Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, consistently earns accolades as the best island in the United States, a testament to its captivating allure. This jewel of the Pacific is more than just a pretty face; it’s a tapestry woven with breathtaking beaches, the seasonal spectacle of humpback whale migrations, and the daily drama of sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues. The sheer abundance of experiences on Maui means that a single trip may only scratch the surface, beckoning visitors to return and delve deeper into its magic. From invigorating hikes to indulgent shopping sprees, from awe-inspiring whale watching tours to moments of serene reflection, here’s a guide to maximizing your adventure on the majestic Valley Isle.
- Embark on the Legendary Road to Hana:
No trip to Maui is complete without conquering the Road to Hana, a 64.4-mile ribbon of asphalt that unfurls through a landscape of unparalleled beauty. This iconic drive transports you through quaint, historic plantation towns, past cascading waterfalls that plunge into emerald pools, alongside stretches of pristine beaches where the sand meets the turquoise sea, and through verdant forests teeming with life. The road itself is an engineering marvel, boasting 59 bridges, many of which are narrow and historic, and countless hairpin turns that hug the cliffside.
The journey, a round trip, typically takes between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the number of stops you make to soak in the scenery. The constant curves and elevation changes can be challenging for those prone to motion sickness, but the reward is well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll be treated to panoramic ocean views that stretch to the horizon, glimpses of local life, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders that define Maui. Remember to be respectful of the residents who rely on this road, adhering to speed limits and yielding to local traffic whenever possible, especially on the one-lane sections.
- Explore the Natural Beauty of ‘Iao Valley State Monument:
A visit to the ‘Iao Valley State Monument is a must for anyone seeking a dose of natural splendor and a glimpse into Hawaiian history. This 4,000-acre scenic area, conveniently located a short drive from Kahului International Airport and within easy reach of Lahaina and Ka’anapali, is dominated by the iconic ‘Iao Needle, or Kuka’emoku.
A short, accessible 0.6-mile hike leads to a vantage point that offers stunning views of the 1,200-foot-tall ‘Iao Needle, a verdant, sharp peak of basalt rock rising dramatically from the valley floor. This geological marvel is a lava remnant, a testament to the volcanic forces that shaped the Hawaiian Islands. Beyond its natural beauty, ‘Iao Valley holds historical significance as the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, where King Kamehameha I, the future unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, led his forces to victory against the army of Maui.
- Discover the Black Sands of Wai’anapanapa State Park:
The Hawaiian Islands are renowned for their diverse landscapes, and the black sand beaches are a striking reminder of their volcanic origins. The most famous of these on Maui is located within Wai’anapanapa State Park, a coastal paradise situated near Hana, along the Road to Hana.
Wai’anapanapa State Park is more than just a beach; it’s a treasure trove of natural wonders. In addition to the black sand beach, formed by centuries of lava flow meeting the ocean, the park is home to seabird colonies, dramatic blowholes that spout seawater high into the air, intriguing lava tubes that beckon exploration, a natural stone arch that frames the ocean view, and freshwater caves that offer a refreshing respite from the tropical sun. Camping is a popular activity here, requiring a permit, and the park also provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking amidst the stunning scenery.
- Witness the Artistry of Windsurfers:
Maui has earned a global reputation as the windsurfing capital of the world, attracting enthusiasts and professionals alike. The island’s consistent trade winds and diverse wave conditions create an ideal playground for this exhilarating sport.
The beaches along the North Shore, including Kanaha Beach Park, Spreckelsville Beach, Lanes, Jaws (Pe’ahi), and Ho’okipa Beach Park, are the prime locations to witness the aerial acrobatics of windsurfers, kiteboarders, kitesurfers, and stand-up paddleboarders. These skilled athletes harness the power of the wind and waves, performing impressive maneuvers that defy gravity. While the waters can be challenging, particularly for beginners, simply watching the professionals is a captivating experience. For those seeking to learn, several reputable schools offer beginner lessons, providing a safe and supportive introduction to the world of windsurfing.
- Immerse Yourself in a Traditional Hawaiian Luau:
No visit to Hawaii is complete without experiencing the cultural richness of a traditional Hawaiian luau. These festive celebrations are a feast for the senses, offering a tantalizing array of Hawaiian cuisine, captivating music and dance performances, and a glimpse into the traditions and stories of the islands.
Luaus typically feature kalua pig, cooked in an underground oven called an imu, along with poi, a traditional staple made from taro root, and haupia, a creamy coconut pudding. The culinary offerings are often accompanied by a buffet of familiar dishes to cater to diverse palates. The entertainment includes traditional Hawaiian music, graceful hula dancing, and thrilling fire dancing, all interwoven to tell stories and legends passed down through generations. Several hotels and dedicated luau venues host these unforgettable events, offering a range of experiences to suit different preferences.
- Discover Maui’s Floral Splendor:
Maui is a botanical paradise, a place where vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrances fill the air. From the lush tropical rainforests to the cool upcountry slopes and the sun-drenched western shores, the island boasts an extraordinary diversity of plant life.
Even a simple drive along the road reveals a riot of color, with bougainvilleas and hibiscus adorning nearly every garden. Maui is home to a collection of botanical gardens, offering guided and self-guided tours that showcase the island’s floral treasures. Here, tropical exotics from around the world mingle with the "canoe plants" brought by the early Polynesian settlers, including banana, coconut, taro, candlenut, sweet potato, and paper mulberry. The steep mountains of Maui also harbor protected pockets of native and endemic plants, many of which are endangered, found nowhere else on Earth.
- Explore the Underwater World Through Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, and Sailing:
Given its island location, many of the best things to do in Maui involve the ocean. Sheltered by the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai, Maui‘s breezy offshore waters are ideal for sailing. Try a sailboat charter, speedy catamaran, Hawaiian sailing canoe, or a sunset cruise. Family-run picnic excursions cross the channel regularly to Lanai and can get you back in time for sunset at your Maui hotel.
Maui is home to some of the finest dive spots in Hawaii, with dozens of reputable operators ready to show you around. There are two marine conservation areas, one at Honolua Bay in West Maui, the other at Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater located offshore near Wailea. The contours of the crater turn it into an aquarium without walls. Nearby, the award-winning Lanai Cathedrals is considered to be one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. There is also a sunken U.S. submarine to explore.
- Indulge in Maui’s Culinary Delights:
Maui is a dining epicenter, with restaurants for virtually every taste and budget. Maui has also attracted heaps of enthusiastic chefs who make national headlines using fresh local produce from upcountry farmers. From lavish hotel dining rooms to lunch counters serving plate lunches, Maui‘s places to eat are pleasing and diverse.
- Shop for Unique Artsy Souvenirs:
Maui is a shopper’s paradise, with numerous galleries, international shops, designer boutiques, and malls, not to mention its excellent farmers’ markets and swap meets. Many shops carry Maui specialty items and products unique to Hawaii, including hand-turned bowls and objects of beautiful native woods; oil paintings and sculptures, hats woven of lau hala; hand painted resort fashions; and one-of-a-kind jewelry, glasswork, and art.
- Witness a Sunrise Spectacle Atop Haleakala:
In ancient times, the summit of Haleakala was only for the kahuna (priests) and their haumana (students) and was where they lived and studied initiation rites and practices. Today, the summit is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Maui. While the best views into the crater happen in the afternoon when the sun is at your back, a trip to Haleakala for sunrise is an experience well worth the effort. Remember to bring a good jacket, as it’s much colder at the summit and temperatures can hover around 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Relax and Rejuvenate on Maui’s Beaches:
The number one thing people think of when they plan a trip to Hawaii is the beach, and for good reason. There are more than 80 beaches on Maui and 120 miles of coastline, which features sands of gold, black, green, red, and pure, shimmering white. While you’re at it, grab a snorkel and mask and commune with the turtles and many species of fish.
- Observe the Majestic Humpback Whales:
Maui‘s southern and western coastlines provide abundant opportunities for watching the majestic humpback whales of Hawaii, who are wintertime visitors each year. Maui is one of the few places in the world where you can see the whales swimming and breaching from the shore.
- Experience an Exhilarating Zip Lining Adventure:
Several companies offer zip-line adventures on Maui. Zip lining has become one of the fastest growing eco-friendly activities throughout the world.
- Soar Above Ka’anapali with Parasailing:
From mid-May to mid-December, UFO Parasail in Ka’anapali Beach helps guests to do just that. Parasailers are fitted into a comfortable harness, then, either alone or in tandem with someone else (the choice is yours), it’s time to proceed to a platform at the back of the boat where you’ll be hooked onto the parasail. Before you know it, you’ll slowly lift off the boat for a 10-minute parasail on an 800-foot line.
- Delve into History at Maui’s Museums:
In Maui, you can view the living history of Hawaii from the time of its ancient ali’i (hereditary nobles) and the years of the Hawaiian monarchy to the point when the island was the whaling hub of the Pacific and the leading industry on the island was sugar, not tourism like it is today.
- Escape to the Secluded Island of Lanai:
While you can take a flight to Lanai, the most fun way to see a bit of the island is to take a day trip via the Expeditions Maui-Lanai Ferry, which makes several round-trip journeys daily from Lahaina Harbor.
- Discover Authentic Hawaiian Culture on Molokai:
A day trip to the neighboring island of Molokai will take you to Hawaii’s most Hawaiian place, where most of the residents are native Hawaiians.
- Encounter Marine Life at the Maui Ocean Center:
The Hawaiian Islands are among the most isolated islands on Earth, which is why they offer one of the world’s most unique ocean environments. And there’s no better place to learn about the creatures who live in these magnificent waters than at the Maui Ocean Center.
- Find Serenity at the Lahaina Jodo Mission:
The Lahaina Jodo Mission at Pu’unoa Point, one of the most serene and beautiful places on the island of Maui, is located on the outskirts of Lahaina.
- Explore the Untamed Beauty of Makena:
Bordered on the north by the posh Wailea Resort area and on the south by the Ahihi Kinavu Natural Area Reserve, the Makena area of South Maui offers visitors a return to nature and much earlier days of Hawaii.
