Researched guides to Maui, Hawaii. Updated November 11, 2026.How we research
Maui Hotels BlogResorts, beaches and trip planning Best hotels

Guides

Where to stay

Kaanapali, Lahaina, Napili and Kapalua, Kihei, Wailea, Paia and Hana: which base suits your trip.

Coastal road connecting Maui beach towns, framed by palms under midday sun

Essential guides

White plumeria and black lava rock with a blurred Maui coast
Where to stay

Where to Stay in Maui

Where to stay in Maui depends on your budget and plans. Compare Kaanapali, Napili, Kihei, Wailea, Paia and Hana, with hotel picks and tradeoffs.

Read the guide
Wailea beachfront path curves past resort gardens toward turquoise water
Where to stay

Wailea Hotels by Beach

Compare Wailea hotels in beach-path order, with each resort’s beach, relative price tier, and practical notes on which places are truly beachfront.

Read the guide
Plumeria and folded towel beside a Kihei resort pool at sunset
Where to stay

Kihei hotels by area

Compare Kihei hotels by neighborhood, beach access and value, from beachfront condos to full-service hotels, with practical picks for your Maui stay.

Read the guide
Quiet Lahaina shoreline and harbor water beneath the West Maui Mountains
Where to stay

Where to stay near Lahaina

Looking for Lahaina hotels? Learn what current listings can and can't confirm, compare places to stay in Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua, and plan a respectful visit.

Read the guide
Unbranded surfboard beside a Paia café patio at blue-hour dusk
Where to stay

Paia: food, beaches and stays

Plan Paia Maui with practical parking advice, restaurant picks, nearby beaches and an honest look at whether the North Shore is a good place to stay.

Read the guide
Kapalua bay, lava outcrops, coastal path, and green headlands at dawn
Where to stay

Kapalua: Where to Stay and Go

Plan Kapalua with a clear guide to its bays, coastal trail, golf and hotels, plus practical notes on beach access, parking, weather and getting there.

Read the guide

Specific questions

Lanai lounge chair facing a Maui beach and mountain silhouette at sunset
Where to stay

Where to Stay in Maui First

Where to stay in Maui for first time? Choose Kaanapali for a walkable beach resort, Kihei for better value, or Wailea for a quieter luxury stay.

Read the guide
Beach toys and sandcastle beside gentle sunrise-lit water and palms
Where to stay

Maui stays for families

Where to stay in Maui with kids: compare Kaanapali, Kihei, Wailea and Napili, with family resorts, kitchen options and beach tradeoffs.

Read the guide
Two coffee cups and plumeria beside a golden-lit oceanfront lanai
Where to stay

Maui stays for couples

Where to stay in Maui for couples: compare Wailea, Kapalua, Kaanapali, Kihei, Paia and Hana for quiet, walkability, luxury and value.

Read the guide
Infinity pool and loungers facing Maui’s palm-lined shore after rain
Where to stay

Maui Honeymoon Bases

Where to stay in Maui for honeymoon trips: compare Wailea, Kaanapali and Kapalua, choose a resort style, and decide when splitting your stay makes sense.

Read the guide
Palm-framed Maui coast with sandy beach, lava rock, and distant mountains
Where to stay

West Maui or South Maui?

West Maui vs South Maui: compare Kaanapali, Kihei and Wailea on weather, beaches, lodging costs and drive times, then choose the base that fits your trip.

Read the guide
Contrasting Maui beaches, palms, lava rock, turquoise water, and distant mountains at dusk
Where to stay

Kaanapali or Wailea?

Kaanapali vs Wailea, compared on beaches, walkability, wind, prices and family stays, so you can choose the Maui resort area that fits your trip.

Read the guide
Lava stones and pale sand frame low-rise coastal buildings and a sheltered cove
Where to stay

Kihei or Wailea?

Kihei vs Wailea comes down to value and condo convenience versus resort service and polished beaches. Compare lodging, beaches, dining and getting around.

Read the guide
Quiet crescent bay contrasts with a distant resort-lined Maui beach at sunset
Where to stay

Napili or Kaanapali?

Napili vs Kaanapali: choose Napili for a quieter bay and condo stays, or Kaanapali for a larger resort strip, more hotel choices, and beach-walk access.

Read the guide