These hotels in Maui County, which also includes the islands of Moloka‘i and Lana‘i, may not offer the absolute cheapest rates, but they provide excellent bang for your buck. If you see a deal here you like — book it! Here are our picks for the best value hotels on Maui.
Feature Photo: Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
TIP: Most hotels have 4pm check-in. Ask for an early check-in. If they are unable to accommodate they will let you store your bags and you can head to the beach!
Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel
Next door to the Sheraton Maui and thus close to the underwater attractions of Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock), the moderately priced Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel has long had a reputation as the state’s most Hawaiian hotel. The staff not only embrace the Hawaiian cultural value of hospitality, but also made many of the heirloom-quality artifacts in guest rooms and public spaces. In early 2021 it debuted the first phase of a $75 million renovation, including upgraded room decor,, new native plant gardens and a beachfront restaurant and Hawaiian voyaging academy, celebrating the achievements of the celestial navigators and outrigger sailing canoe crew members who first discovered these islands.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Take advantage of the local expertise of Hale Huaka‘i, the hotel’s water activities hub, and learn the traditions of outrigger canoeing or the finer points of snorkeling from a friendly, safety- and sustainability-oriented team.
- Lavish Sunday brunches and nightly entertainment are popular with locals, too.
Residence Inn Maui Wailea
Not on the beach, but just up the hill from some of Wailea’s best sands, this all-suite hotel is one of the most popular in the Residence Inn brand. You can find gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean in the open-air lobby with Hawaiian-inspired decor; some guest rooms also offer balconies with views of breathtaking sunrises or sunsets. All of the suites feature fully equipped kitchens, but you can start the day with a complimentary breakfast buffet and later enjoy tropical cocktails at the Hotel Bar Lounge. Complimentary grocery shopping is also available.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The fitness center is always open and features cardio equipment and free weights.
- The Shops at Wailea’s numerous shops and restaurants are close at hand down the hill, while a short walk uphill are moderately priced Monkeypod Kitchen and La Catrina Cantina y Pizzeria.
Wailea Elua Village
Spanning the length of Ulua Beach, this 24-acre, two-story condo resort is a lushly landscaped haven for those seeking peace and relaxation, but it’s also right by the Wailea Beach Walk, which offers convenient access to beach activities, restaurants, lounges and spas. Spread across 25 buildings, the 152 one-, two- and three-bedroom condos — some facing the ocean, some facing a golf course — are spacious and equipped with everything you’ll need.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The tranquil grounds include two pools, a beachfront pavilion, putting green, paddle court, fitness center and barbecue areas.
- All condos are air-conditioned — a must in South Maui — and conveniently located to other Wailea attractions, too.
The Plantation Inn
This adults-only, 18-room bed and breakfast is a surprisingly tranquil and affordable oasis just two blocks from bustling Front Street in Lahaina. As the name implies, the architecture and ambiance are inspired by the plantation era, with traditional Hawaiian quilts, hardwood furnishings and, for two of the three suites, gracious covered lanais. The leafy central courtyard hosts a sparkling pool and tables for enjoying the complimentary hot breakfast with a mix of French and tropical offerings, such as croque monsieur, French toast brioche and macadamia nut granola.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Dinner at Gerard’s, a perennial award winner for its contemporary island French cuisine and romantic atmosphere, is a must.
- Nightlife lovers will appreciate the easy walk to Lahaina’s bars and restaurants; there’s free self-parking when you return from exploring the island by car.
Kaanapali Alii
These high-rise luxury condo rentals of Kaanapali Alii are located on one of the best stretches of Kaanapali Beach, just a few miles from all the fun of Lahaina. Privately owned but managed by Hyatt’s Destination Hotels, the roomy one- and two-bedroom units (1,500-1,900 square feet) also lie a short stroll away from shopping and dining at Whalers Village, courtesy of the beachside boardwalk.On-site amenities include two recently renovated and enlarged oceanfront pools, a fitness center with yoga studio and three lighted tennis courts with complimentary rackets and balls. Concierge service will help line up more activities, too, while the free book and DVD library can help compensate for the rare rainy day.
HIGHLIGHTS
- When factoring rates, consider there’s no daily resort fee.
- If you bring the raw ingredients, the resort’s grill masters will barbecue your meal at the beachfront picnic pavilion for free and clean up for you afterward. It’s a wonderful way to end the day as well as to save on meal costs.
Honua Kai Resort & Spa
Fronting Ka‘anapali Beach, the spacious units in this high-rise condo resort, many of which are available as vacation rentals, range from 595-square-foot studios with a king bed and sofa bed to a luxurious, 2,650-square-foot three-bedroom, three-bath oceanfront suite. All have top-end appliances and generous lanais, too. The resort also offers a 3-acre “aquatic network” three pools with slides, a lazy river, five hot tubs and a sandy area ideal for little ones.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Onsite amenities include the thoughtful services of Ho‘ola Spa and the locally sourced dining outlets of Duke’s Beach House, which often hosts live music, and ‘Aina Gourmet Market, known for its panini and espresso bar.
Hotel Molokai
Known as “the real Hawaii,” Moloka’i’s population of less than 7,000, is tight-knit and appreciate visitors who tread lightly and respectfully in their homeland. Centrally located a few miles from the shops and restaurants of Kaunakakai, this low-key oceanfront hotel is the only hotel left on the island. Exteriors of the South Seas-inspired, two-story A-frame buildings haven’t changed over the years, but interiors have been modernized with contemporary decor; all offer Wi-Fi, private lanai and kitchenette. Although they’re oriented east to west to take advantage of trade winds, ask for a unit with air conditioning for better sleeping on sultry nights and to muffle road noise. The poolside bar and restaurant, now run by the Hiro family, has long been a gathering place for locals as well as visitors, with Friday concerts at twilight a regular treat.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The pool is small but sparkling, with great sunset views over the shallow waters of palm-lined Kamiloloa Beach (unswimmable, but great for photo ops).
- After a day trip or tour, which onsite staff can help arrange, along with a shuttle to town, find an open hammock and relax.
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