Maui is Hawaii’s second-largest island and one of its most beautiful islands. You’ll find shimmering beaches, scenic highways, waterfalls, lush flora, and even volcanoes. Plenty of islands are dotted around, making it ideal for day trips.
If you’re visiting this iconic island for the first time, we’ve got you covered with the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii:
- Visit the best of Maui on this tour
- Explore Maui through the skies on this helicopter tour
- Get a taste of surf, sand, and sea at Ka’anapali Beach
- Drive through the scenic Road to Hana
- Visit the biggest dormant volcano in the world at Haleakala National Park
- Celebrate Hawaiian culture at the Old Lahaina Luau
- Check out the largest Banyan tree at Lahaina Banyan Court Park
- Have a scenic walk along the Lahaina Historic Trail
- Make friends with the marine creatures at Maui Ocean Center
- Cool off with Hawaiian shave ice from Ululani’s
- Sample wines at Maui’s Ulupalakua Vineyards
- Unleash your inner cottage core at the Ali'i Kula lavender farm
- Marvel at the stunning Wai’anapanapa State Park
- Explore the Molokini Island Preserve
- Go snorkelling or diving in the many reef habitats
- Learn to catch a wave at Kaanapali Surf School
- Swim in the Seven Sacred Pools
- Go whale watching
1. Visit the best of Maui on this tour
Explore the stunning terrains of Haleakala National Park. Credits: @sethrichardsonknits on Instagram
Want the fun of exploring without the hassle of planning? Leave the itinerary to us! Explore all the essential destinations such as Haleakala National Park (the only place in the world with the magnificent silver sword plant), the historic Lahaina Town, and more on the Best of Maui Tour!
2. Explore Maui through the skies on this helicopter tour
Hop on a helicopter to check out Maui’s stunning coastline and land formations from above.
Another great way to experience Maui is to soar over its magnificent valleys, the surreal Haleakala Crater, and other remarkable natural landscapes. You can explore these on the Blue Hawaii Maui Helicopter Tour, where you’ll be accompanied by two pro pilots who will guide you during your scenic flight.
3. Get a taste of surf, sand, and sea at Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach is one of Maui’s finest, thanks to its oh-so-clear waters! Credits: @inna_alexsandra on Instagram
Ka’anapali Beach is said to be one of the best beaches in Maui, so why not discover if the rumours are true? This three-mile beach is excellent for swimming, catching a wave, or simply dipping your toes in the sand and soaking in the sights.
4. Drive through the scenic Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a reminder that the journey should be just as fun as the destination. Credits: @__colorbomb__ on Instagram
Hana is an area on the eastern coast of Maui accessible through a scenic drive. Many consider the drive along the Road to Hana a destination on its own, thanks to the gorgeous coastlines, falls, and marvels of nature you’ll encounter during the four-hour trip.
5. Visit the biggest dormant volcano in the world at Haleakala National Park
Mount Haleakala is the largest dormant volcano in the world, with pristine natural surroundings perfect for scenic adventures. Credits: @oblatana on Instagra
Haleakala National Park is home to the largest dormant volcano in the world: Mount Haleakala. The volcano is a wonder, with a crater reminiscent of desert formations and surrounding mystifying rock structures. Millions of tourists flock to the park yearly to admire its natural beauty.
6. Celebrate Hawaiian culture at the Old Lahaina Luau
Luaus are part of the quintessential Hawaiian experience! Credits: @emsky14 on Instagram
A trip to Maui (and Hawaii in general) is incomplete without a visit to the Old Lahaina Luau! You can partake in a traditional luau, a feast that celebrates culture, music, dance, and food. While enjoying the performances, your taste buds can feast on the marinated chicken, mashed taro, drinks, and more.
7. Check out the largest Banyan tree at Lahaina Banyan Court Park
Weave through the entwined branches of the Banyan trees at Lahaina Banyan Court Park. Credits: @yumtravels on Instagram
Aside from being home to the largest dormant volcano, Maui also has the largest Banyan trees in the US. See them up close at Lahaina Banyan Court Park and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the intricate network of branches.
8. Have a scenic walk along the Lahaina Historic Trail
The Lahaina Historic Trail has many nostalgic sights, like preserved homes and vehicles. Credits: @cci_dave on Instagram
Up for stretching your leg muscles? Then a walk along the Lahaina Historic Trail is the way to go! You can pass by Baldwin Home Museum (Maui’s oldest preserved house), then make your way past the many courthouses and lighthouses along the coast that are worth snapping for the ‘Gram.
9. Make friends with the marine creatures at Maui Ocean Center
Maui Ocean Center showcases diverse marine life. Credits: @mauioceancenter on Instagram
Acquainting yourself with diverse aquatic life is an essential thing to do in Hawaii. You can do that at Maui Ocean Center, which celebrates marine life in all forms, including reef systems and different animal species. Famous attractions include the Open Ocean exhibit, which showcases sharks, rays, and massive fish in a glass tunnel guests can walk underneath.
10. Cool off with Hawaiian shaved ice from Ululani’s
At Ulalani’s, you can pick from 50 ultra cool and colourful shaved ice flavours. Credits: @yours.chuly on Instagram
With the tropical heat in Hawaii, shaved ice is a staple for cooling off. The best place to get this cool, tasty treat in Maui is Ulalani’s. They serve traditional shaved ice with over 50 flavours and toppings! The best-sellers are Sunset Beach (combination mango, guava, and passion orange with fresh mochi) and Haleakala (mixed Leche, coconut, and toasted coconut toppings).
11. Sample wines at Maui’s Ulupalakua Vineyards
You can also get your fix of vineyard trips in tropical Maui. Credits: @mauiwine on Instagram
Looking for a boozy experience in Maui? Then head to Ulupalakua Vineyards, where you can sample its best wines from homegrown grapes. The fun begins during the trip there, as you need to go on a scenic drive through Upcountry to reach the vineyards.
12. Unleash your inner cottage core at the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Maui is not only home to fabulous beaches and coasts but also to fairy-like gardens. Credits: @jasminealley on Instagram
Wanna take a detour from Maui beach life? Then a trip to the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a must! This 13.5-acre farm of lavenders is a sight to behold and is a perfect backdrop for your IG pics. The farm grows 20 varieties of lavender which mostly bloom in the summer, but they also grow nine year-round varieties so that you can visit anytime!
13. Marvel at the stunning Wai’anapanapa State Park
Have your fix of sea and greenery at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Credits: @maggiesalernorealty on Instagram
Wai’anapanapa State Park is the perfect combo of stunning coast and lush mountainous greenery, where sand and sea meet verdant campsites. You can spend the day exploring the surroundings and cap it off by camping.
14. Explore the Molokini Island Preserve
The formation of Molokini is truly a sight to behold. Credits: @aripiches on Instagram
The island of Molokini was once a volcano vent that transformed into a semi-circle of land. While you can’t go on the island, you can go on trips via boat, snorkel, kayak, or similar water activities around it.
15. Go snorkelling or diving in the many reef habitats
Maui has beautiful reef sites waiting to be explored. Credits: @honokowaimarketplace on Instagram
Hawaii is famous for its rich reefs and habitats for aquatic life, and Maui is no slouch in this department. The best way to appreciate them is to delve into the waters and go snorkelling and diving. Great spots include Molokini Crater and Black Rock at the north end of Ka'anapali Beach.
16. Learn to catch a wave at Kaanapali Surf School
You don’t need prior surf experience to begin your surfing journey in Maui. Credits: @kaanapalisurfclub on Instagram
Want to surf in Hawaii but don’t know how? You can kickstart your surfing journey at Kaanapali Surf Schoolin Maui! Learn the basics from the expert instructors on land before heading to the break and trying your new skill on the gentle waves.
17. Swim in the Seven Sacred Pools
The Seven Sacred Pools are one of Maui's most renowned natural sights. Credits: @jenwyn_escapad3 on Instagram
The Pools of 'Ohe'o, a.k.a. the Seven Sacred Pools, are a series of pools from cascading falls surrounded by lush rainforest. Here you can take a dip or admire the picturesque scenery.
18. Go whale watching
Spot majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. Credits: @bossfroghawaii on Instagram
If you’re in Maui, Hawaii, in December and April, you’re in luck! Whale watching is at its peak, and thousands of humpback whales will be making their way to Hawaii from the Alsakan gulf— it’s truly a wondrous sight!
Want to explore more of the Aloha State beyond Maui? Here are our picks of 12 amazing things to do in Hawaii that should be on your bucket list!
Written by: Rohana Monzon
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