As stars begin to poke through the sky, you walk past rows of tiki torches before reaching in your pocket, grabbing a key and waltzing right into your room.

That’s the dreamy, evening reality at beachfront hotels on Maui, where your room is just steps from golden sands and fiery sunsets each night. There’s an air of luxury, convenience and comfort to staying right on the beach, although with so many Maui beachfront hotels, trying to choose the best option can sometimes seem overwhelming.

Kaanapali and Wailea are Hot Spots for Maui Beachfront Hotels

If you’re researching Maui’s best beachfront hotels, the resort scene is centered on two main spots: Kā‘anapali and Wailea. About 45 minutes apart by car, these visitor enclaves are not only home to lavish, oceanfront resorts but are steps from golden stretches of sand that have made Maui world famous.

Wailea Resort is Home to Luxury Beachfront Hotels

Wailea Resort, in South Maui, boasts four different popular, white sand beaches that are connected by a coastal path. The furthest south is Polo Beach, home to The Fairmont Kea Lani, which twists toward the sky with swirling white spires pulled straight from an Arabian fairytale. Every room at the Kea Lani is actually a miniature suite, providing a spacious sense of comfort along with the oceanfront setting. Next up is The Four Seasons Wailea and famous Wailea Beach, which was named the #1 beach in America in 1999. Also fronting Wailea Beach is the Grand Wailea Resort, where you can swim in Maui’s best swimming pool and relax in Hawaiʻi’s largest spa.

The next beach north — Ulua Beach — is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving and is home to the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott and the exclusive Wailea Beach Villas. The Andaz Maui, on Mokapu Beach, has a three-tiered infinity pool with popular bars and a sweeping view of the sunset and is where the luxurious Wailea Resort officially comes to an end.

Kihei Boasts Beautiful Beaches and Beachfront Condos

If you drive north from Wailea resort up into neighboring Kīhei, the development changes from high-end resorts to rows of beachfront condos. The Mana Kai Maui, along Keawakapu Beach, is only a ten-minute walk away from the start of the Wailea beach path, and Hale Pau Hana is conveniently located between Kam I and Kam II beaches. While condos don’t have the same sense of glamor as the glitzy Wailea resorts, they’re also within walking distance of restaurants and shops that are a fraction of the cost of Wailea.

There are also beachfront condos in North Kīhei, though the beaches here aren’t as nice for snorkeling and the afternoons can be windy. That said, the morning hours are usually spectacular, and some condos — like The Maui Sunset — are set on beachfront Waipuʻilani Park where tennis courts and a large grassy lawn face out toward the sunset each night. Menehune Shores is an oceanfront condo that’s steps from Kalepolepopo Beach Park and features an ancient Hawaiian fishpond that’s perfect for families with young children. To stay at a Maui beachfront hotel on the island’s longest beach, there are numerous options along Sugar Beach, which at five miles long isn’t great for snorkeling (and afternoons can be windy) but is perfect for taking morning strolls and watching the sunset each night. Options include Kohea Kai Resort Maui at the southern end of the strip, to Sugar Beach Resort in the middle of the beach and Ma‘alaea up north.

There are Only Three Beachfront Options in Lahaina

If you’d prefer to be closer to Kā‘anapali and Lahaina’s shopping and dining, many of Maui’s best beachfront hotels are located in West Maui.

Despite Lahaina’s popularity, the only real options for beachfront hotels are Lahaina Shores at the southern end of town, the Puamana vacation rentals and the Pu‘unoa Beach Estates on small but popular “Baby Beach.” All are within walking distance of bustling Front Street and are set on relaxing beaches, but none offer any resort-like amenities or snorkeling right from shore.

Beachfront Hotels Range From Modern to Authentic on Kaanapali Beach

For that you’ll need to head ten minutes north to famous Kā‘anapali Beach, which was named the #1 beach in America in 2003. Whether it’s snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, whale watching, surfing or beach volleyball, you can find it happening along Kā‘anapali Beach, in addition to restaurants and shops.

On the southern end of the beach is the Hyatt, which is popular with families and groups. On the northern end, the Sheraton Maui fronts Pu‘u Keka‘a — also known as “Black Rock” — which is the site of some of Maui’s best snorkeling. Other resorts on Kā‘anapali Beach are the spacious condos at Kā‘anapali Ali‘i, the Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, as well as The Westin Maui, The Whaler and Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel. Whereas the Hyatt and Westin have multiple waterslides and modern, poolside bars, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel is a bit more authentic (and lower-priced), where the focus is on fusing a laidback vacation with traditional Hawaiian culture.

Kahekili Beach is the Site of a Few Hidden Gems

Though most of the action in Kā‘anapali is centered around Kā‘anapali Beach, a growing number of resorts now line the next beach further north. Known as Kahekili Beach (or “Airport Beach” to locals), here’s where you’ll find the Royal Lahaina with its nightly oceanfront lūʻau, and the Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Villas as well as Honua Kai Resort.

Napili Bay is an Enclave of Beachfront Condos and Resorts

Up on the island’s northwestern tip, Napili Bay is another enclave of oceanfront condos and resorts, with the Napili Kai Beach Resort being one of the best options for visiting families and groups. The snorkeling at Napili Bay can be excellent, and neighboring Kapalua Bay was named the #1 beach in America 1991. In winter the surf can get very large, so the best snorkeling and swimming here are from late spring through summer.

Luxury Defines Kapalua’s Beachfront Resort

Finally, some of the best beachfront hotels in Maui are in Kapalua Resort — a pine-lined sanctuary of golf courses and sand on the island’s northwestern coast. The Montage Kapalua Bay is an ultra-luxurious oceanfront resort with one of the island’s best spas, while The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is a five-minute walk from D.T. Fleming Beach, which was named the #1 beach in America in 2006.

How to Decide Where to Stay on Maui

With so many different options out there, how do you choose which beachfront resort is best for your trip to Maui?

Budget, of course, is usually a factor, and the best deals are usually at condos in Kīhei, Honokowai and Napili. Proximity to activities is also important, and if you want to be able to paddleboard or snorkel by just walking out of your room, resorts in Wailea and Kā‘anapali are often priced higher but carry the convenience of activities right out your front door. For a happy medium between the two, consider condos on Napili Bay and condos in Kīhei between Keawakapu Beach and Kamaole I.

A Note About the Maui Beach Hotel

As a word of caution, there’s a hotel on Maui called the Maui Beach Hotel that’s technically right on the beach — but it’s located inside of Kahului Harbor in an industrial setting that doesn’t offer any snorkeling, activities, or swimming. It is, however, just five minutes away from Kahului Airport, and is an affordable Maui beachfront hotel for travelers who don’t need any amenities and are visiting the island on a budget.

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Great news for visitors vacationing in the Valley Isle, making magical memories in Maui doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. As well as boasting beautiful, stunning scenery, this Hawaii enclave also offers accommodations that won’t leave you with sticker shock. Listed below are our top picks for Maui best value hotels, each with 3-5 star ratings, and offering affordable rooms, with amenities included, at less than $200/night.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Often called “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel,” Kaanapali Beach Hotel boasts no resort fees, but comes with countless amenities and local cultural activities to boot. Whether staying in a suite with an ocean, garden, or pool view, the picture perfect paradise of Hawaii awaits right outside your window. Located on the island’s pristine Kaanapali Beach, guests here may enjoy daily hula shows, as well as dinner theatre performances and even lei making! Relax and unwind, and learn a bit about the beautiful Hawaiian history while you are at it!

Royal Lahaina Resort

Located on the most exclusive part of Kaanapali Beach, Royal Lahaina Resort promises no resort fees, free wifi, and best price guarantee when booking directly through their website. Choose from a beachside cottage, tower room with an outstanding view or various well appointed suites. Royal Lahaina Resort regularly offers hot deals and specials to make your stay on Maui that much sweeter.

Maui Seaside Hotel

Maui Seaside Hotel has somehow found the perfect balance between offering its guests both the best in play and relaxation. Lovely oceanfront Kahului accommodations await, alongside the resort’s close proximity to Hookipa Beach, Iao State Park, golf at Maui Lani, and other exciting island activities. And the hotel’s no resort fee policy just serves to sweeten the deal.

Aston Maui Kaanapali

Perched upon 11 acres on pristine grounds, Aston Maui Kaanapali offers its guests accommodations on the most coveted stretch of Kaanapali Beach. Enjoy suites with fully equipped kitchens for your convenience, offering all the comforts of home but with a decidedly resort beauty.

Aston Kaanapali Shores

Also located in Kaanapali, Aston Kaanapali Shores is a beacon of beauty, perched upon six acres of idyllic coastline along Kaanapali Beach. While staying among its 463 guest rooms, visitors may play tennis onsite, enjoy the resort’s restaurants, and explore local charm in nearby Lahaina, while avid golfers will adore nearby Kaanapali Golf Course.

Aston at the Maui Banyan

Aston at the Maui Banyan, located right across the road from Kamaole Beach Park, features a pair of outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a tennis court. Its rooms, tropically decorated, each boast a private balcony, cable TV, and standard amenities.

Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport

Conveniently located right off the runway, Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport is located a mere 4 miles from Kahalui Airport, and features everything you would need to enjoy your next business trip or vacation. Guests staying here can avail themselves of the hotel’s outdoor pool, spacious rooms, complimentary wifi, and more.

Maui Coast Hotel

Maui Coast Hotel makes your island getaway memorable and affordable, offering accommodations in Kihei that are both comfortable and cost-efficient. Stroll across the street to Kamaole Beach, or walk just minutes away to enjoy numerous shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Castle Kamaole Sands

Keep the savings coming at Castle Kamaole Sands, one of the island’s most frequented facilities, where families, couples and individuals alike all can find a perfect fit for their next stay in paradise. Guests here may choose among one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, each overlooking Kamaole Beach Park and featuring a fully-equipped kitchen, private lanai, high-speed Internet, and color cable TV. The hotel also has a wading pool, tennis courts, and more.

Maui Beach Hotel

Saving money just got even more magical with a stay at Maui Beach Hotel, centrally located in Kahului and a mere minutes from the airport. Relax in any of its 147 tropical-styled rooms, each with free high-speed Internet access, cable TV, air conditioning, mini-refrigerator, iron, bathroom amenities and a safe. The hotel also features an onsite fitness center.

Kaanapali Beach Club Resort

Cruise on over to Kaanapali Beach Club Resort and relax in stye without spending too much. Free parking is just one perk to be found among the resort’s 413 suites. Also able to be enjoyed are an onsite restaurant and pool bar, outdoor pool, fitness center, and more.

Seen here, a vacation to Maui can be magical AND affordable. E Komo Mai, and enjoy your stay!

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Maui, known for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches and sparkling waters, is often referred to as the Valley Isle. Verdant and exotic, this Hawaii island offers an abundance of oceanfront tropical resorts that are the epitome of high luxury. Listed below are the most exclusive Maui hotels for your next escape, each ranked at 3-5 stars, and offering an elite collection based on the sought after criteria of desirous location, luxury amenities, and endless sophistication and style.

Montage Kapalua Bay

Make your vacation magical with a visit to Montage Kapalua Bay. Modern amenities await among the property’s 50 accommodations, ranging from one to four bedrooms, each with spacious living areas, private lanais, garden and ocean views, full gourmet kitchens, and more. Montage Kapalua Bay is also Hawaii’s newest Forbes Five Star property!

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

Part of the trusted and exclusive hotel brand, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua encompasses everything that one might desire in a tropical Hawaiian getaway. Literally meaning “arms embracing the sea,” Kapulua’s oceanfront locale surrounds guests with soothing ocean views at every turn, as well as impeccable amenities including stunning guest suites, two championship 18-hole golf courses, and more.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Forego the ordinary and opt for the extraordinary at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Bury your toes in the white sands of Wailea Beach before wading into the crystal waters right off this 380 guest rooms and suite oceanfront property.

The Fairmont Kea Lani

The Fairmont Kea Lani, located on Maui’s southern shores at Wailea, is Hawaii’s only all-suite and villa luxury oceanfront resort. Perched upon the pristine sands of Polo Beach, its spectacular grounds span 22 acres, and include onsite Willow Stream Spa, three swimming pools, fitness center, casual, family and fine dining options, and that’s just for starters.

The Westin Kaanapali

You and your loved ones can also create memories that will last a lifetime at The Westin Kaanapali. Set upon 26 acres of Kaanapali’s North Beach, this resort features Maui’s most luxurious and exclusive oceanfront villas offering all the comforts of home with all of the glamour of a resort.

Andaz Maui

Maui visitors may also avail yourselves of the Andaz Maui at Wailea resort’s amenities, including 15 acres of oceanfront accommodations, fine dining, and the beautiful backdrop of Mokapu Beach.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa

Maui’s newest resort, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, also has its own unique charm. Located on Kaanapali North Beach, the 4-star resort offers guests several pools, a lazy river and an onsite spa to luxuriate within.

Grand Wailea

Glamorous Grand Wailea is always a go-to choice for those accustomed to the finer things in life. A proud member of the Waldorf Astoria Resort family, this hotel has it all, including spacious suites, secluded villas, award-winning dining, championship golf courses, nine pools and more.

Hotel Wailea

Hawaii’s version of Heaven on earth is achieved at Hotel Wailea. Super exclusive, the hotel offers only 72 suites on its stunning property perched at Wailea Beach.

Travaasa Hotel Hana

Travaasa Hotel Hana treats its guests to a tropical island escape that is anything but ordinary. Voted the number one resort in Hawaii, this high-end hideaway perched above Kaihalulu Bay invites you to enjoy the best Hawaii has to offer.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Last but not least, Maui’s Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, situated on Ka’anapali Beach,
more than earns the merit of being one of the best luxury resorts Maui has to offer. With stunning ocean views and four onsite gourmet restaurants, it’s a wonder anyone ever leaves!

See also:  Best Oahu Hotels, Best Kauai Hotels, and Best Big Island Hotels.

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