West Maui has excellent weather with mostly sunny and dry days. If you love being in the middle of the action, this is where you’ll want to stay. However, if you like to avoid crowds, you may want to reconsider. Popular nearby attractions such as the Atlantis submarine ride and tours to nearby Lanai draw visitors from all over the island.
Often referred to as Maui’s “budget” resort, the prime location of Ka’anapali Beach Hotel makes it one of the best choices for where to stay on Maui. This resort is ultra-family-friendly with amiable staff and excellent on-site experiences.
Ka’anapali Beach hotel might be a bit older and less glitzy than some nearby options, but it offers “old Hawaii” charm with one of the best beachfront at some of the best prices on the island.
One of the most luxurious properties on Ka’anapali Beach is the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. This prime destination is located right next to Whaler’s Village for easy access to shopping and restaurants.
The Westin Maui Resort has 5 incredible pools and a great waterslide. It’s located in an area of Ka’anapali beach that is often less crowded than Black Rock. There is also a lanai available for rent, a private bar and lounge, and much more. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in West Maui, this is the one to book.
Scattered throughout the regions of Maui are the incredible towns and villages that make this island such an incredible destination. However, certain areas such as West Maui and South Maui are more easily accessible and contain many of the most popular places to stay on Maui. In addition, towns such as Kihei and Lahaina are top-rated among those visiting Maui with kids.
For those who want to explore the famous Road to Hana, East Maui offers quaint villages and incredible black sand beaches. While many visitors to Central Maui tend to enjoy more off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Iao State Park.
When planning your stay in Maui, location is everything. So many of the prime properties are located either beachfront or oceanfront. And knowing the difference can make a big difference in your experience.
Beachfront accommodations are generally the most expensive and the most sought after. They offer quick access to the beach. Oceanfront tends to be less expensive than beachfront rooms.
Keep in mind that many Maui vacation rentals have beautiful gardens. Going for the garden view rooms might not always be sacrificing your dream. Make sure to consider your accommodation costs versus your vacation expectations.
These are the key terms when looking for hotels on Maui so that when you book your stay, you won’t find yourself surprised.
Finding the best places to stay in Maui is really based on which of the six regions you want to base yourself in. We’ll lay out each of the areas of Maui and share our favorite accommodations in each one.
West Maui is the most popular place to stay on Maui. Lahaina, which was once a busy whaling port, is now the hub for the most famous resorts on Maui.
The property is just 10-minutes from Hana town and offers easy access to Waianapanapa State Par and the backside of Haleakala. You can find their prices and availability here.
If you’re looking for the best views over Maui, the Upcountry is where you want to go. Hana offers wild beauty and remote escape. But the Upcountry offers a funky vibe that you can’t find anywhere else on the island.
When you visit the Upcountry, the views get better and better the further up the mountain that you travel. However, with each winding switchback, you’re further from the beach. If you love hiking and mountain biking, this area is heaven. But if you love chilling next to the waves, consider West Maui.
Paia Inn is a quaint North Shore hotel that offers a prime location for those wanting to explore the North Shore or do a one-day jaunt of the Hana Highway.
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Types of Recreation Available: Hiking, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, watchable wildlife. Leashed pets are allowed on trails.
Directions: Take U.S. 70 for 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, then turn south on the Aguirre Spring Road (1.1 miles after San Augustine Pass) for six miles. At mile 4 the road becomes a one-way loop and climbs steeply.
Fees: $5 per vehicle and $15 per bus. Camping fees are $7 per campsite. Group sites are $50. Group site reservations are required.
Rated as one of the best places to stay on Maui for families, Grand Wailea is awesome if you have kids. Not only does this Maui resort have one of the best pool complexes in Hawaii (nine different pools, loads of water slides, and a brand new “lava slide,” it also has a rope swing, lazy river, water elevator, hot tubs, and even an adults-only pool for that much-needed couples getaway.
The resort also features a highly rated kids club, a teen club, a games lounge, and loads of amazing cultural events and activities that will help bring the island to life.
Location & Information: Located on the east side of Las Cruces, hikers can choose to go to the top for a 2.5 mile out and back or complete the 6-mile trail across the pass and end in Aguirre Springs.
Directions: From I-25 Exit 1 (University Avenue) in Las Cruces, head northeast on University (which eventually turns into Dripping Springs Road) for 7.7 miles. Turn left onto Baylor Canyon Rd and head north. The Trailhead is 4.8 miles down the road on the right (east) side.
White Sands National Park offers a wide variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, biking, and driving. The park features several well-marked trails that wind through the striking white sand dunes, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging hikes for more experienced adventurers.
Bikers can explore the dunes on designated routes, while drivers can take the eight-mile Dunes Drive scenic route to experience the stunning views from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience by Sledding down the giant Sand Dunes at White Sands National Park. Visitors can bring their sleds or rent them from the park’s gift shop. The best time to sled is in the early morning or late afternoon when the sand is cool, and the sun is not too hot. Sledding down the smooth, gleaming white slopes is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that is sure to be a highlight of any trip to White Sands National Park.
Horseback riding is a popular way to explore the stunning landscapes of White Sands National Park. Horseback riding trails wind through the dunes, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and desert flora and fauna. Visitors can bring their own horses by applying for a free permit and providing insurance information prior to entering the park. Horseback riding is a unique and peaceful way to experience the park’s natural beauty and is a great option for families or groups looking for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Location & Information: Located about 5 miles north of Las Cruces, it offers a number of hiking trails, 15 miles of mountain biking trails and 7 miles of horseback trails (which are not signed as well as the other trails). The Southern trails are recommended for beginners as they are reasonably lengthy and not as technical as opposed to the Northern trails which are shorter but more technical.
Directions: Take I-25 north to the Doña Ana exit, go east and turn left on Del Rey, turn at the next right (Calle Las Lomas). Turn left on La Reina, then turn right onto Desert Wind. Go east for about 1.4 miles and go through the cattle guard. On a primitive dirt road, go for another 1/2 mile. The trailhead is just past the power line.
Location & Information: Located just 7 miles west of Downtown Las Cruces, Picacho peak has several trails for mountain biking, hiking and equestrian use.
Directions: After approximately 1 mile on Picacho Hills Drive, veer to the left onto Barcelona Ridge Road. Travel approximately 1 mile to Anthem Road and turn right. Follow Anthem Road approximately 1 mile to Loop Road and turn right. Loop Road turns into dirt. Approximately 0.9 mile turn right and follow to the Picacho Mountain Recreation Area.
Location & Information: Slot Canyon is roughly 2.5 mile out and back located about 20 miles north of Las Cruces. Note: a state recreational access permit is required to access this hike.
Directions: Take I-25 north or south to the University exit (Exit 1) in Las Cruces. Turn east on University Avenue and follow it until A Mountain is directly to your right. Once you reach the north side of the mountain, there are two areas where cars can be parked, the most popular being the second one as you go east.
Types of Recreation Available: Hiking, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, watchable wildlife. Leashed pets are allowed on trails.
Directions: Take U.S. 70 for 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, then turn south on the Aguirre Spring Road (1.1 miles after San Augustine Pass) for six miles. At mile 4 the road becomes a one-way loop and climbs steeply.
Fees: $5 per vehicle and $15 per bus. Camping fees are $7 per campsite. Group sites are $50. Group site reservations are required.
Situated on a sprawling 25-acre property right on Kahekili beach, the Royal Lahaina Resort, if you’re looking for places to stay on Maui that have it all. This Maui resort north of Ka’anapali Beach has three outdoor pools, two hot tubs, tennis courts, an excellent restaurant, and a fantastic on-site luau (although I highly recommend checking out the Old Lahaina Luau if you can book tickets).