Maui, also known as “The Valley Isle”, is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, outdoor adventures and natural wonders. It’s also a sought-after destination for surfers, both beginners and seasoned veterans alike, who seek out the island’s coves, bays and beaches to catch that perfect wave.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve tested the big swells on Maui to discover the island’s best surfing spots, from tow-in points and beginner breaks to family-friendly beaches. Whether you prefer to get out on a board or sit back and watch the surfing action, you can stay close by booking one of these fantastic hotels near Maui’s surf spots.
Why You Should Stay near Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is one of the island’s most picturesque surf breaks, consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. This scenic spot offers consistent, gentle waves that break left, making it fun for beginners to enjoy short rides. The kilometres of white sand coastline is also famous for daily cliff diving ceremonies.
Tips for Visiting Kaanapali Beach
- Don’t miss the cliff diving at Puu Kekaa, which pays tribute to King Kahekili.
- Shallow waters make the beach ideal for snorkelling and it’s possible to spot whales off the coast.
- The beach is within walking distance of high-end shops and gourmet restaurants.
Top Hotels near Kaanapali Beach
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is set on Ka’anapali Beach, boasting nine oceanfront hectares with a lagoon-style pool. Play at the white-sand beach, learn indigenous Hawaiian cultural activities or visit ROCKsalt for eclectic share plates. Afterwards, sip cocktails at Mai Tai Bar or book a pampering massage at the spa.
Most of the rooms feature Pacific Ocean, Lanai and Molokai island views, including the Ocean View King with a flat-screen TV, coffee maker and mini fridge. Upgrade to a Junior Suite for a Murphy bed and separate sitting area or the opulent Ali’i Suite for a living room, dining area and private poolside cabana.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Whalers Village (800 metres)
- Kaanapali Golf Course (400 metres)
- Kaanapali Beach (400 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 480 – USD 4,036
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: 2605 Kaanapali Parkway, Kaanapali, Hawaii, United States
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
Visitors fall in love with the oceanfront setting at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, which provides the perfect backdrop for the on-site Heavenly Spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre and multiple restaurants and bars. Don’t miss Maui’s most authentic luau at Wailele Luau, which pairs a buffet dinner with live entertainment.
All rooms feature Westin Heavenly Beds, while Ocean View rooms include balconies with beach views. The two queen-size beds in the Luxury Oceanfront appeal to families, while couples love the furnished balcony, separate bathtub and Black Rock views in the Premier Corner Suite.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Whalers Village (350 metres)
- Roy’s (500 metres)
- Drums of the Pacific Polynesian Spectacular (1.2 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 354 – USD 1,830
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: 2365 Kaanapali Parkway, Kaanapali, Hawaii, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Pe’ahi
Pe’ahi is considered the Holy Grail for big wave surfers in Hawaii, offering massive waves only a few times per year. Also known as “Jaws Beach”, the behemoth, fast-moving waves are advised for only seasoned professionals. Watch from the beach as pros from around the world get behind a jet ski, let go and risk their lives for the rarest of waves.
Tips for Visiting Pe’ahi
- Pe’ahi’s biggest waves can be seen between October and April.
- The Pe’ahi Lookout is the best vantage point, but the dirt road requires a four-wheel drive.
- Strong currents, big waves and shallow reefs are challenges only professional surfers can handle.
Top Hotels near Pe’ahi
Adventure in Paradise
HotelsCombined visitors rave about the stunning island views at Adventure in Paradise, which boasts a secluded location just minutes from white-sand beaches. In-room massages and gourmet chefs can be arranged, while laundry facilities, fresh-ground coffee and beach equipment come complimentary.
Couples can stay in the Secluded Maui Suite for picture windows, a covered lanai with a private Jacuzzi and California king-size bed, while families will appreciate the six-person Maui Cottage. In both suites, you can marvel at the Pacific Ocean, tropical rainforest and 3,000-metre-high summit of Mt Haleakala.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Ho’okipa Beach Park (10.7 kilometres)
- Baldwin Beach Park (15.4 kilometres)
- Twin Falls Maui Waterfall (7.7 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 260 – USD 399
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: 4320 Une Place, Haiku-Pauwela, Hawaii, United States
Bamboo Valley Inn
Nestled in a tropical valley on Maui’s North Shore, Bamboo Valley Inn immerses you in secluded natural spoils. The hotel greets you with renowned Hawaiian hospitality, providing a welcome breakfast tray, beach towels and chairs, boogie boards and picnic coolers.
Both families and groups love the two-bedroom suites, which include fully-equipped kitchens, entertainment rooms with flat-screen TVs and fireplaces and covered lanais with gas grill barbecues. You’ll also be treated to a pillow-top mattress, satellite TV and air conditioning.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Twin Falls Maui Waterfall (10.8 kilometres)
- Ho’okipa Beach Park (10.2 kilometres)
- Garden of Eden Arboretum (24.4 kilometres)
Star Rating: 2*
Price: USD 139 – USD 209
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: West Kuiaha Road, Haiku-Pauwela, Hawaii, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Honolua Bay
With its powerful, hollow reef breakpoint, Honolua Bay is said to offer the longest ride in the world. As one of the most legendary surf spots in Hawaii, it’s an ideal spot to watch the pro surfers. Producing great surf in winter, it has a perfect right-hander that creates a series of barrel and turn sections for almost one kilometre.
Tips for Visiting Honolua Bay
- In summer the area can get crowded, so respect the locals.
- Lipoa Point is one of the best spots to watch the action on a busy day.
- When the water is calm, pick up snorkel gear and swim with tropical fish and turtles.
Top Hotels near Honolua Bay
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua embodies island-inspired luxury with two championship golf courses, indigenous spa treatments and locally-sourced cuisine at six on-site restaurants. Go surfing, snorkelling or swimming with manta rays, then organise a helicopter tour or enjoy a poolside cocktail or a milkshake at the Burger Shack.
Entry-level Terrace rooms feature separate soaking tubs and outdoor lanai balconies, while Ocean View Suites add separate living rooms and ocean views. Embrace panoramic ocean views in the Ritz-Carlton Suite or take advantage of the extra bedroom and breakfast bar in the Ocean View Residence.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Kapalua Beach (2 kilometres)
- Makaluapuna Point (1 kilometre)
- Whalers Village (10.8 kilometres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 1,424 – USD 8,453
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua, Hawaii, United States
Kapalua Villas Maui
Set on 8,900 hectares of oceanfront property, Kapalua Villas Maui is home to luxury vacation condos. Choose from one, two and three-bedroom units, which come with full kitchens, washer and dryers and air conditioning. Upgrade to a villa for a private balcony with ocean views.
Surf or swim at one of the three nearby beaches or keep fit on the golf course and tennis courts. On-site dining ranges from farm-to-table cuisine at Merriman’s to sushi rolls at Sansei. For authentic Italian fare and fine wine, head to The Pour House.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Kapalua Coastal Trail (550 metres)
- Kapalua Beach (650 metres)
- Kapalua Airport (5.2 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 336 – USD 965
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 2000 Village Road, Kapalua, Hawaii, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Launiupoko
Travelling with the kids? Launiupoko is an excellent surf spot for families, offering a beautiful green park with picnic tables, barbecue stations and restrooms. The waves are long, rolling and slow breaking both right and left, making the conditions ideal for first-time surfers. It’s also easily accessible from Honoapiilani Highway.
Tips for Visiting Launiupoko
- Depending on the tide, a small wading pool is available for small children.
- You can also enjoy swimming and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Visit the park at sunset for a magical setting and tranquil atmosphere.
Top Hotels near Launiupoko
Ho’oilo House
Ho’oilo House is a romantic bed and breakfast nestled in the West Maui Mountains, minutes from beaches, golfing, shopping and surfing. Pre-order welcome amenities, such as chocolate-covered strawberries, for your loved one, then book a side-by-side spa treatment or swim in the oceanfront pool.
With furnishings imported from Bali, the rooms exude a tranquil ambience and feature private lanais and outdoor showers. Stay in the ocean-facing Kohola room for an Ivory stone tub and ocean views or spot whales from the antique queen-size Chinese Wedding Bed in Nalu.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Launiupoko Beach Park (2 kilometres)
- Lahaina Banyan Court (6.2 kilometres)
- Kaanapali Beach (12.6 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 349 – USD 369
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 138 Awaiku St, Maui, Hawaii, United States
Best Western Pioneer Inn
Built in 1901, Best Western Pioneer Inn captures the ambience of Hawaii’s whaling days with turn-of-the-century Lahaina architecture. Newly-renovated Twin Rooms include air conditioning, cable TV and lanai balconies, while upgraded King Rooms boast king-size beds and separate sitting spaces.
Enjoy fresh seafood and tropical cocktails at Pioneer Inn Bar while gazing at harbour views, then swim in the outdoor pool or join a whale-watching tour. You can also catch the daily ferry to the island of Lanai or join parasailing, snorkelling and scuba diving excisions.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Old Lahaina Luau (1.8 kilometres)
- Baby Beach (1.3 kilometres)
- Whalers Village (6.2 kilometres)
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 177 – USD 225
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 658 Wharf Street, Lahaina, Hawaii, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Ho’okipa Beach
Ho’okipa Beach is one of the top go-to surfing spots on Maui for advanced riders, boasting perfect conditions with north, north-west, west and east swells. The North Shore beach is noted for its picturesque white-sand shoreline, with its name derived from the Hawaiian word for “welcoming comfort”. It’s also a world-class destination for windsurfing enthusiasts.
Tips for Visiting Ho’okipa Beach
- Spot the Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent this area.
- After surfing, enjoy swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and windsurfing.
- Watch out for riptides, sharp rocks and fierce wave sets.
Top Hotels near Ho’okipa Beach
Paia Inn
Best Western Pioneer Inn is housed in a registered historic landmark from 1901, which sits on the edge of the Lahaina harbour. Renovated rooms feature air conditioning, coffee makers and satellite TVs, while upgraded rooms include separate sitting areas, mini fridges and private balconies with ocean views.
Sunbathe at the outdoor pool or visit the on-site Pioneer Inn Grill for local dishes. Join sunset dinner cruises or see the 150-year-old tree at Banyan Tree Park, then enjoy a cold cocktail at the on-site Whalers Saloon.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Paia Fish Market (65 metres)
- Maui Crafts Guild (110 metres)
- Paia Bay (200 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 377 – USD 1,974
Guest Rating: 10
Address: 93 Hana Highway, Paia, Hawaii, United States
The Inn at Mama’s Fish House
The Inn at Mama’s Fish House is steps from the ocean on a secluded white-sand beach, home to an award-winning restaurant called Mama’s Fish House. Sample wild-caught fish at the family-owned restaurant, then explore Maui’s coolest town, Paia, or visit Hookipa Beach for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing.
One and two-bedroom cottages feature fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs and patios with barbecues, while Junior Suites add whirlpool baths. Want a dose of luxe island living? Book a Beachfront Cottage for two bedrooms and a lanai that opens directly onto the beach.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Ho’okipa Beach Park (1.3 kilometres)
- Lower Paia Park (2.6 kilometres)
- Ho’okipa Lookout (1.4 kilometres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 425 – USD 850
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 799 Poho Place, Paia, Hawaii, United States
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near The Cove
The Cove at Kalama Beach Park is considered the ultimate beginner surf spot on Maui. The consistent slow, small waves throughout the year break both right and left in the shallow water. It also has a sand entry, making it a safe spot to tick “catching a wave” off any bucket list. You’ll find many surf schools here, so it can get crowded quickly.
Tips for Visiting The Cove
- Large swells, or “Kalama Bowls”, can offer fun surf for more experienced surfers.
- The area is most crowded during weekends and between 8am and 2pm.
- Despite a sandy entry point, watch out for shallow rocks and coral (booties recommended).
Top Hotels near The Cove
Maui Coast Hotel
Maui Coast Hotel offers the best of Maui at your doorstep, from its eco-friendly initiatives to its resort-style amenities, including an outdoor pool, sundeck and fitness centre. The Activities Desk can help you arrange day trips, while the on-site ‘ami’ami Bar & Grill serves traditional island fare.
Save money by staying in the Deluxe Room, which features a king-size bed, pull-out sofa bed and private lanai, or upgrade to a Junior Suite for a large sitting area and wet bar. Up to four guests can stay in the 50-square-metre One-Bedroom Suite, which has two flat-screen TVs.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Kamaole Beach Park (190 metres)
- Emerald Golf Course (7.7 kilometres)
- Kamaole Beach Park III (1.2 kilometres)
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 428 – USD 557
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 2259 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii, United States
Aston at the Maui Banyan
The spacious rooms and suites at Aston at the Maui Banyan are nestled among lush tropical landscaping and all feature private lanais and Wi-Fi. Standard rooms have mini fridges, coffee makers and air conditioning, while one-bedroom suites add separate living areas, full kitchens and washer/dryers. Choose the 2-Bedroom Partial Ocean View suite to wake up to ocean views.
Family-friendly perks include two outdoor pools, a tennis court and a swimming beach across the street. Stroll to local restaurants and shops or stay nearby to take advantage of the in-room Playstation 3 games, barbecue grills and Jet spas.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Kamaole Beach Park III (89 metres)
- Kahului Airport (21.7 kilometres)
- Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve (13.2 kilometres)
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 240 – USD 629
Guest Rating: 7.5
Address: 2575 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii, United States
Hotel Location
More article about Maui: Where to Stay in Maui: The Best Romantic Getaways
Spectacular Surf Spots and Tropical Retreats in Maui
Home to exquisite white-sand beaches, Maui attracts surfers with beginner-friendly breaks, legendary big swells and unmistakable natural beauty. These top surfing spots provide hours of fun and will leave you wanting more. The island’s nearby hotels also offer luxurious retreats with on-site restaurants, spas and outdoor pools.
Where do you want to stay on Maui? Let us know in the comments below.
