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Maui is the perfect island for those seeking a balanced Hawaiian experience. It may not be as vast as the Big Island or as petite as Lanai, and it strikes a pleasant middle ground between the liveliness of Oahu and the tranquility of Kauai. When you come to Maui, you’ll get a taste of everything that makes the Aloha State special. Prepare to be delighted by diverse wildlife, captivated by intriguing history and culture. Your visit here can include exciting activities like dancing with professional hula performers, teeing off on picturesque coastal golf courses, experiencing the thrill of zip-lining, snorkeling alongside five different types of sea turtles, or simply unwinding on some of Hawaii’s most famous beaches.
Maui, a popular tourist destination in the archipelago, is located between the Big Island and the smaller Molokai. When visiting Maui, you have the option to join one of the top-rated tours available to explore Molokai. The island of Maui is divided into five distinct regions, each offering unique experiences. Many travelers choose to stay along the coasts of South Maui, where the renowned Wailea Beach is located, or in West Maui, home to Kaanapali Beach and the vibrant Old Lahaina Luau. However, it is important not to overlook the other regions of the island. Journey along the picturesque coastline of East Maui by traveling the famous Road to Hana. Explore the Upcountry area and witness Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano. Delve into the history of Central Maui at Iao Valley State Park, which was once a tribal battleground. For a breathtaking aerial perspective of Maui’s beauty, consider booking a seat on one of the finest helicopter tours available on the island.
The ideal times to visit Maui are from April to May and from September to November. These seasons, known as the shoulder seasons, offer pleasant weather for Hawaii vacationers without the high prices and large crowds of summer and winter. However, if you’re a surfer, the best time to go is in winter when the conditions are optimal. Remember to book early for discounted rates. On the other hand, if you’re traveling with children, it might be worth considering a summer trip since the waters are calmer during that time. If you’re planning on participating in one of Maui’s thrilling tours or adventures, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance with medical coverage, just in case something unexpected happens.
Here are some of our recommended things to do in Maui. Select what you would enjoy!
‘Iao Valley State Monument In addition to the beautiful beaches, ‘Iao Valley State Park is another must-visit attraction in Maui, just like Haleakala National Park. This park covers a vast area of 4,000 acres and stretches for 10 miles in Central …
‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) In the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, there is a beautiful place called the Seven Sacred Pools, also known as the Pools of ‘Ohe’o in ‘Ohe’o Gulch. Despite the name, there are actually more than seven …
Stop by the Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden when you’re traveling along the scenic Road to Hana. This beautiful tropical oasis spans 26 acres and offers a variety of trails to explore. Located close to mile marker 10.5, it’s an ideal …
Haleakala National Park is a popular destination on Maui. It features a dormant volcano crater, beautiful sacred sites, and a tropical oasis with waterfalls near the coastline. The park spans 30,000 acres of land, but most visitors tend to focus on …
Hana Lava Tube (Ka’eleku Caverns) Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey along the Road to Hana and make a delightful detour to visit the Hana Lava Tube. This captivating underground landscape awaits near mile marker 31 and offers a self-guided tour that …
Ho’okipa Beach Park The waves during winter at Ho’okipa Beach are incredibly white and frothy, attracting dedicated surfers and windsurfers who are drawn to the thrill of riding waves as high as 30 feet. Although the water is too rough for swimming, …
Ka’anapali Beach Ka’anapali Beach, located on Maui’s northwest coast, is a highly popular and beautiful stretch of white sand that spans 3 miles. This beach has a lot to offer to visitors, including ample space for surfing and sunbathing. It holds a …
Kama’ole Beach Parks Kama’ole Beach Parks consist of three beaches that are perfect for families on vacation. These beaches stand out because they have calm waters and plenty of amenities, which is not always the case with other beaches in Maui. The …
If you’re looking to explore Maui on foot without tackling challenging hiking trails, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is perfect for you. This trail is located within the larger Kapalua resort community, home to excellent hotels like Montage Kapalua Bay …
Lahaina, a charming town on Maui’s northwest coast, is home to a small yet remarkable park. Nestled near the courthouse and harbor, this park is distinguished by its magnificent banyan tree, which happens to be the oldest living banyan tree on Maui. …
Makena Beach State Park, situated approximately 5 miles south of Wailea, is considered one of the largest undeveloped beaches on Maui, according to Hawaii’s tourism board. It offers an ideal destination for travelers seeking unspoiled shorelines. As …
For travelers who enjoy golfing more than sunbathing, Maui offers a wide range of excellent golf courses. There are 14 top-rated courses on the island, designed by professionals like Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. Some of the well-liked options …
Experience the beauty of Maui from a unique perspective! If you’ve already explored the underwater world on a snorkeling tour, why not take to the skies for a breathtaking helicopter tour? This thrilling adventure allows you to soar above …
If you’re a fan of the ocean or if the weather isn’t cooperating during your visit to the island, consider spending some time at the Maui Ocean Center. This place is perfect for learning about Hawaii’s underwater ecosystems and getting a close look …
Pineapples from the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm are incredibly sweet and delicious, making them a perfect dessert option. During a tour of the farm, visitors can discover fascinating facts about pineapple cultivation. Contrary to popular belief, …
Maui has a lot to offer with its beautiful beaches, lush hiking trails, and stunning sunsets. However, let’s not forget about the incredible world beneath the Pacific Ocean surrounding the island. Snorkeling is a popular activity here, and there are …
Molokini is a small island located approximately 3 miles off the southwest coast of Maui. It’s famous for being one of the best places in the Hawaiian Islands for snorkeling and diving. The island is actually a crescent-shaped volcano crater that …
Northwestern Maui’s Nakalele Blowhole is a must-visit spot for those seeking an ideal photo opportunity. Here, you can capture the beauty of a whitecapped ocean gently washing over the rocky shoreline, with a mesmerizing geyser of misty water …
Napili Bay Beach, while smaller compared to Wailea or Ka’anapali, is a beloved destination for families. The beach’s crescent shape and calm waters make it an ideal spot for both children and adults to enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and boogie …
O’o Farm Two decades ago, two friends who loved surfing decided to venture into farming. They purchased a plot of land that included fruit trees and coffee plants. Over time, their operation grew, and now O’o Farm spans 8.5 acres. This farm supplies …
Old Lahaina Lu’au The Old Lahaina Lu’au is a must-try experience for first-time visitors to Maui. As you arrive, you’ll be warmly greeted with a beautiful orchid lei and shown to your private table, which can be either low mat style seating or …
Located in the picturesque Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, the Pipiwai Trail is a beloved hiking route on the Road to Hana in Maui. This enchanting trail spans approximately 4 miles round-trip and treats hikers to an array of natural …
Driving the Road to Hana is a must-do for many visitors to Maui. This scenic highway, also known as Highway 360, takes you to the town of Hana. As you travel along the beautiful coastline, you’ll encounter a road with approximately 600 curves, over …
Turtle Town is a fantastic option for snorkelers who prefer to stay near Maui. Located close to Maluaka Beach, between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach in southwestern Maui, Turtle Town earned its name due to the abundance of Hawaiian green sea …
Wai’anapanapa State Park Wai’anapanapa State Park in Hawaii is famous for its jet black sands, which create a striking contrast against the vibrant blue waves and lush forest. The name “Wai’anapanapa” translates to “glistening waters” in Hawaiian. …
When you’re in Maui, Ho’okipa is where you’ll find the daring surfers riding the waves, while Kaihalulu and Wai’anapanapa boast stunning multicolored sands. But if you’re simply looking for a beach to relax and take a swim, there’s one that stands …