Where to Stay in Hana, Maui


Hana is one of the most remote and beautiful corners of the Hawaiian islands - a small, lush town surrounded by natural wonders at the end of the famous Road to Hana.

Most travelers make the mistake of rushing through the drive in a single, exhausting day. They treat it like an item to be checked off a Maui vacation todo list, spending hours behind the wheel only to leave stressed, depleted, and completely missing the true soul of the region.

But there is a better way, a hard-won secret known to seasoned Maui travelers.

To truly experience the magic of Hana, you cannot simply visit; you must stay. By spending a few nights or more in Hana, the frenetic pace of the day-trippers fades away, leaving you with empty beaches, quiet waterfalls, and the serene, untouched beauty of Hawaii as it used to be.

Hana Bay
Hana Bay - A serene spot for relaxation and scenic views

Legal Rentals

Hana's limited accommodation choices are one reason why few visitors stay overnight. We'll show you all the legal rental options in Hana so you can make an informed and safe choice for your stay. Be careful with rentals you find on some platforms as not all are legal and can be shut down at any time (see the county's Short-Term Rentals page for more information).

The Four Main Options for Staying in Hana


1. Hana-Maui Resort

If you want the simplest possible stay, the Hana-Maui Resort (part of the Destination by Hyatt collection) is the area's only hotel. It boasts one of the most beautiful hotel settings in Hawaii, situated on 70 oceanfront acres and offers resort-style amenities - dining, two pools, a tennis and basketball court, bicycles, a spa, wellness and cultural activities, an amazing art gallery, and a choice of garden cottages and oceanfront bungalows.

Best for: Anyone who wants a full-service, no-fuss stay with the easiest booking process. Some guests even spend a month, returning year after year.
Trade-off: Although it's a Hyatt property and they do a good job maintaining it, logistically this is the most difficult hotel in Hawaii to service. Don't expect pristine rooms where maintenance issues are dealt with promptly. The cost also puts it out of reach for many travelers.

Check Hana-Maui Resort → Hana-Maui Resort Pool
The Hana-Maui Resort has the island's most peaceful resort pool.

2. Hana Kai Maui

Hana Kai Maui is the area's one condo complex, set right on Hana Bay at Waikaloa Beach. Its studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units come with kitchens, private lanais, and ocean views - making them a natural middle option for travelers who want more space and the ability to cook, but still in a recognizable, centrally located complex rather than a far-flung cottage.

Best for: Travelers who want a kitchen in an oceanfront setting.
Trade-off: It's not a full-service resort, and individual units vary in style and quality. Our directory lists specific units so you can select the best choice.

Browse Hana Kai & Other Rentals → Hana Kai Maui Condos
Hana Kai Maui - Hana's only condo complex

3. Legally Licensed Cottages and Homes

Beyond the resort and the condos, Hana has 28 legally licensed private homes, cottages, and studios (some classified as B&Bs). These are quiet, local-style stays with privacy, gardens, and kitchens. You can browse all the options below.

Best for: Travelers who want a quiet, private, local-feeling stay with charm and a kitchen.
Trade-off: Some rentals have 3-night minimums. There are two small grocery stores in Hana, but you will need to plan ahead for longer stays (i.e. buy supplies in Pa'ia or Kahului).

View Legal Hana Vacation Rentals →

A Preview of Hana's Highest Rated Vacation Rentals

4. Hana Inn

The Hana Inn is a small family-owned and operated 8 room inn. It is positioned as an affordable, budget-friendly accommodation choice designed to help travelers experience "old Hawaii" without the high costs often associated with the region.

Best for: Budget conscious travelers who just want a clean, comfortable place to sleep at a fair price.
Trade-off: This is a simple, no-frills lodging offering self service breakfast in a common kitchen.

Our Recommendation


Staying in Hana is a special experience. The Hana-Maui Resort feels like a treat at the end of a long day and includes lovely pools, a hot tub, and expansive grounds. Although the rooms are in need of a refresh, the overall experience and location make it worthwhile.

For vacation rentals, there are hidden gems like Hale Ulu Lulu Cottage that offer unique experiences with historic charm, solitude and quiet. Browse through the rental choices and take a look at reviews. If one of these gems is available for your dates, don't hesitate!

Unless it's your preferred travel style, we're not fans of 'roughing it' in Hana as it turns this part of your vacation into an afterthought or side quest. To connect with the spirit of the region, you need to slow down and stay a while, and that works best if you're happy with your accommodation choice. There are many attractions to explore around Hana.

Hana Kai Maui Condos
Wai'anapanapa State Park - best enjoyed in the morning which is easier if you're staying in Hana.

How to fit Hana into your Maui Travel Plans


Despite our love for the Hana region of Maui, if you're spending only a week on Maui as a first time visitor, we don't recommend visiting Hana. The drive is long and winding, and the time spent getting there and back can make a week-long stay feel rushed.

First time visitors already have their hands full visiting Haleakala National Park, Iao Valley State Monument, exploring Maui's beautiful beaches and snorkel spots, or going on a whale watching tour. Instead of a full Hana visit, consider a partial drive - Pa'ia town, Twin Falls, and perhaps going as far as the Ka'enae Peninsula.

Hana becomes an option on subsequent visits or longer stays. Here are ideas on how to do it:

Option 1 - Split your stay between West and South Maui, and use Hana as the interlude

The ideal Maui vacation includes a combination of West Maui (Kapalua or Kaanapali) and South Maui (Wailea or Kihei) with a few nights in Hana. Since check-out times are usually at 11am, and check-in as late as 4pm, driving to Hana offers a natural bridge. It also gives you the chance to do the drive later in the day which avoids the morning rush. Since you'll be spending time in Hana you're not concerned that your day is off to a slow start, you're going to enjoy a few stops on the way, but many attractions are concentrated near Hana and you can do them while in the area.

Option 2 - Keep your existing reservation

If you only want to spend a single night in Hana, consider keeping your existing South/West Maui reservation and doing a mid-stay adventure. Although you're essentially paying for an extra night, there are several advantages: you can pack lite for Hana (not worrying about leaving important belongings in the car), depart at a leisurely time in the day, keep existing food and provisions at your condo, not worry about arrival or departure times, and quickly settle back in to your existing accommodations on the return.

Option 3 - Split your stay in the same area

Let's say you're spending 12 nights on Maui and you found a great rental but it's only available for 5 nights. Hana presents the ideal opportunity to bridge this reservation with another (perhaps at the same complex, or even a nice hotel for your last nights).

Not recommended

Visiting Hana as the last nights of a Maui trip is not recommended: The drive back is long when a trans-pacific flight awaits, and from a practical point of view you're losing the opportunity to visit attractions on the drive back. Finally, the hana highway is rather 'fragile' - accidents or road works can easily cause abnormal delays.

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