21 Best Hotels in West Maui, Maui

Though the name claims Kaanapali, this older, 12-story oceanfront condominium complex, where all units have unobstructed panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands, is actually in quiet, neighboring Honokowai. There's a range of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units—all with spacious bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows—and an elegant pool that faces a sandy beach that's good for snorkeling because of the shallow reef.

This small hotel, built in 1901 when Lahaina was the bawdy heart of the Pacific's whaling industry, has been substantially remodeled and updated to offer clean and basic rooms, all on the second floor and each with a lanai equipped with rocking chairs. There's a pool, quiet courtyard, well-tended grounds, and a popular on-site restaurant that's open daily. Fans of author Tom Robbins will recognize the inn as a setting in his novel Still Life with Woodpecker.

Two high-rise towers contain these individually owned, eco-friendly (and family-friendly) units combining the conveniences of a condo with the full service of a hotel. Guests enjoy concierge service, an on-site restaurant, and an organic gourmet food market run by Oo Farms. Active families will enjoy the spacious suites with large lanai, as well as the water features—slide, waterfall, lazy river, and serenity, lap, and kids' pools—and the fitness center. Those vacationing at a slower pace can stroll along the dune restoration area that fronts the beach, and perhaps spot endangered bird species and turtles. The Hoola Spa houses Maui’s first Himalayan Salt Room, and provides massage and other treatments. The property is also home to the Luana Garden Villas, 3 bedroom private residences with resort privileges and its own pool.

A luxurious intimate getaway without resort facilities, this stunning, 2-acre B&B in the foothills of West Maui's mountain, just south of Lahaina town, exemplifies quiet perfection. Almost all the furnishings and building materials were imported from Bali. Each uniquely decorated room features traditional Balinese doors with mother-of-pearl inlay, a custom bed, private lanai, huge bathroom with giant bathtub, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and—best of all—a private outdoor shower. Common areas provide great spots to snack, chat, or just relax, and immense glass doors open onto a small sparkling pool and a breathtaking view of the Pacific.

Splashing waterfalls, swim-through grottos, a lagoon-like swimming pool, and a 150-foot waterslide "wow" guests of all ages at this bustling Kaanapali resort; spacious standard rooms are another draw. Complete your vacation fantasy by strolling through the lobby past museum-quality art, brilliant parrots, and South African penguins—yes, penguins—or unwind at the oceanfront Spa Kamahao. There's no shortage of food options here, from the trendy Japengo to the traditional Son'z Steakhouse, with Ululani's Shave Ice next to the pool for daytime treats.

Amenities like maid service, an activities desk, a small store with complimentary DVDs for guests to borrow, and a 24-hour front-desk service—and no pesky resort fees—make this a winning choice for families and those wanting to play house on Maui's most stunning shores. The four secluded 11-story buildings offer one- and two-bedroom units with ample space, sunken living rooms, and separate dining rooms and there's a state-of-the-art fitness center; three tennis courts; and an upgraded pool area with flat-screen TVs and cabanas. A "grill master" is on hand Friday through Tuesday nights at oceanfront gas grills to assist guests with advice and complimentary herbs, spice rubs, and other necessities or to cook your food for you.

This charming beachfront hotel is full of aloha—locals say it's one of the few resorts on the Island where you can get a true Hawaiian experience as the entire staff takes part in the hotel's Pookela program, which teaches guests about the history, traditions, and values of Hawaiian culture. A recent remodel offers some premium upgraded rooms, alongside "traditional" rooms; all are decorated with Hawaiian motifs, and the expansive grounds offer plenty of spots to lounge in the sun or shade, with the sand just steps away. Newly opened Huihui is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is already making waves in the Maui dining scene.

You really can't get any closer to the beach than this seven-story rental property that offers panoramic ocean and mountain views, and fully equipped kitchens. Most units are studios, but there are deluxe one-bedroom suites on the first floor that open right onto a beachfront lawn, as well as penthouses on the top floors that have a dining area and an extra bathroom. All have large, private ceramic-tiled lanai. The units are individually owned and many of them have been refreshed with new furniture and upgraded kitchens. You can enter the shopping village next door through a private entrance for access to restaurants and shops, or take a short stroll to the action in the center of Lahaina town.

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.

This luxury resort caters to well-heeled travelers who want the comfort and privacy of a residential-style suite combined with resort service and amenities—elegantly furnished one- to four-bedroom units with gourmet kitchens, in-unit washers/dryers, and the largest lanai to be found. Other attractions include a cascading lagoon pool, a no-cell phone serenity pool, multiple restaurants, and a 30,000-square-foot spa. The resort also offers unique experiences served up inside of your own space, including “The Chef's Table in Your Residence” with chef Riko Bartolome either in the residence's kitchen, with small plates, wine pairings, an open bar, and live music, or outside with a heritage cooking lesson demonstrating Hawaiian traditions, featuring local fish, poke, prawns, pork, and tropical fruit. Also available en-suite is a private luau (with local food) and optional exercise equipment like Peloton bikes, Hypervolt massage tools, weights, and yoga accoutrements delivered to the room.

Spread across 10 beautiful acres along one of the best beaches on Maui, the family-friendly Napili Kai with its "old Hawaii" feel draws a loyal following to its island-style rooms that open onto private lanai. Studios and suites have kitchenettes, but for the most bang for your buck, splurge on the condo units at the western edge of the property, which have fully equipped stainless-steel kitchens and a wide lanai with views of Lanai and Molokai. Be sure to dine at the Sea House Restaurant with indoor-outdoor seating and a spectacular ocean view.

High-end travelers tired of sharing their slice of vacation paradise with the noisy hordes will find privacy and luxury at this 10-unit, beachfront enclave located in a residential neighborhood; guests have access to the banana and citrus trees in the garden. The two- and three-bedroom units range from 1,700–2,100 square feet, with a full bath for each bedroom, contemporary furnishings and local artwork, soaking tubs in the master baths, washer and dryer, gourmet kitchen, daily housekeeping, grocery delivery, wall-to-wall sliding glass doors, and private lanai that take full advantage of spectacular views of Lanai island and wintering humpback whales. Common areas include a small heated pool, barbecue grills, sauna, and mini-gym.

Built in 1962, this grand property on the uncrowded, sandy shore in North Kaanapali has hosted millionaires and Hollywood stars, and today it pleases families and budget seekers as well as luxury travelers with a variety of lodging styles. The decor plays off an ocean-sports theme that complements the understated furnishings, which include plush beds with Egyptian cotton linens, Hawaiian quilts, tropical wood paneling, vintage artwork, and a saltwater aquarium in the breezy lobby. The one- and two-bedroom cottage units, with modern kitchen appliances and fixtures are ideal for families and guests seeking a more private, homelike experience.

Meandering gardens, spacious rooms, and an on-site restaurant distinguish this large condominium complex—units on the upper floors benefit from the height, with unrivaled ocean views stretching away from private lanais. Kids can enjoy their own swimming pool area near a putting green and ponds filled with giant koi.

Set among dense gardens on Kaanapali's best stretch of beach, the Sheraton offers a quieter, more low-key atmosphere than its neighboring resorts, and sits next to and on top of Puu Kekaa, the site of a nightly torch-lighting and cliff-diving ritual. All rooms have plenty of amenities, including 50-inch flat-screen TVs, and the massive swimming pool resembles a natural lagoon, with rock waterways and wooden bridges; the Spa at Black Rock offers oceanfront services. Dining options range from casual poolside drinks and light fare to upscale Japanese and farm-to-table cuisine, along with a newly renovated lobby lounge bar with incredible property and ocean views. The newly added resort within a resort, the Moana Oceanfront Wing sits atop Puu Kekaa and offers a more exclusive, adults-preferred resort experience.

Set among the 22,000 sprawling acres of the Kapalua Resort, these posh condominiums are named for their locations: the Golf Villas line the fairways of Kapalua's Bay Golf Course; the Ridge Villas are perched along a cliff overlooking the ocean; the Bay Villas are at the water's edge; and the Gold Villas are ultra-luxe. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom units are all fully furnished with kitchens and washers and dryers. The $39 daily resort fee for all units includes Wi-Fi, self-parking, preferred tee times, and free shuttle to shopping, dining, and activities within the resort.

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.

Ten minutes from the beach, this adults-only, tropical plantation-era inn with stained-glass windows and historic photographs of Lahaina is a fine value for those who want easy access to shops, sights, and restaurants. Poster beds topped with Hawaiian quilts, free parking in bustling Lahaina, and complimentary gourmet breakfasts from Gerard's, the inn's on-site French restaurant, are just some of the perks of staying here; splurge for the suites, especially those with secluded lanai hugging a central courtyard housing the pool. The Panaewa Suite features a full kitchen and walk-in shower.

This notable hillside property features luxurious service and upscale accommodations along with an enhanced Hawaiian sense of place. Guest rooms and one- and two-bedroom condominium suites incorporate the rich colors of the ocean, mountains, and rain forests that surround the resort. The multilevel pool and hot tubs are open 24 hours, and children have their own pool area. The Environmental Education Center features Jean-Michel Cousteau's "Ambassadors of the Environment" program, and a full-time cultural advisor instructs employees and guests in Hawaiian traditions.

This 12-acre beachfront paradise offers a setting that is both beautiful and calming. The green living wall and cascading waterfall in the lobby of this hotel gives way to an aquatic playground with five swimming pools, abundant waterfalls, lagoons, and a premier location right on famed Kaanapali Beach. Book a room in the recently refreshed Hokupaa resort within a resort to enjoy deluxe rooms and exclusive access to The Lanai with cultural lessons, private dining, plus other perks. The resort's Wailele Polynesian Luau features an "extreme" fire-knife dance finale.

It's rare to find a resort that so thoroughly incorporates authentic Hawaiian cultural symbols and traditions into its design, but this deluxe beachfront property in North Kaanapali carries this commitment into its native landscaping and the Puuhonua O Nanea cultural center that hosts artifacts, displays, activities, and talks. More home than hotel, the one- to three-bedroom "villas" have full kitchens, washer/dryers, and master bathroom perks such as free-standing soaking tubs and double-sink vanities.