The Best Hotels and Resorts to Book in Lahaina, Maui

Shop 'til you drop in Lahaina, then rest your head at one of the best hotels in the area | © Angus McComiskey / Alamy Stock Photo

Amber Gibson

20 December 2021

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Once the royal capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, Lahaina is now a charming seaside town on Maui’s west side with oceanfront shopping and dining. Plus, it’s home to both Ka’anapali and Kapalua resorts, and some of the best beaches in Hawaii. These are some of the best hotels in Lahaina, whether you want to snorkel at Pu‘u Keka‘a, spot migrating humpback whales or enjoy a lomi lomi massage and traditional luau. Book the one you like best with Culture Trip.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali, for cultural activities

Courtesy of The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali / Expedia

There are two towers at this almost 800-room resort – and you want to be in the newly redesigned Hokupa’a Tower, where all accommodations have ocean views. You’ll also have access to a mezzanine lanai, or patio, for light bites at breakfast and dinner. At other times, cultural activities here include making lei po’o flower crowns and learning to strum ukulele. Expect complimentary beach yoga classes each morning. Kids flock to Kawaiola aquatic playground for its six pools – you can relax at the spa. New restaurant Waicoco is led by one of Hawaii’s most well-known chefs, Chris Kajioka. The garlic sun noodles and seared line-caught local fish are highlights.

Awesome night skies at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa / Expedia

All 810 rooms at this behemoth resort have been renovated in the past year, with a lighter, brighter color palette. There are so many activities here that you might never leave the property – including morning beach bootcamp classes to wildlife tours, people-watching by the pool and even penguin-feeding. Pampering highlights include the spacious hair and nail salon – a favorite for bridal parties – and delectable meals of sushi and udon noodles at Asian-fusion haunt Japengo. End the evening with awe-inspiring stargazing on the rooftop, where you can see 80 of the 88 constellations, helped by NASA ambassador and director of astronomy Eddie Mahoney.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, for spa sensations

Aerial shot of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and its four pools, lounge chairs, and proximity to the ocean

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua / Booking.com

Outdoor recreation and an outstanding spa are the top reasons to check into this luxury hotel in the serene enclave of Kapalua. Guests of all ages can explore tide pools, learn about ancient Hawaiian canoe plants and track turtles thanks to Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. The pool deck was revamped recently, and seven VIP cabanas surrounding the adults-only pool include flat-screen TVs and a fully stocked fridge. All guest rooms feature private lanai balconies, double sinks and original local artwork. You’d be seriously daft not to schedule a treatment at the sumptuous spa, where Eminence, ESPA and Intraceuticals products are customized for facials that are equally relaxing and results-oriented.

Laid-back independence at Aston at the Whaler on Ka'anapali Beach

Courtesy of Aston at The Whaler / Expedia

Nobody complains about lack of space at this 12-floor condominium resort. Each of the 350-plus units is unique, decorated by owners, and corner units have sprawling 544sqft (51sqm) wraparound lanais. There are studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom condos to rent, all with full kitchens and laundry rooms on each floor. There are no restaurants or bars on site, but the resort is adjacent to Whalers Village, with a plethora of dining options. The atmosphere here is more laid-back and residential than its hotel neighbors – six grills are ideally positioned to watch the sunset while enjoying a beer and cooking up dinner.

Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, for inventive local food

Outdoor dining area with fire pits and scattered palm trees overlooking the ocean at Kā’anapali Beach Hotel

Courtesy of Kā’anapali Beach Hotel / Booking.com

This well-known hotel is still independently owned and operated, with heartfelt cultural programming, from hula to navigation, taught by local practitioners. Most rooms have been recently renovated after a $75 million refresh, and the new design includes kukui nut-inspired headboards, lithographs of native flora and one-of-a-kind pieces of art handcrafted by hotel employees. The locals running water activities consider themselves stewards of the ocean, and their snorkel and canoe tours are extraordinary. The menu at new beachfront restaurant Huihui incorporates traditional Hawaiian ingredients like ‘ulu (breadfruit) and poi (mashed taro) in inventive new ways.

Privacy and peace at Ka'anapali Alii

Courtesy of Ka'anapali Alii / Expedia

Concierge services at this luxury condominium resort go above and beyond, pre-stocking your refrigerator for your arrival, booking activities and coveted dining reservations, and arranging nanny services. Many owners live here full-time so there are only 170 one- and two-bedroom condos available to rent. Top tip: you can even select the specific condo you want online. There are no restaurants or bars, but a grill master is available daily to cook up your dinner with Maui olive oil and fresh herbs from the garden. You just bring your own ingredients and relax in a beachfront cabana before settling down to eat.

Royal Lahaina Resort, for live Hawaiian music evenings

Courtesy of Royal Lahaina Resort / Expedia

This peaceful resort on the north end of Ka’anapali Beach was part of the original Ka’anapali development in the 1960s. Choose from tower accommodations or a room in one of the freestanding cottages scattered across 27 acres (11ha). Golfers enjoy preferred rates at two championship golf courses and tennis players can play at the adjacent tennis ranch, which has hosted professional tournaments. Royal Lahaina also hosts the longest running luau – trad cooking and live Hawaiian music – in Lahaina seven nights a week: come for unlimited buffet, fire and hula dances and fabulous oceanfront sunset views.

Family fun and games at Honua Kai Resort & Spa

Courtesy of Honua Kai Resort and Spa / Expedia

Villas and suites at this family-friendly condominium-style resort have up to three bedrooms, with full kitchens and in-room washer and dryer. Kids love splashing around the 3 acres (1.2ha) of the aquatic park, playing on the waterslide and in waterfalls with floaties, boogie boards and water toys to rent, while adults can relax in one of five hot tubs. Signature restaurant Duke’s Beach House is named after legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku, serving furikake ahi tuna steak and and crispy coconut shrimp accompanied by daily musical performances. This is a place to settle into and never leave – at least, not until the end of your holiday.

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