Thanks to its mountain ranges, varied climates, and diverse people, visiting Maui never gets old. We’ve assembled a handy guide to The Valley Isle’s various regions, broken down by region and town. Enjoy!
West Maui
Mostly sunny, classic golden sand beaches, lots of shopping and restaurants.
Kapalua
Remote luxury resorts (ahem Ritz-Carlton), pristine beaches and world-class golf courses. A good place to stay put.
Lahaina
Old whaling town, former capital of State of Hawaii. Tons of dining, shopping and art galleries. Great surfing, too.
Kaanapali
A master-planned family resort with classy hotels and a three-mile long beach.
East Maui
Remote, rugged beauty, solitude, camping, beaches with red and black sand, bamboo forests, jungles, waterfalls, hiking and roadside fruit stands.
Hana
The crown jewel of Maui’s remote east shore, accessible via a curvy yet breathtaking 52-mile drive. Very little signs of progress, which is jus the way it should be.
Kipahulu
Not really a town, but a remote region that’s part of the Haleakala National Park where you can enjoy rainforests, waterfalls, bamboo forests, black lava cliffs meeting the blue sea, and the famous
Pipiwai Trail.
Keanae
An ancient Hawaiian settlement that sits on a lovely peninsula with dramatic views of the Hana Highway and waves crashing into the rough lava rocks (hence no swimming). Good place to grab a smoothie.
Central Maui
Convenient location, lush green mountains, quaint, charming, small town vibes, small cafes and corner stores, center of island’s business community, scant accommodations.
Kahului
Maui’s industrial, commercial and transportation center, and location of the island’s largest airport. Also home to Maui’s two latest shopping malls.
Wailuku
Capital of Maui and the center of culture. Great restaurants, historic buildings and ample shopping. Wailuku is currently going through a revitalization.
Maalea
This harbor at the south edge of the valley is home to a world-class aquarium, a few restaurants and the boat launching point for many of Maui’s spectacular water activities.
South Maui
Dry and sunny climate (85°F year-round!), laid-back vibes, accommodations from vacation rentals to 5-star luxury, excellent shopping and restaurants.
Contact Sunny Maui Vacations for vacation rental condo availability in Kihei and Wailea.
Kihei
A bustling town with tons of affordable shopping, dining, activities and beaches / beach parks.
Makena and Wailea
Gorgeously-manicured resorts, upscale accommodations (and shopping / dining), golf courses.
North Shore / Upcountry
Cooler temps (in the higher elevations of Haleakala), botanical gardens, lush, tropical scenery, art and artists, no major resorts, more privacy.
Makawao
An old paniolo (cowboy) town mixed with a new wave of residents and charming coffee shops and cool nights.
Paia
Historic plantation village turned trendy art town. Full of lovely boutiques, surf shops and old mom-and-pop shops. Home to the world’s best windsurfing spot, Ho’okipa.
Kula
Nice and cool and remote, with stunning views and wide open space to grow things.
Photo credits: ryanhealy, 808armada, hqn, aaronjade, ironrodart, jjmmd2003, rambraster, mfmarlow, abnb77, gomaba, pierreleclerc, techsavvy, 26034413@N04, mojo2u, roncasual, 151185074@N08, 35658798042, , 25956017@N07, hbpeggy, 28490541@N06, doctorkb
We would be delighted to be part of your next Maui vacation. If we can assist you with planning your perfect Maui vacation, please contact our Sunny Maui Vacations’ team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or at 808-240-1311 Extension 21. Let us help you reserve your vacation rental condo in South Maui and assist you with island recommendations and activity planning through our in-house Concierge at 808-240-1311 Extension 71.
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
