10 Dreamy Maui Resorts for the Ultimate Hawaiian Vacation

Endless beach views and top-notch amenities await at these notable Maui resorts.

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Aerial view of Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
Photo:

Courtesy of Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort

From lush rain forests to red-sand beaches, stunning waterfalls to black lava formations, Maui offers a truly spectacular vacation experience. With picturesque stretches of sand, the western and southern shores have some of the most exclusive real estate on the island, while the north and east coasts have smaller towns like hip and artsy Paia and historic Hana that attract visitors seeking peace and quiet. And, of course, there’s the up-country, dominated by the majestic Haleakalā National Park. Together, all these regions make the Valley Isle a treasure trove of natural sights and unique experiences that draws millions of visitors each year.

To host those visitors, Maui has an overwhelming variety of resorts and hotels. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve rounded up a few properties worth flying over the Pacific for.

The Best Maui Resorts of 2023

Editor’s Pick: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Aerial view of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Why We Chose It

The recently renovated property boasts an excellent location, stunning ocean views, and rooms with private lanais and firepits.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $40
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

Spa, beach restaurant, hiking trails, kids’ pool, two golf courses, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.

Hotel Description

After an extensive $100-million renovation, one of Maui's most notable five-star resorts is welcoming travelers with new guest rooms, dining experiences, an exclusive lounge, and chic public areas infused with a uniquely Hawaiian sense of place. The Ritz-Carlton offers guests 54 picture-perfect acres that overlook stunning Honokahua Bay and two of Maui’s most sacred sites: Makaluapuna Point and the Honokahua Preservation Site. From the redesigned decor to the complimentary tours and classes on elements of Hawaiian culture and history, the island's cultural heritage now takes center stage at the 466-room resort.

The crown jewel of the reimagined property is the sprawling 20,000-square-foot pool area, which has three infinity pools connected by waterfalls and flanked by lush tropical plants. New cabanas offer guests poolside privacy and are equipped with amenities such as Bluetooth speakers, flat-screen TVs, plush robes, ceiling fans, and soft drinks.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Fountain at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, voted one of the best resorts and hotels in Hawaii
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Why We Chose It

Maui’s most luxurious resort, the Four Seasons offers spacious suites with ocean views, an innovative wellness menu, and world-class dining.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: No
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

24-hour in-room dining, golf course, game room, electric bikes, complimentary non-motorized sports and daily activities.

Hotel Description

Tucked away on the postcard-worthy Wailea coastline, Maui’s Four Seasons Resort is a luxury haven and a preferred vacation spot for Hollywood A-listers and wellness-conscious travelers. The resort goes above and beyond to offer guests the latest, most cutting-edge health treatments. Stem cell therapy? Check. Customized IV therapy treatments? Check. Biomarker wellness testing and vitamin shots? Check and check. It’s also home to one of Maui’s best spas, with a Reiki master, chiropractor, acupuncturist, masseuses, and aestheticians ensuring guests leave relaxed and rejuvenated.

With access to the golden Wailea Beach, where you share the water with green sea turtles and brightly colored tropical fish, it’s easy to unwind and calm the mind during a stay at the Four Seasons. Enjoy predinner cocktails and live music at the resort’s lively lobby bar (also frequented by local big-wave surfing legends) before indulging in Hawaiian and Californian flavors at Spago, chef Wolfgang Puck’s chic eatery. 

Montage Kapalua Bay

Exterior view of Montage Kapalua Bay

Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay

Why We Chose It

The resort is located on a picturesque stretch of Kapalua coastline and offers residential-style suites and spectacular spa services.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $64.58 per night
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

Champagne pop-up bar, in-room dining, kids’ program

Hotel Description

Montage Kapalua Bay treats guests to 24 acres of lush tropical gardens, spacious suites, panoramic ocean views, fantastic dining, and spa facilities worth raving about. Overlooking Namalu Bay and next door to Makaluapuna Point, one of Maui’s most visited attractions, this perfectly landscaped, family-friendly resort is a tropical haven. Guests settle in one- to four-bedroom residential-style suites (some with private pools) and enjoy an extensive list of recreational activities, along with authentic Hawaiian experiences. If you’re visiting without children, book a table at the legendary Champagne Hale, a seasonal pop-up bar at Cliff House, a 1940s plantation building that provides the best ocean views in this part of Maui.

Hotel Wailea

Aerial view of the pool and property at Hotel Wailea
John Russo/Courtesy of Hotel Wailea

Why We Chose It

As Hawaii's only Relais & Châteaux property, this adults-only oceanfront resort is a romantic paradise for couples.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $40
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

Complimentary champagne upon arrival, Molton Brown bath amenities, poolside cabanas, mixology classes, in-suite spa treatments

Hotel Description

Hawaii’s only Relais & Châteaux resort caters to adult travelers seeking total relaxation, privacy, and premium amenities. Voted Hawaii’s number one hotel in 2022 by Travel + Leisure readers, this 15-acre tropical sanctuary features only 72 one-bedroom suites, which come with soaking tubs, balconies, garden or ocean views, and high-end finishes. Enjoy an indulgent couples massage from the privacy of your suite or take a tour of the coastline in an authentic Hawaiian outrigger canoe. (If you’re visiting between December and April, you may also be treated to humpback whale sightings). In the evening, opt for a romantic dining experience at the resort's private treehouse overlooking the ocean, where the chef will present you with a seven-course gourmet experience.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Aerial view of Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort

Courtesy of Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort

Why We Chose It

The resort offers a large variety of accommodations, a spacious pool area, beach access, and an authentic dining experience rooted in Polynesian culture.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $50 per night
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

Lagoon pool, resort market, complimentary minibar, spa, gym

Hotel Description

With 321 rooms, including 35 suites and 21 luxury villas, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort offers guests plenty of lodging options. All accommodations come with private lanais, and many provide the dreamiest Pacific Ocean views. During the day, travelers can soak up the sun by the cascading infinity pools (an adults-only pool is also available) or stay in the shade in the comfort of their private cabana. If you prefer to bury your toes in the sand, you’re just steps away from Mōkapu Beach, where guests of the resort enjoy complimentary umbrellas and sun chairs. Speaking of the beach, the fun there doesn’t end when the sun sets. Take part in Andaz Maui’s newest offering, The Feast at Mōkapu, on the resort’s beachfront lawn. This authentic Hawaiian luau includes a rich cultural program and a delicious spread of traditional Hawaiian dishes.

Hana-Maui Resort

Hana Maui Resort Hawaii

Courtesy of Hyatt

Why We Chose It

Hana-Maui is a secluded luxury resort on Maui’s less-developed eastern coast, making it a great option for anyone seeking a more low-key vacation.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $45 per night
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

Spa, complimentary bikes, in-room dining, private lanais

Hotel Description

Boasting 66 acres on Maui’s peaceful eastern shore, Hana-Maui Resort is a tranquil hideaway at the end of the scenic Road to Hana. The property features 74 guest rooms — including suites and residences with private lanais — that let guests take in jaw-dropping ocean views. You won’t find clocks, radios, or TVs in some of the rooms, and that’s not an oversight. At Hana-Maui Resort, the goal is to completely unwind and disconnect from life’s daily annoyances and stresses and immerse yourself in authentic Hawaiian ambiance in a stunning tropical setting.

Adventurers will thrive here, as the resort’s location encourages guests to venture out and explore the region. Helicopter tours, surfing, hiking, and canoeing will keep your heart pumping, while those who prefer something more low-key can visit the nearby Ono Organic Farms to partake in fruit tasting. After your explorations, head to the resort’s spa for a traditional massage in a cabana overlooking Kapueokahi Beach.

Fairmont Kea Lani

Aerial view of the pools and property at The Fairmont Kea Lani
Courtesy of Accor

Why We Chose It

This 22-acre all-suite and villa property on Maui's sunny Wailea just introduced newly redesigned suites and villas.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $50 per night
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

Spa, award-winning restaurant, private plunge pools in villas

Resort Description

A top-to-bottom renovation, slated for completion in 2023, is currently transforming the 22-acre beachfront Fairmont Kea Lani into a five-star treat for the senses. Fronted by Wailea's golden-sand Polo Beach, the property offers guests a luxurious Hawaiian stay focused on wellness and authentic Hawaiian culinary experiences. Each of the 413 one-bedroom suites has been renovated, along with the resort's 37 elegant two-story villas, which are geared toward travelers seeking a private tropical escape. Fairmont Kea Lani's signature restaurant, Kō, showcases an innovative blend of Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese fare. The property's Willow Stream Spa blends ancient Hawaiian healing practices with the latest in wellness technology, such as a WaveMotion table that creates a weightless sensation.

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Aerial view of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Courtesy of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Why We Chose It

Perfect for families, this beachfront resort keeps children and their parents thoroughly entertained thanks to a variety of activities and programming.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $40 per day
  • Room Rate: $$$

Notable Amenities

EV charging station, children’s programming, outdoor pool

Hotel Description

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is a Maui institution, one of the island’s oldest resorts and the first in Ka‘anapali. But don’t expect to travel back to 1963. The property was given a modern makeover in 2018, which resulted in completely redesigned rooms and suites that now feature vibrant island-inspired decor, local art, and mountain and ocean views. If you can’t get enough of the views, book a room in the resort’s Moana wing, which is perched atop the dramatic Pu‘u Keka‘a lava rocks. Every single room here provides the most beautiful panoramic ocean vistas.

Some things have, fortunately, remained unchanged. The resort’s nightly cliff diving ritual is a must-see. A tradition for almost 60 years, it honors Maui’s last chief, Kahekili, who demonstrated his spiritual strength by leaping from the sacred Pu‘u Keka‘a.

Grand Wailea

Grand Wailea pool aerial

Courtesy of Grand Wailea

Why We Chose It

Overlooking Wailea Beach, this spectacular resort offers premium accommodations and top-notch amenities among 40 acres of lush gardens.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $50 per night
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

Beach club, nine pools, complimentary 45-minute photography session, beach umbrellas

Resort Description

Families, couples, solo travelers — Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort, has something for everyone. Whether you’re splashing in the resort’s nine pools (which have six levels connected by a lazy river), whooshing down the 262-foot Lava Tube Slide, or exploring the Wailea coastline in an outrigger canoe, boredom is not an option here.

The Grand Wailea’s robust wellness program ensures you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. It includes outdoor fitness classes, a full menu of spa services celebrating Hawaii’s indigenous practices, and the Biostation, an appointment-only facility that offers a wide range of advanced treatments, like IV nutrient therapy, blood testing, and peptide and HGH therapy.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka‘anapali

World’s Best Family Beach Hotels: No. 20 Westin Maui Resort & Spa: Hawaii
Courtesy of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

Why We Chose It

The recently renovated resort debuted a luxury tower with sophisticated guest rooms, a lounge with an infinity pool, and exclusive cultural programming.

Key Specs

  • Free Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Resort Fee: Yes, $45 per night
  • Room Rate: $$$$

Notable Amenities

Kids’ center; six pools with a separate family area, slide, and splash zone; gym

Resort Description

It took The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka‘anapali about three years to complete a massive $120-million renovation, but the result was well worth it. The 12-acre property now includes a luxury tower, Hokupa‘a at the Westin Maui, which treats guests to a private lanai, unobstructed ocean views, infinity pools, and much more. But even if you decide to stay in one of the resort’s standard accommodations, you won’t be disappointed. The upgraded rooms feature private balconies or patios, plush beds, and panoramic mountain or ocean views. With a pool area spanning 87,000 square feet, the resort is a true paradise for water enthusiasts. Several pools, new cabanas, a waterfall, plenty of lounging space, and a new adults-only infinity pool elevate the guest experience.

Final Verdict

Maui’s popularity has naturally led to a thriving hospitality scene. Most of the island’s largest resorts are lined up on its western and southern shores, where the sun shines year-round and precipitation is rare. If you’re looking for a sprawling resort with five-star amenities and access to one of the island’s best beaches, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is your best bet. It’s fronted by one of Hawaii’s most sacred burial sites, is steps away from the stunning Makaluapuna Point, and is only a 20-minute drive from the Hawaiian Kingdom’s former capital, the bustling town of Lahaina.

Know Before You Go

  • There’s a reason most resorts have chosen the west and south side of Maui as their home. The island has numerous microclimates that run the gamut from rainy and humid to hot and dry. The west and south coastlines profit from less rainfall, sunny weather, and year-round mild temperatures, so if you want to soak up the hot Hawaiian sun, choose a resort in that part of the island.
  • Most resorts on Maui charge a daily resort fee that typically varies from $10 to $50 per room. This doesn’t usually include tax. Resort fees cover access to the property’s complimentary activities and amenities, such as gyms, shuttle services, Wi-Fi, and sports facilities.
  • Summer visits to Maui are ideal, as temperatures are warm and rain is rare. But visiting the island in the winter has many perks, too. Most notably, whale-watching season brings humpback whales to the calm waters of the Maui Nui Basin in front of Lahaina and Ka‘anapali. The area is a protected whale sanctuary where, much to the delight of both visitors and residents, these majestic creatures can be seen from shore between mid-January and March.

How We Chose These Hotels

We evaluated numerous Maui resorts in the course of creating this list. Among the factors we considered when making our selections were reputation, location, quality of service, and amenities. In formulating this list, we drew on personal experience, independent guest reviews, and any recent accolades the properties had received.

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