Welcome to the best things to do in Maui!
Maui is one of my favorite places in the world.
I’m just in love with the stunning beaches, all the fresh seafood and fruit, and the overall laidback atmosphere.
I’ve also been to Maui a few times now, so I’ve gotten to know the island pretty well.
In this post, I’ve put together a list of all the best places to see and things to do in Maui!
Let’s dive in.
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Maui Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours In Maui
- Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure Aboard the Malolo
- Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup
- Haleakala Maui Sunrise Tour w/ Breakfast
Where To Stay In Maui
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
- Napili Sunset Beachfront Resort
- Royal Lahaina Resort
- Ka’anapali Beach Club By Diamond Resorts
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
- Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Luxury
How To Get Around Maui
You’ll definitely want to have your own car when you visit Maui!
Although the island is pretty small, a lot of the best things to do in Maui are really spread out.
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
Short on time? I recommend booking a Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure!
1. Drive the Road To Hana
Driving the famous Road to Hana is a MUST in Maui.
This scenic drive highlights some of the most iconic sights on the island.
Along the way, you’ll visit dramatic beaches, chase towering waterfalls, and enjoy fresh local food.
You can drive the Road to Hana in one day, either on your own or with a tour.
I much prefer to drive it on my own, so I can beat the crowds and go at my own pace.
For the best stops that I recommend, head over to my 10 Best Stops On The Road To Hana post.
Some of my favorites are Twin Falls, Kaihalulu Beach, and the Pools at ‘Ohe’o. Also, of course, all the cute little snack stands.
I think you should take that post as a starting point, then just pull over for anything else that looks interesting!
If you want to visit the Road to Hana without the stress of driving yourself, I recommend this highly-rated Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
Read more: 10 Best Stops On The Road To Hana
2. Watch sunset or sunrise on Haleakala
The summit of the Maui’s volcano Haleakala stands above the clouds at over 10,000 feet.
This makes sunrise and sunset on the summit breathtaking, and another must-do in Maui.
Due to its popularity, visiting during sunrise requires a reservation, and these book up quickly.
Haleakala sunrise reservations here.
In order to make it for sunrise, you’ll also have to wake up VERY early, but it’s worth it.
However, don’t worry if sunrise doesn’t work out for you.
You can also visit for sunset, which is actually just as spectacular.
I’ve done both, and I can confirm I probably prefer sunset.
It’s WAY less crowded, and you can stay until dark for some amazing stargazing.
If you want to experience sunrise on Haleakala without the stress of planning, I recommend this highly-rated Haleakala Maui Sunrise Tour w/ Breakfast.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
Read more: Haleakala Sunrise vs. Sunset: Which One Is Better?
3. Take a sunset cruise
Embarking on a sunset cruise in Maui is easily one of the most enchanting experiences the island has to offer.
As the sun begins its descent over the horizon, casting vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple across the sky, the beauty of Maui’s coastline is magnified from the vantage point of a boat.
Witnessing this breathtaking display while cruising along Maui’s pristine shores, with a cocktail in hand and live music in the background, is the perfect way to commemorate a special trip.
I recommend this highly-rated Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
4. Eat at Mama’s Fish House
Listen up… getting a reservation at Mama’s Fish House should be one of your TOP priorities.
So plan ahead, because reservations can book up pretty far out.
If you’re lucky enough to get one, prepare for some of the best food you’ve ever had in your life!
Mama’s Fish House serves seafood so fresh, they even reprint their menus daily with the name of the diver that caught the fish being served.
Mama’s Fish House reservations here.
5. Try fresh banana bread
Banana bread is a staple in Maui!
It’s special here because all of the ingredients, including the bananas, are SO fresh.
You can find banana bread all over Maui, but one of my favorite places to get from is the Halfway To Hana Stand.
This stand has been a staple on the Road To Hana since 1982, and has inspired tons of people to try to recreate the recipe at home.
Read more: 10 Best Stops On The Road To Hana
6. Visit Makena Beach State Park
Although pretty much all of Maui’s beaches are gorgeous, Makena Beach State Park is home to some of the most beautiful.
Here, you’ll find Big Beach and Little Beach, which are both stunning and more secluded alternatives to the crowded beaches on the west side.
The park also offers sweeping views of the nearby islands Molokini and Kahoolawe.
Related: Travel Instagram Captions
7. Explore Lahaina
2024 update: As Lahaina recovers from devastating wildfires, it is currently closed to visitors. You may still travel to West Maui, but the town itself is not open. For more information and to stay up to date, please visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s website.
The historic town of Lahaina is a Maui hotspot full of shops, oceanfront restaurants, and art galleries.
Its history dates back centuries, from its time as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, to becoming an important whaling town.
Nowadays, Lahaina celebrates that history and serves as a gateway to the nearby resort towns of Kapalua and Kaanapali.
Lahaina Harbor is one of the most popular places in Maui to catch tours like whale watching and sunset cruises.
Front Street is a quaint shopping area, and the perfect place to stroll and browse for souvenirs.
Here, you’ll also find the famous Banyan Tree Park, home to the oldest banyan tree in the United States.
This tree was planted in 1873, and is over 60 feet tall!
Related: Hawaii Instagram Captions
8. Attend a luau
One of the most iconic things to do in Maui is attend a luau.
This fun cultural experience is a great way to get a look into Hawaiian traditions.
Old Lahaina Luau is one of the most well-loved luaus in Maui, and I highly recommend booking with them so you have a great experience.
Another wonderful option is the Feast at Lele.
The luau starts just before sunset, where you’ll be greeted with a lei.
After the sun sinks below the horizon, you’ll be in for night of traditional Hawaiian food, and authentic performances and storytelling.
Related: Cocktail Instagram Captions
9. Hike the Pipiwai Trail
This 4-mile trail is located in Haleakala National Park, at the end of the Road To Hana.
Many people regard the Pipiwai Trail as the best hike on the island.
It features a massive banyan tree, the famous bamboo forest, and ends at a viewing point of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
I’d recommend this hike for the more adventurous.
Prepare for it to take 3-4 hours, and you will definitely get muddy and have to cross a stream at one point.
Although, if you’re short on time, you could turn around after you reach the bamboo forest at about 30 minutes in.
Oh, do bring bug spray!!!
Related: Waterfall Instagram Captions
10. Go whale watching
In the winter, Maui is one of the best places in the world to whale watch!
Humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters, where they’re protected in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
There are lots of tours that offer opportunities to see humpbacks swimming, playing, and even breaching.
I highly recommend booking a tour with Hawaii Ocean Rafting (not sponsored!) because we had an awesome experience with them.
Related: Scenery Instagram Captions
11. Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a beautiful walking trail that lines Kapalua Bay.
It’s easy and mostly paved, so a great choice for families or an early morning stroll.
Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the beach, ocean, lava rocks, and natural greenery.
There is parking available in Fleming Beach parking lot.
Related: Adventure Instagram Captions
12. Explore Ali’i Kula Lavender
Nestled in the serene upcountry of Maui, Ali’i Kula Lavender is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique experience.
You can meander through the farm’s fragrant fields of lavender set against the backdrop of rolling hills and panoramic ocean views.
Whether indulging in lavender-infused snacks and drinks at the farm’s cafe, or browsing locally-made products at the gift shop, a visit to Ali’i Kula Lavender promises a rejuvenating experience.
13. Visit Waianapanapa State Park
Although Waianapanapa State Park is a stop along the Road to Hana, you could easily spend all day here.
It’s home to Honokalani, this awesome black sand beach.
Not only that, there are some nice walking paths along the coastline, as well as a blowhole to check out.
Off to the side of the beach, there are even some cool little sea caves to explore.
Make sure to bring some water shoes, because this beach is really rocky!
Due to its popularity, Waianapanapa State Park requires reservations, which can be made up to 14 days in advance.
You can make your Waianapanapa State Park reservations here: gowaianapanapa.com
Read more: 10 Best Stops On The Road To Hana
14. Try Hawaiian shave ice at Ululani’s
If you don’t know what shave ice is, it’s an ice-based dessert flavored with syrups, fruit, and other toppings.
Not to be called “shaved ice,” the idea is similar to snow cones. But the consistency of shave is much finer and smoother.
This treat is a wonderful way to cool off on a hot day after the beach.
Ulalani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice opened in 2008, and has since grown to 7 locations across Maui.
It’s now become a Maui staple, and one of the best places to try one of these delicious (and Instagrammable!) desserts.
15. Explore the North Shore
If you’re looking to avoid the huge resorts, you’ll love exploring the hippie town of Paia on the North Shore.
Here, you’ll find trendy boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and yogi vibes.
Afterwards, head to Ho’okipa Beach and check out the sea turtle colony that hangs out there.
The North Shore is also the best place to watch surfers, as this side of Maui is known for its world-class surf breaks and rugged shoreline.
If you visit in the winter, head to Peahi to witness big wave surfers take on the famous Jaws.
16. Visit Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
I’d never even heard of a red sand beach before my last trip to Maui. Well, let me tell you… this place is absolutely stunning!
The red sand contrasted against the insanely blue water was something I will never forget.
Although, this beach is pretty tricky to find.
Find detailed directions in my How To Find Kaihalulu Beach post.
17. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
The most famous snorkeling spot in Maui is Molokini Crater.
It’s located a few miles off the coast of Maui, and there are a ton of different tour options that will boat you out and back.
This is a great place to see vibrant coral, and a wide array of marine life.
However, you can also find great snorkeling right off of many of Maui’s beaches, (for free!) such as in Kaanapali and Wailea.
Although snorkeling in Molokini Crater was beautiful, we snorkeled in Kaanapali and immediately found sea turtles, which was so cool!
If you want to snorkel in Molokini crater, I recommend this highly-rated Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
Related: Snorkeling Instagram Captions
18. Eat at Coconut’s Fish Cafe
For the best fish tacos in the world, you MUST stop at Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Kihei.
(We ate there five times during our week in Maui, LOL.)
Their poke is also delicious!
If you want to know more about the best eats in Maui, head over to my Maui travel guide.
19. Cliff jump at Kapalua Cliff House
This is more of a local spot, so let’s keep it a secret between us!
This is the perfect place to warm up with a lower, roughly 15 foot jump, and maybe work your way up to the higher ones!
If you’re not ready to take the plunge, the little cove is also a fun place to swim and watch other people jump.
20. Learn to surf
Can you even visit Hawaii without trying to surf at least once?
You can find lessons all over the island, especially near Kaanapali Beach.
Already know how to surf? Or content just watching the pros?
The North Shore is known for its high surf.
Related: Surfing Instagram Captions
21. Visit Olivine Pools
The Olivine Pools are one of the most captivating natural wonders in Maui
Located along the rugged coastline of West Maui, these natural tide pools are formed by volcanic rock formations and filled with crystal-clear ocean water.
What makes the Olivine Pools truly remarkable is their stunning setting amidst dramatic cliffs and crashing waves, creating a picturesque backdrop for swimming.
While accessing the pools requires a short hike over rocky terrain, the breathtaking views and refreshing waters make it a rewarding adventure for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Maui.
Please make sure to check conditions before visiting and swimming!
If surf is high (such as in the winter), please exercise caution and do not swim, and this can be dangerous.
I love the Maui Swap Meet on Saturday mornings in the parking lot of the University of Hawaii.