So, you decided to vacation in Maui? Yay! Let’s look into the different Maui towns and resort areas. My interactive map of Maui will show you the six main areas to stay in Maui. For each, you’ll find a short description of the vibe and an overview of the pros and cons. I also add a short introduction to Maui’s sister islands Lanai and Molokai, which are also part of Maui County.
In a nutshell
This page provides more insight into the various Maui towns and resort areas. It includes a Maui map showing each Maui resort’s location and an introduction to the character of each area, the towns it comprises, and the overall vibe you can expect.
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Driving distances can add up, even on a compact island like Maui. But even if you plan on just staying put in your resort area, where you stay in Maui can really influence your experience. Each of the Maui towns has its own unique flair and vibe after all. Plus, the weather can vary greatly.
Map of Maui
A lay of the island is essential to narrow down the best places to stay in Maui. That’s why, for your convenience, I’ve created this interactive map of Maui that displays all of the Maui towns and resort areas that we’ll zoom in on further down in this article.
© placestostaymaui.com – Any reproduction of this map in any form without prior written permission of placestostaymaui.com is strictly prohibited
To discover the various areas in detail, you can just continue reading. Or you can click the Maui area of your choice to navigate directly to an in-depth overview of that specific area.
Maui resort areas
Maui’s most popular resort areas are South and West Maui. These are perfect for first-time travelers while other regions, Central Maui for one, are an excellent option for budget travelers.
Other areas, such as North Shore Maui, Upcountry Maui, and East Maui, are ideal travel bases if you’re looking to escape the crowds or discover a different side of Maui.
South Maui
South Maui towns: Wailea, Makena, Kihei & Maalaea
South Maui actually refers to the southwestern coast of the island.
Wailea is this area’s main resort town. This luxurious hideaway is tucked away between the slopes of the Haleakala and several gorgeous beaches. Wailea is dotted with the most lavish resorts for couples and families alike, luxury vacation rentals, upscale boutiques, golf courses, and fine dining outlets.
South of Wailea is Makena, which is less developed and perfect for those who seek remote tranquility without compromising on beaches.
North of Wailea is Kihei, a convivial town that’s also home to long sandy beaches and a large selection of rental condos.
Maalaea is the northernmost town in this part of Maui. It’s not as well-known as other tourist destinations on the island, yet this enchanting harbor town’s central location certainly makes it an option worth considering.
Climate
South Maui’s climate is drier than anywhere else on the island. As a result, this area, and in particular the southernmost towns of Wailea, makes for an excellent winter travel destination.
Where to stay in South Maui
These are my top picks:
South Maui hotels for families:
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
South Maui hotels for couples:
Hotel Wailea Relais & Châteaux
Luxury South Maui resort rentals for families:
Hoolei Ocean View Villa (Grand Wailea Privileges)
TAT: #TA-153-282-8160-01 | License: N/A, hotel zone
Luxury South Maui rentals for families:
Luxury Garden Cottage
TAT: #TA-085-245-5424-01 | License: STKM 2014/0001
Affordable South Maui rentals for families:
Hale Manu Mele Maui Meadows B&B
TAT: #TA-031-786-3936-01 | License: BBKM 2013/0001
Affordable South Maui rentals for couples:
Romantic Private Garden Cottage
TAT: #W04886628-02 | License: BBKM 2010/0002
For more inspiration on the best places to stay in South Maui, have a look at my in-depth articles. It’s where I feature the top Maui hotels, vacation homes, and condos. I also have articles dedicated to romantic stays and family-friendly stays.
All suggestions are hand-picked and thoroughly researched.
West Maui
West Maui towns: Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili & Kapalua
West Maui refers to the coastline located south and west of the West Maui mountain range.
The northernmost resort area is Kapalua, a luxurious yet tranquil community that’s home to a couple of upscale resorts and golf courses as well as a gorgeous beach.
South of Kapalua Bay, along a beautiful stretch of coastline, are Napili, Kahana, and Honokowai. These small communities are charming in their own right but sleepier than most Maui hotspots. This area is a bit off the tourist radar yet features a wide selection of beachfront rental condos.
South of these communities, you’ll find one of Maui’s most popular resort areas: Kaanapali Beach Resort. The beautiful beach is lined with family-friendly resorts and restaurants, all interconnected by the Kaanapali beach walk. This is a lively place that offers all the ingredients for the ultimate beach vacation.
It’s also very close to Lahaina, the former whaling town just south of Kaanapali. In fact, depending on where you stay in Kaanapali, you can walk to Lahaina town to soak up its vibrant atmosphere. It’s where you’ll find cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and plenty of shops as well as the most beautiful banyan tree.
Climate
West Maui’s climate is usually very mild and sunny. But, especially in winter, this area is known to have an occasional shower. And the further north, the rainier. Therefore, Kapalua may not be the best place to spend your winter holiday, especially if beach time is your main focus.
Where to stay in West Maui
These are my top picks:
West Maui hotels for families:
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort
West Maui hotels for couples:
Montage Kapalua Bay
Luxury West Maui rentals for families:
No Ka Oi Hale Tropical Beachfront Home
TAT: #TA-092-812-2880-01 | License: #STWM 2013/0003
Luxury West Maui B&B’s for couples:
Noahs Hideaway
TAT: #TA-197-216-9216-01 | License: #BBWM 2018/0002
Affordable West Maui rentals for families:
Papakea Family Condo
TAT: #TA-108-368-2816-01 | License: N/A, hotel zone
Affordable West Maui rentals for couples:
Honu Hideaway
TAT: #TA-169-305-9072-01 | License: N/A, hotel zone
For more inspiration on the best places to stay in West Maui, from budget accommodation to luxurious dwellings, have a look at my in-depth articles. Some of the most impressive beachfront hotels and vacation condos are located in this area.
All suggestions are hand-picked and thoroughly researched.
North Shore Maui
North Shore towns: Paia & Haiku
If the tourist hotspots of West and South Maui have no effect on you, then Maui’s North Shore might. This area offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and atmosphere.
Two quaint beach towns make up this Maui area: Paia, with its beautiful Baldwin Beach Park, and Haiku, home to Hookipa Beach Park. Both offer a more local feel and especially Paia is home to cool cafés, restaurants, and boho-chic shops.
You won’t find any resorts lining the North Shore beaches, only holiday homes and well-equipped surf shacks. The waterfalls and lush landscapes of East Maui are just a short drive away, as is the countryside of Upcountry.
Climate
Weather-wise, this Maui region is more unstable because it’s located on the windward side. That makes it more prone to rain than the tourist areas on the leeward side (West and South Maui).
Where to stay in North Shore Maui
These are my top picks:
North Shore Maui rentals in Haiku:
Hookipa Farm Home Haiku
TAT: #172-511-8464-01 | License: BBPH 2018/0001
North Shore Maui rentals in Paia:
Romantic Beach Home Paia
TAT: #W03494430-01 | License: STWK 2013/0002
For more inspiration on the best places to stay in North Shore Maui, have a look at my in-depth articles.
Upcountry Maui
Upcountry Maui towns: Makawao & Kula
Upcountry refers to the Maui region located on the western slopes of Haleakala National Park.
The landscapes here are completely different from the coastal towns in Maui. It’s where you’ll find pastures, botanical gardens, and spectacular panoramas. This rural community is also home to various farms selling the freshest produce and to the fragrant Kula Lavender Farm. The main Upcountry towns are Makawao and Kula.
There are no resorts in this part of Maui. What you’ll find here are cozy cabins, intimate guesthouses, and chic mountain retreats.
Climate
Because of its elevated location, temperatures in the Kula mountains are much cooler. It’s rainier than West and South Maui but slightly less than the North Shore.
Where to stay in Upcountry Maui
These are my top picks:
Upcountry Maui B&Bs in Makawao:
North Shore Lookout
TAT: #TA-174-391-0912-01 | License: #BBMP 2017/0003
Upcountry Maui rentals in Kula:
Upcountry Hideaway
TAT: #TA-048-528-1792-01 | License: #STMP 2016/0001
For more inspiration on the best places to stay in Upcountry Maui, have a look at my in-depth articles.
East Maui
East Maui town: Hana
The island’s east coast is mostly known for the Hana highway, one of the top Maui attractions.
Most Maui travel guides and tours suggest the Road to Hana drive as a day trip. In my opinion, it would be a pity to cut your visit short. Hana itself may not be that spectacular but there’s so much to admire, that you could easily spend several days in this remote area of Maui.
Tucked away in a lush landscape, thundering waterfalls, botanical gardens, fascinating cultural sites, and red and black sand beaches, you’ll find cozy rentals and one beautiful hotel.
Climate
East Maui is located on the windward coast, which means that it’s the rainiest part of the island. The weather can be quite unpredictable here with pouring rain for just a few hours, a rain shower now and then, or a string of sunny days. It results in lush landscapes and the most amazing waterfalls.
Where to stay in East Maui
These are my top picks:
East Maui rental in Hana:
Hamoa Beach House Hana
East Maui hotels in Hana:
Hana Maui Resort
For more inspiration on the best places to stay in East Maui, have a look at my in-depth articles.
Central Maui
Central Maui towns: Kahului & Wailuku
Maui’s main airport, Kahului Airport, is located in Central Maui. Kahului is the island’s commercial center and the only town big enough to be considered a city in Maui.
The County’s political center is located in Wailuku. This enchanting historic town is the gateway to Iao Valley State Park and the hiking trails of the West Maui mountains. It’s also home to several affordable vacation rentals.
Climate
The weather tends to be a bit cooler in Central Maui. Because of its proximity to the West Maui mountain range, Wailuku tends to get more rainfall throughout the year than Kahului.
Where to stay in Central Maui
These are my top picks:
Central Maui condos:
Uncle Tony’s Hale Condo
TAT: TA-069-028-0960-01 | License: N/A, commercial zone
Central Maui cottages:
Plantation Cottage
TAT: #TA-098-796-9536-01 | License: N/A, commercial zone
For more inspiration on the best places to stay in Central Maui, have a look at my in-depth articles.
Maui’s sister islands: Lanai & Molokai
Maui County actually comprises three more islands: Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. The latter is uninhabited but both Lanai and Molokai are open to visitors.
While a day trip is the most popular way to visit these low-key islands, you might just as well opt to stay a bit longer. Venturing beyond the main Hawaiian islands offers a completely different experience.
Lanai is much more remote than Maui. It can be reached by plane or by ferry from Lahaina town on Maui island. Most visitors make it a day trip but you might as well stay for a few nights in Lanai to discover its couleur locale to the fullest. With only a handful of hotels and a small selection of vacation rentals, it makes for a rather intimate experience.
Molokai offers an even more remote experience. This undeveloped island is dotted with cultural sites and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking. There are just a few hotels, vacation rentals, and cottages.
Driving times
You might wonder if you really need to spend time figuring out where to stay in Maui. Especially if you’ll be renting a car in Maui. The island is not that big after all.
That may be true but, because the island’s roads circle around the Haleakala volcano and the West Maui mountains, the driving times can quickly add up. So, especially if you’re looking to crisscross the island going from one adventure to the other, the location of your Maui accommodation is key.
Your place to stay in Maui
By now, you should have some idea about which of the Maui areas is right for you. So, go ahead and discover my selection of gorgeous places to stay in your preferred Maui town.
I take great care in finding you the very best Maui accommodations at the very best locations. All suggestions on this site are hand-picked and thoroughly researched. You can simply click on the links provided to book the featured listings on the booking platform of your preference.