Hotels in Maui (Hawaii, USA)

Hawaii’s Magical Valley Isle - It’s Maui

The second-largest of the islands in Hawaii, Maui is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Attracting more than 2.5 million visitors each year, tourists come to enjoy stunning scenery, 30 miles of beaches, world-class dining and activities, and, of course, the fabulous luau. Accommodation options on Maui range from friendly B&Bs to luxe hotels and resorts, so there really is a place that everyone can call home while soaking up the laid-back island vibe.

Natural Attractions

The natural beauty of Maui is a big part of the appeal to guests. For many, the greatest thrill is the island’s beautiful beaches. You can explore gorgeous stretches of sand such as Kaanapali Beach, famous for its water sports and the Black Rock jumping spot, hunt for seashells on Baldwin Beach Park, or escape the crowds on White Rock Beach. Step away from the sand to hike in the Haleakalā National Park, home to the 10,023-foot dormant Haleakalā Volcano and a great place to watch spectacular sunrises. If hiking up a volcano sounds a little strenuous, you can still enjoy Hawaii’s floral flavour by visiting the Maui Nui and Kula Botanical Gardens and the Japanese garden at Kepaniwai Park.

Wildlife Encounters

Humans are not the only species to take a fancy to Maui. The island’s waters are home to all manner of fascinating sea creatures. Head to the sheltered Kapalua Bay where the calm waters provide the perfect conditions for snorkelling or take a trip to Ho’okipa Beach Park where Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles can be seen basking on the sand at sunset. Whale watching will be another highlight of your time on Maui. Between January and March, North Pacific Humpback Whales can often be seen from the Papawai Scenic Lookout. If you’d like to get a better view, boat tours depart from numerous spots along the coastline. More adventurous guests may even like to head out in a kayak.

Sightseeing Opportunities

There’s something for everyone on Maui. If you like to explore new surroundings and see what makes it tick, you’ll love the sightseeing opportunities here. The Road to Hana is a great place to start; this winding highway offers stunning views of the eastern shore’s cascading waterfalls. From there, you might continue driving to the 4,000-acre Iao Valley State Park, home to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle, or perhaps check out one of Hawaii’s largest banyan trees in Lahaina’s Banyan Tree Park. Also in Lahaina, the Old Lahaina Luau is a must-visit. The admission price is on the high side but most visitors enjoy this traditional experience. Other sightseeing opportunities include the Bailey House Museum, an 1833 mission home, and the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, housed in a historic octagon-shaped building.

Shopping and Dining

Shopping on Maui takes many forms. Glamorous resort-style retail destinations such as Whalers Village in Kaanapali, Outlets of Maui in Lahaina, and the Shops at Wailea in the south perfectly complement the independent boutiques dotted over the island. Souvenir hunters can head to the Hana Fresh Farmers Market or the Maui Swap Meet, a long-standing Saturday morning flea market held in Kahului. When you need to recharge your batteries, the island offers a range of dining options to suit all appetites. Front Street in Lahaina is popular for the wide range of restaurants stretching right along the waterfront although you may be just as satisfied with the home-grown dining spots that populate small towns such as Paia and Wailuku.

Maui No Ka Oi

Maui No Ka Oi is a popular saying that translates to Maui is the best. And when you get to grips with just how much this island has to offer, it’s easy to see why it’s such a big hit. While the options for your bucket list are endless, a highlight for many is a trip to Makawao, an artistic community that is home to the Hawaiian cowboy, the Paniolo. You might also enjoy visiting the Pools of Oheo near Hana, learning to surf, or whiling away a couple of hours on one of the island’s 14 golf courses. If you fancy exploring further afield, Maui is a great base from which to visit Lana’i and Moloka’i. Ferry boats can whisk you to these sister islands and you can be back in your hotel that same day.