Let’s face it, Maui is an island that’s on nearly everybody’s bucket record. And for good purpose. With stunning seashores, spectacular waterfalls, and epic hikes it’s really laborious to seek out an excuse to not go. After visiting the island a number of instances we discovered essentially the most time-consuming and troublesome activity is definitely discovering the perfect locations to remain in Maui and the place to base your self on the island.
Though you’ll discover a vary of luxurious beachfront resorts and mid-range boutique accommodations together with trip leases full of helpful facilities dotted round Maui, it actually pays to plan prematurely. Not solely can it’s troublesome to get a rental automotive, however securing a resort could be simply as difficult.
Prime Locations To Keep In Maui
We put collectively this information that can assist you along with your trip planning so to resolve what’s the greatest place in Maui the place you need to base your self to see the perfect of this superb island. You’ll have the possibility to decide on the solar and sand, surf alongside Maui’s North Shore, or enterprise inland to climb volcanoes and seize panoramic views of the West Maui mountains rising out of the ocean.
Earlier than we get began let’s get you accustomed to the format of the island. This can assist you to see the place issues are positioned in addition to assist you to resolve if you wish to be within the extra common areas of South Maui and West Maui or have a extra inland expertise within the Upcountry.
Our Suggestions for the Finest Locations to Keep in Maui
The place is the Finest Space to Keep in Maui?
Maui is a simple island to navigate. It’s damaged up into 6 essential areas which we’ll spotlight and allow you to know the place we predict are the perfect locations to remain.
No matter which neighborhood you select to remain in Maui, there isn’t any scarcity of fantastic views. Though not a giant island, Maui is greatest explored while you lease a automotive. It lets you cowl extra of the island and offers you the liberty to benefit from the Maui tradition.
Every area in Maui has one thing completely different to supply. When weighing the professionals and cons of every, it’s necessary to know what kind of trip you take pleasure in essentially the most. South Maui is the go-to spot because of the vary of resorts, whereas East Maui is extra distant, with few accommodations however is a relaxing getaway.
1. West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua)
West Maui, house to the historic city of Lahaina, a former whaling village and Hawaiian royal capital, boasts of a wealthy historic and cultural context. In the present day, Entrance Road, Lahaina’s essential thoroughfare, thrives with distinctive retailers, numerous eating places, and artwork galleries, and is a middle of vibrant nightlife. Additionally in West Maui, one can find Ka’anapali Seashore and Kapalua Bay, well-known for his or her world-class resorts, pristine seashores, and top-notch golf programs.
The fantastic thing about West Maui isn’t just restricted to its attractive seashores and splendid lodging. It additionally incorporates a dramatic panorama outlined by the West Maui Mountains, or Mauna Kahalawai, providing a ton of trails for mountaineering and alternatives for outside lovers to absorb every little thing Maui has to supply. Furthermore, the stretch of shoreline alongside Freeway 30 delivers gorgeous views of the ocean, neighboring islands, and even humpback whales in the course of the winter months.
The perfect locations to remain in West Maui cater to a variety of preferences. Luxurious seekers will probably be drawn to the upscale resorts of Kaanapali and Kapalua, full with full-service spas, championship golf programs, and beachfront eating. These searching for a extra native expertise would possibly desire a trip rental in Lahaina or a boutique resort, the place they will take pleasure in being near native points of interest, retailers, and eating places.
As for Napili, house to the enchanting Napili Bay, you’ll discover a laid-back environment amongst a group of small resorts and condos that don’t overtake the skyline. The neighborhood wraps round Napili Bay, providing company the possibility to snorkel or dive within the turquoise waters.
Simply north of Lahaina, you’ll discover the well-known Kaanapali Seashore. The expansive white sands stretch across the shoreline, providing loads of room to seek out your personal slice of heaven. Whenever you aren’t buying and selling the turquoise ocean for the delicate sand, head to the north finish, the place you’ll uncover Black Rock. On arrival, you could spot individuals leaping off the cliff face into the deep water beneath. Be at liberty to affix or embark on some incredible snorkeling.
Really helpful Resorts in West Maui
The Ritz Carlton Maui
The Ritz-Carlton, Maui is an opulent resort nestled inside the pristine Kapalua Bay on the northwest coast. Surrounded by lush greenery and white sand seashores, this elegant resort gives impeccable service and facilities together with a tri-level swimming pool, golf programs, a rejuvenating spa, and numerous eating choices. It’s the final in luxurious.
Napili Kai Seashore Resort
Napili Kai Seashore Resort is a captivating and tranquil oceanfront retreat in Maui, Hawaii. With its gorgeous white sand seaside, lush tropical gardens, and cozy lodging, the resort gives a peaceable and intimate setting for company to unwind and expertise the fantastic thing about Maui’s paradise.
Ka’anapali Seashore Resort
With its conventional Hawaiian hospitality and heat aloha spirit, the Kaanapali seaside resort gives a cushty and genuine Hawaiian expertise. Visitors can take pleasure in ocean views, cultural actions, scrumptious eating choices, and direct entry to the gorgeous seaside. It’s a extra inexpensive possibility on this space.
2. South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, and Makena)
After West Maui, South Maui is the preferred vacation spot on the island. Simply 20 minutes from the airport, it’s simply accessible with the seaside, eating places, and retailers proper in your doorstep. People who arrive at this finish of Maui will normally select between both Kihei or the famed Wailea.
The climate in South Maui tends to be drier and sunnier in comparison with different components of the island, making it a seaside lover’s haven. And let me inform you the seashores in South Maui are among the many most interesting in Hawaii. Wailea Seashore, as an example, is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and glorious swimming situations.
Makena Seashore, also referred to as Large Seashore, is without doubt one of the largest seashores in Maui and is common for picnicking, swimming, and typically big-wave browsing. However the perfect half is that the coral reefs are wealthy in marine life, making snorkeling a must-do exercise. The Molokini Crater, {a partially} submerged volcanic crater, is a world-famous snorkeling spot simply accessible from South Maui.
Wailea has the most important focus of luxurious resorts and luxurious accommodations. With an exquisite mixture of facilities like nice eating places and golf programs, Wailea Resorts cater to {couples}, honeymooners, and even households. Wailea can be house to the one adults-only resort on Maui like the luxurious resort 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Get pleasure from a calming trip, some with waterfront infinity-edge swimming pools, personal seaside entry, and loads of upscale eating places inside strolling distance.
Such stunning seashores and luxurious resorts don’t come low-cost. The main downside for South Maui is the value level, though you could discover a budget-friendly trip rental in Kihei. Vacationers also needs to bear in mind that a lot of their chosen water adventures, similar to whale-watching boat excursions, will depart from Maalaea Harbor, a couple of 20-minute drive away.
Really helpful Resorts in South Maui
The Fairmont Kea Lani
With its beachfront location, bask in water actions or just unwind by the ocean. The spacious suites and villas, coupled with distinctive service, guarantee consolation. The various eating, world-class spa, and cultural actions present a complete style of paradise.
The 4 Seasons Resort
Overlooking the serene Wailea Seashore, the resort gives gorgeous ocean views, impeccable service, and cozy, elegant rooms. Its famend spa, gourmand eating experiences, and number of actions guarantee each rest and journey, making it a really perfect Hawaiian keep.
Sundown Paradise Luana Kai
This property has a non-public pool, positioned in Kihei, inside simply lower than 1 km of Kalepolepo Seashore and a 14-minute stroll from Mai Poina Seashore. The air-conditioned lodging is 200 meters from Waipuilani Seashore, and company profit from complimentary WiFi and personal parking accessible on-site.
3. Maui’s North Shore (Paia and Haiku)
With the 2 hottest areas of Maui coated, let’s have a look at the island’s North Shore, which gives a larger perception into one of the vital spectacular Hawaiian islands. Nearer to the pure wonders of Maui, however just a little farther from among the higher swimming seashores, the North Shore is all about shutting off from the world and respiration within the serenity.
West Maui and South Maui are giant resort areas, with helpful facilities on website. But when your crew isn’t a giant fan of that kind of journey, then the North Shore can be an ideal various.
Maui’s North Shore, encompassing Paia and Haiku, is a mecca for surfers and windsurfers from world wide, particularly on the legendary Ho’okipa Seashore Park. The world has a bohemian vibe with artwork galleries, boutique retailers, and natural cafes. Paia, sometimes called the “windsurfing capital of the world,” is a quaint city with a mix of Hawaiian and plantation-era influences.
Households can take pleasure in quite a lot of family-friendly accommodations and laid-back eating in Pa’ia with loads of hearty fare on supply. The primary exception to the rule is arguably the perfect restaurant on Maui, Mama’s Fish Home.
I discussed that the North Shore isn’t famend for its stress-free swimming seashores, however it’s house to world-class waters for adventurous souls. All alongside the North Shore, you’ll discover some distinctive browsing experiences for those who know their method round some gnarly breaks.
There’s a purpose the North Shore is house to a number of professional tour occasions. When exploring the tide swimming pools at Ho’okipa Seashore, you may even see a bunch of windsurfers benefiting from the coastal winds. They should have heard that the seaside can be thought of the windsurfing capital of the world.
As for {couples} who need their very own romantic escape, the North Shore is house to a handful of upscale boutique accommodations the place you may bask within the splendid views away from the crowds. Hand-in-hand, roam the comfy city of Pa’ia and alongside the seashores the place the waves tumble down alongside the night solar.
Really helpful Resorts On The North Shore
Lumeria Maui
Lumeria Maui gives a novel retreat for these searching for tranquility and rejuvenation. This wellness-focused sanctuary options lush gardens, yoga courses, and holistic spa therapies. With a farm-to-table eating expertise and proximity to waterfalls and seashores, Lumeria is ideal for a restorative getaway.
Paia Inn
The Paia Inn, located within the charming city of Paia, Maui, is an intimate boutique resort that captures a mix of contemporary consolation and bohemian model. Its prime location gives easy accessibility to Maui’s North Shore seashores, eclectic retailers, and native eateries. The customized service and comfy ambiance make it a pleasant hideaway.
Nalu Kai Lodge
The Nalu Kai Lodge in Paia gives an genuine Hawaiian expertise with a laid-back environment. Its prime location close to Maui’s North Shore makes it supreme for surfers and seaside lovers. The lodge’s rooftop deck is ideal for socializing and having fun with ocean views. It’s a budget-friendly possibility with a contact of island appeal.
4. East Maui
From the crest of the North Shore area, the Highway to Hana begins its illustrious journey alongside the rugged coast of East Maui. The well-known drive is a must-do no matter the place you select to base your self on the island. However having it in your doorstep is without doubt one of the essential promoting factors for this a part of Maui.
East Maui is a group of waterfalls flanked by rainbows and mountaineering trails by way of rainforests and towering mountains. It’s a extra secluded and fewer developed a part of Maui, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling vacationer areas.
As soon as in Hana, you may discover black sand seashores, freshwater caves, and botanical gardens. Wai’anapanapa State Park is a must-visit, that includes a shocking black sand seaside, sea arches, and blowholes. Hana additionally serves because the gateway to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala Nationwide Park, the place you may hike by way of bamboo forests and swim within the Swimming pools of ‘Ohe’o.
Lodging in East Maui are restricted in comparison with different areas and primarily include trip leases, small inns, and some luxurious choices. Staying in Hana lets you expertise previous Hawaii, with its slower tempo and close-knit neighborhood. It’s the right vacation spot for nature lovers and people searching for a extra genuine Hawaiian expertise.
For the trekkers amongst us, among the greatest hikes in Maui could be discovered within the jap area. These embody the unimaginable Pipiwai Path and the trek to Wailua Falls. It isn’t laborious to see why East Maui is the perfect vacation spot for those who need to get out and about. Commerce the nightlife and resort expertise for mountaineering boots and distant seashores to see a rugged however equally gorgeous a part of Maui.
Really helpful Resorts in East Maui
The Hana Maui Resort
The Hana Maui Resort is a serene hideaway on Maui’s secluded jap shoreline. Surrounded by lush rainforest and pristine seashores, it’s the epitome of a tropical paradise. The resort’s spacious cottages, wellness facilities, and give attention to Hawaiian tradition permit company the chance to attach with nature.
Heavenly Hana Paradise
Heavenly Hana Paradise is a comfy mattress and breakfast nestled within the tranquil city of Hana, Maui. It’s a really perfect selection for vacationers searching for a peaceable retreat near nature. With snug lodging, lush environment, and shut proximity to waterfalls and seashores, it gives a real style of Hawaiian paradise.
Bamboo Inn On Hana Bay
Bamboo Inn on Hana Bay gives a country, intimate expertise in Hana, Maui. Its three oceanfront suites, crafted from bamboo, exude tropical appeal. With direct entry to Hana Bay, company can relish the rugged great thing about the realm. The Inn’s welcoming environment and gorgeous views make for a memorable keep.
5. Upcountry / Central Maui (Kahului and Wailuku)
From one journey paradise to a different, depart the coast and head to the mountains for rural Maui. Because the identify Upcountry suggests, heading inland brings a giant elevation acquire as you ascend in the direction of the sky to be among the many ranches, farms, and small villages.
One of many highlights of Upcountry is the Haleakala Nationwide Park, the place guests can witness the dawn from the summit, typically above the clouds, which is a surreal expertise. The park additionally gives quite a few mountaineering trails by way of numerous landscapes together with cinder cones and rainforests. Moreover, the agricultural richness of the area could be skilled by way of farm excursions and visits to native markets.
Upcountry Maui is the normal house to the Paniolo. You possibly can argue that the Paniolo had been the unique cowboys, whose ranching customs and traditions date again lengthy earlier than the famed cowboys of the Wild West. In case you’re in Central Maui on July 4th, commerce the boozy seaside day for a customary rodeo present in Makawao.
Central Maui, encompassing cities like Kahului and Wailuku, serves because the island’s business middle. It’s typically the entry level for guests as a result of essential airport and harbor. Whereas it’s not a typical vacationer vacation spot, Wailuku has historic websites and the plush Iao Valley State Park, recognized for the long-lasting Iao Needle.
Top-of-the-line issues to do, and a significant purpose vacationers base themselves in Upcountry Maui, is to hike to the summit of Haleakala. From wherever on the island you may see the large volcano looming overhead. It checks out that such a peak can be house to the perfect view on Maui.
The expertise requires trekkers to get up lengthy earlier than daybreak and make the journey to the bottom of Haleakala. From there, hikers head up the mountain to seize an unforgettable panoramic dawn. Scorching tip, the sundown is simply as mesmerizing, so long as you may deal with the hike down at the hours of darkness.
Really helpful Resorts in Upcountry / Central Maui
Marriott Maui Kahului Airport
Marriott Maui Kahului Airport is a handy selection for vacationers searching for consolation and accessibility. Situated close to Kahului Airport, it’s supreme for brief stays or transit. With fashionable facilities, a swimming pool, and attentive service, it gives a cushty base. Its location additionally gives easy accessibility to discover Maui’s points of interest.
The Lovely Kula Lodge
Kula Lodge gives gorgeous views of the island from its elevated location. The lodge gives rustic, snug lodging and a restaurant serving recent, locally-sourced delicacies. Its proximity to Haleakala Nationwide Park makes it a superb selection for these interested by exploring the pure great thing about Maui.
Haleakala Princess Property
Perched on the slopes of Haleakala it gives a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views. The spacious, well-appointed lodging are surrounded by lush gardens, creating a non-public paradise. It’s a really perfect selection for households or teams searching for a serene, luxurious escape near nature and adventures.
Finest Locations to Keep in Maui FAQ
What’s the nicest space to remain in Maui?
The nicest space is subjective and is determined by what you’re searching for. Wailea in South Maui for luxurious, Lahaina in West Maui for historical past and nightlife, and Hana in East Maui for seclusion and nature.
Is it higher to remain in North or South Maui?
In case you desire a laid-back, native vibe with alternatives for windsurfing and beginning your journey to Hana, North Maui might be your supreme vacation spot. In case you’re searching for sunny climate, stunning seashores for swimming, and splendid lodging, you would possibly desire South Maui.
Which a part of Maui has the perfect seashores?
Each South and West Maui supply incredible seashores, every with their very own distinctive enchantment. South Maui tends to have quieter, much less developed seashores, whereas these in West Maui are sometimes adjoining to resorts and include extra facilities. .
What facet of Maui is hottest?
West Maui and South Maui are usually the preferred amongst vacationers on account of their seashores, resorts, and points of interest.
Ought to You Hire a Automotive in Maui?
Though it isn’t crucial to lease a automotive, we do counsel it with a purpose to see all that Maui has to supply. Some components of the island are simpler to discover in a automotive. We now have rented one every time we have now visited and had been glad we did.
Which accommodations are closest to Kahului Airport?
Some common accommodations near Kahului Airport embody Paia Inn, Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport, and Maui Seaside Resort.
Our Cash-Saving Suggestions for Maui
Everyone knows that Hawaii isn’t precisely a haven for funds vacationers. However there are methods so that you can lower your expenses with out sacrificing your expertise in paradise.
One of many greatest methods to save cash in Maui is to remain in a apartment. Many condos are part of native resorts granting entry to surrounding eating places, swimming pools, and seashores. They’re cheaper than resort rooms and include full kitchens so it can save you on consuming out.
Low season journey comes with decrease room charges and cheaper flights. Arrive between February and Might for strong climate and whale watching season with out the crowds and peak costs.
Getting Round Maui
After arriving at Kahului Airport, you’ll have a wide range of decisions for getting round Maui. You may base your self in a sure location and embark on day excursions. Many accommodations can have shuttles to native locations similar to retailers and points of interest. These are extra prevalent in West and South Maui.
There are 14 bus routes across the island, with the realm round Hana being serviced the least. A one-way fare for all routes will price $2 with a day move going for $4.
Nonetheless, if you wish to see as a lot of Maui as doable, then you have to to rent a automotive. This will probably be one of the simplest ways to drive the Highway to Hana and see the extra distant areas in Maui’s Upcountry.
In conclusion
Ultimately, the perfect place to remain on Maui is a mirrored image of your private preferences and what you need to see and do. Whether or not it’s luxurious, journey, tradition, or tranquility is what you might be searching for, Maui has one thing for everybody. In planning your keep, our suggestion is to position your self central to the actions you need to do essentially the most.
Maui isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s a journey that weaves into your being, leaving an indelible imprint. Cherish the island’s bounty, resonate with its tradition, and let the Aloha spirit information your journey by way of this island paradise. These are the explanations we return repeatedly.
