If your trip only allows for time on one island, Maui is a great choice because it offers a little bit of everything! The resorts on Maui offer a wide selection from the ultra luxurious, to the quirky boutique, to family-friendly condos and budget-friendly options. The activity selection is also broad, and visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, quality snorkeling, great hikes and drives, good shopping, and excellent dining!
Where to Stay – Our Top Recommendations:
- Four Seasons Maui at Wailea – Often our highest selling hotel in the world, the Four Seasons Maui has a strong following of loyal fans, and our clients will return year after year. But, we’ve learned that it’s not for everyone. While most people are hard-pressed to find a complaint with the hotel’s staff and high level of service, some people don’t like the resort layout or “see and be seen” ambiance.
- Andaz Maui at Wailea – This resort has a young and fresh vibe that we love! The large, multi-tiered pool complex allows everyone to spread out, and the apothecary spa is one of the best we’ve ever experienced! The rooms may be too sparsely decorated for some, but others love the large bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and the balconies with views of all the action at the pool. The incredible dining options at the Andaz Maui are what really push this hotel into our top favorites, be sure to make time to fully enjoy their elaborate breakfast buffet!
- Montage Kapalua – The large units with full kitchens, laundry, multi-bedroom layouts, outdoor living rooms, etc. ensure everyone has space to spread out. While it is easy to see families with kids in these condo-style units, we actually love this resort for couples, too! The intimate size and eden-like gardens make this a perfect retreat for couples looking for time to rejuvenate in the spa, float the day away in the pool, and indulge at the champagne bar and Cane & Canoe Restaurant.
- Hotel Wailea – Any fan of Mad Men will fall in love with the mid-century vibe at this quirky boutique property. Perched up on the Wailea hillside, this hotel does not have direct beach access, but the tradeoff is the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset every night! A shuttle will take you down to the beach whenever you like, and the hotel staff will kit you out with all the chairs, towels, and snacks you might need. Part of Relais & Chateaux, a major selling point is the dining and the warm hospitality. This is an all-suite property whose spacious accommodations feature comfortable living rooms, kitchenettes, deep soaking tubs, and large, comfortable balconies or terraces. This hotel was built for romance, and we recommend it for honeymooners, couples celebrating an anniversary, or anyone looking for a private retreat.
Where to Stay – Other Hotels of Note:
- Ritz-Carlton Kapalua – Located on the northwest side of Maui, the one drawback can be the windier conditions. The resort’s beach can have very choppy waves. But if you don’t intend to spend all day lying on the beach, the Ritz is worth a consideration. The rooms are large and recently renovated, and the one or two bedroom residences are perfect for families. They feature kitchens and living rooms equipped with sofa beds.
- Hyatt Regency Maui – Newly renovated suites and public spaces make this hotel worth consideration, especially when you want to keep your budget in check. We love the lush gardens, the large pools, long (yet narrow) beach, and fun grotto bar! Their base rooms are a bit too small for our tastes, especially the bathrooms, but the suites are very comfortable. This is also a convenient location for snorkeling excursions and exploring the town of Lahaina. You can see pictures from Jessica’s visit to this resort in 2016 here.
- Napili Kai Beach Resort – Though it’s only rated 3.5 stars, this is one of our favorite resorts on Maui. With a casual ambiance, all of the condo-like units are located in two story buildings. The resort is set on a beautiful crescent of beach with calm waves, and your kids will be able to make friends with lots of other kids. The One Bedroom Ocean View Suites are beautiful, feature full kitchens with granite counters, and can comfortably accommodate a family of four.
- Fairmont Kea Lani is a value option for families traveling. An all-suite and all-villa resort, accommodations offer a lot of space. Totally separate living rooms have pullout sofas, making the accommodation ideal for four guests. Access to the Keiki Lani Kids Club is included in the resort fee and provides activities for kids between the ages of 5 to 12. In addition to two pools for active play (connected by a 140-foot waterslide), couples will enjoy lounging in the adults-only pool.
Things to See and Do: Read more from our blog!
- Drive the Road to Hana and stop in Paia for some shopping
- Explore and shop in Lahiana and make time for a quick visit to the Heritage Museum
- Watch the sunrise from the top of the Haleakala Volcano and extend the views with an invigorating downhill bike ride afterward.
- Take outrigger canoeing lessons
- Visit the Maui Brewing Company for some fun beer tasting with live music and food trucks
- Take a Snorkeling excursion to Molokini
- Experience a traditional Luau; try the Kalua Pork with Poi and watch a hula performance
Related Content:
- David’s blog from his visit to Andaz Maui in 2015 and Jessica’s pictures from her stay in 2016.
- Pictures from Jessica’s stay at Hotel Wailea in 2016 along with shots from a very rainy drive on the road to Hana along with a very relaxed monk seal!
- “The Aloha Way of Life,” Relais & Chateaux Magazine feature on Hotel Wailea
- Jessica’s blog from her visit to the Four Seasons Maui in 2013
- Understanding Maui’s Wind, Weather, and Waves from Sail Trilogy Snorkel Tours
- “The 3 Most Awe-Inspiring Hikes in Maui” from Huffington Post (2/29/2014)
