10 Lavish, Cool & Unique Places to Stay in Maui

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Ready for a magical Hawaiʻian vacation? The most unique places to stay in Maui embody the tropical island’s bohemian vibe while providing lavish accommodations and experiences for the discerning traveler. 

Having trouble deciding where to stay in Maui? Book your trip with Fora, and we'll hook you up with VIP hotel perks and upgrades, pro travel recommendations and more. Better yet, booking with a Fora costs the same as booking directly. 

The 10 most luxurious & unique places to stay in Maui

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Read on for 10 of our favorite unique places to stay in Maui, from the Andaz Maui to The Plantation Inn, plus answers to a few Maui-related FAQs.

1. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: an indulgent resort offering prime access to Mokapu Beach

With a suite of gorgeous pools, direct access to Mokapu Beach and a 14,000-square-foot spa, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is primed for relaxation. This five-star, family-friendly resort features spacious guest rooms as well as 30 private beachside villas. 

Every week, the resort hosts a luau experience, where travelers can enjoy a three-course dinner and cocktails to the tune of traditional Hawaiʻian rhythms. 

Connect with a Hawai'i travel planner (aka Fora Advisor) to learn more about the Andaz Maui, including all the awesome extras a Fora Advisor can score for you.

2. Montage Kapalua Bay: a unique Maui hotel offering luxe accommodations, plus a great mix of relaxation & adventure

One of the best places to stay in Hawai'i, let alone Maui, is the five-star Montage Kapalua Bay. This resort stands at the top of the Kapalua Peninsula, where it’s surrounded by breathtaking natural backdrops. 

Here, you can take your pick of two-, three- or four-bedroom private residences with either ocean or mountain views. And when you’re not relaxing amidst the lavish amenities, you can take part in the resort’s curated activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, lei-making and more.

3. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa: a unique and massive 4-Diamond resort with its own wildlife sanctuary

A private wildlife sanctuary makes the Hyatt Regency Resort one of the most unique places to stay in Maui, with penguins, parrots and flamingos all in abundance. The resort also features diverse dining options, cultural experiences and an award-winning spa with treatments inspired by local Hawaiʻian customs.

A Fora Advisor can offer more details about the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. And don’t forget, when you plan your Maui vacation with Fora, we can score you VIP hotel perks and more.

4. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui: a five-star resort on Maui’s prized Wailea coast

The Fairmont Kea Lani is a five-star resort on Maui’s picturesque Wailea coast, providing immediate access to Polo Beach. The Willow Stream Spa is a highlight, offering traditional Hawaiʻian healing and contemporary spa treatments.

Fairmont Kea Lani also offers exceptional fine-dining options, including Kō, which serves Asian-Hawaiʻian fusion cuisine, and Nick’s Fishmarket Maui, an award-winning steak and seafood restaurant.

5. The Ritz-Carlton Maui: an elite resort, and one of Maui’s most unique places to stay

Found on Kapalua Beach along the Honolua Bay — a prime spot for snorkeling or surfing, depending on the season — The Ritz-Carlton Maui is a world-class resort featuring elite accommodations and a range of cultural and outdoorsy experiences. Most notably, the resort features guided tours that let travelers experience the best of Honolua Bay.

If you’re eager for nightlife and urban exploration, there’s also a Ritz-Carlton resort on Oahu near Honolulu, Hawai’i’s largest city.

6. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: a five-star hotel focused on wellness and relaxation

Living up to its five-star reputation, you can expect nothing short of excellent service and accommodations at the Four Seasons Resort Maui. One particular facet of that “excellent service”: private multi-course meals served in your suite by a professional chef. And like the Fairmont Kea Lani, you’ll find this Four Seasons location on the beautiful Wailea coast. 

Not sold on Maui? There are Four Seasons resorts near Honolulu, one of the best areas to stay on Oahu (check out our local’s guide to Oahu) as well as on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast (discover where to stay on the Big Island). Your Fora Advisor can help you choose which location best fits your travel preferences (or even book all three on an island tour!).

Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea:

• When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
  
  

7. Hana-Maui Resort: a unique place to stay in Maui’s most remote corner

The Hana-Maui Resort feels like its own little world because of its fairly remote location. You’ll find this four-star hotel on the eastern end of the Hana Highway, not too far from Haleakala National Park, one of the most unique and best places to visit in Hawai'i, let alone Maui.

Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay at the Hana-Maui Resort, whose gorgeous surroundings, which include opportunities for hiking, surfing and more.

8. Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux: a romantic adults-only resort offering a range of tailored experiences

The Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux is one of the most unique places to stay in Maui for its intimate theme and excellent concierge services, which include a complimentary shuttle service via a Tesla Model X.

The adults-only, utterly romantic resort is one of the top couple’s destinations in Hawai’i. A range of personalized experiences is offered, including cruising in a vintage Porsche Speedster, sunset sailing and more activities to help you live your best island life. (Looking for more romantic getaways? Check out our guide to the most romantic hotels in New Orleans.)

9. Wailea Beach Resort: a unique, family-friendly place to stay in Maui with a variety of cultural experiences

The Wailea Beach Resort features a small waterpark, a large game complex and a regular luau show, with live performances and traditional cuisine amidst stunning scenery. The array of attractions lends this hotel a family-friendly vibe and makes it one of the best places to stay in Maui.

The resort is also quite large, with plenty of areas to sneak away to so parents can indulge in more relaxing activities.

10. The Plantation Inn: a unique place to stay in Maui for those eager for boutique-style accommodations

Formerly a sugar cane plantation, The Plantation Inn was originally built in the 19th century, and offers a historic connection that many luxe resorts on Maui can’t. This connection is also manifested in each room’s unique decor and vintage furnishings — but don’t worry, all of the amenities offered at The Plantation Inn are delightfully contemporary.

The resort is located in the heart of Lahaina near Kaanapali Beach, and is within walking distance of one of Maui’s only urban areas, complete with plenty of opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and sampling both local and international menus.

Coolest places to stay in Maui: travel guide FAQs

Image courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

What is Maui best known for? What’s one can’t-miss thing on Maui?

Maui is famous for its tropical beaches, wonderful climate and world-class resorts. While the island is mostly known as a luxe honeymoon destination, it’s also one of the best Hawaiʻian islands for families (demonstrating the island’s wide appeal).

The Road to Hana (aka the Hana Highway) is arguably one of Maui’s most famous landmarks. The route is unbelievably scenic, with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Maui’s beautiful mountainscapes on the other. Because of the island’s relatively small size, the Road to Hana is generally accessible no matter where you stay on the Island.

What’s the most beautiful part of Maui?

It’s hard to single out one area on Maui as the “most beautiful” — the island is breathtaking. However, most consider the western region, home to many of the most unique places to stay in Maui, to be the prettiest. Of course, the Hana area is also gorgeous.

How many days is enough to see Maui?

You can easily drive around the entire island within a day, but if you really want to see everything, you’ll need at least a week.

If you’re intent on doing so, connect with Fora and we can help you build your itinerary. Our advisors can also answer any questions you might have, such as how to travel between Hawaiʻian islands.

What side of Maui is the best to stay on? What part of Maui is the least touristy? 

Maui’s diversity is what makes it one of the best islands to visit in Hawai'i for the first time. The western coast is by far the most popular, but the eastern side, particularly around Hana, is considered to be the least “touristy.”

As for which side is the “best,” it really depends on your travel preferences. Check in with a Fora Advisor and they can help you decide which coast makes more sense for your vacation.

Plan your travel with Fora and stay at the most unique places in Maui (with extra perks)

Ready to enjoy one of Maui’s most unique places to stay? Connect with Fora.

We'll ensure your trip is an unforgettable experience, and book awesome accommodations on your behalf — scoring you VIP hotel and travel perks along the way — while also helping you with everything from private chauffeur services to recommendations on the best dining options and more. 

Not sure if Maui is the right place for your vacation? Maybe discovering the best area to stay on Kauai is more your speed. 

Or perhaps you’re curious about places that aren’t Hawai'i, like gorgeous alpine escapes to the best places to stay in Colorado or Utah? What about traveling abroad to the best places to visit in Costa Rica for first-timers? Or the most unique places to visit in Spain? 

No matter the place, Fora has your back.