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Whether you’re looking for a luxurious vacation rental home with incredible amenities or a more secluded stay tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu — there’s something perfect for everyone on Maui.
Maui is not a large island, just 48 miles long and 26 miles wide. However, the small island size gives it an intimate feel where each area has its own distinct landscape and charm. It is generally divided into six main geographic areas: west, east, north, south, central, and upcountry.
While every location has tradeoffs, no matter where you stay, you’ll never be far from turquoise oceans and lush tropical adventures. With the island’s more than eighty stunning beaches, picture-perfect waterfalls, whale watching, world-class snorkeling, and nature-filled excursions, what’s not to love?
The only difficult decision you’ll have on Maui is what area to stay in because there are so many incredible options.
Strategically speaking, if you don’t rent a car, staying in accommodation close to the activities, restaurants, and beaches is advisable. Maui makes staying close to the action easy by offering a wealth of vacation rentals in all six areas with varying amenities, including full kitchens, hot tubs, and beach access.
Whether it’s your first time on Maui or you’re a seasoned visitor, the finest area on Maui to stay in will depend on your interests and budget. So, let’s dive into your comprehensive guide to the best spots to stay on Maui.
1. West Maui
- Most popular and modern area
- Destinations include: Ka’anapali, Kapalua, Napili, and Lahaina
- Tourist-friendly, calm beaches, a wide variety of dining options
West Maui is unquestionably one of the most modern and lively areas to stay on the island if you’re seeking the poshest experience. This area was first developed in the 1960s and is still among the most popular areas to stay and live life to the fullest on your trip.
There are many sites of interest to keep you busy on this side of Maui. You can find the former whaling village of Lahaina here. The resort community of Kaanapali also stretches along the shoreline, boasting the majority of the island’s best accommodations and restaurants.
More so than South Maui’s Wailea, West Maui has a tremendous amount of beachfront stays, golfing courses, and breathtaking beaches. Couples and fans of luxury vacations may find the western region of Maui ticks all the boxes.
Ka’anapali
Great for honeymooners and romance
Ka’anapali was the first planned resort community in Hawaii and is located a convenient 40-minute drive from Kahului Airport. This town is versatile – while loved by honeymooners, but also very family-friendly.
The stunning three-mile stretch of golden sand that lines Ka’anapali is lined with a strip of upscale beachfront hotels and vacation rentals. Over the years, the beach that hosts the town has received numerous accolades for being the best in the world.
Whalers Village is at the bustling center of town. The all-in-one spot located in Ka’anapali hosts more than ninety different stores and restaurants. So whether you’re searching for garish Hawaiian memorabilia, tropical shirts, accessories with an island flair, Macadamia nuts, or other souvenirs, Whalers has all that and more at this premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.
The Ka’anapali Beach boardwalk is a point of interest and is within walking distance of many of the area’s best accommodations. The best time to enjoy a stroll on the almost 2 1/4 mile-long boardwalk is at dusk or early in the day before the sun becomes too hot.
As a bonus, if you stay in Ka’anapali, getting around without a car is simple. The Ka’anapali Trolley travels back and forth between the major resort areas, golf courses, and Whalers Village and travels the length of the beach front.
Kapalua
Best for couples wanting a tranquil, elegant getaway
In the 1800s, Kapalua was known as the Honolua Ranch. Today, the 23,000-acre Kapalua Resort is the town’s main attraction. Due to its luxurious, romantic accommodations and picturesque shoreline dotted with white sand beaches, Kapalua is a popular vacation spot for couples.
There are plenty of upscale leisure locations in this well-planned resort area. The Plantation Course and the Bay Course comprise two of the most renowned golf courses, there are award-winning restaurants nestled within resorts , and more than twenty upscale boutique stores may all be found in Kapalua.
If you are adventurous, the picturesque Kapalua Coastal Trail is an excellent example of one of Kapalua’s many walking and hiking trails. Just near D.T. Fleming Beach Park, this trail meanders past opulent condos, vacation homes, and even lava fields. Also, be sure to check out Kapalua Bay Beach for some fantastic snorkeling.
Take note that the weather in Kapalua is frequently windier than in other areas of Maui. Even the difference a few miles can make is extraordinary! For example, Kapalua may still be calm on a windy day in neighboring Ka’anapali. Additionally, this area receives more rain than the southern shores of Maui. As a result, Kapalua is also a more verdant, lush, and arguably more picturesque area.
Napili
Best for a budget-friendly, relaxed condo vacation
Look no further than Napili for a more tranquil, less crowded alternative to the premium Ka’anapali luxury accommodations. Think modest, remote condos and rentals with a low-key feel. The atmosphere is less extravagant than in Ka’anapali and Kapalua, and the accommodations tend to be less expensive.
Napili Bay is practically a rock skip over from Kapalua on the map. Yet, there is enough distinction to qualify it as its own location. Napili’s natural beauty and stunning beaches are anything but ordinary. Napili is greener and lusher than Ka’anapali with a spectacular shoreline of small, dispersed beaches separated by towering cliffs.
On the Napili shores, waves are consistently gentle and moderate on West Maui’s calmest beach area. Nevertheless, there are still some good waves here for boogie boarding. Additionally, because the seas are relatively quiet, snorkelers of all ages travel there for fantastic opportunities for laid-back snorkeling.
Lahaina
Great for foodies and nightlife
Lahaina, a picturesque, historic town formerly the Kingdom of Hawaii’s capital in the early 19th century, is now one of Maui’s most popular tourist sites. It offers the greatest choices in budget stays without compromising access to incredible restaurants and charming stores.
The primary attraction in the town is a stroll down Front Street. Here you’ll find a delightfully mixed bag of historic sites, trendy art spaces, a museum, delectable cafés, and a key opportunity to pose in front of Maui’s longest-living banyan tree.
Unlike Kaanapali and Kapalua, Lahaina is not a resort area – it is primarily residential but with great private stay rentals available. As a result, the vibe here is very local and friendly while accommodation options are more diverse and affordable.
2. East Maui
- Remote and uncrowded
- Destinations include: Hana and Haleakala
- Proximity to adventure excursions
Fewer visitors opt to stay along the east side of the island’s must-drive Hana Highway route. Of course, the upside is that when the day-trippers head home, you can enjoy the breathtaking vistas and abundance of waterfalls here without the crowds.
The Hana Highway is one of the best reasons to travel to East Maui. It’s a must-do since it’s one of the world’s most beautiful drives! Indeed, traveling through such beautiful countryside, you’ll need a rental car to truly enjoy all the opportunities to stop at your leisure for photos and hiking opportunities.
Hana
Best for avoiding the crowds
If you’re seeking a place to stay on Maui that is remote and away from the masses, Hana is one of the few locations in East Maui that is well worth the overnight stay. Hana is a lush, beautiful, and isolated place with few lodgings, regarded as one of the last untouched Hawaiian frontiers.
Although the famed Road to Hana is only fifty two miles from Kahului, the journey can take two to four hours due to its treacherous one-lane bridges, hairpin twists, and magnificent island views. Therefore, visitors are urged to take an approved tour conducted by experts to explore this route safely.
This adventure will take you past thriving jungles, gushing cascades, deep pools, and heart-stopping seascapes. But, even while the journey matters most, you’ll understand why it’s worthwhile when you arrive in the serene and picturesque town of Hana.
There are many opportunities to get close to nature in Hana. The Pipiwai Trail, arguably Maui’s most breathtaking hike, should not be missed. Additionally, to reach the 400-foot wonder that is Waimoku Falls, you only need to take a path that winds through a bamboo forest. Finally, head to Kahanu Garden, one of Hawaii’s five national tropical botanical gardens, to see Hale Piilani, the biggest heiau (Hawaiian temple) in the state.
NOt to be outdone by waterfalls, beaches are also top-notch in this area. Hamoa Beach’s velvety soft, salt-and-pepper sand framed by a dense grove of Hala trees makes for a great daytime adventure. The lovely black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park (reservations required) is also a great sunbathing option.
Haleakala
Best for a remote feel and National Park exploring
Haleakala Crater, which dominates the island and can be seen from almost anywhere, is nature’s powerhouse. This inactive volcano, 10,023 feet above sea level, is the backdrop to an incredible variety of landscapes and skylines.
In Hawaiian, Haleakala translates to “house of the sun.” Legend has it that the god Maui lassoed the sun when he was atop the volcano, stretching the day by delaying the sun’s descent.
The finest place to view what many consider the most breathtaking sunrise on earth is the Haleakala Visitor Center, where many tourists embark early in the morning. Indeed the sunrise journey is a bucket list experience for many locals and visitors alike. A constantly shifting swirl of color and light dances across the enormous sea of clouds as the sun emerges from behind the horizon.
Additionally, numerous hiking routes provide seclusion and beautiful views. At the same time, horseback riding excursions offer expert knowledge in addition to the natural splendor. It’s worth noting that Haleakala has the highest concentration of endangered species compared to other National Park Service parks.
3. South Maui
- Relaxed and laid back
- Destinations include: Wailea and Kihei
- Family-friendly, luxury shopping, great snorkeling
For couples and families traveling to Maui, the South Coast has an abundance of experiences to offer. It has all the family-friendly amenities, just with less entertainment and glamour.
South Maui’s Incredible beaches are a strong draw for beach-worshiping visitors. They are easily accessible, pristine, and offer a tremendous variety of water sports activities. In addition, this area offers diverse elite shopping options and a variety of accommodations.
The weather here is ideal year-round, unlike other parts of the island that see varying conditions depending on the season. South Maui tends to be hotter and less rainy than other areas of Maui and has more days with good beach weather. As a result, the area’s drawback is the increase in tourists.
The two largest towns in this region are Wailea and Kihei. You’ll primarily find resorts in Wailea, whereas Kihei has mostly hotels and residences.
Wailea
Great for luxury-seekers and shopping
Wailea is a posh resort town that spans 1,500 acres with unreal ocean views. It is well-known for its exquisite, crescent-shaped beaches and outstanding golf courses. The area is three times the size of Waikīkī and emits a sense of seclusion, tranquility, and freedom.
With glamor and luxury comes a spa going lifestyle. Due to Wailea’s upscale community and high end resorts, there are plenty of five star spa experiences to choose from here.
After the spa, it’s time to hit the beach. Wailea Beach, crowned “America’s Best Beach” in 1999, Polo Beach, which offers consistently good swimming and snorkeling, and Ulua Beach Park, frequented by walkers and joggers, are some of the area’s most well-known shorelines.
The Shops at Wailea are a must-see location with top-notch eateries, designer boutiques, and regular entertainment events. The Maui Film Festival, Whale Week, and award-winning restaurants providing the finest regional cuisine from Hawaii are all held in Wailea.
Kihei
Best for families
In addition to being a residential community where many locals live and work, Kihei is a beloved laid-back tourist destination. This laid-back town claims six miles of coastline with roughly a dozen golden sand beautiful beaches. They provide excellent swimming and boogie boarding, framed by gently swaying palm trees.
It’s one of the most incredible places to stay on Maui for beautiful weather because it’s in southwest Maui’s sunny and dry region. While the rain in Kapalua can prevent you from obtaining that bronze appearance in the winter, the sun is usually beaming in Kihei.
Additionally, Kihei offers more affordable lodging options and beaches with a relaxed vibe and a range of water sports, including surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. This makes it a top choice for families on a tight budget looking for where to stay on Maui with children.
4. North Shore
- Hip and bohemian
- Destinations include: Paia and Haiku
- Great surf and local eats
The overlap between Central Maui, Upcountry Maui, and the Road to Hana, makes the precise limits of Maui’s North Shore a bit unclear. However, you’ll know you’re getting close when you start to see tattered surfboards on rooftops zipping down the highway.
Miles of gorgeous unspoiled beaches, a dramatic, mountainous shoreline, champion surf breaks, off-the-beaten-path vacation cottages, and a small, incredibly diversified population can all be found on Maui’s North Shore. Strong winds from the North Shore attract world-class windsurfing, kiteboarding, and surfing. Even if you aren’t prepared to hang ten, there are excellent places to observe the action.
The North Shore of Maui’s diverse population creates a lively communal feel. This area is home to native Hawaiians, farmers, surfers, celebrities, and hippies. Everywhere you turn, you can feel the spirit of aloha. This odd, eclectic mix of people from all over the world has managed to coexist in a way that many tourists find impressive, if not inspirational.
Paia
Best for surfers
Paia is the idyllic surf village of the North Shore. It boasts a hippie atmosphere, a welcoming, environmentally conscious community, cool boutique shops, and top-notch dining options. This friendly neighborhood, which is divided into Lower Paia and Central Paia, was once a thriving plantation town during the peak of Maui’s sugar cane economy.
Paia is the place to go if you’re looking for the greatest organic and vegan goods and markets on the island. Don’t miss standing in line at the Paia Fish Market for freshly caught fish. Unfortunately, there is no way around it; you must wait in line because it’s so popular, and you love every minute of it because there is nothing fresher than a filet from this market.
Paia is where you should strongly consider making your Maui holiday base if you’re a surfer or windsurfer. One of the top locations in the world, Paia draws surfers from near and far. In the winter, the large north coast waves at Hoʻokipa Beach attract professionals, making it the “windsurfing capital of the world.” In the more tranquil summer months, watching the pros compete is a great pastime.
H.A. Baldwin Beach Park is another well-liked Paia beach featuring a baby beach with a lagoon. And look for all the sea turtles—many of them three feet long—that are lazing on the beach’s right side as you face the water.
Haiku
Great for history lovers and solo travelers
Haiku has you covered, whether you’re searching for a town to visit on your day trip across Maui’s north shore, on your way to the Road to Hana, or looking for cozy lodging somewhere relaxed and peaceful.
There is so much to this inconspicuous town perched above the much busier Paia than first meets the eye. From the utterly tranquil—and luxurious—Haiku House to The Fukushima Store, which is vying for the title of having some of the best hot dogs in the state, the town of Haiku is the ideal place to call home if you crave country charm at its finest.
Explore, take in the small-town bohemian vibe, visit the galleries, chow down on a mouthwatering fish sandwich, or check out the exciting stores and local activities in this one size fits all Maui town.
The Haiku marketplace, which serves as the center of bustle and commotion, is home to convenience and grocery stores, gyms, Pilates studios, restaurants, food trucks, bike and novelty shops, and a post office. In addition, you can get takeout from Nuka, a cup of coffee at Colleen’s, and shop at a historic local pineapple cannery.
This island region has cooler weather more frequently, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s, depending on the time of year. June through September are the warmest times to travel to Haiku.
5. Central Maui
- Remote, rugged and adventurous
- Destinations include: Wailuku
- Premier hiking and rich in cultural heritage
The isthmus that connects Maui’s two volcanoes is known as central Maui. The territory on Maui between the dormant 10,023-foot-high Mt. Haleakala volcano and the Mauna Kahalawai volcano in West Maui is known as Central Maui. The charming Maalaea Harbor town is to the south, while Kahului and Wailuku, two commercial hubs, are to the north.
This area combines modern amenities with great proximity to Maui’s natural wonders. It’s a strategic place to stay if you want to find budget accommodations but still be near historical and cultural attractions.
The Kahului Airport, Costco, Target, the Queen Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center, and most of Maui’s big-box convenience stores are all located in this area, commonly referred to as “town.” This makes it a great area for long-term stays with accessibility to daily life needs.
Central Maui isn’t just modern conveniences; its local feel carries a vital element of celebrating cultural heritage and the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.
Wailuku
Great for travelers who like convenience and amenities
Wailuku, situated at the base of the striking West Maui Mountains, also serves as the entrance to the verdant Iao Valley State Monument, formerly a holy burial site for Hawaiian chiefs. It is the location of the famed I’ao Needle.
The economic hub and county seat of Maui’s government, Wailuku, is just ten minutes west of the Kahului Airport. Visit Wailuku and look at the quaint wooden stores that line Market Street. These businesses are mostly run by families and have been there for many generations.
Locally renowned stores, eateries, and bakeries are located in these “Mom and Pop” establishments off the main road. A new Wailuku is also arising within these cherished institutions, containing modern stores, chic cafes, and relaxed coffee shops.
6. Upcountry
- Rural farm country
- Destinations include: Makawao and Kula
- Local lifestyle, great art scene, farm-grown food
Rural Maui is located in the north of Central Maui, near the middle of the island. Despite not being a typical tourist destination, you will encounter more locals than tourists and have easy access to everything.
In truth, this lush heartland of green rolling hills and floating fog has been home to generations of Hawaiian farmers and cowboys who cultivate taro and sweet potatoes.
Upcountry is a manner of life rather than merely a location. Similar to Central and West Maui, this area provides a way to escape the commotion of the busier areas of the island. In addition, it has fantastic access to Haleakala National Park. Even if you don’t stay here, you’ll unavoidably pass by on your trip to Haleakala through rural outposts and goat farms.
Makawao
Great for artists, rural scenes, and tranquility
On the midslopes of Maui’s Haleakala volcano, Makawao is a thriving arts village with one foot in its plantation heritage. One of the top 25 American destinations for the arts originally included this lovely hamlet.
The largest little town in Upcountry Maui, Makawao, is well-known for its “paniolo,” or Hawaiian cowboys. On Maui’s expansive highland fields, horse-riding paniolo has corralled cattle since the late 19th century.
The Makawao Rodeo, which takes place every Fourth of July and has been an upcountry institution for more than 50 years, is Hawaii’s biggest paniolo competition. The weekend’s activities include a parade and Hawaiian-themed versions of classic rodeo sports, including barrel racing, calf roping, and bareback riding.
For the ultimate local experience, stop by T. Komoda Store & Bakery. This tiny spot, founded in 1916 by a Japanese farmworker, does big business. Be sure to come early because lines might be lengthy in the morning while everything is fresh.
It’s easy to spend the afternoon here perusing the unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. You can observe glassblowers, wood sculptors, and painters as they complete orders in this community of active artisans.
Kula
Serene locale for foodies who love nature
On the slopes of Haleakala, Kula is a charming, rustic neighborhood. Kula, which lies in the middle of the island, is also the epicenter of its culinary renaissance because this is where most of the exotic produce used in Maui’s greatest Hawai’i regional cuisine restaurants is grown. A farm tour in Kula’s lush fields is the perfect way to whet your appetite for the dining options around the upcountry area.
While other areas of the island focus on shopping, exquisite beaches, or out-of-this-world eco-tours, the upcountry area is for appreciating farm life. There are some tremendous agricultural tours in Kula to elevate your stay in this part of Maui.
You can visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm for a Hawaiian-style floral experience or check out the Shim Coffee and Protea Farm Tour to see the sugarbush flowers and take in the breathtaking views. The Kula Botanical Gardens is also an excellent farm tour option where blooming carnations, birds of paradise, and orchids can be found.
Maui Makes Visiting Easy
Maui is one of the most diverse Hawaiian islands weaving wild modernity with luxury opulence. Topography, diverse communities, and a respect for natural beauty have made it one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.
Whether you’re looking for a place near the beach, proximity to one of Maui’s beautiful hiking destinations, or maybe you just want to be close to all the action in Lahaina; you’ll easily find an area (or two!) that suits your holiday needs.
Rent By Owner has a property for every type of travel style to make a dream vacation on Maui complete.
Featured Image Credit: lucas_moore
