Top Hotels in Maui: Stay in Style on Hawaii's Island of Adventure

An island of style: the top hotels in Maui

On this island of adventure, there’s every chance you won't spend too much time at your hotel. When you're not trekking through the jungle or searching for swell to surf, though, it pays to stay somewhere that gives you a warm Hawaiian welcome and harnesses the magic of Maui. From historic villas to family-friendly beachfront resorts, we’ve pinpointed five resorts to have on your radar. 

Best for... an active vacation

Despite the global scale of Ritz-Carlton Hotels, they often manage to embrace the cultures and traditions of the places they’re in – and from the moment you step into the open-air lobby at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, you’re enveloped in the exotic. Think swaying palms, views of the impossibly blue ocean, and colorful local artwork.

It’s the kind of place to stay if you like to keep busy on your vacation. There’s a trio of infinity-edge pools connected by cascading waterfalls that are tempting to lie by all day, but you’ll be far too distracted by surfing lessons, horseback riding through the mountains, golf on the two Championship courses, and guided walks with a naturalist as part of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.

When day passes to night, it’s time to choose between six brilliant restaurants, ranging from towering treats at Burger Shack, light bites and cocktails at Alaloa Lounge, and local delicacies at The Banyan Tree.

1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Lahaina

Best for... family getaways

Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Whether they’ve learnt how to hula dance and pick out a tune on a ukulele, taken a shine to paddleboarding, mastered ancient print art, or made new friends by the pool, kids who stay here will return home with a trunk full of memories, stories, and new skills. 

Everything about this action-packed resort has been tailored to families and children of all ages will have fun – while parents will always have the chance to kick back with a cocktail (or two). Opening straight onto a beach with calm waters for safe swimming, long days by the sea are punctuated by a packed program of hosted activities and the two restaurants cater for even the fussiest littles one.

2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina

Best for... total peace and quiet

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

The sweet scent of the blush-pink plumeria flowers that dot the immaculate gardens marks your arrival at this refined retreat. It's close enough to upscale Wailea to make the most of its excellent restaurants and golf courses, but the Four Seasons is tucked away from the other major seafront hotels.

The spacious guestrooms enhance this feeling of privacy, with most of the larger suites offering ocean views and generously sized balconies for sundowners. Many guests rarely leave the resort during their vacation, which is easy to do once you get into the rhythm of life here. Days begin with breakfast at the Beachwalk Cafe, before hitting the pool and beach with your holiday read. Lunch and drinks are served directly to your lounger and dinner plans include Wolfgang Puck’s only Hawaiian outpost of Spago and grilled delights at Duo Steak and Seafood.

3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei

Best for... historic charm

Old Wailuku Inn

Tucked down a residential street a few blocks from Wailuku Town, this is a fantastic alternative to the flash resorts that line the coast. The plantation-style home was built in 1924 by the island’s first bank as a private home but transformed into an independent guesthouse in the 1990s and now has a loyal list of returning guests. 

Be prepared to get transported to simpler times, when reading on the veranda, sipping tea in the lounge, and strolling through the well-kept gardens were all the entertainment you needed. When it's time to pick up the pace, the staff will happily organize local excursions including jungle jeep tours, surfing lessons, helicopter flights around volcanoes, and fascinating visits to a local coffee farm. While there’s no restaurant on site, it’s surrounded by excellent dining spots, and the homemade breakfasts are a colorful spread of artisanal produce.

2199 Kahookele Street, Wailuku

Best for... ocean views

Fairmont Kea Lani

Like stepping into the pages of Travel + Leisure magazine, this is one of the most beautiful hotels on the island (and that’s saying something). A blend of Hawaiian and Moorish architectural styles creates a unique aesthetic and something magical about strolling through the arched breezeways past ponds lined with lily pads and gardens alive with native flora. 

It’s the only resort in the Wailea area that sits on its own bay, meaning the beach is among the quietest and the larger suites and villas allow you to step straight onto the sand. The staff are locals, and the hotel embraces its Hawaiian setting with outrigger canoe experiences, language lessons, as well as hula and ukulele lessons.

On the food front, fusion restaurant, Kō, is the pick of the six restaurants – effortlessly blending Hawaiian cuisine with flavors form the Philippines, Japan, Portugal and beyond.

4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea

Explore Maui with Diners Club 

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