Where to stay in Maui

Why we picked it

We would book it for a slow, quiet Maui: a suite with its own lanai, mornings at the fitness studio or in the pool, a beach day organized by the beach concierge, and dinner at The Restaurant or up in The Treehouse. Being on the hillside rather than the sand is what gives it the calm and the views across to the neighboring islands.

• Hawaiʻi’s only Relais & Châteaux hotel and Maui’s only adults-only hotel: 72 one-bedroom suites in 15 acres of gardens
• Every suite has a separate living room, a kitchenette, a deep soaking tub and a private lanai
• The Restaurant, The Birdcage Japanese Grill and The Treehouse, a chef’s table among mango and avocado trees, with three-island ocean views

• Adults-only poolWith cabanas, complimentary on a first-come basis or reserved for a fee
• The Restaurant at Hotel WaileaHawaiʻi’s only Relais & Châteaux restaurant, with a chef’s tasting menu and the Kitchen Table
• The Birdcage Japanese GrillBinchotan grilling, cocktails and Japanese whisky with sunset views
• BreakfastÀ la carte at The Restaurant, 7:30–10:30 am, no reservation needed
• Deep soaking tubIn every suite, with a separate living room and kitchenette
• Private lanaiEvery suite has its own lanai or balcony
• Open-air Fitness Studio24-hour access, with Peloton bike and three-island ocean views
• Yoga and fitness classesAerial yoga studio and complimentary daily classes
• House carsComplimentary SUVs within Wailea and Makena, 6 am–10 pm
• Beach conciergeChairs, umbrella, towels, water and transport to Wailea and Makena beaches
• Outrigger canoe excursionsIncluded in the resort fee
• Wi-FiComplimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout
• 15 acres of gardensPalms, footpaths and waterfalls

Why we picked it

We would book it for the easy rhythm of South Maui: across the road to Kamaole Beach I in the morning, the pool and its bar in the afternoon, sushi downstairs at night, and the Molokini boats and Wailea a short drive away. The newer Kai Tower adds ocean-view rooms and suites, at a price far from Wailea’s.

• Directly across the road from Kamaole Beach Park I, one of South Maui’s most popular beaches
• Resort-style pool with complimentary cabanas and the Hanohano Pool Bar, three pickleball courts and a 24-hour fitness center
• Kihei Caffe for breakfast and Miso Phat sushi on site, plus a free local shuttle within 3 miles

• Kamaole Beach Park IDirectly across the road
• Resort-style poolComplimentary lounge chairs, towels and cabanas
• Hanohano Pool BarMargaritas, mojitos and poolside lunch
• Kihei CaffeHawaiian-style diner for breakfast and lunch
• Miso Phat sushiLunch and dinner
• Free local shuttleDaily 7 am–9:30 pm, within 3 miles of the hotel
• 24-hour Fitness CenterCardio equipment, Peloton bikes and weights
• Pickleball courtsThree regulation courts, paddles and balls provided
• Morning yogaAll-levels sessions on the sun deck, on select days
• Wi-FiUnlimited high-speed internet, in the resort fee
• EV charging13 on-site stations via the ChargePoint app
• ParkingSelf-parking $20 a night, valet $25 a night
• Family suitesThe Ocean View Ohana Suite sleeps up to eight