Which Side Of Maui Is The Best?

Are you planning a trip to Maui and wondering which side of the island has the best weather, accommodations, and things to do? Our surf lesson guests ask us this question all the time, so we put together this guide to help you better understand the different regions of Maui.

Great weather is often defined as warm and sunny which means Maui is definitely a place for great weather. However, you must know that Maui is made up of a diverse range of micro-climates, and depending on where you are on the island the weather patterns change dramatically. Within just a few miles the weather can change from being rainy to sunny or from cooler to warmer.

The south and west sides of Maui are generally known for sunny, dry weather, while the north and east sides are typically wetter and more lush. Having said that, we should point out that even in the wettest locations on Maui, the rain is a hit or miss. One minute it may be raining and then the next minute the sun is back and typically accompanied by a beautiful rainbow!

It's difficult to say which side of Maui is "best" because it really depends on the kind of vacation you're looking for.   Some visitors prefer the sunny or dry weather for the beach and golfing, while for others the lushness is desired to be around as that is where a lot of hikes and waterfalls are located. Each area on Maui has unique little towns, vegetation, and wildlife. You will likely want to explore and see them all!

Here's a look at the six main regions of Maui to help you decide which area is the best fit for your vacation.

South Maui - Kihei, Wailea, and Makena

Climate: Warm, sunny, and dry. This area generally offers the best chance of sunny weather during your stay.

• Kihei is centrally located on Maui's south shore, making it a convenient home base for exploring the island. The area offers easy access to numerous beaches, restaurants, local shops, and water activities such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Kihei has a relaxed beach-town atmosphere with a mix of condominiums, vacation rentals, and residential neighborhoods.
• Wailea is a great choice if you're looking for a peaceful atmosphere and a luxury resort experience. Here you'll find beautiful beachfront resorts, fine dining, cafés, high-end shopping, art galleries, spas, championship golf courses, and scenic coastal walking paths.
• Makena, located just a few minutes south of Kihei and Wailea, is home to some of Maui's most beautiful beaches, including Maluaka Beach, Big Beach, and Little Beach. Continuing along the area's single coastal road takes you through lava fields before reaching the end of the road at La Perouse Bay.

 

Why Many Families Choose South Maui

For many visitors, South Maui offers a great balance of sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and convenient access to activities. Kihei has a relaxed beach-town atmosphere, while Wailea offers luxury resorts, golf courses, and scenic ocean views.

If learning to surf is on your Maui bucket list, Kalama Beach Park in Kihei—just minutes from Wailea—has been a popular place for beginner surf lessons for many years.

If you're staying in South Maui, explore our Maui surf lessons and discover why surfing is one of the area's most popular activities for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

 

West Side - Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili-Honokowai, Kahana, and Kapalua

Climate: Warm, sunny, and dry. Typically sunnier towards Lahaina and higher chances of rain as you move up towards the northwest area.

• West Maui is isolated from the rest of the island by a long stretch of two-lane ocean-front highway.
• Lahaina, once a historic whaling port, is a popular little seaside harbor town and carries a lot of historical appeal to go along with its modern-day hustle and bustle. Front Street (the popular main road in Lahaina) has a huge beautiful banyan tree and numerous cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries, and gift shops. This area is also where a lot of the boat tour activities depart from.
• The Kaanapali area features numerous well-known resorts, condos, golf, and shopping centers.
• Napili-Honokowai and Kahana are smaller communities stretching along the coastline with a mix of condos and hotels.
• Kapalua is a beautiful resort community known for its luxury accommodations and world-class golf.

 

Central Maui – Kahului, Wailuku, Maalaea 

Climate:  Dry and Windy

• Central Maui includes the towns of Kahului, Wailuku, and Maalaea.   Chances are you will first arrive at  Kahului where the main airport is located.
• Kahului is the capital of Maui and is the main commercial district for residents, with a variety of big-box retailers and a large working port. This is the closest town to an actual “city” on the island.
• Wailuku is where you will find a lot of the county government offices yet still has its “small-town charm” from times past.   Nestled against a backdrop of beautiful mountains it is known as being the gateway to the popular Iao Valley.  Wailuku is also where you will find many family businesses, locally made products and quaint cafes, and restaurants.
• Maalaea is home to the busy Maalaea Harbor which is a popular departure point for whale watching tours, fishing charters, sunset sails, and diving/snorkeling excursions.  This is also where you will find the family-friendly Maui Ocean Center which exhibits a wide variety of interesting marine species. The area around the harbor is also home to dive shops, restaurants, and condominiums.

 

North Shore – Paia, Haiku

Climate:  Changes frequently between Warm and Sunny and Windy and Rainy

• The North Shore of Maui is best known for its internationally acclaimed Hookipa Beach Park which is a popular surf spot and dubbed the windsurfing capital of the world. 
• Paia is a cute little hippy town with a laid-back, surfer, small-town vibe.  Here you will find an array of boutiques, cafes, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and gift shops.  Paia is appreciated for its rugged beaches and natural beauty.  Great place to enjoy the day at the beach followed by some shopping, lunch, and gelato or a latte.
• Haiku is an appealing town off the beaten path known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere.  It rains a lot in this area which is what makes it so beautiful, lush, and green. There’s numerous cafes, restaurant, and food trucks to choose from.  Here you will find yourself in the company of kind locals at a relaxed pace. 

 

East Side – Hana

Climate:  Wettest side of the island.  Changes frequently between Warm and Sunny and Windy and Rainy.

• East Maui includes the remote Hawaiian community of Hana.   The Road to Hana is full of breathtaking scenery.  Hana Town is generally what you think of when you imagine Hawaii. Lush rainforests, dramatic seascapes, coastlines of lava rock, empty beaches, and slow living. If you don’t stop along the way it takes approximately two hours from Kahului to reach Hana town.  However, you will more than likely want to make stops along the way as the Road to Hana is itself an incredible experience offering many roadside viewpoints, waterfalls, and picnic areas to stop and enjoy the scenery.
• Driving the Road to Hana is one of the most popular tourist activities in all of Hawai’i.  Most people go to Hana for a day trip and try to get in a collection of stops along the way.  If you only go for a day trip, remember that it is a full day and you should expect to be on the road from early in the morning until late in the day.  However, staying a night (or a few nights) in Hana allows you to fully experience life in one of Hawaii’s most remote towns and enjoy being surrounded by its natural beauty, pristine coastline, and rainforest.  There aren’t many choices on where to stay, but you can rent a condo/house or stay at the Hana-Maui Resort which is in the heart of town with amazing amenities, friendly staff, and a full spa with ocean views. If you want to spend more time doing hikes and visiting waterfalls, Hana is the place to go. 

 

Upcountry – Makawao, Pukalani, and Kula

Climate:   Typically sunny.  Sometimes rain.   Cooler temperatures due to the elevation.

• Upcountry is the term used to describe the communities that are built inland on the hillside slopes of Haleakala, the massive mountain (a dormant volcano) that dominates the eastern half of the island. The Upcountry experience is completely different from the coastal experience on Maui, and one not normally associated with images we see in postcards.  This area is more “mellow and country” with popular farmers’ markets, lavender fields, and a winery.   You will find cooler temperatures upcountry due to its higher elevation and will most likely pass through this area if you plan to go up Haleakala to see the sunrise, sunset, or hike the crater.
• Makawao is an old Upcountry Cowboy town.  It is a cute little town and you will find a little bit of everything within a short stroll: the popular Rodeo General Store (a small market), an Italian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, an art gallery, an herb shop, a real estate office, a yoga studio, a hypnotherapist, a 100+ year-old small family baker, and of course the local rodeo is just up the road.
• Pukalani is a small relaxed town and is home to numerous Maui residents.  Pukalani has sweeping views of the island as well as a commercial center with numerous restaurants and a variety of interesting shops. There is also an 18-hole golf course, a community recreation center, sports fields, and King Kekaulike High School.
• Kula is known for its colorful flower farms and botanical gardens as well as expansive farmland and ranch land views.  Kula is Maui’s premier agricultural region with many farms that supply Hawaii’s finest restaurants with high-quality fresh local fruits and vegetables.  In addition to having amazing views, there are restaurants in the area as well as activities such as visiting the Lavender Fields, the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, the Botanical Gardens, and the Upcountry Maui Winery.

Which Side of Maui Is the Best?

The truth is, there isn't one "best" side of Maui—only the side that's the best fit for your vacation. Whether you're looking for luxury resorts in Wailea, beautiful beaches in Kihei, the laid-back charm of the North Shore, the scenic Road to Hana, or the cooler temperatures and farms of Upcountry Maui, each region offers something unique.

No matter where you choose to stay, you'll have the opportunity to experience the beauty, culture, and adventure that make Maui such a special destination. We hope this guide helps you choose the area that's the best fit for your Maui vacation.

Note: This guide highlights some of Maui's main regions. There are many other wonderful towns and communities across the island worth exploring, but these are the areas most visitors will likely experience during their trip.