Maui Hotels, Resorts Guide: Luxury, Moderate, Budget Accommodations in Maui, Hawaii

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Maui

Hotels

Maui has thousands of hotel rooms and condo units, but it doesn't have the cut-rate hotel competition of Oahu's Waikiki – and the island has the highest average room rates in Hawaii, at $256 per night. Many air/hotel packages originating from California (Maui's number-one source of tourists) can be economical. But be forewarned: the cheapest packages might put you in tawdry hotels and far from the beach, so always inquire about property location.

Accommodations can be found around the entire island of Maui (except the very southern shore, where the land is devoted to forest reserves), but chances are you'll stay in one of the resort areas along the western coast, where most of the better hotels (and best weather) are found.

For luxury digs, check out the Grand Wailea Resort (3850 Alanui Dr., Wailea; 800/888-6100; www.grandwailea.com). This 40-acre resort is our favorite, with the largest spa in Hawaii, a tasteful water park, including nine pools on six levels, and the world's first water elevator. Another great choice, is the Hotel Hana-Maui (5031 Hana Hwy., Hana; 808/248-8211; www.hotelhanamaui.com). The secluded beachfront bungalows were built in 1946 as Maui's first resort and are still the best place to completely unplug from the world.

In the moderate category, the Inn at Mama's Fish House (799 Poho Pl., Pa'ia; 800/860-4852; www.mamasfishhouse.com) is tops for romance seekers who head to these cottages nestled in a private cove. Other good choices in this category include the Maui Coast Hotel (2259 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei; 808/874-6284; www.mauicoasthotel.com); it's across the street from a great beach and has a large sparkling pool, two Jacuzzis, two tennis courts, and rooms with spacious lanais. If you're looking for a condo, ResortQuest (877/997-6667; www.resortquest.com) has over 25 properties on Maui, offering the best value for groups or families who need extra space.

Those looking for budget accommodations should consider the Pineapple Inn (3170 Akala Drive Kihei; 877/212-6284; www.pineappleinnmaui.com); its four private, oceanview guest rooms come with private lanai and there's also a pool and hot tub on site. Another good choice, the Maui Guest House (1620 Ainakea Rd. Lahaina; 800/621-8942; www. mauiguesthouse.com) has plasma TVs and offers guests use of the kitchen and barbeque, should they wish to do their own cooking.