11 Best Hotels in West Maui, Maui

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, and spacious standard rooms are among the other draws. 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.

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—and here, the elegantly furnished one- to four-bedroom units include 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 program with a chef conducting—either in the residence's kitchen or outside—a heritage cooking lesson that demonstrates Hawaiian traditions. Also available are en-suite luau (with local food) and exercise equipment like Peloton bikes, Hypervolt massage tools, and weights delivered to the room.

Spread across 10 beautiful acres along one of Maui's best beaches, 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.

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.

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.

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.

This 12-acre beachfront paradise offers a setting that is both beautiful and calming, as evidenced by the green living wall and cascading waterfall in the lobby, which gives way to an aquatic playground with five swimming pools, as well as abundant waterfalls and lagoons. Book a room in the recently refreshed Hokupaa resort within a resort to enjoy deluxe rooms and lots of other perks.

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 its Puuhonua O Nanea cultural center, which offers displays of artifacts, as well as 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.