Where to Stay on Maui

Maui is a BIG island. 

Most people either stay on the west side (Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kapalua, Napili) or the south side (Wailea, Kihei, Ma’alaea). 

Central Maui (Kahului) is where you’ll fly into and do your grocery shopping. 

The north shore (Paia, Haiku) has a local, surfer town vibe. 

Upcountry (Makawao, Pukalani, Kula) is where the farm/ranch land and Haleakala National Park are. 

And East Maui (Hana) is basically the jungle. It’s where all the waterfalls are, the black and red sand beaches, etc. Most people visit as a day trip driving the “Road to Hana.”

Maui is a big island, but the two main places visitors stay are the south side (Wailea & Kihei) and the west side (Lahaina, Kaanapali & Kapalua). 

People have strong opinions about this one, and I guess I’m no different. I think South Maui is the best place to stay for a long list of reasons. 

[Read the Wailea vs Ka'anapali post for a MUCH more detailed breakdown]

But the short list is: 1) Wailea is one of my favorite places to stay in all of Hawaii. Seriously…when I’m planning a “vacation,” this is where I come. 2) If you’re on a budget, Kihei has a condo for you. And great beaches. 3) Geographically speaking, it’s a MUCH more convenient homebase if you’re planning to explore the whole island.

Now don’t get me wrong, I really do like West Maui (you should DEFINITELY plan to explore that side of the island), and every few trips I take I like to stay in Kapalua or Ka'anapali for a change of pace, but when I have friends going to Maui for a once in a lifetime trip, I usually steer them towards staying in South Maui.