8 Best Hotels in West Maui, Maui

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.

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, one-, and two-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.

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 others 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. Amenities also include 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.

Set among the 22,000 sprawling acres of the Kapalua Resort, these posh condominiums are named for their locations or offerings—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.

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.

Two high-rise towers contain these individually owned, eco- and family-friendly units combining the conveniences of a condo with the amenities of a hotel, including 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, three-bedroom private residences with resort privileges and its own pool.

All studios and one- and two-bedroom units at this casual, oceanfront condominium complex face the ocean and, because they're spread out among 11 low-rise buildings on about 13 acres of land, there is built-in privacy and easy parking. Enjoy outdoor cooking on the grills installed at the property's two pools, surrounded by rolling lawns. Fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, as well as a store and shops nearby, make longer stays easy here.

Meandering gardens, spacious rooms, and an on-site restaurant distinguish this large condominium complex, where 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.