Should I Stay in Kihei or West Maui?

It's the great Maui debate, and it comes up in every travel forum: South Maui (Kihei/Wailea) or West Maui (Lahaina/Ka'anapali)? We're obviously biased — this is a West Maui guide — but we'll give you the honest comparison so you can make the best choice for your trip. Both sides of the island are beautiful, and you genuinely can't go wrong either way.

Where West Maui Wins

Sunset views are the most obvious advantage. West Maui faces directly west, which means you get front-row seats to some of the most spectacular sunsets you'll ever see. South Maui faces south and the sunsets aren't nearly as dramatic. Walkability is another major plus — the Ka'anapali Beach Walk connects resorts, restaurants, and shops along three miles of beachfront, creating a car-free zone that's rare in Hawaii. Whale watching proximity gives West Maui an edge during winter months — Lahaina Harbor is the departure point for most whale watch cruises, and you can often see whales from shore along the west coast. Cultural activities are richer — the Old Lahaina Luau, historic Front Street, and the arts scene give West Maui a depth of experience beyond just beach and pool. And the snorkeling variety is unmatched — within 20 minutes you can reach Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Black Rock, Olowalu, and Napili Bay, each with a completely different underwater experience.

Where South Maui Wins

Budget accommodations are more plentiful in Kihei. There are more affordable condo options, and the sheer number of properties creates competition that keeps prices lower. Proximity to Haleakala means a shorter drive for the famous sunrise experience (about 90 minutes from Kihei vs. 2+ hours from Ka'anapali). Molokini Crater snorkel trips depart from Ma'alaea, which is closer to South Maui properties. The weather is marginally sunnier and drier — South Maui gets even less rain than the already-dry West Maui coast. And Wailea's luxury shopping at The Shops at Wailea offers high-end retail that West Maui can't quite match (though Whalers Village is solid). The Wailea beach walk connecting five crescent beaches is also stunning, though shorter than Ka'anapali's.

Drive Time Between Them

It's about 45-50 minutes between Kihei and Ka'anapali in normal traffic, so a day trip either way is very doable. You could stay in West Maui and drive to Wailea for a beach day, or stay in Kihei and drive to Lahaina for dinner and sunset. The only tricky part is the Highway 30/Highway 31 junction near Ma'alaea, which gets congested during rush hours. If you're doing Molokini or Haleakala, staying on the South side saves 30+ minutes each way.

Our Recommendation

First-timers should choose West Maui. The combination of world-class beaches, incredible sunsets, walkable resort areas, diverse snorkeling, whale watching access, and cultural experiences creates a more "complete" Hawaiian vacation. You'll feel like you've truly experienced Maui, not just stayed at a beach resort. If you're returning to Maui and want a different perspective, or if budget is your primary driver, Kihei and Wailea offer great value and their own unique charm.

The Best-of-Both-Worlds Strategy

Stay in West Maui (Ka'anapali or Napili for best value) but schedule two South Maui day trips: one for a Molokini snorkel morning + Wailea beach afternoon, and one for Haleakala sunrise (leave at 3am, back by 10am, nap, then beach). This way you experience the best of the entire island while enjoying West Maui's superior sunsets and snorkeling as your daily home base.

Bonus Consideration: If you're visiting during whale season (December-April), West Maui is the clear winner. The humpback breeding grounds are concentrated in the channel between Maui and Lanai, and West Maui puts you right on top of the action. You'll see whales from your hotel lanai, from the beach, and from the road — they're everywhere.