Staying Along The Hana Highway
Including Paia & Hana
Many view the Eastside of Maui as a beautiful and clean stretch of road, with few people and lots of nature. The Eastside of Maui stretches through the famous Hana Highway . Despite the scenic views, the few accommodations here lie rather far from each other. You can find primarily small B& Bs and inns along the highway with limited options.
Why Should You Stay in East Maui?
Its about 53 miles from Hana town to Kahului Airport . The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery on the island. As you drive, you will pass a beautiful valley and see spectacular views of the ocean and mountains.
Our Recommended Lodgings to Stay in East Maui
For visitors staying the night in Hana, we highly recommend Hana Kai Maui. If youre looking for more upscale accommodations, consider Hana.
The Drawbacks of Staying in East Maui
The main downside to staying in East Maui is that beyond exploring the Hana Highway, theres almost literally nothing to do here. It is also wetter and rainier along this stretch of the island, so be prepared for rain if you do stay here.
The Pros and Cons of Staying in East Maui
- Great proximity to the sights of the Hana Highway and Oheo Gulch
- Small, but beautiful, variety of beaches
- Can be very wet, especially during the winter
- Is geographically very isolated, a great distance from all other attractions
- Paia can experience a decent amount of rain
Our Favorite Maui Hotels For Nightlife
Luxury: Puunoa Beach Estates
If you want to feel at home while on Maui then this apartment-style hotel by Hyatt Residence will be the perfect home away from home. Located in the heart of Lahaina, its an easy walk to the bars and restaurants. Each spacious apartment comes with a fully-equipped kitchen in case you want to whip up a late-night bite after the restaurants have closed. Its steps away from the beach and has a pool and hot tub if you feel like relaxing after an eventful night.
Mid-Range: Lahaina Shores Beach Resort
Lahaina Shores Beach Resort has everything you need to be comfortable during your stay on Maui. The studio-style rooms come with a full kitchen and dining area, perfect for when you feel like eating in or craving a late-night snack. Its walking distance from all of the action in Lahaina and a stones throw away from the beach. Its a great spot for couples that want to relax by the water during the day and go out to a bar or restaurant in town in the evening. Lahaina has some of the best food on the island.
Budget: Best Western Pioneer Inn
This adorable two-story historic hotel brings the charm to the heart of Lahaina. Youll find all of the amenities you would want, like an outdoor pool, restaurant, and even a bar so you can sip cocktails in paradise without having to leave the comfort of your hotel. When its time to venture out, youre just steps away from Lahainas famous nightlife and a cheers! away from a good time.
Kihei: Best Place To Stay In Maui With Family
Kihei is a laid-back tourist hotspot mixed in with a residential town where many locals live and work.
It lays claim to some six miles of coastline, with about a dozen beautiful beaches offering great swimming and boogie boarding.
Located in the sunny and dry pocket of southwest Maui, its one of the best areas to stay in Maui for good weather. In winter, the rain can dampen your hopes of getting a tan up north in Kapalua but the sun can be shining in Kihei.
It also has more wallet-friendly accommodations making Kihei a top choice for budget-conscious families wondering where to stay in Maui with kids.
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Best Area Of Maui To Stay In
Maui Jan/o8
First does anyone recommend 2 islands if so which ones. we are considering the big island, and the Kona area- any suggestions appreciated 🙂
We have been considering the Maalaea Bay area, in Maui however, I hear it is very windy, does anyone have any suggestions of which part of Maui has the best weather, I understand the Maalaea west coast is dryer.
We are looking for condo’s since we like lots of room
and to prepare some light meals.
Any suggestions are appreciated
I am copying and pasting from a site called MauiHawaii.org. Also Maalea is not the place to stay. The best wather is in Wailea and or parts of Kihei.
Here is the link.
Which Part of Maui to Stay On
West Side Versus South Side
There are two major areas of Maui for you to pick from West and South. And each of those two sides has two sections, one with mostly luxury hotels and the other with mostly less expensive condos.
The west side of Maui includes Kaanapali, Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua and Lahaina.
Kaanapali Beach is my favorite area of Maui to stay on. This is the luxury part of the west side of Maui. There are several large hotels with elaborate pools, grounds and lobbies, plus a couple large luxury condos. All of these hotels and condos in Kaanapali are within walking distance of each other, and of restaurants, all beach activities, snorkeling, and the Whalers Village shopping center.
The south side of Maui includes Wailea and Kihei.
Other parts of Maui:
Saraann,
Luxury: Molokai Island Oasis
As you may have guessed, Molokai isnt one for five-star resorts and flashy hotels. However, privately owned Molokai Island Oasis is a little slice of luxury.
Guests have exclusive access to the beachfront apartment with all the space and amenities to settle in like you would at home. The property even has a private pool. If you want luxury in Molokai, this is one of your best options. Booking.com
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Lahaina Great For History Lovers
Located on the west side of the island of Maui, Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and it was known as a whaling village in the mid-1800s. Maybe thats how the famous writer of Moby Dick, Herman Melville, got his inspiration since he could be found in this west side town during those times.
Here you can attend the Old Lahaina Luau, which is seen as the best and most authentic Hawaiian luau in the entire Pacific! Take a walk along Lahainas seaside Front Street and breathe in the ocean breeze while admiring the historic buildings and small museums. If you are a major fan of walking around , then youll enjoy Maui, Lahaina is known as the best walking town on the west side. You can also take a trip to Kapalua Bay or Napili Bay, both of which are just 10 miles away.
Lets not forget about the amazing banyan tree, planted in 1873 near the courthouse at Lahaina Harbor. I told you this west side town has an amazing history! Now it is the largest banyan tree in the US, the original trunk has 16 brothers and sisters trunks.
Tips On Choosing Where To Stay In Maui
May 1, 2021
Looking for where to stay in Maui? Then youve come to the right place. Maui is one of the most popular islands to visit in Hawaii for its unique landscapes and relaxing beaches. It is also one of the best places for luxury hotels in Hawaii!
There are so many options for hotels, resorts, and local homestays, it can get overwhelming, but we are here to make the process easier for you. A visit to Maui is an amazing experience and booking amazing accommodations can be a highlight of the trip as well.
Below, we will break down the best places to stay in Maui by area, price, and the feel of the area.
We will cover the pros and cons of each option and lay out the best places to stay. We want you to get an understanding of the unique vibe of each area in Maui so you can make a decision based on your interests.
There is something for everyone, from stunning beaches, bamboo forests, and we know there will be something for you too! This breakdown will help you get a feeling for which Maui hotel and area is best for you and your trip!
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Where To Stay On Maui In 202: West Vs South Maui And Beyond
Looking for advice on the best place to stay on Maui? Finding the pros and cons of each area in Maui actually proved to be quite difficult. So, in order for you to actually keep your cool, Ill save you the trouble of figuring out where to stay in Maui. Your travel sanity is my priority, after all. West Maui vs South Maui? Wailea vs Kaanapali? Kaanapli vs Kihei? Kapalua vs Wailea? And what about Mauis North Shore, Upcountry and Central Maui? To find our where to stay on Maui we compared every part of the island.
At the time of planning our 3-week trip Hawaii island hopping trip, we decided to start our family vacation on Maui. It appeared to be the best Hawaiian island for families with kids in search of relaxation. After all, this compact island is home to some world class resorts, vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Hawaii. But it took us some time to figure out the best area in Maui to stay to recover from jetlag and be close to some of the best activities in Maui. We ended up having a great time. And now we cant wait to share our findings with you.
So, are you ready to discover the best place to stay on Maui for you and your travel companions? Lets dive in!
Here are our top picks for the best place to stay on Maui.Keep scrolling for a comprehensive overview of all areas of Maui with pros and cons as well as a selection of Maui vacation rentals, world class resorts and the best hotels in Maui.
West Maui
Planning Your Next Trip
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1, 3, 4, 9, 17, 21, 27 to 31, 45, 46, 52, 53, 61 to 63, 67, 70 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase
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Staying In Central Maui
Including Kahului and Wailuku
Seeking the real Hawaii feel? Want to live like the locals of Hawaii? Look no further at Central Maui. Central Maui offers a cultural experience without a remote ambiance, similar to Hana or East Maui. Near the Kahului Airport , there are various places as options.
Why Should You Stay in Central Maui?
Since this location is central, popular attractions like Iao Valley, driving the Hana Highway, or exploring the summit of Haleakala are equally distant from you.
The Drawbacks of Staying Central Maui
As with East Maui, youll find limited options for activities. Most activities will require some long drives.
Our Recommended Lodgings to Stay in Central Maui
For the best options in this area, look for the retreats and small inns .
The Pros and Cons of Staying in Central Maui
- Great proximity to most of the island, including the Hana Highway
- Limited accommodations are present in these areas
- Wailuku can experience a good bit of rain
- Not very scenic in most of central Maui
- Limited selection of beaches
Paia: Best Area To Stay On Maui For Cool
Ahhh, theres so much to love about Paia!
We think this small surf town on Mauis North Shore is one of the best areas in Maui to visit and to stay.
Paia itself has a hippy vibe, warm earth-friendly community, funky boutique shops and excellent restaurants.
Dont miss waiting in line for freshly-caught fish at the Paia Fish Market. And, sorry, theres no getting around it you will have to wait in line, as its really popular.
Paia is also the place to hit for high-quality organic and vegan food.
Shop at Mana Foods for organic groceries, deli items and snacks .
Order acai bowls and green smoothies made with water from hand-cracked coconuts at Choice Health Bar.
And chow down on house-made burgers , all-day Eggs Benedict and banana bread French Toast at the charmingly rustic Island Fresh Café, housed in Paias former train depot.
And then theres Hookipa Beach Park, which is epic!
Watch the surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers ride wicked waves.
And see all the turtles, many three feet long, that rest in the sunshine at the right side of the beach .
No doubt about it, Paia is well worth considering for where to stay in Maui! A car is essential to get you there and around.
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Honua Kai Resort & Spa
West Maui
The Honua Kai Resort & Spa is set oceanfront to the incredibly gorgeous Kaanapali Beach on 38 lush tropical acres. When at the Honua Kai, guests will marvel in fantasy with fantastic Pacific Ocean views, and the outer island of Lanai sets the center front stage.
Here, guests have many lodging options ranging from 595 square foot studio suites to 2,650 square foot specialty suites with up to three bedrooms. The Honua Kai Resort & Spa is one of the most laid-back traditional Hawaiian vacation resort accommodation choices in West Maui, perfect for a quiet vacation for two, family holidays, weddings, and large group vacations in Hawaii. Honua Kai Resort & Spa is situated within two buildings that include the Hoola Spa and two restaurants, Aina Gourmet Market Café and Dukes Beach House. This resident-style resort offers luxury hotel amenities such as full-service concierge and housekeeping. Yet, guests can enjoy the comforts of home with full gourmet kitchens and in-room washer and dryers.
During the winter months, visitors have optimum positioning for watching the incredible Humpback Whales breach and frolic upon the oceans surface. Kaanapali Beach offers a very convenient selection of restaurants, spas, shops, and nightlife for year-round guest enjoyment. At the beach, guests can easily venture on a sunset cruise, snorkel tours, stand up paddling, and parasailing adventures.
To see more of our favorite spas, please visit our Top 10 Spas on Maui.
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The Best Areas To Stay In Hawaii
Before we delve into where to stay in Hawaii, lets take a quick look at the best islands and the general layout of the archipelago.
Hawaii consists of eight major islands. However, only six of these islands can be visited by the public. Niihau and Kahoolawe are referred to as the Forbidden Islands. While there are certain loopholes to visit, we dont recommend going to all the extra effort. These two islands have little tourist infrastructure, and youll miss out on the Hawaiian holiday experience.
So, which Hawaiian islands should you stay on? Weve broken them down into a short list below.
- Big Island : Big Island is the largest island in Hawaii. The island is praised for its diversity and is best for tourists who want lots of space to explore and sightsee.
- Kauai Island: Kauai is nicknamed the Garden Isle because of its abundant rainforest. It is generally considered the most beautiful island in Hawaii. It has been used as a filming location for many Hollywood movies. Kauai is best for tourists who want to hike and enjoy natural beauty and attractions.
- Oahu Island: Oahu is urbanized and metropolitan. The island has lots of cultural activities like museums and galleries. Oahu also has a lively nightlife scene. Oahu is your best choice if you want somewhere to party in Hawaii.
Either way, youll need more detail about each island. Now youve got a brief idea of Hawaiis main islands, lets take a closer look at each option.
The South Side Of Maui Includes Wailea And Kihei
Wailea has luxury hotels and condos. They are spread out a little more than the luxury hotels and condos on Kaanapali Beach, so some people like the slightly quieter atmosphere, but others dont like the fact that you cant easily walk to all the big hotels and restaurants and shopping centers like you can in Kaanapali. Though, this isnt true of all Wailea resorts. The Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Andaz, , and many high-end condos are all next to each other There are 3 different luaus all within a few minutes walking distance, but the most popular is the Grand Wailea Luau.
Kihei is north of Wailea. It has numerous large and small condo complexes that are less expensive than staying in Wailea. Many of these do not have air conditioning or daily maid service. And most Kihei condos are across the street from the beach, rather than right on the beach. Kihei tends to be congested with heavy traffic. Kihei does have many family restaurants. But due to the fact that many condos here are less expensive than some in other areas, many people do think that Kihei is the best area to stay in Maui.
- Map of Maui with links to maps of each area
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