With just six rooms arranged around a beautiful common area that’s all decked out in lavish Balinese-style decor, this is about as opposite of a generic mega-resort as you can get. This adult-only bed-and-breakfast offers an intimate, romantic alternative to busy chain hotels. Although amenities are limited to a great continental breakfast and a small, lovely pool, the experience here less about action and more about relaxing and enjoying the great views of the ocean below (though note there is no beach here). This is the only upscale bed-and-breakfast in Lahaina; the Maui Guest House is also intimate but not nearly as luxe.

The upscale Kaanapali Alii consists of 184 one and two-bedroom apartments. They are privately-owned and decorated, but they’re all spacious and come with private balconies, sweeping views, and multiple bathrooms. The gorgeous Kaanapali beach is right outside, and there is no fee to use the resort’s fitness center, pool, and barbecue spot, or attend yoga classes. Plenty of restaurant and shops are within walking distance (although there are none on-site), and each unit features a fully-equipped kitchen. Nearby hotel options include the Westin Maui Resort & Spa and Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, which are slightly cheaper with similar amenities.

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.

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. 

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.

The expansive Westin Maui Resort & Spa is an upscale property with direct access to swimmable Kaanapali Beach and popular Whalers' Village. There are a whopping 759 rooms with simple, Hawaiian-inspired decor (not quite as upscale as one may expect at a four-pearl hotel). With the number of guests and size of the resort, lines can be long and service is more efficient than personal. Prices here are lower than neighboring hotels, though, and this Westin offers a slew of above-average amenities like a five-pool aquatic playground, four restaurants, and a full-service spa and gym. Resort fees are annoying, but they're a common theme in Maui. If you're looking for fewer kids and an infinity pool, compare rates at the similarly priced Andaz Maui at Wailea -- but you'll lose the proximity to Whalers' Village.

Situated right on the popular Kaanaapli beach with views of the landmark Black Rock, the location of the Sheraton Maui can’t be beat. And this upscale mega-resort fully takes advantage of its prime real estate, offering ocean views from a majority of its 508 sleek, contemporary rooms. Spanning 23 acres, the expansive resort features a full array of features, including a lovely spa, modern fitness room, five restaurants, and a large lagoon pool and lazy river. The snorkeling from the end of the beach is some of the best in Maui -- and it’s no secret, as this area is often crowded, especially in peak seasons. Starwood fans may want to compare rates with the Westin Maui, which has an especially impressive pool complex.