Maui is a BEAUTIFUL Hawaiian Island filled with so many different landscapes from lava fields, waterfalls, beautiful sandy beaches (white, red and black sand), lush forests, yellow and green mountains and a dormant volcano. You can actually see the other islands of Lanai, Molokai, Kaho’olawe, and even the Big Island in the distance.
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is also known as the Valley Isle since it is nestled between two mountains- Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. If you have been to other islands, Maui is said to be the combination of both Oahu and Kauai, not too busy but not too quiet either.
I am so grateful that I got to live and explore this beautiful island dnd am happy to share the top 10 things every traveler should attempt to see/do when they are visiting. There are so many places to discover here and never a shortage of pretty beaches, but if you are short on time, I have narrowed down a list of the top 10 things to do if you are visiting the beautiful island of Maui 🌺
When visiting the islands remember to: be a traveler, not a tourist. Make sure to follow leave no trace principles when exploring the outdoors, be kind, support local businesses and people, wear reef safe safe sunscreen (do not bring spray sunscreen to Hawaii), and keep your distance away from marine life.
TIPS TO TRAVEL TO HAWAII RESPONSIBLY– read before you go
Table of Contents
ROAD TO HANA
No matter who you ask, if you are visiting Maui, the Road to Hana will always be anyone’s first recommendation. There is truly no other experience like it with 64 miles of 620 curves and 59 one lane bridges surrounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, beaches, and mountains. This whole road is filled with amazing stops- just stop wherever you see something that catches your eye and I promise it will lead somewhere beautiful! This road is where the white, red and black sand beaches are located.
Two most popular stops are Twin Falls and Wai‘anapanapa State Park (the black sand beach-need reservation to visit)!
Warning: For some, it is a hard drive since majority of this road is one lane bridges. It does get crowded (especially during high season) so you have to be careful where you park or you might get a fine. If you don’t feel comfortable driving never fear, there are tours through Hana available!
General rules of the road: let locals past, they know the roads well and drive on it at their own pace- it is their neighborhood and land you are visiting so be respectful. If someone turns their hazards on behind you, it means they want to pass you!
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
Haleakala is known as the “House of the Sun” and once you get on top of this 10,023 ft mountain you will understand why. It is the best place to see beautiful sunrises/sunsets, hiking, star gazing, and a safe haven for some endangered species. When you’re up there it makes you feel like you’re looking out of an airplane window.. it leaves you speechless.
What time of the day should you go? Sunrise or sunset (unless you’re hiking)
Haleakala National Park is the best place on the island to watch the sunrise or sunset. Both boast beautiful views, but only one requires a reservation beforehand (sunrise-if you get there before 3am you can get away without one).
It is also a unique place to hike through with so many different landscapes you can’t find everywhere else in the world. I mean how often can you hike through a dormant volcano?
Make sure to bring a heavy jacket and pants! It gets chilly up there ( 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit sometimes).
What trail is a must hike in the National Park?
Sliding Sands Trail
It is an 11 mile trail out and back located inside the National Park that boasts BEAUTIFUL and stunning views. If you have time to hike through the park I definitely recommend it because there is truly nothing like it in the world.
Pipiwai Trail is a very famous hike with a mesmerizing waterfall and hike through a bamboo forest that is located inside the park (past Hana).
IAO VALLEY STATE PARK & NEEDLE
One of my favorite places on Maui is Iao Valley State Park, located in Central Maui. This park is a must visit for those wanting mountain views, mini waterfalls and streams, and green valleys. Iao Valley is a sacred place to Hawaiians, as it holds historical significance from the battle of Kepaniwai where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s forces to then unite the islands. Stroll the Iao Valley Lookout Trail or the Ethnobotanical Loop to see the Iao Needle that served as a lookout for Maui’s forces back in 1790.
WAIHE’E RIDGE TRAIL
If you a hiker, this is one of the best trails on the island! It is the perfect combination of a workout and panoramic views. It is a steep 4 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 1610ft. In the distance you can see a waterfall along the way and from the top you can see 180 degree views of the island.
HONOLUA BAY
Honolua Bay is a must stop if you’re looking for one of the best snorkel spots on Maui! Not only will you see turtles, fish, octopus, and beautiful reefs here, you will also see surfers and beautiful views of West Maui. The walk to the bay leads you through a lush mystical forest that is also known as “the slice of heaven” and it truly feels like it.
To see the reef, swim out on your right towards the boats, it’s a little bit of a swim but definitely worth it! *this is not a beach with sand, only rocks, so don’t plan to lay out here all day*
EXCURSION TOURS
Speaking of snorkeling.. Although it might seem touristy, the snorkeling tours are actually super fun and totally worth doing. I highly recommend snorkeling at the nearby Molokini Crater- one of only three volcanic calderas in the world and Hawaii’s only island marine sanctuary. During whale season (Nov-April) you can catch the migrating whales making splashes around the islands- the best months for whales are February & March and you will most likely see them on any boat tour!
GET A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SNORKEL CRATER ↓
If you have more time (and $) head over to the neighbor island of Lanai where reefs are in much better conditions than around Maui (and beaches are less crowded) or go on a sunset cruise for good views, dinner and drinks!
GO CLIFF JUMPING AT BLACK ROCK BEACH + ENJOY THE BEACH
Located right in front of the Sheraton and the end of Kaanapali Beach is a popular jumping spot where you can also snorkel around! There are two different jump heights, one about 10 ft high and the other about 30ft high.
During sunset the resort has a torch lighting ceremony to see as well!
Kaanapali Beach is also one one of the most popular beaches on Maui so make sure to enjoy the beauties of the West Side and catch the sunset here.
LAHAINA FRONT STREET AND THE BANYAN TREE
Front Street is the main street of Maui that is best for those looking for cute shopping souvenirs, good food and the biggest Banyan Tree in the US (free to see- just don’t carve your name or climb)! This would be the “touristy” part of town but its a fun street to walk down especially if you’re in the area.
My favorite (vegan friendly) restaurants near Front Street are Moku Roots, Lahaina Fish Co, Kimos, Down the Hatch, Baya Bowls, Earth Aloha Eats, and Alchemy.
EXPLORE THE CUTE TOWN OF PAIA
This cute little colorful hippie town is located about 20 minutes from the airport and right before the Road to Hana! This is for those looking for more unique boutique shops, more good food (less options than Lahaina), and looking to find turtles on the beach!
Make sure to check out the Paia Coffee + Bar for some delicious food and live music at night.
BEST BEACH TO SEE TURTLES & WINDSURFERS IN PAIA?
Hookipa Beach
The beach where turtles go to rest for the day, located near the infamous Mama’s Fish House.
***Make sure to keep at least 10 feet away from marine life at all times or you can get fined.
EXPLORE KIHEI
If you’re looking for a little more of a bar scene, big beaches, tons of good restaurants, and lava fields to explore- look no further than Kihei!
The best beaches in Kihei are Kama’ole Beach Parks (1,2,&3), Makena Beach, Wailea Beach, and Charles Young Beach.
You can reach the lava fields by heading towards La Perouse Bay and taking the Hoapili Trail to see some of Maui’s most recent lava flow which is also located near the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve which is also great for snorkeling (just don’t step on the reef or touch marine life).
I hope this helps you plan your Maui adventure better & more responsibly! These are just the most popular places but I always encourage you to look on Google Maps or just drive around and get lost to find more epic spots on Maui.
If you have any questions always feel free to reach out to me on Instagram 🙂
