Maui has long been known for its mix of high-end shopping, fine-dining, beach shacks, waterfalls, rainforests and, of course, surfing.
On the northern tip of the island, the Kapalua enclave is a top spot for hiking, zip-lining, tennis and golf. On the island’s far east, Hana lures visitors with stunning rainforests and old Hawaiian charm, while Wailea – often referred to as the Beverly Hills of Hawaii – is the place to go shopping; head to The Shops at Wailea to browse designer goods – they come with 10-30 per cent off, known as “Hawaii pricing.”
Don’t let the recent tragic wildfires discourage you from visiting this dynamic island, urges Ben Shank, Four Seasons Resort Maui General Manager. “We are immensely grateful for those visitors who have returned to Maui,” he says, “their return directly supports our local economy, including restaurants, galleries, excursions, and more.”
These are some of the top places to stay in Maui, Hawaii.
Where To Stay in Maui:
Best for White Lotus Fans: Four Seasons Resort Maui
The HBO series White Lotus, shot at the iconic Four Seasons Resort Maui, has made the hotel more popular than ever. Book a room on the Club Floor or at one of the residential-style Complete Suites for a hotel-within-a-hotel experience that comes with its own dedicated personal assistant. But a stay here is about more than just the accommodation, and experiences are central. A Wayfinder’s Journey, led by expert Hawaiian navigator, Kala Baybayan Tanaka, takes guests on a private catamaran excursion filled with stargazing and storytelling, immersing visitors in Hawaiian culture and going way beyond the cliché lūʻau for something truly memorable. Dining is also a top experience here, with restaurants from Wolfgang Puck and Russell Rummer – both with ocean views.
Best For A Contemporary Vibe: Andaz Maui
Image credit: Andaz Maui
Andaz Maui offers a modern aesthetic; the entire property has just been enhanced for its 10th anniversary and its 320 rooms boast a fresh, ocean-inspired decor. For more space, opt for a residential-style villa, complete with four bedrooms and beach access. Restaurants include Morimoto from the acclaimed Iron Chef and family-style Ka’ana Kitchen, while trendy bar Lehua Lounge serves cocktails and small bites alongside ocean views and outdoor fire pits. There’s no need to wake up at 5AM to snag a sun lounger here – the property’s four pools, each on their own tiered level, promise enough space for everyone.
Best For Giving Back: Fairmont Kea Lani
Fresh out of renovation, Fairmont Kea Lani wows guests with a redesign. A new lobby, a bar and a lounge are part of the total transformation, but the cultural centre is especially timely post wildfires, and is open to all, inviting guests and the public to take part in activities such as E Ala Ē – a morning greeting of the sun – at sunrise, stargazing at night, and anything from language lessons, lai-making and hula classes throughout the day. It also offers voluntourism opportunities and has committed to planting 5,000 native trees, shrubs and plants by the end of the year. This property is one of the few in the state with a dedicated cultural manager, Kamahiwa Kawa’a, to help educate guests about Hawaiian culture and advise them on how to be mindful about their visits to the precious state.
Best for Romance: Hotel Wailea
For all-out romance, head to the adults-only Hotel Wailea, a Relais & Chateaux property where all 72 suites, across 15 acres, carry their own design and offer upwards of 67-square metres of space. Here, the emphasis is on romance, and experiences such as sunset sailing, chocolate-tasting tours, in-room spa treatments and private wellness and healing journeys take precedence. And don’t miss the private, seven-course dinner for two ($1,502) in their Treehouse dining room.
Best For Families: Montage Kapalua Bay
Those travelling with families and looking for activities to keep little ones entertained will enjoy Montage Kapalua Bay, located about an hour northwest of the airport. Here, oversized accommodation (rooms start at 116 square metres) feature kitchens and separate living areas with sofa beds, alongside a collection of four-bedroom residences offering up to 376 square metres. Experiences include zip-lining, hiking, tennis and pickleball, snorkelling, fishing, paddle boarding – the list goes on. You’ll also find two championship golf courses and numerous dining options. There’s little need to leave the community’s gates.
Best For Wellness: Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Part family resort, part indulgent spa escape, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua has been a beacon of reprieve since it first debuted in 1991 as part of the 23,000-acre Kapalua Resort. Now, fresh off a USD 100-million update, and complete with new lobby lanai, club lounge, guest rooms, pool – and more – the property is even more magical. Head to the spa for traditional treatments using indigenous plants, as well as for anything from CBD-infused massages and pedicures to oxygen facials; explore Kapalua’s six bays and beaches; navigate the meditation labyrinth, believed to integrate mind and body; zip-line over the Mahana Ridge Trail; or horseback ride along the beach at sunset.
Best for Nature: Hana-Maui Resort
While all of Hawaii is an outdoor haven, there’s something about Hana’s distinct rainforests, seclusion, and retro charm that make it even more so. Check into a room with a hot tub and ocean views at the 66-room Hana-Maui Resort, or ask for one that is delightfully free of clocks, radios, and TVs. This 75-acre property charms with a nearby bamboo forest, secluded beaches, and plentiful hikes – including the Seven Sacred Pools route, which traverses the waterfalls and swimming holes of Haleakala National Park. It’s a two-and-a-half hour drive from the airport to get here, but the remote setting is worth it. If it feels too far to travel by car, consider their new Plane to Paradise package, which includes a roundtrip on the resort’s 10-seat Cessna, taking the journey to just 14 minutes.
Seeing more of Hawaii? These are the best places to stay on Kauai and Hawaii Island.
Lead image credit: Ritz Carlton Kapalua
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?