What Are The Best Things To Do In Maui, Hawaii?

Aloha and welcome! Are you heading to Maui and wondering what the best things to do in Maui are!? Get ready for an island that will wow your senses and stay in your memory forever. If Maui isn’t on your bucket list, add it now! 

Known as the “Valley Isle,” Maui is one of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s filled with golden beaches, lush valleys, and volcanic landscapes that feel out of this world. Maui is a place where adventure and relaxation meet, giving you the choice of a thrilling or peaceful vacation.

Whether this is your first trip to Maui or your tenth, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii. From popular activities to hidden gems, your trip will be full of great memories!

Before we begin, a note: the historic town of Lāhainā in West Maui was devastated by wildfires in August 2023. Even so, the spirit of the island remains strong. Most of Maui is open and welcoming visitors. By visiting with respect, you help support the local community as it continues to heal. The aloha spirit is alive, and the island’s beauty is as moving as ever. Read our blog on Lahaina Today.

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 Molokini Crater. This crescent-shaped volcanic islet sits just off the coast. With water visibility up to 150 feet, Molokini is a beautiful underwater world. It’s full of tropical fish, living coral, and even eagle rays!

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour

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

• • Morning Tour: 7 AM–12 PM
    • This tour includes snorkeling gear, meals, and a fun waterslide! Start by snorkeling at Molokini Crater when the conditions are good. Then, go to Turtle Town. It is named for its many Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu)
    • We accept credit cards, making it easy and convenient to secure your spot!

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. During these months, you can see whales on our snorkeling tours. This makes it one of the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii, for nature lovers.

2. Drive the Iconic Road to Hana 🛣️

If you only do one road trip in your life, make it the Road to Hāna! This 64-mile drive runs from Kahului to Hāna, passing waterfalls, rainforests, cliffs, and hidden beaches. The road has 600 curves and 59 narrow bridges. It demands attention, but the sights and sounds of Hawaii make it worth it.

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 tumble down volcanic cliffs at almost every turn. Some are tall and majestic, while others are small and inviting, perfect 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): Take a quick turn off the main road. Here, you can see a stunning coastline. Jagged black lava rock meets the deep blue Pacific Ocean. 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 park is a must-see. You need to make reservations ahead of time, so plan accordingly! It’s 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): This beautiful 80-foot waterfall is one of the most photographed on the island. It’s easy to reach by road.

The phone service on this trip is spotty, so Google Maps may not load. We recommend the Shaka Guide, a GPS‑activated audio tour app that delivers a fantastic Road to Hana experience. Take your time, bring snacks, and enjoy the ride—this is one of the top things to do in Maui!

Note: Depending on the time of day, traffic and stops may feel very different, so plan your journey carefully! We also recommend stopping at food trucks along the way!

3. Watch the Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park 🌋

Beyond the Sunrise

• • Sunset and Stargazing: If the early morning isn’t for you, sunset is just as spectacular and requires no reservation. As night falls, the summit turns into one of the best stargazing spots on Earth, with the Milky Way shining clearly across the sky.
  • Hiking: The Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail goes down into the crater, taking hikers past colorful cinder cones and wide, quiet landscapes.
  • Practical Advice: It’s 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. High altitude can also affect people, so they should move slowly and stay hydrated.

Pro Tip: Dress warmly and book a sunrise reservation in advance. Parking is limited at the summit, so be sure to reserve your spot early and arrive at the parking lot with time to spare.

You’ll also need a national park pass, which can be purchased online or at the entrance. 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

• • Ka’anapali Beach: 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.
  • Napili Bay & Kapalua Bay: These two neighboring coves are slightly more sheltered and intimate. Their calm, turquoise waters are great for families. You can swim easily and enjoy snorkeling while often seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles.

South Maui

• • Wailea Beach: 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 🍍

Go beyond the beaches and explore Maui’s upcountry on the slopes of Haleakalā. Here you’ll find lavender farms, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, and local products you won’t see anywhere else.

Great Stops in Upcountry

• • Surfing Goat Dairy – 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 Maui trip is complete without a traditional Hawaiian luʻau. It’s a night of culture, music, and hula dancing under the stars. You’ll feast on dishes like kālua pig (cooked in an underground oven called an imu), poi, and lomi-lomi salmon. Book early, as luaus often sell out.

Popular Maui Luʻaus

• • Old Lahaina Luʻau – renowned for authenticity
  • Te Au Moana – luxury beachfront experience at Maui Beach Resort. It’s centrally located in Wailea for easy access from many hotels.
  • Maui Nui Luʻau – oceanfront at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel

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

7. Take a Helicopter Tour 🚁

The Road to Hana shows Maui from the ground, and Haleakalā shows it from above the clouds. But nothing compares to seeing Maui from the sky. A helicopter tour lets you see remote places. You can view the cliffs of Molokaʻi and the waterfalls of the West Maui Mountains.

Popular Tour Routes

• • West Maui & Molokaʻi: The tour shows the hidden valleys and waterfalls of West Maui. Then, cross the channel to the north shore of Molokaʻi, home to the world’s tallest sea cliffs.
  • Hana & Haleakalā: Experience the Road to Hana and its many waterfalls quickly. Then fly over the vast, moon-like crater of Haleakalā for a view you 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 and minimize glare and reflections on the helicopter’s windows.

For the best thrill and clearest photos, some companies offer “doors-off” tours. This is an exciting experience for those who love adventure! 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), explore it on foot. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii. The island has trails for every skill level, from easy walks to challenging climbs.

Popular Trails

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

Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

• • Location: 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. For this unforgettable trail, we highly recommend bringing water, bug spray, and good hiking shoes.

Sliding Sands Trail (Keoneheʻeheʻe)

• • Location: 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 hike the full 11 miles. Even going down a mile or two and then climbing back up is an unforgettable experience. Remember: the high altitude and the steep climb back out make this a challenging trek.

Waiheʻe Ridge Trail

• • Location: 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 goes up a ridge. It offers great views of green valleys, the deep blue ocean, and the 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

• • Location: Central Maui
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Details: The park is very important to the culture. Paved paths lead you through beautiful gardens. You can enjoy a great view of the 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 lush jungle, the Kahekili Highway (Route 340) is Maui’s rugged edge. This famous drive loops around the West Maui Mountains. It’s thrilling, narrow in places, and absolutely breathtaking.

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: If this happens, your contract is void. That means if the car breaks down, gets a flat, or needs a tow, you’ll cover the costs yourself. 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: See the ocean’s power as seawater shoots up 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
  • Hawaiian green sea turtles
  • 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! Book one day in advance to save money on the entrance fees.

Plan Your Perfect Maui Vacation

Whether you snorkel with sea turtles, hike in lush valleys, or enjoy a sunset luʻau, Maui is full of magic. The island blends beauty, culture, and adventure. With this list of the top things to do in Maui, you’re ready for a trip you’ll never forget.

Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and embrace the aloha spirit. Respect the land, honor the culture, and enjoy the magic waiting around every corner. Your Maui story is just beginning! 🤙

Also, check out our Best Time to Visit Maui blog post! Mahalo!