Even before you set foot on The Island of Maui for your elopement, you’ll want to be prepared and know where you should stay! Each city and town in Maui is unique, and offers various different experiences and vibes. Let’s take a tour to figure out where you’ll be staying during your Maui elopement adventure.
Maui is broken up into various regions and towns. The biggest town in Maui is known as Kahului, which hosts the main airport of Maui.
Navigating Maui
Central Maui is where you will find the most populated towns, such as Kahului and Wailuku. Kahului is a bit more bustling and industrial feeling, as it is close to the harbor. It does however have some more affordable hotels but it is not the best place to jump in the water. Wailuku still feels somewhat city-like with some small town charm and a lively feel. It is the town closest to Iao Valley which I highly recommend checking out during your stay in Maui, so whether you choose to stay here or not, you will likely pass through it on your way to Iao.
West Maui is somewhat isolated from the rest of the island, but has so many gorgeous places to check out all right along the ocean. You’ll find the resort towns of Kapalua and Kaanapali filled with higher end resorts to more affordable timeshares and condos. My favorite part of West Maui is you get AMAZING views of Molokai as well as Lanai. You can even take the ferry from Lahaina to Lanai to explore this amazing tiny island for the day.
If you’re seeking a beachy waterfront town during your time in West Maui, Lahaina might be for you. Famous for historic and bustling “Front Street,” the cute, old-timey architecture now filled with modern stores and restaurants is not something to miss. This spot has galleries and shops, along with places to stay and yummy restaurants.
Rugged landscapes and serene atmosphere are what bring many people to the north shore of Maui. Paia is a fun hippie town that epitomizes what it means to be in Hawaii. It’s honestly one of my favorite towns in Maui. If you are dreaming of making the trip on the Road to Hana, Paia is where you will begin your journey. The Road to Hana boasts waterfalls and some of the most gorgeous scenery in Maui and Hawaii in general! Taking that trip is a full day activity, so I definitely recommend staying at either end for a night or two to make the journey less stressful.
East Maui is where your travels on the road to Hana will come to an end, in the remote community of Hana. East Maui is where you can definitely make the most of soaking in the breathtaking scenery along the road to Hana, like stopping off at waterfalls and roadside attractions, including the Pools of ʻOheʻo.
Upcountry Maui may not be your first thought when you think of what Maui has to offer, but it gives such neat vibes and energy that I absolutely recommend checking out in the towns of Makawao and Kula. Upcountry Maui is a beautiful part of the island, situated amongst lovely green hills and on the slopes of Mount Haleakala. You’ll see stunning sunset and ocean views in upcountry Maui because you are at a higher elevation. Expect cooler temperatures and lots of quaint farms. This is the perfect area to stay if you want to explore Haleakala National Park! Fun fact: Oprah herself has a huge mansion on acres of property in upcountry Maui.
When you’re in South Maui, you can say “hello” to some fancier resort areas if you’re seeking something a little less rural. Areas such as Kihei and Wailea are definitely locations you will want to keep in mind for resort vibes in south Maui! Kihei is a bit more affordable, while Wailea boasts some of the nicest resorts on the island. My favorite part about this area is that it is lined with grassy beach parks and sandy beach access – with relatively calm waters to enjoy! Keep in mind that it can get somewhat trafficky during the afternoons in south Maui.
click each city below for more details on where to stay!
And on that note...
No matter where you decide to stay in Maui during your elopement trip, I just know you’ll pick the perfect place based on what is important to you and your partner.
