Top 5 Hotels in Hawaii’s Southern Islands – Maui and Big Island

Everyone loves Hawaii, and I mean everyone. In fact I can guarantee that you will love it too if you haven’t been. The key to a trip to everyone’s favorite State is to get away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. The best trips are always the ones that include a puddle jumper flight from the island of Oahu to one that is less overcrowded with tourists.

To the south are the islands of Maui and Big Island. With the pace taken a notch down, you’ll truly be able to appreciate the local culture and natural beauty here.

When planning for that perfect trip to Hawaii, you’ll undoubtedly need find a place to stay. This top 5 list lays out my recommendations for hotels in Kailua-Kona and Kihei if you plan on hitting any of these southern islands.

Big Island

This is an island of many names. Some call it Kona, and others Big Island. Officially this island is named Hawaii. What makes Big Island so special is the fact that it’s a vast canvas of contrasts with its lush green rainforests juxtaposed with imposing active volcanoes, the most epic waterfalls and snorkel spots, sprinkled with colored-sand beaches.

Kona Seaside Hotel

This beautiful budget property is situated a short walk from the Kailua-Kona beach. It has a spacious outdoor pool and adjacent to it is the Kona Seaside Mall which makes it very convenient to grab a bite and do a bit of shopping. The Kona Seaside Hotel holds 2 stars but is surprisingly good and even includes Wi-Fi, which is rare.

Royal Kona Resort

If you have a bit more money to spend, the Royal Kona Resort is sure to impress. Right at the edge of Kailua Bay, guests are provided a ton of amenities including private lagoon, oceanfront pool, spa, fitness center, and tennis courts.

Maui

This is a favorite for many because it’s an island that has a little bit of everything. Situate yourself in a beautiful beach resort for a couple of days and get access to a wide range of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, biking, snorkelling, to surfing. The island’s highest peak, Mount Haleakala, is great for the early birds and if you take the road to Hana, you get access to some incredible off-the-beaten-path pools and waterfalls.

CRH – Maui Kamaole

If you’re looking for a fully furnished condo, CRH – Maui Kamaole is a great property that has everything you’ll need. Right across the street is the beach and on the property are two outdoor pools, hot tubs, and tennis courts. It’s the perfect spot for your family as your tropical home away from home.

Maui Banyan Vacation Club

The three-star Maui Banyan Vacation Club is another great budget property that is suite-based. This means you get a kitchenette that includes a fridge, microwave, and oven. This allows you to save money by cooking your own meals. You can also take advantage of the BBQ outside that is available for all the guests.

Maui Coast Hotel

The Maui Coast Hotel is a beautiful property with extremely large bedrooms, and a plethora of features. Right at your fingertips are the outdoor pool with poolside bar, a children’s pool, tennis court, bike rentals, and laundry facilities. What I really love about this hotel is its prime location, being close to all three Kamaole beaches, and the beach park across the street. Nearby are also fantastic dining options and lots of shopping on South Kihei Road.

For more on Hawaii, make sure you check out my posts about Lahaina, Maui, the best shaved ice on Oahu, and the perfect 2 day itinerary for Honolulu.