Planning a trip to Maui and wondering where to stay? Whether you’re visiting with kids, your partner, or a group, choosing the right part of the island can make or break your vacation. Maui offers a mix of luxurious resorts, laid-back beach towns, and off-the-beaten-path adventures—each region with its own vibe, weather, and attractions. From family-friendly areas like Kīhei and Kaʻanapali to the remote beauty of Hāna, this guide will help you decide the best place to stay in Maui based on your travel style and priorities.
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island and offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, luxury, and local charm. Shaped by two volcanoes—Haleakalā in the east and the West Maui Mountains—the island is a geographic wonder. Like the other Hawaiian Islands, Maui has both a leeward (dry) and windward (wet) side, giving travelers a wide range of climates, landscapes, and vibes to choose from. Choosing where to stay in Maui is one of the most important decisions of your trip. While it’s tempting to just go with the lowest price or most popular hotel, the region you stay in will dramatically affect your experience.
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Top family friendly Maui hotels
Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked
Fun kids activities in Maui
In this detailed guide, you’ll find an overview of each region in Maui—including pros, cons, and who it’s best for—so you can book your stay with confidence.
Pāʻia: Laid-back, Local, and Close to Adventure
Pāʻia is located on Maui’s north shore, and while it’s no longer the hidden hippie hangout it once was, it still maintains a relaxed, bohemian vibe. The town is dotted with colorful storefronts, surf shops, organic cafés, and boutiques that attract travelers seeking a mellow and more authentic Hawaiian experience.
Why you should stay in Pāʻia
Pāʻia is ideal for families and couples looking for a slower pace. It’s the last real town before the Road to Hana, making it a strategic home base for exploring Maui’s lush east coast. Nearby Baldwin Beach Park and Ho‘okipa Beach are excellent for picnics, watching windsurfers, or letting kids play in the sand. The town’s walkable size and easygoing energy make it a charming alternative to bigger resort zones.
Why it might not be for you
Pāʻia lacks major hotel chains and all-inclusive resorts. Dining options are smaller, and there’s not much in terms of nightlife or structured kids’ activities. Tours and excursions often depart from other parts of the island, so plan on driving for those.
Best for: Beach bums, relaxed families, and budget-conscious travelers who want something different from the usual resort experience.
Kahului & Wailuku: Convenient and Budget-Friendly
Kahului is Maui’s commercial hub and home to the island’s main airport. While it’s not a traditional tourist destination, it can be a smart choice for travelers prioritizing price and practicality. Wailuku, just next door, is a historic town going through a quiet revival, offering character, convenience, and access to Maui’s northwest coast.
Why you should stay in Kahului/Wailuku
You’ll be close to essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, and the airport. Wailuku in particular has a growing number of local coffee shops, cultural centers, and boutique accommodations. This area is perfect for exploring ‘Iao Valley and the rugged northwest coastline, which are often overlooked by tourists.
Why it might not be for you
The region lacks beach access and that dreamy, tropical aesthetic most people imagine when they think of Hawai‘i. If you’re looking for luxury or lots of kids’ entertainment, this area won’t deliver.
Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, and those with short stays or early flights.
Kīhei: Central, Beachy, and Family-Friendly
Located along Maui’s sunny southwest coast, Kīhei is one of the most practical and family-friendly places to stay. With miles of sandy shoreline, parks, condos, and a strong local feel, Kīhei offers convenience, comfort, and affordability without skimping on access to beaches and attractions.
Why you should stay in Kīhei
Kīhei is an excellent base for families. The area is dotted with playgrounds, picnic tables, and calm beaches like Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III, all of which are ideal for kids. You’ll also be near Maʻalaea Harbor, where snorkeling, whale watching, and boat tours depart daily. Plus, its central location makes day trips to Lahaina, Wailea, and even Haleakalā easier.
Why it might not be for you
While Kīhei has plenty of condos and three-star hotels, it lacks the high-end resort atmosphere of neighboring Wailea. If you’re looking for luxury or all-inclusive packages, look elsewhere.
Best for: Families, active travelers, beach lovers, and budget-conscious visitors who want beach access and convenience.
Kaʻanapali: Resort Luxury Meets Easy Access
Kaʻanapali is one of Maui’s most famous resort destinations, located just north of the historic town of Lāhainā. It was Maui’s first planned resort area and still maintains that classic vacation vibe with a long, walkable beach, upscale shopping, and a wide range of accommodations.
Why you should stay in Kaʻanapali
Kaʻanapali offers the perfect mix of relaxation and convenience. Families will love the easy beach access, calm waters for swimming, and the beachfront path perfect for stroller walks or sunset strolls. Resorts here often include on-site restaurants, pools, and kid-friendly amenities. And while Lāhainā suffered extensive wildfire damage in 2023, Kaʻanapali remains operational and still offers shuttles to nearby attractions.
Why it might not be for you
It’s not the most affordable option, and the resort setting may feel isolated from local culture. It also can get crowded, especially during peak travel seasons.
Best for: Families looking for amenities and safety, resort-goers, and first-time visitors who want that classic Hawaiian vacation experience.
Wailea: Refined, Quiet, and Luxurious
Located in the southeastern part of Maui, Wailea is synonymous with luxury. This area is home to some of the island’s most high-end resorts, tranquil beaches, and five-star amenities.
Why you should stay in Wailea
The resorts in Wailea are world-class, often offering full-service spas, beachfront dining, golf courses, and beautiful landscaped grounds. The beaches here are clean, uncrowded, and often protected from wind, making them ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This is a favorite for honeymooners, families who want peace and privacy, or anyone looking to truly relax.
Why it might not be for you
Staying in Wailea means paying a premium. It’s also a little isolated, and you’ll likely need a car to explore other parts of the island.
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, multi-generational family trips, and anyone celebrating a special occasion.
Upcountry Maui: Volcano Views and Local Culture
Stretching along the slopes of Haleakalā, Upcountry Maui feels like a different island entirely. It’s cooler, quieter, and filled with small towns, rolling pastures, farms, and artist communities.
Why you should stay in Upcountry
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, this is it. The views of the ocean from up here are breathtaking, and the area is home to botanical gardens, lavender farms, and cowboy culture. The proximity to Haleakalā National Park also makes it the best spot for catching sunrise at the summit or exploring the high-elevation wilderness.
Why it might not be for you
There are no beaches, and it gets chilly at night. Lodging options are more limited and tend toward rustic B&Bs or small inns. Most tourist activities require a drive.
Best for: Repeat visitors, couples, and nature lovers looking for peace, quiet, and a different kind of Hawaiian experience.
Hāna: Remote, Rainy, and Magical
Hāna sits on the remote east coast of Maui and is best known as the final destination on the famous Road to Hāna. While most visitors come just for the drive, staying overnight unlocks a much deeper experience.
Why you should stay in Hāna
Staying in Hāna allows you to beat the day-tripping crowds and truly immerse yourself in this lush, tropical paradise. The beaches—red, black, and white sand—are some of the most beautiful and uncrowded on the island. The peacefulness and cultural richness of the area make for a serene and authentic Hawaiian experience.
Why it might not be for you
It’s far—really far—from everything else. It also rains a lot, and options for dining, shopping, or entertainment are very limited.
Best for: Adventurous travelers, couples, and nature lovers who want solitude and access to Hāna’s waterfalls, hikes, and stunning coastlines.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Place to Stay on Maui
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to where to stay on Maui. If you’re traveling with kids, prioritize beach access, safety, and proximity to parks or tours. For couples, maybe it’s all about views, spas, and peaceful hideaways. Whatever you’re looking for, Maui offers a region that fits your vacation style.
Still not sure? Here’s a quick guide:
- Best for Families: Kīhei or Kaʻanapali
- Best for Adventure: Hāna or Upcountry
- Best for Relaxation: Wailea
- Best for Culture & Charm: Pāʻia or Wailuku
Where you stay shapes your Maui experience, so choose the region that matches your vibe—and start counting down the days to aloha.
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Top family friendly Maui hotels
Beaches: Amazing Hawaii – here are the best beaches in Maui ranked
Fun kids activities in Maui
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Maui.
