Maui Accommodations Guide

Maui can be divided into a half-dozen island regions, each with their own distinct character. A brief description of each region is provided below. At any time, you can use the navigation tool on the right to view accommodation options.

South Maui

South Maui includes the towns of Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea and Makena. Known for its dry, sunny climate, South Maui is one of the two most popular island regions for Maui visitors (the other being West Maui). Maalaea is a peaceful little village situated on a scenic harbor and a three-mile beach extending to Kihei. Kihei is a bustling town loaded with shopping, dining, and activity options, boasting a series of wide beaches and well-equipped beach parks. Wailea and Makena are beautifully manicured resort communities featuring upscale accommodations, shopping, and golf courses on prime beachfront land.

West Maui

West Maui is isolated from the rest of the island by a long stretch of two-lane oceanfront highway that is so close to the water cars often get sprayed by the waves! Lahaina, once a historic whaling port, is a charming waterfront town offering delightful inns, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. The Kaanapali Beach Resort area is a lovely, master-planned development featuring well-known resorts, condos, golf, and a shopping center lining the beach. Honokowai, Kahana and Napili are smaller, more rural communities stretching several miles along the coastline, featuring public beach parks, mom-and-pop stores and a wide array of accommodations. Kapalua is a beautiful resort community known for its world-class golf and luxury accommodations.

Central Maui

Central Maui encompasses the towns of Kahului and Wailuku. Chances are you will first arrive at Kahului, where Maui’s major airport is located. Kahului is the island’s thriving residential and commercial center—the closest we come to an actual “city” on Maui. Nearby, historic Wailuku serves as Maui’s seat of County government, yet still carries its “small town charm” from times past. Nestled against a backdrop of magnificent mountains, Wailuku is home to many family businesses, locally-made products and quaint cafes and restaurants.

North Shore

The North Shore of Maui is best known for the internationally acclaimed Hookipa Beach Park, dubbed the “windsurfing capital of the world,” and the historic plantation town of Paia. Reminiscent of the early sugar cane era, Paia’s wooden buildings are now filled with a wonderful collection of boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and gift shops. Maui’s North Shore is appreciated for its peaceful ambiance and rugged, natural beauty.

Upcountry

Upcountry is the term used to describe the communities that are built inland on the western slopes of Haleakala, the massive mountain (a dormant volcano) that dominates the eastern half of the island. The Upcountry experience is completely different from the coastal experience on Maui, and some visitors opt to do both, spending a portion of their vacation in an Upcountry vacation home or b&b. Upcountry Maui offers cooler temperatures due to its higher elevation, lush pastures and farms, botanical gardens, a number of small, charming towns, a variety of mountain-oriented activities, and spectacular panoramic views of the island and beyond.

East Maui

East Maui includes the remote Hawaiian community of Hana and the breathtaking scenery and tiny residential enclaves you pass enroute on the Hana Highway. From Kahului, it takes approximately two hours to reach Hana—if you don’t stop along the way. But that would be a mistake, as the road to Hana is itself an incredible experience, offering many roadside viewpoints, waterfalls, and picnic areas beckoning travelers to stop and linger. The Hana area is known for its unspoiled beauty, cultural heritage, many natural attractions, and lovely beaches.

Molokai

Molokai, a part of Maui County, is a refreshingly undeveloped island. You’ll find no high rise buildings, “mega-malls", or traffic jams here — not even a traffic light! Molokai is truly a special getaway, offering a slower-paced lifestyle and many outdoor and ocean-related adventures... horseback riding, hiking through lush valleys, mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, or just relaxing on an uncrowded beach. The island offers many natural attractions to explore and a wonderful place to unwind. There is daily ferry service between West Maui and Molokai, or flights are available from the Kahului Airport.