Know Before You Go: driving the “backside” of Hāna, on Highway 31, past ʻOheʻo Gulch, is rough, narrow, unpaved, and prone to landslides. Most car rental companies specify certain roads as “unauthorized,” and this is one of those roads.
This hotel has some of the most spectacular pools you’ll ever find. The four main pools are tiered beneath each other with waterfalls, and there’s an adults-only pool. Plus, some rooms have swim-out pools, and there are villas with private pools. Andaz Maui is also beachfront; you’ll love the five on-site restaurants.
Most people only visit Hāna as a day trip, but this hotel is reason enough to stay on the off-the-beaten-path Hāna side of the island. This hotel has vintage bungalow and cottage-style rooms, two pools, on-site bike rentals, and one of the best restaurants on the island.
Every room in this hotel is a suite with one or two bedrooms, a sleeper sofa, a kitchenette, and a private balcony. This resort’s beach is surrounded on both sides by lava rock walls, giving this property a secluded feel. Plus, you’ll love the three swimming pools, including an adults-only oasis.
With ‘Four Seasons’ in its name, you know you can expect the epitome of luxury at this resort. You’ll love this property’s pools, spa, beach, restaurants, open-air design, and incredible views. Plus, this hotel is one of the only resorts in Wailea that doesn’t charge a resort fee.
Located on the northern stretch of Kaanapali, this resort gives you views of Black Rock, Lanai, and Molokai. The Sheraton Maui has a beach, pool, lazy river, three restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, and incredible snorkeling.
This hotel gives you access to the facilities and dining at the nearby Grand Wailea. You’ll have a private villa with views of the ocean, two or three bedrooms, at least two bathrooms, a lanai, a patio, a full kitchen, an elevator, a washer and dryer, a garage, and a private outdoor grill.
This oceanfront hotel is surrounded by one of Hawaii’s most expansive natural preserves and two protected marine sanctuaries. Your room, suite, or residence will have incredible views, and the property has a spa, two championship golf courses, eco-adventures, and some of the best food on the island.
Your spacious one-, two-, three-, or four-bedroom residential-style suite accommodations will have an expansive living room, large private lanai, full kitchen, and elegant master suite. This resort has fine and casual dining, a beach, a spa, an incredible infinity pool, two championship golf courses, tennis courts, and zip-lines.
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When To Go
Maui’s peak travel season is December – March, when prices and tourist numbers will be at their highest everywhere on the island. So book your accommodation, rental cars, and tours in advance to ensure availability. These months have the best surfing conditions, and this is the prime whale-watching season.
June – August is slightly less crowded and expensive than December – March. The weather is perfect during these months – sunny and dry. Summer also has calmer currents, giving you ideal swimming conditions.
The year-round warm weather means Maui doesn’t have an off-season. But April – May and September – November are shoulder seasons when you can score some excellent (by Hawaii standards) accommodation and airfare deals.
Driving the Road to Hana is especially pleasant in these shoulder months since there are fewer tourists, and traffic won’t be as much of an issue along the route.
My favorite stops on this iconic road are Ho’okipa Beach Park, Wailua Valley State Wayside overlook (take the stairs to the right), Hanawi Falls (bring your swimsuit), Hāna Harvest, and Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Take a boat tour to this iconic dive and snorkel site.
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Getting Around
A car is essential on Maui. Many tour companies provide transportation to and from guided tours, and taxis and rideshares can be arranged by your hotel. But these can be expensive.
So if you’re going to leave your hotel more than a couple of times (which I highly recommend!), then a rental car can save you money. Plus, a rental car gives you flexibility over your itinerary and room to store and transport your belongings.
I spent three days on Maui with a rental car and drove all over the island. But because the island is so small, I only had to fill up my tank once.
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