When planning your holiday to Maui, you need to think about the place to stay. Of course, you also need to plan the activities to do in Maui, but the accommodation should be first on your list.
You will find many different types of accommodations in Maui, from resorts and hotels to vacation rentals and holiday homes. But how do you find one that is perfectly suited for you? Here are some tips on what to look for in Maui lodging.
Consider the Location
Before you book any accommodation in Maui, you need to decide which area you plan to stay on the island. This would mainly depend on the attractions you want to see and the Maui activities you want to try. Do you need to be somewhere close to a particular attraction? How about staying near a popular beach? Would you prefer to stay in a secluded location that’s peaceful and quiet?
Maui is divided into significant regions – South Maui, West Maui, East Maui, Central Maui, and the Upcountry. But the most popular areas for tourists to stay in are the South Maui and West Maui since these areas are home to some of the island’s most popular resorts.
South Maui includes the towns of Wailea and Kihei, and each has a unique charm that appeals to different kinds of visitors. Meanwhile, the West Maui area covers the popular resort areas of Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua. Since these areas are very popular, this is where the best activities in Maui can be found, such as the Whale watching cruises that depart mostly from the Lahaina Harbor.
Stay in West Maui if you love to stay in a bustling area with lively streets lined with restaurants and shops, especially in Lahaina. But if you prefer a less crowded area, South Maui might be a better choice.
Think of the Activities You Wish to Do
While some people would come to Maui to relax and lounge at the beach the entire day, many others would want to experience the best activities on Maui. If you plan to take up some activities, consider this when looking for Maui lodging.
Research the different attractions and activities in Maui and decide which of these you want to experience on your holiday. Then look for a location that will give you easy access to these attractions or activities. For example, if you are planning to experience the Road to Hana on your Maui holiday, you should look for accommodation somewhere in East Maui, which consists of the towns of Paia and Hana.
Determine the Features and Amenities
Aside from the location, other important factors to consider when looking for a Maui accommodation are the features and amenities. Maui is a popular holiday destination home to various accommodation options, from ordinary to luxury.
If you want your accommodation to have a pool, spa facilities, premium bedding, personal butler, and first-class dining, you should focus your search on upscale resorts and hotels. But if you are on a budget and plan to spend most of the time outdoors to take up Maui activities, you can settle with affordable lodging with basic amenities.
People who may need to work while on holiday may want to stay in a place with an excellent Wi-Fi connection. Meanwhile, families with kids should look for accommodation with child-friendly amenities. So, consider your needs and preferences to determine which facilities and amenities are most important to you.
Set a Budget for Your Vacation
Maui’s lodging cost would vary greatly, depending on the location, features, amenities, and several other factors. Remember, going on a holiday to Maui does not come cheap. Aside from the accommodation, you will be spending money on many other things, such as the airline fare, transportation on the island, and the fees for the activities to do in Maui. If you are traveling on a budget, you need to set a budget for your accommodation and use this as one of the factors for choosing your lodging in Maui.
You might be interested in booking all-inclusive vacation packages to Maui, including your airline fare, hotel, and some activities. This is a convenient option, and you don’t have to go through the hassles of booking the accommodation and activities separately. But the downside of booking travel packages is your choices of accommodation are limited. Also, you may need to follow certain schedules when visiting attractions or when joining Maui activities.
One way to save money on your lodging is to book a vacation rental, such as a beachfront condo. A vacation rental is like your home away from home, where you will have a kitchen and living room. Depending on your group’s size, you can book a one-bedroom or two-bedroom property. A vacation rental can save you money if you’re traveling with the family or in a group since you don’t have to book several rooms, unlike staying at a hotel or resort. Also, you will have access to various amenities like a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, and more.
Plan your Transportation
If you plan on renting a car in Maui, transportation would not be an issue regardless of where you choose to stay in Maui. The island is pretty compact, and you can easily drive from one place to another. However, for those who do not have the option to rent a car, you need to plan your transportation well.
Find out if the hotel or resort offers shuttle services that will take you to different places on the island. If you have booked some activities to do in Maui, find out how you can get to the area. There are public buses all over Maui, but this can be tricky if you are not familiar with the bus routes. You might want to consider staying close to the attractions you wish to visit, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
Maui is a wonderful island to visit for a beach holiday, whether traveling alone, with your partner, or with the entire family. But to guarantee a truly enjoyable holiday and not spoil your trip, make sure to plan well, especially the lodging. Hopefully, the tips above can guide you in choosing the right accommodation in Maui.