Let’s face it, Maui is an island that’s on nearly everybody’s bucket listing. And for good cause. With lovely seashores, spectacular waterfalls, and epic hikes it’s really exhausting to search out an excuse to not go. After visiting the island a number of occasions we discovered probably the most time-consuming and tough job is definitely discovering one of the best locations to remain in Maui and the place to base your self on the island.

Regardless that you’ll discover a vary of luxurious beachfront resorts and mid-range boutique inns together with trip leases full of helpful facilities dotted round Maui, it actually pays to plan upfront. Not solely can or not it’s tough to get a rental automobile, however securing a lodge will be simply as difficult.

Prime Locations To Keep In Maui

We put collectively this information that will help you together with your trip planning to be able to determine what’s the greatest place in Maui the place you need to base your self to see one of the best of this superb island. You’ll have the prospect to decide on the solar and sand, surf alongside Maui’s North Shore, or enterprise inland to climb volcanoes and seize panoramic views of the West Maui mountains rising out of the ocean.

Earlier than we get began let’s get you acquainted with the format of the island. It will assist you see the place issues are positioned in addition to assist you determine if you wish to be within the extra fashionable areas of South Maui and West Maui or have a extra inland expertise within the Upcountry.

The place is the Greatest Space to Keep in Maui?

Maui is a straightforward island to navigate. It’s damaged up into 6 primary areas which we’ll spotlight and allow you to know the place we expect are one of the best locations to remain.

No matter which neighborhood you select to remain in Maui, there isn’t any scarcity of fantastic views. Though not an enormous island, Maui is greatest explored whenever you hire a automobile. It lets you cowl extra of the island and provides you the liberty to benefit from the Maui tradition.

Every area in Maui has one thing completely different to supply. When weighing the professionals and cons of every, it’s essential to know what sort of trip you get pleasure from probably the most. South Maui is the go-to spot because of the vary of resorts, whereas East Maui is extra distant, with few inns however is a relaxing getaway.

1. West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, and Kapalua)

West Maui, residence to the historic city of Lahaina, a former whaling village and Hawaiian royal capital, boasts of a wealthy historic and cultural context. At this time, Entrance Road, Lahaina’s primary thoroughfare, thrives with distinctive outlets, numerous eating places, and artwork galleries, and is a middle of vibrant nightlife. Additionally in West Maui, you will see Ka’anapali Seashore and Kapalua Bay, well-known for his or her world-class resorts, pristine seashores, and top-notch golf programs.

The fantastic thing about West Maui isn’t just restricted to its attractive seashores and splendid lodging. It additionally encompasses a dramatic panorama outlined by the West Maui Mountains, or Mauna Kahalawai, providing a ton of trails for climbing and alternatives for out of doors lovers to soak up every thing Maui has to supply. Furthermore, the stretch of shoreline alongside Freeway 30 delivers beautiful views of the ocean, neighboring islands, and even humpback whales in the course of the winter months.

One of the best locations to remain in West Maui cater to a variety of preferences. Luxurious seekers shall be drawn to the upscale resorts of Kaanapali and Kapalua, full with full-service spas, championship golf programs, and beachfront eating. These in search of a extra native expertise may want a trip rental in Lahaina or a boutique lodge, the place they’ll get pleasure from being near native sights, outlets, and eating places.

As for Napili, residence to the enchanting Napili Bay, you’ll discover a laid-back ambiance amongst a group of small resorts and condos that don’t overtake the skyline. The neighborhood wraps round Napili Bay, providing friends the prospect to snorkel or dive within the turquoise waters.

Simply north of Lahaina, you’ll discover the well-known Kaanapali Seashore. The expansive white sands stretch across the shoreline, providing loads of room to search out your individual slice of heaven. If you aren’t buying and selling the turquoise ocean for the smooth sand, head to the north finish, the place you’ll uncover Black Rock. On arrival, it’s possible you’ll spot individuals leaping off the cliff face into the deep water under. Be happy to hitch or embark on some implausible snorkeling.

Beneficial Motels in West Maui

2. South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, and Makena)

After West Maui, South Maui is the preferred vacation spot on the island. Simply 20 minutes from the airport, it’s simply accessible with the seashore, eating places, and outlets proper in your doorstep. People who arrive at this finish of Maui will often select between both Kihei or the famed Wailea.

The climate in South Maui tends to be drier and sunnier in comparison with different components of the island, making it a seashore lover’s haven. And let me let you know the seashores in South Maui are among the many most interesting in Hawaii. Wailea Seashore, as an example, is legendary for its golden sands, clear waters, and wonderful swimming situations.

Makena Seashore, also referred to as Large Seashore, is likely one of the largest seashores in Maui and is fashionable for picnicking, swimming, and generally big-wave browsing. However one of the best half is that the coral reefs are wealthy in marine life, making snorkeling a must-do exercise. The Molokini Crater, {a partially} submerged volcanic crater, is a world-famous snorkeling spot simply accessible from South Maui.

Wailea has the most important focus of luxurious resorts and luxurious inns. With a beautiful mixture of facilities like nice eating places and golf programs, Wailea Resorts cater to {couples}, honeymooners, and even households. Wailea can be residence to the one adults-only resort on Maui like the posh resort 4 Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Get pleasure from a soothing trip, some with waterfront infinity-edge swimming pools, personal seashore entry, and loads of upscale eating places inside strolling distance.

Such lovely seashores and luxurious resorts don’t come low-cost. The key downside for South Maui is the worth level, though it’s possible you’ll discover a budget-friendly trip rental in Kihei. Vacationers also needs to remember that a lot of their chosen water adventures, similar to whale-watching boat excursions, will depart from Maalaea Harbor, a few 20-minute drive away.

Beneficial Motels in South Maui

3. Maui’s North Shore (Paia and Haiku)

With the 2 hottest areas of Maui coated, let’s have a look at the island’s North Shore, which affords a better perception into one of the crucial spectacular Hawaiian islands. Nearer to the pure wonders of Maui, however slightly farther from a number of the higher swimming seashores, the North Shore is all about shutting off from the world and respiratory within the serenity.

West Maui and South Maui are giant resort areas, with helpful facilities on web site. But when your crew isn’t an enormous fan of that sort of journey, then the North Shore can be an incredible various.

Maui’s North Shore, encompassing Paia and Haiku, is a mecca for surfers and windsurfers from world wide, particularly on the legendary Ho’okipa Seashore Park. The world has a bohemian vibe with artwork galleries, boutique outlets, and natural cafes. Paia, also known as the “windsurfing capital of the world,” is a quaint city with a mix of Hawaiian and plantation-era influences.

Households can get pleasure from plenty of family-friendly inns and laid-back eating in Pa’ia with loads of hearty fare on supply. The primary exception to the rule is arguably one of the best restaurant on Maui, Mama’s Fish Home.

I discussed that the North Shore isn’t famend for its enjoyable swimming seashores, however it’s residence to world-class waters for adventurous souls. All alongside the North Shore, you’ll discover some distinctive browsing experiences for those who know their manner round some gnarly breaks.

There’s a cause the North Shore is residence to a number of professional tour occasions. When exploring the tide swimming pools at Ho’okipa Seashore, you may even see a gaggle of windsurfers benefiting from the coastal winds. They should have heard that the seashore can be thought-about the windsurfing capital of the world.

As for {couples} who need their very own romantic escape, the North Shore is residence to a handful of upscale boutique inns the place you possibly can bask within the splendid views away from the crowds. Hand-in-hand, roam the comfortable city of Pa’ia and alongside the seashores the place the waves tumble down alongside the night solar.

Beneficial Motels On The North Shore

4. East Maui

From the crest of the North Shore area, the Street to Hana begins its illustrious journey alongside the rugged coast of East Maui. The well-known drive is a must-do no matter the place you select to base your self on the island. However having it in your doorstep is likely one of the primary promoting factors for this a part of Maui.

East Maui is a group of waterfalls flanked by rainbows and climbing trails by means of rainforests and towering mountains. It’s a extra secluded and fewer developed a part of Maui, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling vacationer areas.

As soon as in Hana, you possibly can discover black sand seashores, freshwater caves, and botanical gardens. Wai’anapanapa State Park is a must-visit, that includes a shocking black sand seashore, sea arches, and blowholes. Hana additionally serves because the gateway to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can hike by means of bamboo forests and swim within the Swimming pools of ‘Ohe’o.

Lodging in East Maui are restricted in comparison with different areas and primarily include trip leases, small inns, and some luxurious choices. Staying in Hana lets you expertise previous Hawaii, with its slower tempo and close-knit neighborhood. It’s the right vacation spot for nature lovers and people searching for a extra genuine Hawaiian expertise.

For the trekkers amongst us, a number of the greatest hikes in Maui will be discovered within the japanese area. These embrace the unbelievable Pipiwai Path and the trek to Wailua Falls. It isn’t exhausting to see why East Maui is the perfect vacation spot for those who need to get out and about. Commerce the nightlife and resort expertise for climbing boots and distant seashores to see a rugged however equally beautiful a part of Maui.

Beneficial Motels in East Maui

5. Upcountry / Central Maui (Kahului and Wailuku)

From one journey paradise to a different, depart the coast and head to the mountains for rural Maui. Because the identify Upcountry suggests, heading inland brings an enormous elevation acquire as you ascend in the direction of the sky to be among the many ranches, farms, and small villages.

One of many highlights of Upcountry is the Haleakala Nationwide Park, the place guests can witness the dawn from the summit, usually above the clouds, which is a surreal expertise. The park additionally affords quite a few climbing trails by means of numerous landscapes together with cinder cones and rainforests. Moreover, the agricultural richness of the area will be skilled by means of farm excursions and visits to native markets.

Upcountry Maui is the normal residence to the Paniolo. You may argue that the Paniolo had been the unique cowboys, whose ranching customs and traditions date again lengthy earlier than the famed cowboys of the Wild West. In the event you’re in Central Maui on July 4th, commerce the boozy seashore day for a customary rodeo present in Makawao.

Central Maui, encompassing cities like Kahului and Wailuku, serves because the island’s business heart. It’s usually the entry level for guests as a result of primary airport and harbor. Whereas it’s not a typical vacationer vacation spot, Wailuku has historic websites and the plush Iao Valley State Park, recognized for the enduring Iao Needle.

Top-of-the-line issues to do, and a significant cause vacationers base themselves in Upcountry Maui, is to hike to the summit of Haleakala. From anyplace on the island you possibly can see the enormous volcano looming overhead. It checks out that such a peak can be residence to one of the best view on Maui.

The expertise requires trekkers to get up lengthy earlier than daybreak and make the journey to the bottom of Haleakala. From there, hikers head up the mountain to seize an unforgettable panoramic dawn. Scorching tip, the sundown is simply as mesmerizing, so long as you possibly can deal with the hike down at midnight.

Beneficial Motels in Upcountry / Central Maui

Greatest Locations to Keep in Maui FAQ

What’s the nicest space to remain in Maui?

The nicest space is subjective and relies on what you’re in search of. Wailea in South Maui for luxurious, Lahaina in West Maui for historical past and nightlife, and Hana in East Maui for seclusion and nature.

Is it higher to remain in North or South Maui?

In the event you want a laid-back, native vibe with alternatives for windsurfing and beginning your journey to Hana, North Maui might be your superb vacation spot. In the event you’re in search of sunny climate, lovely seashores for swimming, and splendid lodging, you may want South Maui.

Which a part of Maui has one of the best seashores?

Each South and West Maui supply implausible seashores, every with their very own distinctive enchantment. South Maui tends to have quieter, much less developed seashores, whereas these in West Maui are sometimes adjoining to resorts and include extra facilities. .

What facet of Maui is hottest?

West Maui and South Maui are usually the preferred amongst vacationers as a consequence of their seashores, resorts, and sights.

Ought to You Hire a Automobile in Maui?

Though it isn’t crucial to hire a automobile, we do recommend it with a view to see all that Maui has to supply. Some components of the island are simpler to discover in a automobile. We now have rented one every time we have now visited and had been glad we did.

Which inns are closest to Kahului Airport?

Some fashionable inns near Kahului Airport embrace Paia Inn, Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport, and Maui Seaside Resort.

Our Cash-Saving Suggestions for Maui

Everyone knows that Hawaii isn’t precisely a haven for funds vacationers. However there are methods so that you can get monetary savings with out sacrificing your expertise in paradise.

One of many greatest methods to save cash in Maui is to remain in a apartment. Many condos are part of native resorts granting entry to surrounding eating places, swimming pools, and seashores. They’re cheaper than lodge rooms and include full kitchens so it can save you on consuming out.

Low season journey comes with decrease room charges and cheaper flights. Arrive between February and Could for stable climate and whale watching season with out the crowds and peak costs.

Getting Round Maui

After arriving at Kahului Airport, you’ll have a wide range of selections for getting round Maui. You’ll be able to base your self in a sure location and embark on day excursions. Many inns can have shuttles to native locations similar to outlets and sights. These are extra prevalent in West and South Maui.

There are 14 bus routes across the island, with the realm round Hana being serviced the least. A one-way fare for all routes will price $2 with a day go going for $4.

Nonetheless, if you wish to see as a lot of Maui as potential, then you will want to rent a automobile. This shall be one of the best ways to drive the Street to Hana and see the extra distant areas in Maui’s Upcountry.

In conclusion

Ultimately, one of the best place to remain on Maui is a mirrored image of your private preferences and what you need to see and do. Whether or not it’s luxurious, journey, tradition, or tranquility is what you’re in search of, Maui has one thing for everybody. In planning your keep, our advice is to position your self central to the actions you need to do probably the most.

Maui isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s a journey that weaves into your being, leaving an indelible imprint. Cherish the island’s bounty, resonate with its tradition, and let the Aloha spirit information your journey by means of this island paradise. These are the explanations we return time and again.