Best Places to Visit and Stay in Maui: Top Destinations Guide
Planning your Maui getaway? This expert guide highlights the top destinations and recommends the best hotels for every budget and vibe.
Maui, Hawaii's second-largest island, is a tropical paradise offering stunning resorts, charming villages, lush landscapes, exceptional dining, shopping, and rich Hawaiian culture. Known as "the Valley Isle," it features the breathtaking Iao Valley State Park, a 4,000-acre haven with the iconic 1,200-foot Iao Needle.
With Maui's diverse appeal, selecting the right accommodations is key. Rest assured, there's a perfect spot for every traveler. Discover our trusted recommendations for where to go and stay!
Paia
On Maui's North Shore, Paia exudes bohemian charm with art galleries, boutique shops, healthy eateries, and its legendary waves. Winter brings pro windsurfers and kitesurfers—ideal for people-watching.
Where to Stay in Paia
Paia Inn offers mid-range condo-style comfort near the beach, surrounded by shops and restaurants. Enjoy complimentary boogie boards and snorkel gear.
Hana
East Maui's Hana delivers untouched serenity: botanical gardens, black-sand beaches, prime snorkeling, tranquil pools, and rolling pastures.
Drive the legendary Road to Hana from Paia—over 620 curves and 59 bridges through waterfalls, rainforests, and ocean vistas. Take it slow for an unforgettable scenic journey.
Where to Stay in Hana
Travaasa Hana provides luxury suites amid 70 acres of tropical gardens with abundant activities.
Heavenly Hana Paradise offers upscale studios with full amenities, a plush dining area, and proximity to Hana's waterfalls (20-minute drive).
Lahaina
West Maui's historic Lahaina boasts pristine beaches, art galleries, and top dining. Stroll Front Street, named one of America's best by the American Planning Association.
Explore the Lahaina Historic Trail, hike, enjoy a luau, or join winter whale-watching tours from the harbor—prime humpback spotting.
Where to Stay in Lahaina
Mid-range picks: The Plantation Inn, steps from Front Street, or Lahaina Shores with air-conditioned studios and full kitchens.
Kaanapali
Maui's original resort area, Kaanapali offers abundant hotels. Snorkel at Black Rock (one of the world's most beautiful beaches), zipline mountains, or attend a luau.
Where to Stay in Kaanapali
Budget: Kaanapali Ocean Inn at the West Maui Mountains' base, facing the beach with tropical decor.
Mid-range: Kaanapali Beach Hotel amid gardens with guest activities.
Luxury: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa at Black Rock, featuring stylish rooms and shuttle service.
Napili-Honokowai
North of Kaanapali, this resort-rich area shines with Napili Bay snorkeling, Kahekili Beach Park, farmers' markets, and Nakalele Blowhole.
Where to Stay in Napili
Mid-range: Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort on the beach with full kitchens, free WiFi, and BBQs.
The Mauian Hotel offers inviting rooms, studios, a pool, and BBQs.
Kihei
Southwest Maui's sunny Kihei stretches six miles of beaches for surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, nightlife, and whale watching. A nature haven for birders.
Where to Stay in Kihei
Mid-range: Kihei Kai Maui with free breakfast, pool, and rooftop deck.
Maui Coast Hotel opposite Kamaole Beach Park, featuring entertainment, tennis, and Kihei-Wailea shuttle.
Wailea
South Maui's upscale Wailea dazzles with five beaches, golf, and luxury—plus adventure at nearby Ahihi-Kinau Reserve (snorkeling, lava fields, Hoapili Trail to Kanaio Beach).
Where to Stay in Wailea
Mid-range: Aston at the Maui Banyan with tropical suites, pool, hot tub, and tennis.
Luxury: Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa across 40 lush acres with 5 restaurants, spa, water park, and 3 golf courses.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort boasts infinity pools, spa, and fine dining.
Wailuku
Central Maui's Wailuku blends city energy, history (buildings, theaters, shops, dining, museums), and nearby nature like Iao Valley State Park's trails and scenery.
Where to Stay in Wailuku
Budget: Iao Valley Inn near the park with continental breakfast and cozy rooms.
Kahului
Central hub with airport and harbor, Kahului offers authentic local vibes: Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Kanaha Beach Park for swimming and windsurfing.
Where to Stay in Kahului
Budget: Maui Seaside Hotel (5 miles from Kihei Beach) with restaurant and pool.
Maui Beach Hotel includes airport shuttle, pool, and Rainbow Terrace Dining Room.
Maui Packing Essentials
Swim Gear: Rash guard, water shoes, snorkel set, quick-dry towel, swimsuits, cover-up.
Shoes: Sandals (like Rainbow) and hiking shoes with moisture-wicking socks.
Photo Equipment: GoPro for underwater, selfie stick, and DSLR/mirrorless camera.
Plan Your Trip to Maui
With over 10 years of travel experience, we rely on these trusted sites:
Flights: Momondo scans hundreds of airlines for the best deals, with a calendar for cheapest dates.
Accommodation: Booking.com guarantees lowest prices on hotels, apartments, and villas worldwide.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads—our go-to for 8+ years of worry-free adventures.
