How to Choose Where to Stay on Maui: South vs. West

How do you choose where to stay on Maui?

Choosing where to stay on Maui can feel overwhelming at first. The good news? Most visitors narrow it down to just two main regions—West Maui and South Maui. See? Not so daunting after all.

The tricky part is deciding between them because both are incredible. Below we’ll break down the key differences between South and West Maui so you can find the perfect home base for your Maui adventure.

 

How To Choose Where To Stay On Maui:

South vs. West

 

But first, what do we mean when we say “South Maui” and “West Maui?”

When we say South Maui, we’re talking about the towns of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. This region stretches along the southwestern edge of Haleakala, facing west across the ocean.

West Maui includes Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, and smaller coastal communities like Olowalu, Honokowai, Kahana, and Napili. This region is located on the westernmost coast of the island.

 

South vs West Maui: The Vibes

Each region has its own vibe, and even the towns within them can feel completely different. Kihei has an easygoing, local feel with beach parks, casual cafes, surf schools, and a nightlife scene. It’s a great area to meet a mix of locals and visitors. Wailea, on the other hand, is pure luxury, with five-star resorts, gorgeous beaches, golf courses, and world-class dining. The area’s natural beauty is jaw-dropping, ideal for honeymoons or upscale getaways.

Kaanapali is Maui’s resort strip, featuring three miles of golden sand, nonstop activity, and plenty of shopping and dining at Whalers Village. It’s lively, social, and great for families. Kapalua is West Maui’s quieter, more refined side, with a smattering of luxury resorts, golf courses, and some of the island’s best snorkeling and beaches. Napili, Kahana, and Honokowai are relaxed and residential, with a mix of vacation rentals and condo resorts. Lahaina is still being rebuilt after the 2023 wildfires, and many areas remain closed.

 

The Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, Kihei offers affordable condos and a few hotels, while Wailea is home to Maui’s most luxurious resorts, like Four Seasons, Andaz, Fairmont, Waldorf Astoria, and more. Wailea condos tend to be upscale, but you can still find some hidden deals.

Over in West Maui, Kaanapali has a great mix of name-brand resorts and condos at a range of prices. The Napili–Honokowai area is dotted with beachside condos that are perfect for those on a budget. In Kapalua, accommodations include luxury villas and resorts like the Ritz-Carlton and Montage.

 

The Activities

As for things to do, South Maui is perfect if you like to keep things relaxed. Most people spend their days at the Kamaole Beach Parks, take surf lessons at The Cove, or stop by Maui Brewing Co. for a cold beer. South Maui Gardens is also a fun spot for dining, shopping, and live music. Wailea offers even more to do, like snorkeling, kayaking, sunset sails, and luaus. South Maui also features two tour boat launches, and it’s close to Maalaea Harbor, where most boat tours depart.

West Maui feels like its own little island. In Kaanapali, the opportunities for fun are endless. You’ll find surf schools, snorkeling, shopping, luaus, parasailing, sunset cruises, golfing, and more. Kapalua is known for its quiet beaches, snorkeling, hiking trails, and ziplining. You’ll still find some great beaches for lounging in Napili and Honokowai, but most activities are centered in Kaanapali and Kapalua. Boat tours now only depart from Kaanapali Beach or Mala Wharf, as Lahaina Harbor remains closed.

 

Shopping and Dining

Both regions deliver when it comes to shopping and dining. South Maui has the Shops at Wailea and plenty of local stores in Kihei Kalama Village. West Maui has Whalers Village in Kaanapali, and while Lahaina’s loss was significant, you’ll still find mom-and-pop gems in Napili and Honokowai. Food-wise, it’s a tie. Both regions have incredible food! You’ll find everything from food trucks to fine dining.

 

Getting Around, Ease of Access

Getting around is another thing to consider. South Maui is more central, which makes it easier to explore the rest of the island, including Haleakala, Upcountry, and Hana. The airport is only about 20 to 30 minutes away. West Maui is farther removed, and the drive to other parts of the island can take longer, especially with traffic. That said, Kaanapali is very walkable once you’re there.

Weather-wise, South Maui is one of the driest, sunniest parts of the island, averaging about 275 sunny days a year. Rain is rare and usually short-lived, although it does see about 1-2 winter storms a year. But don’t let that deter you!

West Maui is mostly sunny too, but it gets a little more rain as you head north toward Kapalua, hence the lush greenery. Winter brings larger waves to the west side, while South Maui sometimes gets big southern swells in summer. This can impact snorkeling and beachgoing.

In the end, you really can’t go wrong. Each region has its own unique flavor. No matter where you stay, you’ll still be surrounded by beauty and smiling people!