What side of Maui is the best to stay?

The west side of Maui includes Kaanapali, Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua and Lahaina. Kaanapali Beach is my favorite area of Maui to stay on. This is the luxury part of the west side of Maui. There are several large hotels with elaborate pools, grounds and lobbies, plus a couple large luxury condos.



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Maui's beach parks are spectacular on any side of the island, but the beaches on the leeward side are generally considered to be the most beautiful. To save you a Google search, “leeward” is a term that refers to the side sheltered from the wind.

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Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.

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Maui's North Shore is less developed, less crowded, has cooler days, and is in a more natural state than the popular resort areas of South and West Maui.

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Weather On Maui There is a wet and a dry side to the Island. The south side of Maui, including the areas of Kihei, Wailea and Makena, is typically warm and dry, receiving less then 10 inches of rain per year. The west side, including Lahaina, Ka'anapali and Kapalua, receives more rain?nearly triple the amount.

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Both areas have their own unique charm and attractions. West Maui is known for its historical landmarks, cultural entertainment and surf, while South Maui offers a more transient casual vibe, both with luxury resorts and pristine beaches. Each area also has its own distinct weather patterns and natural scenery.

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There's plenty of gorgeous water to be found at Maui's beach parks, but the clearest is in Honolua Bay, especially during the summer. Honolua is Hawaiian for “two harbors,” and the bay was originally used to receive ships and unload supplies.

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Maui's North Shore beaches are at their prime in July and August when the waves are swimmer-friendly and much smaller than during the island's renowned winter swells.

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It is known for its picturesque beaches, lush tropical forests, and world-class surf. The North Shore stretches from Ka'ena Point to Kahuku Point, with over 17 miles of beaches, including Waimea Bay, ?Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), and Sunset Beach.

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Do I need a car to get around on Maui? You can get around Maui by shuttle, tour bus, taxi or public transportation. But to really experience Maui, you should consider reserving a rental car in advance from the Kahului or Kapalua airports.

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If you're looking for the best deals on accommodations, spring and fall are the cheapest months to visit the island because demand is down. This means the island is less crowded as well, which is another benefit of visiting during these months. Our personal preference is April - May.

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The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

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Kahekili Highway One of the most dangerous roads in Maui is also considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country. This is Kahekili Highway, also known as State Highway 340. Drivers navigate rocks to one side and steep cliffs on the other for about 20 miles between Kapalua and Wailuku.

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What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.

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Like anywhere, the more time you spend on Maui, the more you can see. I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor of Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.

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Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.

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While only a 45 minute drive from Honolulu, Oahu's North Shore is a far cry from the bustling city streets of the state's capital city. Known for its pristine beaches, big wave surfing, bucket list snorkeling, and so much more, anyone visiting Oahu should have the North Shore on their itinerary.

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An aerial image taken on Aug. 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. Rumors and conspiracy theories quickly flourished after the fire, hampering relief efforts.

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The Road to Hana is by far the most famous scenic drive on Maui! The route takes you along gorgeous spots on the island, including Paia Town, the impressive Twin Falls, Keanae, and Huelo Point Lookout.

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