8 Best Hotels in Maui, Hawaii

A thatched-roof gate opens to the courtyard of this informal Balinese-inspired guesthouse, which has a sweeping view of Hana Bay, a ground-floor studio with a private outdoor shower, and two other units with private whirlpool hot tubs on second-floor decks. The upstairs units can be combined to house six, and all units have kitchenettes with limited cooking supplies. In keeping with the community's ecominded spirit, owner John Romain keeps it green with photovoltaic solar panels, nontoxic cleaning products, and recycling receptacles in each unit.

The Kaanapali Golf Course's fairways wrap around this fine, well-priced, two-story condo complex that has spacious studio, one-, and two-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens and access to a stocked beach cabana on a semiprivate beach. The complex itself isn't exactly on the beach—it's a quick golf-cart trip away—but when you arrive, you will have beach chairs at your disposal, as well as a full kitchen and lounge area at the cabana, Maui's only beachfront clubhouse. Back at the condo complex, the style of the privately owned units may vary, but most are tastefully decorated and offer modern appliances and spacious bathrooms. There is no elevator.

This B&B on the grounds of an old banana plantation past Oheo Gulch (about a 40-minute drive southwest from Hana town) is a simple, back-to-nature kind of spot that is "off the grid." Banana trees still populate the property, alongside mango, papaya, coconut, and avocado trees. There's also a Balinese garden, complete with a lotus-shaped pond. The single room has a private lanai with an outdoor kitchenette, shower, and tub (there's a regular shower in the room as well), and astonishing views of the coastline. Sam and Mercury, a mother-daughter team, live on-site in the main house and are available to give tips and advice about exploring the area. Note that the owners prefer not to host children.

This South Kihei property sits across the street from Kamaole III beach and is perfect for active families. Ten four-story buildings wrap around 15 acres of grassy slopes with a swimming pool, a small waterfall, tennis courts, and barbecues. Units include one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, and all units have two bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and private lanai.

Located across the beach and in the quieter north end of Kihei, this relaxed, family-friendly property has 26 units—some with kitchens and kitchenettes—that range from standard rooms to three-bedroom, two-bath penthouses. There's a rooftop deck and various outdoor spaces that are nice for lounging and socializing in the well-maintained tropical garden.

Of the many condo complexes lining the ocean-side stretch of Honoapiilani Highway, this one offers friendly service, a saline oceanfront pool, and affordable units—some with million-dollar views. You won't be charged for parking or local phone calls, and most of the individually owned one- and two-bedroom units have been renovated to include flat-screen TVs and granite countertops in the kitchens. The interiors tend to be charming "old Hawaii" (lots of rattan furniture, silk flowers, and decorative items). This quiet older complex is a short stroll away from Honokowai's grocery store, beaches, and restaurants.

Budget-friendly rates and a central location amid the island's civic, transportation, and commercial hubs make this two-story bayfront hotel a solid choice. The rooms are basic, but it's an easy walk to malls, the University of Hawaii Maui College, a performing arts center, and restaurants.

If you're looking for a low-key place with a friendly staff, this small, delightful beachfront property on Napili Bay may be for you. The tastefully decorated rooms have free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges and microwaves, and some have connecting doors so they can be configured for families, but no TVs or phones. The lush 2-acre grounds feature a pool, gas grills, and a thatched hale (covered space) for gatherings.