Where to Stay on Maui

Overview of Staying in Maui 

Beginning with the basics - Maui isn’t a vast island. The Island spans about 48 miles long and 26 miles wide. Maui divides into several significant regions across its 728 square miles: West Maui, South Maui, East Maui (Hana Highway), Central Maui, and Upcountry Maui. 

If you’re still debating if Maui will meet your vacation goals, consider: 

• Awe-inspiring beauty: Maui holds breathtaking views from being nestled between Haleakala to the east and the West Maui mountains to the west. Because of this valley’s isthmus, many refer to Maui as the Valley Isle.
• Conveniences: It is easy to get around, including the Island’s airport and Kahului Airport (OGG). You can find rental cars from the airport and other points to use. You’ll conveniently find shopping resources like Costo, Walmart, Whole Foods in central Maui, and local grocery stores in other parts of Maui. 
• Top Maui resort areas: The best Maui resorts exist in the West and South Maui. 
• Budget-friendly lodging: Seeking a good deal? Consider the assortment of affordable Maui condos in Kihei.

Other Factors to Consider

Weather is a factor to consider when deciding where to stay, though, for the most part, the primary accommodation areas of Maui are relatively dry since they exist on the leeward side of the island. Around Ka'anapali, West Maui is slightly more lush than South Maui, near Kihei. During the onset of the winter months (late November - early March), Maui experiences more clouds and rain across the island. For more information about Maui's weather, check out our Maui Weather article.

Suppose you plan to drive the majestic Road to Hana and visit Haleakala National Park, both of these attractions can be seen by travelers staying in West and South Maui on a single (but long) day. When it comes to the Hana Highway ('Road to Hana'), we recommend spending at least one night in Hana town or a B&B near the start of the drive.

Best Places to Stay on Maui: The Ultimate Guide for Every Type of Traveler

Best place to stay for families:

• For great, dry weather and lush greens, head to West Maui, around Ka'anapali. Check out our Maui Weather article for more information about Maui's weather.

• Stick to the western and southern coastlines if you want to stay close to other visitors, vacation activities, and social happenings.

Best place to stay for Beach Bums:

• For the best beaches, head to Pāʻia, Wailea, Ka‘anapali, or Kīhei.

Best place to stay for luxury seekers:

• As we noted above, many of the Maui Luxury Hotels and resorts are along the West Coast near Kaanapali are great options. A few significant resorts also exist in South Maui, especially in Wailea.

Best place to stay for backpackers:

• Backpackers enjoy staying in Wailuku, Pāʻia, or Kīhei. These areas offer a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, snorkeling, and trekking. 

Best place to stay for those seeking campgrounds:

• Upcountry Maui is for those that love to explore and live with the outdoors. You can certainly spend a couple of nights camping at Wai'anapanapa State Park and Kīpahulu. Yet, the more remote Camp Olowalu is a better option. It's located in West Maui.

Best place to stay for surfers:

• Go to Pāʻia, or Kīhei for the best waves.

Best place to stay for couples on a romantic getaway: 

• South Maui, Kihei boasts a wide assortment of private inns, B&Bs, condominiums, and resorts. You're bound to find beautiful beaches and pleasant weather here.

Best place to stay for adventurer seekers:

• Staying in West and South Maui offers the convenience of being near the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park.

• By the Hana Highway ('Road to Hana'), we recommend spending at least one night in Hana town, or a B&B, near the start of the drive.

Maui Transportation Options

Transportation on Maui is diverse, allowing visitors to choose based on their preferences and the nature of their itinerary.

• Car Rentals: Renting a car is a popular choice (we recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental), allowing you to explore the island at your own pace. Maui's attractions are spread out, making a car a convenient choice.
• Public Buses: Maui Bus operates a public transit system that covers various parts of the island. It's an economical choice, though it may be less convenient due to its schedule and route limitations.
• Shuttle Services: Some resorts offer shuttle services to popular destinations, providing a hassle-free option for guests.
• Bicycling: Maui's picturesque landscapes make biking a delightful experience, and bike rentals are available in several areas.
• Taxis and Ride-Shares: Taxis and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate on Maui, offering a convenient option for short distances or if you prefer not to drive.
• Walking: In more compact areas like Ka'anapali and Wailea, walking is a feasible way to get around, enjoy the scenery, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

Considering the transportation options in advance can help visitors make the most of their Maui experience, whether they prefer the flexibility of a rental car, the eco-friendliness of biking, or the convenience of public transit.

Local Maui Customs and Visitor Etiquette

Understanding and adhering to local customs and etiquette is a crucial part of immersing oneself in the Hawaiian culture, which is deeply rooted in respect, tradition, and the spirit of 'ohana (family). When visiting Maui or any part of Hawaii, it's important to show respect for the land (‘āina) and local residents.

• Greetings: It's customary to greet others with a friendly "Aloha" which means hello, goodbye, and love.
• Shoes Off Indoors: It’s a common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Respect the 'Aina: Show respect to the land by not littering, staying on marked trails, and not taking anything from natural sites.
• Don’t Rush: The pace of life is slower in Hawaii; embrace the relaxed pace and don’t rush.
• Respect Sacred Sites: Many areas in Hawaii are considered sacred; obey posted signs and keep a respectful distance.
• Driving Etiquette: Drive with aloha; let others merge, and wave a thank-you (or practice your best 'shaka' sign) if someone lets you in.

By adhering to these simple yet significant customs and practices, visitors can contribute to preserving the local culture and enjoy a more authentic and welcoming experience during their stay in Maui.

In Summary: Selecting Where to Stay on Maui

Choosing a fabulous accommodation option on Maui is easy. You have an incredible selection available - perhaps the best in Hawaii. Stick to the western and southern coastlines if you want to stay where most other visitors are. Or explore the different regions of Maui to find a small B&B or inn that suites your tastes - it's up to you. Whether you stay on the drier leeward side (south and west) or prefer the lusher windward side (north and east) - it's hard to go wrong picking a location to stay on Maui.

Ultimately, Maui offers an extensive range of accommodations, from budget hotels and condominiums to 5-star hotels and bed & breakfasts. As we noted above, many of the Maui Luxury Hotels and resorts are located along the West Coast near Kaanapali. A few significant resorts also exist in South Maui, especially in Wailea. Also, in South Maui, Kihei is a popular place to stay, boasting many condominiums and resorts in the area. Rest assured that you're bound to find beautiful beaches and good weather in either of these locations, no matter where you look. 

Inns and B&Bs also offer privacy and seclusion and can be found in many main accommodation areas.

Be sure to check out our When to Visit Maui article for additional information on what time of year is best to visit the island.