11 Best Vacation Houses in Maui

Imagine yourself waking up to the gentle hum of the Pacific Ocean waves, sunlight streaming through swaying palm trees, and the scent of plumeria flowers in the air. We’ve all dreamt of a Hawaiian vacation, and Maui, the Valley Isle, beckons with its unparalleled beauty and adventurous spirit. But how do you truly immerse yourself in the Maui magic? While we think staying at a hotel is great, there’s just something special about booking one of the best vacation houses in Maui. They’re especially a good choice if you plan on visiting with your friends or family. The ones below are our favorites. They let you explore hidden beaches, fire up the grill under a star-studded sky, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the vacation houses below, tailored to fit your dream getaway!

Hana Bay View

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We loved feeling right at home at Hana Bay View! Nestled right above Hana Bay in the heart of Hana town, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house was the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The fully equipped kitchen was a dream for foodies like us. We easily whipped up delicious meals, thanks to all the cookware and appliances we needed. After a day of exploring Hana’s lush rainforests and hidden waterfalls, the cozy living space was pure heaven. We kicked back on the comfy couches and enjoyed movie nights under the glow of the fairy lights.

Sharing meals was a highlight of our stay. The 4-person dining table became the center of our evenings, filled with laughter and stories exchanged over steaming plates. But our favorite part of the house was the spacious covered deck. Imagine balmy Hawaiian evenings spent under the star-studded sky, sharing stories with friends and loved ones. Or picture lazy afternoons curled up on the lounger with a good book, the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore in the distance. Pure bliss!

Wailea Sunset Estate

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This exquisite oceanfront estate wasn’t just a place to stay; and it was a luxurious retreat that felt like a home away from home. We kid you not, the Wailea Sunset Estate was amazing. The minute we stepped through the hand-etched glass doors, we were greeted by stunning panoramic ocean views. The sprawling lawn led right down to a pebbly cove, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing with the sound of the waves lapping at the shore. The location was also unbeatable. We were just a short stroll away from two sandy beaches and the Wailea Resort, with its world-class restaurants and shops.

This estate was beautifully decorated with luxurious touches everywhere we looked. From the down-filled furniture to the hand-carved Balinese trims, every detail exuded elegance and comfort. Each bedroom had its own en-suite bathroom, a complete entertainment center with a massive 3D TV, and incredible ocean views. We spent countless evenings lounging on the upstairs patio, soaking in the breathtaking sunsets and enjoying the cool ocean breezes. The amenities were top-notch, with a hot tub, pool, washer/dryer, and even beach chairs and towels provided. They even had board games to keep us entertained on rainy days.

Al’s Paradise

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Another fantastic place to consider is Al’s Paradise. The location in Kihei was fantastic. We were within walking distance of everything we needed – banks, restaurants, shops, even a park. It was so convenient. The house was perfect for our group. We stayed in a ground-floor unit with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It had a private entrance and a covered porch with a gas grill, which was great for evening BBQs.

The best part, though, was definitely the beach access. It was literally steps away, with shady palm trees and a grassy area leading right down to the sand. We’re huge partygoers, and the fact that we could go to the beach easily was such a blessing. We even saw sea turtles crawling up the beach and whales breaching in the distance. Unforgettable!

The Palms

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The Palms is everything you could imagine from the vacation rentals in West Maui. With four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, it comfortably slept our entire group of 10. We especially loved the two king bedrooms with sliding glass doors that opened right onto the expansive lanai. Waking up to the sight of the ocean sunrise and falling asleep to the sound of the waves was pure bliss. The sunsets over the West Maui Mountains were equally incredible, and the lanai provided the perfect spot to enjoy both.

Inside, the house was decorated beautifully, and all the furnishings were comfortable and inviting. We loved the kitchen a lot as it was fully stocked with everything we needed to cook delicious meals, from a blender to a rice cooker. There was even plenty of counter space and a dining table that expanded to seat everyone comfortably. We spent countless hours relaxing on the lanai, enjoying the ocean views and the peaceful atmosphere. The hand-built lava rock wall made the property even more gorgeous and gave us a sense of privacy. We never felt like we were just one block away from the main road. The Palms truly offered a tranquil escape.

Island Sunset Villa

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Best Eco-Friendly. We found our own little slice of paradise at Island Sunset Villa! This eco-friendly haven was everything we dreamed of for our Maui getaway. The moment we opened the wall of glass doors, we were greeted by balmy tropical breezes and the breathtaking scenery of Kula. The villa was a masterpiece, as it felt luxurious yet comfortable, with an architectural design that seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor living. Waking up to the sound of birds and the sunrise over Haleakala was pure magic. We loved starting our days with a cup of locally grown coffee and fresh papaya on the back lanai. For those mornings craving a touch of French indulgence, La Provence, a charming outdoor cafe with fresh croissants and espresso, was just a five-minute stroll away.

Island Sunset Villa’s location was perfect for us to explore all that Maui has to offer. From the majestic Haleakala volcano and the charming town of Hana to snorkeling, windsurfing, hiking, and everything in between, we never ran out of adventures. The days were filled with exploring botanical gardens, horseback riding, or simply relaxing by the pool. In the evenings, we’d return home, kick back on the lanai with a glass of wine, and be mesmerized by the stunning sunsets over the ocean and West Maui Mountains.

Aloha Napili Townhouse

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We were impressed when we arrived at the Aloha Napili Townhouse. Having a convenient two-car garage with a washer and dryer was amazing, especially since parking in Napili can be tricky. The tropical breezes kept us cool throughout our stay, which was perfect for the island climate. The best part? We were just 100 steps away from Napili Bay, consistently voted the top beach for 13 years in a row by Conde Nast! Several amazing restaurants were also within walking distance, so we never had to worry about finding delicious meals.

This spacious 3-story unit had 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, comfortably sleeping up to 9 people. We loved having central AC and wood floors throughout. The kitchen was a chef’s delight. It was beautifully remodeled with granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. Aside from that, the lanai was our own private sanctuary. The newly finished deck with a covered pergola offered a perfect spot to relax. We also loved grilling out on the stainless-steel Weber and enjoying meals on the lanai, which caught the morning sun and afternoon shade.

Auntie Kali’s Cottage

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Best Value for Money. With 10 out of 10 reviews on Vrbo, it’s easy to see why Auntie Kali’s Cottage is so popular. We were lucky enough to spend our time in Maui there, and this cottage truly lives up to the hype. It was furnished in a beautiful Hawaiian style and had everything we needed to feel right at home, from comfortable beds and fully equipped bathrooms to dishes and linens. But the real star of the show was the outdoor space. Our own private swimming lagoon and Tiki bar felt like we were in paradise. You’ll even be more impressed once you know it’s relatively more affordable than the rest.

And let’s not forget the view! We were treated to stunning ocean vistas from practically everywhere – the cottage, the pool, even the bar. The lush landscaping with exotic plants, banana trees, and papaya trees added another layer of paradise, complete with the sound of singing birds each morning. Who knew you could find such a peaceful getaway so close to everything? We were just minutes away from beaches, world-class golf courses, tennis courts, amazing restaurants, shopping, and the luxurious resorts of Wailea and Makena.

Tropical Gated Oceanfront Estate

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Best for Large Groups. For many reasons, the 3,500 sq ft Tropical Gated Oceanfront Estate is one of the top vacation house rentals in Maui, Hawaii. Even before we arrived, we knew this house was big. But it felt even bigger thanks to the expansive outdoor living area. Stepping out onto the lanai for the first time was breathtaking. The panoramic ocean view, the lush tropical landscaping, and the inviting private pool made our vacation even more special. The indoor space was just as impressive. There was a large living area perfect for relaxing together, and the covered terrace offered us another amazing spot to gather.

What’s more, this house was designed to accommodate up to 12 people with 5 bedrooms. But what really impressed us was the flexibility. There’s an optional lower level available for an extra fee. It has its own living room, kitchen, and even a separate bedroom with a bathroom. This would be perfect for larger families or groups, as it can sleep an additional 2 adults and 3 kids, bringing the total to 17. The best part? You only pay for what you need. If you don’t have a huge group, they empty the lower level to ensure your privacy. No matter the size of your group, you get exclusive use of the entire estate.

Kihei Oasis

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Best for Families. Kihei Oasis is one of those luxury vacation rentals in Maui that never fails to impress. While it features three spacious bedrooms, you should spend your nights in the master suite. We loved waking up to the beautiful garden views and relaxing in the giant walk-in shower after a day at the beach. The Tempur-Pedic bed was incredibly comfortable, and the high thread count sheets felt luxurious. But don’t spend too much time there, as the outdoor space is waiting. The pool and spa were amazing, and the waterfalls on the gazebo turned the place into a Hawaiian paradise. We spent countless hours relaxing by the pool, enjoying the fire pit on cooler evenings, and swinging in the hammocks. If you love to swim, check out these best hotel pools in Maui!

The kitchen was well-equipped with everything we needed to cook meals at home, and we loved having a pantry stocked with essentials and some fun surprises. The living area was open and inviting, and the entertainment system was perfect for movie nights. The house was spotless and very well-maintained. We especially appreciated the childproofing features, which gave us peace of mind with our little ones. The owners really thought of everything!

For more family accommodations, here are the best family hotels in Maui!

Hamoa Beach House

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We wish we could spend more time at the Hamoa Beach House. Located just south of Hana, the house sits on the edge of the rugged coastline with breathtaking ocean views. It’s a short walk down to Hamoa Beach, consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful in Maui. We could feel the stress melt away as we swam in the warm water and soaked in the beauty of the place. The house is spacious and luxurious. Spread out over two stories with over 2,400 square feet; it easily accommodated our group with plenty of room to spare. The koa cabinets, eucalyptus floors, and tropical furniture all added to the authentic Hawaiian feel.

“With breathtaking views, spotless rooms, and fantastic amenities, this vacation house is the definition of perfect.”

WOW Travel

Downstairs, the master bedroom with its king-size bed and en suite bathroom was a perfect retreat after a long day exploring. The highlight of the main floor was the huge living room with floor-to-ceiling windows. We spent countless hours sprawled out on the comfy furniture, mesmerized by the ever-changing panorama of the ocean and sky. Meanwhile, the large, fully-equipped kitchen made meal prep a breeze, and we could enjoy them in the dining room or al fresco on the expansive oceanside deck.

Kapu Beachfront

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Best Location. Kapu Beachfront is truly a rare find. It’s a beautiful, custom-built home with private beach access right in the heart of Kihei Town. It was perfect for our group trip. With 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, there was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and relax. We loved being on a private gated road, offering a sense of security and privacy while still being close to everything. The best part? Relaxing by the pool and soaking in the incredible ocean views. The lanai was amazing for enjoying morning coffee or evening drinks, with stunning views of West Maui Mountains, Lanai, and even Haleakala.

The house was originally built as two villas, which gave us a unique layout. It felt like having two homes in one, with two master suites with private lanais overlooking the ocean, and two family rooms, also with beautiful ocean views. We never had to fight over the thermostat, thanks to the split-system AC units in each room! Beyond the amazing home itself, the location was unbeatable. We were within walking distance of all sorts of shops and restaurants. You name it, from churches and post offices to hardware stores and grocery stores.

Are you looking for more beachfront places? We’ve covered the best oceanfront hotels in Maui. Give it a read!

Our Verdict!

While all of the vacation houses above are amazing, choosing only one might be challenging. To help you out, we’ve categorized some of them based on the following:

• Best Location: Kapu Beachfront
• Best for Families: Kihei Oasis
• Best for Large Groups: Tropical Gated Oceanfront Estate
• Best Value for Money: Auntie Kali’s Cottage
• Best Eco-Friendly: Island Sunset Villa

Where to Stay in Maui?

When talking about Maui, the most popular area among travelers is arguably West Maui. It has beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, and plenty of activities and attractions. Some of the best beaches in Maui are located here, including Ka’anapali Beach, Kapalua Bay, and Honolua Bay. Additionally, you’ll also find plenty of nightlife options.

However, South Maui might be a better choice if you’re into beaches. Some of the most popular areas in South Maui are Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. It’s a bit less crowded than West Maui, and there is a wider range of accommodation options to choose from. They include everything from budget-friendly condos to luxury vacation houses in Maui.

Additionally, a few other areas on Maui are worth considering, such as Kahului. It’s a good option for travelers who want to be close to the airport and don’t mind being in a more urban setting. Meanwhile, Kapalua is a great option for travelers looking for a luxurious and secluded getaway.

Do you need a car in Maui?

You don’t necessarily need a car in Maui, but it’ll give you a lot more freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Public transportation is limited, and taxis and rideshares can get expensive. If you stay in one place and are happy with resort activities, you might be okay without a car. But to really experience all that Maui has to offer, a rental car might be the way to go.

Is seven days in Maui too long?

Seven days in Maui is definitely not too long. With beautiful beaches, exciting activities, and stunning scenery, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for a week-long vacation.

Why do people love Maui?

Maui captivates visitors with its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and dormant volcano, offering relaxation on the shores or adventure in the mountains. The island’s warm Aloha spirit and rich cultural heritage make you feel welcome and connected to the land.