The 18 best hotels in Maui, from luxury stays to family-friendly resorts

Maui is arguably the best known — and most beloved — island in America's tropical paradise. Of course, it was most recently in the news for a tragic reason: August 2023's historically devastating wildfires.

Still, Maui is home to soft, picture-perfect Hawaiian beaches, absurdly clear waters populated with kaleidoscopic marine life, remarkable windsurfing and otherworldly waterfall hikes. Adding to the destination's magnificence are its opportunities for whale watching; the best time to visit Hawaii is during whale season, from November to May.

From many of Maui's resorts, it's hard to miss the thousands of humpback whales (called kohola in the Hawaiian language) breaching and spouting offshore. Head out to sea in a boat, and you might even see them nursing their new calves. Maui's sunsets and sunrises are also beyond epic and best savored oceanside with a tropical cocktail in hand.

Understanding Maui's geography

The variety of resorts on Maui — including some excellent points options — make it a special place for every occasion. South Maui, an area encompassing Wailea, Makena and more than a dozen golf courses, is one of the most popular parts of the island for vacationers, while East Maui, with its famous Hana Highway, attracts adventuresome types who crave off-the-beaten path exploits in nature — think waterfalls, rainforests, black-sand beaches and more.

Central Maui is home to the main airport, Kahului Airport, as well as Iao Valley State Park for quiet, blissful hiking. Luxury resorts, residences and developments are particularly prolific in West Maui, which covers the northwest portion of the island, including Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua.

What to know about the wildfires

One of America's deadliest wildfires in history swept through Maui, with a concentration in West Maui and partly in the Upcountry, in August 2023, thanks partly to hurricane-force winds that kept the flames blazing. The ancient town of Lahaina — the original capital in the early 19th century of the Kingdom of Hawaii — was the worst hit of all.

In the aftermath of this unprecedented natural disaster and emergency that destroyed countless businesses and homes, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green asked that all nonessential travel to West Maui be halted until mid-October.

Some resorts in the Lahaina area shuttered to guests (and offered flexible bookings and cancellations) while opening their rooms to displaced locals and first responders, and many have been active in relief and rescue efforts in a plethora of ways, especially via donations to nongovernmental organizations, including the Maui Strong Fund. Meanwhile, many, including the governor, pleaded with tourists to still travel to unaffected parts of Maui in order to keep the vital tourism sector alive and support residents.

Related: What to do if you have a trip planned for Hawaii

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From Oct. 8 onward, traveling to all parts of Maui, including West Maui, has been deemed by the governor completely safe and is wholeheartedly encouraged. Though the town of Lahaina itself continues to be closed to the public out of respect for its residents, the rest of the island is ready to once again show travelers its indomitable spirit and beloved natural beauty.

Ahead, find TPG's 18 favorite resorts on Maui for a memorable vacation in this special destination.

Not every vacation has the power to be transformative, but escapes to this serene Kapalua Bay resort most definitely can be. The vibe is all about slowing down to appreciate the pace dictated by the sun and moon — but amid the most incredible luxury one could imagine.

The spa is the ultimate place to unwind with a treatment that incorporates herbs grown on the property or that harnesses CBD for extra healing. Adventurous types find this West Maui location perfect for trying surfing, parasailing and fishing. Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program, which comprises coastal hikes and tide pool exploration as well as naturalist-guided snorkeling trips, connects younger guests with this singular landscape.

Four hundred and sixty-six recently refreshed guest rooms and suites in a soothing tropical palette are appointed with local artworks, deep soaking tubs and new Ritz-Carlton signature mattresses. Wintertime guests might even spot a whale from their lanai.

Fitting for a luxurious resort, there's a fun array of dining experiences, in addition to a recently added Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge serving Maui's best bites and sips. The sustainable organic garden fuels the resort's kitchens and roots all meals in the tropical location. The Banyan Tree restaurant is a can't-miss for how its dishes celebrate unique ingredients grown on the islands.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua currently start at $892 or 82,000 points per night.

So many resorts struggle to respectfully toe the line between old Hawaii and the islands of today. That's not a problem for Andaz Maui, a LEED Silver resort that pays tribute to the island's history while offering 320 gorgeous, contemporary guest rooms, suites and two- to four-bedroom villas that are a holiday dream come true for larger groups.

Sitting alongside Mokapu Beach, with direct access to its sugary sands and crystalline water, this resort provides all the necessary conveniences, plus shopping and golf. Other pursuits include ukulele lessons, outrigger canoeing and Artist in Residence workshops.

With a 14,000-square-foot spa that offers apothecary and bespoke treatments, it's hard to imagine a stay that doesn't include at least one stress-melting session or, at the very least, a stint spent at the complex's quiet adults-only pool.

Otherwise, six food and beverage options keep guests both fed and entertained (the hotel boasts a super-luxe luau dubbed The Feast at Mokapu). The offerings go from casual — acai from the 24-hour market — to put-on-your-favorite-outfit at the exclusive Chef's Table, with everything in between. Even diners who are not zealous sushi fanatics should make an advance booking at Morimoto Maui, where chef Masaharu Morimoto's magic touch will make return guests of them.

Rates at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort currently start at $984 or 61,000 points per night.

If you want to hear "no," go somewhere else for vacation because it's hardly ever uttered at this beachfront resort. The first season of the satirically bleak "The White Lotus" was filmed here, but the experience for real-life guests couldn't be more different — save for the flawless natural environment.

Above and beyond is the style of service at this brand-true Four Seasons outpost where the staff includes Hawaiian Aunty Wendy Tuivaioge, who provides guests with authentic peeks into local culture, including the art of hula.

Guests can engage with their surroundings in countless ways: on a helicopter tour, private yacht, outrigger canoe or kayak, or even on a guided diving experience. For downtime, the oceanfront sanctuaries — essentially upgraded cabanas — are worth the splurge, as is a massage in an open-air thatched-roof treatment hut beside the waves.

Not that the private terraces or lanais on the roomy accommodations are shabby at all, but the place to be as the sun sets and the whales get active is Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante, for lobster with burrata and catch-of-the-day atop mushroom cacciatore (note that it's temporarily closed for renovation until Dec. 15). Wolfgang Puck's Spago and Duo are additional options for dining the way it should be done in Hawaii: outside. Actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul have collaborated on a pop-up restaurant, Dos Hombres Cocina, until Dec. 2.

Rates at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea currently start at $990 per night.

One of the best things about a resort is the chance to spend a few nights in digs much more deluxe than your own. Montage does that oh so well in its immaculate oceanfront suites that go from one bedroom up to four. It's guaranteed to be a major upgrade from home, considering the spacious private lanais, big living rooms, gourmet kitchens (including a dishwasher) and deep soaking tubs.

Though it's luxurious in a spare-no-expense sense, the vibe across the 24-acre resort is utterly relaxed. The spa is a true highlight, and while treatments don't come cheap, it's safe to say you'll leave totally blissed out after a Maui Maluhia dry brushing, algae body mask, exfoliation and customized massage.

Enjoy the cooling Kona breeze wafting sweet scents of plumeria across the interconnected pools, hot tubs and loungers, where food and cocktails are served from Hana Hou Bar, or go to the beach club where the ocean and yet another pool glisten. Paintbox children's programs engage little guests and free up adults for either outdoor activities with Adventure IO or true downtime.

By night, come together over locally sourced meals at Cane & Canoe or the more casual The Hideaway, or have a private chef or even luau at your very own residence.

Rates at Montage Kapalua Bay currently start at $1,025 per night.

On an island that wows without lifting a finger, this resort takes it to the next level with the help of one of the most attentive, personable and genuine teams around.

Whether it's a romantic trip, a friends getaway or a multigenerational togetherness extravaganza, it's almost guaranteed to be a dream at this standout 22-acre Marriott property with residential-style accommodations.

For anyone traveling with small children, a new parents package includes a crib, Artipoppe carrier, Coterie diapers and much more. Those with kids ages 5 and up can relax easily in the spa, knowing they're taken care of at the Keiki Club.

The five pools are a true highlight, with the state's longest waterslide, a family pool where a DJ spins upbeat tunes and an adults-only infinity pool where the floating cabanas are a hot ticket. Of course, two beaches provide ocean lovers with plenty of space to play, and a long path along the coast is the place for walks with a side of whales.

The something-for-everyone theme extends to dining, too. There's a poolside food truck slinging Hawaii faves like shaved ice and poke bowls and also Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi, which riffs off the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Five nights a week, the luau show gets attendees dancing along after a craft cocktail or two.

Rates at Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui currently start at $731 or 77,500 points per night.

Return guests of this Waldorf Astoria Resort will find something a little different, a little fresher, when they next check in. As of February 2023, the entire property — essentially a big alfresco museum with more than 900 pieces on display — has been reimagined to inject a sense of natural beauty into contemporary and luxurious updates.

The 776 rooms and suites plus truly massive luxury villas are sophisticated above all but also deeply comfortable and spacious, both indoors and out. The finale of the renovation is the softly scented new Mohalu Healing Garden & Beauty Lab, where one could easily spend a half-day getting healed the Hawaiian way.

This lush landscape of 40 acres has ample space for every type of guest to roam and explore. Couples can find secluded hideaways to snuggle or stare into each other's eyes under the stars, while families can get wild on rope swings at the jungle-y river pool.

The award-winning restaurant named after Hawaii's state fish, Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, is a coveted source of seafood caught daily and served against prime panoramas combining lagoon and endless sky. The common thread among the other diverse — and delicious —options is that they are all open-air.

Rates at Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort currently start at $832 or 110,000 points per night.

As much as Maui can be about romance, it's truly an epic place for families. This Lahaina resort, spread across 23 acres and built around iconic Puu Kekaa (Black Rock), is a top pick for all-ages fun.

The dreamy location is as big a selling point as the diversity of accommodations with beautiful bathrooms and, for the most part, lovely views. In the winter calving season, it's essential to book an oceanfront room or suite from where it's very common to see whales frolicking.

Guests themselves have lots of space to play. The resort has a nightly cliff diving (lele kawa) ritual and impeccable snorkeling at Black Rock, stand-up paddleboarding, tennis courts and a large lagoon pool with a waterslide and lazy river.

The extravagant breakfast buffet is the best way to start each day, and a handful of other dining outlets ensure even the pickiest guests are well fed. A thrice-weekly luau is the best place to try Hawaiian cuisine, but even the Japanese teppanyaki restaurant showcases local ingredients.

Rates at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa currently start at $645 or 58,000 points per night.

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is temporarily closed until Oct. 29.

If white-sand beaches are your kind of paradise, this all-suite-and-villa resort on Polo Beach should be your happy place. Add to that newly transformed — and super-spacious — accommodations, including villas from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet plus private plunge pools, and it's an easy sell, especially for multigenerational trips.

The Fairmont is easily one of the most sumptuous stays on Maui, and the prices reflect that. Still, it exceeds expectations across the board, from the trio of perfectly maintained swimming pools to the responsive, tailored guest service and the quality of cuisine.

There are four proper restaurants, including Ko (meaning sugar cane), which offers modern interpretations of passed-down family recipes, and AMA Bar & Grill; kids age 5 and under eat free as part of the Keiki Dining Program. It's safe to expect children to enjoy all the amenities on the property, but there are opportunities to avoid them, namely with a private romantic Hoku Lani dinner surrounded by tiki torches.

Willow Stream Spa is another serene zone, with therapies that combine Hawaiian traditions such as a ti-leaf energy clearing and lomi lomi massage with state-of-the-art healing modalities like infrared light therapy. The resort also encourages its guests to participate in voluntourism and culturally immersive programming, including lessons that range from hula to ukulele, in a forthcoming cultural center.

Rates at Fairmont Kea Lani currently start at $1,009 per night.

When an adults-only pool is simply not enough, there's Hotel Wailea, a divine resort set on 15 acres that is adults-only from top to bottom. Quietly gorgeous and couple-y, the uber-romantic property of 72 beach-chic suites boasts idyllic panoramas thanks to its lush hillside perch studded with waterfalls.

The experience is essentially one big sunset walk, with Zen-inspired grounds laced with paths and easy access to the perfect beach 300 feet below in Maui's exclusive Wailea community. There, a beach valet service offers complimentary chairs, towels, umbrellas and water, plus rentable water sports equipment.

The concierge is always on hand to book more involved ocean activities — such as sunset cruises, outrigger canoeing and surf lessons — as well as excursions like cruising in a replica 1957 Porsche Speedster. There's even aerial yoga. Couples can come down from the thrills with a soothing, traditional lomi lomi massage.

As a Relais & Chateaux property, the culinary offerings take pride of place. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is a seductive spot to dine after a sunset cocktail. Prix fixe menus are prepared to highlight seasonal ingredients from the island as well as the resort's own orchard.

Rates at Hotel Wailea Maui currently start at $999 per night.

From 1946 to today, this remote resort in the small North Maui town of Hana has undergone plenty of changes, the most recent of which was becoming one of Hyatt's Destination Hotels in 2020. Also, considering its prized location along the island's legendary 64-mile Road to Hana, it is indeed a true destination unto itself.

This 66-acre property is a place for disconnecting, though there is Wi-Fi. Still, across its 74 rooms, bungalows and cottages, which radiate old Hawaii flair, there are zero TVs, clocks or even air conditioning. Each accommodation's private lanai seems to be equipped with nature's climate control: a sweet sea breeze that complements the vivid sunrises.

When it comes to fueling up for the adventures ahead — or even just a day of yoga, pina coladas and sunbathing by one of two pools — there is Hana Ranch. The just-refreshed restaurant has special connections with the area's farmers and showcases their finest produce at lunch and dinner daily. Hana Dry Goods is the perfect place to stock up before a hike or day on the beach.

Don't forget a trip or two to the spa, where there are nine treatment rooms plus a cold plunge and jetted tub with Instagrammable views. A pohaku wela massage with heated lava rocks is just one of the treats on the menu that features Maui botanicals.

Rates at Hana-Maui Resort currently start at $512 or 30,000 points per night.

When you can't decide between a beach house rental and a resort, do both. This 390-key vacation ownership property right off the beach is truly the best of both worlds, offering luxurious service and amenities — including those signature dreamy Westin beds — plus all the spaciousness of a flawlessly equipped villa. There is a restaurant, a pool bar and even a market with pastries and groceries. Better yet, there are no resort fees.

The location is utter perfection whether you're traveling with just adults or have younger members of the family in tow since there is so much to do in the vicinity. Nearby, you'll find thundering waterfalls, hiking trails that meander through verdant rainforests, technicolor coral reefs, impressive volcano craters, plus museums for a culture fix or those indoor days nursing a sunburn.

On the property, there's plenty to do, too, such as ukulele lessons, fitness classes and a zero-entry beach pool with a splash pad and waterslide for the kiddos. Guest ages 5 to 12 are eligible to hang, create and play at the Westin Family Kids Club, while adults can use that time to visit Puuhonua O Nana Cultural Center or just relax in their oceanfront cabana.

Rates at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Kaanapali currently start at $562 per night.

Maui on your own terms is what this resort is selling, and many guests are buying it over and over again. That's thanks in part to its friendly, welcoming staff and pristine positioning on Kaanapali North Beach but also due to the 628 deluxe condo accommodations outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures.

It's easy to get groceries delivered from Foodland Farms Lahaina to prepare in the well-equipped kitchen or, if you spring for one of the Luana Gardens Villas, your balcony barbecue grill. However, Duke's Beach House, which offers three island-y meals a day — including sustainably sourced seafood —backdropped by live music and turquoise vistas, is a no-brainer option, too.

Although the ocean couldn't be closer, the aquatic park is irresistible with its boulder-bordered pools, handful of hot tubs, caves and waterfalls. The very family-friendly property boasts a children's area and waterslide, too. In fact, kids 17 and under stay free.

Hawaii's premium Malie Organics is the skincare of choice at Hoola Spa, where soothing rituals involve indigenous ingredients and take inspiration from the earth and sea.

Rates at Outrigger Honua Kai Resort & Spa currently start at $402 per night.

Outrigger Honua Kai Resort & Spa is temporarily closed until Nov.1.

A $120 million dollar renovation completed in 2021 makes a compelling argument for checking into this 12-acre resort that feels spacious in that beautiful Hawaiian indoor-outdoor way, with 770 contemporary rooms and suites.

For guests of the new luxury tower Hokupaa, an exclusive lanai offers even more relaxation; also included are cultural experiences, games, cocktails, breakfast and an infinity-edge pool. Beyond that elevated escape, there are six outdoor pools — all accessible — including one dedicated to families and another less raucous one for adults.

Great emphasis is placed on authentic storytelling and immersion in Hawaiian traditions, from the nightly torch-lighting ceremony to teaching skills such as wayfinding, taro pounding and coconut weaving. The resort is within walking distance of Whalers Village, a championship golf course and also the launch point for snorkeling tours and sunset cruises.

Respect for Hawaii's multicultural past also comes through in the cuisine served at Waicoco, the open-air oceanfront restaurant, as well as the offerings at Hale Moolelo, where an innovative concept pairs seven craft cocktails with a Maui story and local bite. There is a luau dinner show on-site five nights a week as well, complete with fire and hula.

Rates at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali currently start at $706 or 67,000 points per night.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali is temporarily closed until Nov. 1.

If you love a big resort and the profusion of amenities that come with it, this award-winning resort is for you.

The Hyatt Regency sidles up to Kaanapali Beach and sits on 40 lush acres, as far as the eye can see. Freshly reimagined, it features 779 rooms and 31 suites with thoughtful touches such as glass balconies to better savor the sought-after views. Opt for a Club Access room to gain perks, including nearly constant refreshments, snacks and nibbles, and a personal concierge service to help arrange wildlife tours and rooftop stargazing.

There may be even more pool than there is ocean. The resort has six organically shaped pools flanked by lounge chairs and palm trees, plus a 150-foot lava tube waterslide. When it's sand you're craving, borrow complimentary backpack beach chairs from the Pool Desk to streamline the move. For a more elevated experience, there are oceanfront cabanas for rent where cocktails come in a fresh pineapple shell.

The bigger-is-better motto means Kamahao Spa always has a bed available for a body treatment, lomi lomi massage or pedicure while you gaze out at the island-studded seascape. Dining outlets are extra, too. There's a steakhouse, an Asian restaurant, an award-winning luau with an open bar and island-tinged American cuisine, including wood-fired pizza.

Rates at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa currently start at $667 or 30,000 points per night.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is temporarily closed until Oct. 29.

There's luxury and then there's Luxury with a capital L. This upscale resort falls in the latter category, enjoying frequent awards and No. 1 rankings, and at one time, the title of "the Beverly Hills of Maui."

A lei greeting starts the boutique-feeling experience of checking into a villa so exclusive it has its own private elevator. The smallest of the accommodations still sprawls over 2,500 square feet, with mesmerizing panoramas of islands and the Pacific Ocean, as well as two primary bedroom suites and two refrigerators, which the staff can stock ahead of time through the prearrival grocery shopping service.

A Viking barbecue accessorizes the lanai and can be used by guests or personal chefs hired to cook elaborate private meals — ditto the panini grills and waffle makers. It's one of those they-thought-of-everything situations. Spa treatments are done in-villa, too. Also, guests get dining and spa credits valid at the surrounding resorts.

Locationwise, it's hard to beat the 12-acre property's position alongside famous Wailea Beach, but it gets better. There's an adults-only infinity pool just beyond the sand's edge where cabanas are complimentary, and servers are at sunbathers' beck and call. The family pool is equally attractive, too, with partial ocean views plus a waterfall and Jacuzzi.

Rates at Wailea Beach Villas, a Destination by Hyatt Residence currently start at $1,266 per night or 70,000 points.

"Heavenly" is an apt way to describe this perfectly secluded resort on one of Maui's most virginal bays. Fans of going a tad off the beaten path will find a flora-filled paradise known as Napili Bay on the northwest shore of Maui.

There, the veteran staff has been genuinely caring for guests for decades and ensuring the comforts of home are close at hand. (Think coolers, games, reusable shopping bags and beach chairs to take the approximately one-minute walk to the sand). However, the four resort pools, plus an adults-only hot tub, are a luxury specific to this destination.

Studios and suites all have kitchenettes, and most claim ocean views, too, at a more approachable price point than many Maui resorts. The private lanais are an excellent place to spot humpback whales from November to May before enjoying pink sunsets or joining evening activities such as lei making and Napili Kai Foundation children's hula shows.

Enjoy breakfast, happy hour and multicourse dinners at Sea House, the property's award-winning eatery with a laid-back atmosphere that feels right for special occasions, too. Fusion dishes such as poke nachos and crispy crab-crusted monchong populate the mouthwatering menu. A snack bar next to the main pool is great for a quick bite before hitting the putting green.

Rates at Napili Kai Beach Resort currently start at $535 per night.

Old Hawaii meets new, stylistically speaking, at this 11-acre resort inside the idyllic Kaanapali development. Families are quite welcome, and there's a children's wading pool with fun features that ensure the littlest guests love every minute. The 3-mile Kaanapali Beach also caters to all ages.

In addition to two swimming pools and a hot tub, the condo-style property has barbecue grills, shuffleboard and both water aerobics and yoga classes for guests who enjoy staying active on their holidays. However, the paradisiacal beach — an epic place to snorkel or potentially swim with sea turtles — just might be all you need.

There's an on-site gym and Spa La Mer for energizing or calming Maui-inspired treatments. Castaway Cafe is the property's casual morning-to-evening alfresco venue for island-inspired meals featuring a nightly fresh fish selection. Trolley shuttle transfers to Kaanapali Resort are complimentary for additional dining and shopping excursions, while the staff can recommend waterfall and volcano hikes, too.

Rates at Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas currently start at $365 per night.

World of Hyatt loyalists and families converge at this condo-style resort open since the 1980s on beloved Kaanapali Beach, which stretches 3 miles. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali and the great blue Pacific are the property's nearest neighbors, and the sprawling condos embrace the views with wide windows and large private lanais.

Even with 177 contemporary one- and two-bedroom units, there is plenty of privacy to be had, and everything is designed for a self-sufficient holiday with dining rooms plus full modern kitchens, which can be stocked ahead of time by the resort. There are no dining outlets on-site, though Whalers Village has plenty, and the resort also has a grill master on hand Friday through Tuesday evenings for complimentary assistance at the barbecue grills.

A well-equipped gym and yoga studio are where yoga and group fitness classes take place, and there are also three clay tennis courts with rackets and balls available to borrow on a complimentary basis. A day spa, three turquoise pools (including one with a waterfall) and hot tubs round out the resort's amenities, while those looking to explore off-property can make use of the concierge service inside the convenience store.

Rates at Kaanapali Ali, a Destination by Hyatt Residence currently start at $506 per night or 25,000 points.