Let’s face it, Maui is an island that’s on nearly everybody’s bucket checklist. And for good purpose. With stunning seashores, spectacular waterfalls, and epic hikes it’s really laborious to search 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.
Regardless that you’ll discover a vary of luxurious beachfront resorts and mid-range boutique inns together with trip leases filled with useful facilities dotted round Maui, it actually pays to plan prematurely. Not solely can it’s troublesome to get a rental automotive, however securing a lodge might be simply as difficult.
High Locations To Keep In Maui
We put collectively this information that can assist you together with your trip planning so as 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 prospect 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 conversant in the format of the island. This may assist you see the place issues are situated in addition to assist you resolve if you wish to be within the extra fashionable areas of South Maui and West Maui or have a extra inland expertise within the Upcountry.
Our Suggestions for the Greatest Locations to Keep in Maui
The place is the Greatest Space to Keep in Maui?
Maui is a straightforward island to navigate. It’s damaged up into 6 primary areas which we are going to spotlight and allow you to know the place we expect are the perfect locations to remain.
No matter which neighborhood you select to remain in Maui, there isn’t a scarcity of wonderful views. Though not a giant island, Maui is greatest explored whenever you hire a automotive. It permits you to cowl extra of the island and offers you the liberty to benefit from the Maui tradition.
Every area in Maui has one thing totally different to supply. When weighing the professionals and cons of every, it’s essential to know what kind of trip you get pleasure from essentially the most. South Maui is the go-to spot because of the vary of resorts, whereas East Maui is extra distant, with few inns however is a chilled 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. At this time, Entrance Avenue, Lahaina’s primary thoroughfare, thrives with distinctive outlets, various eating places, and artwork galleries, and is a middle of vibrant nightlife. Additionally in West Maui, one can find Ka’anapali Seaside and Kapalua Bay, well-known for his or her world-class resorts, pristine seashores, and top-notch golf programs.
The great thing about West Maui is not only restricted to its beautiful seashores and splendid lodging. It additionally includes a dramatic panorama outlined by the West Maui Mountains, or Mauna Kahalawai, providing a ton of trails for mountaineering and alternatives for out of doors lovers to soak up the whole lot Maui has to supply. Furthermore, the stretch of shoreline alongside Freeway 30 delivers gorgeous views of the ocean, neighboring islands, and even humpback whales through the winter months.
The most effective locations to remain in West Maui cater to a variety of preferences. Luxurious seekers will likely 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 lodge, the place they will get pleasure from being near native points of interest, outlets, and eating places.
As for Napili, house to the enchanting Napili Bay, you’ll discover a laid-back environment amongst a set of small resorts and condos that don’t overtake the skyline. The group wraps round Napili Bay, providing friends the prospect to snorkel or dive within the turquoise waters.
Simply north of Lahaina, you’ll discover the well-known Kaanapali Seaside. The expansive white sands stretch across the shoreline, providing loads of room to search out your personal slice of heaven. Whenever you aren’t buying and selling the turquoise ocean for the comfortable 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 happy to hitch 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 throughout the pristine Kapalua Bay on the northwest coast. Surrounded by lush greenery and white sand seashores, this elegant resort affords impeccable service and facilities together with a tri-level swimming pool, golf programs, a rejuvenating spa, and various eating choices. It’s the final in luxurious.
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Napili Kai Seaside Resort
Napili Kai Seaside Resort is a captivating and tranquil oceanfront retreat in Maui, Hawaii. With its gorgeous white sand seaside, lush tropical gardens, and comfy lodging, the resort affords a peaceable and intimate setting for friends to unwind and expertise the fantastic thing about Maui’s paradise.
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Ka’anapali Seaside Resort
With its conventional Hawaiian hospitality and heat aloha spirit, the Kaanapali seaside lodge affords a snug and genuine Hawaiian expertise. Friends can get pleasure from ocean views, cultural actions, scrumptious eating choices, and direct entry to the gorgeous seaside. It’s a extra inexpensive choice on this space.
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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 outlets proper in your doorstep. Those who arrive at this finish of Maui will often select between both Kihei or the famed Wailea.
The climate in South Maui tends to be drier and sunnier in comparison with different elements 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 Seaside, as an illustration, is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and wonderful swimming situations.
Makena Seaside, also called Massive Seaside, is among the largest seashores in Maui and is fashionable for picnicking, swimming, and generally 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 largest focus of luxurious resorts and luxurious inns. With an exquisite mixture of facilities like nice eating places and golf programs, Wailea Resorts cater to {couples}, honeymooners, and even households. Wailea can also be house to the one adults-only resort on Maui like the luxurious resort 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Get pleasure from a soothing trip, some with waterfront infinity-edge swimming pools, non-public seaside entry, and loads of upscale eating places inside strolling distance.
Such stunning seashores and luxurious resorts don’t come low cost. The most important downside for South Maui is the worth level, though you could discover a budget-friendly trip rental in Kihei. Vacationers must also remember that a lot of their chosen water adventures, akin to whale-watching boat excursions, will depart from Maalaea Harbor, a few 20-minute drive away.
Really helpful Resorts in South Maui
The Fairmont Kea Lani
With its beachfront location, take pleasure 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.
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The 4 Seasons Resort
Overlooking the serene Wailea Seaside, the resort affords gorgeous ocean views, impeccable service, and comfy, elegant rooms. Its famend spa, gourmand eating experiences, and number of actions guarantee each rest and journey, making it a perfect Hawaiian keep.
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Sundown Paradise Luana Kai
This property has a non-public pool, situated in Kihei, inside simply lower than 1 km of Kalepolepo Seaside and a 14-minute stroll from Mai Poina Seaside. The air-conditioned lodging is 200 meters from Waipuilani Seaside, and friends profit from complimentary WiFi and personal parking obtainable on-site.
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3. Maui’s North Shore (Paia and Haiku)
With the 2 hottest areas of Maui lined, let’s have a look at the island’s North Shore, which affords a higher perception into one of the vital spectacular Hawaiian islands. Nearer to the pure wonders of Maui, however a little bit farther from a few of the higher swimming seashores, the North Shore is all about shutting off from the world and respiratory within the serenity.
West Maui and South Maui are giant resort areas, with useful facilities on web site. But when your crew isn’t a giant fan of that kind of journey, then the North Shore can also be an amazing different.
Maui’s North Shore, encompassing Paia and Haiku, is a mecca for surfers and windsurfers from all over the world, particularly on the legendary Ho’okipa Seaside Park. The realm has a bohemian vibe with artwork galleries, boutique outlets, 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 get pleasure from quite a lot of family-friendly inns and laid-back eating in Pa’ia with loads of hearty fare on provide. 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 means 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 Seaside, you might even see a gaggle of windsurfers benefiting from the coastal winds. They should have heard that the seaside can also be thought-about 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 inns the place you may bask within the splendid views away from the crowds. Hand-in-hand, roam the comfortable 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 affords a singular retreat for these in search of tranquility and rejuvenation. This wellness-focused sanctuary options lush gardens, yoga lessons, and holistic spa therapies. With a farm-to-table eating expertise and proximity to waterfalls and seashores, Lumeria is ideal for a restorative getaway.
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Paia Inn
The Paia Inn, located within the charming city of Paia, Maui, is an intimate boutique lodge that captures a mix of recent consolation and bohemian type. Its prime location affords quick access to Maui’s North Shore seashores, eclectic outlets, and native eateries. The customized service and comfortable ambiance make it a pleasant hideaway.
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Nalu Kai Lodge
The Nalu Kai Lodge in Paia affords an genuine Hawaiian expertise with a laid-back environment. Its prime location close to Maui’s North Shore makes it splendid 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 choice with a contact of island appeal.
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4. East Maui
From the crest of the North Shore area, the Street 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 among the primary promoting factors for this a part of Maui.
East Maui is a set 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 encompass trip leases, small inns, and some luxurious choices. Staying in Hana permits you to expertise outdated Hawaii, with its slower tempo and close-knit group. It’s the right vacation spot for nature lovers and people in search of a extra genuine Hawaiian expertise.
For the trekkers amongst us, a few of the greatest hikes in Maui might be discovered within the japanese area. These embrace the unbelievable Pipiwai Path and the trek to Wailua Falls. It isn’t laborious to see why East Maui is the best 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 japanese 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 friends the chance to attach with nature.
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Heavenly Hana Paradise
Heavenly Hana Paradise is a comfy mattress and breakfast nestled within the tranquil city of Hana, Maui. It’s a perfect selection for vacationers in search of a peaceable retreat near nature. With comfy lodging, lush environment, and shut proximity to waterfalls and seashores, it affords a real style of Hawaiian paradise.
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Bamboo Inn On Hana Bay
Bamboo Inn on Hana Bay affords a country, intimate expertise in Hana, Maui. Its three oceanfront suites, crafted from bamboo, exude tropical appeal. With direct entry to Hana Bay, friends can relish the rugged great thing about the world. The Inn’s welcoming environment and gorgeous views make for a memorable keep.
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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, usually above the clouds, which is a surreal expertise. The park additionally affords quite a few mountaineering trails by way of various landscapes together with cinder cones and rainforests. Moreover, the agricultural richness of the area might be skilled by way of farm excursions and visits to native markets.
Upcountry Maui is the standard house to the Paniolo. You possibly can argue that the Paniolo have been the unique cowboys, whose ranching customs and traditions date again lengthy earlier than the famed cowboys of the Wild West. In the event 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 heart. It’s usually the entry level for guests because of the primary 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 enduring Iao Needle.
Top-of-the-line issues to do, and a serious 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 could 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 midnight.
Really helpful Resorts in Upcountry / Central Maui
Marriott Maui Kahului Airport
Marriott Maui Kahului Airport is a handy selection for vacationers in search of consolation and accessibility. Situated close to Kahului Airport, it’s splendid for brief stays or transit. With fashionable facilities, a swimming pool, and attentive service, it offers a snug base. Its location additionally affords quick access to discover Maui’s points of interest.
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The Lovely Kula Lodge
Kula Lodge affords gorgeous views of the island from its elevated location. The lodge offers rustic, comfy lodging and a restaurant serving contemporary, locally-sourced delicacies. Its proximity to Haleakala Nationwide Park makes it a wonderful selection for these all in favour of exploring the pure great thing about Maui.
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Haleakala Princess Property
Perched on the slopes of Haleakala it affords a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views. The spacious, well-appointed lodging are surrounded by lush gardens, creating a non-public paradise. It’s a perfect selection for households or teams in search of a serene, luxurious escape near nature and adventures.
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Greatest Locations to Keep in Maui FAQ
What’s the nicest space to remain in Maui?
The nicest space is subjective and is dependent upon 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 the event you desire a laid-back, native vibe with alternatives for windsurfing and beginning your journey to Hana, North Maui might be your splendid vacation spot. In the event 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 provide 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 aspect of Maui is hottest?
West Maui and South Maui are typically the preferred amongst vacationers attributable to their seashores, resorts, and points of interest.
Ought to You Hire a Automobile in Maui?
Though it’s not crucial to hire a automotive, we do recommend it with a purpose to see all that Maui has to supply. Some elements of the island are simpler to discover in a automotive. We’ve got rented one every time we have now visited and have been glad we did.
Which inns are closest to Kahului Airport?
Some fashionable inns near Kahului Airport embrace 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 finances vacationers. However there are methods so that you can lower your expenses with out sacrificing your expertise in paradise.
Top-of-the-line methods to economize in Maui is to remain in a rental. Many condos are part of native resorts granting entry to surrounding eating places, swimming pools, and seashores. They’re cheaper than lodge 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 Could for stable 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 inns may have shuttles to native locations akin to outlets and points of interest. These are extra prevalent in West and South Maui.
There are 14 bus routes across the island, with the world round Hana being serviced the least. A one-way fare for all routes will price $2 with a day cross going for $4.
Nevertheless, if you wish to see as a lot of Maui as doable, then you will have to rent a automotive. This will likely be one of the simplest ways to drive the Street 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’re searching for, Maui has one thing for everybody. In planning your keep, our advice is to put your self central to the actions you need to do essentially the most.
Maui is not only 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 many times.