Maui Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(Maui, Hawaii - HI, USA)

With awesome scenery that makes an array of recreational activities possible, it is clear to see why Maui is a Hawaiian visitor hotspot. The island's natural landscape features wonderful waterfalls and Maui also contains two dormant volcanoes, Haleakala and Puu Kukui, the former being the largest of its type in the world. Take a trip to its summit and enjoy the spectacular views it affords.

Nestled between them is a fertile valley that is farmed for tropical fruit and sugar cane. Maui features numerous impressive beaches and the ocean is teeming with marine life, making Maui a good destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.


If you time your visit to Maui well, you may be lucky enough to see the visiting humpback whales that are attracted by the warm, crystalline waters. Head to Maui's bustling Lahaina in the west or Wailea in the south for some excellent beaches, fine restaurants, large resorts and good shopping opportunities. Not far from here, you will also find world-class golf courses that attract visitors from near and far.

Hana Maui

Historical Hana was the birthplace of Queen Kaahumanu, the wife of King Kamehameha I, and is an important cultural area. With beautiful rural countryside, stunning scenery and some small towns, Hana Maui is a great area to explore. It is also home to the Hana Cultural Center, where you can learn about the cultural heritage of the area.

Central Maui

Central Maui is geographically located between Maui's two dormant volcanoes and is home to the island's main airport. This area has some decent shopping and dining opportunities and houses the majority of Maui's government and business buildings. Close to the airport is Kahului, a local town that primarily houses former sugar cane workers. Wailuku, another local town that is home to the Bailey House Museum, is also located in Central Maui.

North Maui

The North Maui shore is a good area for those who like hiking and there are several towns and villages here, many of which offer accommodation, shops and restaurants in close proximity to the jungle hiking trails. By and large, the accommodation here is more basic than that found at luxury resorts elsewhere on the island. However, the North Maui area boasts stunning natural features such as waterfalls and pristine beaches, more than making up for it.

South Maui

This sunny, arid area is another popular tourist spot that is generally more affordable than West Maui. The South Maui area offers decent beaches, hotels and shopping areas. Maalaea contains a small harbor where you will find the Maui Ocean Center, a complex consisting of a mall and some restaurants. Kihei offers some of Maui's more affordable accommodation and decent beaches. South Maui is also home to upscale Wailea, with its white sandy beaches, fish-filled waters and multi-million dollar resorts, many of which are complete with golf courses.

West Maui

West Maui boasts fine beaches and stunning scenery, making it a visitor favorite. Due to this, the area has been heavily developed and there is a vast array of accommodation, shopping and dining choices in the area's multitude of towns, villages and resorts. Busy Lahaina has a developed tourist infrastructure and offers a range of hotels, plenty of restaurants, shops and nightlife venues. Also in West Maui is Kaanapali, a seaside resort with large hotels, golf courses, shops, malls, restaurants and easy access to Lahaina. West Maui is also home to the seaside towns of Kapalua, Kahana and Napili. Napili has some good beaches, shops and restaurants and there are some shopping centers and golf courses in these areas too.

Upcountry Maui

Upcountry Maui boasts beautiful farmland, green pastures, tropical flower farms and small local towns. Makawao offers some wonderful views, interesting boutiques and galleries, not to mention good restaurants and a few places to stay. Kula is another scenic town in Upcountry Maui, with great vistas, stunning flora and good accommodation options.