The 12 Best Maui Beach Hotels (+ 5 beachfront condos)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Read about our affiliate policies here.

With swaying palms, warm waters, and miles of golden sand beaches, Maui is the ultimate destination for beach lovers. And if you’re planning a beach vacation to the islands, you’ll likely want to stay as close to the coast as possible.

If you’re looking to stay as close to the sparkling waters as possible, we have you covered with this list of the best Maui beach hotels. One thing to keep in mind is that beachfront hotels are pricy. Although many of them have excellent amenities and fun activities, you will still be paying for the location and water views.

If these hotels are out of your budget, you can always stay further inland. These are the best affordable family resorts in Hawaii. Or you can consider camping on Maui! You can wake up beachside for a fraction of the price.

Remember – all the beaches in Hawaii are public, so you don’t have to have a beachfront hotel to enjoy the pristine shores of the islands. Our Where to Stay Directory has our reviews of our favorite hotels and vacation rentals in Hawaii, both beachfront and not!

We have some quick links to help make your trip planning easier:
1. Decide exactly what area of Maui you want to stay on
2. Our itinerary lays out the best days to help you make the most of your trip
3. These are our favorite Road to Hana tours and Haleakala sunrise tours
4. Our full Maui Guide gives you nearly everything you need to know for your trip
5. We’ve saved thousands using this rental car booking site

Best Maui Hotels on the Beach FAQs

Do you need to stay at a beachfront hotel to use the beach?

Nope! While it is convenient to stay at a beachfront hotel (just walk out and your toes are in the sand), all beaches in Hawaii are public. So if you would prefer to save money and stay at a hotel not on the beach, you can still enjoy all of Maui’s great beaches. And we have you covered with a list of our favorite beaches here plus the best snorkel spots around the island.

Are there any all-inclusive beach hotels on Maui?

There are no true all-inclusive hotels in Hawaii. There are some hotels that will include breakfast, but you won’t find all-inclusive options like you will in Mexico or the Caribbean.

What Maui Hotels Have Rooms for a Family of 5?

Mom, we have you covered! See the full list of Maui hotels and vacation rentals here: Hotels on Maui for a Family of 5.

Many of these Maui beach hotels are on our list for families of five!

Best Maui Hotels on the Beach in Lahaina & Kaanapali

If you’re looking for beachfront hotels in the Lahaina area, your best bet is to head 10 minutes north to Ka’anapali. We have a number of great beachfront hotels on our recommended list below, including the Westin, the Hyatt, and the Sheraton. Walk to Whalers Village, walk along beautiful Ka’anapali Beach while you’re staring up at the staggering West Maui Mountains.

Best Maui Hotels on the Beach in Wailea

Wailea does beach hotels right. This is where you’ll find the highest percentage of luxury hotels on some amazing beaches. Just 25 minutes from Kahului Airport, you’re at some of the best hotels in the world. Some of our favorites include the Wailea Beach Resort, the Four Seasons, The Andaz, and The Grand Wailea. They’re on great beaches, have fun restaurants and lounges, and fantastic pools.

There are also some excellent vacation rentals on the beach, including the Wailea Ekahi Village condos.

12 Best Maui Beach Hotels

Before we dive into our list I want to note that these are not in any particular order. They all have things we love and appreciate about them, so read on to find the best one for you.

Fairmont Kea Lani

There are so many reasons why the Fairmont Kea Lani is one of the best hotels on Maui. For starters, it’s situated on the southern end of the Wailea resorts, right on Polo Beach. In fact, it’s the only hotel on this beach, so it feels very private (although if you’re looking for something a bit livelier, Wailea Beach is just a 15-minute walk away).

If you’d rather spend your day at the pool, then you’ll have three different ones to choose from. The two main lagoon pools are family-friendly (they’re connected by a 140-foot waterslide), while the adults-only pool is set back and offers a more tranquil experience.

There are tons of on-site activities included with your $50 a day resort fee. Besides the weekly cultural activities and the Hawaiian canoe experience, you’ll also get one hour of snorkel equipment rental (per day) and an array of fitness classes.

Another big selling point for this hotel is the room size. Every room at the Fairmont is a suite with a separate living area and a private lanai. Their smallest suite is a whopping 860 sq. ft., while larger 2- and 3-bedroom villas are also available if you’re traveling with a large group.

You can check out a video of our stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani below:

Fairmont Kea Lani Features:

• Activities: Fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, aqua fitness), cultural activities (Hulu and ukelele lessons), torch lighting ceremony, sunrise ceremony
• Pool: Three pools (two for families and one for adults)
• Fitness Studio: Yes, with Peloton bikes, SKILLROW and SKILLMILL machines
• Spa: Yes, the Willow Stream Spa
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary pool sun loungers, sunscreen, and beach umbrellas. Cabana rentals available for a fee

Wailea Beach Resort

The Wailea Beach Resort is a great option for families, couples, groups, or anyone looking for a fun, action-packed vacation. It features five pools, six restaurants, an on-site luau, and many beach and water activities to keep you entertained for your entire stay.

Let’s start with the pools. The NALU Adventure Pool is really cool, with four waterslides, a splash zone, and food trucks. There are also two family-friendly pools located closer to the ocean and an adult only infinity pool with floating overwater cabanas and panoramic ocean views. A brand new adult only wellness pool is also slated to open later this year.

Included in your $35 a night resort fee is a smattering of activities for both kids and adults. Think lei making, hula lessons, movie nights, poi pounding, intro to scuba classes, and outrigger canoeing.

Keep in mind that while this hotel is on the ocean, it’s not directly by a beach. However, Wailea Beach and Ulua Beach are both just a short walk away. And these make our list of the best beaches on Maui.

You can check out a video of our stay at the Wailea Beach Resort here:

Wailea Beach Resort Features:

• Activities: Fitness classes, cultural activities, outrigger canoeing, movie nights, s’mores nights, sunset torch lighting ceremonies
• Pool: Five pools (3 family-friendly pools and 2 adult’s only pools)
• Fitness Studio: Yes, with free fitness classes
• Spa: Yes, the Mandara Spa
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary sun loungers by the pool and beach. Cabanas, paddleboards, and boogie boards are available for rent.

We have an awesome list of things to do in Wailea plus the best South Maui beaches.

Four Seasons Maui

The Four Seasons Maui is one of the most luxurious resorts not just in Wailea but on the entire island of Maui. Even if you don’t arrive by the hotel’s private jet or pay for the Complete Suite Experience, you’ll still be treated like a VIP from the second you arrive (especially when you get the flower lei greeting and freshly squeezed lemonade at check-in!).

Amenities at the hotel are top-notch and include three pools, a beach, tennis and pickleball courts, an indoor/outdoor gym, and five gourmet restaurants. There are also daily cultural activities like lei making, hula lessons, and outrigger canoe tours. If you’re here with family, then your kids will love the complimentary kid’s club (it runs all day from 9 am to 5 pm, so it’s great if you want some free time). There is also a club for teens aged 9 – 17, although this does cost extra.

However, it’s the small touches that really make this hotel shine. Throughout the day, you’ll get little treats like frozen cherries, cold towels, or cucumber slices for your eyes. And best of all, there’s no resort fee, which is quite rare for a resort of this size and caliber.

Four Seasons Maui Features:

• Activities: Cultural activities, live music, torch lighting ceremony, fitness classes, outrigger canoe tours
• Pool: Three pools (Keiki Pool with waterslide and toys, Fountain Pool with complimentary cabanas, and Serenity Pool for adults 21+)
• Fitness Studio: Yes, indoor/outdoor fitness studio
• Spa: Yes, a beautiful open-air spa with thatch roof rooms
• Beach Amenities: Free pool and beach sun loungers and free cabana rentals. Luxury cabanas with TV available for an extra fee

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

If you’re looking for a stylish hotel that’s both luxurious and exclusive at the same time, then the Andaz Maui is for you. This minimalist open-air hotel is centered around the three cascading infinity pools, which all lead down to the palm-fringed Mokapu Beach.

The Andaz charges $50 a night for the resort fee, although it includes quality amenities like bike rental, guided kayak tours, snorkel equipment, stand-up paddle board lessons, GoPro camera rentals, and mixology classes. Of course, they offer cultural classes found at other resorts too, including ukulele, hula, and lei making lessons.

The hotel is very well suited for adults, but that doesn’t mean that families aren’t welcome. In fact, they offer a free kid’s club where your little ones will be able to play, swim, and participate in fun cultural activities.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Features:

• Activities: Cultural activities, GoPro camera rental, fitness classes, sport equipment rentals, mixology classes
• Pool: 5 pools (three infinity pools, one lagoon pool, one adult only pool)
• Fitness Studio: Yes, with Peloton bikes
• Spa: Yes, the ‘Awili Spa
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary pool and beach sun loungers, paid cabana rentals

Grand Wailea Resort

You can’t talk about amazing Maui hotels without mentioning the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. The 40-acre property is massive and features lush gardens, nine pools, and a stunning oceanfront location on the shores of Wailea Beach (which made it on our list of the best south Maui beaches).

But it’s not just the grounds that are stunning. After undergoing an extensive refurbishment in 2022, the Grand Wailea has a fresh new look with modern rooms, transformed restaurants, and a reimagined spa experience.

However, it still offers the same great experiences that made this hotel so incredibly popular. Their activity calendar includes yoga, bracelet making, Hawaiian language classes, beginner’s ukulele, and more. They also have a luau dinner on-site where you can indulge in Kalua pig while watching traditional Hawaiian entertainment.

But the most impressive feature of the Grand Wailea is the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool. Connected by a lazy river, these family-friendly pools feature waterslides, a Tarzan rope swing, waterfalls, caves, and a swim-up bar. But if you’re looking for peace and quiet, you can always head to the adult only Hibiscus Pool instead.

We loved our stay at the Grand Wailea and you can check out a video of it here:

Grand Wailea Resort Features:

• Activities: Cultural activities, outrigger canoe tours, beach yoga, Hawaiian games
• Pool: Nine pools! Family-friendly options (waterslides, rope swing, waterfalls, caves) as well as adult only.
• Fitness Studio: Yes, with Peloton bikes and fitness classes
• Spa: Yes, the brand new Mōhalu by Spa Grande
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary beach and pool chairs and umbrellas. Cabanas and casabellas are available for rent.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Ka’anapali is an excellent option if you are looking for a big resort on Maui’s western coast. The beach is on the small side (Ka’anapali is suffering from erosion issues), but the pools, lagoons, and abundant activities are enough to keep you occupied even for a long-term stay.

The pool at the Hyatt is large (half an acre) and has waterfalls, a waterslide, a rope swing, and a swim-up grotto bar. It’s also attached a children’s play pool with a splash pad and kid-friendly slides and water features.

The daily calendar is packed with different Hawaiian cultural activities and fitness classes. And you can’t forget the wildlife exhibits! The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa has swans, koi fish, and even a penguin sanctuary (the free penguin presentation is a must)! While the $45 resort fee includes most activities, snorkel gear, sport equipment rentals, scuba diving, mermaid swim academy, and star gazing are extra.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa Features:

• Activities: Cultural activities (ukulele, hula, bracelet lessons), fitness classes (yoga, barre, meditation, aqua fitness, beach boot camp)
• Pool: a half-acre pool with waterfalls, a waterslide, a rope swing, and a swim-up grotto bar plus an attached kids pool area with a splash pad
• Fitness Studio: Yes, with Peloton bikes, free fitness classes, and paid personal trainers
• Spa: Yes, the Kamaha’o, a Marilyn Monroe Spa
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary pool and beach chairs (back-pack beach chairs are also free to take outside the resort). Paid cabana and daybed rentals.

Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali is a high-end resort with a prime location on Maui’s west side. Not only are you right on the shores of Ka’anapali Beach, but you’re also within walking distance of Whalers Village and the Ka’anapali Golf Courses. We also love that the hotel also has a complimentary shuttle service that takes you to Lahaina Cannery mall, the Outlets of Maui, and Lahaina Harbor.

While the hotel has some great activities, it’s the pools that make it especially noteworthy. The Westin has six of them, including the 87,000 sq. ft. Kawaiola Aquatic Playground. It has a twisty twirly 270-foot-long waterslide, a splash zone, and a shallow swimming area for the little ones. Adults can unwind at the nearby adult’s infinity pool, which features a bar and whirlpool.

Other activities include cultural classes, sunset ceremonies, fitness classes, a kid’s club (paid), and an on-site luau (paid). Guests staying in the upgraded Hōkūpa‘a tower have access to exclusive amenities located in the Lanai, a club with free snacks, live music, unique cultural activities, and stellar ocean views.

Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali Features:

• Activities: Fitness classes, cultural activities, sunset torch lighting ceremony
• Pool: Six amazing pools and a fun aquatic playground
• Fitness Studio: Yes, WestinWorkout Fitness Studio
• Spa: Yes, Heavenly Spa by Westin
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary chairs and umbrellas by the pool. Poolside Cabanas, casabellas, and beach chairs available for an extra charge

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better location on Ka’anapli than the Sheraton. Situated on the shores of Black Rock Beach (which is famous for its fantastic cliff jumping), the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali boasts dramatic ocean views from over 80% of its rooms. However, it’s one of the oldest hotels on the island, which means it’s not as modern as other nearby resorts and the rooms are quite dated.

The pool is surrounded by lush gardens and is decently sized, with a separate shallow section for kids. Daily activities include yoga, hula lessons, and lei making, while more sports-orientated guests can take advantage of the on-site tennis and pickleball courts (equipment and court usage are included with your $40 a night resort fee).

Surfboards, paddle boards, and kayaks are available to rent down by the beach. If you have snorkel gear you can head out near Black Rock, as the waters are home to sea turtles and other colorful marine life. But watch out for cliff jumpers!

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali Features:

• Activities: Cultural activities, yoga classes, tennis and pickle ball
• Pool: Yes, with a waterslide, waterfalls, and shallow children’s area
• Fitness Studio: Yes, and tennis courts
• Spa: Yes, the Spa at Black Rock
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary pool chairs and umbrellas. Beach chairs, cabanas, and casabellas are an additional cost.

Royal Lahaina Resort

Built in 1962, the Royal Lahaina is a landmark on the shores of Ka’anapali. It’s located on the northern end of the beach (past Black Rock), which is quieter and ideal for those seeking a relaxing vacation. However, the hotel also has two on-site pools if you prefer to stay sand-free.

The hotel includes tons of fun activities and classes with your $40 a night resort fee. Think Polynesian dance classes, hula lessons, coconut education classes, and more. And for a truly Hawaiian experience, make sure to book dinner at the Myths of Maui Luau, which takes place on the beach every night of the week.

While many of the guest rooms are located in the Lahaina Kai Tower, you can also choose to rent a private bungalow. Some even come with built-in kitchenettes if you’re interested in preparing your own meals.

Royal Lahaina Features:

• Activities: Cultural activities, fitness classes, tennis courts, shuffleboard, bocci ball
• Pool: Two pools
• Fitness Studio: Yes, and tennis courts
• Spa: Yes, the Alina Spa
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary pool and beach chairs. Poolside cabanas are extra

Napili Kai Beach Resort

If the mega-resorts aren’t your thing, then you’ll love the laid-back, intimate atmosphere of the Napili Kai Beach Resort. The plantation-style buildings are no more than two stories high, and the retro Hawaiian-themed rooms are spacious and come with a lanai and a small kitchenette. There are also on-site BBQs, too, if you want to enjoy the sunset while you cook (although you can always go to the pool bar or on-site restaurant).

Although it has the amenities of a vacation rental, Napili Kai also has the fun activities of a full-blown hotel. Weekly activities include live music, hula shows, cultural classes, and evening events like the Putting Green Party or the Mai Tai Party. All of these activities are complimentary (there’s no resort fee), which is a huge plus in our opinion.

When it’s time to go for a swim, you can choose one of the four resort pools or the beach at Napili Bay. Kapalua Bay Beach is also a 10-minute walk from the hotel and a great destination to go snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles.

Napili Kai Beach Resort Features:

• Activities: Live music, cultural classes, weekly parties, and hula shows
• Pool: Four pools
• Fitness Studio: Yes
• Spa: Yes, the Makai Massage & Bodywork day spa
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary beach and pool chairs

Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

A 5-star hotel with 5-star service, the Ritz Carlton Kapalua is a secluded oasis in the northern resort community of Kapalua. This area doesn’t get as much sun as the rest of Maui (you can expect high winds and rain in the winter), but that doesn’t take away from its awe-inspiring location near nature preserves, hiking trails, and golf courses.

The hotel is a short walk from Honokahua Bay, which has a small beach (D.T. Fleming Beach) for swimming and body surfing. You can also spend the day at the hotel’s three-tiered pool, sipping on cocktails and listening to the crashing of the ocean waves.

The $40 a night resort fee is a little steep as there aren’t too many included activities (namely sunrise yoga, hula lessons, and meditation walks). All the fun, adventurous excursions like ziplining, ATV tours, and horseback riding are extra costs. If you need to keep your little ones entertained, then you can enroll them in the Ambassadors Keiki Program, which provides educational activities like tide pool exploring and wildlife watching.

Ritz Carlton Kapalua Features:

• Activities: Sunrise yoga, hula lessons, meditation walks,
• Pool: Three-tiered pool and a separate kid’s pool
• Fitness Studio: Yes, with paid fitness classes
• Spa: Yes
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary pool chairs. Cabanas, beachside casabellas, and oasis beds are extra.

Montage Kapalua Bay

You don’t have to decide between an upscale resort and a vacation rental. At the Montage on Kapalua Bay – you can have both! All 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom rooms have full gourmet kitchens, washers and dryers, and separate living and dining areas, which is great if you’re missing the comforts of home. The Montage is also ideal for large groups or families, as there’s plenty of space for everyone to sprawl out.

Although the hotel is quite luxurious, it still retains a laid-back vibe thanks to the charming Hawaiian touches. Add to that the 24 acres of tropical gardens and the nearby shores of Kapalua Bay Beach, and you’ll quickly see why many visitors choose the Montage for their island escape.

There are three pool available to guests, although most action is happening around the main Sunset pool. The resort fee is a staggering $60+ a night, which is one of the highest fees we’ve seen out of any Maui hotel. However, it does come with a Kapalua area shuttle service, cultural classes, guided hiking tours, and daily live music.

As a reminder, Kapalua weather can be quite temperamental throughout the year. This area receives much more rain and wind compared to the southern parts of Maui. But with the nearby hiking trails and abundance of outdoor activities, you’ll still have plenty to do even if there are scattered showers throughout the day.

Montage Kapalua Features:

• Activities: Cultural classes, guided hiking tours, live music
• Pool: Three pools (one family-friendly pool, one adult only pool, one spa pool)
• Fitness Studio: Yes
• Spa: Yes, with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary beach and pool chairs. Paid poolside daybeds

Check out our favorite things to do in Napili and Kapalua.

Maui Beachfront Vacation Rentals

Hotels aren’t the only ones that get to have beachfront fun. There are some great vacation rentals that are directly on some great beaches on Maui. And for some of them, you won’t even have to skip the resort-style pool. More space, (usually) lower prices, and right on the beach? These options could be a win-win-win for your vacation.

Honua Kai Beach Resort

We love Honua Kai because you can find the right size accommodation (from studio to 3 bedroom) without sacrificing some great amenities. They have a large, resort style pool, a restaurant on-site, and they’re on north Ka’anapali Beach, a spot we love. Read our full review of Honua Kai Resort.

Wailea Ekahi

f you’re looking for a south Maui vacation rental the offers the feel of Wailea for prices that are closer to what you’ll find in Kihei, this is the spot. Wailea Ekahi is a beautiful ocean front condo community that offers one and two bedroom individually owned units. Head out your door to enjoy one of the many pools on property, walk to the Wailea Beach path, or step out of the gate to Keawakapu Beach. You can check out our full Wailea Ekahi review.

Makena Surf

Makena Surf offers comfort, peace, and privacy through its luxury units, beautiful grounds, and secluded location – all just a few miles south of Wailea’s bustle. Each unit in this private community features fantastic ocean views, which are easy to take in through the large sliding glass doors, or on the spacious private lanai (private balcony). The grounds themselves border a stretch of shore that includes a small cove, a beautiful outcrop of volcanic rock, and a large sandy beach. Read our full Makena Surf review.

Aston Whaler at Ka’anapali

Vacation rentals right in the heart of Ka’anapali, just a short hop away from Whaler’s Village. The Aston Whaler at Ka’anapali offers so much. Choose from studio to two bedroom units which each come with a full kitchen and private lanai. Check out the options for the Aston Whaler.

Plan the Rest of Your Trip, Easily

Now that you know where you’re staying, get the rest of your trip planning done. Our download and go itinerary takes you on excursion days around the island, showing you the best sights and taking you to the best restaurants. Don’t waste your time planning — we’ve done the hard work for you.

Buy the guides!! I read and reread the guides Oahu & Maui! It made our first trip so much better! We knew where to stay, eat and the tours we wanted to do even gave us ideas where to park! It was the perfect vacation! Thank you for making our first trip a blast!! We will be back!

Annette (YouTube comment)

Love this list? Add it to your travel board and follow us on Pinterest for more!