8 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.

This notable hillside property features luxurious service and an enhanced Hawaiian sense of place, as well as upscale guest rooms and one- and two-bedroom condominium suites that incorporate the rich colors of the surrounding ocean, mountains, and rainforest. 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.

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 it sits near 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; the massive swimming pool resembles a natural lagoon, with rock waterways and wooden bridges; and 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. The lobby lounge bar has incredible property and ocean views. The newer Moana Oceanfront Wing sits atop Puu Kekaa and offers a more exclusive, adults-preferred resort experience.

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 options. 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.

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.