Are you looking to spend your next vacation in an enchanting Hawaiian-inspired home away from home? Then this selection of cozy cottage rentals in Maui is for you. It includes some of the most enchanting plantation-style cottages for rent in Maui.
Some come with an incredible ocean view, others with direct beach access, a spectacular pool, or a hot tub. My selection includes both affordable and luxurious Maui cottages. Some rentals are geared toward couples and others are designed with families in mind.
(Semi-)rural cottage rentals in Maui can be found in the verdant hinterland of Upcountry Maui, North Shore Maui, Central Maui, and along the Road to Hana because this is where the plantations were based.
Ocean lovers will appreciate my selection of Maui cottages on the beach. These can mostly be found just south of Lahaina in West Maui and around Kihei and Makena in South Maui.
Another type of cottage is called an Ohana. This is a secondary dwelling on the grounds of a single-family home with its own entrance and stove (unlike a guest house which, according to the Hawaii County Code, doesn’t have a kitchen).
So, are you ready to discover the most gorgeous vacation cottages in Maui? Then let’s dive in!
In a nutshell
This article features a curated selection of cottage rentals in Maui. From rural to coastal, these listings embody the perfect island home away from home. The article concludes with a FAQ section about Maui cottage rentals.
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Short on time? Here’s a quick list of the top Maui cottage rentals:
Maui cottage rental in the featured image:
Star Cottage
Beachfront Maui cottage rental:
Ocean View Cottage | Hana Bay Elua Cottage
Maui cottage rentals with a pool:
Hale Manu Mele | Duke’s Cottage | Star Cottage
Maui cottage rentals with a hot tub:
Garden Oasis Cottage | Ocean View Cottage | Duke’s Cottage | Star Cottage
Family-friendly Maui cottages for rent:
Hale Manu Mele | Aloha Cottage
My selection of cottage rentals in Maui
For every Maui cottage rental in this list, I include the number of rooms, the number of persons it sleeps, the license number, and the average cost per night. That way you can see at a glance if the cottage is spacious enough and if it fits within your budget.
Every Maui vacation rental in this list links out to the corresponding listing on VRBO. Simply read through the details, check the reviews, and set your preferred dates to get an exact breakdown of the costs. If you still like what you see, you can go ahead and make your booking.
Now, without further ado, here’s my personal selection of the best cottages in Maui.
Psst… At the end of this article, you’ll find a map showing the location of all listings.
1. Ocean View Cottage in Makena
One of the most beautiful cottage rentals in Maui can be found in Makena. This oceanfront dwelling is beautifully appointed and offers everything you need for a carefree vacation.
The sliding doors open up to the beautiful lanai which is equipped with a panoramic hot tub. You can watch the whales breach and the turtles feed without ever stepping a foot outside.
Turtle Town, Maui’s renowned snorkel paradise, is located right in front of the cottage. The location in the heart of Makena Bay also allows for easy access to beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, restaurants, and more.
2. Aloha Cottage in Puamana
UPDATE OCTOBER 2023:
Most of Lahaina town has been destroyed in the 2023 wildfires. The southern section of the Puamana complex managed to escape the flames, but the northern section was severely damaged. Even though this Maui cottage – Unit 139-1 – seems to be situated in the safe zone, it might not immediately resume operations.
This could easily be the best-appointed cottage rental in Maui. The Aloha Cottage Maui is beautifully designed in a coastal chic style with farmhouse-style accents. Playful pastels bring a cheerful look and feel to the neutral-toned interior.
In addition to the well-equipped kitchen, the comfy seating area, the two bathrooms, and the downstairs bedroom, there’s a cozy loft space on the first floor. This is where you’ll find an extra sleeping arrangement and a movie room with its own popcorn machine. The outdoor space comprises a spacious lanai equipped with hand-carved Balinese outdoor furniture, a BBQ, and an outdoor shower.
This adorable cottage is located in Puamana, an oceanfront gated resort community at the southern end of Lahaina’s famous Front Street. Cafés, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and beaches are all within easy reach. This is a wonderful place for a family vacation.
3. Popolana at Hana Bay Elua Cottage in Hana
In an enviable setting overlooking Hana Bay, is this gorgeous oceanfront cottage. Every room offers unobstructed ocean views and you can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean waves.
From Waiʻanapanapa State Park to the lava tubes and from Hamoa Beach to Wailua Falls, some of the most mesmerizing Road to Hana attractions are just a short drive away. The shops and food trucks of Hana town can even be reached on foot.
Note that this cottage, like most other cottages in Hana, is not equipped with air conditioning. The weather is cloudier and windier than in West Maui and South Maui so air circulation should suffice.
4. Garden Oasis Cottage in Kihei
This enchanting little cottage is located just a few miles north of some of the top hotels in Maui for couples yet feels worlds apart in terms of privacy. This single-story private house has its own driveway and its cute garden comes fully fenced.
This wonderfully shaded lanai is equipped with a luxurious saltwater hot tub, a shower, and a Weber grill.
Inside, you’ll find a neutral-toned bedroom with premium cotton sheets, a well-equipped bathroom with an extra-large shower, and a full kitchen with high-quality appliances.
5. Star Cottage in Huelo
If you’re looking for a secluded sanctuary away from the crowds on the Road to Hana, then this North Shore Maui cottage is for you. It’s located right next to one of the Road to Hana’s most scenic viewpoints yet far enough from the highway to enjoy complete serenity.
The Star Cottage is set in a small-scale verdant retreat called Huelo Point Lookout. It offers 4 enchanting cottages that are far enough apart to offer plenty of privacy. There’s a shared freeform swimming pool amidst a lush jungle landscape for guests to enjoy. Plus, there’s an abundance of organic fruit to be found on the mature trees. Guests are invited to serve themselves. Fresh eggs are also available.
This cute cottage comes with its own private hot tub, shower, lanai, and BBQ grill. There’s also a romantic private hammock in the coconut grove that surrounds the cottage. Inside, you’ll find a kitchenette, a seating area with a pull-out sofa, and a bathroom. Upstairs, there’s a cozy loft that serves as a bedroom with its own seating area.
Unlike most cottage rentals on the Road to Hana, this vacation cottage comes with central air conditioning. There’s no TV but there’s internet.
The closest towns are Paia, Haiku, and Makawao. They’re all just a short drive away, as is Hookipa Beach which is one of the best places on the island to see giant green sea turtles.
6. Hale Manu Mele in Wailea
Families will love this awesome cottage in Maui. Why? Well, it comes with a beautiful heated saltwater pool with a water slide. The only people you might have to share it with occasionally are the owner but often times you’ll have it all to yourselves. While other kids in nearby Maui resorts have to queue to go down the slide, your children will have their very own.
The Hale Manu Mele cottage is an Ohana. The tropical garden is shared with the owners, who live in the main house. The bed and breakfast is located in a convivial family community called Maui Meadows, just uphill from Wailea. This luxury resort area is home to some of the most opulent Maui hotels but also to boutiques, restaurants, and several beautiful beaches. All can be found less than a mile away.
The cottage itself has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. There are two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and a comfy seating area. The high beam ceilings and local Koa wood floors only add to the Hawaiian charm. Two sliding glass doors lead to the private lanai, where you can find a grill and an outside shower. This cozy Ohana is the perfect Maui cottage for families.
7. Haiku Surf Cottage
The playful and fresh decor of the Haiku Surf Cottage will put a smile on your face. It’s a small unit but it’s thoughtfully planned out. There’s a seating area, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom with shower/tub combo. Outside, you’ll find another shower. Start your morning with a coffee on your covered lanai with patio chairs. The coffee shop and small organic grocery shop can be found right next door.
A series of cool murals add a colorful accent to the semi-private yard which is gated with a surfboard fence.
This Maui cottage is located in Haiku. It’s not a tourist town but it’s a great introduction to the local lifestyle. Plus, the North Shore beaches, the Road to Hana, and Upcountry are all just a short drive away. There are plenty of adventurous things to do in the direct area.
Note that this cottage is not equipped with air conditioning. It relies on natural circulation, provided by the tradewinds, and ceiling fans.
8. Duke’s Cottage in Makawao
This is one of the most modern cottages in the verdant setting of Upcountry Maui. It’s located on the grounds of a bed and breakfast that overlooks the West Maui mountains as well as the North Shore coast and offers easy access to the Road to Hana and the Kula mountains.
Out of all 5 onsite accommodations, Duke’s is the only cottage. In addition to the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, this Hawaiian plantation-style farm cottage comes with a private lanai equipped with a dreamy hammock and lounge seating. A private access path connects it to the pool deck and jacuzzi.
The lava pool is the focal point of the shared tropical garden. What’s amazing is that the property is actually a working farm, growing a variety of local fruits and vegetables. This is reflected in the delicious Hawaiian-style breakfast that’s served every morning.
9. Maui Garden Cottage in Kihei
Here’s one of the most affordable cottage rentals in Maui.
The Maui Garden Cottage is surprisingly spacious. It has full kitchen amenities, a seating area, a comfy bedroom, and a modern bathroom. Unlike many other cottages in Maui, this one comes with split-level air-conditioning and even air purifier systems.
This cottage is tucked away in a tropical private garden. It comes with a lanai and an outdoor shower. This may be one of the most affordable Kihei cottages, but it’s by no means a compromise on comfort and style. Oh, and a portion of your stay is even donated to a charity that supports the homeless in Maui.
The Maui Garden Cottage is located just a block from the beach and the restaurants, cafés, shops, and parks from Kihei are all within walking distance. Beach gear is provided.
Map of all listed cottage rentals in Maui
For your convenience, I created this map showing the location of all listings by listing number.
Which of these charming Maui cottages caught your eye?
Chances are that you’ve found your dream cottage rental in Maui for that long-awaited vacation. If not, then have a look at my other wish lists to discover even more amazing vacation rentals in Maui.
Also, rest assured that all featured Maui cottages for rent are operating legally with the required county permits and that all suggestions are hand-picked and thoroughly researched.
Maui cottage rental FAQ
