Maui Guide: Where to Stay
Book your hotel at one of these places on Maui.
Photo: David Croxford
Maui’s various communities are spread out and traffic between them can be a nuisance. Minimize your driving by booking a room close to your chosen activities.
West Side
Lahaina is sunny, hot and full of activity. As you travel north up the coast, it gets quieter and cooler. Each oceanside community has a slightly different feel. Nāpili is the sweet spot, weatherwise. Kapalua can be cool and wet.
Nāpili
1. THE MAUIAN
This classy vintage property overlooks Nāpili Bay. Perks include free parking, Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
Kama‘āina rate for standard room (sleeps four) $164, 5441 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road, Nāpili, (808) 669-6205, mauian.com
KAHANA
2. NOELANI CONDOMINIUM RESORT
Even the studios at this oceanfront Kahana condo complex have full kitchens and daily maid service.
Three-night minimum, $145 for studio, 4095 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road, Kahana. (808) 669-8374, noelanicondoresort.com
South Shore
North Kīhei is hot and windy—but perfectly situated if you want to explore the entire island. As you travel south, the beaches get nicer. Wailea is resortville.
NORTH KĪHEI
3. KEALIA RESORT
Don’t be put off by the scruffy exterior. This oceanfront condo complex has fantastic ocean views and is in a prime location for exploring all of Maui. The suites are worth the extra cash.
Studio (plus cleaning fee) $130, 191 N. Kīhei Road, Kīhei, (800) 265-0686, kealiaresort.com
WAILEA
4. PALMS AT WAILEA
Huge one-bedroom condos with full kitchens, walking distance from Wailea’s shops, restaurants and beaches. One-bedroom kama‘āina rate starts at $153.
One-bedroom kama‘āina rate starts at $153, 3200 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, (808) 879-5800, outrigger.com
East Maui
(North Shore, Upcountry)
Stay here if you prefer a quiet rain forest over sunny beaches, or want to explore Haleakalā.
HA‘IKŪ
5. HA‘IKŪ CANNERY INN
This 1921 plantation manager’s house exudes charm. Free breakfast includes fresh-picked fruit and pastries from the nearby bakery.
Standard room $115, 1061 Kokomo Road, Ha‘ikū, (808) 283-1274, haikucanneryinn.com
Hāna
If you skipped the rest of Maui’s wonders and came only to Hāna, that would be just fine. Old Hawai‘i still lives here. Let it soak into your bones.
6. HĀNA KAI
Ocean breezes blow through these upscale units neighboring Hāna Bay—each one a unique retreat.
Studios start at $210. 4865 Uakea Road, Hāna. (800) 346-2772, hanakaimaui.com
7. TRAVAASA HĀNA
For an extra luxe getaway, book one of the heavenly ocean bungalows here and watch the sun rise straight out of the sea. The kama‘āina rate includes airfare for two from Kahului and ground transport. (And, if your uncle never taught you to throw a Hawaiian fish net, you can practice at Hāna Bay.)
Garden suite $340, ocean bungalow $453. 5031 Hāna Highway, Hāna, (808) 248-8211, travaasa.com/hana
Tip: Outrigger Resorts offers great kama‘āina deals. You can’t go wrong with any of its six Maui properties. outrigger.com/specials/outrigger-hospitality-kamaaina-rates
Gold, Black and Red Sand
Kaihalulu
Photos: Thinkstock
Few sights rival the stark beauty of this beach’s brick-red sand washed by glacier-blue surf. A jagged row of lava “teeth” separates the surging ocean from a calm bay. Getting here can be tricky. The trail is slippery and narrow—only for the sure-footed. Park at the end of Uakea Road. Walk across a grass lawn toward the ocean. Avoid the dangerous, eroded path up the cinder hill. Instead, walk along the shoreline to the rocky point, then climb up to the ridge trail that overlooks the bay. (Less strenuous alternative: Koki Beach further down Hāna Highway offers a more accessible, if somewhat less dramatic, stretch of red sand.)
Wai‘anapanapa State Park
Dig your feet into the jet-black sand, then investigate the freshwater cave, sea arches and king’s trail. Wai‘anapanapa Road, Hāna.
Mākena State Beach Park
Photo: Rolland Allan Photography
Golden sand stretches as far as the eye can see: soft, thick and inviting. Spread your towel here and scan the horizon for visiting dolphins, turtles or whales. Beware the shore break: Big swells here smack unsuspecting swimmers onto the sand. Three entrances off of Mākena Road (the first has paved parking, a lifeguard stand and restrooms).
This story is part of The Holoholo Guide to Maui in our November 2015 issue. Check back next week for more.
