28 Best Things to Do on Maui, Hawaii
The best things to do on Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is an absolute tropical paradise here in the United States, and Maui is the best (and my favorite) island of them all!
To put it simply, Maui is just one of those destinations that holds a special place in your heart. Although we’ve only been twice (first for our honeymoon, which I highly recommend, and again recently for our 8 year wedding anniversary), Dan and I are masters of cramming our itineraries with the best hotspots and things to do when we travel, so it’s safe to say we’ve done pretty much all of it (including driving the entire island in one day — more on that later haha).
From stunning beaches, clear waters, and tropical landscape, to laid-back vibes, fresh fruit and seafood, Maui truly has it all! And the best part? Due to it’s warm tropical climate you can pretty much visit all year round!
Want to book your own little slice of Aloha? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing Hawaiian vacation, an adventure-packed visit, or a mix of both, I’m here to help you plan your best trip experience by sharing the top best things to do when visiting the beautiful island of Maui!
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Maui Essentials
Where to stay on Maui
There are lots of great places to stay on Maui! Here’s a few hotels to check out:
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
MID-RANGE
Papakea OceanView Studio Condo - Dan and I recently stayed at one of these and loved it! The grounds were beautiful, quiet, had lots of extra amenities, and it’s next to Aston Kaanapali Shores (we stayed there for our honeymoon) so you can enjoy that property as well!
LUXURY
How to get around Maui
You will definitely want your own car for exploring Maui! While the island is relatively small, everything is spread out so driving yourself around will be more appropriate, especially if you want to hit up some of the cool places on this list! I recommend renting a car in advance with Discover Cars or Turo.
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The top 28 best things to do on Maui, Hawaii
There are SO many things to do and see on the beautiful island of Maui! I’ve rounded up the top 28 for you below (in no particular order).
1. Visit Haleakala National Park
If you're headed to Maui, you can't miss out on Haleakala National Park! This place is out of this world - you can see the sunrise AND sunset from the top of a massive dormant volcano, and trust me, as I night owl I think the views are totally worth waking up early for! The name Haleakalā is Hawaiian for “House of the Sun.” According to Hawaiian mythology, a god named Maui climbed the mountain and lassoed the Sun's rays to lengthen the day. You’ll understand this legend so clearly when you see the beautiful fiery red sun lift above the clouds!
Haleakala's Summit is truly a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should have while on Maui. And due to its popularity you will need to book a reservation to watch the sunrise. If you’re looking to mix some adventure into your Haleakala sunrise tour, I highly recommend Downhill Self-Guided Bike Tour. After you finish watching the most amazing sunrise of your life, you can bike down the volcano on a self-guided tour at your own pace for some fresh air, and beautiful views. Don’t forget to stop along the way to take photos and for a delicious breakfast at Kula Bistro! If you can’t make it to a sunrise tour, don’t worry, sunset is just as beautiful if not more so, especially if you stay until after sundown for some killer stargazing!
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2. Road to Hana
An absolute must is driving the famous Road to Hana (aka Hana Highway)! Honestly it’s my favorite thing to do on Maui! This scenic drive offers some of the most beautiful views on the island. From towering waterfalls, other-worldly beaches, and fresh local food, the Road to Hana is not to be missed!
There are two ways to see the Road to Hana: You can choose to drive along the Hana Highway on your own or with a tour. Personally I prefer to explore at my own pace when it comes to travel so if that sounds like you then I recommend you drive this yourself so you can do the same! Get the Road to Hana audio tour with GPS map or book a Road to Hana group tour here!
There are over 40 stops you can make along the Road to Hana so if you’re planning on seeing them all make sure you start your day as early as possible to ensure you have enough time (and so you can avoid any crowds)! If you want the full road to Hana experience you can drive the entire Hana Highway (this circles the entire island of Maui) in one day, or you can make it a half day trip to see some of the most iconic spots like the Black Sand Beach, Seven Sacred Pools, and Twin Falls.
Story time: On our first visit to Maui during our honeymoon, Dan and I left started the Road to Hana a little later than we planned. Because we drove the entire Hana Highway we ended up returning home in the pitch dark (there is absolutely no light pollution or street lights here), which at first seemed a little scary, but as we drove through an open clearing we looked up to find the most beautiful star-filled sky I’ve ever seen in my entire life! We immediately pulled over and sat on the hood of our rental Jeep to enjoy the magical scenery of sparkling speckled clusters and shooting stars. I won’t lie, I cried because it was just such a surreal experience haha. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience we’ll never forget!
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3. Go surfing / take surf lessons
Maui's waves attract surfers from around the world, with popular spots including Ho'okipa Beach Park and Honolua Bay. And even if you’re a beginner, Maui is one of the best places to learn! Find a Maui surf lesson here!
Story time: It was always a dream of mine to learn how to surf and our honeymoon in Maui was the perfect time to do it! Honestly paddling out was the hardest part for me (I have zero upper body strength haha) but our instructor was such a gem, he towed me out by holding the front of my board with his big toe! I’ll admit, I felt slightly embarrassed that he had more strength in his big toe than I have in my arms but I did so well surfing the waves that he asked Dan if I had surfed before so that definitely made me feel better haha).
4. Visit Lahaina
The historic town of Lahaina is home to many art galleries, restaurants, and shops. It’s a cute little waterfront area where you can walk around for some shopping, admire local art, and eat some great food! If you enjoy abstract art, check out the artist Nemish, you may find some of his work at Sargent’s Fine Art. We fell in love with his “Legend of Maui” painting!
Fun fact: Lahaina was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
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5. Go snorkeling
Maui has some of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii where you will find crystal-clear waters and a diverse array of marine life, including coral reef, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks! Some of the best spots to snorkel are: Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay, Napili Bay, and Black Rock.
6. Experience a Luau
Experience traditional Hawaiian culture at a luau, where you can enjoy hula dancing, fire knife performances, and a feast of delicious Hawaiian food! There are lots of Luau experiences to choose from, but the Old Lahaina Luʻau is the most authentic and highest rated on Maui. We absolutely loved our experience there!
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7. Go whale watching
Maui is one of the best places in the world for whale watching! Peak whale watching season is from December to April so if this activity is on your list, make sure to plan accordingly!
There are several ways to see these amazing creatures: take a whale watching tour, visit a lookout point (Lahaina Pali Trail, McGregor Point Lookout, or Wailea Beach Path are great spots), take a scenic helicopter or airplane flight, or go on a cruise! Find a whale watching excursion
8. Take a helicopter tour
Get a bird's-eye view of Maui's stunning scenery, including waterfalls, valleys, and beaches by taking a helicopter tour of the island! Don’t get me wrong, the sunrise at Haleakala National Park was an amazing experience, but the DOORS OFF helicopter tour of Maui and Molokai is one of the most epic things we’ve done and I highly recommend it! If you’re not a fan of a doors off helicopter ride, no worries, they have a doors on option!
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9. Go stand-up paddle boarding
Maui's many calm bays, such as Napili Bay or Kihei Bay are perfect for stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)! You can choose to rent and explore on your own, take a lesson, or go on a group tour! Find a SUP Maui experience
10. Dine at Mama’s Fish House
We absolutely LOVE Mama’s Fish House and recommend it to everyone who visits Maui! The menu changes based on the local fresh catch, their food and cocktails are delicious, the staff is amazing, and the desserts are to die for (I still dream about the Polynesian Black Pearl dessert - shown above)! Plus, the restaurant is situated right on the beach so it makes for some beautiful photos and dining ambiance.
Due to their popularity, definitely make a reservation well in advance! When we visited back in August of 2022 we didn’t realize how long the wait had gotten since our last visit in 2014 (they were booked out 4-6 months prior), unfortunately we couldn’t get a reservation but we still wanted to eat there to celebrate our anniversary. Since the restaurant is actually near the start of Road to Hana we decided to make a few stops in the morning and try for an early dinner walk-in. As we expected, the tables were booked but the bar was fully open so we got seated right away! I’ll be honest Dan and I prefer bar seating over larger tables/booths so we can be closer and hear each other talk, but if you’d still prefer a table, make sure to plan accordingly!
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11. Go hiking
Maui has a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging treks, including the Pipiwai Trail in the Haleakala National Park.
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12. See the Nakalele Blowhole
The Nakalele Blowhole is a natural wonder located on the northwest coast of Maui that shoots water up to 100 feet in the air!
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13. Visit Iao Valley
Iao Valley is a must-visit spot in Maui for nature lovers and history buffs alike! The valley is home to the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot greenery-covered rock formation that is sacred to Hawaiians. Visitors can hike through lush rainforest trails, which lead to stunning views of the needle and the valley below. The area also has cultural significance, as it was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, where Hawaiian forces fought off an invasion by Maui's ruler in 1790. If you're looking to escape the heat, Iao Valley is a great place to cool off, as it is generally a few degrees cooler than the rest of the island. The best time to visit is in the morning, before the afternoon showers roll in.
14. Go ziplining
Maui's zipline courses offer thrilling rides through the rainforest, with views of waterfalls and ocean vistas! Book a Maui ziplining tour
15. Visit a lavender farm
Did you know are lavender farms on Maui? One of the most popular lavender farms on the island is the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, which is located in upcountry Maui, at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The farm offers guided tours of the lavender fields, as well as workshops on topics such as aromatherapy and culinary uses for lavender. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of lavender tea and shop for lavender products such as essential oils, soaps, and candles. The Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm is a serene and beautiful spot, and a great way to experience a different side of Maui's natural beauty.
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16. Take a sunset cruise
There’s nothing quite like a Hawaiian sunset! So it’s no surprise that sunset cruises are one of the most popular activities for visitors to the island. There are a variety of options to choose from, ranging from large catamarans with live music and drinks, to smaller sailboats with a more intimate setting. Many of these cruises depart from Lahaina or Maalaea harbors, and take you along Maui's stunning coastline to catch the sunset over the ocean. Some cruises even include dinner or appetizers, and/or a show, making for a truly special evening! Book a Maui sunset cruise here!
17. Visit the Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is a top-rated attraction in Maui and offers a variety of fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages! Explore over 60 interactive exhibits showcasing Hawaii’s marine life, go on a behind-the-scenes tour, snorkel with sharks, take a glass-bottom boat tour, and more!
18. Explore the town of Paia
Paia is a charming and eclectic town located on Maui's north shore, and there are plenty of things to do and see in this vibrant community! Grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants, do some retail shopping, check out some local art at one of the many galleries, visit one of the many nearby beaches, go for a hike, and more!
19. Visit a winery
While Maui is not typically known for wine production, there are a few wineries on the island that offer tours and tastings of their locally-produced wines made from local tropical fruits including pineapple, passionfruit, and guava!
20. Eat some banana bread
Eating banana bread is an absolute must when on Maui! Due to the abundance of fresh local bananas, you can find banana bread all over the island of Maui! There are lots of places to grab a slice of the good stuff, but I highly recommend going to the Halfway to Hana stand!
21. Visit a pineapple farm
Maui was once a major producer of pineapples, and while the industry has declined in recent years, there are still several farms on the island where you can learn about the history of pineapple farming and taste some delicious locally-grown pineapples.
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22. Visit Makena Beach State Park
Makena Beach State Park, is home to the most beautiful (and most popular) beaches on Maui that feature sandy shores and calm, crystal-clear waters with stunning views of nearby Molokini and Kahoolawe. If you’re looking for a more secluded hang out spot, check out “Big Beach” or “Little Beach”.
23. Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a scenic, 1.76-mile trail that winds along the coast of West Maui, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. There are several beaches along the trail where you can stop and rest, go for a dip, or watch for sea turtles and other marine life.
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24. Visit Waianapanapa State Park
Waianapanapa State Park is one of the stops along the Road to Hana that should definitely not be missed! It’s home to Honokalani, aka the famous “black sand beach”. However, don’t be fooled by the word “sand” in the name, the reason it gets its color is actually because it’s made of finely ground black lava rocks, so make sure you bring water shoes! In the park you’ll find beautiful walking paths, spectacular blow holes, and some pretty neat sea caves to check out. Due to it’s popularity, reservations are required so make sure to book your visit in advance!
25. Try Hawaiian shave ice at Ululani’s
Hawaiian shaved ice is a popular frozen treat that originated in Hawaii. It is made by shaving a block of ice into fine, fluffy snow-like texture and then adding flavored syrups on top. The syrups come in a variety of flavors, including traditional favorites like strawberry, blue raspberry, and cherry, as well as unique flavors like coconut, lychee, and guava. And one of the best places to find some is at the famous Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice! Not only is it the perfect treat when visiting Maui, but it’s super Instagrammable too!
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26. Go cliff jumping
Maui is home to many beautiful cliffs and rocky outcroppings, making it a popular destination for cliff jumping enthusiasts! However, cliff jumping can be dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced swimmers and jumpers who are aware of the risks involved. If you’re looking for some of the best cliffs to take a leap of faith on, check out Black rock at Kaanapali Beach, Kapalua Cliff House, Waioka Pond, or Olivine Pools!
27. Visit Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach is a remote and secluded spot on Maui, and getting there requires a bit of effort, but it’s definitely worth it! Here you can enjoy the beautiful red sand, do some snorkeling, go hiking, and even do some cliff jumping too!
28. Dip into a tide pool
Maui has some incredible tide pools that are perfect for exploring and discovering a variety of marine life. Some of the best Maui tide pools to visit are: Baldwin Beach, Napili Bay, Keawakapu Beach, Kuau Cove, Olivine Pools, and Ho'okipa Beach Park.
