Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Lahaina, Maui

The Napili Surf Beach Resort is a small, two-story apartment hotel located in a picturesque, beachfront setting. Lahaina is a short drive away, meaning travelers can stay on the beach without being too far from central Maui. Situated on the Napili Bay, the atmosphere is casual and tranquil, making it a solid pick for those looking for a relaxed beach vacation with options for boating, swimming, and paddleboarding, but little in the way of frills. Rooms are simple and clean, though the tropical decor could use a bit of a refresh. All come with balconies and fully equipped kitchenettes, but lack air-conditioning. While there are plenty of beach activities offered, the hotel has limited amenities outside of its two small pools.

The highlight of this mid-range condo resort is its prime oceanfront real estate, giving every unit great panoramic ocean views from comfortable private lanais. And with just 44 units, the Noelani Condominium Resort maintains a friendly, family-oriented vibe where guests mingle by the two pools and hot tub for the weekly live music and great sunsets. The condos have fully equipped kitchens (if dated bedding), and while the beach next door is tiny, there are more beach options within a short walk or drive. For a condo resort on a better beach, consider the nearby Sands of Kahana.

This 115-unit mid-range condo hotel is located on a small cove that some refer to as Turtle Bay, because – you guessed it – it's known to be a popular spot among sea turtles, making for some of the best snorkeling in the area. The property also boasts amazing ocean views from every unit, and is just a five-minute walk to a lovely beach. The one- and two-bedroom condos have fully equipped kitchens and nice seating on breezy lanais, though some units enjoy newer appliances and more updates than others. Those who want to be right on the beach should consider the nearby Napili Surf Beach Resort, but should note that not all of its condos have ocean views.

It's all about location at this 360-room condo-hotel on prime Kaanapali beachfront where inconsistent rooms range from luxe to dowdy, amenities are few and forgettable, and prices are steep. At least the fully equipped kitchens help take the sting out of Maui's otherwise expensive dining.

This low-key, low-rise condo hotel in serene Napili Bay has an authentic Hawaiian vibe that you won't find at Maui's mega-resorts. The pools are small, the gym is small and dank, and some rooms could use renovation, but it's still a gem for travelers intent on quiet, beachside relaxation and an ocean view from every room.

Situated on 26 acres, the expansive Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas features a slew of amenities -- fitness center, kids' club, spa -- along with its two pool areas and beachfront access. All 1,021 modern units are stylishly outfitted and have fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and whirlpool tubs. The atmosphere is heavily geared toward families; couples or solo travelers looking for a quiet escape may want to consider Travaasa Hana or Makena Beach and Golf Resort.

The 432-room mid-range Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is the embodiment of Hawaiian tradition and the Aloha spirit. With regular Hawaiian entertainment and free activities like lei making and Hularobics, it harkens back to an earlier time for Maui resorts. Though it’s not as updated as and lacks some of the features of nearby resorts like the Sheraton, its more affordable rates make this a decent value option for the excellent beachfront location on the beautiful golden sands of Ka’anapali beach.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa, made up of individually owned units, combines hotel amenities in an upscale condominium complex. The rooms are huge, with full modern kitchens and private lanais, though not all have the best ocean views, and different owners provide different decor and amenities. The expansive beachfront grounds have multiple connecting pools and hot tubs that can get overrun with kids making the most of the waterslide. Couples can find solace in the adults-only pool, but the laid-back vibe may be lacking. Eco-conscious travelers will likely appreciate the restaurant and cafe's focus on local produce -- even the spa features an organic Hawaiian product line whose ingredients are sourced from the islands. The steep prices and the daily resort fee might trigger a bit of sticker shock, but as family-friendly Maui destinations go, this one is highly recommended. 

A Marriott Vacation Club property with 442 studio, one-, and two-bedroom villas, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club - Lahaina & Napili Towers primarily appeals to families with kids. The property’s three massive pool complexes feature kid-friendly amenities, like water slides and climbable pirate ships, and the hotel’s beachfront location means guests have easy access to Maui’s famous Kaanapali Beach. Most villas are equipped with full kitchens and in-unit laundry, and feature separate living and sleeping spaces. The resort has one full service restaurant, a poolside grab-and-go, and a Starbucks, but on-site dining is mediocre at best. It’s worth comparing rates at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, a similar (though much newer) property with nicer rooms. 

The 260-unit mid-range Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas is a laid-back condo resort community located on 11 acres of tropical gardens and the justifiably popular Kaanapali Beach. Fantastic swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and surfing are easily accessible, with plenty of golden sand for all. For non-beachgoers, there are small pools, hot tubs, and beautiful gardens with loungers and benches scattered throughout. Each room is individually decorated by its owner, but all are spacious, clean, and styled with a tropical touch. Watch out for a pesky facilities fee at checkout. 

Built in 1901, the Best Western Pioneer Inn is the oldest continually operating hotel in Hawaii. The mid-range hotel’s greatest asset is its harbor-front location in downtown Lahaina -- though there aren’t any beaches within walking distance. The historic property looks much like it did at the turn of the century, with its colonial exterior, charming front porch, and gingerbread trim. The hotel’s 34 rooms are classic spaces with wood furniture and white linens, but the decor is more generic than historic. On-site amenities include a small outdoor pool, popular full restaurant (with happy hour and live music), and small event space. Travelers looking for a beachfront property may prefer the Kaanapali Ocean Inn, though it isn’t historic and tends to be pricier. 

The 152-unit mid-range Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger is a low-key condo resort located on northwest Maui. The atmosphere is tranquil and relaxed, with two small ocean-view pools on-site and a sandy beach just 50 yards away. There’s a southern barbecue joint serving dinner while the Gazebo Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including macadamia nut pancakes that are so popular that locals line up for an hour for tables. Rooms vary in decor based on individual owners, but all units have full kitchens and private patios.

The 463-room mid-range Aston Kaanapali Shores, located on the western shore of Maui, is an oceanfront resort offering hotel rooms and apartments of various sizes with full kitchens and furnished lanais. The resort has a laid-back, homey vibe, combining hotel amenities and the benefits of a casual condo community. There’s also a golden sand beach right on the grounds. Rooms and apartments are privately owned and vary in terms of decor and furnishings, but all are pleasant and clean.

The mid-range Royal Lahaina Resort is a solid bang-for-your-buck pick on Kaanapali Beach. With 350 rooms, two pools, a nightly luau, 11 tennis courts, an open-air restaurant, a tiny spa, and a modern fitness center, this property has many of the same amenities as its pricier neighbors. Plus, it offers free Wi-Fi and doesn’t charge a daily resort fee. The hotel shows some signs of age, but its rooms have been nicely refreshed and feature tasteful Hawaiian inspired decor. Travelers should note that entry-level rooms are located in the not-so-nice Kaanapali Ocean Inn next door. Those looking for something a bit more upscale may prefer the Sheraton Maui Resort, which has better amenities but is pricier. 

One of the top powerhouse resorts on Kaanapali Beach, the four-pearl Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has a seemingly endless list of amenities, restaurants, a massive pool complex, modern rooms, and nightly luaus -- but there are major crowds, extra charges for parking and resort fees, and construction noise. Overall, the Hyatt Regency's massive grounds and friendly-but-impersonal service aren't too different from its Kaanapali competitors, like the Westin Maui. The major difference? While they're all technically located on the same great four-mile stretch of Kaanapali Beach, the Hyatt faces a stretch that's far narrower and not as convenient for swimming.