Hawaii—the Aloha State and a tropical paradise. Most travelers visit Hawaii to soak up the sun and wade in the crystal water. However, Hawaii is much more than a tropical paradise and Maui features a little bit of everything. From relaxing on the beach, hiking through the jungle, and summiting a volcano, here are the best things to do in Maui! For more information on visiting Maui, check out the Ultimate Maui Travel Guide.
Road to Hana
Hana Highway is Maui’s most famous road. The windy path starts in Paia and runs through the lush jungle of East Maui stretching 64 miles with 620 hairpin turns and 59 bridges. This is the place to see waterfalls on Maui. The road trip is an all-day affair with more stops than you can visit on a single trip. Plan out the stops you want to visit beforehand. Cell service is spotty and not all the stops are well-marked so make plans prior to embarking. You can also download and listen to the Gypsy Road to Hana app along the way. Pack snacks, get an early start, and—when you find yourself praying for your life as you make yet another blind turn—remember, it’s about the journey, not the drive. Listed below are some of the most popular stops.
- Twin Falls – 1.8 mile roundtrip hike to side-by-side waterfalls
- Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand – Great breakfast stop
- Garden of Eden Arboretum
- Ke’anae Peninsula
- Halfway to Hana Banana Bread Stand
- Pua’a Ka’a Falls – Waterfall and swimming hole with public restrooms
- Wai’anapanapa State Park – Home to Maui’s iconic black sand beach (reservations required)
- Town of Hana
- Kaihalulu Beach – Red sand beach
- Wailua Falls – Picturesque waterfall just off the road
- Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls – Four-mile roundtrip hike through a bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls
- ‘Ohe’o Gulch aka Seven Sacred Pools – A series of pools spilling into the ocean
Haleakalā National Park Sunrise or Sunset
Drive through the clouds to the Martian landscape surrounding the volcano’s summit—a stark contrast to the island’s lush tropical beaches. At 10,000 feet in elevation, sunrises and sunsets are unlike any other here and the stargazing is unmatched. As Maui’s largest inactive volcano, the iconic Haleakalā Crater is the center of Haleakalā National Park. If you want to explore the unique terrain further, hike Sliding Sands Trails across the crater. If you plan on coming for sunrise (3am-7am), make sure to book a reservation well in advance via this link. No reservations are needed for a sunset visit. And make sure to bring warm clothes as the temperature drops into the 30s and 40s at the peak.
Beach Parks
All of Hawaii’s beaches are open to the public meaning there are virtually no private beaches on the islands. As a result, Maui (and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands) are littered with absurdly beautiful beaches that everyone can enjoy. Don’t just sit on the beach in front of your hotel, get out and explore some of the world’s finest beaches and vibrant marine life. Listed below are some of Maui’s best beaches:
- Makena Beach aka Big Beach of Makena State Park – Imagine the most perfect rolling turquoise waves crashing on a wide sandy shore. That’s Big Beach, one of Maui’s prettiest beaches. Situated near Wailea in South Maui, Makena Beach State is comprised of three beaches: Big Beach, Little Beach (an unofficial nude beach), and Oneuli Beach (the other black sand beach).
- Ka’anapali Beach – Three-miles of white sand and impressively clear water are a testament to why Ka’anapali Beach was once named America’s Best Beach. The beach also holds a daily cliff diving ceremony jumping off the 16-foot cliff of Black Rock and is well-located near Whalers Village.
- Kapalua Bay – A perfectly sheltered beach along the Kapalua Resort area. The tranquil cove has soft sand and is protected by two reefs. This is a great spot for young kids, swimming, and snorkeling.
- Wailea Beach – Fronting glamourous resorts like Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea Beach features silky sand, crystalline waters, and the occasional celebrity sighting.
- Baldwin Beach – Situated along Maui’s North Shore, Baldwin Beach has something for everyone. The mile-long white-sand beach outside of Paia has lifeguards, picnic tables, protected coves on each end with calm water for swimming and snorkeling, and great surfing in the middle section.
- Maluaka Beach – The quiet beach is nicknamed Turtle Town for the abundance of Green Sea Turtles that frequent the rocky outcrop and reef along the edge of the beach. Grab your snorkel gear, keep your eyes peeled, and remember to keep your distance from the sea turtles as they are a protected species. Located in South Maui near Wailea.
Nakalele Point and Blowhole
Nakalele Blowhole is a powerful water spout that shoots water up to 100 ft in the air when the tides and waves roll in. The geyser-like effect is a dramatic site against the violent seas and lava rock. A blowhole is created when the roof of a sea cave collapses. When waves crash into the cave, the water is forced up through the blowhole. Nakalele Point also features a lighthouse and half of Maui’s heart-shaped rock (the complete heart collapsed in 2020). Exercise caution around the blowhole as it can erupt unexpectedly and the wet rocks are slippery. Nakalele Point is situated northeast of Kapalua off Konoapiilani Highway.
Black Sand Beaches
Pristine beaches are usually associated with sparkling white sand. Instead, imagine jet black sand against aquamarine waters and crashing waves. It’s a jaw dropping site. Black sand beaches are found on volcanic islands and formed by the erosion of basalt—a dark black rock formed by lava flows. Maui has several black sand beaches and the most famous is Honokalani Beach along Hana Highway in Wai’anapanapa State Park. This is a must-do while driving the Road to Hana and reservations are required (book up to 24 hours in advance). There are a couple other black sand beaches in Maui if you opt not to do the trek to Wai’anapanapa State Park. Oneuli Beach (the black sand beach not on the Road to Hana) is a part of Makena State Park in South Maui near Wailea.
Waihe’e Ridge Trail
Hike along West Maui’s Waihe’e Ridge for some of the island’s most scenic views—the emerald-covered West Maui Mountains against the deep blues of the Pacific. The mountains’ layers of green are reminiscent of Kauai’s famed dramatic landscape. The trail, four miles roundtrip, incorporates a 1,500 ft elevation gain so prepare for steep inclines. Look closely into the valley on your left and you’ll see staggering waterfalls only accessible by helicopter. Waihe’e Ridge Trail is a great hike for those looking to be active without it taking up the entire day. Bring a snack and enjoy a picnic with a view before cruising back down the path.
Dragon’s Teeth (Makaluapuna Point)
A series of jagged black rocks positioned against the ocean have earned the name Dragon’s Teeth for their resemblance to what Dragons Teeth probably look like. The formation was created when the West Maui Volcano erupted and lava collided with the ocean, strong wind, and waves. The forces were so strong that the lava was pushed back and ultimately cooled in a manner that resembles giant piercing teeth. The striking formation is situated along the Kapalua Coastal Trail at Makaluapuna Point.
Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls, and ‘Ohe’o Gulch
Located 12 miles past Hana, Pipiwai Trail is a four-mile round trip hike that takes you through a bamboo forest to the surreal 400-foot Waimoku Falls. This is one of Maui’s best hikes. Follow Kuloa Point Trail in the other direction along a half-mile loop and you’ll find ‘Ohe’o Gulch, otherwise known as Seven Sacred Pools. The trails are the last stop on the Road to Hana and located just inside Haleakalā National Park’s Kīpahulu District. Hiking Pipiwai Trail takes several hours, so give yourself enough time to finish the hike and get your car out of the park before the gates lock at 5:00 pm.
Iao Valley State Park
Situated in Central Maui is the Iao Valley, a lush basin full of tropical flora and historical significance. The park is home to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle—one of Maui’s famous landmarks. The sacred valley is the location of the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, when King Kamehameha I sparred with Maui’s army, which used the high ground of Iao Needle as a strategic lookout. Kamehameha proved victorious and continued his quest to unite the islands. The decisive battle had a profound impact on Hawaii’s history. The Iao Needle Trail is a short half-a-mile loop that features a river, an observation deck, and superb views of the Iao Needle and surrounding nature.
Molokini Crater
Several miles off Maui’s coast lies the crescent-shaped Molokini Crater, one of Maui’s best snorkel and dive locations. The secluded island marine sanctuary nurtures a thriving coral reef as well as a bird colony. Molokini’s vibrant marine life and impressive water clarity (visibility reaches depths of 150 feet) make it an incredible snorkel and dive spot. Book a snorkel or dive tour and keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins on your sail over to the volcanic caldera.
Whale Watching
Every year from November to March thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm and shallow waters. The gentle giants travel nearly 3,000 miles from Alaska’s icy waters to give birth, mate, and play. The whales put on spectacular performances as they frolic in the ocean on the leeward (west and south) side of Maui. The Hawaiian Islands are a designated Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to protect the endangered species. Grab a pair of binoculars from shore or book a whale watching tour to take in the beauty of this spectacular species.
Maui’s Lavender Farm
Rolling hills covered in purple hues is a scene you’d expect from Southern France not the South Pacific. That said, the conditions in Upcountry Maui are ideal for growing lavender. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, near the base of Haleakalā National Park, is home to over 55,000 lavender plants as well as olive trees, hydrangeas flowers, and more. Wander the endless rows of lavender, take a tour, and peruse the gift shop. Maui’s lavender farm is a unique stop for nature lovers conveniently on the way to Haleakalā.
