What to expect: Guests enter a grand lobby with flagstone tiles and island-style furnishings. Across the street from Kamaole Beach Park I in downtown Kihei, the seven-story Maui Coast Hotel is within three miles of Wailea shops and golf courses.

Amenity highlights: The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service within the Kihei and Wailea areas upon request. On-site dining includes a casual, open-air restaurant and a poolside café. A large outdoor pool, two spa tubs, two fitness centers, and tennis courts are on site.

Insider tip: Several scuba-diving and snorkeling tours depart from Kihei Landing, a half-mile south of the hotel.

What to expect: Shaded by flowering trees and set back from Kihei’s main road, Aston at the Maui Banyan attracts families, leisure travelers, and couples seeking proximity to ocean activities and a condominium setting.

Amenity highlights: Recreation options include two outdoor splash pools with spa tubs, a tennis court, and a horseshoe pit. Barbecues with picnic areas are adjacent to the pools.

Insider tip: A half-mile south, the locally popular Kamaole Beach Park III is the largest of Kihei’s three oceanfront parks. The park has grassy areas, a playground, and sports fields.

What to expect: The near-total absence of signs symbolizes Aston's intent to maintain a true residential atmosphere within the resort. Couples and families often feel like this is their second home—the one in Hawaii with the immaculate gardens and grounds, the breathtaking views, and the reliably warm-and-dry climate.

Amenity highlights: In keeping with the community ambience, management hosts weekly Continental breakfasts and evening mai tai parties and arranges a low-cost sunset cocktail cruise.

Snorkeling and scuba-diving enthusiasts appreciate their proximity to the tiny island of Molokini, renowned for the clarity of its surrounding water, which can clearly be seen offshore against the looming backdrop of Kahoolawe island.

Insider tip: Although there are three public-park beaches just down the hill from the resort (Kamaole I, II, and III), a large, uncrowded beach called Keawakapu that begins in front of the Mana Kai Resort (a few minutes' drive from Aston Maui Hill) is superior.

Next to the Mana Kai is a public parking lot. Signs point the way to the beach, which offers great snorkeling along its rocky northern terminus, terrific boogie-boarding when the tradewinds blow, and long tropical-fantasy walks. (Buildings along the beach seldom exceed palm-tree height, somewhat preserving the illusion that the beachfront is undeveloped.)