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Travel

Here are the 9 best hotels in Maui

From Hana-Maui Resort's clock-free oceanfront bungalows to Grand Wailea's nine pools, seven waterslides, and Hawaii's largest spa

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Here are the 9 best hotels in Maui
ByAmbia Staley
·Updated July 16, 2026
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Here are the 9 best hotels in Maui

Credit: Marriott

Maui genuinely holds some of Hawaii’s most elegant and elaborate hotels overall, ranging from sprawling mega-resorts throughout Wailea to intimate oceanfront luxury bungalows tucked quietly away in Hana. These properties consistently stand out for their architecture, thoughtful amenities, exceptional dining, and genuinely comprehensive on-site programming that goes well beyond the typical beach resort experience found elsewhere.

Several of these hotels have earned recognition as past Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards winners, reflecting consistently high standards across the island’s luxury hospitality scene. Choosing between them often comes down to matching a specific hotel’s character, whether that means Hana’s disconnected tranquility or Wailea’s polished, amenity-packed resort atmosphere, to a traveler’s actual priorities for the trip ahead.

The nine standout hotels below appear in Travel + Leisure and are genuinely recommended across the entire island of Maui. Most cluster within the Wailea and Kaanapali resort corridors, though a couple sit considerably further afield for travelers seeking genuine seclusion. Booking well ahead of a trip remains wise across nearly all of them, since Maui’s most popular properties fill quickly during peak travel season. Comparing specific standout amenities, instead of relying purely on brand name, tends to reveal the clearest fit for a given traveler’s actual trip. A few extra minutes of research pay off considerably once actually checked in. Most guests come away satisfied regardless of which property they ultimately choose. Availability shifts constantly, so flexibility around exact travel dates genuinely helps too. Travelers $TRV with a specific must-have amenity in mind, whether that’s a particular spa treatment, a cultural program, or simply proximity to a favorite snorkeling beach, should let that single priority guide the final decision instead of trying to weigh every single listed feature equally against every other option on this list.

1. Hana-Maui Resort slows life to Hana’s own rhythm

Credit: Hana-Maui Resort

The Hana-Maui Resort offers the perfect place to slow down, disconnect, and take in all the natural beauty Maui has to offer, located directly in the remote town of Hana. Embracing the area’s genuinely laid-back vibe comes easily here, since none of the resort’s 66 guestrooms include televisions or clocks, removing much of the usual pull toward constant connectivity that defines typical hotel stays elsewhere.

Falling asleep to the melodic sound of waves inside an oceanfront bungalow ranks among the property’s most genuinely restorative experiences, giving guests a level of quiet rarely found at busier resorts elsewhere on the island. Dining on cuisine made from the freshest local ingredients, with views overlooking Hana Bay, rounds out a proper stay, and guests exploring the surrounding area can also grab something to take along for the day.

Maintaining a wellness routine remains easy throughout a stay, thanks to complimentary on-site yoga and meditation classes, along with restorative body treatments for guests seeking something more indulgent. This wellness focus gives the Hana-Maui Resort real appeal to travelers specifically seeking a genuine reset rather than a purely activity-packed vacation.

The resort sits within easy reach of Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach, Hana Bay Beach Park, and Waiʻanapanapa State Park, giving guests plenty of natural attractions to explore beyond the property itself during a longer stay in this remote corner of Maui. Reaching Hana requires driving the winding Road to Hana, and travelers should budget extra time for the drive, since the journey rewards patience far more than speed. Travelers $TRV should also confirm cell service expectations before arriving, since Hana’s remote location means coverage stays genuinely limited compared with more developed parts of Maui. Guests should also pack for genuinely variable weather, since Hana’s lush, rainy climate differs considerably from the drier resort areas elsewhere on Maui. A light rain jacket earns its place in any packing list for this particular stay.

2. Hyatt Regency Maui entertains the whole family

Credit: Hyatt

Situated on the south end of Kaanapali Beach, the expansive Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa offers something for the whole family, featuring a 150-foot waterslide, rooftop stargazing with high-powered telescopes, and even an African penguin habitat on-site. Days here can begin with breakfast overlooking a lagoon frequented by swans and end with a hearty steak dinner elsewhere on the property.

Between those bookend meals, guests can grab a refreshment poolside, cool down with shave ice, or perk up with a specialty coffee from one of the resort’s many on-site options. Opportunities to experience Hawaiian culture directly run throughout the property as well, including attending the Drums of the Pacific Luau, relaxing with a lomilomi massage, or taking a complimentary class covering lei making, frond weaving, native plant identification, or ukulele playing.

This particular resort was voted one of the best in Hawaii in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, reflecting genuinely strong guest satisfaction across its wide range of family-friendly and cultural programming. Maui’s only oceanfront spa also operates directly on-site, giving guests a genuinely rare pairing of relaxation and oceanfront access within the same property.

Families planning a longer stay should budget real time for the astronomy program specifically, since clear Hawaiian night skies combined with the resort’s high-powered telescopes create a genuinely memorable evening activity unavailable at most other beachfront properties. The resort’s whale-watching opportunities during the winter months add another seasonal draw, letting guests spot humpback whales migrating through nearby waters without needing to book a separate boat tour. Guests should book the astronomy program in advance during peak season, as stargazing sessions fill quickly due to their popularity among families and couples. Families should also budget time for the penguin habitat’s daily feeding sessions, when staff share details about the birds that most casual visitors would otherwise miss entirely. Sunscreen matters throughout the entire day, given the resort’s genuinely extensive outdoor layout and open spaces.

3. Sheraton Maui dives off Black Rock every evening

Credit: Marriott

The sprawling, four-star Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa functions as a genuinely family-friendly beachfront resort where guests can spend their time snorkeling with tropical fish, enjoying a relaxing spa treatment, making leis, attending a luau, or sipping a mai tai poolside. Booking a premium room or suite in the Moana Oceanfront Wing, situated directly on Puu Kekaa, known locally as Black Rock, rewards guests with sweeping views over the Pacific.

Water features throughout the property include a small waterslide, waterfalls, and a lazy river, giving guests a genuine variety beyond a standard rectangular pool. Guests can also head directly into the ocean for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, outrigger canoe paddling, scuba diving, or sailing, offering the resort a genuine range between relaxed poolside time and more active water sports.

The property also offers a unique interactive augmented reality experience centered on meaningful Hawaiian topics, providing guests with a genuinely educational layer alongside the more typical resort amenities. With this many outstanding amenities packed into a single property, its inclusion in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2025 comes as no genuine surprise.

The resort’s nightly cliff-diving ritual, performed from Black Rock itself, ranks among the property’s most distinctive traditions, and guests should plan to watch from the beach or a nearby lounge chair as sunset approaches each evening. Snorkeling directly off Black Rock ranks among the property’s most convenient water activities, since guests can walk straight from their room to some of the best visibility found anywhere along Kaanapali Beach. Guests interested in scuba diving should book through the resort’s on-site dive shop, which offers guided trips well suited to both certified divers and complete beginners. Guests planning to watch the cliff-diving ritual should arrive at the beach well before sunset, since the best viewing spots fill quickly during peak season. Reef-safe sunscreen matters considerably, given how much snorkeling this particular property genuinely encourages guests to try. A dry bag also helps protect phones during water activities.

4. The Resort at Kapalua Bay soothes with island spa rituals

Credit: Marriott

Travelers $TRV seeking genuine luxury and wellness in a serene coastal setting will find The Resort at Kapalua Bay, Maui, formerly known as Montage Kapalua Bay, an ideal retreat, especially for those who prioritize relaxation over constant activity. The on-site spa uses island healing traditions alongside Maui-grown ingredients throughout its body treatments, massages, and facials, giving the wellness program a genuinely local character.

Guests have plenty of room to relax across the property’s 146 spacious, residential-style accommodations, each with separate bedrooms, dedicated dining areas, and outdoor spaces well-suited to longer stays. Island-inspired meals await at an oceanfront restaurant, alongside more casual poolside and beachside eateries for guests who prefer a lower-key dining experience on a given day.

An on-site grab-and-go market gives guests a genuinely convenient option for a quick bite, snacks, and drinks to take along while exploring the surrounding coastline. This range of dining options, from full oceanfront service to quick grab-and-go convenience, gives the resort real flexibility depending on a guest’s mood on any given day.

The resort sits within easy reach of Kapalua Beach, the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and Fleming Beach, giving guests plenty of nearby natural attractions to explore beyond the property’s own extensive grounds and spa facilities. The nearby Kapalua Coastal Trail offers guests a genuinely scenic walking option beyond the resort grounds, tracing the shoreline past tide pools and additional beach access points. Guests booking spa treatments should reserve well ahead during holiday weeks, since the resort’s most popular island-inspired treatments tend to fill quickly during peak travel periods. Guests interested in tide pool exploration should ask staff for current conditions, since visibility and accessible pools shift depending on the tide schedule that day. Sturdy sandals help along the coastal trail’s uneven, rocky sections. Reservations at the oceanfront restaurant fill quickly during the most popular sunset hours of the evening. A hat also helps considerably during the coastal trail walk itself, especially around midday hours.

5. Andaz Maui at Wailea refreshes Mokapu Beach living

Credit: Hyatt

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort underwent a significant renovation in 2024, refreshing all 320 of its guestrooms and suites and adding new residential-style villas to the property. The hotel’s open-air dining venues range from casual poolside fare to modern Japanese dishes served overlooking Mokapu Beach, alongside fresh, local cuisine available throughout other on-site restaurants.

Guests seeking a genuinely unforgettable dining experience should consider attending the Feast at Mokapu Luau, which combines vibrant music and dance in a dreamy setting overlooking the beach. This particular luau ranks among the property’s most consistently praised experiences, offering guests a memorable cultural evening that goes well beyond a standard resort dinner.

Other highlights at this 2025 World’s Best Awards winner include the Awili Spa, mixology courses, and complimentary fitness classes, giving guests a genuine variety across relaxation, education, and physical activity during a single stay. Rooms throughout the property include private lanais, and three separate infinity pools offer guests multiple options depending on the view or atmosphere they prefer on a given day.

The resort sits within easy walking distance of Mokapu Beach, the Shops at Wailea, and the Wailea Oceanfront Beach Boardwalk, giving guests plenty of nearby options for shopping and beach access beyond the property itself. The property’s mixology courses give guests a genuinely hands-on way to learn about Hawaiian-inspired cocktails, adding an interactive element beyond simply ordering a drink poolside. Guests should book the Feast at Mokapu Luau well in advance of their stay, as the experience is in high demand among both hotel guests and outside visitors. Guests should also ask specifically about the property’s newer villa accommodations, since these units offer more space and privacy than the standard renovated guestrooms. Reservations at the property’s Japanese restaurant fill quickly during peak season. A reusable water bottle is especially helpful, given the resort’s genuinely spread-out layout and grounds. A hat also helps considerably during the resort’s sunniest afternoon hours by the pool.

6. Fairmont Kea Lani anchors Hawaii’s only all-suite resort

Credit: Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

Hawaii’s only all-suite and villa oceanfront resort, the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, ranks as a genuine favorite among Travel + Leisure readers, who named it one of the best hotels in the state during the 2025 World’s Best Awards. Accommodations across the 22-acre resort range from one-bedroom suites to two-story, three-bedroom villas, each offering views of either the ocean or the surrounding garden grounds.

Guests can feast on local cuisine at the newly reopened Ko Restaurant, and the property’s Hale Kukuna cultural center offers hands-on ways to learn hula dancing or lei making, take ukulele lessons, or explore the ocean directly via a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe. This cultural programming gives Fairmont Kea Lani genuine depth beyond its already impressive physical accommodations.

After a long day of activities, guests can reward themselves with a treatment at Kea Lani Spa, which features a unique self-application clay bar filled with locally sourced volcanic clay infused with eucalyptus, as well as white clay mixed with taro for a distinctly Hawaiian spa experience. Three separate swimming pools throughout the property give guests a real variety to choose from, depending on their mood for a given afternoon.

The resort’s nightly sunset torch lighting ceremony gives guests a genuinely atmospheric way to close out each day, and travelers should plan to watch from one of the property’s oceanfront vantage points as the ritual begins each evening. Families traveling with children should note the resort’s dedicated kids’ club, which runs supervised activities throughout the day and gives parents genuine flexibility to enjoy the spa or beach independently. Guests hoping to try the self-application clay bar should visit the spa’s retail area directly, since staff can walk first-time visitors through the process before their actual treatment. Guests interested in outrigger canoe excursions should book early in their stay, since weather and ocean conditions occasionally require rescheduling to a later day. A light cover-up helps considerably for the walk between the pools and the beach.

7. Four Seasons Resort Maui channels its White Lotus fame

Credit: Four Seasons

This Travel + Leisure reader favorite might look genuinely familiar to viewers of the first season of HBO’s The White Lotus, given its role as the show’s filming location. The iconic Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea currently sits partway through a multimillion-dollar renovation set for completion this year, which will bring updated Club Floor rooms and suites with access to a private lounge serving food and drinks throughout the day, alongside new pool cabanas, a games room, and a grab-and-go market.

Guests should make time for the recently refreshed spa, specifically, which focuses on treatments inspired directly by the islands while also offering genuinely unusual options such as natal chart readings and stem cell therapy. This unusual range of wellness offerings gives the Four Seasons a genuinely different character from that of a typical luxury resort spa menu.

Complimentary Hawaiian cultural activities run throughout the property, alongside an aquathermal spa experience and poolside minispa treatments, giving guests a genuine variety of ways to spend downtime between meals and beach time. The resort’s proximity to Wailea Beach and snorkeling at Ulua Beach or Maluaka Beach gives active guests plenty of nearby options beyond the property’s own extensive grounds.

Travelers $TRV hoping to see the property’s ongoing renovation completed should confirm the current construction status directly with the hotel before booking, as timelines for major resort renovations can shift due to unforeseen circumstances. Fans of the show, in particular, should ask staff which areas of the property appeared on screen, since several filming locations remain recognizable throughout the resort’s grounds. Guests curious about the stem cell therapy offering should consult with spa staff directly beforehand, since treatments of this kind typically require a brief consultation before booking. Guests should also confirm which specific pool areas remain open during renovation work, since construction occasionally shifts access to certain sections of the property. Booking spa treatments well in advance helps during the property’s genuinely busiest weeks.

8. Hotel Wailea keeps Wailea’s only adults-only address

Credit: Hotel Wailea

Voted one of the best resorts in Hawaii during the 2025 World’s Best Awards, Hotel Wailea genuinely exceeds expectations across nearly every category of a typical luxury stay. This adults-only boutique hotel is the only Relais and Châteaux property in the state, offering all-suite accommodations with separate bedrooms and living rooms, and private lanais and kitchenettes throughout.

Elevated dining experiences at the property include the Chef’s Table and The Treehouse, both offering genuinely bespoke menus tailored to individual guests' preferences rather than a standard fixed menu. This level of dining customization gives Hotel Wailea a genuinely different character than larger resorts built around high-volume, standardized dining operations.

Unique on-site experiences at Hotel Wailea include paddling an outrigger canoe, enjoying a luxe beach picnic, or cruising in a vintage Porsche, giving guests genuinely memorable ways to spend an afternoon beyond typical resort activities. This range of distinctive experiences gives the property real appeal for travelers specifically seeking something considerably more personalized than a standard large-scale resort stay.

The adults-only policy throughout the property gives Hotel Wailea a genuinely different atmosphere from most other hotels on this list, making it a particularly strong choice for couples or groups of friends traveling without children. The property’s elevated position above the beach offers many rooms with genuinely sweeping ocean views, which are uncommon at beachfront resorts built directly at sea level. Guests interested in the vintage Porsche cruise should book well in advance, as the experience is limited by the property’s small fleet of vehicles. Guests planning a beach picnic should request this option well in advance of arrival, as staff coordinates setup and food service around each guest’s preferred timing. Reservations at the Chef’s Table fill quickly, given its intimate size. A light layer helps for evening dining, given the steady ocean breeze that consistently picks up well after dark. Comfortable shoes also help with the various stops made during the vintage car cruise.

9. Grand Wailea floods its grounds with pools and waterfalls

Credit: Hilton

The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, sits on a 40-acre oceanfront property directly on Wailea Beach, and the water features alone genuinely impress, including nine separate pools, seven waterslides, six waterfalls, and a lazy river winding throughout the grounds. The sheer scale of the water features gives Grand Wailea an unmatched appeal for families and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Nine restaurants throughout the property offer guests genuine dining variety, including the first and only Nobu location on Maui, as well as a regular luau for guests seeking a cultural evening experience. The resort places genuine emphasis on wellness, home to the largest spa in Hawaii, the 50,000-square-foot Kilolani Spa.

Unique features at Kilolani Spa include the only hammam found anywhere in Hawaii, hydrothermal gardens, halotherapy-infused infrared saunas, a Hawaiian chants sound bath, and astrology and tarot readings for guests seeking something beyond a standard massage or facial. Wellness-focused guest rooms are also available throughout the property for travelers specifically prioritizing rest and recovery during their stay.

Guests planning a longer stay should budget real time to actually explore the resort’s extensive pool system, since the sheer scale of waterslides and waterfalls scattered throughout the grounds can easily fill an entire day without needing to leave the property at all. The resort’s Nobu location draws diners from beyond the property itself, so guests hoping to secure a table during peak dinner hours should book reservations well in advance. Guests booking treatments at Kilolani Spa should arrive early to explore the hammam and hydrothermal gardens, as these facilities reward unhurried exploration before a scheduled treatment. Families with young children should ask staff specifically about the gentlest water features, since certain sections of the pool system suit toddlers better than others. Water shoes help considerably, given how much of the day happens near pools. Sunscreen matters throughout the stay, given how much time guests genuinely spend outdoors here.

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