Maui, Hawaii’s second-largest island, is known for its mix of cosmopolitan luxury and rugged natural beauty. This island offers everything from excellent cuisine, shopping in the Lahaina Historic District, and a vibrant nightlife in a tropical paradise. White, red, and black sand beaches accompany a lush valley flanked by volcanic ridges. While there are plenty of affordable options to choose from around the island, StudyFinds went to the experts to find the best hotels in Maui for your next getaway.
In short, Maui has something for everyone. That’s why it’s no wonder that, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, “there were 228,743 visitors to Maui in January 2023 … Visitor spending was $625.2 million in January 2023.” Aside from the fact that Hawaii is the happiest place in the US, it’s easy to see why the island of Maui, in particular, draws such a large crowd.
For lovers of the outdoors, there are great camping options, water sports, snorkeling through gorgeous reefs, and other outdoor adventures. Visit tranquil wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls. You can also take advantage of laid-back amenities like lounging poolside, playing golf, or indulging in sea-side spa services.
So, whether it’s your first time visiting the “Valley Isle” or you’ve made the trip several times, you may be wondering what the best hotels in Maui are. To save you some time, StudyFinds consulted 10 expert websites and put together this list based on the top recommendations mentioned. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
The List: Best Hotels in Maui, According To Travel Experts
1. Fairmont Kea Lani
The Fairmont Kea Lani is a world-class resort with memorable architecture, atmospheres, and amenities. Of the resort, Forbes writes, “Set at the south end of the resorts in Wailea is one of the most luxurious and family-friendly properties on the island, the dramatically designed Fairmont Kea Lani, whose Moorish architecture is both striking and at fully integrated into its setting. All rooms in the main hotel are generous suites, most with excellent ocean views.”
The Telegraph touts it as “the gorgeous Fairmont Kea Lani,” writing, “with arched breezeways, lily pad-topped ponds, palm-lined thoroughfares and shimmering blue pools looks straight from the pages of a magazine.”
“From the outside, the Fairmont Kea Lani looks like an all-white royal palace,” notes Condé Nast Traveler. “‘Once inside, that royal feeling carries throughout the grand spaces, where an open-air lobby has stone floors and domed ceilings and arches. … Polo Beach, surrounded on both sides by lava rock walls, gives this resort a secluded feel.”
2. Four Seasons Resort Maui
Modernized rooms, a first-rate spa, and scenic golf courses set the Four Seasons Resort apart. It’s great for adult-only getaways and family vacations alike. “The luxurious seaside Four Seasons has contemporary rooms, private nooks and Hawaii-inspired art,” writes The Telegraph. A place to see and be seen, the island chic property never rests on its laurels and even several years out from a renovation, everything feels brand new.
Hawaii Magazine lists Maui’s Four Seasons Resort among the island’s best resort spas, best hotels for romance, and best luxury hotels.
And U.S. News & World Report notes: “This Four Seasons outpost is one of Maui’s most kid-friendly locales, offering complimentary kids toiletries, a popular game room and kid-friendly menus in its four on-site restaurants. Those traveling without little ones can make the most of the resort’s spa and the property’s proximity to three scenic golf courses. Or, spend your days lounging on the island’s shoreline where service staff will ensure you have enough ice water and towels to keep you feeling cool and comfortable.”
3. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is perfect for when you don’t want to sacrifice luxury or privacy. First-rate views, rooms, and amenities mean this hotel lives up to the reputation that comes with its name. Travel + Leisure listed the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua as one of the best hotels in Maui, giving it a score of 92.49/100
“The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is one luxury hotel in Maui that gets you away from the resorts in a more secluded location,” states Wow Travel. “Tucked on an airy hilltop on the quieter side of Maui, the resort is primed for a romantic getaway, with a side serving of tee time action. … The spa is a particular highlight, with its exhaustive treatment menu offering oxygen-infused facials and aromatic cedar saunas. No matter the time of the day, lounge by the 10,000-square-feet huge three-tiered pool.”
TimeOut gushes that “The Ritz-Carlton is all about understated elegance.” It writes, “Home to six restaurants, a private beach, a locally-inspired spa, and two of Maui’s most exclusive and renowned golf courses, the Ritz-Carlton is the sort of hotel that you never actually need to leave – unless you want to.”
4. The Grand Wailea
This hotel is a sprawling, self-contained paradise that will wow you as soon as you arrive. Comfortable beachside rooms and plenty of on-site activities mean you’ll never need to leave.“The Grand Wailea is aptly named,” states Forbes. “Grand in both size and style, this lavish Wailea property is a village unto itself, with a sculpture garden, a freestanding wedding chapel, and more than 800 rooms and suites. … The 50,000-square-foot spa is the largest on the island, renowned for its high level of service and its Healing Waters of Maui hydrotherapy circuit.”
Condé Nast Traveler writes, “Arriving guests are greeted with leis and escorted through an open-air atrium filled with sculptures and water fountains, all set against the backdrop of Pacific Ocean views. You’ll be able to tell by the grandeur of the lobby, but this is no small place, with 780 guest rooms, a 50,000-square-foot spa, a massive pool area with waterslides, several shops, and a chapel.”
“Directly overlooking Wailea Beach, the hulking Grand Wailea does everything big,” notes U.S. News & World Report. Each accommodation boasts its own private balcony, as well as a flat-screen TV and complimentary internet access. … Splurge on a meal at the resort’s super-scenic Humuhumunukunukuapua’a restaurant, which sits atop a saltwater lagoon.”
5. Hāna-Maui Resort
For eco-conscious travelers, the Hāna-Maui Resort is a lovely retreat. It’s a secluded spot geared toward outdoor enthusiasts. Matador Network writes, “The Hana-Maui Resort is a relaxed and eco-friendly resort in Hana, making it a great place to spend the night if you’re driving the famous road to Hana as a two-day trip. It’s in a secluded location with lush surroundings and a fairly laid-back attitude.”
“Are you looking for a secluded, rustic-chic luxury hotel in Maui? You can’t do any better than Hana-Maui Resort, where staying feels like completely dedicating yourself to authentic island life. Formerly Travaasa Hana, the resort, outshines some of the island’s most luxurious properties,” notes Wow Travel. “You wake up to the sound of the waves and spend the rest of the day indulging in bamboo pole fishing, horse riding on the beach, paddle boarding, or learning to Hula. There is one indulgence here; the massive infinity pool peppered by sun loungers, which is the perfect place to relax.”
And TimeOut notes, “This award-winning hotel of spacious rustic-chic cottages in the secluded eastern tip of Hana sits perched amid rolling grass fields and towering cliffs studded with palm trees, giving the sort of remote Maui experience that’s far removed from the rest of its tourist hubs. … This resort is conveniently close to some of the island’s most famous wonders, such as Wailua Falls and the seven sacred pools cascade of waterfalls.”
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Sources:
- Condé Nast Traveler
- Matador Network
- U.S. News & World Report
- Wow Travel
- TimeOut
- Forbes
- The Telegraph
- Hawaii Magazine
- Travelers Worldwide
- Travel + Leisure
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.