Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families

Maui is one of those dream destinations that actually lives up to the hype—lush landscapes, gorgeous beaches, and so many family-friendly adventures packed into one island.

But if it’s your first time planning a trip to Maui, deciding where to stay can feel like a lot!

Each area has its own vibe, and not every resort or rental works well for families.

As a mom of four who’s traveled to Maui with kids of all ages, I’ve learned what really matters when choosing accommodations: space, convenience, amenities, and a location that makes vacation easier—not more stressful.

👋 Hi! I’m Katie, and I help busy moms plan stress-free vacations—without losing their minds.

Whether you’re hoping for a beachfront resort, a budget-friendly condo, or something in between, I’ll walk you through the best places to stay in Maui for families—plus tips based on our own experience to help you find the perfect fit for yours.

Let’s make this trip unforgettable—and actually enjoyable for everyone.

💡 Looking for family-friendly places to stay in Maui?
I’ve linked directly to some of my favorite accommodations in this post. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission—at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog and helping other families travel too! 🧳💛
👉 Search Maui family resorts on Booking.com
👉 Find Maui vacation rentals on VRBO

Which Part of Maui is Best for Families?

When traveling to Maui, I recommend staying in Kaanapali or Wailea.

Each area offers something unique, and I love splitting our stay between these two locations to experience the best of both worlds.

Why Split Your Stay in Maui?

1. Different vibes

• Kaanapali: Bustling and lively with resorts, restaurants, and shops closer together and often within walking distance. Perfect for families who want more of a social atmosphere.

• Wailea: Quiet and luxurious, with high-end resorts and a more peaceful environment. Ideal for families seeking more quiet and relaxation.

🌟We enjoy experiencing both of these atmospheres!

2. Convenient Access to Activities

Maui has so much to offer, but driving from one side of the island to another can take time. Staying in different areas minimizes long drives and maximizes your time at attractions.

3. Budget Flexibility

• Kaanapali tends to be more moderately priced, making it great for families watching their budget.

• Wailea offers a more upscale experience but at a higher cost.

If you prefer staying in one location for your trip, here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Feature	Kaanapali	Wailea
Costs	Moderate	Expensive
Restaurants	Family-friendly and plentiful	High-end dining options
Walkability	Highly walkable	Less walkable
Beach Access	Steps away from most hotels	May require a short drive
Atmosphere	Lively, social	Luxurious, peaceful

🏨 Ready to check availability in these areas?
✔️ Compare top-rated Kaanapali resorts for families
✔️ See the best family hotels and rentals in Wailea

Resort vs. Vacation Rental: Which is Best for Families?

Your next decision is whether to stay at a resort or a vacation rental.

We’ve done both on our Maui trips, and each option has its advantages. 👍

Advantages of a Vacation Rental:

• Extra space: Perfect for larger families with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Kitchen Access: Save on meals by cooking your own food.
• Affordability: Often more cost-effective for families compared to multiple hotel rooms.
• Added Amenities: Many rentals include beach gear, towels, and other extras.

Advantages of a Resort:

• Resort Experience: Luxurious amenities, pools, and on-site dining make it feel like a true vacation.
• Family Activities: Many resorts have kids’ clubs, luaus, and family-friendly events.
• Convenience: Pools, restaurants, and beaches are just steps away.

Our Recommendation: Combine Both!

On a recent trip, we stayed at a vacation rental within the Sands of Kahana Resort, which gave us the best of both worlds.

We had the spaciousness of a condo with resort amenities like pools, a fitness center, restaurant, and beachfront access.

Plus, our condo had a two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a large living space, and a stunning ocean-view lanai.

This condo gave us the space we needed with the bonus of resort-style perks—perfect for families who want a little of both.

🔍 See Condo Options at Sands of Kahana

➡️ My recommendation when determining the best place to stay in Maui for your family is to weigh the cost of the accommodation with what you need in terms of space and what amenities you want.

For most families a trip to Maui is not a vacation you get to go on every year so I would suggest doing what you can within your budget to make your trip extra special. ❤️

➡️ Curious what’s available?
Use this to find family-sized condos, villas, and beachfront resorts:
🔍 Search family-friendly vacation rentals in Maui
🔍 Compare Maui resorts with pools and kids’ activities

Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Maui

We’ve stayed at several Maui resorts, and these are my top recommendations for families:

The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali

• Why We Loved It: Steps from the ocean, incredible pools (including a water slide), and walkable to shops and restaurants at Whaler’s Village.

• What It’s Missing: Rooms are on the smaller side for larger families, and there’s no kitchen or suite option.

This resort is ALL about location and fun for kids— want to see if it fits your plans?

🔍 Check Rates at The Westin Maui Resort

Residence Inn Maui Wailea

• Why We Loved It: Spacious suites with full kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and a fabulous pool.

• What It’s Missing: Not walkable to the beach or shops, and no ocean views. 

Need a kitchen and room to breathe? This one is a gem for families.

🔍 Book Your Suite at Residence Inn Wailea

Fairmont Kea Lani, Wailea

• Why We Loved It: Luxurious suites and villas, amazing pools, a kids’ club, and breathtaking ocean views.

• What It’s Missing: It’s pricey, especially for larger families needing a villa.

Want to see if this fits your budget?

🔍 Check Availability at Fairmont Kea Lani

Tips For Finding the Perfect Place to Stay

1. Consider Your Family Size

• Families of 4 will find plenty of options.

• For larger families like mine (now a family of six!), vacation rentals or resorts with suites are the way to go.

➡️ On our last trip to Maui, we were a family of five, and finding accommodations that fit all of us in one room was a bit challenging. However, we made it work by staying in a vacation rental for part of the trip and then spending a couple of nights at the Residence Inn Wailea.

2. Balance Budget and Amenities

• If it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, consider splurging a little to make it extra special and get what you want.

3. Location Matters

• Stay closer to the activities you plan to enjoy most.

• Beach access is often a top priority.

• Consider splitting your stay between two areas of Maui to experience the island’s unique vibes and minimize travel time.

➡️ For a closer look at the best beaches in Maui for families, check out my Best Maui Beaches for Families post.

Now, as a family of six, I know that finding the perfect accommodation will be even more challenging.

A vacation rental is likely our best option, but we would need to also consider increasing our budget for a resort like the Fairmont Kea Lani, which offers larger villas that can accommodate bigger families.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Maui

Finding the best places to stay in Maui for families doesn’t have to be stressful.

Whether you choose a resort, vacation rental, or both, Maui’s beauty and charm will ensure your family has an incredible trip.

Need more help planning your family trip to Maui? Check out my post on Ultimate Guide to Things To Do in Maui with Kids for ideas on family-friendly activities and adventures.

May you love your adventure! KW