Are you thinking about booking a trip to Maui but don’t know where to stay? Keep scrolling to find out whether to stay in Lahaina or Wailea, plus our top picks for hotels and resorts in both locations.
This post about where to stay on Maui: Lahaina or Wailea was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung. It contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a trip to Maui and wondering whether to stay in Lahaina or Wailea?
You’re in luck! We are here to help you figure out the best place for your needs. Maui is a popular island with many amazing places to stay, each with its own unique adventures.
Maui is a popular island for honeymooners, couples, families, and adventurers, but it can be hard to figure out where to stay. What you are looking for will depend on which side of the island you stay on.
If you are wondering where to stay in Maui, Lahaina and Wailea are the two most popular destinations. Let’s take a look at each so you can determine the best part of Maui to stay in for your vacation.
Both destinations are amazing, but depending on what you’re looking for, one may be a better fit for you than the other. We want to help you find the perfect spot on Maui so you can make the most of your time here.
This comparison of Wailea vs Lahaina will help you decide the best choice for your vacation—especially if this is your first trip to the island.
Keep reading to find out more about Lahaina vs Wailea!
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Wailea or Lahaina FAQs
Both Wailea and Lahaina are great cities to stay in during your vacation in Maui. Wailea is a more luxurious option, which is usually more expensive. Lahaina is a historic city that has cheaper options. For travelers comparing Wailea vs Lahaina, it often comes down to personal preference. Wailea offers upscale resorts and a quieter vibe, while Lahaina is a walkable town full of local shops, dining, and cultural experiences.
This all depends on what you want to do during your stay. Lahaina is on the west Maui side and is a great place to visit. Wailea is on the south Maui side and is also a very popular city to vacation in.
The distance from Lahaina to Wailea is around 28 miles, and driving it will take 45 minutes to an hour. If you’ve been wondering how far is Lahaina from Wailea or how far is Wailea from Lahaina, the route covers about 28 miles north when traveling from Wailea to Lahaina and is a short ride with beautiful ocean views along the way. The drive time can vary depending on traffic, but it’s generally under an hour.
Overview of Lahaina
On the west side of Maui, you will find Lahaina, a simply beautiful city. It is known for being a historic town filled with plenty of fun and interesting adventures.
This is one of the best sides of Maui to stay on because it has great resorts, beaches, and historical places you will definitely want to visit. Lahaina town has a laid-back charm and is considered a walkable town, which is ideal if you want to explore without always needing a car.
For families with young kids, Lahaina’s casual vibe, shallow beach areas, and nearby attractions make it a convenient home base
How to Get There From the Airport
Whether you rent a car, take a shuttle, or take a taxi, it will take around 40 minutes to get to Lahaina from the airport. The fastest route is through Kuihelani Highway and then Honoapiilani Highway.
If you’re planning your first trip to Maui, the drive time from the airport to Lahaina is scenic and smooth, giving you a great welcome to the island.
Things To Do in Lahaina
There are so many fun things to do in Lahaina. Here are just a few of my favorites!
1. Beach
Of course, you will want to spend as much time as possible on the beach. My favorite beaches in Lahaina are Baby Beach and Ka’anapali Beach.
2. Atlantis Submarine
Hop aboard the Atlantis Submarine and enjoy seeing the wonderful sea life under the ocean. This is a pretty unique adventure that you might not find anywhere else!
3. Whale Watching Tour
If you’re visiting Lahaina, Maui, make sure you go on at least one Whale Watching Tour in the winter!
4. Lahaina Banyan Court Park
At Lahaina Banyan Court Park, you’ll find the oldest living Banyan tree on the island. This tree is over 150 years old and is one you’ll want to capture a family picture around! Check out more fun things to do in Lahaina.
Best Places to Stay in Lahaina
Here are a few great places to stay in Lahaina. While it is a more expensive town, there are some budget-friendly places to stay.
Lahaina is one of the best areas to stay on Maui, and there are also plenty of luxury options! If you’re unsure where to stay in Lahaina, these properties offer a wide range of experiences for families and couples alike.
Old Lahaina House
The Old Lahaina House is not a hotel but a vacation rental spot right in the heart of Lahaina. The beach, shopping, and everything else you’ll want to see are all close by. Check the latest rates and more information.
You’ll enjoy Old Lahaina and feel comfortably at home during your trip to Maui.
As of 2025, Old Lahaina House is temporarily closed.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link.
Maui Beach House B & B
Another great vacation rental in Lahaina is the Maui Beach House B&B. Here you will find a luxury rental spot that will fit all your needs, including your budget. Check the latest rates and more information.
Here you will find private suites with access to the beach, golfing, and more. You can also go whale watching for free during the winter!
Honua Kai Resort & Spa
Honua Kai Resort & Spa is a resort that works well with your budget. It offers all the luxurious amenities, including the spa, swimming pool with a slide, and gorgeous suites, making it one of the more affordable resorts you will love staying at.
You can read my full Honua Kai Resort review or check rates and more information.
Royal Lahaina Resort
If you want a luxury place to stay, check out Royal Lahaina Resort. Enjoy a day on the beach or in the pool, then head over to the spa for a relaxing afternoon. Finish off your day at the Myths of Maui Luau right at the resort!
This is a more expensive resort in Lahaina, but it is worth it. Check the latest rates and more information.
Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Lahaina & Napili Towers
Another luxurious place to stay in Lahaina is the Marriott’s Lahaina Tower. The Villas here are unlike anything else you’ll see on the island. Check the latest rates and more information.
If you want luxury mixed with comfort and amazing amenities, this is one of the best places to stay in Maui. Read our full Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club review.
Overview of Wailea
Wailea is a luxurious town on the south side of Maui. Staying in Wailea will feel like you are truly escaping the world.
The Wailea area is well known across the Hawaiian Islands for its upscale vibes, world-class resorts, and excellent beaches. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a relaxing family vacation, Wailea offers something for every type of traveler.
Near Wailea, there are countless luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and great hiking. This is one of the most relaxing and fun places to visit in Maui.
Many of the island’s most iconic properties—like Grand Wailea, Hotel Wailea, and Four Seasons—are located here, offering a high-end experience that’s ideal for honeymoons or even trips with young kids thanks to their family-friendly amenities.
How to Get There From the Airport
You can easily get from the Maui airport to Wailea. It is about 30 minutes away by car, taxi, or shuttle. You can rent a car in Wailea or at the airport. By car, you will want to take Maui’s Veteran Highway to travel from the airport to Wailea.
If you’re traveling from Lahaina, and wondering how far is Wailea from Lahaina, it’s approximately 28 miles north and usually a short ride of 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. The drive time offers scenic views of the coastline and can be a peaceful start to your stay.
Things To Do in Wailea
There are so many fun things to do in Wailea, especially since it is one of the best parts of Maui! Here are just a few of our favorite adventures if you choose to stay in Wailea during your vacation.
1. Hiking
My favorite hike around Wailea is The King’s Trail (Hoapili Trail). This hike is full of lava rock and is completely different from what you’ll normally see on a hike in Hawaii!
2. Luau
A great luau in Wailea, Maui is the Grand Luau at Honua’ula. This luau is at the Grand Wailea Hotel. Read my full review HERE.
Another great luau is the Feast at Mokapu Farm-to-Table Luau. This one is very luxurious and worth the stay. Read my full review HERE.
3. Beach
There are so many sunny, gorgeous beaches in Wailea. Makena Beach State Park is a natural beauty that has not been developed. Wailea Beach is also a great one to visit if you stay at a nearby resort and is often ranked among the best beaches in Maui.
Check out all the other fun adventures you can have during your stay in Wailea.
Best Places to Stay in Wailea
There are so many nice options if you plan on staying in Wailea, Maui, one of the best locations in Maui. Here are some budget-friendly, medium, and luxury options to choose from.
This guide is especially helpful if you’re still wondering where to stay in Wailea—from family-friendly resorts to romantic escapes for couples. The Wailea area is home to many of the most iconic accommodations on the island.
Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront
The Days Inn is a very affordable option for couples and families to stay during their trip to Maui. It is a simple yet great hotel right on the beach. Check the latest rates and more information.
Each room is filled with amenities that make it a great option to save money.
Maui Coast Hotel
At Maui Coast Hotel, you will find deluxe rooms at affordable rates. Here you can enjoy restaurants on-site, a free shuttle for activities around Wailea, and so much more. Check the latest rates and more information.
This is one of the best places to stay in Maui for families!
Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea
For a little bit more, you can enjoy an upgraded experience at the Residence Inn.
With a gorgeous room, pool with firepits, and more, you can completely relax and enjoy your peaceful vacation here. Check the latest rates and more information.
Mana Kai Maui Resort
Get the perfect resort experience in Wailea at Mana Kai Maui Resort without breaking the bank. This resort is known for being “Heaven on Earth.” Check the latest rates and more information.
From condos to rooms and suites, this resort has it all at very affordable rates you’ll love.
Fairmont Kea Lani
A great luxury resort in Wailea is the Fairmont Kea Lani. Couples can enjoy a relaxing getaway on their honeymoon here at this resort. Check the latest rates and more information.
From gorgeous villas to fun adventures and delicious food, there is something for everyone to love at the Fairmont Kea Lani.
Grand Wailea
Have the ultimate luxurious experience at the Grand Wailea. This is the best place to stay in Maui for couples, as it is romantic, luxurious, and pricey. Check the latest rates and more information.
They also have a lot of kids’ programming, so you can either bring your kids or leave them at home. No matter what package you choose, you will know it is the best of the best.
So, Is the Best Place to Stay in Maui, Lahaina or Wailea?
If you are wondering where the best place to stay in Maui is, Lahaina or Wailea are both great options. Lahaina has many affordable options while Wailea will give you a luxurious vacation. You will love whichever city you end up choosing!
Choosing between Wailea vs Lahaina depends on your travel style. If you’re visiting for the first time, Lahaina may be ideal with its walkable town feel, historic charm, and lively atmosphere. On the other hand, Wailea is known for upscale resorts, spa experiences, and access to the best beaches in south Maui.
Whether you prefer being closer to Lahaina town or enjoying resort life in the Wailea area, both offer access to beautiful beaches, family activities, and incredible views of the Hawaiian Islands. You really can’t go wrong!