10 Best Hotels in South Shore, Maui

If you don't need everything to be totally modern, consider setting up house at this great value condominium-by-the-sea. Three different room plans cater to couples, families, or friends traveling together; make sure to request a unit with air-conditioning—a must for hot, dry Kihei. The heated pool and deck is a social place, with gas grills, a full outdoor kitchen, hot tub, sauna rooms, and shuffleboard court.

"Impeccably stylish" and "extravagant" describe most Four Seasons properties, and this elegant one fronting Wailea Beach is no exception, with its beautiful courtyards and luxuries such as 24-hour room service, twice-daily housekeeping, excellent restaurants, on-site spa, and adults-only serenity pool with outstanding views. Most of the rooms have ocean views; cabanas, chaise lounges, and a car service transporting guests around Wailea are among the complimentary amenities.

This resort, which sits closer to the crashing surf than most in Wailea, delivers not only dramatic views but also luxurious amenities and spacious accommodations. Grown-ups can find peace and quiet at the adults-only Maluhia serenity pool, while kids can frolic at the Nalu Adventure Pool, which features four waterslides, including the longest in Maui at 325 feet. The resort also has the Mo Bettah food truck, a fun take on a local culinary tradition.

Take in sweeping views of the ocean and Haleakala from the large lanai of the one- to three-bedroom units at this sprawling, well-maintained property just outside the swanky Wailea Resort. There's not much in the way of amenities (pool, small whirlpool spa, tennis court, putting green, shuffleboard, and daily housekeeping), but just across the street is Kamaole Beach Park III, one of the area's most popular spots for family picnics and sunset watching.

Gleaming white spires and tiled archways are the hallmark of this stunning resort that's particularly good for families with its spacious suite and villa options. The 37 two-story villas have two or three large bedrooms, a laundry room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private lanai with plunge pool and barbecue grill. There's also an on-site spa, cultural classes, and wellness programs. The family-friendly and adults-only pool options offer something for everyone.

"Grand" is no exaggeration for this opulent, sunny, 40-acre resort that's wildly entertaining due to its elaborate water features such as the Wailea Activity Pool with enclosed "lava tube," slides, caves, a Tarzan swing, and the world's only water elevator. Paths meander tropical grounds, passing food gardens and artwork by noted international and Hawaiian artists. The Humuhumunukunukuapuaa restaurant—named for Hawaii's state fish—"floats" in a saltwater lagoon. The fabulous Spa Grande has wellness options that range from astrology to massage.

This South Kihei property sits across the street from Kamaole III beach and is perfect for active families. Ten four-story buildings wrap around 15 acres of grassy slopes with a swimming pool, a small waterfall, tennis courts, and barbecues. Units include one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, and all units have two bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and private lanai.

Located across the beach and in the quieter north end of Kihei, this relaxed, family-friendly property has 26 units—some with kitchens and kitchenettes—that range from standard rooms to three-bedroom, two-bath penthouses. There's a rooftop deck and various outdoor spaces that are nice for lounging and socializing in the well-maintained tropical garden.

You simply cannot get any closer to gorgeous Keawakapu Beach than this unsung hero of South Shore hotels, offering both renovated hotel rooms and condos that may be older than those of its competitors but are well priced and have marvelous ocean views, especially during the winter humpback whale season. One- and two-bedroom condos have private lanai and kitchens, and on-site amenities include a heated oceanfront pool, an activity desk, and a yoga studio.

Overlooking Keawakapu Beach, this family-friendly vacation resort features studios and one- and two-bedroom suites in low-rise buildings that span 34 acres of tropical gardens and won't cost your child's entire college fund. Amenities include four swimming pools, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, and barbecue areas, as well as a covered beachfront pavilion—near the private entrance to Keawakapu Beach—with access to bathroom facilities, plus a full kitchen with an ice maker, a cold water dispenser, a refrigerator, a microwave, and an oven.