bathroom amenities and balcony with chairs and table. Once leaving the room you will find access to 2 family pools, an 18+ infinity pool, and a kid’s pool with 4 water slides and a whirlpool. The family pools and the 18+ pool both have oceanfront views with bar service from later morning till dinner. The resort also offers a variety of dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner ranging from food trucks, sit down dining and the resorts own Luau. Resort amenities include an on-site fitness center, Mandara spa and Wailea golf course. There is also the ability to arrange activities close to the property such as boating, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, bike rentals and others. The Wailea Beach Resort is nothing short of amazing and you will never go bored here!
Paia
While I mentioned the West Coast and South Coast are the most popular tourist destinations on the island, I do not want to sell the North Coast short. We stayed here for our last night to eat at Mama’s Fish House (one of the top-rated restaurants in the U.S.) but could have easily stayed here much longer. Paia is a small tourist town that gives a chic hippie vibe if you will. We found many travelers use this area as a good base to explore road to Hana. There are two main streets in the middle of town with cute boutiques and souvenir shops as well as fresh fish and health-conscious dining options.
-The Inn at Mama’s Fish House
-Paia Inn ($$$)
The Paia Inn I A Hip Boutique Beach Inn on Maui’s North Shore, Hawaii
A hip beachside boutique hotel located in a historic building with private beach access, spacious outdoor lounge zones, use of property beach chairs and beach towels, free parking, Wi-Fi, ac, ceiling fans, mini fridge, etc. Kevin and I stayed in one of the smaller rooms the inn offered, and while it was snug, we spent most of our time outside of the inn exploring the beach town. Our favorite part of the inn was the private beach. It was quiet, peaceful, and we loved seeing the sunbathing turtles!
