Maui is the second biggest island in Hawaii, located in the Pacific Ocean. It was created when two volcanoes, Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains, combined. This island is a great place to visit because it is always warm and sunny and offers a variety of landscapes to explore.
While luxury-seekers and honeymooners can enjoy their time here, there are also exciting adventures for those who seek them. One of the most remarkable things about Maui is the largest migration of humpback whales in the world, which occurs from December to April.
Additionally, the island is home to the largest dormant volcano on Earth, with a summit depression that measures 21 miles across and is 4,000 feet deep.
22. Ka’anapali Beach
The west shore of Maui has a beautiful coastline that stretches for three miles. This beach has been recognized as America’s Best beach in the past. In the past, it used to be a very exclusive spot and was often visited by the island’s royalty.
One interesting thing happens every day at sunset on Puu Kekaa cliff, located at the north point of Ka’anapali Beach. A cliff diver lights torches placed along the cliff and then jumps into the ocean. This tradition represents one of King Kahekili’s great victories.
The beach is surrounded by hotels and resorts, and there is also a shopping complex called Whalers Village and golf courses nearby. It’s a popular destination and you’re sure to enjoy it.
21. Makena Beach
Makena Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on Maui. It is 1.5 miles long and 100 feet wide, earning its nickname as Big Beach. The beach is located within the Makena State Park and offers beautiful views of the ocean and dense forests.
Despite being popular among tourists, there is enough space for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your favorite book, relax, and let the sound of the waves bring you peace.
20. Snorkeling Tours
If you want to snorkel in Maui, it is possible to do so on your own at any time. However, if you want to find the best snorkeling spots and see amazing marine wildlife, it is recommended to take a snorkeling tour. For a unique experience, you can consider going on a sunrise snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater.
If you’re interested, you can check out a reputable company called Kai Kanani. Another option is to go on a tour to the nearby island Lana’i, where you can not only snorkel but also watch whales from the beach. If your goal is to see dolphins, a tour to La Perouse Bay is recommended as there are playful spinner dolphins residing there.
19. Maui Brewing Company
The Maui Brewing Company was one of the first breweries established on the island. Taking a beer tour at this famous brewery is a fun way to spend time with friends and enjoy some cold beers together. The tours last about 45 minutes and are held at the Maui Brewing Company in Kihei.
It’s a great opportunity to learn about how beer is made and the important ingredients involved. And the best part is, at the end of the tour, you get to try some samples of their unique flavors. One of the interesting flavors is their Coconut Porter which includes roasted coconut.
If you can’t join a tour, make sure to keep an eye out for their beers at restaurants and bars while you explore the island.
18. Play Golf
Maui is a popular destination for both professional and amateur golfers. The island’s pleasant winter climate and clear skies make it an irresistible choice for golf enthusiasts. Among the notable courses on the island, the Kapalua Plantation Course in Lahaina stands out as a legendary golfing spot.
Every year, renowned PGA Tour Champions gather here to compete in the exciting Sentry Tournament of Champions. Don’t miss the chance to experience it! Additionally, Maui offers other hidden gems for golfers to explore, such as the Wailea Emerald Course in Wailea, the Royal Ka’anapali Course in Ka’anapali, and the Maui Nui course in Kihei. These lesser-known courses are also worth a visit for an enjoyable golfing experience.
17. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Ho’okina Beach Park is highly favored by windsurfers and surfers due to its ideal conditions of strong winds and large waves, which attract professional athletes and host competitions year-round. The Ho’okina Lookout is the perfect spot to observe these exciting events, offering ample space and typically avoiding large crowds.
Moreover, the beach boasts an exposed reef along the shorebreak, which serves as a magnet for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures swimming beneath the waves or basking on the sandy shores.
However, if you’re seeking a beach to enjoy swimming, Ho’okina Beach Park may not be the best choice as the waters can be quite turbulent.
16. Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is a great place for families to have both educational and enjoyable experiences. It is an aquarium where you can have a close encounter with the amazing marine species found on the island and discover a whole new world beneath the ocean surface.
Hawaiians hold a deep reverence for the sea and its creatures, and this is evident throughout the Maui Ocean Center. Children will be thrilled to see brightly colored exotic fish swimming past the glass windows and will be amazed by the 60 coral exhibits.
The friendly turtles, smart octopi, and scary sharks will captivate the kids, keeping them entertained for hours while you can have a relaxed and enjoyable time at the aquarium too.
15. Wailea Beach
This beautiful beach is located right behind the Grand Wailea Resort in Wailea. It can get crowded because of its proximity to the resort, but there are plenty of activities to enjoy, so don’t let that discourage you! Wailea Beach is a charming, crescent-shaped beach and one of the most picturesque and adorable on the island.
You’ll definitely want to capture many Instagram-worthy pictures here! The beach is surrounded by lush tropical shrubs and tall palm trees, giving it an exotic feel. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, surfing, and various other water sports. If you’re looking for a day trip that will keep everyone happy, this beach is an excellent choice.
14. Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail stretches for 3.5 miles round trip, or about 1.8 miles if you only walk one way. You can begin the trail at the south end of Kapalua Bay and reach the D.T. Fleming Beach.
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit so you can take a refreshing swim along the way! The trail is a simple and enjoyable path that includes paved trails, boardwalks, and stretches of sand. It closely follows the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, the ocean, and the beautiful plants native to the island.
13. Old Lahaina Luau
Visit the Old Lahaina Luau and witness ancient traditions in action. This popular spot, which has been around since 1986, offers an authentic luau experience. A luau is a Hawaiian celebration with delicious food and lively entertainment, making it an ideal choice for special occasions like birthdays or honeymoons on Maui.
The focus is on preserving and showcasing traditional customs, giving visitors a memorable taste of Hawaii’s rich heritage.
12. Nakalele Blowhole
The Nakalele Blowhole is a natural wonder located in West Maui that is worth exploring. It was created over a long period of time as the waves crashed against the lava rock, gradually eroding it and forming a hole. This hole acts like a geyser, forcefully shooting water up to 100 feet high into the air.
It resembles the blowhole of a whale, hence the well-suited name. The frequency of water spouts depends on the weather conditions, so you might need to wait a while between each one. If you visit in the early morning, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful sight of the sun reflecting on the water and creating little rainbows.
11. Lahaina Banyan Court Park
The Lahaina Banyan Court Park is located in the lovely town of Lahaina. This town is known for its lively atmosphere, art galleries, and entertainment, making it a must-see destination in Maui. The park is famous for being home to the oldest non-native tree on the island.
Planted in 1873 by William Owen after a long journey from India, this tree now boasts 16 trunks and is the largest banyan tree in the entire United States. Aside from this remarkable tree, the park also features historic buildings such as the Old Lahaina Courthouse and the remains of an old fort.
Situated right next to the Lahaina Harbor, visitors can sit on benches under the shade of this magnificent tree and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
10. Go Whale Watching
Maui offers incredible opportunities for whale watching. You have various options to choose from, such as watching from the shore or taking a tour on a catamaran, sailboat, raft, kayak, or outrigger canoe. You will definitely have plenty of choices available. The best time to go whale watching in Maui is between mid-December and May.
During these months, around 12,000 whales from five different species migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to breed and nurture their calves. Most of them choose the warm and shallow waters of the Auau channel, which happens to be located between Molokai, Lanai, and Maui.
If you are staying on the western side of Maui, you can easily spot them from the shore. Some great spots for whale watching include Pu’u Ola’i Beach, Lahaina Pali Trailhead, and McGregor Point Lookout.
9. O’o Farm
The O’o farm is located in Upcountry Maui on the Valley Isle. The farm’s unique position on the side of a volcano makes it a one-of-a-kind destination for a farm tour and gourmet lunch. During the tour, visitors can stroll through the coffee plantations, olive trees, and charming gardens where the ingredients for their meal are being grown.
The owner of the farm will personally guide you during the tour. After exploring, guests can kick back and relax while their own chef prepares a delicious lunch. They can enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean, beautiful green hills, and majestic mountains in the distance while savoring their meal and sipping on a glass of wine.
8. Pipiwai Trail
This hiking trail is located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. You can take a walk through thick bamboo forests and see beautiful waterfalls and plants. The trail is about 4 miles long, so it’s a good idea to set aside a whole morning or afternoon to enjoy it fully.
Just before the trail loops back, you’ll see the amazing Waimoku Falls. There are a few other waterfalls along the way, but Waimoku Falls is the most impressive as it drops 400 feet down a lava rock. This trail is highly recommended for your vacation because it is versatile and easy to access.
7. Wai’anapanapa State Park
This beautiful state park in Hana is known as “glistening water” because of its shimmering pools and beaches. It has an untouched and natural atmosphere, which draws in people who love nature and seek adventure.
The park is located along a volcanic coastline where you can spot rare seabirds, so be sure to keep an eye out! It is truly one of the most incredible natural spots on the island. Inside the park, you can find a beach with black sand, lava caves, and numerous hiking trails.
Two of the top hiking routes are the Wai’anapanapa Caves Trail, which is a round trip of 1.5 miles, and the Pi’ilani Trail that leads you to the park’s famous black sand beaches.
6. Haleakala Crater
Haleakala Crater is located within Haleakala National Park, offering a unique opportunity to hike up to the summit of the volcano and explore its crater. People often choose to visit during sunset or sunrise to witness the mesmerizing views, as the sky turns into a beautiful orange hue and provides a feeling of being on top of the world, with clouds beneath your feet.
It is recommended to bring a high-quality camera to capture the stunning moments, as this will surely be the highlight of your vacation pictures. The summit stands at an elevation of 10,023 feet, so it is advisable to pack warm clothing to stay comfortable. Interestingly, although the volcano is still active, there haven’t been any eruptions for a considerable period of time, so there is no need to worry about safety concerns.
5. Road to Hana
The island of Maui has many different and unique landscapes that are worth seeing. Along the Road to Hana, you can see it all – from beautiful black sand beaches and bamboo forests to stunning tropical coastlines and amazing waterfalls.
The road is 64 miles long and you can either drive it yourself (but make sure to have a sturdy vehicle because the road can be difficult) or hire a driver to enjoy the changing views. It’s important to start early with a full tank of gas and a map since there is no cell service for most of the route.
Some of the must-see stops along the Road to Hana include the colorful town of Paia, the Twin Falls, and the breathtaking Ke’anae Peninsula.
4. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
The Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is like a little piece of Provence in Maui. It is a peaceful and stunning place, surrounded by mountains and a beautiful view of the sea. To get there, you can drive through scenic hills, making the journey even more enjoyable.
Whenever you visit, you are guaranteed to see something beautiful, but the sunsets at the farm are especially breathtaking. It’s interesting to note that if you bring a donation for the Maui Food Bank, you don’t have to pay an entrance fee. One of the highlights of the farm are the vast lavender fields that will leave you in awe.
As you explore, you can also enjoy the calming views and the sweet and relaxing smells of the flowers. While the lavender fields are famous, there are also other gardens filled with different types of flora to discover. Lastly, don’t forget to visit the gift shop and buy some lavender-themed beauty products before you leave.
3. Iao Valley State Monument
The Iao Valley State Monument is known for its tall mountains that rise up from the ground. The most famous one is called the Iao Needle Rock because of its shape. If you want to see the best views of Needle Rock, you should hike along the paved Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop, which is only 0.6 miles long.
During your visit, you can also take a break and go for a swim in the Iao Stream. Don’t forget to take pictures of the valley’s lush green plants that cover every part of the rocks and mountains.
2. Kamaole Beach Parks
The Kamaole Beach Park is a beautiful place with three sandy beaches located in Kihei. These beaches are called Kamaole Beaches I, II, and III, but you can simply call them Kam for short! Between these beaches, you will find some rocky areas.
Luckily, all three beaches are conveniently located next to each other along South Kihei Road, so you can easily walk between them. Kam I and II are perfect if you want to swim and relax, while Kam III is a popular spot for snorkeling and bodyboarding. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for sea turtles at Kamaole Beach Park! They love visiting this beach frequently!.
1. Napili Beach
This beautiful beach is located on the northwest side of the island, in Napali Bay. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, making it a favorite spot for swimmers, snorkelers, and families. You can relax in the sun and capture amazing vacation photos on the golden sand, with the backdrop of clear turquoise waters.
One of the reasons this beach is famous is because you can see two other islands, Molokai and Lanai, from here.
