If O’ahu is the easily accessible tourist island and Kauai is the outdoorsy Hawaiian island, then Maui falls perfectly in the middle. Maui is known as the “Valley Isle” because of its lush central valley, bordered on either side by volcanic ridges. As you may imagine, that creates gorgeous areas for hiking and swimming in waterfall pools — but don’t think the nickname means the beaches aren’t also spectacular. Maui’s beaches are gorgeous, and given the island’s topography, you can stay near the beach but still reach trailheads and inland sites in just a few minutes.
In the wake of the 2023 wildfires, businesses have been working hard on recovery efforts. Although Maui has re-opened for tourism, there’s still some work to be done. Part of this is making sure you are visiting responsibly and when and if you can give back during your stay.
Maui is more relaxed than Honolulu or Waikiki, though it’s still Hawai’i, so don’t expect small crowds. If you’re keen to save some money on your trip and see fewer tourists, plan a trip to visit during Maui’s off-season. Grated, it’s a relatively short off-season, but you’ll find that Maui hotels on the beach are more affordable in October and November before the holiday rush, and in April before the summer vacation rush.
Beach hotels offer private space to relax on the sand, rooms with lanais and patios, and outdoor amenities like swimming pools and, yes, even hot tubs. These are the 13 best Maui hotels on the beach for your upcoming trip, ranging from local boutique hotels to well-known luxury resorts. While none are exactly inexpensive, you may be able to find Maui Airbnbs at a lower price, especially if you don’t mind a walk or drive to the beach.
Traveling to Hawaiʻi? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay on every island:
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- These Are the Best Hotels in Waikiki, Minutes From the Sand, for All Budgets
- Experience the Best of Honolulu at These Luxury Resort Hotels
- The coolest Airbnbs on O’ahu
- The best Airbnbs on Hawai’i’s Big Island
- 13 stunning yet affordable Airbnbs on Kauai
- These Hotels on Hawai’i’s Big Island Showcase the State’s Best Beaches
- These Are the Best Hotels in Waikiki, Minutes From the Sand, for All Budgets
We hope you love the Maui hotels we recommend. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
A breakdown of the best beach hotels on Maui
Wailea is probably the most well-known beach area on the island, but it’s Hawai’i, so it’s hardly the only one. You’ll find many of the best Maui beach hotels on the north share, though the area around Waihee (close to the airport) has some good options, too. Ride shares and taxis on the island are very expensive, so it’s best to stay near what you want to see and do if possible.
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Thankfully the resort did not sustain any damage during the fires and the company supported employees, their famillies, and anyone displaced in the community with refuge at the property.
Rooms have ocean views and comfortable amenities, and shared amenities include two outdoor heated pools with hot tubs and dramatic waterfall features. Like some of the more expensive Maui hotels on the beach, it also offers pool and beachfront cabana rentals plus on-site kayak and paddleboard rentals. There’s an on-site casual tiki bar and coffee shop, plus a high-end beachfront restaurant (called Hiuhui; you may want to make reservations).
One of the coolest things about this hotel is the wide range of cultural activities. There are more than a dozen for guests to choose from, ranging from Hawaiian language classes to learning to read ocean patterns to weaving traditional leis.
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort:2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
The Maui Seaside Hotel
It’s a little wild that a hotel in the $300-per-night range is considered inexpensive, but hey, it’s Maui. The Maui Seaside Hotel is probably the best Maui hotel on the beach for price-sensitive travelers. Sure, it’s not a fancy resort, but it’s only a few steps from Ha’aloha Beach Park and only a 15-minute walk to Kahului Beach and the Kahului Botanical Gardens.
The Seaside Hotel was also not directly affected by the fires, but it also rallied with the community to help those displaced and in rebuilding efforts.
Rooms and common spaces are surprisingly hip and stylish, given that it’s the cheapest hotel on this list, with details like colorful murals, rattan papasan chairs, hanging lanterns, and tropical decor. You can see the beach while lounging next to the pool or relaxing in the outdoor social spaces, which include covered lanais and a lawn with outdoor games. It’s vintage, unique, and super-cute, so it’s just a bonus that it’s relatively inexpensive.
The Maui Seaside Hotel:100 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
Hana-Maui Resort
Thankfully, the fires did not reach the Hana Highway, so Hana-Maui Resort is open for business as usual. This resort is a relaxed and eco-friendly Hyatt property, making it a great place to spend the night if you’re driving the famous road to Hana as a two-day trip. It’s in a secluded location with lush surroundings and a fairly laid-back attitude.
It’s moderately priced compared to other Maui beach hotels, and that’s definitely a selling point if you don’t like the idea of staying with a huge, high-end brand. That said, the hotel is owned by Hyatt, but it’s part of a sub-brand of unique hotels that aren’t heavy on branding. So you can get your World of Hyatt points without feeling like you’re staying at a Hyatt Regency.
The hotel has only 74 rooms but covers 67 acres, so you can count on having plenty of space. Rooms are decorated in a traditional Hawaiian style and are as relaxing as can be. If you’re torn on which Maui hotels on the beach are worth the price, seriously consider the Hana-Maui Resort.
Hana-Maui Resort: 5031 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Although sadly, the bush fire destroyed nearby Lahaina town, The Ritz-Carlton in the posh resort area of Kapalua was untouched. This property is every bit as luxurious as you’d expect from the high-end brand. And while it’s certainly one of the most expensive Maui hotels on the beach, it’s also filled with the amenities you’d expect from the price. That includes a spa that relies heavily on ingredients sourced from the islands, seven on-site restaurants ranging from a poolside bar to the elegant indoor-outdoor Banyan Tree Restaurant, and a three-tiered pool with rentable private cabanas.
Room-wise, your options range from “basic” guest rooms with garden-view balconies to ocean-view rooms with private balconies. And if you prefer more space, suite options range from studio suites to four-person spaces with outdoor living rooms. The beachfront hotel covers more than 40 acres, so even if it’s sold out, you’ll find plenty of personal space to relax.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui: 1 Ritz Carlton Dr., Kapalua, HI 96761
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
The 11-acre property offers a relaxed atmosphere with spacious bungalow-style rooms and lush tropical gardens. It’s a good option for travelers seeking a quieter experience compared to some of the larger hotels in the area. Amenities here are more than sufficient. There are two swimming pools, jet spas, a fitness center, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy poolside dining at Castaway Cafe or take the complimentary shuttle to one of the nearby golf courses or into Whalers Village for shopping and dining.
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas: 45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
This was another business unaffected by the fires. And if you’re the type of person who prefers the pool to the beach, you’ll want to check it out. It’s not that the beach isn’t good — it’s that the resort’s three pools are really, really good. The first two are lagoon-style pools surrounded by loungers and connected by a waterslide nearly 150 feet long. The third pool is for adults only, making this one of the best Maui hotels on the beach for couples. The adult pool is where you’ll find the swim-up bar and rentable private cabanas.
The hotel also offers programs like morning yoga, barre, and bootcamp, and mermaid classes for kids (though the mermaid classes are currently on hold while they hire a new mermaid). You can rent all manner of watersport rentals from the resort beach and sometimes spot humpback whales during migration season (winter). Other on-site activities range from tree planting to cocktail- and chocolate-making classes to ukulele lessons. Oh, and the massive ocean-view rooms aren’t bad, either.
Fairmont Kea Lani: 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea-Makena, HI 96753
Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui
Wailea Beach Resort: 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux
The Grand Wailea Resort remained open to travelers after the fires and welcomed guests to help support the local economy. The company also contributed a portion of each guest’s stay to the Kokua Restaurant and Hospitality Fund, which benefits hospitality workers affected by the fires. It also released a commemorative book in which 100 percent of proceeds go to charities on the island.
There’s one very important selling point of Hotel Wailea that will appeal to a certain type of traveler: it’s adults only. So if you’re looking for the best Maui beach hotel for a romantic vacation, this is probably it. It’s a five-star hotel with unique activities for couples like aerial yoga classes, in-room traditional massages, and the chance to cruise around the island in a vintage exotic car.
One of reasons this is one of the best Maui hotels on the beach for couples is the exclusive Treehouse dining experience. It’s a romantic, raised loft in the trees with just one table overlooking the ocean. Dinner includes seven customized courses, and as you might imagine, you have to book it very far in advance. But if you aren’t able to get a table there, you can also dine in the hotels’ award-winning namesake restaurant or grab a drink at the Birdcage Bar.
Note that this hotel is on a cliff above the ocean, but all stays include complimentary on-demand transportation around town, including to the beach.
Hotel Wailea: 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea, HI 96753
Aston Mahana at Kaanapali
Aston Mahana at Kaanapali: 110 Kaanapali Shores Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort — A Concept by Hyatt
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
If the Four Seasons Maui beach hotel looks a bit more familiar than most, there could be a reason: it was the filming location for the first season of The White Lotus on HBO. The show makes the hotel look like an enclave exclusively for one-percenters, and while it’s not quite that expensive, it’s still one of the pricier high-end Maui hotels on the beach.
It’s in Wailea, an area of Maui known for having exceptionally pristine, golden beaches. It also means you’ll be near cute, artsy towns like Paia and just a short distance from experiences like helicopter tours and coastal hiking trails (and the resort can help arrange everything, of course). This area of South Maui, about 27 miles away from Lahaina, was most impacted by the wildfires.
On-site, guests can take advantage of sea turtle snorkeling activities, paddleboard yoga classes, lessons on paddling a traditional outrigger canoe, and private dinners overlooking the beach (for an extra fee, of course). Even the smallest hotel rooms are large and have patios or balconies, and the suites can sleep anywhere from two to eight people. Sharing a suite could be a great option for a few couples traveling together.
Four Seasons Resort Maui: 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is a mid-range family favorite on Kaanapali Beach on the western coast of Maui. The resort offers a variety of water sports to keep the family entertained, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The helpful concierge also provides detailed information on hiking and biking trails and the nearby Ka’anapali golf courses. The resort’s restaurants feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients and offer a range of cuisines, from relaxed beachfront dining to elegant fine dining (and an excellent wine list) at Son’z Steakhouse and Asian and island-inspired cuisine at Japengo. There’s also more casual dining at the resort’s poolside bar, plus quick bites and picnic stuff at Honolulu Coffee.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa: 200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
Another option on Kaanapali Beach is The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. It’s situated on a natural cove which has exception snorkeling and even encounters with green turtles. This resort offers a variety of accommodations, including spacious rooms, suites, and villas with ocean views, private pools, and other luxurious amenities. If visiting during a holiday, it hosts a nice range of events including live music, and cultural festivals. And if you plan a trip during the winter months, you may well have an opportunity to spot whales breaching from your balcony.
Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa: 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
How big is Maui?
Photo: iofoto/Shutterstock
Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and has a total area of 727.2 square miles. It’s roughly 48 miles long and 26 miles wide at its widest point. Most of the landscape is tropical, with a mix of volcanic mountains, lush forests, volcanic calderas, stunning beaches, and scenic waterfalls. The island is also home to several small towns and tourist destinations, including Lahaina, Kihei, and Hana.
While a significant portion of Maui is accessible by road, there are also large areas inaccesible by vehicle, particularly in remote and rugged regions of the island’s interior. For example, Haleakala National Park, which covers much of Maui’s volcanic crater, can only be accessed by on foot via designated hiking trails.
What is the number one beach on Maui?
Photo: Gary Riegel/Shutterstock
Maui is home to several beautiful beaches, and it’s hard to choose a single number one beach on Maui. Even the less-popular beaches on Maui are still some of the most beautiful in the world. However, one beach often mentioned as a top pick by travelers and locals alike is Kaanapali Beach. It’s a three-mile-long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water on Maui’s western shore known for calm waters and excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions. It’s also the starting point for many tours like sunset cruises or whale-watching trips.
Other strong contenders for the number one beach on Maui include Wailea Beach, Napili Beach, and Makena Beach. A harder question may be asking which is the worst beach on Maui (answer: none).
What is there to do on Maui?
Photo: arkanto/Shutterstock
There’s a reason Maui is so popular — most people will find something on the island that appeals to them. Popular activities include:
- Hiking and exploring the coastlines: Maui is home to stunning natural landscapes, including the Haleakala volcano, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches. You’ll find options for sunrise and sunset tours of the Haleakala crater and can take unguided hikes through bamboo forests. One of the most popular things to do on Maui is driving the 52-mile Road to Hana, which passes dozens of places to stop and hike to beautiful lookouts or hit the beach along the drive.
- In the winter, whale watching is very popular. Every winter, whales migrate to the warm waters around Maui to mate and give birth. Whale watching tours are a popular activity on the island, though you can sometimes see whales from many of the Maui hotels on the beach. If you’d rather get closer to sea life, opt for a snorkeling or scuba diving tour: Maui’s waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, colorful fish, and even manta rays. You’ll even find more unique ways to see the ocean like snuba tours or submarine rides.
- Maui also has lots of historical and cultural sites. The town of Lahaina was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawai’i from 1820 to 1845. Now, it’s a national historic landmark and visitors can visit traditional Hawaiian villages, learn about ancient Hawaiian fishing practices, or attend community festivals year-round.
How far is Maui from Honolulu?
Maui and Honolulu are the two most popular islands for visitors to Hawai’i. The distance between Maui and Honolulu is approximately 100 miles by air and the flight takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the airline and the specific route. There are several airlines that operate flights between Maui and Honolulu, including Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines.
There used to be a ferry service between the islands, but it hasn’t run in several years. While you certainly can fly into Honolulu before making the quick flight to Maui, you may find it easier to just fly directly to Maui. There are direct flights from many major US cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, and more. 