Our go-to guide to Maui hotels

You could stay in one resort or hotel the whole time you’re on Maui, but variety isn’t just the spice of life; it makes for a great trip.

As someone who regularly travels to Maui and hopes to experience something new every time, I always recommend that visitors choose two or three different locations to take advantage of all the island has to offer, from the verdant valleys to the cascading waterfalls, and the serene majesty of Haleakalā.

So whether you’re in search of a luxurious, family-friendly retreat, eager to lounge on a beach with burnt-gold sand, or looking to go off the grid, I’ve got the perfect rec. After your stay, you’ll understand why locals like to say, “Maui no ka oi” (Maui is the best).

Family-friendly getaways don’t get more elegant than here. Nestled on a crescent of gold sand, the resort offers ample distractions: three pools (including one for adults only), a kids’ club, the Willow Stream Spa featuring a mud bar and hot lava stone footbed, six restaurants (Nick’s is a must for a romantic seafood dinner), and direct access to Polo Beach for boogie boarding, SUP and snorkeling fun.

Room Report: As Hawaiʻi’s only all-suite and villa luxury resort, there are no wrong or cramped rooms. The views are jaw-dropping, and the decor is tasteful, with conveniences like sleeper sofas and private plunge pools. The Fairmont Suite starts at 860 square feet, but if you’re traveling with kids, the Poolside Suite is better set up for all-day pool and waterslide action. Book the spacious Kilohana Corner Suite with its wraparound lanai for sunset views.

Restaurant Report: The term “ʻāina-driven libations” might sound like marketing jargon, but at PILINA, the pretty concoctions are literally from the land. Local spirits such as Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum and Kuleana Rum Works Hōkūlei, crafted specifically for the hotel, are blended with local ingredients like Kukui & Macadamia Orgeat and Kona Coffee Bean. Visit at sunset and stay on to enjoy their interactive hot rock culinary experience and signature dishes, such as the Mauka to Makai Tartare with Molokaʻi venison, unagi, and seaweed.

Don’t Miss: Dedicate time to explore Hale Kukuna, the hotel’s 2,000-square-foot cultural hub in the lobby. It offers more than just classes in hula and lei-making; it’s a treasure trove of Hawaiian literature, artifacts, and art, featuring rotating exhibits from native Hawaiian artists.

Thanks to HBO’s White Lotus, you already know what to expect at the Four Seasons Wailea: sweeping ocean views from every corner of the resort, luxurious pool cabanas, life-changing massages (the Lomi Mahala Massage comes highly recommended), multiple pools, and a swim-up bar with a gorgeous view of West Maui.

Room Report: Spoiler alert: there is no Pineapple Suite; instead, the pinnacle of luxury is the three-room Lokelani Presidential Suite, priced at $29,000 a night, featuring a private garden (minus a plunge pool). For more modest but just as luxurious accommodations, the Club Floor rooms offer exclusive lounge access, all-day snacks, and concierge services. For unobstructed ocean views, opt for a Deluxe Ocean View Room rather than the Ocean View Room, which offers only partial views.

Restaurant Report: Extravagant dining experiences abound, including a private dinner by the Serenity Pool at $6,950 per couple. For everyday dining, indulge in local Maui dishes and coastal Italian cuisine at Ferraro’s, Hawaiian/Californian fusion at Spago during sunset, and Duo’s lavish buffet breakfast, famed for having Maui’s best malasadas.

Don’t Miss: Beyond its exceptional service, the Four Seasons’ guest programming stands out. Complimentary offerings include:

“Aunty Wendy” Tuivaioge, a native Hawaiian and Director of Hawaiian Programs, helms the resort’s cultural activities, including their unique “Behind the Scenes of Hula” program, which invites guests for a sneak peek into the practices of one of the state’s top competitive hula groups, Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua. No coconut bras or grass skirts here; this is serious local hula.

For a unique paid adventure, A Wayfinder’s Journey offers a three-hour immersive culinary and cultural experience on a private catamaran led by Hawaiian navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka.

It’s island time at Hana-Maui, where there are famously no clocks, radios, TVs, or air conditioning unless you’re staying in one of the Villas (a new inclusion courtesy of the Hyatt management). Thankfully, there is Wi-Fi throughout so you won’t be totally off the grid. Initially opened in 1946 with just six rooms, this 66-room suite and bungalow-style resort in the tranquil town of Hana is a destination in its own right. Spread across 75 acres with sweeping ocean views and rolling hills dotted with coconut trees; it epitomizes the idyllic tropical escape where your hardest decision might be selecting where to hang your hammock.

Room Report: The hotel is split into two sections by a road, so be prepared to walk, although resort bikes are provided. The Oceanfront Suites or Bungalows are recommended for their breathtaking views and spacious layout, complete with outdoor patios, hot tubs, and wet bars.

Restaurant Report: Dining options may be few, but they won’t disappoint. Start your day at The Restaurant with brunch favorites like the Papaya Boat or Mochiko Pancakes. For lunch and dinner, Hana Ranch nearby offers farm-to-fork meals made from ingredients sourced from Hana’s local farmers (they also deliver for a fee). Before heading out to explore, hit Hana Dry Goods for pre-packaged sandwiches and snacks.

Don’t Miss: Given the resort’s location on the legendary 64-mile Road to Hana, a road trip to experience the winding roads, cascading waterfalls, and rainforest beauty is a given. But if you’re bedding down there post-drive, book a pōhaku wela massage done with lava rocks, or take a 7-minute walk to explore Hāna Bay’s black sand beach, one of the best places to snorkel for beginners.

The stars of the Andaz Maui are the four cascading pools (one just for adults) overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A high-heel-friendly, ocean-edge boardwalk complements these pools and is ideal for whale watching from December to April. Located at the quieter end of Wailea Beach, the feature-packed resort offers a more secluded experience, perfect for those looking to escape the tourist crowds during peak season.

Room Scene: The rooms at Andaz Maui blend beach house charm with earthy chic, featuring lava stone bathrooms, teak furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows. For stunning ocean views, consider booking the Premiere Suite, which boasts double balconies. Although the rooms, starting at 320 sq ft, are smaller than those at other Wailea resorts, their design and balconies make it feel spacious.

Restaurant Report: The mark of a good resort stay can often be its buffet breakfast and Ka’ana Kitchen rolls out an epic one. The Chef’s Table experience, available Tuesday through Thursday, offers a six-course menu limited to eight guests. For a memorable dining experience, try beachfront sushi at Morimoto Maui, where you should make a reservation in advance since it fills up fast.

Don’t Miss: The experiential factor runs high at Andaz. There is an event-packed activity calendar covered by the resort fee. Guests can enjoy everything from outrigger canoe expeditions to lei-making and ukulele lessons. For relaxation indulge in a poolside cabana massage, which includes sound healing, Hawaiian Pohala aromatherapy, and a foot scrub for a truly blissful experience.

If swimming, sunning, and romance are in the cards, a stay at Wailea Beach Resort will set the mood. Tucked between Ulua and Wailea Beach, this resort takes full advantage of its prime oceanfront location with guest rooms featuring private lanais, outdoor bathtubs, and cozy firepit lounges for soaking up the ambiance. Not to be missed is the new Olakino adults-only wellness sanctuary with an infinity-edge saline pool, offering a serene escape away from the chaos of a big resort.

Room scene: With over 500 rooms, selection is critical. For tranquility, opt for a room distant from the Nalu kids’ pool and its four waterslides. Couples seeking intimacy might prefer the ground-floor Sundeck Collection, a secluded haven with a fluid indoor/outdoor design and easier pool access.

Restaurant Report: The resort’s dining scene caters to its diverse clientele, from couples to families and conference goers. Options range from Luigi’s Andiamo Pizza Kitchen with its casual brick-oven pizzas to the Humble Market Kitchin, where Hawaiian flavors meet Roy Yamaguchi’s culinary flair, and the Mo Bettah Food Truck’s tacos and fresh poke bowls.

Don’t Miss: Soothe all of life’s stresses at Olakino, where wellness activities include in-pool sound meditation sessions enhanced by Tibetan singing bowl tones, poolside acupuncture, and serene tea ceremonies.

Maui’s bustling resort areas of Ka’anapali and Wailea can be a turnoff. If you prefer a laid-back surf session during the day and unwinding with handcrafted cocktails and Japanese-inspired cuisine by night, consider this 11-room gem. Nestled in a 1927 conservation plantation-style building in the heart of Paia, the inn is surrounded by shops, galleries, and vegan eateries on one side and offers beach and ocean vistas on the other.

Room Report: The rooms are cozy, adorned in Balinese decor, and just steps away from a secluded stretch of beach. For guests planning extended stays, the One-Bedroom and larger suites feature kitchen facilities, perfect for preparing your catch of the day from the nearby Paia Fish Market, which is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.

Restaurant Report: The inn’s Vana Restaurant is a local favorite, especially during the golden hour. Patrons enjoy lingering over dishes that blend Hawaiian flavors with Japanese cuisine, like the kona-kampachi fish ceviche, all set in a quaint garden atmosphere.

Don’t Miss: Surf’s up in Paia at nearby Hookipa Beach Park where you may spy green sea turtles basking in the sun. Head to Baldwin Beach which is popular among professional surfers and windsurfers. This charming town is also the last stop before embarking on the scenic Road to Hana journey.

Billed as Hawaii’s most Hawaiian hotel, this resort has charming local details: white kukui nuts given to each guest, Hawaiian Kōnane (checkers) boards, and local artwork adorning the guest rooms. The other standout is its location on the golden sands of Ka’anapali Beach and proximity to Black Rock for easy and excellent snorkeling excursions.

Room Report: The rooms, while not the swankiest, are priced lower than many of the other resorts and feature Hawaiian decor, especially in the updated Papaku South Wing and Kauhale Southeast Wing. Our favorite is the Premium Oceanfront Room, which offers stunning views of the Kāʻanapali sunset and refreshed interiors.

Restaurant Report: Swap the traditional mai tai for a freshly tapped local craft beer at the on-site Maui Brewing Co. Continue the culinary journey with island-inspired dishes, like the MBC Cheddar Burger, made with beef from Maui-raised cattle and smothered in a unique 8-island sauce.

Don’t Miss: The resort is just a short walk from Whalers Village, but don’t overlook the on-site Kawenaokeao Cultural Center. It hosts a variety of activities throughout the day, from hula and ukulele lessons to classes in ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i (the Hawaiian language) and Pānānā (Ocean Navigation), enriching your stay with Hawaiian culture.