Just when you decide which island to visit during your Hawaii vacation, you’re hit with another doozy of a decision — where to stay on Maui.
Kaanapali or Wailea? West Maui or South? Resort or vacation rental?
If you feel like you’re drowning in decision, keep reading. We have the info you need to decide which spot to book.
First, we explore the types of accommodations you’ll find on Maui. Next, we lay out the different regions on the island, along with the pros and cons of staying in each area.
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In this post
- Types of places to stay on Maui
- Places to stay on Maui by region
- How to choose the right location
- Key takeaways
Types of places to stay on Maui
You’ll find all types of nightly accommodations on Maui, from campsites to resort suites. Your budget, along with your personal travel style, will dictate which is the best choice for your trip. These are the cost ranges you can expect for each accommodation type, along with the pros and cons of each.
Breakdown of accommodations on Maui
| Accommodation Type | Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
| Hotels and Resorts | $300 – $1,000+ | Upscale amenities and services | High cost, crowded, less privacy |
| Vacation Rentals | $150 – $1,500+ | Home-like atmosphere, kitchen facilities, washer/dryer availability | Limited services, cleaning fees, booking fees, independent ownership with varying policies |
| Bed and Breakfasts | $150 – $500+ | Personalized service, local knowledge | Limited amenities, few rooms available |
| Campgrounds | $10 – $50+ | Budget friendly, close to nature | Limited facilities, no luxury amenities, may need special gear |
| Hostels | $30 – $100+ | Affordable, great for solo travelers | Shared accommodations, limited privacy |
Hotels and resorts
Maui may be best known for its luxurious beachfront hotels and resorts that offer stunning ocean views, upscale amenities for discerning travelers, and easy access to some of the island’s best beaches. Many of these properties are located in popular tourist areas like Lahaina, Kihei, and Wailea. The hotel and resort districts on Maui offer visitors a range of activities and services, including water sports, golf, spa treatments, and cultural events.
These hotel and resort amenities come at a cost. While you may find different price ranges based on a hotel or resort’s rating, in general you can expect to pay a higher rate than other accommodation types.
Vacation rentals (condos, apartments, villas)
In addition to hotels and resorts, Maui has an abundance of vacation rentals available for visitors. Choose from cozy condos to luxury villas, many with breathtaking ocean or mountain views.
Vacation rentals offer travelers the chance to experience Maui like a local, with the convenience of a private space and kitchen facilities for preparing meals. You’ll find vacation rentals throughout the island, from the scenic Road to Hana to the world-renowned beaches of Kaanapali.
Keep in mind that vacation rentals are typically independently owned. Depending on the size and location of the rental, they can often provide more value than a hotel or resort stay — especially for extended stays. Pricey cleaning and booking fees may make a vacation rental less cost-effective for short stays.
Camping
Maui has several campgrounds located in some of the island’s most picturesque settings, including Hosmer Grove at Haleakala National Park and Waiʻānapanapa State Park. For the budget conscious and adventurous traveler, camping immerses you in Maui’s natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and wildlife watching.
A note about van camping: While you can find camping van rentals on Maui, figuring out where to park them overnight can prove problematic. In 2022, Maui County prohibited camper-van rentals as vacation rentals on public land — meaning that there are only a few spots on the island where it’s legal to park and camp overnight in a van.
Bed and breakfasts
Maui’s bed and breakfasts offer a more intimate and personalized experience. Onsite hosts often share their local knowledge and offer tips on where to go and what to do on the island. Many of these properties are located in quaint towns like Paia, Makawao, Kula, and Hana, and offer a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
The downside to B&B stays? Fewer amenities such as fitness centers and room service.
Hostels
Hostels offer affordable accommodations in prime locations like Kihei and Paia. This budget-friendly accommodation is a great option for solo travelers — or a group of friends looking for a social atmosphere. Many hostels offer activities and tours, making it ideal for exploring Maui on a budget.
These community-driven accommodations probably aren’t the best bet for introverts or those who seek solitude. Hostels often feature shared accommodations (including shared bathrooms) that limit privacy.
Places to stay on Maui by region
The next step in figuring out where to stay is to choose the part of Maui to call home base while you’re on vacation. While the resort and hotel districts in West and South Maui see the most action, some visitors prefer quieter and off-the-beaten-path digs. If that’s the case, look into Upcountry and East Maui as alternatives.
Keep reading for our take on each region of Maui, along with notable picks for where to stay in each area.
Get to know the different towns and neighborhoods around Maui: Charming Towns You Shouldn’t Miss When You’re On Maui
West Maui
Located on the northwest side of Maui, West Maui is known for its world-famous beaches, stunning sunsets, and historic town of Lahaina. West Maui also offers plenty of places to stay, from budget to luxury spots.
Many Maui visitors find themselves in one of two camps: West Maui or South Maui. Both sides of the island offer lots of options for where to stay, along with restaurants and shops to keep visitors occupied.
But with all of the benefits of West Maui, prepare for crowds in this highly trafficked tourist area. You’ll also have a longer drive from West Maui when visiting other regions on the island.
About West Maui
| Notable cities/towns | Best for | Likes | Considerations | Popular sights and activities |
| Lahaina, Kaanapali | Beachgoers, families, couples, resort lovers | Beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, plenty of shopping and dining options | High traffic, limited parking, crowded beaches during peak season, longer drive to other parts of the island | Sightseeing at historic Front Street, Snorkeling at Honolua Bay, Golf at Kapalua Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, Dragon’s Teeth |
Notable places to stay in West Maui
| Best Western Pioneer Inn | Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa | Montage Kapalua Bay |
| $$ | $$$$ | $$$$ |
| Historic waterfront hotel | Beachfront resort | Upscale resort |
| Vintage boutique style digs in walkable Lahaina Town | Family friendly | Luxurious five-star stay |
South Maui
For those seeking a laid back beach vibe, South Maui may be the best fit for your stay. Located on the south side of Maui, South Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and upscale resorts.
It’s a faster drive from the southern towns of Kihei and Wailea than West Maui to the Kahului Airport, Haleakala National Park, and the Road to Hana. However, the average cost to stay in South Maui is higher than West Maui. According to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, the average daily hotel rate to stay in Wailea was $960 in 2022, while Lahaina/Kaaanapali/Kapalua was $534.
About West Maui
| Notable cities/towns | Best for | Likes | Considerations | Popular sights and activities |
| Kihei, Wailea, Makena | Beachgoers, families, couples, golfers | Beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, upscale amenities and services, stunning sunsets | High cost, crowded during peak season | Big Beach at Makena State Park, Turtle Town, Upscale shopping at Shops of Wailea |
Notable places to stay in South Maui
| Kamaole Sands | Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea | Hotel Wailea |
| $$ | $$$$ | $$$$ |
| Vacation condo rentals | Resort | Resort |
| Mid-range budget friendly | Upscale, for all ages | Adults only |
North Shore
Located on the northeastern side of Maui, the North Shore is known for its rugged coastline, art scene, and surf culture. You’ll find fewer traditional hotels and no resort options on Maui’s North Shore, but the area features hostel and vacation rental stays for those who want to avoid the traditional tourist areas.
You won’t find the typical amenities you’d find in the tourist-driven areas — fewer shops and restaurants, for example — but North Shore lies just east of Central Maui’s Kahului Airport.
About Maui’s North Shore
| Notable cities/towns | Best for | Likes | Considerations | Popular sights and activities |
| Paia, Haiku | Adventure seekers, nature lovers, surfers | Spectacular natural scenery, world-class surf breaks, hiking trails | Limited amenities | Paia town shops, Turtle watching at Ho’okipa Beach Park, Waterfalls at Twin Falls, Jaws surf break at Pe’ahi |
Notable places to stay in North Shore
| Paia Inn | Aloha Surf Hostel | Maui North Shore Oceanfront Cottage |
| $$$ | $ | $$ |
| Romantic getaway great for couples | Hostel for budget-minded travelers | Vacation rental |
Central Maui
As the commercial heart of Maui, Central Maui is home to Kahului Airport, Maui’s main transportation hub, and Maui’s commercial and financial center. Central Maui is the island’s most city-like region. But unlike Oahu’s Waikiki district, you won’t find high rises and packed beaches. In fact, there aren’t many beaches in the area at all.
About Central Maui
| Notable cities/towns | Best for | Likes | Considerations | Popular sights and activities |
| Kahului, Wailuku | Business travelers, budget travelers, families | Convenient location, affordable accommodations, shopping and dining options | Limited beaches, industrial areas, high traffic | Iao Valley State Monument, Maui Swap Meet, Kahului Airport |
Where to stay in Central Maui
| Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport | Old Wailuku Inn | Maui Seaside Hotel |
| $$$ | $$ | $$ |
| Familiar hotel brand very close to the airport | Historic 1920s bed and breakfast | Vintage style oceanfront hotel |
Upcountry
Located in the central part of Maui, Upcountry is a region of rolling hills, farms, and small towns.
Visitors appreciate the calm pastoral setting and stunning ocean views when driving along the slopes of Haleakala volcano. However, prepare for a drive if you’re looking for beach access.
In this off-the-beaten-path region, you won’t find resorts or big-name hotel brands. If staying in Upcountry, consider the local vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, or rustic Kula Lodge.
About Upcountry
| Description | Notable cities/towns | Best for | Likes | Considerations | Popular sights and activities |
| Located in the central part of Maui, Upcountry is a region of rolling hills, farms, and small towns. | Kula, Pukalani, Makawao | Nature lovers, hikers, families | Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Haleakala, farms and ranches, hiking trails | Limited amenities, isolated location, cooler temperatures at night | Haleakala National Park, farm tours, Maui Wine, horseback riding |
Where to stay in Upcountry
| The Kula Lodge | Hale Ho’okipa Inn Makawao | The Banyan Tree House |
| $$ | $$ | $$ |
| Vintage style cottages adjacent to a popular Upcountry restaurant | Bed and breakfast not far from Makawao town | Plantation house bed and breakfast on two acres with open lawn and swimming pool |
East Maui
Located on the northeastern side of Maui, East Maui is home to the famous Road to Hana, a scenic drive that winds through lush rainforests and past cascading waterfalls. Considered the most authentic region of Maui, staying in East Maui allows for a deeper immersion into local culture.
Tip: If you’re drawn to East Maui but also want to explore the rest of the island during your trip, consider booking accommodations in this area for a few nights out of your trip.
| Description | Notable cities/towns | Best for | Likes | Considerations | Popular sights and activities |
| Located on the northeastern side of Maui, East Maui is home to the famous Road to Hana, a scenic drive that winds through lush rainforests and past cascading waterfalls. | Hana, Kipahulu | Nature lovers, adventure seekers, road trippers seeking an escape from touristy areas | Spectacular natural scenery, waterfalls, hiking trails, cultural and historical attractions | Limited amenities (including limited cell phone service), isolated location, winding roads and bridges | Waianapanapa State Park, Hana town, Pipiwai trail at Kipahulu , Wailua Falls |
Where to stay in East Maui
| Hana-Maui Resort | Guest Houses at Malanai | Ekena Maui |
| $$$$ | $$ | $$ |
| Luxury wellness and adventure resort at the end of the Road to Hana | Three guest cottages in Hana | Two guest suites with stunning ocean views |
How to choose the right location
Overwhelmed with your choices? Here are our tips for choosing the right place to stay while vacationing in Maui.
- Know your budget. There’s no sense in searching for rooms at the Four Seasons when the resort’s $1,500 nightly rate blows your budget out of the water.
- Let your interests influence the location you choose. If you’re a daily beach goer, you probably don’t want to stay in an Upcountry bed and breakfast, where you’ll have to drive 45 minutes to the nearest stretch of sand.
- Balance the tradeoffs. A quiet location away from the crowds usually translates into a remote location away from restaurants and popular sights. Figure out what priorities are most important to you as you narrow down your list.
- Don’t overstress over perfection. If you’re like most Hawaii vacationers, you won’t be spending a ton of time in your room, anyhow.
Key takeaways
Choosing the right location and accommodation type remains crucial to planning a successful Maui trip, but don’t let the decision overwhelm you. Many travelers choose the popular South Maui and West Maui shores. Adventurous types seeking alternative experiences opt for more remote spots along East Maui or Upcountry.
Whether you prefer hotels, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, or campgrounds, there are options available for every budget and preference. Maui’s diverse regions offer a variety of activities, landscapes, and microclimates, so it’s important to consider your budget, interests, and desired climate when choosing where to stay.
