The 13 best hotels in Maui

One of the best – and easiest – snorkel destinations on the island is right in front of Sheraton Maui Resort. Guests can simply walk into the shallow surf and begin seeing vibrant tropical fish and sea turtles. Alongside this is the famous Black Rock, where nightly cliff diving ceremonies are performed by tiki light, while daytime hours offer a stream of brave visitors trying out a cannonball (yeah, that kind of cannonball). The resort offers beachside s’mores kits to enjoy around the firepit, while daylight should be spent lazing about the massive lagoon-style pool. Then admire oceanfront views from your guestroom before enjoying dinner under the stars. 

Mood? Seaside bliss.
Location perks? Balconies overlooking the ocean and palm-tree-lined pools. 
Budget range? On the pricier end.

To experience authentic Hawaiian accommodation and hospitality, look no further than The Whaler Resort on Ka’anapali beach (voted America's best beach on numerous occasions no less). Thanks to a large lanai (balcony) with every condo, the resort provides great views of the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean – access to which is direct, naturally. Sporty types will be delighted by the lit outdoor tennis courts, golf, sailing, snorkeling and swimming on offer. There's also a dry sauna, food court and, as hinted by the name, whale watching available. But honestly, sitting by the pool with a tropical cocktail—there's your holiday, people.

Mood? Tropical paradise.
Location perks? Beachfront access, need we say anymore?
Budget range? Mid-range to high-end.

Located on a private section of Wailea Beach, these tropical-styled two-to-five-bedroom villas come complete with modern kitchens, flatscreen TVs, and your own BBQ so you can grill while you lounge on the terrace. Kids and adults can enjoy the pools, with a family-friendly pool featuring waterfalls, and an adults-only infinity pool for downtime with drinks. Just 15 minutes from Kihei, Wailea Beach Villas is perfectly situated to explore the less touristy parts of the island.

Mood? Summer getaway.
Location perks? The beach is steps away – or the infinity pool if that's more your vibe.
Budget range? Expensive but worth it.

If you’re looking to check out and completely dedicate yourself to authentic island life, you can’t do much better than the Hana-Maui Resort. This award-winning hotel of spacious rustic-chic cottages in the secluded eastern tip of Hana sits perched amid rolling grass fields and towering cliffs studded with palm trees, giving the sort of remote Maui experience that’s far removed from the rest of its tourist hubs. Want to see the best of Maui’s natural beauty? This resort is conveniently close to some of the island’s most famous wonders, such as Wailua Falls and the seven sacred pools cascade of waterfalls. Activities here include horse riding, bamboo pole fishing, and more. You won't be short on things to do, though that being said, you'd be forgiven for simply soaking up the sunshine. 

Mood? Sublime nature.
Location perks? Tropical vibes all round. 
Budget range? On the high end.

The Kea Lani boasts the title of being the only all-suite and villa luxury beachfront resort in Maui. So, if lapping up some elegance is what you’re after, this is where to come. Compared to other hotels on the island, the Kea Lani is pretty design-focused, featuring spacious, family-friendly suites and two and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens, courtyards, and private plunge pools, all done in an understated Hawaiian aesthetic of muted whites and earth tones. There’s a 24-hour gym if that’s how you roll. Plus outdoor pools and a massive waterslide.

Mood? Sunset paradise.
Location perks? Wake up to stunning sunrises over your balcony, before an easy stroll to the beach.
Budget range? Pricey as heck.

Set along famous Ka’anapali Beach, Hyatt Regency checks off all the ingredients of an indulgent Hawaiian getaway; expansive pools, immediate beach access, an onsite luau, and a palate-pleasing variety of eateries day and night. You’ll also find a few surprises here, including resident penguins (yup!), a grotto bar set in a cave surrounded by waterfalls, and a rooftop astronomy program. Plus, every single guestroom has a private lanai for enjoying magnificent views. You can also grab a champagne brunch here, which is exactly how you should spend a holiday. 

Mood? Modern luxury.
Location perks? Endless sea views and beautiful sunsets.
Budget range? On the pricey side.

This five-star hotel perched on Kapalua bay boasts 24 acres and 70 one-to-four-bedroom luxury suites, making it one of the more intimate luxury hotels on the island. With four restaurants and bars (including a private dining room on the edge of a cliff) and a full-service spa inspired by the tropics with highly personalizable treatments featuring luxury Swiss skincare products, the Montage’s Kapalua enclave covers your resort bases without making you feel like you’re staying at just another cookie-cutter luxury chain outpost.

Mood? Luxury treatment. 
Location perks? All the amenities you could dream of – with a few more sprinkled in for good measure.
Budget range? Incredibly expensive but soooo worth it. 

On a prime site along Maui’s Wailea Beach, the Four Seasons is the place to head for the truly activity-packed holiday. Experiences on offer include swimming in lava caves, dining out on an organic farm, horse riding, and photography workshops led by famed snapper Daniel Sullivan. You might almost be too busy exploring to notice how beautifully light and airy your high-ceiling suite overlooking the ocean is. At the hotel, which in point of fact, you'd have every right to never want to leave, there are three swimming pools and three restaurants. Visitors are a mere mile away from the prime retail destination: The Shops. The hotel is also a two-minute drive from Wailea Golf Club. Go to both. Live your best life.  

Mood? Contemporary opulence.
Location perks? The best Insta-ops you could possibly find all round. 
Budget range? Pricey but a really great choice.

One cascading outdoor infinity pool is pretty special. But four is… well, it’s what you’ll find at this fantastic beachfront hotel in Wailea. Along with the pools (one of which is reserved just for adults), visitors can also enjoy some of the island’s best restaurants, including Ka’ana Kitchen and Morimoto Maui. There is also a heavenly spa. Set on 15 beachfront acres, this luxury property offers direct access to Mokapu Beach, an onsite luau, and amenities like private hiking tours. Frankly, it is a wonderful place to stay. If you decide to coop up in your room, you can enjoy the balcony and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. If you want some activities, kayak and surfing lessons are available on-site. 

Mood? Five spa energy. 
Location perks? Tbh, the infinity pool is that good, you'll never want to leave. 
Budget range? Spenny but great.

Home to famed Hawaiian chef Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurant Humble Market Kitchin, and one of the best luaus on this side of the island, the Wailea Beach Marriot’s luxurious beachfront location is an ideal base for immersion in the Wailea Beach scene. There’s great snorkeling at neighboring Ulua Beach, while the resort itself has three distinct pool areas, including an adventure pool with four waterslides. There are also golf courses, nature paths, and many more activities right on the doorstep along with retail galore at The Shops.

Mood? Resort vibes, eat your heart out. 
Location perks? Peace, tranquility, and a whole lotta cocktails at the pool bar. 
Budget range? Well-priced for a resort. 

Located in Kapalua on the quieter side of the island, the Ritz-Carlton is all about understated elegance. Home to six restaurants, a private beach, a locally-inspired spa, and two of Maui’s most exclusive and renowned golf courses, the Ritz-Carlton is the sort of hotel that you never actually need to leave - unless you want to. Pro tip: no stay is complete without a fancy brunch (and a few guava mimosas) at the Plantation House, the golf course’s clubhouse restaurant. There are body treatments, facials, two tennis courts, a fitness center, and many other activities. If you do leave, there are plenty of nearby beaches, shopping resorts, and more. 

Mood? Island getaway. 
Location perks? Feel like you're on your very own island at this beautiful five-star.
Budget range? A great deal for all that's on offer – for those with a higher budget.

If you’re the sort of person who defines a Maui vacation as a whole lot of swim time, then the Grand Wailea is the hotel for you. Following a $4 million overhaul, it offers nine—count ’em—nine pools, connected by a lazy river and featuring a water elevator. Grown-ups will be pleased to know there's one adults-only pool, plus a swim-up bar. The hotel also boasts three golf courses, five restaurants, a spa, yoga lessons, a children's activity program and so much more.

Mood? Wet dream.
Location perks? Sea views, pool views, all the views.
Budget range? Very spenny.

Based in the historic town of Lāhainā, the Plantation Inn is in a prime location for experiencing this hip town’s food and drink scene. Value-packed accommodations offer a quieter approach to island life, with just 14 guestrooms and 4 suites, and a private inner courtyard with a pool and hot tub surrounded by lush Hawaiian vegetation. Traditional décor and furnishings immerse guests in island heritage, as does the included breakfast of fresh fruits, local coffee, and savory entrees. 

Mood? Nature's utopia.
Location perks? An afternoon soak by the pool is the perfect place to unwind on-site.
Budget range? Mid-range to high-end.