Lahaina is an incredible town in West Maui that beach lovers will never forget. Rich in Hawaiian history and culture, you’ll get the best of everything with iconic beaches, world-class resorts just a stone’s throw away, and some of the best weather on the island!
It’s slightly quieter than other tourist hotspots in Hawaii. You can enjoy all the beauty and natural landscapes of the island, without the bustling crowds.
Knowing where to stay in Lahaina can be the tricky bit of planning a getaway. Check out our favorite spots around town to find the right spot for you!
Where to Stay in Lahaina
West Maui’s Lahaina region is full of awesome accommodation options!
Quaint Hawaiian Cottage | Best Airbnb in Lahaina
For a unique and classically Hawaiian-feel, this colourful cottage is the place for you. If you’re not interested in resort stays, you can enjoy life like the locals (while supporting the local community too!) while you hang out on the lanai after a fun day at the beach. Open up the windows and breathe in the warm Maui trade winds as your worries disappear.
Hakuna Matata Hostel | Best Hostel in Lahaina
If you’re staying in Lahaina for the first time, you simply must check out this hostel. Because of its ideal location close to all the top sights and incredible beaches, younger travellers will love being steps from the best beaches and Front Street. Your Maui holiday will be complete here with great vibes, and plenty of stuff to do!
Old Lahaina House | Best Hotel in Lahaina
The Old Lahaina House hotel has got to be one of the coolest places to stay in Lahaina because of its unique architecture and romantic rooms. Couples will absolutely love this spot – it’s got a great pool, gorgeous rooms, and is walking distance to all the local attractions (and the beach). Plus, the friendly staff can help you book any kind of tour you’d like. What more could you want?
Lahaina Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Lahaina
Old Lahaina
History is the main drawcard here in Old Lahaina, but don’t be fooled beach-lovers, you’ll enjoy your time here too! The village is known for its roots as a bustling seatown and a large chunk of it has been dedicated as historic districts.
Kaanapali
Kaanapali is one of those places that is just made for a family beach holiday. Designed as the ultimate resort town you’ll never run out of things to do with endless recreational activities available.
Napili-Honokowai
Heading further north along the coast of West Maui will bring you to the area known as Napili-Honokowai. Home to some of the best snorkelling in Maui this quaint town is an incredible little hidden gem.
Sunny West Maui was once the playground for Hawaiian royalty, and it’s so easy to see why! Not overly populated or developed, driving up the coast from town to town is a sight to behold. You can begin in historic Lahaina, where fishermen and whalers would dock their boats and make their living.
Continuing north you will find yourself in stunning Kaanapali Beach. This resort town will have you obsessed with Hawaiian beaches, and the service in the resorts will leave you wanting for nothing. You could very easily spend your days enjoying all the amenities, however if you do venture out there’s plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, too.
Finally, as you leave the resorts behind you will arrive in Napili-Honokowai. This little area is a great place to stay near Lahaina for those who love exploring. Stay in an oceanfront property that won’t break the bank, while you pack your days full of water tours, and other excursions in the Maui outdoors.
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Lahaina
Lahaina is a tiny place to travel to in Hawaii with only a few scenic spots to stay. Whether its your first time to the island, or you are looking to try out somewhere new, check out our favorite places to stay!
Old Lahaina – Best Place to Stay in Lahaina for Your First Visit
History is the main draw to Old Lahaina, but beach-lovers will find plenty to enjoy too! The village is known for its roots as a bustling seatown, and a large chunk of it has been dedicated as historic districts.
You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture after meandering the streets exploring the art galleries and museums, not to mention the incredible food scene. It has a little something for everyone and isn’t too expensive, making it the best place to stay in Lahaina for your first visit.
Relaxing Hawaiian Bungalow | Best Airbnb in Old Lahaina
Bring the whole family and a few friends for a stay at this gorgeous bungalow, located just minutes from Lahaina town. It’s got plenty of room to spread out throughout the gorgeous interior, as well as all the amenities of the best hotels. Not only that, it’s extremely safe and quiet located in a gated community.
Hakuna Matata Hostel | Best Hostel in Old Lahaina
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Lahaina for your first visit, this hostel can not be beat! The location is our favourite factor (who goes on holiday to stay in their room anyway?!) as it’s so close to the beach and Front Street! Hang out with fellow travellers and make use of the free bikes and surfboards.
Old Lahaina House | Best Hotel in Old Lahaina
This hotel is not your standard resort, in the best way! A room at the Old Lahaina House will feel like your home away from home, and the staff are excellent. As the name suggests, it’s a beautiful historic building that’s also perfectly located close to all the local sights. Couples will especially love this spot with quiet romantic rooms and the lovely pool.
Things to See and Do in Old Lahaina
- A stroll down Front Street is a must do for first time visitors to experience the heart of Old Lahaina.
- Take part in a sport-fishing expedition – one of the most popular things to do here!
- Friday nights are “Art Night” on Front Street, where you can meet local vendors and see lots of stunning art.
- During the winter months, you can take a whale watching expedition to spot some majestic humpback whales.
- Alternately, through the summer months take an exhilarating parasail ride! The quiet bird’s eye views will be unforgettable.
- Atlantis Submarines run underwater tours that will leave you in awe of Hawaiian marine life.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIKaanapali – Best Place to Stay in Lahaina for Families
Kaanapali is one of those places that is made for a family beach holiday! Designed as the ultimate resort town you’ll never run out of things to do with endless recreational activities available. Whether you enjoy spending time in your resort enjoying the facilities, or getting out and about you’ll absolutely love Kaanapali.
The incredible beaches look like they’re straight off a postcard, and the excellent West Maui weather means you’ll have plenty of sunny days to enjoy them! This area is one of the more expensive places to stay near Lahaina, but definitely well worth the extra spend.
Quaint Hawaiian Cottage | Best Affordable Airbnb in Kaanapali
What this little Hawaiian cottage lacks in space, she makes up for in character and spirit! For a better sense of the Hawaiian lifestyle stay here and enjoy the warm air while you and the family hang out on the large lanai. The kids will love the outdoor heated pools as well as a fully stocked beach supplies cabinet. This Airbnb will be an unforgettable part of your vacation, and the perfect choice if you’re not into the resort style vacay.
Westin Kaanapali Villa | Best Resort Condo in Kaanapali
A stay in this villa is less about your room and more about the awesome resort facilities that are available. Parents can unwind and relax while the kids discover all there is to know about Hawaiian culture at the discovery centre, or let them run off some energy at the pirate pool! With heaps of dining options to choose from too, you’ll barely need to leave the resort grounds.
Kaanapali Beach Hotel | Best Hotel in Kaanapali
A top pick for families, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel is the perfect choice for a fun-filled Maui holiday! This resort is the centrepiece of Kaanapali Beach and offers complimentary cultural experiences, as well as a kid’s club, and the excellent staff are more than happy to book any additional tours you might like to do as well.
Things to See and Do in Kaanapali
- Hit a few rounds at one of the world-class golf courses around town – many resorts are ideally located right next door with fairway views.
- Pack the umbrellas and towels for a fun-filled day at the incredibly beautiful Kaanapali Beach.
- Take a snorkel tour off the coast of Maui to see some iconic green sea turtles in their natural environment.
- Get the adrenaline going with a cool zipline run at Skyline Hawaii – an awesome activity for your stay in Lahaina.
- Hop on the charming Kaanapali trolley that will take you between most of the resorts in town.
- Relax and unwind with a classic Hawaiian massage at one of the many day spas in town or at the resorts.
Napili-Honokowai – Best Place to Stay In Lahaina on a Budget
Heading further north along the coast of West Maui will bring you to the area known as Napili-Honokowai. Home to some of the best snorkelling in Maui this quaint town is an incredible little hidden gem. Ideally located close to all the best attractions and shopping, your Lahaina stay will be capped off perfectly with a few nights here.
Accommodation options range from oceanfront properties to resorts with plenty of affordable options available. For a fun, outdoor activity packed holiday, Napili-Honokowai will be perfect!
Waterfront Condo | Best Airbnb in Napili-Honokowai
This condo is by far one of the best choices of accommodation near Lahaina. Sit back and relax on the private lanai while you take in the ocean views with a cocktail after a fun-filled day. The interior is gorgeous, with hardwood accents and splashes of ocean blue. With two bedrooms, you and your friends and family will be comfortable, and best of all is it’s so affordable!
Oceanfront Paradise Condo | Best Couples Condo in Napili-Honokowai
Savour long sleep-ins in the comfy king-size bed at this romantic Airbnb. You and your loved one can enjoy a coffee (or cocktail) in the warm breeze on the large lanai. Featuring gorgeous ocean views from the pool and walking distance to the beach, your only hard decisions will be choosing a restaurant to eat at, or whether to make use of the fully stocked kitchen.
Hono Koa Vacation Club | Best Hotel in Napili-Honokowai
Just five minutes walk away and with a pool and hot tub on site, this affordable hotel has everything! A great choice of accommodation to stay near Lahaina, the Hono Koa Vacation Club is perfect for those wanting the quintessential beach holiday, without the price. The affordability of this spot means you’ll have more to spend on your activities, which is after all where the best memories are made!
Things to See and Do in Napili-Honokowai
- Spend the day at Napili Bay, the gorgeous crescent shaped beach that is the heart of the area.
- Pick up some fresh local produce and immerse yourself in the culture at the weekly Farmer’s Market.
- Go for the ride of your life with an offroad ATV tour featuring scenic bamboo forests and incredible coastal views!
- For a family friendly beach day head to Honokowai Beach Park where the kids can enjoy some safe swimming in the shallow lagoon.
- Take advantage of the many tour operators in town offering scuba and snorkel tours off the Maui coast.
- Book an unforgettable outdoor adventure at the local ranch, where you can take a horseback ride through the Hawaii landscapes.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Lahaina
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Lahaina
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Lahaina
Deciding where to stay in Lahaina for your Maui vacation doesn’t have to be hard! For your first visit, head straight to Old Lahaina to get a feel for the town. Wandering down historical Front Street you’ll find heaps of stores and cafes selling local goods, plus the beach is never far away.
If you’re travelling with family, Kaanapali Beach is where it’s at. Resorts line the coastline and are fantastic options for those with kids because they usually offer some sort of kids club with heaps of activities. If you’re on a budget it’s probably best to head straight up to the lovely town of Napili-Honokowai. It’s a hidden gem and is packed with heaps of cool places to stay for those saving their cash for awesome Hawaiian experiences.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
