Maui Hotels

Maui's accommodations run the gamut from a rural B&B listed on the State and National Historic Registers to one particularly over-the-top, superopulent megaresort. But hey, each to his or her own taste, right? In between the extremes, there's something for every vacation style and budget.

If the latest and greatest is your style, be prepared to spend a small fortune. Newly renovated properties like the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and the newest condo complexes such as the Wailea Beach Villas may set you back at least $600 a night, though the weaker economy has brought more deals. Ask for these wherever you stay and consider the alternatives.

Although there aren't many of them, small bed-and-breakfasts are charming. They tend to be in residential or rural neighborhoods around the island, sometimes beyond the resort areas of West Maui and the South Shore. The B&Bs offer both a personalized experience and a window onto authentic local life. The prices tend to be the lowest available on Maui, often less than $200 per night.

Apartment and condo rentals are perfect for modest budgets, for two or more couples traveling together, and for families. Not only are the nightly rates lower than hotel rooms, but "eating in" (all have kitchens of some description) is substantially less expensive than dining out. There are literally hundreds of these units, ranging in size from studios to luxurious four-bedrooms with multiple baths, all over the island. The vast majority are along the sunny coasts—from Makena to Kihei on the South Shore and Lahaina up to Kapalua on West Maui. Prices are dependent on the size of the unit and its proximity to the beach, as well as on the amenities and services offered. For about $250 a night, you can get a perfectly lovely one-bedroom apartment without many frills or flourishes, close to but probably not on the beach. Many rentals have minimum stays (usually three to five nights), and don't forget to ask if a discount is offered on stays of a week or more.

Most of Maui's resorts—several are megaresorts—have opulent gardens, fantasy swimming pools, championship golf courses, and full-service fitness centers and spas. Expect to spend at least $350 a night at the resort hotels; they are all located in the Wailea and Makena resort area on the South Shore and Kaanapali and Kapalua on West Maui. At all hotels, ask about discounts and deals (free nights with longer stays, for example), which have proliferated.

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