In terms of quantity, Makawao hotels are few and far between. This is a small village in the middle of Maui known locally as a tranquil hangout with a new-age lilt, and unlike other resort towns on the island such as Kaanapali and Kihei, the ocean is nowhere in sight. However, the Makawao lodging is so uniformly excellent that any complaints as to the amount of options available are quickly forgotten. In fact, choosing which hotel in Makawao is right for you can become quite troublesome, as each one seems to warrant a lengthy stay. Makawao accommodations might not be plentiful, but they certainly are memorable.

The Hale Hoomana is great example of the high quality Makawao hotels available. Advertising itself as an Island Sanctuary, it’s a beautiful, small establishment buried deep in the heart of Maui that runs various yoga, movement, and meditation classes and offers five individually designed cottages. These classes take place in the Hale Hoomana’s 1,000-square-foot conference space, which boasts authentic bamboo flooring. This hotel in Makawao is hidden amid a dense eucalyptus forest, and its atmosphere is resolutely chilled and organic.

Aside from the Makawao lodging offered by the Hale Hoomana, it also runs a fantastically well-equipped spa. Here you can indulge in any one of various types of Hawaiian and Thai massages, or try a reflexology session. As with any good spa, skin treatments are also available. If that doesn’t quite interest you, then the inn also offers great adventure activities, such as surfing lessons, kayaking trips, and hikes around the surrounding area, which take the form of informal eco-tours. Maui has recently become a center for eco-tours, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better one than that offered by the Hale Hoomana.

Maui Map

Another memorable hotel in Makawao is the Hale Hookipa Inn Makawao. Built in 1924, this plantation-style house features high ceilings, wooden floors, and colorful furnishings throughout. This is another place in which you can take time and get to know your body—its eminently relaxing atmosphere is complemented by healthy breakfasts and nearby natural health spas. What’s more, the individually unique rooms here are a veritable delight, rich in examples of traditional local art.

The Olinda Country Cottages and Inn is another Makawao lodging option. Perched on the side of Mount Haleakala, it includes a wondrous hidden cottage that comes with a romantic wood fire, as at 4,000 feet above sea level, things can get a little chilly at night.

Booking a stay in any one of the above Makawao hotels will all but guarantee you an awesome vacation. However, it’s worth remembering that vacationing here isn’t the same as staying in one of Maui’s headlining resorts. If you want to get to the beach, or to Maui attractions such as Banyan Tree Park, Kapalua Beach, or the various international-standard golf courses, car rentals are pretty much a necessity. There are many worthwhile Maui things to do in Makawao itself, however, and it is possible to spend great stretches of time without leaving this peaceful and contented community.