Maui is only one small island, but it includes some very distinct regions, from the sunny resorts on the west side, to the quiet rainforests of East Maui. Join us for an overview that will give you the facts you need to pick the perfect setting for your Maui vacation.

South Maui

North Kihei and Maalaea
• Type of accommodations: hotels >50 rooms, condos, vacation rentals
• Setting: beachfront, suburban
• Weather: Hot, sunny year-round. Windier during summer months
• Travel times:

20 minutes to Kahului Airport

1 minute to the beach

2 hours to Haleakala National Park

2 hours to Hana

• Pros: Convenient for exploring the island, good value
• Cons: Beaches are only so-so for swimming, tend to be windy and have seaweed.
• Best For: Active travelers or families who want convenient, no-fuss digs for a cheap price

South Kihei
• Type of accommodations: hotels, condos, and vacation rentals
• Setting: beachfront, suburban
• Weather: Hot, sunny year-round.
• Travel times:

30 minutes to Kahului Airport

1 minute to the beach

2 hours 10 minutes to Haleakala National Park

2 hours 10 minutes to Hana

• Pros: Great beaches, restaurants, shops, and entertainment within walking distance
• Cons: tends to be crowded
• Best For: Beach-goers, active couples or families with teens, volleyball pros, avid snorkelers, bar-hoppers

Wailea
• Type of accommodations: resorts, million-dollar private homes, upscale condos, vacation rentals
• Setting: beachfront, resort community
• Weather: Hot, sunny year-round, rare downpours
• Travel times:

40 minutes to Kahului Airport

1 minute to the beach

2 hours 20 minutes to Haleakala National Park

2 hours 20 minutes to Hana

• Pros: Outstanding beaches and views, resort amenities, superior restaurants, golf, and shops within walking distance
• Cons: Pricy, somewhat crowded
• Best For: Sun-worshippers, golfers, power walkers, foodies, couples or families who want to hand their kids over to capable resort staff

Makena
• Type of accommodations: resorts, million-dollar private homes, upscale condos, vacation rentals
• Setting: beachfront, semi-wilderness
• Weather: Hot, sunny year-round, afternoon clouds, rare downpours
• Travel times:

50 minutes to Kahului Airport

1 minute to the beach

2 hours 30 minutes to Haleakala National Park

2 hours 30 minutes to Hana

• Pros: Outstanding beaches and views, resort amenities, seclusion, superior restaurants, golf, and shops nearby
• Cons: Expensive, remote
• Best For: Privacy-seekers, celebrities, kayakers, honeymooners seeking to steal a kiss in the Japanese gardens