Where to Stay in Maui 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Maui offers Hawaii's most diverse island experience - from luxury Wailea resorts to bohemian Paia surf town to remote Hana rainforest. The island divides into distinct regions: the sunny west side (Ka'anapali, Lahaina), the resort south (Wailea, Kihei), and the lush north shore (Paia, Hana). A rental car is essential as public transit is minimal.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Ka'anapali or South Kihei
Ka'anapali offers the classic Hawaii resort experience with a famous beach, cliff diving at Black Rock, and walkable access to Whaler's Village. For better value, South Kihei provides excellent beaches (Kamaole I-III), local restaurants, and easy access to both Wailea luxury and Lahaina dining.
Wailea
Ka'anapali
Kihei
Lahaina
Paia
Hana
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Kahului near the airport is functional but lacks beach access - just for overnights
- • Some west Maui condos are dated - check recent photos and reviews
- • North shore accommodations can be rainy and windy - not ideal for beach lounging
- • Hana requires commitment - the drive is long and services are limited
Understanding Maui Geography
Maui is a figure-8 shaped island with West Maui (Ka'anapali, Lahaina) separated from the main island by mountains. South Maui (Kihei, Wailea) faces the sun. The North Shore (Paia) catches wind and waves. East Maui (Hana) is remote rainforest. Kahului/Airport sits in the central isthmus.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Maui
Wailea
Best for: Luxury resorts, pristine beaches, golf, upscale dining
"Manicured resort paradise with some of Hawaii's best beaches"
Pros
- Best beaches
- Luxury amenities
- Less crowded
Cons
- Very expensive
- Isolated
- Need car
Kihei
Best for: Budget condos, beach access, local feel, dining variety
"Laid-back beach town with condos and local restaurants"
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Great beaches
- Local vibe
Cons
- Less polished
- Traffic
- Spread out
Lahaina
Best for: Historic town, Front Street shopping, whale watching, restaurants
"Historic whaling town with best restaurants and shopping on Maui"
Pros
- Walkable town
- Best dining
- Harbor activities
Cons
- Crowded
- Hot
- Parking difficult
Ka'anapali
Best for: Resort beach, Whaler's Village, cliff diving, family resorts
"Classic Hawaii resort strip with famous beach and cliff diving"
Pros
- Famous beach
- Resort amenities
- Great snorkeling
Cons
- Expensive
- Touristy
- Crowded beach
Paia / North Shore
Best for: Hippie town, Road to Hana start, surfing, bohemian vibe
"Bohemian surf town with galleries, cafés, and hippie heritage"
Pros
- Authentic Hawaii
- Road to Hana base
- Surf culture
Cons
- Rainy/windy
- No resort beaches
- Far from west side
Hana
Best for: Remote paradise, Road to Hana destination, waterfalls, seclusion
"Remote East Maui town reachable only by scenic drive"
Pros
- Ultimate seclusion
- Natural beauty
- Authentic Hawaii
Cons
- Very remote
- Limited services
- Expensive
- Long drive
Accommodation Budget in Maui
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Paia Inn
Paia
Bohemian boutique inn in the heart of Paia town with surf culture vibe and excellent breakfast café.
Maui Coast Hotel
Kihei
Well-maintained hotel near Kamaole beaches with pool, tennis, and excellent value for South Maui.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
Ka'anapali
Most Hawaiian of Ka'anapali resorts with cultural programs, hula lessons, and authentic aloha spirit.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Ka'anapali
Classic Ka'anapali resort with oceanfront pools, luau, and excellent beach location near Black Rock.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Wailea
Contemporary luxury with infinity pools, excellent restaurants, and direct Mokapu Beach access.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Wailea
Hawaii's finest resort with impeccable service, three pools, and Wailea Beach frontage. The ultimate splurge.
Montage Kapalua Bay
Kapalua
Residential-style luxury in Kapalua with spacious suites, private beach, and world-class golf.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Travaasa Hana
Hana
Remote wellness resort in Hana offering disconnection, Hawaiian cultural experiences, and pristine nature.
Smart Booking Tips for Maui
- 1 Book 3-6 months ahead for peak seasons: Christmas, spring break, summer
- 2 Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer best weather and value
- 3 Vacation rentals often better value than hotels for families - check VRBO/Airbnb
- 4 Many condos require 5-7 night minimums during peak season
- 5 Book rental car early - Maui has limited inventory and prices surge
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Maui Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Maui: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.