Maui, HI

Travel Guide

Maui Island
Hawaii
Kaanapali Beach showing swimming, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hawaii

Maui Travel Guide Video

Hawaii’s “Magic Isle” is known for its terrific beaches, blue water, abundant marine life, the volcanic Haleakalā National Park, quaint towns and scenic drives.

Nature lovers pick Maui for its wildlife, volcanic craters and rolling hills, while active people come here for hiking, golfing and watersports. No matter what your interests are, Hawaii’s “Magic Isle” is a dream destination. The 80 or so beaches are inviting, the water is warm and the countryside is lush.Maui is serviced by the Kahului Airport (OGG). Shortly after landing, you can start exploring Maui’s nearby capital of Wailuku. This quaint commercial center is the gateway to 'Iao Valley. If you visit in winter, travel west to visit historic Lahaina for whale-watching. This time of year, surfers flock to Honolua Bay in the northwest for big barrel waves and professional competitions. Relax in award-winning resorts, such as Kaanapali Beach, to make the most of the ever-pleasant weather in this tropical paradise. In summer, when the water is calmer, enjoy snorkeling and diving off Kapalua Beach, which also has attractions for kids. Head south to Keawakapu to find another family-friendly beach, or continue to the beaches of Maluaka or Wailea to spot green turtles. Nearby Makena State Park has three very distinct beaches and a volcanic crater. Set sail to the crescent-shaped atoll of Molokini for bird-watching or scuba diving.From Makena, travel east and get above the clouds at the Haleakalā Crater (House of the Sun). Visit at dawn for one of the best views in the whole of the U.S. The diverse ecosystem of forest and volcanic rock that unfolds in front of you is where Maui originated. Before heading back to Wailuku, make the epic coastal journey with hairpin turns, waterfalls and bridges all the way east to Hana.A vacation in Maui can be expensive, but many people feel it is a small price to pay for paradise. Whether you are honeymooners seeking romance, families with energetic kids, hard-working couples looking to relax and youthful thrill-seekers, Maui shares its magic with everyone.

Where to stay in Maui

Maluaka Beach featuring landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

Wailea

5/5(852 area reviews)

Wailea is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Wailea Beach and Shops at Wailea.

Wailea
Keawakapu Beach showing a sandy beach, landscape views and tropical scenes

South Kihei

While visiting South Kihei, you might make a stop by sights like Kamaole Beach Park 2 and Kamaole Beach Park 3.

South Kihei
Special beach finds!

Central Kihei

If you're spending some time in Central Kihei, Kihei Regional Park and Kalama Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

Central Kihei
Maluaka Beach showing landscape views

Makena

A noteworthy feature of Makena is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Makena State Park Beach and Little Beach.

Makena
Kihei featuring fashion, shopping and signage

North Kihei

If you're spending some time in North Kihei, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Headquarters and Kalepolepo Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

North Kihei
Maalaea

Ukumehame Ahupuaa

While visiting Ukumehame Ahupuaa, you might make a stop by sights like Maalaea Bay Beaches and Papalaua Beach Park.

Ukumehame Ahupuaa
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali

4.5 out of 5
2365 Kaanapali Pkwy Lahaina HI
$489 nightly
The price is $577 total per night from Dec 12 to Dec 13
$577 total
Dec 12 - Dec 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,025 reviews)
Family friendly. Adult friendly. Walking distance to shopping. Driving distance to local beaches ,shops and dining. Excellent location for safe parking of your vehicle. When we return to Maui we will be returning to this Westin. Thank you for the hospitality and a great experience.

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

4 out of 5
2780 Kekaa Dr Lahaina HI
$211 nightly
The price is $249 total per night from Dec 19 to Dec 20
$249 total
Dec 19 - Dec 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,597 reviews)
Perfect for our family! The resort was great and right on the beach.

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2025

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Maui Coast Hotel

Maui Coast Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2259 S Kihei Rd Kihei HI
$251 nightly
The price is $296 total per night from Dec 19 to Dec 20
$296 total
Dec 19 - Dec 20
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Kihei. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,295 reviews)
Very clean and spacious room. Only staff dealt with was check in reception. Quick check in, later when calling front desk took a long time to answer. Bathtub was an issue, almost impossible to turn on water. Had maintenance come to room to do it. It takes a lot of effort to pull the valve out to ...

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2025

Maui Coast Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa

OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
130 Kai Malina Parkway Lahaina HI
Book a stay at this beach condo in Kaanapali. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,868 reviews)
Rooms and staff are amazing, pools are amazing, couldn’t ask for a better experience

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2025

OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa
Kahana Beach Vacation Club

Kahana Beach Vacation Club

3 out of 5
4221 Lower Honoapiilani Road Lahaina HI
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Kahana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (748 reviews)
We absolutely loved our stay at Kahana Beach Vacation Club! The location is perfect — right on the beachfront with incredible ocean views, and just a short walk to nearby stores and restaurants. It was so convenient and relaxing at the same time. The atmosphere was peaceful, the area was ...

Reviewed on Nov 27, 2025

Kahana Beach Vacation Club
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

4 out of 5
2481 Kaanapali Pkwy Lahaina HI
Book a stay at this beach condo in Kaanapali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (308 reviews)
It's a great place! Our suite had a nice (partial) ocean view. The rooms were spacious, clean and tidy. The kitchen had adequate utensils and cooking gadgets. The best was the beach right by the building. The Whaler Village was a few minutes walk and we enjoyed going there almost daily. The staff ...

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2025

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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