Here are some of the most AMAZING unique places to stay in Maui for those who want to venture a bit farther from the main resort strips. This island may pull in MANY tourists, but that doesn’t mean you have to join the hordes in all the extra touristy places!
This article will go into unique airbnbs and rentals in Maui, unique hotels in Maui (locally owned Maui hotels if possible), and other unique Maui stays with unusual and cool features or design.
We all know there are millions of 5-star resorts in Maui, so I will only list a couple of the MOST unique bigger resrots with more boutique hotels and even a retreat or two on Maui Island Hawaii.
Best Of Unique Places to Stay in Maui
Best Unique Places to Stay in Maui for Couples: Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux
Best Boutique Hotel + Bungalows: Paia Inn
Unique Place to Stay in Maui on a Budget: Plantation Inn
Best Unique places to stay in Maui for Families: Montage Kapalua Bay
Most Adventurous Resort in Maui: Hana-Maui Resort
Unique Places to Stay in Maui
Here are some unique airbnb’s and vacation rentals you won’t find on any other lists, as well as unique + boutique hotels on Maui that you will love!
If you love hidden gem things to do also, check my article on Maui Hidden Gems and local/Secret things to do or simply some of the more unique things to do in Maui for fun and unusual ideas.
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux: Unique Places to Stay in Maui for Adults
This ever-trendy adults-only hotel is one of the extremely cool places to stay in Maui that exudes a sense of style. It is the only Relais & Chateau property on Maui (which is an impressive title only given to the most on-of-a-kind hotels worldwide with commitment to local culture, cuisine, and welcoming warmth).
The deisng here is as if you took an authentic Hawaiian vibe but made it more modern and luxurious. Each room has a balcony overlooking the sea, many with a view of the Kaho’olawe island reserve in the distance. Experience the on-site spa, yoga deck/gym with a view, cocktail bar, restaurant, and multiple pools here.
The Kulani Maui: Unique Bungalows Near the Beach
The Kulani Maui is a lovely locally owned boutique property offering spacious bungalows steps from the beach. The whole property is embedded within a beautiful jungle with rich foliage and tropical gardens surrounding it.
The rooms have a lot of modern touches, but with a authentic-feeling wooden finish and furniture. This property is extra unique because you can book one of six specific bungalows to stay in, such as the mango tree bungalow or the jasmine bungalow (also individually available on airbnb).
The Kulani also has a cute little cafe on-site where ou can get espresso and snacks. This Maui unique stay is just south of Lahaina – far enough away to feel secluded, but close enough to walk to the main area to shop or visit a restaurant.
The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono: Unique B&B in Maui
The The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono is one of the MOST unique places to stay in Maui because each room has different authentic Hawaiian decor themed after one of the flowers in their garden (which you should also explore). If that’s not unique, I don’t know what is!
This property is a bona fide bed & breakfast, and a gourmet breakfast is included in each stay. It’s also a bit farther off the beaten track in a residential neighborhood to give a true feel of Maui life. Here it truly feels like you are a guest at a local’s home, making it one of the best Maui stays for a more authentic, less resort-y experience.
Equipped Camping Jeep Wrangler Unique Place to Stay in Maui on Wheels
This 2017 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most unique places to stay in Maui HI for adventurous travelers. Spend you days driving along Maui and camp out at designed camp grounds for the night.
The Jeep is fully equipped with cooking supplies like a camp stove, propane, pots, and more. You also get other necessities like head lamps, beach chairs, a blow up hammock and portable charger. The Jeep can sleep up to four guests as there’s space in the back for two and a rooftop camping tent!
Hawaiian Dream Temple: Unique Maui Vacation Rental
The Hawaiian Dream Temple is truly one of the hidden gems in Maui to stay; would you ever have expected an Asian-style bamboo cottage in Maui with a pool and waterslide?!
This property is remote and surrounded by tropical forests, and the infrastructure is almost entirely made from bamboo that allows airflow through the rooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and 2 bedrooms to fit 4-6 people. The patio surrounds the entire circular accommodation and also has a private hot tub.
It’s located far away from it all in the hills above Haiku – so this is a great option for a getaway. There’s zip lining nearby too!
Hotel Lahaina: Top Unique Hotels in Maui in Town
Hotel Lahaina is a simply stunning Maui boutique hotel right on the beach with a minimalistic beach house feel. This hotel is also adults-only. This is a great choice for travelers who want to find a cool place to stay but still want to be around a main area; this hotel is situated right in the center of Lahaina.
Lahaina Grill, which is downstairs, is not only one of the best find dining restaurants in Maui but the entire USA (reserve ahead of time). Right outside the front of Hotel Lahaina is the beautiful pacific ocean on one side and Lahaina’s main street on the other, with shops, restaurants, and cafes all around.
This boutique hotel only has 13 newly redesigned rooms + suites, all equipped with designer toiletries, bluetooth speaers, outdoor balconies, plush linens, flat screen smart TV’s, and more.
Unique Places to Stay Maui
Camp Olowalu: Hidden Gem Maui Glamping Stay
Camp Olowalu is truly one of the most unique places to stay in Maui for proper glamping. This place is unique because they offer wht they have branded as ‘tentalows,’ which are tent bungalows, with large private spaces and private outdoor showers.
You can also camp in your own tent or car for only $26 a night per person, or rent an A-frame cabin which is pricier.
This camp is truly located ‘away from it all’ on a remote coast of Maui, right on its own beach. This is the perfect way to stay right within Maui’s beautiful nature and go kayaking or snorkeling steps from your bed.
Montage Kapalua Bay: Elegant Maui Resort
If you are looking for unique places to stay in Maui that are fully luxurious, one of your first prospects should be the Montage Kapalua Bay. This unique resort has incredible and spacious fully equipped suites with one, two, and three bedrooms (and always a view).
This report offers a LOT to guests, from the 5 on-site restaurants to many spa treatments, shopping, golf, wedding and meeting spaces, and more. The sunset views from this resort are impeccable and insta-worthy; make sure to take a dip in the pool and try one of the signature cocktails.
Ho’oilo House: Maui B&B Stay with Unique Rooms
Ho’olio House’s tagline is ‘Maui’s most luxurious B&B,’ and I have to agree! This accommodation has only six completely unique rooms that you must book specifically depending on what you are looking for.
I would best describe the design at this place as a fusion between Hawaiian and Southeast Asian, with many outdoor private showers and tubs, wooden doors, furniture, and features, and high-end art and building materials used throughout the site, from marble to bamboo.
Order in-room spa treatments here at Ho’olio House, learn about outdoor adventures and hikes to do in the area, and make sure to enjoy the complimentary breakfast here each morning while looking out to a perfect sea view.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Andaz Maui is another unique and extremely contemporary beachfront resort on Maui – just outside Wailea. This chic resort would be a great option for young adults with a bit of a paycheck – it’s not cheap but the suites truly have all the fittings of a modern designer home. They also offer incredible private pool villas!
Also, on-site guests can enjoy a full spa, four infinity pools, a pool bar, and two authentic Hawaiian restaurants. It’s within walking distance of the shopping center of Wailea and an ocean-view golf course. Get an amazing luau experience at the Feast at Mokapu Luau on-site as well.
Paia Inn: Hip Boutique Bali-Inspired Beach House
Paia Inn is a chic designer beach house in the trendy area of Paia – a smaller community full of coffee houses, shaved ice, and fish market. This area is a more local and unique place to stay in Maui to get away from the big resort strips.
Paia Inn is one of the cutest Maui boutique hotels which is exceptionally located right on the beach on the north shore. They offer one, two, and three bedroom bungalows as well as more economic rooms and studios. The interiors are all Bali-inspired with Hawaiian beach house touches.
They offer yoga and massages on-site at this hotel and passes to a nearby gym, too. You can book local activities right through the hotel such as whale watching, snorkeling, surfing, and more.
Plantation Inn: Unique Plantation House Boutique Hotel Maui
Plantation Inn is a locally owned and historic plantation house-turned-hotel right in the center of Lahaina. There are only 18 rooms but 7 different styles of rooms and suites to book here, all of which have a homey and rustic Hawaiian feel to them.
If you are looking for where to stay in Maui on a budget, this hotel has some more budget-friendly rooms as well as some larger suites. Plantation Inn offers free breakfast every morning as well as a big pool and hot tub.
Hana-Maui Resort: Adventurous Remote Resort with Tons of Activities
Nestled in Hana town at the end of the legendary ‘road to Hana’ in East Maui, the Hana-Maui resort is as secluded as you can get (but with all the comforts of luxury). This resort is the only hotel on this list of unique places to stay in Maui that is situated on the adventurous, eastern side of the island.
Hana Maui Resort offers king and queen rooms as well as private bungalows overlooking the sea. Although it’s far removed from most of Maui, this resort has tons of activities on-site, from lei-making, wellness classes, canoeing, lots of spa treatments, hiking, biking, and even horse riding.
Haiku House Maui: Cool + Spacious 9-Room Maui Vacation Rental
The Haiku House is one of the top unique places to stay in Maui if you are planning a large group getaway, corporate event, or relaxing retreat.
This private plantation home has nine suites (all with ensuite bathrooms) and a massive property on the North Shore that satisfies any need. The large pool, BBQ pit, and scenic property are the perfect getaway.
The on-site staff can curate all kinds of amazing activities in the area, from waterfall rappelling to yoga and surfing, or different in-house activities and meals. Book directly on their website for Haiku House.
Tropical Tree House-Style Loft Rental with Ocean Views in Haiku, Hawaii
This rustic tree-house-style loft looks out over the beautiful hills of Haiku. While Haiku might not be right on the beach, you’ll experience a different kind of relaxation here from the terrace as you look out over lush green tropical landscapes.
This is a glamping property because the living room and kitchen doors have the ability to slide open, exposing the whole house to the open air. The wooden interiors give this property a unique tropical cabin feel that you won’t want to leave!
Lumeria Maui Educational Retreat Center
Lumeria Maui is another secluded hidden gem stay in Maui, which is actually its own retreat center. If you are in need of a proper getaway, Lumeria offers education in yoga, meditation, horticulture, movement, healing, and even metaphysical studies from top-notch teachers.
The restaurant on-site prides itself on being farm-to-table with healthy local ingredients. There is also a spa on-site with many different types of treatments to help heal any ailments! This is one of the most wellness-centered unique places to stay Maui can offer – check what retreats and classes they have coming up. You can also stay for a few nights and drop into classes and the spa; check below.
I hope you found the perfect unique Maui stays for your trip! Let me know which one you picked in the comments below.
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Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.