¿Cuáles son las mejores cosas para hacer en Maui, Hawaii?

Aloha and welcome! So, you’re heading to Maui and you’re probably wondering what the Las mejores cosas para hacer en Maui are!? Get ready for an experience that will captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your soul. Known as the “Valley Isle,” Maui is a stunning tapestry of golden beaches, emerald valleys, and volcanic landscapes that seem to belong to another world. It’s a place where adventure and serenity coexist in perfect harmony, offering a vacation that can be as thrilling or as tranquil as you desire!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor with wide-eyed wonder or a seasoned traveler returning to your happy place, this guide is for you. We’re about to dive deep into all the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii. From its most iconic adventures to its hidden gems, we ensure your itinerary is packed with unforgettable moments.

A gentle note before we begin: as you may know, the historic town of Lāhainā in West Maui was devastated by wildfires in August 2023. The spirit of the island, however, remains unbreakable. The vast majority of Maui is open and welcoming visitors with open arms. Your mindful and respectful visit is a beautiful way to support the local community and economy as they continue to heal. The aloha spirit is alive and well, and the island’s beauty is as profound as ever!

Now, let’s get to planning your dream trip with our list of the top things to do in Maui!

1. Snorkel at Molokini Crater 🐠

Snorkeling in Maui is a must-do, and there’s no better place than Cráter Molokini, a crescent-shaped volcanic islet off the coast. With visibility often reaching 150 feet, this underwater wonderland is home to a diverse array of tropical fish, living coral, and even eagle rays.

Excursión de snorkel en el cráter Molokini

For an all-inclusive snorkel adventure, book a tour with us!

• • Morning Tour: 7 AM–12 PM
    • Includes snorkeling gear, meals, and exciting water slide fun! Snorkel at Molokini Crater when conditions are best and then afterward, head to Ciudad Tortuga—aptly named for its abundance of Tortugas marinas verdes hawaianas (called honu).

Every winter (November-April), thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Maui to breed and give birth. Seeing these majestic creatures breach and slap their tails is awe-inspiring and emotional. You can see whales on our snorkeling tours during these months, making it one of the Las mejores cosas para hacer en Maui, Hawái, for nature lovers.

2. Drive the Iconic Road to Hana 🛣️

If you only do one road trip in your life, make it this one! The Road to Hāna is a fantastic experience. This 64-mile journey from Kahului to the town of Hāna winds past waterfalls, lush rainforests, sea cliffs, and hidden beaches. With over 600 hairpin turns and 59 single-lane bridges, it demands your full attention and rewards you with sights, sounds, and smells that are pure, unadulterated Hawaii.

The Experience: Give yourself a full day for this adventure. Start early from the vibrant surf town of Pāʻia on the North Shore. As you drive, the world transforms into a tropical wonderland. You’ll be enveloped by dense rainforests, with the scent of ginger blossoms and tropical rain filling the air. Waterfalls cascade down volcanic cliffs at nearly every turn, some large and majestic, others small and intimate, inviting you for a refreshing dip.

Key Stops Along The Way

• • Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2): This is often the first major stop and a great introduction to the beauty that lies ahead. A short hike will lead you to beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes.
  • Ke’anae Peninsula (Mile Marker 16): Detour off the main road to witness a dramatic coastline of jagged black lava rock being pummeled by the deep blue Pacific. The contrast is breathtaking. Don’t forget to grab a loaf of warm, famous banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s.
  • Waiʻānapanapa State Park(Mile Marker 32): This is an absolute must-see, but reservations are now required well in advance, so plan ahead! The park is home to a stunning black sand beach (Pa’iloa Beach), sea caves, a sea arch, and coastal hiking trails. It’s a photographer’s dream. (black sand beach!)
  • Wailua Falls (Mile Marker 45): One of the most photographed waterfalls on the island, this majestic 80-foot cascade is easily accessible right off the road.

Take your time, bring snacks, and enjoy the ride—this is one of the top things to do in Maui!

3. Watch the Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park 🌋

One of the most unforgettable sights in all of Hawaii—a sunrise at Haleakalā. Towering over 10,000 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano offers a panoramic view unlike anywhere else. As the sun peeks over the clouds, the sky erupts in a palette of colors: orange, pink, and gold. The name Haleakalā means “House of the Sun,” and watching this daily spectacle feels like a spiritual experience.

Beyond the Sunrise

• • Sunset and Stargazing: If the early morning isn’t for you, sunset is just as spectacular and requires no reservation. As darkness falls, the summit becomes one of the best places on Earth for stargazing, with the Milky Way splashed across the sky in breathtaking clarity.
  • Senderismo: The Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail takes you down into the crater itself, offering an otherworldly hiking experience through colorful cinder cones and vast, silent landscapes.
  • Practical Advice: It is cold at the summit! Temperatures are often 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit colder than at sea level, with a biting wind. Dress in warm layers—think jackets, beanies, and gloves. The high altitude can also affect people, so move slowly and stay hydrated.

Consejo profesional: Dress warmly and book a sunrise reservation in advance. Bonus points if you bike down afterward for a thrilling ride through Maui’s upcountry.

4. Relax on Maui’s Best Beaches 🌴

No list of things to do in Maui, Hawaii would be complete without celebrating its incredible beaches. Want to snorkel? Head to Kapalua Bay. Craving golden sands and luxury resorts? You’ll love Kāʻanapali Beach. Looking for something more off-the-beaten-path? Check out Red Sand Beach in Hāna.

Must-Visit Beaches

There’s a beach for every vibe on Maui.

West Maui

• • Playa Ka'anapali: Three miles of perfect golden sand make this one of America’s best beaches. It’s fronted by resorts and offers fantastic swimming and snorkeling. Don’t miss the daily cliff-diving ceremony off Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock) at sunset.
  • Bahía de Napili & Kapalua Bay: These two neighboring coves are slightly more sheltered and intimate. Their calm, turquoise waters are perfect for families, swimming, and some of the easiest and most rewarding snorkeling on the island, with frequent sightings of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.

Sur de Maui

• • Playa Wailea: The epitome of a postcard-perfect Hawaiian beach. The sand is soft, the water is calm, and the views of the neighboring islands are spectacular. It’s a great place for a relaxing swim or a romantic sunset stroll.
  • Mākena State Park (Big Beach): For a more wild and undeveloped beach experience, head to Big Beach. This massive, gorgeous stretch of sand is known for its powerful shorebreak and dramatic scenery. It’s a place to be humbled by nature’s power and beauty.

North Shore

• • Ho’okipa Beach Lookout: This is the windsurfing capital of the world. While swimming isn’t advised due to the strong currents and sharp reef, it’s the best place to watch world-class water athletes in action. The lookout is also a fantastic spot to see dozens of honu napping on the eastern end of the beach in the late afternoon.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and make a day of it!

5. Discover Upcountry Maui 🍍

Venture beyond the beaches and visit Maui’s scenic upcountry, located on the slopes of Haleakalā. This region is full of surprises, like lavender farms, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, and unique local products.

Great Stops in Upcountry

• • Cabra surfista lechera – cheese tastings and goat visits
  • Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm – panoramic views and fragrant gardens
  • Ocean Organic Vodka Farm & Distillery – guided tours and tastings

It’s a refreshing contrast to the coastal scene and one of the more underrated things to do in Maui, Hawaii.

6. Attend a Traditional Luau 🌺

No trip to Maui is complete without a traditional Hawaiian luʻau. It’s a celebration of culture, storytelling, and hula dancing under the stars. Feast on traditional Hawaiian dishes like kālua pig (cooked in an underground oven called an imu), poi, and lomi-lomi salmon while enjoying mesmerizing hula and thrilling fire-knife dancing. Be sure to book well in advance!

Popular Maui Luʻaus

• • Old Lahaina Luʻau – renowned for authenticity
  • Te Au Moana – luxury beachfront experience at Maui Beach Resort
  • Maui Nui Luʻau – oceanfront at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel

Expect kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, and lots of aloha spirit!

7. Take a Helicopter Tour 🚁

While the Road to Hana shows you the rainforest from the inside out, and Haleakalā offers a view from the top of the world, there’s one more perspective that truly captures the epic scale of Maui: from the sky! A helicopter tour offers you a bird’s-eye view of Maui’s most remote and spectacular locations—like the towering cliffs of Molokaʻi or the waterfalls of the West Maui Mountains.

Popular Tour Routes

• • West Maui & Molokaʻi: This is the classic tour. It focuses on the hidden valleys and waterfalls of West Maui before crossing the channel to showcase the awe-inspiring north shore of Molokaʻi, home to the world’s tallest sea cliffs.
  • Hana & Haleakalā: See the entire Road to Hana and its countless waterfalls in a fraction of the time, then fly over the immense, moon-like crater of Haleakalā for a perspective you simply can’t get from the ground.

Many tours depart from Kahului or Lahaina and last 45–90 minutes. Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season. Wear dark-colored clothing to get the best photos, to minimize glare and reflections on the helicopter’s windows. For the ultimate thrill and clearest photos, some companies offer “doors-off” tours—an exhilarating experience for the adventurous at heart! It’s a splurge, but one of the most exciting things to do in Maui!

8. Take a Hike 🧗

To truly connect with the ‘āina (land), you need to explore it on foot. Lacing up your boots and hitting the trail is one of the most rewarding things to do in Maui, Hawaii. The island offers a stunning variety of hikes for all skill levels.

Popular Trails

There are many trails on Maui to choose from, but these are some of our favorites.

Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

• • Ubicación: Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park (past Hana)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Details: This is arguably the best hike on the island. This 4-mile round-trip trail begins just past the ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) and takes you on a magical journey. You’ll pass an ancient banyan tree, cross scenic streams, and then enter a mystical, dense bamboo forest that creaks and sways around you. The grand finale is the spectacular 400-foot Waimoku Falls cascading down a sheer cliff face.

Sliding Sands Trail (Keoneheʻeheʻe)

• • Ubicación: Haleakalā Summit
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Details: Hiking into the Haleakalā crater is like walking on another planet. The Sliding Sands trail starts near the summit and descends through colorful cinder cones and vast, silent landscapes. You don’t have to do the full 11-mile trail; even hiking down for a mile or two and coming back up offers an unforgettable experience. Remember: the high altitude and the steep climb back out make this a challenging trek.

Waiheʻe Ridge Trail

• • Ubicación: West Maui Mountains
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Details: If you’re looking for panoramic views that will leave you breathless, this is the hike for you. This 4-mile round-trip trail climbs steadily along a ridge, offering ever-expanding vistas of lush valleys, the vast blue ocean, and the green fields of Central Maui. The trail can be muddy and is often in the clouds, but on a clear day, the payoff is one of the best views on the entire island.

ʻĪao Valley State Monument Trails

• • Ubicación: Central Maui
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Details: For a less strenuous but equally beautiful nature experience, head to the historic ʻĪao Valley. A place of immense cultural significance, the park features paved walking paths that lead you through lush botanical gardens and to a stunning viewpoint of the iconic 1,200-foot ʻĪao Needle. It’s perfect for families and those looking for a gentle immersion in Maui’s beauty. Reservations are required for entry.

9. Drive Around the West Maui Mountains 🏞️

If the Road to Hana is a journey into a lush jungle, the Kahekili Highway (Route 340) is an adventure across the raw, rugged edge of the world. This is Maui’s other famous drive—a thrilling, nerve-wracking, and absolutely spectacular loop around the West Maui Mountains.

A Word of Warning (Please Read This!): This drive is NOT for everyone. Much of the road narrows to a single lane, clinging to a cliffside with no guardrails. It requires your full attention, a confident driver, and a smaller vehicle.

• • Check Your Rental Car Agreement: Many rental car companies prohibit driving on this road. This doesn’t just void your contract; it means if you break down, get a flat tire, or need a tow, you are 100% on your own for the (very expensive) recovery costs. Proceed at your own risk.
  • Not for the Faint of Heart: If you are a nervous driver or are scared of heights, you may want to skip this one.
  • Go Clockwise: For the safest and least stressful experience, drive from Kapalua in the west towards Wailuku in the east. This puts you on the inside lane (hugging the mountain) during the narrowest and most treacherous sections.

The Experience & Key Stops

For those who are up for the challenge, the rewards are immense, making this part of the top things to do in Maui. The views of the jagged coastline are breathtaking, and you’ll get a sense of old Hawaii that few visitors see.

• • Nakalele Blowhole: Witness the ocean’s raw power as seawater erupts through a hole in the lava rock like a geyser. Be extremely careful and keep a safe distance—rogue waves are common and dangerous here.
  • Olivine Pools: These are beautiful tide pools set in the lava rock. Only attempt to visit during low tide and very calm ocean conditions. The rocks are slippery, and waves can be unpredictable.
  • Kahakuloa Village: Tucked into a remote valley is the tiny, picturesque village of Kahakuloa. Stop at one of the small art galleries or grab some of the best banana bread on the island from Julia’s Banana Bread stand.

This drive is about the journey itself. Go slow, honk lightly before blind turns, be prepared to back up for oncoming traffic, and always show aloha to the local drivers!

10. Visit the Maui Ocean Center 🐙

This is your spot if you want to learn about Maui’s underwater world without getting wet. The Maui Ocean Center is Hawaiʻi’s top-rated aquarium, featuring:

• • Living coral reef exhibits
  • Tortugas marinas verdes hawaianas
  • Sharks, rays, and deep-sea creatures
  • Cultural displays about Hawaiian mythology and ocean stewardship

It’s educational, family-friendly, and air-conditioned—a great break from the sun! You can even have a sleepover here!

Plan Your Perfect Maui Vacation

Whether snorkeling with sea turtles, hiking in lush valleys, or enjoying a sunset luʻau, Maui offers endless magic! With this list of the top things to do in Maui, you’re on your way to an unforgettable vacation. Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and most importantly, embrace the spirit of aloha. Be kind to the land, be respectful of the culture, and be open to the magic that is waiting for you around every corner. Your unforgettable Maui story is just beginning! 🤙