Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families
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Maui is a dream destination for families!
From its stunning beaches to lush landscapes, it’s the perfect place to create unforgettable memories.
But if you’ve never been to Maui, figuring out where to stay with your family can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
As a mom of four, I know the importance of finding the right accommodation to fit both your family’s needs and your budget. 🛏 💲
Whether you’re looking for luxurious beachfront resorts, family-friendly hotels, or spacious vacation rentals, this guide will help you choose the best places to stay in Maui for your family.
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 |
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.
➡️ 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. ❤️
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.
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.
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.
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
