You’ve got your vacation time approved, flights booked, transportation reserved, and daydreams in order. Now you get to tackle the big question of where to stay during your trip. The good news is that Maui has an exceptional offering of places to stay that fit the needs of every traveler.Beach Enthusiasts
If you plan to spend most of your time on Maui at the beach, consider staying in West Maui. Most visitors stay in or near the towns of Lahaina, Kaanapali, or Kapalua. The west coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Maui including Ka’anapali Beach, Kapalua Bay, and Honolua Bay. Many resorts like the Hyatt Regency, The Westin, and Kaanapali Alii sit adjacent to beautiful stretches of sand. If you’re on a budget, find a hotel in Lahaina like the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort. The downside of staying in West Maui is that it tends to get crowded during the summer and popular holidays. For a more remote beach experience, check out the southern coast around Kihei and Wailea. While there aren’t as many stores and restaurants available on the southern coast, there is still great weather and picturesque coastlines to enjoy. Kihei is a budget and kid-friendly location that is home to many surfing schools. On the other hand, Wailea is a more upscale community. It is home to places like the Four Seasons Resort and Hotel Wailea.Honeymooners
It’s no secret that Hawaii is a favorite honeymoon destination for people from all sides of the Pacific. Many resorts and hotels have honeymoon packages available. For honeymoon travelers who want to be in the center of it all, look no further than Lahaina. This famous destination features luxurious hotels, beautiful beaches, perfect weather, walkable neighborhoods, and an exciting nightlife. For a more personalized experience, pick a smaller hotel like the Plantation Inn or the Royal Lahaina Resort. If you’re looking for a low-key, tranquil getaway with similar offerings, head down to Wailea on the south coast. The Marriott Wailea Beach Resort offers some adult-only amenities at reasonable prices which are perfect for honeymooning couples.Families
Traveling with kids frequently requires a beach, kid-friendly swimming pools, kitchens for easy eat-in dining, and laundry facilities. Thankfully, Maui is packed with family-friendly locations to stay. Many resorts offer all of these family-friendly amenities, activities for the kids, and relaxing hideaways for adults. Families with kids tend to stay in Lahaina because of the fun things to do within a reasonable walking distance of most resorts. The waters are calmer at these beaches than at others on the island, but they are still active enough for a good surfing experience. Explore more of Maui’s landscape with a Skyline zipline tour along Ka’anapali’s remote coastlines and over the stunning views of the valley.
Those wishing to stay out of the resort zone will find similar amenities in condos, villas, or vacation home rentals. There are rental properties available all over the island. If you have a flexible budget, you may choose to stay in the more luxurious houses available on the west coast of Maui near Kahekili beach or Honokowai beach.
If you are looking to save money, check out the listings around Kihei for budget friendly options with great amenities. While rental properties may not offer as many on-site activities to entertain the kids, the fully-furnished kitchens and available space may be appealing to parents who wish to save money and time. If you go this route, be sure to check for hidden fees at the property and availability of nearby public transportation.Active Vacationers
Fortunately for people who like to stay active on vacation, Maui offers an incredible number of outdoor sports and activities. Maui is a haven for golf enthusiasts since sunny and warm weather is the norm. The Four Seasons Resort in Wailea features luxurious accommodations steps away from a gorgeous beach and two 18-hole golf courses. One course is the classic “Old Blue” which put Hawaii on the global golf map.
You may also want to visit the world-class practice facilities at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua or the two surrounding courses long-loved by PGA champions and golf legends. Visitors who come for ocean activities won’t be disappointed either. Most hotels and resorts offer equipment for snorkeling, wetsuits, boogie boards, paddleboards, and more. Consider staying in West Maui for easy access to the islands of Lanai and Molokai, which are both top spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you find lodging further south, head over to Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve to observe a variety of fish in the black-lava tide pools. Or, catch a boat to the Molokini sunken crater which is a paradise for marine life.
Maui is also the best place on the Hawaiian Islands to try windsurfing. Grab a room at the Lumeria Retreat or the Sprecks Plantation House near Hookipa Beach. This beach is the home of the world championship windsurfing contest. The variety of activities and lodging options available in every area of Maui allow you make your trip reflect you. Enjoy your visit!
About the Author: Skyline Eco-Adventures is the United States’ Original zipline company. With zipline tours on the islands of Kauai and Maui, Skyline Eco-Adventures has an adventure for every visitor. For more info or to make your reservation today, visit: https://www.skylinehawaii.com/.
Beach Enthusiasts
If you plan to spend most of your time on Maui at the beach, consider staying in West Maui. Most visitors stay in or near the towns of Lahaina, Kaanapali, or Kapalua. The west coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Maui including Ka’anapali Beach, Kapalua Bay, and Honolua Bay. Many resorts like the Hyatt Regency, The Westin, and Kaanapali Alii sit adjacent to beautiful stretches of sand. If you’re on a budget, find a hotel in Lahaina like the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort. The downside of staying in West Maui is that it tends to get crowded during the summer and popular holidays. For a more remote beach experience, check out the southern coast around Kihei and Wailea. While there aren’t as many stores and restaurants available on the southern coast, there is still great weather and picturesque coastlines to enjoy. Kihei is a budget and kid-friendly location that is home to many surfing schools. On the other hand, Wailea is a more upscale community. It is home to places like the Four Seasons Resort and Hotel Wailea.Foodies
Luckily for food-lovers, there is no shortage of options when it comes to delicious cuisine on Maui. From tiny restaurants in Upcountry to famous stops in the heart of Lahaina, Maui is truly a foodie’s paradise. The Lahaina area is best suited for those who enjoy walking from place to place. Those with access to a vehicle will find many hidden gems in Upcountry Maui, which is away from the hustle of tourist towns. Stop to see the vintage rooms at the Paia Inn near Hana Highway. A little further south in Makawao, enjoy the cottages at the Banyan Bed and Breakfast Retreat. This plantation house offers access to a commercial-grade kitchen. It’s also an easy drive to the Hailaiimaile General Store restaurant, which will amaze you with its delectable dishes and friendly service. You could also visit Kula Lodge, a rustic hotel reminiscent of a stay in the Swiss Alps. Its 3,200 ft. elevation makes it a prime location for scenic views while enjoying great food.Honeymooners
It’s no secret that Hawaii is a favorite honeymoon destination for people from all sides of the Pacific. Many resorts and hotels have honeymoon packages available. For honeymoon travelers who want to be in the center of it all, look no further than Lahaina. This famous destination features luxurious hotels, beautiful beaches, perfect weather, walkable neighborhoods, and an exciting nightlife. For a more personalized experience, pick a smaller hotel like the Plantation Inn or the Royal Lahaina Resort. If you’re looking for a low-key, tranquil getaway with similar offerings, head down to Wailea on the south coast. The Marriott Wailea Beach Resort offers some adult-only amenities at reasonable prices which are perfect for honeymooning couples.Families
Traveling with kids frequently requires a beach, kid-friendly swimming pools, kitchens for easy eat-in dining, and laundry facilities. Thankfully, Maui is packed with family-friendly locations to stay. Many resorts offer all of these family-friendly amenities, activities for the kids, and relaxing hideaways for adults. Families with kids tend to stay in Lahaina because of the fun things to do within a reasonable walking distance of most resorts. The waters are calmer at these beaches than at others on the island, but they are still active enough for a good surfing experience. Explore more of Maui’s landscape with a Skyline zipline tour along Ka’anapali’s remote coastlines and over the stunning views of the valley.
Those wishing to stay out of the resort zone will find similar amenities in condos, villas, or vacation home rentals. There are rental properties available all over the island. If you have a flexible budget, you may choose to stay in the more luxurious houses available on the west coast of Maui near Kahekili beach or Honokowai beach.
If you are looking to save money, check out the listings around Kihei for budget friendly options with great amenities. While rental properties may not offer as many on-site activities to entertain the kids, the fully-furnished kitchens and available space may be appealing to parents who wish to save money and time. If you go this route, be sure to check for hidden fees at the property and availability of nearby public transportation.
Nature-lovers
For those who want to spend most of their time in nature, there really isn’t a better option for lodging than camping in Haleakala National Park. The park offers primitive camping experiences including three rustic wilderness cabins that can be reserved in advance and two first-come, first-serve camp grounds that are only accessible by trail. Campers with a car are welcome to set up tents on a first-come, first-serve basis in one of the two drive-up campgrounds that are located in different areas of the park. All campgrounds and cabins feature easy access to beautiful trails, unparalleled scenery, and dynamic weather conditions.Active Vacationers
Fortunately for people who like to stay active on vacation, Maui offers an incredible number of outdoor sports and activities. Maui is a haven for golf enthusiasts since sunny and warm weather is the norm. The Four Seasons Resort in Wailea features luxurious accommodations steps away from a gorgeous beach and two 18-hole golf courses. One course is the classic “Old Blue” which put Hawaii on the global golf map.
You may also want to visit the world-class practice facilities at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua or the two surrounding courses long-loved by PGA champions and golf legends. Visitors who come for ocean activities won’t be disappointed either. Most hotels and resorts offer equipment for snorkeling, wetsuits, boogie boards, paddleboards, and more. Consider staying in West Maui for easy access to the islands of Lanai and Molokai, which are both top spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you find lodging further south, head over to Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve to observe a variety of fish in the black-lava tide pools. Or, catch a boat to the Molokini sunken crater which is a paradise for marine life.
Maui is also the best place on the Hawaiian Islands to try windsurfing. Grab a room at the Lumeria Retreat or the Sprecks Plantation House near Hookipa Beach. This beach is the home of the world championship windsurfing contest. The variety of activities and lodging options available in every area of Maui allow you make your trip reflect you. Enjoy your visit!
About the Author: Skyline Eco-Adventures is the United States’ Original zipline company. With zipline tours on the islands of Kauai and Maui, Skyline Eco-Adventures has an adventure for every visitor. For more info or to make your reservation today, visit: https://www.skylinehawaii.com/.
