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Aerial View of Maui's Road to Hana; Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide

January 02, 2024

Amy Fujimoto

This Maui travel guide has been divided into 9 sections to make it easier to navigate.

Start by choosing one of the categories below to explore the best of Maui and useful travel tips to help you make your trip an enjoyable and memorable vacation.

• About Maui : A brief introduction to Maui, Hawaii.
• Regions : Exploring the different areas of Maui and highlighting popular locations.
• Accommodations : Recommended hotels, hostels and rentals.
• Activities/ Things to Do : Tours and things to do on Maui
• Bars And Restaurants : The best things to eat and drink during your stay.
• Transportation : How to get around Maui.
• Travel Costs And Budgeting : Save money as you explore the island.
• Best Times To Visit Maui : When to visit Maui.
• COVID-19 : Traveling to Maui post pandemic.

About Maui, Hawaii

Maui is unique for its combination of remoteness and habitability.

There’s a sense of the country life in Maui especially when compared to Oahu’s Waikiki and downtown Honolulu city life .

Maui also has a nightlife with small towns, eateries, bars and shops to experience if you’re looking for something to do in the evening.

With over 30 miles of shoreline, Maui also scores in the beach category.

There are plenty of off-shore activities to try such as kayaking and snorkeling, and your chances of spotting a turtle swimming in the waves are high, too!

Originating from two large volcanic masses connected by an isthmus, Maui’s unique geography paired with the island’s sunshine, tradewinds and varying humidity create what is known as microclimates.

These microclimates will set the tone for your stay in different regions of the island. Keep this in mind as you use this guide to plan your trip to the island of Maui.

LISTEN : Hawaii's Best Podcast featuring Shaka Guide's Co-Founder, Andrew Fowers!

Regions Of Maui

Maui has five distinct regions: 

Central Maui

Upcountry maui.

RELATED: Maui Maps - 8 Maui Maps for Your Trip

If you enjoy tourist hubs like Waikiki on Oahu, head to Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui to discover some of the island’s most famous beaches and resorts.

Fill your days with shopping, restaurants and hiking, then finish up with a stroll along world-famous beaches and a beautiful sunset.

You'll also find the seaside town of Lahaina here, where historical tours, museums and unique local shops are waiting to be discovered.

Popular things to do in West Maui:

• Spend the day on Ka'anapali Beach, once voted America’s best beach.
• Explore the sleepy town of Lahaina.
• See Lanai and Molokai from the western shoreline.

RELATED: Lahaina Travel Guide

Central Maui is home to Kahului Airport, where most inbound flights to Maui arrive.

Get your pre-vacation shopping done here such as snacks and beach supplies and don’t forget to finish up your trip with some souvenir shopping, too!

You’ll probably pass through Central Maui a few times throughout your trip as you make your way around the island exploring the different attractions.

Popular things to do in Central Maui:

• Check out the historic town of Wailuku.
• Explore Iao Valley State Monument .
• Do some boutique shopping in the small town of Paia .

RELATED: Hawaii Airport Guide: Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

Located inland, Upcountry Maui is home to rich, volcanic farmland and the summit district of Haleakala National Park.

Learn about the lifestyle of the paniolo, Hawaiian cowboy, and how they navigated life on the islands managing their livestock.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the farm tours and outdoor activities in the area.

Popular things to do in Upcountry Maui:

• See the sunrise or sunset at Haleakala National Park .
• Stroll through the farms in Kula.
• Eat fresh and organic produce grown on Maui.

RELATED: Haleakala Sunrise & Sunset: Everything You Need to Know

Visitors to Maui will inevitably end up exploring the Road to Hana and East Maui is where you’ll see all of the waterfalls, hikes and lava tubes that dot the Hana Highway.

Grab lunch from a lunch truck or small eatery, hike up to one of the many waterfalls, and stop by a beach for some gorgeous seaside views.

Popular things to do in East Maui:

• Explore Waianapanapa State Park , the black sand beach.
• Drive the Road to Hana.
• Eat Hana Highway’s famous banana bread.
• Hike the Pipiwai Trail.

RELATED: Which Road to Hana Tour is Right for You? 

Famous for its snorkeling and turtle viewing opportunities, South Maui is the place to be if you want to be in the water with ocean life.

On exceptionally clear days, you can see Lanai, Molokini, and even Kahoolawe from the shoreline and the whale watching here is spectacular during the winter season.

Popular things to do in South Maui:

• Snorkel at the Molokini atoll and swim with some amazing sea creatures.
• Hike the family-friendly Makena State Park.
• See turtles at Turtle Town.

RELATED: Molokini Travel Guide 

Accommodations

Maui is a popular choice for visitors to Hawaii mainly because it has a great combination of both nature and city.

Sunny beaches, waterfalls, and hikes are just a few steps away, and shopping and entertainment are easily accessible during your downtime and evenings.

Hotels And Resorts

For visitors looking for a complete and luxurious vacation experience, your best option is to explore the hotels and resorts on the western, southern, and eastern shores of Maui.

In West Maui, the fancy hotels run from Kapalua to Ka'anapali along the Honoapiilani Highway.

The view of the Pacific Ocean is incredible, plus you get easy access to America’s best beach, Ka'anapali Beach.

Wailea in South Maui is another spot to check out for high-end luxury hotels, and if you decide to stay in Hana during your Road to Hana exploration, there are a couple of hotels and resorts here that should meet your expectations.

Hotels that are a little more affordable and come without all the extra bells and whistles can be found in Kihei in South Maui and Central Maui.

You won’t have easy ocean access from the middle of the island, but the incredible view of Haleakala as your backdrop is a fair trade.

If you’re looking to stay near the airport, Courtyard by Marriott is an excellent hotel adjacent to the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary. Maui Seaside Hotel is similar and a little less expensive.

There are a few options for resorts on Maui’s southeastern coast. These are generally located in Hana Town and are quite nice with price tags to match.

Hana Kai Maui will run about $300 per night and Hana-Maui Resort (formerly Travaasa Hana) will cost around $650. Both of these locations are on the gorgeous Hana Bay. 

Resort accommodations generally cost anywhere between $300 - $700 per night, with some luxury rooms requiring upwards of several thousand a night.

Budget-friendly hotels tend to hover around $200.

Short-term Vacation Rentals

Unlike Oahu, which considers short-term rentals to be less than 90 days, Maui defines a short-term rental as less than 180 consecutive nights.

That means Airbnb and Vrbo rentals for your vacation on Maui may be limited especially if you haven’t been making your reservations in advance.

Legislation is changing frequently since housing is a growing issue and it’s important to stay up-to-date so you aren’t taken by surprise when booking your rooms.

There have been talks on the table to completely phase out all short-term vacation rentals on Maui and convert them to housing for the local workforce.

The shortage of affordable homes for local workers just isn’t enough to support the current tourism industry workforce.

Again, keep this in mind especially when planning a future trip to Maui as you may have to be creative with your accommodation if you are aiming for a private rental during your short-term stay.

Keokea Ranch , a bit inland from Wailea, is wonderfully private with an excellent view of the ocean from the higher elevation.

Kula Lodge is even further inland and doesn’t have quite the level of luxury as other popular Maui establishments.

That being said, it more than makes up for this in charm and delicious food. 

There are a few hostels on Maui with great ratings that come with an affordable price.

Typically costing about $40 - $60 a night per dorm bed, hostels are a great way to save money, but you’ll need to book them far in advance.

Maui is a popular island destination in Hawaii and hostel reservations run out fast!

If you really love the outdoors and are on a strict budget, camping might be an option for you.

Most campsites are run by the government at state or beach parks and require a permit reserved in advance.

If you are looking for something a little more classy, check out the private campsite Camp Olowalu .

With amenities and facilities including:

• hot showers
• internet access
• private parking
• charging stations
• BBQ grills, and
• even dishwashing and recycling stations

Yyou’ll feel like you’re living in a fancy cabin community with friendly neighbors.

Other popular campsites on Maui:

• Hosmer Grove (Haleakala National Park) : You can stay up to 3 days per month at this campground that sits at about 7,000 feet, but temperatures do dip into the upper 40s overnight . There’s an excellent nature walk loop connected to the camping lawn. Facilities include drinking water, vault toilets, grills and tables.
• Holua and Paliku Campground (Haleakala National Park) : If you’re into wilderness camping, the Holua and Paliku Campsites are accessible via hikes in Haleakala National Park. Reservations are available 6 months in advance, so plan and book early! Backpacking to these campsites is an amazing adventure and well worth the effort of securing a reservation.
• Waianapanapa State Park : There are very few amenities at this campsite, but you’ll get an amazing view and access to this beautiful black sand beach. While regular Hana Highway visitors fight traffic and the crowds, you’ll be the first one on the beach in the morning.
• Kipahulu Campground : This campground is adjacent to the Pools of Oheo in Haleakala National Park. If you choose to camp here you’ll be waking up right at the trailhead that leads to this legendary swimming hole (although swimming is closed due to Covid-19). The facilities include vault toilets, grills, and picnic tables.

RELATED: Where to Camp in Maui

Things to Do in Maui

Maui has a plethora of things to do to keep you busy from outdoor activities to historical museums.

But there are two big attractions that are highly recommended: driving the Road to Hana and visiting Haleakala National Park.

The Road to Hana is filled with plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the coast, while Haleakala National Park is a unique experience on Maui’s massive shield volcano.

Shaka Guide Tours

There are tons of awesome tours to take on Maui! Shaka Guide offers six audio driving tours on the island.

Each tour offers turn-by-turn directions, stories, music and travel tips - all through your smartphone! These include:

• Classic Road to Hana Driving Tour  
• Loop Road to Hana Driving Tour
• Reverse Road to Hana Driving Tour
• Sunrise at Haleakala National Park Driving Tour 
• Sunset and Stargazing at Haleakala National Park  
• West Maui Coastal Driving Tour

RELATED: Which Maui Tour is Right for You?

Drive The Road To Hana

Hana Highway is 64 miles dotted with waterfalls, swimming holes, hikes, beaches, lava tubes and views. On the way to the little town of Hana, you’ll discover picturesque bridges, black sand beaches, and cute eateries along the way.

Many visitors can complete the Road To Hana in one day, but it’s entirely possible to stretch your Road To Hana visit over several days in order to explore all of the vistas and activities.

The biggest problem you’ll have is trying to figure out which stops you’ll want to visit before you run out of sunlight.

If you need help, we recommend our Shaka Guide Classic Road To Hana Tour to take the planning and confusion out of your day.

Learn more about the Road to Hana:

• Is the Road to Hana Dangerous?
• Road to Hana Driving Tips: Drive the Road to Hana Like a Pro
• Road to Hana Maps

Download Shaka Guide’s App and experience our classic Road to Hana tour.

Haleakala National Park

The park is packed with hikes, unique species and a landscape that resembles the moon more than it does planet Earth.

Haleakala National Park has enough to keep even the most enthusiastic outdoors lover busy for days.

Visiting the park for sunrise is particularly popular and stargazing is fantastic since the city lights are miles away and won’t interfere with your nighttime views.

Plan your visit to Haleakala National Park:

• Haleakala sunrise and sunset: Everything you need to know
• Sunrise itinerary: Haleakala itinerary for sunrise
• Hiking at Haleakala: Best day hikes at Haleakala

Download Shaka Guide’s App and experience our sunrise at Haleakala National Park tour.

Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.

There are plenty of snorkeling opportunities and even if you don’t feel like swimming, the sunset and island views are off the charts!

While you may not have the chance to visit every single beach, there are a few that should be on your list.

Popular beaches in West Maui:

• Ka'anapali Beach : Once named America’s Most Beautiful Beach, Ka'anapali Beach is close to several resorts with easy access to shops, restaurants, tours and luxury services. The white sandy beach glides into clear, blue water and the weather on this side of the island is fantastic throughout the year.
• D.T. Fleming Beach Park : Excellent services and upkeep including lifeguards, grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and a playground - all kept in immaculate condition. The scenery is beautiful with crystal-clear water that's perfect for swimming as well as a wonderful shady treeline. 
• Hanakao'o Beach Park (Canoe Beach) : Sitting just north of Ka'anapali Beach and usually less crowded, you’ll most likely launch from this beach if you sign up for an outrigger tour.
• Kapalua Beach : Known for its beautiful scenery and excellent snorkeling conditions. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, eels and tropical fish. Remember to keep a respectful distance from all marine life and coral you come in contact with.
• Launiupoko Beach : One of the best beaches for swimming on the island. A natural lava rock wall breaks incoming waves and currents. It’s also a great beginner-friendly snorkel spot.

Popular beaches in Central Maui:

• Kanaha Beach Park : Conveniently located near the Kahului Airport, this beautiful two-mile white sand beach is excellent for windsurfing and watersports .
• Baldwin Beach Park : Spend a traditional beach day with bathroom and shower facilities, lifeguards, picnic tables and grill pits.
• Ho'okipa Beach Park : Known for its world-class windsurfing conditions, this is a great place to spectate surfers and windsurfers from the scenic lookout.

RELATED: Must-See Scenic Spots in Maui

Popular beaches in East Maui:

• Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park : Inside Waianapanapa State Park , you’ll find the best black sand beach on the island. This beautiful cove features a lava tube and blowholes, in addition to swimmable blue waters and a scenic green coast. Reservations are required, so check out our travel guide to make a reservation and plan your trip to this breathtaking beach.
• Hamoa Beach : One of the least crowded beaches on Maui, this pearly white sand beach has gorgeous views and is a local favorite.

RELATED: Waianapanapa State Park Travel Guide

Popular beaches in South Maui

• Makena Beach: You’ll find “Big Beach” and “Little Beach” at Makena, but both are famous for their excellent conditions, amazing views and long shorelines. Little Beach is perfect if you’re looking to get away from the crowd. There are a few concession stands within walking distance from Makena Beach State Park.
• Kamaole Beaches : There are three Kamaole Beaches (I, II and III) and each has something a little different to offer. Kamaole I has the longest white sand beach, Kamaole II is best for snorkeling, while Kamaole III is rockier but has a playground for kids. All three have lifeguards and picnic tables.
• Polo Beach : While it can get crowded here, Polo Beach is extremely convenient for those staying in one of the nearby rental accommodations.
• Wailea Beach : There are no lifeguards here, but there are bathroom facilities and you can lounge, swim, snorkel and boogie board here.

The hiking on Maui is spectacular. As an island with a fantastic mix of outdoor and indoor activities, you won’t run out of trails and views as you explore the different regions of the island.

Acid War Zone Trail

Don’t let the name of this hike discourage you! Named after the erosion of rocks from a combination of salt and wind, the landscape vaguely resembles rocks that have had acid poured on top of it.

Don’t miss the blowhole, views of the ocean, and a heart-shaped hole in the ground where you can see the surface of the ocean.

Waihee Ridge Trail

A steep and challenging hike with stunning views surrounded with beautiful foliage.

Between the jungle, ridge tops and ocean views, this truly feels like a Hawaiian hike.

The slippery mud gets dangerous when raining so pick another hike if it’s wet.

Mahana Ridge Trail

Near D.T. Fleming Beach, this trail is 10 miles, but you can stop after the first couple of miles and turn back.

There’s not much more to see after the first few views and the hike gets extremely muddy.

Dragon Teeth Trai l

This oceanside trail follows the rocky shoreline that looks like the teeth of a dragon from a distance.

Lao Valley State Park

Lao Valley State Park has a few great, well-maintained trails. They mostly all begin at one trailhead right after you enter the park.

The hikes themselves are a great experience and you’ll get an awesome view of the Iao Needle as well.

Haleakala is a must-see for all Maui visitors. There are a ton of trails to explore and each one is different from the next.

Whether you want to do a short, well-developed hike or a long overnight backpacking trip into the remote wilderness, Haleakala National park will have what you’re looking for.

Pools of Oheo

Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, this hike is pretty short and easy, but the reward is truly amazing.

The hike ends at the famous Pools of Oheo Gulch, which consists of several freshwater pools in the jungle along with a beautiful waterfall. (Requires a Haleakala National Park reservation and is accessible via the Road to Hana.)

Want to visit West Maui? Check out our West Maui Coastline Driving Tour . You can even start the tour in the resort areas of Ka'anapali and Kapalua!

Waianapanapa State Park

The Ke Ala Loa O Maui Trail and Kipapa O Kihapiilani Trail will take you along an ancient Hawaiian road from the 15th century and ancient ruins.

Please be respectful of these ancient Hawaiian sites. Reservations required to visit Waianapanapa State Park.

One of the most easily accessible waterfalls on Maui. You can swim at the base and it’s a great hike for the entire family.

Please note that there is a parking fee to visit the falls.

Pipiwai Trail

A 3.5-mile rainforest trail offering beautiful views of two waterfalls and a bamboo forest walkthrough.

This hike is rated moderate and takes about 2 hours to complete; however, if you’re short on time or looking for a family-friendly option, hike to the first lookout point where you can see Waimoku Falls.

Hoapili Trail

Relatively flat, you’ll encounter some tedious rocks along the way, making it a moderate hike.

Makena State Park

Head to the Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk Trail, which makes this a pleasant stroll among wildflowers, a variety of bird species, and maybe even some whales during the winter.

Botanical Gardens

A wonderful way to explore Maui is through the various botanical gardens on the island.

Filled with a fantastic collection of plants and trees, these gardens often feature foliage that grow exceedingly well in Maui’s tropical rainforest environment.

Popular botanical gardens on Maui:

• Maui Nui Botanical Gardens : Formerly known as the Maui Zoological & Botanical Gardens, you’ll see an excellent collection of native plants and how the ancient Hawaiians used them in their everyday lives.
• Kula Botanical Garden : If you’d like to learn how to identify the different plants and trees on Maui during your vacation, this is a great spot to begin your education.
• Garden of Eden Arboretum : In addition to the large variety of plants and trees, there is an exceptional collection of birds that you’ll also enjoy here.
• Kahanu Garden : Experience a relaxing stroll with an amazing ocean view and visit Maui’s largest heiau (Hawaiian temple).

Maui has some excellent surf locations whether you’re a pro trying to get your fix or a beginner looking to catch your very first wave.

Ho'okipa Beach is a staple in the Maui surf community, but the waves are HUGE in winter and you should only visit to watch well-seasoned surfers in action.

Instead, head to Lahaina Reefs, which has several breaks that are perfect for all skill levels.

The waves in Honolua Bay go on for ages so this is a great spot for long, leisurely rides.

Surfboard rentals and lessons on Maui:

• Zach Howard Surf offers great surfing lessons for all ages.
• Maui Surfboards offers a variety of surfboard rentals and lessons. It’s also quite possibly Maui’s oldest surf shop.
• 808 Boards has free delivery and pickup for their board rentals in West Maui.
• Island Surfboard Rentals has recreational and performance boards as well as stand up paddle boards.

There are a lot of shopping malls, centers and marketplaces on Maui that offer a different experience depending on what you’re looking for.

Many local businesses on Maui pride themselves on their “made in Maui” products so keep a lookout for local shops with unique products and services.

Popular places to shop on Maui:

• Whaler’s Village : One of Maui’s most popular shopping malls, this is an outdoor mall with a large selection of shops and restaurants.
• Maui Mall : A smaller outdoor mall that’s great for families with small children.
• The Shops At Wailea : If you love luxury and high-end shopping, this is the place to be.
• Outlets Of Maui : Popular shopping destination especially for tourists who love shopping at outlet malls.
• Queen Ka'ahumanu Center : There’s something for everyone at Maui’s largest shopping mall, which boasts more than a hundred shops, restaurants, and entertainment attractions.
• Rainbow Mall : A great place to buy souvenirs or mementos of your trip to Maui as the shops and eateries are all locally owned.
• Lahaina Cannery : Maui’s only air-conditioned indoor mall with over 50 boutique shops to discover.
• Honokowai Marketplace : Come here to eat or stock up on groceries.
• The Wharf Cinema Center : The lively atmosphere here is perfect for tourists looking for a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
• Kihei Kalama Village : A little outdoor marketplace with a fun swap meet/flea market vibe. This is a great place for some cheap souvenirs to bring home.
• Azeka Shopping Center : A nice collection of eateries and lunch trucks.
• Old Lahaina Center : A fun place to walk around and explore as you window shop.

Exploring Maui through tours and guided activities is a great way to safely see the sights and learn about the culture and history of this unique island.

Adventure tour activities on Maui:

• Maui Skydiving  is for those who want to get their adrenaline pumping.
• Zipline at Maui Ziplining Company , Skyline Eco-Adventures and Jungle Zipline Maui .
• Shark cage diving tours at Maui Ocean Center .

RELATED: Maui Ocean Center Guide and Four Zipline Adventures in Maui

Popular tour activities on Maui:

• Rent water sports and snorkel gear at 1-800-Snorkel or The Snorkel Store .
• Whale watching tours are fantastic during the winter months.
• Helicopter tours are extremely popular on Maui.

RELATED: Visiting Lahaina: From Whaling to Whale Watching

Snorkeling And Diving

Maui is one of the best islands for snorkeling and diving. The underwater experience is surreal with its crystal-clear water, tropical fish, and sea turtles.

Here are a few of our favorite beach spots on Maui that are great for snorkeling or diving:

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is an excellent snorkeling location with a huge array of species to swim with.

This is an awesome location that you can access via a quick hike, which prevents overcrowding.

The bay is also a marine conservation sanctuary so there’s plenty to see - just don’t touch as it is federally protected.

RELATED: Honolua Bay Travel Guide

Turtle Town

Turtle Town near Maluaka Beach is also excellent for seeing all kinds of ocean life including turtles, tropical fish, and eels.

There have also been multiple humpback whale sightings in this area, so be on the lookout for their spouts as they take a breath.

It’s a bit of a swim to get to the various reefs referred to as Turtle Town, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Please remember, sea turtles are a protected species in Hawaii and getting too close will result in a fine. 

Popular beaches for snorkeling and diving:

• Ka'anapali Beach: Snorkel along the black rock wall to see fish and maybe some turtles.
• Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve: A great spot for snorkeling as it’s a marine preserve and protected from fishing and netting.
• Molokini Crater: You’ll have to join a tour to get to Molokini Crater but the snorkeling here is incredible.

Snorkel rentals on Maui:

• Boss Frogs (West Maui)
• The Snorkel Store (West Maui)
• Maui Snorkel Store (Kihei)
• Snorkel Bob’s (West and South Maui)
• Auntie Snorkel Beach Rentals (Wailea)

Backpacking

If you’re looking for a real adventure, there are two excellent backpacking trips on Maui to consider.

• Hike to Holua Campground in Haleakala National Park. The two trails that lead to this campground are the Halemau'u trail (3.7 miles) and the Keonehe'ehe'e trail (Sliding Sands, 7.4 miles).
• Hike to Paliku Campsites in Haleakala National Park. The two trails that lead to this campsite are the Halemau'u trail (9.3 miles) and the Keonehe'ehe'e trail (Sliding Sands, 10.4 miles).

LEARN MORE: Wilderness Camping In Haleakala National Park

Historic Sites

From the legends of Maui the Demigod to the stories of the island’s last reigning monarch - Maui has endless history. Learn more about Maui at a historic site! Here are some of our favorites. 

Bars And Restaurants

With so many beautiful hikes and activities on Maui, you’re bound to get hungry along the way. Maui has a great collection of restaurants, bars, lunch trucks, and even fruit stands to keep the hunger away.

Popular places to eat on Maui:

• Mama’s Fish House
• Star Noodle
• Monkeypod Kitchen
• Ka'ana Kitchen
• Maui Brewing Company
• Down The Hatch

Transportation

Maui doesn’t have as many options for transportation as Oahu does. For the most part, you’ll be limited to car rentals and the public bus system.

Most people rent their cars at one of the many car rental companies located near Kahului Airport, but there are also a couple of rental agencies in West Maui and several in the Maalaea Bay area. Car rentals on Maui can go for as little as $40 a day.

The Maui Bus system is also pretty effective and can get you to almost any part of the island.

A one-way bus fare will cost you $2, but you’re better off getting a day pass for $4 if you plan on taking more than one bus ride.

You can find information and route maps for the Maui Bus system here . This interactive map is also quite helpful. 

RELATED: Road To Hana: Guide To Having An Epic Driving Tour

Uber and Lyft are great options if you don’t want to worry about renting a car.

Turo is also becoming more popular on the island and is perfect for those who are on a budget.

RELATED: Hawaii Uber and Lyft Guide

Travel Costs And Budgeting

Maui is one of the most expensive Hawaiian islands and also one of the most expensive places in the United States.

Dining, lodging, ticketing, and transportation are all going to take up a lot of funds in your budgeting plan.

But there are ways to save if you know where to look!

Food is extremely expensive on the Hawaiian islands, and this is particularly true for Maui.

You’ll pay about $7-$10 for milk and about $6 for a dozen large eggs.

Restaurants are also going to run a bit higher than the mainland and other Hawaiian islands.

If you plan to eat out, you’ll probably want to set aside $20 per person per meal for a casual restaurant - not including drinks and cocktails.

To keep costs down, many restaurants source their ingredients locally.

Lodging Costs

If you're flexible, you can save quite a bit on your accommodation in Maui by opting for a rental not located near the tourist hub spots.

Hotels and resorts can be a great experience, but they are also usually pretty expensive.

For a hotel, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $150 to thousands a night. Look inland if you want something for less than $100 a night.

Most accommodations in Hawaii will be less expensive during the slower months of January, February, April, September, October, and November.

You might save anywhere between $50 - $100 a night depending on the room and location. 

Ticketing and Airfare

Maui is one of the more expensive islands to fly to. But like with any destination, you can save a lot by visiting during the slow season and buying your tickets early.

If you’re looking to save, the best months to fly to Hawaii are January, February, April, September, October, and November. 

A round-trip flight from the east coast will most likely be at least several hundred dollars more than from the west coast of the United States.

You can use tools such as Google Flights to help find the best deals.

Entertainment Expenses

The great thing about the Hawaiian Islands is that once you’ve accounted for travel, transportation, food, and lodging, much of your entertainment is free.

Once you’re on the island you’re free to hit every beach and hike you want - although there may be park entrance fees associated with some locations.

Of course, you might also be interested in some paid experiences.

To help out we collected a few price tags for adventures you might be interested in purchasing. Here are some approximate rates to help get you started:

RELATED: 5 Family-Friendly Activities in Maui

Money-Saving Tips

If you are looking to save some extra cash, we’ve got some bonus ideas that can help you save big! Mix and match as you see fit!

• Stay in a hostel: Many hostels feature dorm rooms and shared bathrooms. If you travel light and only need a place to sleep, hostels are a great way to save on your accommodation. Book early because hostel bookings go fast!
• Plan with a friend or group: Traveling with a group can bring down your cost quite a bit. You can split your accommodation expenses, car rentals and rideshares. Some activities will even have a discount or added bonus for groups.
• Alternatively, travel alone: If you are a minimalist traveler and enjoy seeing the sights rather than booking tours, then traveling alone might be a better option for you to save money. Eating out, standby tickets and waiting lists are also much easier to navigate alone.
• Package deals: Figure out what you want to do in advance and search for a package deal online or with a local travel agency. You might be able to save big by booking several or all of your adventures through a single company.
• Military, senior, resident, and children discounts: There are several different types of discounts you might be eligible to receive depending on your situation. Almost every activity will have military, senior, and discounts for children. If you happen to be traveling from another island, there’s also the kama'aina discount for residents of Hawaii.

Best Times to Visit Maui

There is never a bad time to visit Maui, but there are seasonal activities you should be aware of

such as whale watching or winter swells. It’s also at its most crowded during the months of June, July, August and December.

The least crowded months are January, February, April, September, October and November.

When Should You Visit?

Like the rest of Hawaii, Maui only has two seasons: a dry summer from April thru October, and wet winter from November thru March.

Keep in mind that each microclimate is vastly different and some areas receive rain all year.

Whale sightings are the most common in February, March, and April, but you still have a pretty good chance to see them from December thru May (the official whale watching season).

November thru March has the best swells for surfing, although you can usually find a wave to catch all year round. 

Weather and Climate

The thing about Maui’s weather is that it is incredibly different depending on what part of the island you're on.

Little zones called microclimates, created by the gradient geography and tradewinds, influence the weather dramatically in different zones.

You’ll need to pay attention to these microclimates in order to effectively plan your trip to Maui.

Maui has three main microclimate types:

• Desert region : Receives very little rainfall and plenty of sun. Generally runs along the coast and is where you’ll find many of the best beaches. (Wailea, Lahaina, Haleakala, Kihei and Kaupo)
• Rainforest region : Receives a lot of rainfall from clouds that build up along the base of Maui’s mountains. Many hikes and waterfalls are located in the rainforest. (Hana, Haiku, Kipahulu, Makawao, West Maui mountains)
• Mountainous region : Marked by shrubbery and freezing nighttime temperatures, you can find scores of amazing hikes in the mountains. (Haleakala, Kula, Ulupalukua)

RELATED: When's the Best Time to Visit Hawaii ?

Traveling to Maui Post Covid-19 

If you are traveling to Maui in 2023 post pandemic, there are some things you need to know. 

If you've been to Maui before, please note that many of your beloved restaurants may have closed and many attractions may still be closed or have modified hours.

Make reservations in advance if there's something you'd really like to do or a restaurant you'd love to try. 

Also, please remember to practice aloha on your trip. Maui is an isolated island with limited medical resources.

Respect local residents by adhering to local mask mandates, social distancing, and following all state protocols.

RELATED: 12 Ways to Be a Respectful Traveler to Hawaii

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at [email protected] .

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MAUI TRAVEL GUIDES:

Which Maui Tour is Right For You?

Where to Camp in Maui

10 Ways To Be An Eco-Conscious Visitor in Maui

Maui vs Oahu: Which Is Right for You?

MAUI ACTIVITIES:

Best Maui Snorkel Spots

15 Family-Friendly Activities in Maui

Must-See Scenic Spots in Maui

10 Must-Visit Historic Sites in Maui

Best Farmers Markets in Maui

Best Places To Catch A Sunset in Maui

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WEST MAUI COASTLINE TOUR

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Maui , the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is known as the "Valley Isle". Maui's name came from the Polynesian navigator Hawaiʻiloa who is noted for discovering the Hawaiian Islands. Legend has it that Maui is named after Hawaiʻiloa's son Maui. The original name of Maui was ʻIhikapalaumaewa.

Maui is approximately 48 miles (76.8km) long and 26 miles (41.6km) wide, totaling 728 square miles. The island has 5 areas, South, West, North, East and Central. South and West Maui tend to be warmer with less rain and also have the most resorts and people. The East gets the most rain and therefore is the most tropical. while the east coast beaches are beautiful most are not suited for swimming or snorkeling. Central Maui is mostly Mount Haleakala and surrounding towns. North is the town of Paia and Hookipa Beach which is a world class wind surfing destination.

Latest Maui News and Updates

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NEW Travelers do not need to show proof of vaccination or negative test to travel to Maui. Click here for latest covid news

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Driving Maps for Maui + Summary Guidesheet

These maps are pulled from our   Maui Essentials Visitor Guide , which you may want to consider if you're heading to Maui soon.

This map packet includes a driving map with most major attractions, all major routes, airports, and a chart with estimated driving times for getting around Maui.

The packet includes a Maui Road Map, Maui Beaches Map + our detailed Road to Hana Map.

Now includes free bonus maps detailing select regions of Maui

Our  2024 Maui   Summary Guidesheet  includes the top  must-see & do  attractions,  best times to visit ,  where to stay briefing, airport detail , a monthly  weather summary , and where to find the most  noteworthy local ono 'grindz'  (best eats) on Maui. 

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31 of the BEST Things To Do On Maui (2024 Update)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

After living on Maui for three years and exploring the island as part of our job (see our YouTube Channel ), we are finally sharing the best things to do on Maui. Therefore, getting this list down to the best 33 things to do on Maui was challenging.

Pack your bags for Hawaii and come on over to the Valley Isle. The Road to Hana , black sand beaches, waterfall swims, snorkeling with sea turtles , and the best beaches in Hawaii await you. Learning about Hawaiian history and culture is also a must, so we have you covered. You can plan your Maui bucket list with this article!

Welcome to the best things to do on Maui list on the internet. We break down what to do by geographic area of Maui to help with your itinerary planning. We are all about making your Hawaii vacation planning as easy as possible .

Plus, most of these things to do are free. We share our favorite tours and activities , but this list is mainly free things to do on Maui.

Explore more of Maui in our Maui Travel Guide Pssst: if you’re visiting more islands than Maui, make sure you check out our full list of the best things to do in Hawaii and our island hopping guide or cruise travel guide if you’re exploring the islands via cruise ship.

Things to Do on Maui Videos

Our passion is writing about Hawaii and Maui trip planning but we also make some pretty good Hawaii travel videos. To get the feel of the trade winds blowing through your hair and then diving into turquoise waters, watch the videos below for more things to do on Maui.

For those Maui couples celebrating their honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion, see our things to do on Maui for your honeymoon video below. Then read our Maui vs Kauai for your honeymoon to see if visiting two islands is worth it ( Hawaii island-hopping guide ). 

We have a collection of Road to Hana videos as there is so much to see and do on the way to Hana and on East Maui. My favorite Road to Hana video is below with 11 stops over two days while we camped in a 1989 VW Westfalia Camper Van.

Things to Do on Maui by Location

Maui is a large island. At 727 square miles, Maui is the second largest Hawaiian Island after the Big Island. Two volcanoes divide Maui into West and East Maui, they make navigating the island time-consuming. 

To help you understand where these things to do on Maui are located, this list is organized by the main geographic areas of Maui. See the Maui map below for reference. 

Most visitors to Maui stay in South Maui or West Maui. See our Kaanapali vs Wailea review for details if you’re deciding where to stay. Our Best Family Resorts on Maui article is also helpful.

Regardless of where you stay on Maui, you will find a lot of things to keep you entertained. Here is a collection of our things to do on Maui lists:

• 68 Things to Do on Maui with Kids
• 15 Amazing Things to Do in Upcountry Maui
• Our Favorite Maui Tours and Activities
• Handicap Accessible Things to Do on Maui

Let’s start our things to do on Maui in West Maui. The area we still like to call home.

Things to Do in West Maui

West Maui is well known for Kaanapali Beach Resorts, a line of beachfront hotels, and historic Lahaina Town. Lahaina was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1802 to 1845. Lahaina suffered a devastating fire in August 2023 and remains closed. While you cannot go to Lahaina, there are a lot of other things to do and see on West Maui.

Let us show you the best things to do in West Maui. See the Google map below for the location of each. We are starting in Northwest Maui and working our way south.

1. Nakalele Blowhole

Maui’s Nakalele blowhole is a geological formation in West Maui that erupts every few minutes with over 50-foot geyser-like water spouts. The Nakalele blowhole is located 30-minutes north of Ka’anapali. One can view the blowhole from above or hike a quarter-mile down a steep hillside for a closer look. 

See our Nakalele Blowhole article for details on the best time to view, parking, and safety items.

My whole family enjoys seeing the blowhole from up on the cliff. Two safety recommendations on the Nakalele Blowhole: 

• The blowhole is best viewed from above or stay on the dry rocks. People have been swept into the ocean by waves or into the blowhole. 
• Second, we don’t recommend driving further down Kahekili Highway as the road gets dangerous, with one lane on a cliff in spots, and local residents prefer their solitude.

Directions: Nakalele Blowhole Poelua Bay, Wailuku, HI 96793

Grab some banana bread from the stand in the parking lot and drive back to Honolua Bay or the best beach on Maui, our next thing to do on Maui.

2. Best Beach on Maui: Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Beach at Kapalua Bay is our favorite beach on Maui. The small, crescent-shaped bay has excellent snorkeling, standup paddleboard rentals at the beach, and a coastal walking trail. 

Kapalua Bay is a good spot to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles from shore or when snorkeling around the edges of the bay. The bay has gotten more popular in recent years so the public parking lot fills up fast. There is some street parking and paid parking at the tennis club.

Want more Maui snorkel spots with turtles? See our 11 Best Snorkel Spots on Maui .

Directions: Kapalua Bay Public Parking Lot, 99 Coconut Grove Ln, Lahaina, HI 96761

3. Swim with Sea Turtles at Napili Bay

Next to Kapalua Bay is Napili Bay, another gem of a beach on Maui (see all our 17 favorite Maui beaches plus parking directions ).

Napili Bay has a large golden sand beach (erosion is getting worse though) on a crescent-shaped bay. The swimming and snorkeling are both excellent here.

Children can explore the tidepools for shells and fish on the south side of the Bay. Parents will enjoy the two restaurants that flank the bay. Sea House is best for lunch and dinner. They have a good happy hour, live music, and a good spot for sunset. The Gazebo is a famous breakfast spot on the island. There is a long line that is worth the wait or call for take-out.

Directions: Napili Bay Parking 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd F248, Lahaina, HI 96761

Kapalua Bay and Napili Bay are in northwest Maui. This part of West Maui is lush and green due to more rain, even during the summer. During the winter , you may experience wind, rain, and rough surf at times. Swim with caution during the winter as there are no lifeguards on duty at these beaches.

4. Snorkel at Kahekili Beach Park

A lesser-known beach (depends on who you ask!), Kahekili Beach is referred to as Airport Beach as the beach park used to be the end of a runway. 

This beach has a large, shaded parking area, showers, and public restrooms. The beach is connected to the Ka’anapali Beach Boardwalk. 

At Kahekili Beach, you can find a large sand beach with good snorkeling out front. The beach is also a great place to see whales during whale season (December – March) and hear their songs underwater. See our Airport Beach on Maui: The Full Guide for details on visiting.

Directions: 65 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761

5. Kaanapali Beach

West Maui is known for its beaches, hence there are a lot of beaches on this list. Kaanapali Beach is so much more than a beach though. 

Kaanapali Beach is a 3-mile-long beach lined with resorts and condo high rises. This is a great place to stay on Maui for families, couples, and adventure seekers. 

Kaanapali Beach has Black Rock Beach on the north end, famous for snorkeling and rock jumping. Both are dangerous so see our Black Rock article for tips. 

Snorkel tours and sunset sail cruises leave directly from Kaanapali Beach. Visit the beach, go shopping at Whalers Village, walk the boardwalk, and have dinner at one of the many restaurants along the beach. There are small public parking lots along the beach. Validated parking is available at Whalers Village Shopping Center.

Directions: Kaanapali Beach

If you’re looking for a unique thing to do on Maui, check out our favorite Maui farm tours .

6. Best Luaus on Maui

West Maui has some amazing luaus! They are authentic, have great entertainment, and have good food. 

Explore our 5 recommended Maui luaus for more ideas, plus if a luau is worth visiting!

7. Whale Watching from West Maui

If you’re heading to Maui in the winter, you’re in luck. That’s the prime time to witness an estimated 10,000 whales that migrate from Alaska to Hawaii each year . And Maui is truly the best Hawaiian island for whale watching . 

You can see them from shore or head out on a whale-watching tour. We cover all you need to know about whale season in our Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui . Then explore our 7 recommended whale tours on Maui . Many of the tours have our exclusive HVG coupons .

8. Day Trip to Lanai

One of the great things about visiting Maui is its proximity to Lanai. After a quick 45-minute ferry ride, you can find yourself landing on a different island. A private island owned by a billionaire.

Explore Hulopoe Beach (one of the best in Hawaii), head to Lanai City for galleries and lunch, or hop in a Jeep to get to Shipwreck Beach. Lanai is worth a day trip . Our favorite 21 things to do Lanai will show you how to explore the island.

The ferry to Lanai leaves from Ma’alaea Harbor. Get a round-trip ticket and off you go!

Currently, the ferry to Lanai is the only operating ferry between Hawaiian islands. See our Hawaii Island-Hopping Guide for tips on exploring more islands during your trip. Or learn all about cruising Hawaii if you want to see more islands in a short period of time.

9. Olowalu Snorkeling

The reef in front of the historic village of Olowalu is home to sea turtles, monk seals, large fish, and a pristine reef. If you’re looking for a unique place to snorkel on Maui, head to Olowalu. You can walk in from Olowalu Beach but we prefer to do a kayak snorkeling tour . 

The kayak and snorkeling tour will take you further out in the reef to see the best spots. The kayak tour is also a fun whale-watching experience during whale season.

Tip: Maui is working to revitalize the reefs around the island. You can help by wearing sun protective clothing, mineral-based sunscreen , and not stepping on the reef. See our Hawaii Travel Gear section for details.

Explore more of the Best Snorkeling Spots in West Maui for beach-access snorkeling or the 8 Best Snorkel Tours on Maui for a boat experience.

Things to Do in South Maui

Onto another popular place to stay on Maui, South Maui. From Kihei to Makena, we have you covered with the best things to do on Maui.

Beaches, restaurants, and surf spots will keep you busy in South Maui. But, South Maui is best for being a launching pad to explore Maui, like Central and Upcountry Maui. 

Check out the Google Map below for the best things to do in South Maui. 

If this list is feeling overwhelming, then let us plan your perfect Hawaii vacation. In our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary, choose from 8 excursion days that have these things to do on Maui, plus many more. Learn more below.

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the maui itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui.

10. South Maui Gardens

Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere. South Maui Gardens is a full-scale plant nursery and community garden space on 7 tropical acres in the heart of Kihei.

Visit the Thursday Farmer’s Market, sit by the butterfly garden, or meet George the tortoise. We like to visit the coffee shop and the lunch trucks. See our video below as South Maui Gardens made our Unique Maui Food Experiences list.

Directions: 35 Auhana Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

11. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Visitor Center

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center is an education center, art gallery, and research facility. 

This place is worth your time during whale season as it is an excellent place to view the whales from shore and participate in discussions about the humpback whales who visit Maui every year. 

Directions: 726 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

12. Learn to Surf

Cove Beach Park in Kihei is a great place to learn how to surf. The slow rolling waves make this an ideal place for locals and first-time surfers to learn the ancient Hawaiian tradition. 

Rent a board across the street from the cove or sign up for a surf lesson . 

Directions: Cove Beach Park 2126 Iliili Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

13. Kamaole Beach III

Kihei has a 1.5-mile stretch of sandy beach that spreads down the coast that is divided into three beach parks. 

Kamaole Beach III is our favorite for snorkeling, swimming, swings for our son, and restroom facilities. There is also a large grassy area with shade trees and lifeguards on duty. 

Directions: Kamaole Beach III S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

In our experience, Kihei can get windy in the afternoon, more than West Maui, as the trade winds pick up. We recommend hitting the beach in Kihei in the morning and early afternoon.

14. Makena Landing for Sea Turtles

Makena Landing is a small beach park that is popular with scuba tours. It is also known as Turtle Town.

You can walk from the beach into the water for great snorkeling with sea turtles. Head left around the point or right to find the turtles. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are an endangered species so it is against the law to touch them. Stay 10 feet away when in the water.

Directions: 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Turtle Town is also a popular site for tour boats. Many tours go to Molokini Crater and then Turtle Town as Molokini doesn’t have turtles. Our favorite Molokini Crater and Turtle Town tour leaves directly from Maluaka Beach, south of Wailea.

If Kihei is going to be your home base we have you covered with even more to do , where to eat , and the best vacation rentals in the area.

15. Secret Cove Beach (Makena Cove)

Secret Cove is the place to go for sunset, engagements, and wedding vow renewal in South Maui. This picture-perfect cove can be found through a narrow opening in a lava rock wall. 

We like to visit for sunset, family pictures, and whale watching in the winter. Find a reason to go to Makena Cove during your Maui vacation.

Directions: Makena Cove off Makena Road

Video of Things to Do on South Maui

Things to Do in Central Maui

Central Maui isn’t known for things to do on Maui but perhaps it deserves your attention. This is where you’ll land if you’re coming by plane or where you’ll dock if you’re coming by cruise ship . Here are our favorite activities in Central Maui. At a minimum, don’t skip the food trucks!

16. `Iao Valley State Monument

‘Iao Valley State Monument is home to the ‘Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot erosional feature in a magnificent valley. Come to walk the 0.6 miles to the observation deck, see waterfalls, explore the botanical garden, and learn the history of the decisive Hawaiian battle that made the river turn red. Confirm their opening hours and entrance fees here .

Directions: 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793

‘Iao Valley made our list of the best easy hikes on Maui .

17. Costco Food Truck Park

Many visitors flock to Costco to fill their vacation rental upon arrival in Maui, or their gas tank when leaving Maui. We recommend going to Costco for the food trucks. 

There are two food truck parks located across the street from Costco. They feature some of the best chef’s on Maui, the freshest ingredients, and something for the whole family.

Our Ultimate Maui Food Truck Guide will show you how to find all the best food truck parks on Maui. We also have a Kauai Food Truck Guide if you’re thinking of island-hopping .

18. Farm-to-Table Cafe

The small town of Wailuku in Central Maui has a lot of great restaurants but our favorite is a food truck and fruit stand on the way to Waihe’e Ridge Trail . Ula’Ula Cafe has a large menu of Hawaiian and local dishes.

The staff is super friendly, the picnic tables are in the shade, and you will have a hard time deciding what to eat. Most of the ingredients are sourced from the local farm, the remainder is from the island. 

Directions: Ula’Ula Cafe 1765 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793

19. Waihe’e Ridge Trail

Waihe’e Ridge Trail is one of our favorite moderate hikes on Maui. The 4 mile out and back hike takes you up a steep ridgeline to 1,600 feet. The trail can get muddy and slippery as you are now on the wet side of the island.

Enjoy the impressive views of the West Maui Mountains and the ocean as you make the climb. 

Directions: Waihe’e Ridge Trailhead

Things to Do in North Maui

North Shore Maui is known for Mama’s Fish House and big wave surfing at Pe’ahi or Jaws. Many people drive right through here as they start the Road to Hana but let’s show you things to do on Maui here.

20. Historic Paia Town

Home to celebrities, yogis, and local families, Paia is an old surfing and plantation town on Maui’s North Shore. We enjoy walking the town to check out the stores, restaurants, and shave ice. Below are some of our favorites worth checking out.

• Paia Fish Market – fish sandwiches and fish plates
• Mana Foods – grocery store with deli
• Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
• Paia Bay Coffee Bar
• Mele Ukulele

Directions: Paia, Maui

Paia is small but has a rush hour due to the Road to Hana. It is best to avoid the town in the late morning and late afternoon. 

21. Sea Turtles Resting on the Beach

A hidden gem of a beach is Kaulahao Beach just past Paia Town. Come here for a large beach without the crowds. We come to see the sea turtles climb onto the beach for some rest and sunshine. 

Please stay 30 feet away from the turtles onshore as they need their rest. 

Directions: Kaulahao Beach  

22. Ho’okipa Beach

Famous for sea turtles and windsurfing, Ho’okipa Beach Park makes for a nice day at the beach or come at sunset to see the sea turtles. After a long day on the Road to Hana, this is the place to unwind at sunset.

There is also Ho’okipa Lookout at the park. The lookout has sweeping views of the North Shore coastline, surfers down below, and windsurfers out on the deeper break.

Directions: Hookipa Beach Park 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779

23. Waterfall Swim at Twin Falls

Twin Falls at Wailele Farms is a private waterfall hike along a stream. The stream has three major waterfalls that are all great swimming holes. The famous Twin Falls is the last one on the short hike. 

Wailele Farms manages and maintains the property. They also host a fruit stand with the best banana bread on Maui. To care for the ‘aina (land), they charge $10 for parking. It is best to visit mid-day when you can miss the Road to Hana crowds.

Directions: 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

We have a full day dedicated to North Shore Maui in our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary. We will take you on a perfect day out as part of our 8 excursion days. Learn more below.

Things to Do in Upcountry Maui

Upcountry Maui is the place to escape the crowds along the coast. Cool off on the slopes of Haleakala for the day. Explore our 15 Amazing Things to Do in Upcountry for more ideas!

Upcountry is a residential area of Maui. Be considerate on the roads by driving the speed limit and parking legally.

24. Historic Makawao Town

After Lahaina, Makawao is our place to be. The historic cowboy (paniolo in Hawaiian) town has art galleries, coffee shops, and the best donuts on a stick on Maui at Komoda Store and Bakery. 

Park the car and walk this small town before you start your day in Upcountry Maui. Here are places worth exploring.

• Espresso Mafia
• Komoda Store and Bakery – malasadas and donuts
• The Maui Cookie Lady
• Rodeo General Store
• Makawao Marketplace – food trucks and crafts

Directions: Makawao, Maui

25. Haleakalā National Park

Maui erupted out of the sea from two volcanoes over a million years ago. Today, no trip to Maui is complete without seeing the summit of the dormant volcano Haleakala (House of the Sun). 

Haleakala National Park is best known for its sunrise tour (which lives up to the hype) but the National Park is also worth a day trip to see the endangered state bird the Nene, stand on the 10,023-foot summit, or hike into the crater for the adventurous travelers. You can check out all of our favorite Haleakala sunrise tours here .

Haleakala Sunrise or Sunset: When Should I Go? If you don’t want to choose, try camping in Haleakala National Park and get the best of both worlds.

Save 10% on a Haleakala Sunrise Guided Tour here .

26. Maui Wine Tasting

MauiWine started making wine on the Ulupalakua Ranch in 1974. As the vines were ripening, they started making sparkling pineapple wine. It was a hit and today you can taste a selection of wines from The King’s Cottage tasting room.

Located at the end of Upcountry, we like to pair MauiWine with the farm-to-table cafe at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. After a long day of exploring Upcountry Maui , grab a burger or sandwich from the ranch store and then head across the street for wine tasting.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Directions: MauiWine 14815 Piilani Hwy, Kula, HI 96790

Things to Do on the Road to Hana

I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do on Maui. We share our perfect day for exploring the Road to Hana in our Maui itineraries . But, we can’t help but share some of our favorite stops below. 

You can do the Road to Hana in one day with our tips , stay the night in Hana , drive straight to Hana and then do the stops on the way back, or drive the backway to Hana (video) . 

The only wrong way to do the Road to Hana is to park illegally, swim on private property, and not let locals pass. Yes, there is a Road to Hana etiquette as the road gets busy. We want this beautiful drive to stay open for years to come so stay safe out there.

Here is another one of our Road to Hana videos, this one showcases eight stops.

We have driven the Road to Hana numerous times but my favorite time was when someone else did the driving for me. 

A guided tour will secure the reservations at the black sand beach, take you for a waterfall swim, and stop at the best stops based on the time of year. Save 10% on our recommended, local Road to Hana tour guide .

27. Keanae Peninsula

Located on an ancient lava field that was converted to taro fields by ancient Hawaiians, Keanae Peninsula is a beautiful stop to stretch your legs. Take in the views of the coastline, walk the lava field, and have some banana bread.

Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread is a local favorite. You will be hungry so make sure you stop. She is closed on Sundays, so go to Halfway to Hana roadside stand just down the road from Keanae Peninsula.

Directions: Aunty Sandy’s 210 Keanae Rd, Ke‘Anae, HI 96708

28. Road to Hana Waterfall Swim

This is our favorite waterfall swim on the Road to Hana. As we describe in our Road to Hana Waterfall Swim video , diving into a waterfall is dangerous. Flash floods, changing water depths, weather, and private property make waterfall swims risky. 

Hence, we usually go to Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park. While swimming here is still risky, especially during the rainy season in the winter, the water hole, the three waterfalls, and the park make this a wonderful stop.

Directions: Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

If you want to check out all the best waterfalls on Maui we have that list for you !

29. Maui’s Best Black Sand Beach

Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach is the best black sand beach on Maui. Located just before Hana Town, the Wai’anapanapa State Park has a blowhole, black sand beach, lava cave, short hiking trails, and camping in tents or cabins . The park is a welcome retreat on the Hana Highway and one of those only in Hawaii-type places.

Reservations are now required to enter so plan in advance or book a guided tour . 

Directions: Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach

30. Pipiwai Trail with the Bamboo Forest

The Pipiwai Trail is famous on social media for the pictures of the boardwalk through the bamboo forest. The trail is part of the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. 

Located 10 miles (35 minutes) past Hana, the park is home to the Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls, ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), and camping. Plan about 2 hours to hike the easy to moderate Pipiwai Trail. The waterfall views and the walks through the bamboo forest are out of this world.

If you visited Haleakala National Park then keep your receipt as you can visit the Kipahulu District within three days.

31. Things to Do on Maui — The Ideal Itinerary

Researching a trip to Hawaii can be stressful. You may have an Excel file open, feel overwhelmed on what to do, and have no idea where to stay. Vacationing in Hawaii is our job, let us help you out.

Our Hawaiian Island Itineraries are the easy way to plan your Hawaii dream vacation. 

We highly recommend Jordan and Erica’s itineraries and suggestions for everything you’ll need to make your trip to the Hawaiian islands spectacular! Use their links for excursions – they really know the best companies to book tours with. Carolyn A.

Visiting Maui FAQs

How many days should you spend on maui.

The average visitor spends 8.1 days on Maui, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. And that number feels right. While you can spend as few as five days here if you’re island hopping, we think you need at least a full week to really enjoy this island.

Read more about how long you should plan to stay on Maui and what factors should influence your decision. 

What is Maui best known for?

Maui is our favorite Hawaiian island (which is why we lived there for three years) and there is no shortage of things to do there. Some of the things Maui is best known for include: 

• The Road to Hana: 600+ remote hairpin turns take you to the remote east side of the island. Enjoy waterfalls, lush scenery, and the beautiful coastline on this drive. 
• Whale watching: you can whale watch on any of the Hawaiian islands, but Maui is the best. With most of the 10,000 + whales that travel down to Hawaii each year ending up in the warm waters of the ‘Au ‘au channel off the coast of Maui, this is the place to head for seeing the majestic humpback whales. Read our full whale watching guide. 
• Molokini Crater snorkeling: Just three miles off the coast of Maui is Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic crater. This is a very popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. These are our favorite tours

Read more about what makes Maui so famous and worth a visit (or more). 

Things to do on Maui for kids?

Having spent three years on Maui with our toddler, we searched far and wide to find the best things to do on Maui with kids. We have a full list of 68 things to do on Maui with kids (organized by age, from baby to teen). Some ideas to get you started include: 

• Head to baby beach : have some younger swimmers? This beach is made for you!
• Visit Maui Tropical Plantation: see how some of your kids favorite foods are grown and stop inside for some baked goods.
• Feed the Alpacas: for a unique tour kids (and parents) love, head to Maui Alpaca Farm . 

Things to do on Maui for couples?

While we love spending time on Maui with our kids, it’s also such a romantic place to visit! There is no shortage of things to do, whether you’re on a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or just a fabulous vacation with the person you love. 

Some of our favorite romantic things to do on Maui include: 

• Farm to table lunch: Head to O’o Farm in upcountry to enjoy a true farm to table lunch. Start the day by taking a tour of the farm then head up to the tables for a view and a multi-course lunch. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the laid back dining experience. 
• Stay at an adults-only resort: Enjoy your vacation at the only adults only hotel in Hawaii, Hotel Wailea . (If you’re looking for more places to stay, visit our Where to Stay database for reviews!)
• Sunset cruise: Take to the ocean for a sunset cruise. During our babymoon, we enjoyed this adventure sunset cruise . We had a beautiful sunset, great pupus, and fun live music. 
• Book a beachfront dinner: Book a beachfront or private dinner for a romantic night out. See our list of the best private dining and beachfront restaurants . 
• Take a private cruise: Sunset sail, snorkeling trip, or whale watching gets that much more special when it’s on a private boat. Treat yourself to a private charter sailboat and design your day out. 

Keep exploring with our tips on planning a romantic Hawaii vacation .

Things to do on Maui on a budget?

There is so much you can do on Maui if you’re on a budget. Some of the best things to do on Maui are free or low-cost. Some budget friendly ideas to get you started include: 

• Hiking: while most of the hiking on Maui isn’t through a lush rainforest, there are still some wonderful trails. Check out ‘Iao Valley State Park for a short walk, Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District, or Sliding Sands Trail in Haleakala National Park. 
• Feast at the Food Trucks: Maui has some of the best food in Hawaii and some of the best food on Maui can be found at the food trucks. Check out our food truck article for our top picks. 
• Maui Wine: cruise through beautiful upcountry Maui and grab a burger at Ulupalakua Ranch General Store and then head across the street to Maui Wine for a glass of pineapple wine. We have a full list of more things to do in upcountry Maui . 
• Hit the beach: Maui has some of the best beaches in the world and a beach day is either free or very low cost (depending on if you need to pay for parking). Check out our list of the best beaches on Maui and pick your favorite for a low-cost beach day. 

What Should You Not Do on Maui?

There are a few things you should avoid doing when you visit Maui or any of the Hawaiian islands:

• Don’t crowd sea turtles or monk seals : Both of these amazing animals are protected marine life, so it’s illegal to get too close or harass them. Admire them from afar and let them have their space. 
• Don’t venture past ‘do not enter’ signs: These signs are there for a reason, but we often see people disregarding them. The signs are either keeping you off private property or warning you that danger exists beyond the sign. 
• Don’t use any old sunscreen: Protecting the coral reef is a high priority in Hawaii, so make sure you’re wearing the right sunscreen. Mineral based sunscreen is the only type permitted on Maui. If you’re not sure you’re bringing the right sunscreen, just wait and buy when you arrive. They only sell sunscreen that is legal to use in Hawaii. 
• Don’t forget to make reservations: Heading up Haleakala for sunrise ? Or hoping to sink your feet into the sand at Waianapanapa? Better have your reservation ready! This also goes for going out to eat at some of the island’s most popular restaurants (including Mama’s ). Don’t worry, we also make sure to tell you when reservations are required in our itinerary . 
• Don’t assume ocean conditions are the same day to day: the Pacific Ocean is incredibly strong and the waves and currents on Maui can get fierce (and dangerous). Make sure you check ocean conditions before you head out and check lifeguard flags altering you to any warnings. Hawaii Beach Safety shares real-time ocean conditions on some popular beaches. 
• Don’t rush your vacation: Slow down, this isn’t the mainland! I know you are so excited to experience all that Maui has to offer, but make sure you give yourself time to breathe. Slow down, watch the sunset (and the sunrise!), take a walk, listen to the very vocal birds. This is such a special place and you are making memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that will imprint in your brain — so stop and take it all in!

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Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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The Ultimate 7 Day Maui Itinerary | Plan the Perfect Maui Vacation

Planning a trip to Maui, Hawaii and looking for a solid Maui 7 day itinerary …!? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together the ultimate guide to a Maui trip. You’ll find the best things to do, where to stay, food recommendations, the best day trips, and so much more! 

With its scenic coastal roads, dozens of beautiful beaches, wondrous luxury resorts, gorgeous national parks, and pristine marine biodiversity – there truly is a little something for everybody on the island! 

I just recently returned from an amazing weeklong stay, and it really was an unbelievable vacation that I’ll never forget. I’m completely hooked on Hawaii travel now, and can’t wait to return to paradise in the near future!

While it may be difficult at first to decide which island to visit in Hawaii, I’d say you’ll be more than happy with your decision to make it down to Maui! It’s a paradise for sun-seekers, road trippers, aquatic lovers, food fanatics, and lots of family fun. I’m sure you’ll find this “7 days in Maui itinerary” helpful. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you’ve got!

The Best Time to Plan a Trip to Maui

One of the best parts about a Hawaii vacation is that you can pretty much go any time of the year! For Maui weather, you can simply expect the beautifully warm tropical climate, and it’s pretty consistent all year long with daytime highs around 75-85°F (23-29°C). Bear in mind that Maui does receive a lot of rainfall especially during the winter months of December, January and February. This can bring some cloudy days and heavy showers in certain areas…

“Rain showers are typically short and are quickly followed by more sunshine, and, if you’re lucky, rainbows. Rainbows are always said to be a sign of good luck in the islands, meaning you’ll return one day if you spot one.” – Hawaii Travel Guide

Do you need a Rental Car in Maui?

To get the full Maui experience, you’ll 100% want to rent your own vehicle! I found the rates to be surprisingly affordable for Hawaii (I was expecting much worse), and it’ll provide for a lot more freedom. Besides, if you add up the costs of taxis and shuttle costs to the island’s main highlights, it’ll honestly be more than the entire car rental fee. 

While gas prices on the island are expensive (it’s an island in the pacific ocean after all), it’s such an amazing feeling to drive along around these gorgeous highways at your own pace. Maui is the second biggest island in Hawaii, so there’s definitely a lot to explore, and some fun roads to drive along! 

While it can be easy to just sit back and chill at the resort pool the entire trip (which I’ll admit I did quite a bit during my recent Maui vacation), I’d strongly recommend getting out and exploring everything the island has to offer!  

Where To Stay on Maui Island

There really are dozens of incredible accommodation options to choose from on Maui Island, and it really just depends on where you want to be located, the price you’re willing to spend, and what you want to be close to. 

I’d personally recommend staying on the west coast of Maui , which consists of the major hotel/ resort hubs of Kapalua , Kaanapali , and Lahaina. This is easily the most scenic region on the island and is packed with tons of pristine beaches, coves, restaurants, and resorts. While it’s about a forty-minute drive from the airport, it’s the most lively and beautiful area and should be included in any Hawaii trip planner!  

There are a lot of different resorts and condos down from Kihei all the way down to Wailea, but I wasn’t impressed by the beaches that much. While they are a bit more centrally located, I’d definitely recommend staying up in Kapalua or in the Lahaina area.  While you’ll need to do some research and find the best place for you, here are a couple of solid options that would provide for comfortable and enjoyable stays!

My main recommendation for accommodation in Maui is by booking a VRBO, as there are tons of incredible options available and can be more affordable than the expensive hotels. Here are are a few of my personal favorites:

• Luxury OCEAN FRONT Condo Truly 5 Star
• Stunning Views From Only Double Lanai Penthouse Unit
• Direct Beachfront Spectacular Ocean Views Newly Renovated!!  

Ritz Carlton Kapalua: The Best Luxury Resort

During our most recent trip to Maui, we stayed at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua for five nights on Maui, and it was absolutely spectacular! Staying at the Ritz really turned our trip to Maui into an “ultimate vacation” experience, and I was blown away by everything the resort has to offer. 

From its unbeatable customer service (seriously, all the staff are super friendly), luxuriously comfortable rooms, an award-winning full-service spa, relaxing multi-tiered pool, fantastic dining options, beach access, helpful concierge desk, and lots more – it’s essentially got everything you look for in a 5* Resort in paradise! 

While it may be one of the more expensive options in the area, the Ritz Carlton will provide an unforgettable stay for your Maui vacation, and is absolutely worth every penny!

Read Reviews & Check Availability

Ritz Carlton Kapalua Pool

Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort: Best Budget Resort 

If you’re looking for a more affordable option in the area, then book yourself into one of the beautiful apartments at the Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort . 

The units are clean and kitted out with everything you may need. Fully equipped kitchens, free wi-fi, an outdoor pool, and quick access to some of the best sandy beaches in the Kapalua area – this place would be a fantastic budget option! 

You are just a few steps away from the Napili Bay beach, you can’t find a better location at a better price. Enjoy long days on the beach or get active with the water sports and snorkeling activities offered by the hotel. 

The service is exceptional and it’s a top-pick for Maui,  also rated for the best value in Lahaina, so ideal for couples, families & solo travelers who are looking to save a bit of money!  

Maui Vacation Planner & Travel Accommodation Tips

One important thing to note about staying on the west side of Maui is that it is a considerable distance away from the starting point from the Road To Hana (one of the island’s major tourist attractions). 

Some people recommend to split up the entire journey into two days and actually stay out there at the Travaasa Hana Resort (which you’ll want to book well in advance as it sells out frequently). While it’s definitely possible to do the Road to Hana in one day, it’ll be a LONG day on the windy roads if you do the self-drive option, and it’s just something to keep in mind. 

Depending on how long you have on Maui, it could be nice to break up where you stay. For example, if you’re following this 7-day Maui itinerary, you could choose to do 4 Days in Maui in one area, and 3 days in another. 

But without further ado, let’s get started…

Maui Itinerary Day 1: Helicopter Views & Iao Valley State Park

There really is no better way to start your Maui vacation than getting a bird’s eye view of the island. Prepare yourself for a magical experience as you soar over this pristine and unspoiled Hawaiin landscape on a helicopter tour!  

It was one of the highlights of my trip, and I loved how it’ll give you a much better understanding of the sheer size of the island, all the different areas there are to explore, and a full appreciation for the rugged coastlines. 

Several different companies offer scenic helicopter tours and lots of different routes. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip with Maverick Helicopters, and doing the Molokai Voyage tour! 

I loved flying over TWO islands, and the waterfalls along the tall coastlines of Molokai were incredible to see in person! As well, you’ll get to fly over the resorts on the west coast of Maui, and fly across the channel which I really enjoyed.  

Two Island Hawaii Helicopter Experience Over Maui and Molokai : “This Hawaiian helicopter tour lets you explore the beauty and scenery of two Hawaiian Islands on this multi-island expedition. Begin your adventure departing the Kahului Heliport on your way to the world’s largest sea cliffs, located on Molokai, also known as the Friendly Isle. 

Molokai’s waterfalls, including Kahiwa Falls are the tallest among all the Hawaiian Islands . Get bird’s-eye views of the remote north shore, Halawa Valley and the vast Molokai fish ponds.  Fly over the Pailolo channel featuring some of the most scenic waters between the islands including Elephant Rock. 

Over Maui, get intimate views of the western portion of the island including the famous lao Valley State Park, a vegetation-covered lava rainforest.”  

Iao Valley State Park

Once you’ve landed back on the ground, it’s only a short drive from the airport to the Iao Valley State Park ! You will have just flown over this stunning green landscape, and now it’s your chance to walk (and swim) through it!  

With a short scenic lookout trail, several swimming holes, and being surrounded by tropical gardens – it’s the perfect place to spend a couple of hours escaping from the Maui heat!  

It’s also home to one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. “This iconic green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks Iao stream and is an ideal attraction for easy hiking and sightseeing.”

After taking a dip in the streams, and learning all about the historical significance, head back to your resort for the rest of the day, as you’ll probably be ready for some rest if you’re experiencing any jet lag!

Maui Itinerary Day 2: Haleakala National Park [Sunrise or Sunset]

While it may require a rather long drive to reach the summit, it’s absolutely worth it! The Haleakala National Park is home to Maui’s highest peak, and no visitor to Maui should leave without being mesmerized by the views from up there!

“This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place – renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest with an unforgettable hike through the backcountry”

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Maui island is watching the sunrise from Haleakala National Park, but if you decide to do that you’ll need to wake up and be ready to go by around 2-3 A.M!  

It’s quite the experience, and comes highly recommended! There are plenty of companies that offer sunrise tours, but I’d just recommend making your own Haleakala Sunrise Reservation, and saving the money for other day tours on the island!  

If you decide to sleep in every day of your vacation (which is perfectly acceptable, lol), make sure you still get up there for a visit. 

You can take a read through this article the “ Top 10 Things to Do on Haleakala ” for some more information, but I’d definitely recommend taking a hike through the park!  You’ll be amazed at the views, but just bring plenty of SPF as you’ll be in lots of direct sunlight!

While you won’t need ALL day at the national park, I won’t include anything else as I’m sure the drive and hike will take lots of your energy!  

Haleakala Crater

Maui Itinerary Day 3: Pool Day & Kaanapali Resort

After two pretty eventful days so far in Maui, spend some time in “vacation mode” and soak up your resort or accommodation amenities! 

I’d also recommend taking a drive over to Kaanapali Resort and taking a stroll through there! When I visited I really enjoyed my time down there, but I was also pretty happy that I wasn’t staying at one of the resorts there (as it’s quite busy)!  

There are tons of amazing shops, restaurants, and beach bars though, and you also find plenty of beach chairs to rent (if you’re staying at an Airbnb that doesn’t have beach access)!  

Just try and take it easy today and relax, because what’s next on the itinerary is going to be a long but amazing day!!

Maui Itinerary Day 4: The Road To Hana

“it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”  ―  ralph waldo emerson,.

The “ Road To Hana ” is a world-famous highway that is carved into the coastlines of Maui, and provides some of Hawaii’s most jaw-dropping oceanfront views! When it comes to scenic coastal road trips, it really doesn’t get much better than the Road to Hana, and it’s become one of the biggest tourist draws to this lush green Hawaiin island!

While the distance traveled on this legendary road is only 52 miles, don’t let that fool you ― this is an all-day adventure, and will require an early start! The journey can take anywhere between two to five hours one-way (depending on how many stops you make), and is filled with narrow one-lane bridges and hairpin turns!

“The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. The road leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools, and dramatic seascapes. Please keep in mind that you’ll encounter challenging turns and narrow bridges along the way, so it’s important to exercise caution and take your time. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the lovely views, so get an early start and take your time on your drive. While it’s all about the journey, once you reach the beautiful and quiet town of Hana, you’ll see why it’s worth the trip.”

Check out this article by Matador Network titled, “ The ultimate guide to the Road to Hana, Maui ” for some more information and how to plan for the adventure! 

The Road to Hana is seriously a MUST-DO while you’re in Maui Hawaii, because you’ll love the journey to Hana, which is considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers!

Maui Itinerary Day 5: Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour

While there are tons of places around Maui that are great for a quick snorkeling session, there’s no better snorkeling in the area than Molokini Crater! Located just a quick boat ride away in between the islands of Maui and Kahoʻolawe, the Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater that has unbelievably crystal clear water and fantastic marine life!

If you’re a certified Scuba diver, I’d definitely recommend looking into booking a fun dive here as well! 

“It’s world-famous due to the wall and drift dives available. The backside of Molokini drops nearly straight down to 360 feet. The inside reef of Molokini also offers great diving opportunities. We suggest only advanced divers dive the backside of  Molokini , where you’ll likely see many different types of shark, moray eels, many species of tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins, and vibrant reef. Within the crater, search for octopus, moray eels, sharks, and hundreds of exotic fish.” 

Check out this Instagram video below to see what I mean about the water!  It’s truly spectacular and definitely worth the snorkeling day-trip! 

View this post on Instagram The devil is in the details ? (swipe to see dem, and don’t forget to follow @shangerdanger for more epic underwater imagery) on this day we got to this popular dive site in the afternoon and had to wait for the tour boats to clear out so that we could tie off to a mooring ball. From above and below the blue of the water was the most amazing I had ever seen. I would guess the visibility was over 200ft, but what’s funny is that it’s almost always like that at Molokini Crater. It’s located far from the south coast of Maui and is a protected nature preserve. #hawaii #underwater #boomerang #freediving #molokinicrater #makena #kihei #maui #southshore A post shared by Shangerdanger (shane) (@shangerdanger) on Jul 20, 2019 at 10:07am PDT

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tours 

• Price : $79.95

• Price : $121.13

Maui Itinerary Day 6: The Aquarium of Hawaii, Maui Brewing Company & Lahaina

Selected as one of the Top 10 Aquariums in the world, no visit would be complete without a visit to Maui Ocean Center!  Head over here in the morning after breakfast, and spend a few hours learning all about Hawaiin marine life! With over 60 different interactive exhibits, shows, naturalist presentations, and cultural activities – there really is a little something for everyone!  It’s open daily from 9 am – 5 pm.

Tickets can be purchased there, but you can save $5 per ADULT ticket if you book in advance online.  

• Price: $29.11 

Maui Brewing Co

After you’ve had your fix at the aquarium, make the quick 20-minute drive around Maalaea Bay and arrive at the Maui Brewing Co in Kihei for Lunch.  This is Hawaii’s Largest Craft Brewery, and has become a hotspot among tourists and locals! 

There’s a full-service restaurant and tasting room where you can take a 45-minute guided  Brewery Tour  for $15, which I personally loved! You’ll get to learn all about the history of the company, sample lots of beer, and learn about the brewing process (and what makes MBC unique).   

The burgers at the restaurant are delicious, but the main reason to come here would be to try out a beer flight or two (as the beer is incredible).  

If you’re making decent time, you could also drive along the Kihei Road down towards The Shops at Wailea! It’s a nice cruise along the beach, and it’s the other main touristy area filled with vacation condos and luxury resorts.     

Exploring & Sunset Dining in Lahaina

Once you’re done with your time in Kihei, make the short drive back to the west coast and stop in Lahaina! It’s my favorite major city on Maui, and a fantastic place to just walk around, watch surfers, enjoy a sunset, and have some dinner/ nightlife.  

I’d strongly recommend enjoying a meal at the rooftop bar at  Fleetwoods on Front Street !  We had dinner there one night (which was incredible), and the vibe really was awesome up there. Beautiful ocean breeze, sounds of waves hitting the beach, and beautiful sunset views of Lanai in the distance! 

“Owned by Mick Fleetwood of the popular band Fleetwood Mac, this Front Street staple offers some of the best views possible from its stunning rooftop deck. Not only did they win the 2014 Aipono Gold Award for Best Cocktails on Maui, but they won our vote as well! Grab an ocean-view seat on the roof for happy hour, daily from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and enjoy live entertainment while sipping a specialty cocktail. We recommend the Fleetwood’s Pimm’s Cup with muddled strawberries, mint, and cucumber, Pimm’s No. 1, Grand Marnier, Lemon, Orange Juice and Ginger Beer, or the Starshine with Ocean Vodka, Local Starfruit, Housemade Vanilla & Mint Simple Syrup, Fresno Chile and Li Hing Mui salted rim.” – Lahaina Own

Maui Itinerary Day 7: Relaxing Spa Day & Hawaiin Luau Dinner Show

So it’s the last day of the week your in Maui itinerary, and I personally think you can’t end your vacation without a bit of pampering! Whether you’re looking for just a basic 60-minute massage or a full-day spa package, check out this article for the Top Spas on Maui and find something you think sounds good to you.

During our stay at the Ritz Carlton, I thoroughly enjoyed their 80-minute “Man’s Massage”, and it really set the tone for the rest of the day!

Hawaiin Luau Dinner Show

For your last night in Hawaii, I’d recommend soaking up the culture at an iconic “Hawaiin luau”.  There are tons of different options available, but I’d recommend this one:

Old Lahaina Luau Maui : “Soak up Hawaiian history and culture at the 3-hour Old Lahaina Luau in Maui. Enjoy hula dancing, an oceanfront setting, and fresh island fillets, as well as other traditional dishes. You’ll be greeted with a Hawaiian lei and tropical drink from the bar before settling in for a lively performance against the Maui sunset. Traditional Lahaina Luau on Maui Enjoy local cuisine, cultural dancing and island crafts Learn about the rich history of Maui Take in fabulous ocean views Watch traditional and contemporary hula performances!” 

OR – if it’s not your first in Hawaii or you just aren’t interested in a Luau, you could always reserve a spot at the award-winning restaurant Banyan Tree , because they’ve got a fire show every night which was super fun to watch.  

More Things to Do & Places to Visit on Maui 

While I do think I outlined a pretty amazing Maui itinerary, there really is a lot more to explore on this island! Here are few more epic things you should get up to while on the island! 

This is one of the last major towns located towards the beginning of the Road to Hana, and is definitely worth a visit!  It’s got some really great shopping, fun restaurants, a few lively bars, and a top-notch health food store! It’s got a great relaxing surfer vibe, and this is probably where I would lIve if I moved to Maui. I ended up eating at several of the shops in town, and everything was delicious, and this is the perfect place to stop for a classic Hawaiin shaved Ice!

Waihee Ridge Trail

If you’re feeling extra adventurous and looking for a good hike, the Waihee Ridge Trail is particularly awesome!  It starts off with a pretty intense climb, but the views you’ll get of the Maui mountains, as well as the coastline, are well worth it.  I only hiked this for the first mile or so (and then had to circle back since I had forgotten to bring a water bottle and it was super hot), but will definitely be completing the circuit when I make it back to Maui!  You’ll definitely need your own car to get to the start of it though!

Kapalua Coastal Trails

This flat and breezy 1.76-mile walk along the various beaches of Kapalua is an absolute must for people staying in the area! It’ll only take about 30+ minutes or so, but you’ll get some really stunning viewpoints, and might even be able to spot some turtles and dolphins out in the water!  The trail leads from the Ritz Carlton all the way to the scenic Kapalua Bay, a famous place for snorkeling with turtles, and also the location of  Merriman’s Maui – which regularly wins awards for having the best Mai Tai!  If you’re a big fan of hiking though, you could also check out the other hiking trails in Kapalua !  I’ve heard great things about the Mahana Ridge trail, but it just sounded a bit too intense for me on a hot day!

Am I Missing Anything From This Maui Itinerary…?

There really are so many awesome things to do, places to eat, places to visit, fun bars, and epic day trips on Maui, and I love hearing from people who have recently visited places I’ve written about and recommend I update my articles with new information!  I like making sure my itineraries are filled with fun and helpful information, so please do reach out to me if you think I need to add anything to this list! 

Planning a Trip To Hawaii…?

You won’t be disappointed by a trip to Maui Hawaii, especially if you use my 7 day guide to plan your trip. Make sure to check my article “17 Best Hawaii Cultural & Music Festivals to Experience Before You Die” to see if your trip overlaps with any of the amazing events on the list! 

That would be a great way to add a bit of fun to your vacation! Also, I didn’t get up to too much nightlife, but I’d recommend you read up on this article The 10 Best Nightlife spots for Maui if you’re looking to drink and dance a bit more.  

Also, I’d definitely recommend picking up a guide book before your trip! While I do hope I’ve helped you tremendously with your trip planning, having a guidebook while you’re in Hawaii can be a really great resource! Here are a couple solid options to pick up:

• Fodor’s Essential Hawaii (Full-color Travel Guide)
• Fodor’s Maui: with Molokai & Lanai (Full-color Travel Guide)

Thanks so much for reading my Maui Itinerary! 

Share this maui itinerary with your hawaii travel squad.

Hi Dave, Super article. This is the first time I’ve heard about Maui. The photo’s you’ve uploaded are just making me wanting to travel now! But unfortunately we cannot travel due to the current travel restrictions. But surely I’ll be travelling in April 2021 ;), And i would like to know about the helicopter tour cost which is there on the 1st day? Because I haven’t yet travelled in the helicopter. Please Provide me the details. TIA

I loved reading this 7-day itinerary. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!

Thanks for sharing your Maui itinerary! It looks amazing and I’m sure I’ll have a great time exploring the island. I especially like the idea of driving the Road to Hana and then spending the day at Haleakala National Park. I’ve never been to Maui before, so this itinerary will be a big help as I plan my trip.

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5 Days in Maui: The Maui Itinerary You’ll Want to Copy

last Updated: April 24, 2024 hawaii maui

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Hawaii and looking for a Maui itinerary that’ll show you the best of the best of the island? Keep reading for the perfect 5 days in Maui, which will cover everything you need to know and then some!

Imagine sunrise at Maui’s famous volcano , snorkeling with sea turtles , a drive down the famed (and for good reason) Road to Hana , and more shave ice than you ever thought possible.

Maui (and Hawaii in general ) is a place I could revisit time and time again. And lucky you, I’ve not only compiled all of my best island tips, but I’ve perfected the most varied Maui itinerary you can imagine.

The island is full of white (and black) sandy beaches, dolphins and sea turtles playing in the water, mouth-watering food (fresh fish, anyone?), and you can’t forget about that cool cool island breeze. I’d go back tomorrow in a heartbeat if I could.

There’s just something about island life that really calls to me. Maybe it’s the fact that I can literally wear sundresses, bikinis, and sandals everyday, or the fact that the sea turtles and tropical fish are just steps away (once you get into the ocean of course).

And with over 275 sunny days a year, Maui’s weather is truly hard to beat (okay, maybe it rivals that of Orange County or San Diego , but who’s counting)?

And thankfully, now that we live on the West Coast, Hawaii is like our new Caribbean, and we aim to visit at least once a year. Fiiiiine by me. 🙂 We’ve recently spent a few days in Kauai , and I’m still telling everyone how I celebrated my 30th birthday by jumping out of a plane and eating everything in sight in Oahu .

Island Hopping in Hawaii:  Planning on doing some island hopping? Check out these additional resources:

• The Perfect 5 Day Oahu Itinerary
• 3 Days in Kauai  (well worth a few days!)
• 10 Days in Hawaii  (ultimate island-hopping resource)
• The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List
• 25+ Places to Eat in Oahu   (foodies trip, anyone?!)

So pack up your swim and snorkel gear, start looking at flights to Hawaii, and use this Maui guide to craft your perfect 5 day Maui itinerary! But first, a whole lotta logistics:

Logistics for your 5 days in Maui

When to visit maui.

Thankfully, there’s not really a bad time to visit Maui, as the weather is pretty much fantastic no matter the month. The warm tropical climate is consistent year round, and you’ll find daytime highs in the mid-80s in the summer, and daytime highs in the mid-70s during the “winter” months.

If you’re looking for dry weather, avoid visiting between November through March, as this is when Maui receives the majority of it’s rain. Thinking of visiting then? Don’t fret – rain showers are short, usually only lasting for a few minutes, and then bringing back the clear skies and sunshine. And plus – that’s prime time for rainbow spotting!

Looking to save a bit of money (aren’t we all)?! Visit Maui in either the spring (late March – May) or fall (September – early November). You’ll likely be able to find deals on accommodation, as well as experience less crowds.

Hoping to catch a glimpse of those majestic humpback whales migrating down the Pacific from Alaska? From January – March, Maui is the best spot in the states to observe this migration.

How to Get to Maui

So here’s the thing: getting to Maui can be pretty expensive. Unless you’re coming straight from the West Coast, most flights will have a layover in Honolulu (on Oahu ), but don’t let that deter you. Maui’s by far our favorite island, just trust me on that!

When you fly into Maui, you’ll be heading into Kahululi Airport (code OGG).  Make sure to look out the window upon descent — the turquoise waters will blow you away before you even touch land.

Flights from SFO (San Francisco) to Maui are roughly 5 hours, 20 minutes, with the flight from LAX (Los Angeles) being slightly longer at 5 hours, 40 minutes. I normally find flights from the West Coast to Hawaii for approximately $450, although I’ve seen them offered as low as in the $300’s roundtrip.

A few tips for saving on airfare:

• I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights , and always always always use these two sites when looking for airfare.  The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two.  
• And now that Southwest has routes from California to Hawaii , flight prices have gotten even more competitive. Look out for those $200 round trip tickets from the west coast (they go fast so snag them up as soon as you see them)!
• Do some flight comparisons . You may want to first check prices from your home airport directly to Maui, and then compare those with the flight prices to SFO/LAX and then onto Maui from there. Sometimes it may be worth it to fly into California first.

Not only will you possibly save a few pennies on the flights, but you can spend a few days in California (while adjusting to West Coast time zone, ultimately helping with jet lag in Hawaii) and get two trips outta one!

Where to Stay on Maui

On Maui, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, including high-end fancy schmancy resorts (with multiple pools and restaurants on site), trendy, boutique hotels, the cutest bed and breakfasts you’ve ever seen, and lots of vacation rentals. 

There are accommodation options all over the island, including Kapalua , Kaanapali , Lahaina , Kihei , Makena and Wailea . Note that if you’re hoping to break up the Road to Hana into two days, there’s not many hotels in Hana (best to book this ASAP).

The bulk of the visitors to Maui stay in either Kaanapali, Lahaina, or South Maui (Kihei or Wailea), which is where the majority of the high-end resorts and rentals are.

West Maui: Kaanapali and Lahaina

Kaanapali and Lahaina are resort communities in west Maui, roughly 10 minutes apart. You can get a place there and essentially never have to leave the area. And plus, this side of the island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, in my opinion (check out the photos of Napili Bay below).

However, there’s not much nightlife as things close early, so our dinners were our primarily “activity” come night time. We found this totally fine because by the end of the day we were downright pooped! In addition, because of it’s high popularity, the streets, beaches, and restaurants are usually fairly crowded, especially in high season.

We’ve stayed at both the Aston Kaanapali Shores (absolutely loved the pool and garden area) and the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (fantastic budget option super close to famous Black Rock beach). We’ve also stayed in vacation rentals Maui a few times when we knew we’d be out exploring (and not taking advantage of resort amenities) each day.

Recommended Hotels in Kaanapali: Aston Kaanapali Shores | The Westin Maui Resort + Spa | Hyatt Regency Maui | Sheraton Maui Resort + Spa

South Maui: Kihei and Wailea

In Kihei you’ll find plenty of laid-back condo rentals and hotel options for those more on a budget (~$100-200ish). Like West Maui, Kihei has tons of restaurants, stores, and supermarkets that are all within a few blocks of each other and easily accessible by foot.

Kihei in general is more of a local’s beach town, so you’ll find less tourists and more peace and quiet for the most part. Do note that you’ll most likely have to drive 5-10 minutes to find beaches suitable for swimming and snorkeling. But because of its central location between Lahaina and Wailea, breathtaking beaches aren’t too far!

Recommended Hotels in Kihei: Maui Coast Hotel | Nona Lani Cottages | Maui Beach Vacation Club (condo rentals)

Wailea is known for its massive five star resort destinations, which often come with a hefty price tag. However, like Kihei, the area is much more laid-back than lively Lahaina and Kaanapali, and thus there’s not as many activities nearby.  If you’re looking for a more quiet and luxurious upscale place to stay, choose Wailea.

Recommended Hotels in Wailea: Hotel Wailea (Adults Only) | Four Seasons Resort | Andaz Maui | Grand Wailea

How to Get Around Maui

Maui is a larger island than you may think. If you plan to drive the Road to Hana , head to Paia , and/or catch the sunrise at Haleakala sans tour, public transport just won’t cut it. Planning on following this Maui itinerary? You’ll undoubtedly need to rent a car.

I like to search  via this site  in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.  Feeling a bit extra? Splurge on a convertible or an open-air jeep – this is Hawaii afterall! Treat yo-self! 

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here !

Realllllly don’t wanna rent a car? Thankfully, Maui had a pretty decent bus system, but unfortunately, it’s pretty time consuming and doesn’t go everrryyyywhere. Rates are $2 per ride and $4 for a day pass. See this site for bus maps and rules: co.maui.hi.us .

Note that the bus does not go up to Haleakala Volcano (you could take this tour though), and it doesn’t drive out to Hana (opt for a tour similar to this one ), which are both imperative on any Maui itinerary in my opinion.

If you’re strongly against renting a car (which I’m not really sure why not…), please oh please sign up for tours as you’d REALLY be missing out on two absolutely necessary Maui must-do adventures.

Although the public bus system does in fact make the trek out to the airport, you’d be better off getting an airport shuttle at the beginning and tail end of your trip when flying out since the regular bus doesn’t allow any luggage (unless you can hold it on your lap!).

Also, there are transfer companies to get you from the airport ot your hotel/condo/vacation rental, but by the time you pay that twice, you could pay for a rental car for the duration of your 5 days in Maui.

Maui Packing List

When packing for your trip, you wanna make sure you’ve got all the right clothing and gear for everything you’ve planned for your Maui itinerary. Think about the activities you’ll be doing, and prepare for those! 

Everyone will need their typical everyday clothing (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, etc). A few pairs of shoes is a good idea — I recommend bringing a pair of flip flops, sandals, dressy shoes (for a nice dinner out), and sneakers/hiking boots if you’re planning on doing some hiking.

Women’s Packing List:  You’ll obviously need all your favorite beach attire, including bathing suits (buy a few new ones!), beach cover-ups, loose cotton dresses, a cute sun hat, casual and dressy sandals, 

Psst: Women — If you’re planning on taking a surf lesson, be sure to pack a bathing suit that stays put and has good support. You don’t wanna fall out if you accidentally wipe out! :p

Men’s Packing List:  Be cool and casual during the day (my husband loves short sleeve button downs for a more polished look), but be sure to check the dress code for any restaurants you really wanna go to. Men might need pants and dress shoes to enter.

Other Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Maui

• Polarized sunglasses  (better for blocking out the harsh UV rays)
• Beach bag   and/or  backpack : make sure it’s large enough to fit a beach towel or two!
• Hat/s : The sun is strong here! I love taking a  wide-brimmed sun hat  for the beach and a  fun trucker hat  when hiking.
• If your Maui itinerary includes a bunch of snorkeling around the island, you’ll probably save some cash by bringing your own  mask and snorkel .
• A  waterproof kindle  or other e-reader for reading at the beach (I’d be worried a physical book may accidentally get wet!)
• Your hotel may give you towels, but we love traveling with a  sand-free beach mat
• Reusable water bottle : better for the environment and a must for hiking!
• Reef Safe sunscreen  (always use when in the water, as other sunscreen is harmful to marine life): We love  ThinkSport  (make sure the bottles are less than 3.4 ounces if you’re bringing them in your carryon)! Don’t forget about  SLP lip balm  as well!
• Aloe Vera Gel : always have some handy in case you get a sunburn; aloe will give the burn some much-needed relief
• Dramamine : This will help with motion sickness if you’re planning to do a snorkeling or boat tour (the waves can get rough!).
• Underwater camera :  All my underwater photography tips and gear here . I’d check out an  underwater phone case , too.
• Portable battery charger : Charge your phone on the go and never run out of a charge
• Noise-cancelling headphones : Great for both the plane and the beach! I’m obsessed with my  AirPods  and Noah loves his  Bose Quiet Comforts .
• Tote bag : Plastic bags are banned in Maui, so bring your own for shopping! I love  this collapsible reusable tote bag  (hardly takes up any room in your suitcase).

An Important Note on Hawaiian Wildlife

One of the big draws of any trip to Maui ( and Hawaii in general ) is the possibility to see wildlife. Think plenty of tropical fish (including Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a – and yes, that’s how it spelled), sea turtles (both in water and resting on land), dolphins and humpback whales jumping in and out of water, and wild boar (be careful when driving on remote roads).

PLEASE keep wildlife WILD. NEVER attempt to chase/touch/pet/feed ANY wild animal. This can potentially do harm to these beloved creatures, and possibly cause unnecessary distress.

Always stay at least 100 feet from any animal you encounter, and when snorkeling, NEVER touch/chase sea turtles (it’s actually a crime, and you can get a hefty fine) or any other fish/dolphin you may come across. Get your photos, but NEVER do it at the expense of the animals.

And while we’re on that note – shy away from plastic straws and other unnecessary plastic when on the island (it’ll most likely end up in the ocean). If you buy a pack of drinks (whether it be POG juice, beers, etc), always make sure to cut up that silly plastic holding all the drinks together. Thank you. 🙂

And now what you’ve been waiting for, a complete 5 day Maui itinerary!

Maui Itinerary: The Perfect 5 Days in Maui

Day 0: fly into hawaii.

As noted above, I 98% have the best luck scoring “cheap” flights to Hawaii using either Skyscanner or Google Flights . “Cheap” is in quotes because I can never seem to find any flights below $400 for our travel dates, but that’s probably because we either go during a holiday weekend and/or don’t have the option to travel mid-week.

I’ve seen offers for as low as $300ish from LAX or SFO, so if you’ve got more flexibility, you may just get lucky! I also heard that Southwest has a new flight route from SFO to the Hawaiian Islands, so be sure to check that out as well!

Sleep : Lahaina or Kaanapali

Important Note : Many of the mornings on this Maui itinerary start in the early AM. While I highly suggest you experience the restaurant nightlife, I also recommend getting a good night’s sleep each and every night. And with the Hawaiian sun beaming down on you all day, I have a feeling that falling asleep each night won’t be a problem.

Day 1: Sunrise at Haleakala Crater, then Beach Time

On our first official full day in Maui, we’re waking up at 2am! Yup, you read that right – 2 o’clock in the morning, my friends. Sure, the super early morning wake up call won’t be much fun, but trust me, sunrise at Haleakala is worth it . And then some.

Imagine watching the sunrise above clouds from an active volcano. Mystical. Intoxifying. Other-wordly. Exactly my point . Haleakala does in fact mean “house of the sun”, so you can be positive that view will be worth waking your butt up for.

Why sunrise on the first day? Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll most likely have a case of major jet lag. Use this to your advantage! If you’re flying in from the East Coast USA, 2am will actually feel more like 8am. Not so terrible now, am I right?

Sunrise at the Haleakala summit is super popular, so arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise. (Check exact sunrise times here – bottom of page, but know that the sun rises between 5:30am – 7am depending on the time of year.) You’ll have to drive the winding 38 mile Crater Road in the dark, so plan to leave even earlier than you think.

Note that since sunrise at Haleakala has become so incredibly popular, you now need to make reservations in advance. Individual spots can fill up quickly since there are only 150 parking spaces available. Make reservations here or take the easy way out and book with a certified tour operator (who takes care of your transportation to and from the summit as well as any documentation/advanced reservation requirements).

Read Next: How to Score Sunrise Tickets to Haleakala!

And once sunrise hits, don’t leave right away! You’ll want to hang around the summit and Haleakala Visitors Center in order to get some great photos – the colors of the valley become more vibrant about 15-20 minutes afterwards. If you decided to make the grueling long drive yourself, grab some hot cocoa from Kula Lodge before you leave the area.

Word of advice: Bring Warm Clothes. Yes, it’s Maui, but the temperature drops about 3º for every 1000 feet of elevation, meaning it’ll be about 30º colder than at sea level from where most people watch the sunrise. I didn’t bundle up enough and I was freezing my butt off.

Take a scarf, alllll the sweatshirts you brought with you, your hotel blanket if you’re feeling a bit extra, and layer, layer, layer. You’ll thank me later when you’re standing there comfortably watching the sunrise at 9,740 feet.

Spend the rest of the afternoon taking it easy and relaxing at the beach, be it Kihei, Kaanapali, Wailea, etc. No matter where you’re staying on the island you’ll find sandy spots and ocean waves nearby.

If you want something low-key to do at night, book yourself on a sunset catamaran dinner cruise . Truuuust me, that Maui sunset is like no else, especially from the water. And how cool would it be to see the sunrise and the sunset in the same day? 

Sleep: Lahaina or Kaanapali

Day 2: Lahaina and North Maui

Since you’re probably utterly exhausted from yesterday’s early morning wake up call, take the morning to sleep in (only a little bit) and plan to spend the day around Lahaina and the areas nearbyi. If you’re staying in Kaanapali or Lahaina you won’t have very far to go today for all of the activities listed below:

1. Short Road Trip Up North: If you’re tired of the beach (say what?!) and up for a mini roadie, jump in the car and head to Napili Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, and Makaluapuna Point. Napili Bay is a super popular spot for snorkeling with the Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles, and you won’t want to miss breakfast at the open-aired Gazebo Restaurant (get the fried rice and white chocolate macadamia nut pancakes – just do it).

2. Get Your Snorkel On: The snorkeling at Black Rock in Kaanapali (right in front of the Sheraton and Kaanapali Beach Hotel) is A++, so you don’t need to go super far to swim around with the fish and turtles! Mornings tend to be easier since the waves and trades aren’t as high yet.

Read Next: All My Favorite Places to Go Snorkeling in Maui

Note that the beach can be somewhat crowded and you’ll be sharing the waters with lots of other beach goers, so the water can appear a bit dark and dirty (from everyone kicked the sand on the ocean floor below).

If you want that crystal clear water you’re probably dreaming about, head north to Kapalua and/or Honolua Bay , which both feature tide-less swimming holes perfect for splashing around (and snorkeling) during the summer, and great surf watch if the waves are too rough (usually in winter).

And if you want to ensure some top-notch snorkeling today, take a day trip from Lahaina to Lanai or, as mentioned before, crystal clear Honolua Bay .

3. Hang in Lahaina: Promise me you won’t miss Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (kinda an institution around these parts with some of the best shave ice on the island), shopping at Whalers Village, the huuuuge banyan tree, Hula pie and fish tacos at Dukes (go on an empty stomach — it’s all absolutely to-die for), and some fresh acai at Baya Bowls.

We also enjoyed some fresh fruit juice at Olowalu Juice Stand a few minutes south.

4. Luau in Lahaina: It’s impossible to travel all the way to Hawaii without experiencing a traditional luau first hand.  With all the music, exotic dancing, and delicious FOOD , this is surely a night not to be missed.

And thankfully, there’s two fantastic options right in the heart of Lahaina: 1. The Feast at Lele and 2. The Old Lahaina Luau .

We ultimately chose the Feast at Lele for a few reasons: the food is brought out individually (meaning no buffet), private comfy tables vs. benched seating with those you don’t know, and there’s a fire knife dance. Yup, it was just as energetic and vigorous at it sounds.

But no matter which luau you choose, be sure to make reservations super early on when planning. They both book up quite fast, and the earlier you book a spot, the better a table you’ll get (closer to the performances). Book Feast at Lele here , and Old Lahaina Luau here .

Read Next: The Feast at Lele vs. The Old Lahaina Luau

Day 3: Snorkel at Molokini and Turtle Town

Early morning wake-up #2 – but don’t worry, today’s another epic day. If you thought the snorkeling at Black Rock was top notch, just waaaaait until you get in the waters at Molokini and Turtle Town. Psst – they don’t call it Turtle Town for ‘nothin!

Today you’ll need to book a snorkeling tour since there’s no possible way to hit up these snorkel spots yourself, well, unless you can afford to charter your own boat ($$$$$).

Choose a tour like this one that includes both breakfast and lunch (BBQ on a boat, anyone?), gets you to the snorkel spots before the masses of other tourists arrive, and includes top-notch snorkeling equipment. Yup, that’s why we’re getting our butts up at 6am! Book tour to Molokini and Turtle Town here

Molokini : Ever thought you’d be snorkeling inside of a sunken Hawaiian volcano? Yup, that was my first thought when I learned more about Molokini. Known for its fabulous underwater life and visibility of up to 150 feet, this crescent-shaped partially submerged volcanic crater (from 230,000 years ago!!!) is one of Maui’s prime snorkeling hot spots.

And that it was. Once I eased into the water, I had a super hard time focusing; there was just SO much to see. On our particular tour we encountered pinktail durgons, black triggerfish, ornate butterfly fish, red pencil urchins, yellow tangs, trumpetfish, coronet fish, a kaleidoscope of coral along the ocean’s bottom, and more unidentifiable (by me) sea creatures.

Told you I didn’t want to return back to the boat. And with over 250 species of endemic fish and marine life, I can guarantee you’ll see a whole bunch.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also see picasso triggerfish (also known as the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa in Hawaiian – try saying that name correctly), which is Hawaii’s state fish, manta rays, and moray eels.

Turtle Town : Ahhhhh – sorry, I have a hard time containing my excitement when I even think about swimming with the turtles (known as honus in Hawaii). There’s just something so majestic about these (larger-than-you-realize but) graceful creatures swimming below the surface.

And when I visited, I found it absolutely crazy how incredibly close the sea turtles came near me.  In more instances than one, I had to swim away in fear that I would accidentally touch it’s fin or shell (a huge no-no in Hawaii).  

Note that it’s ILLEGAL to touch a honu; these Hawaiian green sea turtles are federally protected and it’s harmful (and ILLEGAL) to touch, feed, or harass them. Just don’t do it. For the sake of the sea turtles. Keep your distance as much as possible.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a turtle right away. Sea turtles hide in caves or under big rocks, and sometimes just sit in the sand on the bottom for periods of time. Basically, they are not always visible at first, and you must patiently wait for them to come up for air (which they need to do since they don’t breathe underwater).

Look all around you: below, in front, behind, etc… you never know when they will come up and surprise you.  Feast your eyes on the seafloor too much, and you may see a shark (which may be a good or bad thing depending on your anxiety levels…)

Book tour to Molokini and Turtle Town here

It’s a good idea to note that the waters (at both snorkel sites) are at their calmest during early morning hours, so if a tour doesn’t start until 9am or later, that’s a bad sign. You should essentially get picked up between 6-7am-ish to ensure prime snorkeling conditions.

If you’re wondering what equipment I used to take these underwater photos, all that info can be found right here (along with some tips on underwater photography). It’s not as easy as it looks, trust me!

And sometimes it’s better to just relax and enjoy the experience. Yes, I say take a whole bunch of photos, but remember to put the camera down and be one with the fish as well. 🙂

Since the tour starts early, you’ll have the rest of the day to either continue exploring Lahaina or rest up at the beach. Consider eating at Monkey Pod Kitchen for a fantastic view, Ono Tacos for a food truck lunch or dinner, or Sale Pepe for some intoxifying Italian food.

Day 4: Maui from Above and Paia Town

Morning: Helicopter tour

What’s better than a helicopter ride over Maui? Start your morning wanderings by booking yourself the West Maui and Molokai tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters . Not only will you be utterly amazed at all the wowness below you from 1000’s of feet, but you’ll actually learn a lot about the island too!

When soothing helicopter-esque music wasn’t playing out of our headphones, our pilot was answering all our crazy island questions and teaching us all-things Maui. On the helicopter tour you’ll see misty mountains, towering waterfalls, coral reefs from above (an absolutely spectacular thing), and even have the chance to spot whales and manta ray from afar.

Read Next: Soaring Above Majestic Maui: A Maui Helicopter Tour

Worried about nausea and possible sickness? No need to fret – the entire ride was super smooth and pleasant. Thankfully all of the pilots are super A++++ and the company utilizes the latest safety techniques and procedures.

Soaring over Maui in a helicopter is one of my favorite Hawaii experiences to date! I mean, just look at these photos. 

Visiting a few islands and not sure which to plan your heli adventure on? Check out our heli experience in Kauai (loads of pretty pictures) to help make up your mind! Both are worthy, but there’s nothing like soaring over the Na Pali coastline.

Top Tips: Be sure to wear dark colors during the duration of your helicopter tour, as black will have the least reflection on the glass windows. Wear light colors and you’re risking horrible glares and reflections, making excellent photography downright impossible.

Be courteous to those on your helicopter tour and just wear all black (at least on top), and you’ll keep the nasty glares (from people and the helicopter window) at bay.

If you’re like me and can’t envision yourself wearing black the rest of the day, keep a change of clothes in your rental car and plan to swap into your true summer attire afterwards.

Afternoon: Wander around Paia and Hit Up the Beach Once More

The helicopter tour starts at the airport, so why not stick around the area and explore Paia , a super laid back, surfer hippie town roughly 15 minutes away.

Here you’ll find colorful murals and a not-to-miss surfboard fence (located on Baldwin Ave), a bunch of cute boutique shops (my favorites being To the Moon and Back for jewelry, and Alice in Hulaland for random , and plenty of hip acai and smoothie spots.

Need some coffee? Pick up a to-go cup at the absolute cutest greenery-filled shop in the area, Paia Bay Coffee Company.

Looking for a relaxing outdoor spot for lunch after the helicopter tour? Head to Paia Inn Cafe and get some avocado toast, cold-pressed juices, and the cardamom french toast and eat on the patio. Open from 8:00am-1:00pm daily.

You may want to make a reservation – seating is limited and this place is popular (you’ll see)! And if you can’t score a reservation or the place just happens to be closed for a private event (which it was when we were there), hop across the street to the Paia Fish Market Restaurant for some fresh fish tacos.

If you’re sick of wandering around town (but really, it’s just soooo cute and artsy), head back to the beach! Luckily this area has quite a few of them! Don’t miss Ho’okipa Beach Park (there’s Hawaiian sea turtles over here!), Baldwin Beach, and Lha Bab Peace Stupa!

Don’t mind making a short detour? Drive 20 minutes south of the airport to Wow Wow Lemonade for you guessed it – lemonade!

Read Next: My HUGE Guide to Paia (with all my favorite beaches and eats!)

Night: Dinner at Mama’s Fish House

Make your first official fresh fish dinner in Maui a great one, at no other than the famous Mama’s Fish House. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance, as this place is exceptionally popular (and for good reason).

And while the food’s absolutely mouthwatering and will surely cost a pretty penny, the setting is even more memorable and you’ll leave having eaten one of your best meals on Maui.

Sleep:   Pain Inn in Paia

If you want to get a short head start on the next day’s activities (the infamous but tiring Road to Hana), you may want to consider sleeping in Paia the night before. You’ll save about an hour’s worth of driving which may help you stay ahead of the crowds on the drive. Up to you!

Check out some hotels in Paia here.

Bed early because tomorrow’s a long and exhausting day!

Day 5: The Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is one you will never forget and an absolute highlight on any Maui itinerary. The drive is not for the fearful though- with 52 miles of winding roads (complete with plenty of one lane bridges, hairpin turns, and rocky cliffs), you’ll want to make sure you get plenty of rest the night before!

Highway 36 (known as the Road to Hana) is one of the most famous highways in the entire country and takes about 3 hours, but you’ll want to carve out an entire day on your Maui itinerary to linger around. And trust me, there are lots of stops on the road you just won’t want to miss! Black sand beach, anyone?!

Remember, if you’re staying in Lahaina or Paia or anywhere else other than where you end up on your drive, you’ll need to make your way back to where you came from. And that means even more driving time. Be sure to back some road trip snacks, read my Road to Hana guide in advance (sure to help while on the road).

If you don’t feel comfortable driving back in the dark or would rather let someone else do the driving (letting you take in all the sights care-free), book yourself on a Road to Hana tour.

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September 22, 2020 at 9:37 am

Wonderful article! We will be traveling to Maui May 2021. I appreciate all the information you shared. Thank you Jess!

December 8, 2020 at 12:25 pm

Good itinerary. What I would like to see from all these itineraries are a cost. Throw in what your total cost was. And if there are varying options, go cost per activity after all fees/taxes so we can add up our choices. Not sure why everyone is afraid to put a number on all of this when it is the most important part to travel for the majority of visitors. Let's care about financial wealth as we enjoy travel.

January 7, 2021 at 9:07 pm

Jessica, Remember Hawaii is part of the United States. We are referred to as the mainland. I recommend doing lunch at Mama's fish house. Don't forget the winery on the island.

January 7, 2021 at 10:48 pm

Yes, of course! Did I insinuate that Hawaii isn't part of the USA? We LOVE Mama's, any time of day!

January 10, 2021 at 5:24 pm

Great call on the Gazebo in Kapalua. Fantastic pancakes and fried rice in the same place. Crazy

January 13, 2021 at 1:13 pm

right?! We couldn't believe it either! Two of my favorite things all under one roof!

February 7, 2021 at 2:30 pm

Disagree about such a busy itinerary, renting a car and the benefits of Kihei.

Save the hustle and bustle for Oahu The advantage of staying in Kaanapali (or Napili, etc.) or for the honeymooners or high rollers, Wailea, is that most of the hotels/condos and restaurants are right on the beach ⛱ and one can walk. No need for a car. Or take the shuttle from Kaanapali to Lanai. Consequently, the emphasis is appropriately on the beach and relaxarion, which is why one visits Maui

Pacific overwater sunsets arre Maui's nightly show and should not be missed.

Whale watching boat toura should be included with any trip to Maui. Also "hiking" in the Iron Needle Valley should be included.

Kihei is not recommended. It is where Maui's locals live. Places are not walking distance like Kaanapali or Wailea, but located in mini mall shopping centers. Here a car is necessary.

Kihei ocean front dining is more like dining off Las Vegas Blvd, filled wirh cars, and the ocean in the distance. Not worth it, unless staying for 3 weeks.

February 24, 2021 at 12:49 pm

To each their own….

February 9, 2021 at 10:41 am

We're going to Maui for a week, from March 4-11, 2021. It's a special time, as it's our birthdays. First time going! We're super excited! Thanks for the post!

February 11, 2021 at 11:43 pm

You're going to LOVE Maui! It's one of our favorite places in the entire world! Have a great birthday trip!

February 15, 2021 at 6:01 pm

There are lots of different inns, hotels and bnb's in Hana.. The prices are much much less than Travasa.

February 15, 2021 at 9:54 pm

Ohhh so good to know! Do you have any recommendations?!

April 10, 2021 at 8:40 am

I'm going for my 40th in July. Not the best time, but I've lived in LA for 14 years and still haven't been!! So excited, but totally overwhelmed at all the things to do and what to book. There's going to be 6 of us and none of us like being in touristy hotels or areas, so trying to find somewhere that isn't a line of hotels and sunbathers. What's the best spot on Maui for that? We're trying to decide whether to to a week in Maui or Oahu and then we'll do a week in Kahaui.

Thanks so much for all this info. This is the first Hawaii blog post I've actually read in full! Super informative and well written. Thank you.

Oh, and where is that last picture? – of the trees with the steps through

May 24, 2021 at 7:29 pm

All of those mon turisty spots have disappeared. My local favorite spot is full of people and it used to be my private sanctuary. Just be happy to be here. If locals must share everything with tourists, you will have to share with other tourists as well. The great news is that it will be beautiful no matter what!

May 24, 2021 at 8:18 pm

There's not tons of non touristy spots anymore, but I'd have to say Paia if you like more of a relaxed atmosphere.

In regards to the last photo with the trees and steps, that's on the Pipiwai Trail on the Road to Hana!

Have a wonderful trip! The islands are gorgeous!

June 15, 2021 at 11:58 pm

I used to live there sounds like you wanna stay at the Kapalua villas!! Trust me

May 22, 2021 at 12:23 pm

If you drive to Hana… Be respectful and pull over and let locals pass on narrow roadway. We maybe sightseeing as visitors but locals are commuting to jobs, food market or school. Also, don't venture off of trails, Hawai'i is home to many endangered species, and you may inadvertently step on a few. Make sure your suntan lotion is not a pollutant. Don't visit if not VACCINATED….Hawaiians still remember the foreign diseases that decimated local populations in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Enjoy, Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the BEST).

May 24, 2021 at 7:27 pm

Thank you for this. Masks are a mandate, so definitely add that to your packing list. Maui is isolated and does not have healthcare or infastructure like the mainland. Please wear your mask, vaccinated or not, please dont bring your politics with you. Be kind to locals, its been a rough year, and its not as easy for us to leave as it is for most to get here, so no need complain! Things are not normal here for us yet, so please pack plenty of patience and Aloha, and you will experience that in return! Mahalo!

May 24, 2021 at 8:10 pm

100% agree with everything you said! We will definitely be bringing (and of course wearing) our masks next time we visit!

June 6, 2021 at 5:48 pm

Hi! I was wondering if i need a covid negative test from San Fransisco to Maui/Oahu and in between Maui-Oahu Thanks!

June 10, 2021 at 10:51 am

Yes, you need a negative COVID test to enter Hawaii from anywhere. At this time, you don't need a test to go to Oahu from Maui, but you need one from Oahu to Maui. Regardless, I highly recommend keeping on top of things as procedures have been changing all the time in regards to traveling to Hawaii. Have fun!

June 22, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Another "must" on the way back to your hotel from the "sunrise at the crater" is surfing goats dairy, really good cheese, and Ocean distillery. Great Vodkas and views as well.

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Newest Maui Article: Lahaina Gateway

Printable Maui Hawaii Guide

By jon blum.

The Printable Maui Guide on this webpage gives you the most important things you need to know for your Maui Vacation all in one place. It condenses SOME of the information from the other approximately 700 pages of this website into a single paper that you can read here online, or you can print out to take with you to Maui for reference.

After looking through this material, I suggest that you print it out to study at home or take it with you to Maui. But don’t hit the Print button! Instead, click this link to Subscribe to my monthly Maui newsletter , where you’ll be sent a link to download both approx. 300-page Maui Guide and my printable Maui PDF guide. It will then open in PDF format, and you can print out my guide in about 86 pages from there. If you have any problem opening the file and don’t have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader program on your computer, click here to get Adobe Reader .

Once you print this out, don’t leave home without it!

For more details about Maui hotels, condos, car rentals , restaurants, things to do, weddings, honeymoons, weather, maps, webcams, photos, and more, use the menu tabs at the TOP of this page to go to any of the other sections of this Maui website. Or visit our homepage for Maui Hawaii .

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction.

When to go Overview of Maui Agents and Visitors Bureaus Frequent Flyer Points Car View from the plane

Where to stay

Sections of Maui Condo or hotel? Hotel & condo suggestions Major hotels (table of facts)

The first things you need to know

Weather Dress Tours & activities Leis Views of whales and of other islands Why you should tell them where you heard about them Other stuff you need to know

Sights and activities

Your first day on Maui Beaches Road to Hana Lahaina Iao Valley West Maui Whale Watching Snorkeling Haleakala Crater Upcountry Grand Wailea Hotel Hyatt Regency Hotel Maui Ocean Center Golf The last lava flow Horseback rides Lavender Garden Hike Luau Shopping Free things to do Cheap things to do Rainy day activities What to do with the kids A Hawaiian Experience

Maui Restaurants

Restaurant tips The very best restaurants on Maui Expensive restaurants Moderately priced restaurants Inexpensive restaurants Pizza Brunch Breakfast buffets Restaurants with good sunset views Nightlife

Additional information

Books Weddings on Maui

Some quotes about Maui All the Hawaiian islands you can visit A little geology

INTRODUCTION:

We now have a free monthly Maui email newsletter to keep you up to date on Maui.  It covers hotels, condos, restaurants, attractions, sights, activities, and news about Maui.  Sign up to get it by email every month.

You can also get up-to-date information about Maui by Liking our Maui Facebook page .

MAUI IS THE BEST

Maui is the best. The best place in the world. I have been to Maui over 30 times and now live there for part of each year. This paper contains my suggestions to help you get the most out of your trip to paradise. Here you will find loads of helpful hints about the many wonderful sights and activities and restaurants and hotels, and condos on Maui.

You can read or print the latest version of this Maui info paper, as well as find over 850 additional pages of other Maui information, plus numerous photos, on this website, which is at mauihawaii.org .

Print out this entire paper in Maui PDF format by subscribing to my Maui newsletter. Use it to help plan your trip, and take it to Maui for reference. Make copies for friends going to Maui, or tell them to read it at mauihawaii.org. Don’t leave home without it!

By clicking there on the tabs for the subjects, you want to read more about, such as Hotels-Condos (reviews of specific hotels and condos with photos of their rooms and pools), Restaurants (reviews with menu lists and photos of the food), Things to Do (activities and sightseeing and attractions including comparisons of companies offering whale watches, luaus, guided van tours, snorkeling, helicopters, and much more), Car Rentals (tips on getting good deals), Flights (how to search for the best airfares), Golf (all the courses on Maui discussed), Weather (including charts of temperatures for each month), Webcams , Weddings and Honeymoons , and many more.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO MAUI:

It’s ALWAYS a good time to go to Maui.

• In the winter , there is more chance of rain on Maui than at other times of the year.  But this is still the best time to go to Maui because you can escape from the terrible winter weather back home.  And it usually only rains for a couple of hours, once or twice per week.  There are parts of Maui that get more rain (such as Hana and Kapalua) and parts that get less rain (such as Wailea).  But Kaʻanapali Beach, my favorite part of Maui, does not get much rain either, and an hour or two of rain sure beats a week or two of snow back home.  And winter is the only time to see the whales.
• Christmas to New Year is the most crowded time and the most expensive time to go to Maui.  Hotels can charge their highest prices this week because they are usually completely filled with families traveling during the time school is out.
• Summer is the hottest time on Maui and the least rainy.  It’s a good time for many families to bring the kids while school is out.
• Spring and fall are the least crowded times to go to Maui, so you can get the best package deals on hotels and condos, the easiest time getting into any restaurant, and the least traffic on the roads.

For a detailed chart showing the temperature and rainfall for each month of the year on Maui, see the Maui Weather page of my Maui Vacations website.

OVERVIEW OF MAUI :

Maui is composed of two half‑islands (east and west), joined by a wide valley.  Maui is 48 miles long and 26 miles wide but is only six miles between its narrowest points of the valley between the bays (728 square miles).  The population is 167,730 (2023 estimate) residents plus an average of 58,924 tourists on any given day.  The largest city is Kahului (population 28,219 according to the 2020 census).  Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island.  Almost 3 million tourists come to Maui each year.  The main airport on Maui is located in Kahului (airport code letters OGG) , in the northeast corner of the central valley.  Check out my tips for finding the best prices on air tickets to Maui .

The Hyatt Regency, Westin, Sheraton, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Royal Lahaina Resort, Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas, and several other hotels and condos are on Kaanapali Beach, north of the town of Lahaina, on the west side of WEST Maui.  Three of those hotels are much older than the others and so are less expensive but also much less luxurious:   Royal Lahaina opened in 1962, Maui Kaanapali Villas in 1963, and Kaanapali Beach Hotel opened in 1964.   The Ritz Carlton Kapalua is about 20 minutes north of Kaanapali Beach.

The Wailea Beach Resort Marriott, Andaz, Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, and Fairmont Kea Lani are the main hotels in the Wailea area, which is the other popular modern hotel section and is in the southwest part of the east half of Maui (often called SOUTH Maui).

The above two paragraphs list hotels, but there are also many very good condos to stay at on both sides of Maui (west and south).  So if you prefer a condo over a hotel, see the “Hotels & Condos” tab of this Maui Vacations website for detailed information about many condo choices, including photos of specific hotels and condos buildings, rooms, pools, and beaches.

The roads you will drive on (between the airport and hotels and restaurants) are excellent, modern, well‑maintained, and well‑marked.  The drive from the Kahului Airport to your Kaanapali Beach hotel is about 30 miles and takes roughly 50 minutes.  If you are staying at one of the Wailea hotels, the drive from the airport is about 18 miles and takes about 30 minutes.  The driving distance between the two main resort areas, Kaanapali and Wailea, is around 36 miles and takes about one hour.  Sometimes heavy traffic can make those times much longer.  There are only a few main roads on Maui, so it’s easy to follow the map you get from your car rental agency, and you will learn your way around.

TRAVEL AGENTS AND VISITORS BUREAU AND MAP:

See your travel agent or shop the internet for package deals that may include airfare and hotel and/or rental car.  Compare those package prices with the price you can get by booking directly with the hotel or condo and with the airline.  You can also check these tips on finding discount Maui hotel prices .

For suggested travel agents who specialize in Maui and are very knowledgeable about Maui, see section 2 of my article about how to reserve a Maui hotel or condo .

To reserve your own activities for your Maui visit (luau, boats, tours, helicopter, whale watching, horseback, etc.) or to get info about discounts on those activities, see  Maui Activities .

While on Maui, stop in for info at the Lahaina Visitors Center, in the old courthouse behind the Banyan Tree in Lahaina.  It’s open every day, 10 am – 4 pm.  Phone  808-661-3262.

To find out what special events will be going on during the dates you will be on Maui, see:

• Events calendar on Jon’s Maui Info
• Lahaina Town Action Committee   www.visitlahaina.com/events
• Kaanapali Beach Association       www.kaanapaliresort.com
• Maui Arts and Cultural Center     www.mauiarts.org

For schedules of free entertainment in the two tourist shopping centers in the two main resort areas:

• Whalers Village    www.whalersvillage.com
• Shops at Wailea    www.shopsatwailea.com

YOU NEED A CAR:

Be sure to reserve a rental car before you go.  You will need a car to get around Maui .  Ask about AAA discount or AARP discount on your car rental if you belong to AAA or AARP.  Check online or ask your travel agent about hotel or condo packages that may include a rental car.  For lots of tips on how to get the best price on a rental car in Hawaii (or any place), see my Maui Car Rental Deals page.

THE VIEW FROM THE PLANE:

On the flight from the mainland to Hawaii, 50 minutes before landing time, look for the Hawaiian Islands out the left side of the plane.  First, you’ll see the Big Island, then Maui. If you are flying to Oahu, then fifteen minutes later, see Oahu on the right side of the plane.  Waikiki Beach is on the right just before landing.  If you are stopping off in Honolulu, also see the brief section about Oahu on the third page from the end of this paper.  And speaking of that long and cramped and boring flight from home to Hawaii, always remember this:  getting to Hawaii may not be a lot of fun, but the hassle will fade to a distant memory when you wake up in paradise the next morning.

WHERE TO STAY ON MAUI

Which side of maui to stay on:.

There are two major resort areas on Maui – West and South.  The west side includes Lahaina , Kaanapali, Honokowai, Kahana, Napili , and Kapalua .  The south side includes Kihei , Wailea, and Makena.  I prefer the west (Kaanapali) side because it is more beautiful (lush green mountains) and is very close to Lahaina (a fun historic tourist town and boat harbor).  However, Wailea has the advantage of slightly less rain in the winter and is a quieter area than Kaanapali because the major hotels are not quite as close together.

Just north of Kaanapali, there are many smaller condo complexes in Honokowai, Kahana, and Napili .  They are less expensive than staying right on Kaanapali Beach, but they are not within walking distance of the big resort hotels and shopping, and some of them do not have air conditioning.  Kihei is the major condo area on the south side of Maui .  Kihei has many family restaurants.  Instead of luxury resorts found in Kaanapali and Wailea, Kihei has less expensive condos, and some of those are not air-conditioned.  These condos are mostly across the street from the beach, and that street tends to be congested with heavy traffic.  Traffic can also be congested and extremely slow getting between the west side (Lahaina) and the central part of Maui.

What’s the difference between the west side and the south side of Maui?

I share details to help you decide whether to stay on the west side or the south side of Maui .

CONDO OR HOTEL:

There are about 15 major hotels, and more than 100 condos, for you to pick from on Maui.  The advantages of a hotel include:

• consistent quality of rooms
• more elaborate grounds and pools
• shops and restaurants in the building
• more service (such as room service and bellman service).

The advantages of a condo include: 

• more living space
• larger rooms
• kitchen for you to do some of your own cooking
• usually lower prices.

Bear in mind that the quality of condo rooms varies widely, both from one condo building to another and from one unit to another within the same condo building.

In addition, some of the cheaper condos do not have air conditioning or daily maid service, so be sure to ask about that.  Most condos will not let you reserve a specific room to be sure you are getting one of the nicer units.

If you’re staying in a condo and would like your groceries ready and waiting for you the day you arrive, see Maui grocery delivery information.

SOME HOTEL & CONDO SUGGESTIONS:

Do not pay “rack rate” (= list price) at any hotel or condo on Maui or anyplace else!  Always ask the hotel or condo for discounts, seasonal specials, weekend rates, holiday rates, AAA discounts, AARP discounts, and any other lower rates.  Check with the hotel itself (calling directly to the hotel on Maui), as well as through the hotel chain’s national toll-free phone number.  Check that hotel’s (or that hotel chain’s) website for discounts.  Join the hotel chain’s Frequent Guest program (usually free, like airlines’ Frequent Flyer programs), and ask about discounts for members of that program.  Ask about package plans that include hotel, rental car, and airfare.

For more details about selecting the best hotel or condo for your stay on Maui (including PHOTOS of hotel and condo rooms, buildings, pools, and beaches), see my Maui Hotels & Condos section.

These are my favorite places to stay on Maui.

The webpage link listed for each of these has more details, including pictures of that specific hotel or condo.

Hyatt Regency Maui     (808) 661-1234 Best hotel on Kaanapali Beach (my favorite area), with beautiful grounds and a great location.  Art and rare birds in the lobbies, waterfalls in the pools, rope bridge, children’s play pool, daily buffet breakfast, and more.

Grand Wailea     (808) 875-1234 Best hotel on Maui, with nearly all ocean-view rooms, good service, and super elaborate pools and water slides.  Very expensive.

Kaanapali Alii     (808) 667-1400 Large luxury condo suites (one or two bedrooms) in a great location on Kaanapali Beach.  These condos are expensive, but you get about 1500 square feet in a one-bedroom and about 1800 square feet in a two-bedroom condo.

Outrigger Honua Kai      (808) 662-2800 New large luxury condo buildings on the beach about a mile north of the main Kaanapali resort area.

Other excellent choices :

Sheraton     (808) 661-0031 Hotel at Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach.  More quiet but less elaborate pools and so less fun for kids than the Hyatt and Westin in that same area.  The Sheraton also has more expensive parking than some other Maui hotels and a $50 per night charge if you need to add a rollaway bed in your room.  Some of the lanais are very small and don’t have space for more than one chair.  Some of the rooms & bathrooms are small, and some rooms have only an armoire instead of a closet.

Westin Maui   (808) 667-2525 Beautiful hotel with elaborate pools.  Right in the middle of Kaanapali Beach.  Rooms are smaller than at the Hyatt or Sheraton.  Rooms in the Ocean Tower building are smaller, so ask for a room in the Beach Tower building.  Note: this is NOT the same place as the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, which is a new timeshare at a different location.

Aston At The Whaler  (808) 661-6000 Condo buildings on Kaanapali Beach.  A little less expensive and a little less luxurious than Kaanapali Alii.  Adjacent to Whalers Village shopping center.

Four Seasons     (808) 874-8000 Quiet luxury hotel in Wailea.  Great service.  Very expensive.

Andaz      (808) 573-1234 Completely rebuilt in 2013 from the former Renaissance.  Beautiful and ultra-modern.

Ritz Carlton (808) 669-6200 Quiet, elegant luxury hotel a few miles north of Kaanapali, but not on the beach, and more likely to be cloudy or get some rain.

Aston Mahana    (808) 661-8751 One of the very few condo buildings where every room is oceanfront, so the views are terrific.  Studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom condos (including full kitchens), but no stores or restaurants in the building.  The beach and pool are small and simple and about a ten-minute drive from the main Kaanapali resort area or 15 minutes from Lahaina.

Fairmont Kea Lani   (808) 875-4100 Well-appointed all-suite hotel in Wailea.

If you want someplace less expensive than those above, there are dozens of other good condos and hotels to choose from.  They are less luxurious, older, or not in as good locations as those listed above.  But they offer good value, and best of all, you are still on Maui, and nothing is too far away!

Here are just a couple of the possibilities:

Kaanapali Beach Hotel    (808) 661-0011  or toll-free  1-800-262-8450 Same great location as the Sheraton, right on Kaanapali Beach, but about half the price of the Sheraton because it’s much older.  Wonderful friendly service.  Free shows.  Hawaiian atmosphere and décor.

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas   (808) 667-7791  or Aston toll-free 1-800-922-7866 Another way to spend less money and still be near Kaanapali Beach.  It’s on the other side of Black Rock Hill from the main Kaanapali Beach hotels, so a long walk to all of the resorts, shopping, and restaurants.  But its beach is less crowded, and they have both hotel rooms and condo units available.  Built in 1963, so older than the more expensive resorts like the Hyatt.

Major hotels (listed from south to north)

The first things you need to know:, maui weather:.

The weather in the resort areas of Maui (Wailea and Kaanapali) is warm all year round and tends to be drier on these sides of the island.  Winter average highs are around 81; lows around 64; ocean water 75.  Summer high about 88, low about 69, ocean water 79.  The most rain is in December and January, while the least rain is in June through September.  When it rains in the resort areas of Maui, it sometimes only lasts 15 minutes, though it can rain all day in the winter.  However, the weather can be completely different on another section of the same island:  each island has a windward side that gets most of the rain.  On the chance that you might get a rainy day, you could bring a small umbrella or light raincoat.  Call 866-944-5025 for Maui weather .  If it is raining in your hotel area on Kaanapali Beach and you want to find a sunny beach, try going to Kamaole III Beach in the south part of Kihei, where it rains much less.  If it is raining even in Kihei and Wailea, go further south to Big Beach (Makena Beach Park), where it practically never rains.  (Notice the cactuses beside the road.)

The sun is intense here at about 21‑degree latitude (similar to the latitude of Mexico City), so use at least a 15‑rated reef-safe sunscreen on all exposed skin every day, even if you’re just going shopping or exploring.

DRESS (WHAT TO WEAR):

The dress on Maui is very informal. With so many activities and adventures to have, beach casual is the average dress for daytime activities. Resort casual is perfect for restaurants and nightlife. Guys do not need a tie or jacket in even the fanciest restaurants (but slacks and a shirt with a collar are nice to have).

TOURS & ACTIVITIES:

When booking your own tour & activity reservations, you’ll get the best price and ensure early booking by reserving with Activity Authority .

For information about each of the major activity choices, plus discounts and advance reservations for the activities for your Maui visit (luau, boats, tours, helicopter, whale watching, snorkel, spas, horseback, etc.), see the Maui Activities section.

When considering which tour company to use for tours that go by van, such as the ride to the top of Haleakala or the ride to Hana (if you don’t want to drive them yourself), bear this in mind:  cheaper tours often use bigger vans with more people on your tour.  If you pay more, you can usually get a smaller van with a smaller tour group, so you get more personalized service.  Temptation Tours has comfortable vans with only 6-8 people, so it is more luxurious but more expensive.  Polynesian Adventure has vans that carry 25 passengers and is often the cheapest of the Maui tour companies .

When you are in the city of Lahaina, there are activity‑sales booths on the main street (Front Street) where you will be shopping, but be sure to avoid the “discount” tour sellers who require you to attend a time-share sales presentation.   Do NOT attend any time-share sales presentation under any circumstances!  For more about why to avoid timeshare sales presentations, see the question “Why do you tell people to avoid timeshare presentations?” on my Maui FAQ page.

I know it’s disappointing, but nobody will greet you with a lei on your arrival unless you have paid for it in advance. Alii Lei Service and Maui Lei Greeting Service are the two main companies that provide this service. They will greet you with a lei, take your photo, show you where to pick up your bags (and call a porter if you need assistance), and then show you where you can pick up your transportation. This is a nice option for first-timers. Don’t forget to tip your porter!  You can also buy a lei for yourself inside the airport. They are available in shops at the airport (the most expensive place to buy anything), less expensive at grocery stores (any Safeway or Times Market), and even cheaper at Walmart and Target, and Costco (all near the airport).

Make your fresh flower leis last longer by asking for a plastic bag to put them in overnight when you buy them.  Each night, soak the lei in cold water for 30 minutes, shake off the excess water, then put it in a plastic bag, blow the bag up with air, and tie it shut.  If there is a refrigerator in your room, put the lei in the plastic bag (tied shut) in the refrigerator.  If you don’t have a refrigerator, put a couple of ice cubes in the plastic bag with the lei overnight.  If you couldn’t get a plastic bag when you bought the leis, soak them in cold water in the sink in your hotel room overnight (add a couple of ice cubes).

THE VIEW OF WHALES AND ISLANDS:

Stand on the beach in the back of your hotel or condo and watch for whales (winter only).  You may see a “blow” that looks like a gray puff lasting only a couple of seconds, or you may see a black hump briefly surface, followed immediately by a split tail diving back into the water. Learn more about how to go Maui whale watching .  From Wailea, Kaanapali, or Kihei, you are looking west.  If you are on Kaanapali Beach, the island you see straight out is Lanai, about nine miles away, formerly covered with Dole pineapple plantations, now having two luxury hotels.  The island you see far to your right is Molokai , about 12 miles away, a mostly undeveloped island with two hotels, the tallest sea cliffs in Hawaii, and the site of the Kalaupapa Leprosy Colony.  If you could see through the far‑left tip of Molokai, Honolulu (on the island of Oahu) would be 85 miles away from Kaanapali Beach to the west‑northwest.  If you are at a Wailea hotel, then the larger of the two Hawaiian islands you see is Kahoolawe (used by the U.S. Navy for bombing practice from 1941 to 1990), and the tinier island you see just two and a half miles away is Molokini , a crescent sliver of the top edge of an old volcano crater.  You are 2,397 miles from the west coast of the mainland United States.

WHY YOU SHOULD TELL THEM WHERE YOU HEARD ABOUT THEM:

When you go to restaurants, sights, shows, or shops that you heard about on this website, you can get the best service by telling them you heard about them on Jon’s Maui Vacations website.  Why?  Because you only go there once, but the readers of this website represent many Maui visitors.  The people in these restaurants and other businesses know that I will hear about the kind of service they give you.  They know that I will only continue to recommend them if they give great service to the people who read about them here and who report their experiences back to me by email.  So tell your waiter or waitress, tell the person at the check-in stand in the restaurant, tell the person who answers the phone when you call to make your reservation, tell the manager or chef at the restaurant if you see him/her, tell the guide on your boat or van tour, tell the salesperson at the shop, tell the person who collects your money at the show, tell the person where you pay admission to the sights, tell them all!  Tell them you heard about them on Jon’s Maui Vacations website.

I do not accept any money to make my web pages about any restaurants, hotels, or attractions.  I only mention places I know from my own experience and the experiences of people like you who tell me about your trip to Maui.  I write these pages because I love Maui, and I want you to have the best possible experience there.

If you write about your Maui trip or the hotel or condo you stayed in on Facebook or TripAdvisor, or other websites, please mention that you got helpful information to plan your trip from Jon’s Maui Vacations website at  mauihawaii.org.  I also appreciate you telling your friends about Jon’s Maui Vacations website.

OTHER STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Hawaiian words and place names:

There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet (A E I O U H K L M N P W).   Actually, there are two more sort-of letters in the Hawaiian alphabet:  the ʻ okina   (it looks like an apostrophe which creates a guttural break in the pronunciation of a word like, “uh-oh”) and the kahako (symbolized by a straight line over any vowel, which elongates the vowel).  Usually, there are no silent letters, so pronounce every letter in each word.

Want to see a theater play or concert? Call 808-242-7469 for the schedule at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului  (shows in the 1200-seat Castle Theater) or visit the website at Maui Arts and Cultural Center .

While driving in your rented car, flip through the stations to find Hawaiian music to listen to on the radio.  Try FM 91.5, 93.5, 102.3, or 105.1, and AM 900.

Do not use the road around the north side of West Maui to get from the airport to your hotel in Kapalua, Napili, Kahana, or Kaanapali, even though your GPS may tell you that is the shortest route.  It is a very narrow and difficult and dangerous winding mountain road.  You must instead use the road around the south side of West Maui. 

Munchies to try on Maui:

• Maui Style Chips, Maui Style Onion Chips
• Taro Chips (like Potato Chips)
• Spam Musubi

Do not take the discount tour offers from Maui timeshare vendors.  They put you through a convincing-sounding sales talk to try to sell you extremely overpriced timeshares.

SIGHTS, ACTIVITIES, AND THINGS TO DO:

Below is information on some of the best sights to see and things to do on Maui.  Most of these are free or very low-cost.  Find more details and things to see and do on Maui .

The “ Maui Activities ” link on that page will take you to details about luaus, whale watching, snorkeling, tours, golf, helicopters, spas, bumper boats, horseback riding, Segway rides, ATV rides, dinner cruises, submarine rides, surfing lessons, parasailing, fishing, theater, ziplines, biking down the volcano, and more.

The “ Maui Attractions and Sightseeing ” link on that page will take you to details about Lahaina town, Haleakala crater, the road to Hana, lavender farm, Iao Valley, lobbies and art in hotels, aquarium, banyan tree, gardens, last lava flow, Makawao town, hiking, Kealia boardwalk and wildlife refuge, giant Buddha, Hookipa big waves windsurfers, surfing goat dairy, museums, art galleries, a marine sanctuary, parks, and more.

Other links on that page will take you to details about kids’ activities, shopping, beaches, events calendar, and more.

YOUR FIRST DAY ON MAUI

Pick up free brochures about activities, sights, tours, restaurants, etc., in brochure racks at the airport (in the baggage claim area), in your hotel lobby, at shopping centers (Outlets of Maui in Lahaina, Kahana Gateway, Azeka Place in Kihei,  outside Foodland or Safeway, or others), or on the streets of Lahaina or Kihei.  These great brochures, such as Maui Gold, This Week Maui, 101 Things to Do, and Maui Activities & Attractions, are full of coupons and information about Maui activities.

Stock up on soda, chips, reef-safe sunscreen, beach chairs, and other essentials at Safeway grocery store (Lahaina Cannery or Piilani Village Kihei), Times Market (Honokowai Marketplace or Kihei), Wal-Mart or Target or Costco (Kahului, near the airport), Longs Drugstore (Lahaina Cannery or Kihei or Kahului), ABC Store (many shopping areas), or Whalers General Store (in many strip malls).  My wife and I did a price check on a dozen common items and found grocery store prices on Maui are an average of 40% higher than in Michigan.

MAUI BEACHES

When I think of Maui, I think of the scenery.  But when most people think of Maui, they think of beaches.  Here’s what you need to know:    All beaches in Hawaii are public.  You can and should try out several beaches while you are on Maui.  Don’t only go to the beach in front of your own hotel or condo.  Each beach is different, and each beach is beautiful.  Here are some beaches I suggest.

Kapalua Beach was rated as the most beautiful beach in the world in 2018.   That was before they built expensive condos that block some of the views, but Kapalua Bay is still worth seeing.  Kapalua means two borders (or, more figuratively, “arms embracing the sea”) which refers to the fingers of lava that reach out on both sides of this bay and block the strong waves from disturbing swimmers.

Kaanapali Beach is the “in place” to be on Maui,  the place where the action is.  Three great resort hotels (Sheraton, Westin, Hyatt), one very good older hotel (Kaanapali Beach Hotel), two major condos (Kaanapali Alii, Whaler), a shopping center (Whalers Village with three very good restaurants, Hula Grill , Leilani’s , and Monkeypod Kitchen ) are located on this beach.  There’s a great snorkel spot at Black Rock (in front of the Sheraton).  There are booths to rent all sorts of water equipment, and you can even get some boat tours on catamarans that pick you up right on the beach.  Kaanapali Beach is my favorite place to stay on Maui.

Baby Beach has much calmer waters than most other beaches because an offshore breakwater blocks many of the big waves from reaching the shore.  This makes it a good place for children to go in the ocean, though even here, they, of course, need adult supervision.  Baby Beach is in the northern part of Lahaina.

Olowalu is a popular snorkeling beach.  It’s south of Lahaina on Route 30, at Mile Marker 14.

Kamaole III Beach is the best beach in Kihei.  Kihei is a town crowded with condos, most of which are across the street from the beaches rather than being ocean-front.  It’s a good place for families on a budget that does not allow staying at the big resort hotels.  More about the three Kamaole Beaches in Kihei, including pictures.

Keawakapu Beach is a less crowded beach where Kihei meets Wailea.

Big Beach is also called Makena Beach or Oneloa Beach.  You’ve got to see it because this beautiful area is the last large undeveloped beach on the sunny side of Maui.  It’s ¾ of a mile long, with not one hotel or condo in sight.  It’s south of all the Wailea hotels.

Hoʻokipa Beach Park is the place to watch windsurfing.  (The waves are too rough for swimming.)  It’s on Route 36, just past the town of Paia , on the north shore.

Never leave anything of value in your car or on the beach since theft from beaches and rental cars does occur.  Most Maui beaches have no lifeguards.  Whether they are present or not, swimming in the ocean can be dangerous.  You could drown.  You could get cut by coral.  Something could bite you.  Swim at your own risk.  ( My lawyer made me say that. )

ROAD TO HANA (ONE DAY) 

The Road to Hana , and the crater at the top of Haleakala, are the two most famous sights of Maui.  You can drive the Road to Hana yourself or take a van tour.  It is a long and difficult drive on a narrow winding mountain road.  If you prefer to have a tour van take you, you can sign up at your hotel or at any tour booth to take the all‑day ride to and from Hana.  Whether on your own or on a tour, you will see the gorgeous scenery of the rainforest, including many beautiful waterfalls of various shapes and sizes along the mountainsides.  If you drive yourself, leave your hotel by 8 A.M., and take a picnic lunch.  Allow six hours to get to Hana (with stops to see scenery) and three hours to return (without stops).  It’s 81 miles from Kaanapali; the hard part (the Hana Road) has 617 curves and 56 one‑lane bridges.  If you are prone to motion sickness, do not read (not even the map) in your car or tour van.  You must drive back from Hana the same way you came, NOT by the unpaved desolate southern route. Hana itself is just a quaint small village, isolated from the rest of Maui by the mountain road.  There is nothing much to do there.  The point of this trip is the sights on the Road to Hana rather than Hana itself.

On the way to Hana, just past Mile Marker 16, turn left at the sign to Keʻanae for close-up views of waves on lava rocks.  Stop near the end of that peninsula to pick up a couple of loaves of the world’s best banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s Keʻanae Landing Fruit Stand.

If you have extra time, you can drive another 40 minutes beyond Hana to the beautiful Pools of Oheʻo, also called Oheʻo Gulch and Palikea Stream. (This area was formerly called the Seven Sacred Pools, but there are more than seven, and they are not sacred since that was just a marketing term made up by a Hana hotel worker in the 1950s.)  There are several lovely waterfalls cascading into the series of natural pools, working their way down the mountain slope.  A little further beyond here is Charles Lindbergh’s grave at Palapalo Hoʻomau Church, but it is not visible from the road and is difficult to find.

If you drive to Hana (rather than taking a van tour), be SURE to take along the excellent “Hana CD Guide.” Get it at the Hana Picnics store at 333 Dairy Road, across the street from the Shell station in Kahului, which you will pass on your way to the start of your trip to Hana.  This is an audio CD that tells you what to see along the way.  You play the CD in your car while you drive to Hana.  You will see twice as many wonderful sights if you take this guide recording along.  Another excellent CD to play on this trip is called R2H.  Most other Hana CDs, other than those specific two, are not nearly as good.

The day before you drive to Hana, call the Maui police at 808-244-6400 (or the Hana Branch at 808-248-8311) to find out whether there will be major road construction delays on the road to Hana.

LAHAINA (ONE DAY)

If you haven’t spent a day in Lahaina , you haven’t really been to Maui.  From Kaanapali Beach , turn right onto the main road, drive for eight minutes (four miles), and go into Lahaina on the right.  From Wailea or Kihei, take Route 31 north to the central valley, then Route 310 across the southern edge of the valley, then Route 30 west and north to Lahaina (about 50 minutes from Wailea, but certainly worth the trip).

Lahaina is an old whaling port and tourist town loaded with many shops and restaurants, plus a busy little boat harbor and lots of historical buildings.  Spend the day walking through Lahaina, shopping, and snacking.  Rest under the giant Banyan tree (planted in 1873) at the south end of the shopping strip.  Stop in at the Lahaina Visitors Center in the Old Courthouse behind the Banyan Tree .  See the Pioneer Inn , the original Lahaina hotel, in use since the whaling days of the last century.  (The ten rooms at the Pioneer Inn were the only accommodations in West Maui until the first hotel on Kaanapali Beach was built in 1962.)  Buy a Maui T-shirt.  Visit Dan’s Greenhouse (upstairs, across Front Street from the Banyan Tree) to see the live parrots, piglets, and plants for sale.  In my experience, the most interesting shops to see are on Front Street, but the best prices are off of Front Street.  I found the most choices of souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, candy, and other items at Hilo Hattie (667-7911) in the Outlets of Maui shopping center (at the north end of the shopping area).

Have lunch and dinner in Lahaina.  For the best dinner food in Lahaina, I recommend Honu Oceanside or Mala , next door to each other at 1295 Front Street, behind the Safeway grocery store.  Also good (but crowded) for lunch or dinner is Kimo’s Restaurant , which is in the more central part of Front Street.  If you’re looking for something less expensive, I suggest Lahaina Pizza Company or Penne Pasta .  Lists of menu items, and photos of the food, see some of the west Maui restaurants I’ve personally reviewed.

IAO VALLEY     (HALF OR FULL DAY)

The Iao Needle is a 2,250-foot tall rock formation surrounded by lush green mountains in the center of the west half of Maui.  The road into the Iao Valley begins in the center of downtown Wailuku.  Take an umbrella since there is often a light steady drizzle there.  Walk along the path from the parking lot.  There are great views from the top of the walkway and a lovely stream at the bottom of the walkway.  There is a fee for parking within the park, and reservations are now required .

There are two sights to see on the road to Iao Valley, before or after you go to the Iao Needle.  I am listing them below in the order you would find them on your way OUT of the Iao Valley.

Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens — Garden and architectural displays from eight cultures that contributed to modern Maui:  Chinese , Japanese, New England, Portuguese, Native Hawaiian, Korean, Puerto Rican, and Filipino.  Free.  Open  7 AM to 7 PM.

Bailey House Museum (phone 244-3326) — Currently preserved by the Maui Historical Society.  Ancient Hawaiian artifacts, plus displays about the missionary times of the 1800s on Maui.  It could be boring if you are not into this aspect of history.  Admission charge of $10 (2023 rate).  Open 10-2 Tuesday – Friday.  On the right side, just before you re-enter downtown Wailuku.

WEST MAUI     (FULL DAY)

On your way back from the Iao Needle, turn right from the main road (just south of Maui Tropical Plantation) and turn right into the King Kamehameha Country Club.  The view from the clubhouse area is beautiful and includes the entire central valley of Maui, plus both the north (Kahului) and south (Maalaea) bays.  The clubhouse is an interesting building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  If the road to that King Kamehameha clubhouse at the top is closed, you can get most of the same view from the adjacent Kahili (formerly Sandalwood) golf clubhouse or just from the road leading to the Kahili clubhouse.

Drive south along the main road after leaving the Iao Needle or Waikapu golf courses.  Stop at the whale-watching lookout point along the side of the road just after you get back to the ocean area.  (Be very careful to watch the traffic when pulling in or out of this lookout area.) Look for whales (winter only).  On an exceptionally clear day, you can see the snow-capped peak of one of the two mountains on the Big Island of Hawaii (120 miles away) in the distant haze, behind the southern tip of Maui, from that scenic lookout.  As you continue your drive toward Lahaina and Kaanapali, you will wind around the mountain on the south coast of West Maui.  Notice the old Lahaina Road, above the current road, demarcated by an old stone wall.  The current road you are driving on was built in 1951.  Continue along the road around the south edge of west Maui, and watch for rainbows (in the late afternoon) in fields and valleys on the right side (opposite from the ocean side of the road).  The flat-topped piles of rocks you see in the fields on the mountainside of the road here are just stacks of rocks that workers made when they cleared the fields.

If you haven’t already seen Lahaina , read the section about it above and stop there now.  Otherwise, pass Lahaina, continue for 5‑10 minutes, and turn left into the Kaanapali Beach area.  There are several hotels in a row, starting with the Hyatt Regency on the south end.  Walk through the Hyatt grounds to see the Oriental art, live birds, and pools with waterfalls (more about the Hyatt below).  Next, take a stroll down the beach to see the great pools in the back of the Marriott timeshare building and then the spectacular multi‑level pools and waterfalls in the back of the Westin Hotel .  All beaches in Hawaii are public, so you don’t have to be staying at any of these hotels to spend an hour or a day walking along the beautiful Kaanapali beach and seeing the islands of Lanai (straight out) and Molokai (on the far right) across the ocean, plus the poolsides of all the hotels.  Shop at the Whalers Village shopping center in the middle of this row of hotels.  Good places for lunch or dinner in Whalers Village Shopping Center are Hula Grill , Leilani’s , and Monkeypod Kitchen .  Continue your walk to the Sheraton Hotel at Black Rock , where the snorkelers are watching the fish and vice versa.

It is possible to drive all the way around West Maui because the road is paved all the way.  However, I do not recommend driving the northern coast because the winding mountain road is VERY narrow there, is dangerous to drive, and can also be blocked by falling rocks or by rain.  It takes one hour and 22 minutes to drive 34 miles from Kaanapali to Wailuku via the northern route or just 35 minutes to drive the 24 miles from Kaanapali to Wailuku via the normal excellent roads of the southern route (assuming no traffic congestion).

WHALE WATCHING (HALF-DAY, WINTER ONLY)

The humpback whales start arriving in Hawaii at the end of November, and most are gone by the middle of April.  The number of whales is at its peak from January through March (especially during February).  During those months, you can see whales almost every day from your hotel lanai (balcony) if you have a good ocean view.  There are about 22,000 humpback whales in the North Pacific Ocean. About 12,000 of them come to Maui at some time during the winter, and about 5000 are around Maui and the nearby islands at any one time in the peak months of winter (the highest number are here in February).  Humpback whales come to Maui every winter, and so should we!

For a chance at a closer look, ask at your hotel or at an activity sales booth to find out the most convenient time and place to go out on a boat to see whales blowing and jumping in the ocean.  Boats leave from Lahaina and from Maalaea.  For more info about whale watch boats, including a comparison of some of the companies that offer that activity, see the Maui Whale Watch page in the Activities section.

People often ask me where they can “swim with the dolphins.”  The answer is not on Maui.  Your best chance is at Sea Life Park or at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, both on the island of Oahu.  They also offer dolphin encounters at the Hilton Waikoloa Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. On Maui, you can take a boat ride out into the ocean, where you might see dolphins, and occasionally you can see them from the shore. Maui Adventure Cruises in Lahaina offers a Lanai and Dolphin Watch Tour, where they will search for dolphins around Lanai.

SNORKELING  (HALF DAY)

Rent your snorkel gear at Boss Frog’s or Maui Dive Shop for about half the price they charge at the big hotels.  Several branch stores of each are all over Maui, mostly at small shopping centers.  If you’ve never snorkeled, ask about lessons at your hotel or from a snorkel boat tour company.  A good place for your first snorkel is by Black Rock, next to the Sheraton Hotel.  (Park at Whalers Village shopping center half a mile away, cheaper than parking at the Sheraton.)  A good place to take children for their first snorkel is Baby Beach in Lahaina because the water is usually calm at that beach.  (Baby Beach is in the north part of Lahaina.  Enter from Ala Moana Street by the Jodo Mission.)  Other top snorkel spots on Maui are Mile Marker 14 (just south of Olowalu), Kapalua Bay, Honolua Bay, Makena Landing, and (a boat ride away) the island of Molokini.  There are risks to snorkeling, as with any ocean activity, but it’s great fun.

If you want help with your snorkeling and a boat ride and food, too, you can take a half-day snorkel cruise .  You can get on a catamaran right on Kaanapali Beach (or Lahaina Harbor or Maalaea Harbor ), sail for an hour or so, and stop off at a couple of good snorkel spots that are deeper and have more fish than you would see snorkeling from shore.

One of the more exciting ways to go snorkeling, and your closest option when staying in South Maui, is a rafting trip with Redline Rafting .  They leave from Kihei Boat Ramp, which is the closest departure point to Molokini Crater.  They take you to Molokini as well as Turtle Town. During whale season, this is also a preferred boat because you’re closer to the water and in a smaller group.  Every seat has a view of whales!

More info, and a comparison of several of the companies offering snorkel cruises, are on the Maui Snorkeling page in the Activities section.

HALEAKALA CRATER  (HALF OR FULL DAY)

Haleakala (elevation 10,023 feet) is the mountain that makes up all of the east half of Maui.  The crater at the top of this volcano is one of Maui’s most incredible sights.

The view from the top of Haleakala is beautiful at any time of the day, so you don’t have to go only at sunrise.  You’ll see the multicolored volcano crater and the views of Maui’s central valley.  It is much colder at this elevation than at the beach, so take along heavy clothes, a sweater, coat, scarf, gloves, etc.  Call 808-572-4400 for Haleakala National Park info.  Park admission is $30 (2023 rate) per car and also requires a reservation if visiting from 3 am – 7 am.  Free ranger talks are offered in the summit building periodically.

The crater is seven and a half miles long, two and a half miles wide, and 3000 feet deep.  You will look down on the clouds and see the “Big Island” of Hawaii in the distance across the ocean.  (The left mountain is Mauna Kea, 80 miles away, and the right mountain is Mauna Loa, 100 miles away.)  Haleakala volcano last erupted in 1790, but that was from the south side and not from the top of the volcano.

If you want to make an all-day trip to Haleakala, take along a picnic lunch.  Eat that lunch at the Lavender Garden in Upcountry along the way up.  There are no stores beyond about halfway up the mountain.

On the way up or down from the crater, stop at the pull-over lookout points for glorious views of Maui’s central valley.  At the top, park in all three parking lots and get out for each of the different views of the crater from each vantage point.  On the way out of the park, stop at Hosmer Grove (just outside of the National Park entrance) for a walk through a beautiful small forest.

Sunrise on Haleakala: Book a tour to the top of Haleakala with Skyline Hawaii , leaving between 2 and 3 A.M.!  You will ride in the dark up to the top of this huge dormant volcano that makes up the bulk of east Maui.  On your way up to the top for sunrise, stop at one of the several pullover lookout points about halfway up, and look at the beautiful stars in the pitch-dark skies.  Wear heavy sweaters, winter coats, scarf, gloves, hat, and every warm piece of clothing you have because the temperature two miles up is 30 to 40 degrees at sunrise, there is no heat in the observation building, and you will be out in the cold for about two hours.  Also, take along the blanket from your hotel room to wrap yourself in.  (You can drive up there yourself, but I don’t recommend the unfamiliar mountain road in the dark.  It’s 64 miles from Kaanapali Beach and takes about 2½  hours. If you decide to drive up yourself for sunrise, you need an advance online reservation .)  Keep in mind that you want to see the colors in the sky before the sun breaks the horizon, so arrive about an hour before sunrise to get the best experience.

At the top, before sunrise, it is darker than you ever saw, and you will see more stars than you have ever seen.  Sunrise is indescribably beautiful, with the sky slowly turning various colors and the sun coming up over the ocean and clouds and volcano crater below you.  After sunrise, your tour may stop at a couple of observation points around the crater.  Then you drive down the mountain in daylight and get great views of the central Maui valley below.  When you get back to your hotel, go back to sleep until mid‑afternoon.  There is a small chance of overcast clouds at the top of Haleakala that could ruin the view some days.  If you are from the east coast or the Midwest, you might want to plan this sunrise trip to Haleakala for your first or second morning on Maui, when you will find yourself waking up very early because of the time-zone change.

UPCOUNTRY (FULL DAY)

“ Upcountry ” is the part of Maui on the valley side of Haleakala.  It includes a few small towns ( Makawao , Pukalani, Haliimaile, Kula), gardens, ranches, the beginning of the road to the summit, and incredible views of the central valley of Maui.  Because of the elevation, it is a little cooler Upcountry than at the beach.  It takes about an hour to drive to Upcountry from the resort areas of Kaanapali or Wailea.

Makawao is a small paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town with several shops and small art galleries highlighting local artists.  See glass blowing 10:30-4:00 most days at Hot Island Glass at 3620 Baldwin Avenue (call 808-572-4527 to confirm).  You can eat at Casanova’s Italian Restaurant (808-572-0220), Polliʻs Mexican Restaurant (808-572-7808), or any of the food trucks or small specialty restaurants you find in Makawao Town.

The best food in Upcountry is at the Haliimaile General Store (808-572-2666).  Open Tuesday – Saturday for lunch (11 am – 230 pm) and dinner (5 pm – 830 pm, reservations highly recommended). There is also good food at the Kula Lodge (808-878-1535), halfway up the mountain, and you get a great view of the central valley from there.

The Kula Botanical Garden (808-878-1715) costs $10 and is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day.  It has a one-hour stroll through a garden with some flowers and a great variety of plants, plus a few birds and a koi fishpond.

As you continue driving further through Upcountry, stop for a cinnamon roll at Grandma’s Coffee House in Keokea.  Then pass the Ulupalakua Ranch , and stop at Maui Wine (808-878-6058) for a self-guided historical tour and wine tasting. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.

After you look at the view down to Wailea and Kihei from Ulupalakua, it’s time to turn around and go back the way you came.  (If you continue around the south side of Haleakala, you will get to Kipahulu and eventually Hana. However, this is not the recommended route to take to Hana .)

GRAND WAILEA HOTEL

If money is no object, you should stay a few days at the Grand Wailea Resort (875-1234).  This spectacular hotel, opened in 1991, has facilities superior to any of the other wonderful hotels on Maui.  Your experience begins with a lei greeting upon your arrival and a walk through the incredible lobby for check-in.  The building and grounds are gorgeous, filled with art and flowers.  Most of the 776 rooms have ocean views.  The multiple connecting pools have slides, caves, and a water elevator like you will find no place else.  The 1,200 employees are friendly and anxious to please you.  If you don’t want to spend the money to stay at this resort, at least take a walk around the grounds and see it.  (No, you can’t use the pools if you are not staying at this hotel.)

HYATT REGENCY HOTEL (ONE MORNING)

If you are staying in a hotel on Kaanapali Beach, you are within a mile of the Hyatt.  If you are staying in Wailea, you have to drive 36 miles to Kaanapali Beach.  It’s worth the trip to see the Hyatt and the other Kaanapali resorts and to see the nearby town of Lahaina.

Wander around this beautiful hotel (opened in 1980) and see the large swimming pools with the bar behind the waterfall, penguins , and parrots in the lobby, swans behind the restaurant, flamingos and flowers, exotic plants, and expensive oriental art all over the place.

MAUI OCEAN CENTER

The Maui Aquarium opened in 1998 at the south end of  Maui’s central valley.  It takes about two hours to tour the exhibits about Maui’s sea life, including live fish, sharks, turtles, rays, and others.  Also good is the Seascape Restaurant for lunch.  Call 270-7000 for information.

I don’t play golf, so I have no personal experience with the eleven beautiful (and expensive) public golf courses on Maui .  However, friends of mine who play golf say that the best golf course on Maui is the Plantation Course at Kapalua.  They say the second-best is the Bay Course, also at Kapalua.  A close third is the Wailea Gold Course.  Some friends prefer the Kaanapali golf courses because they are not as challenging.  There are also much less expensive Maui golf courses in the non-tourist areas.

There is less rain in Wailea and Makena than in Kapalua and Kaanapali.  So if it is too windy or too rainy to play golf at the Kapalua courses, you may find better weather by driving 60 minutes (from Kaanapali) to play one of the three Wailea courses (Emerald is the most scenic and prettiest, compared to the Blue and Gold (most difficult)).

You must have reservations at all of these popular courses, especially for the early morning tee times.  You can make reservations for the Kapalua courses up to 30 days in advance by calling  (808) 669-8044 or visiting Kapalua Golf .  Call early in the morning for the best choices since they start answering the phone at 6 AM Hawaii time.  If you’re playing at the Wailea courses, the phone number for reservations is (808) 875-7450 for Gold and Emerald courses and (808) 879-2530 for the Blue course (reserve those tee times up to 45 days in advance online at Wailea Golf Club ).

You don’t have to stay in a Kapalua hotel to play golf at the Kapalua courses or in Wailea to play the Wailea courses:  you can stay anyplace and play golf anyplace. Save some money on golf and start in the mid-afternoon instead of in the morning.

THE LAST LAVA FLOW

If you drive south on Route 31, past the condos of Kihei and the resorts of Wailea, and past Big Beach, the road becomes narrow.  Soon thereafter, you will find the road takes you over Maui’s last lava flow.  In this eerie landscape, you can see the lava that flowed down from part-way up this side of Haleakala volcano in 1790.  If you get out of your car, be careful, as you can fall and injure yourself on the sharp lava rocks.  (This flow did not come from the top of the crater, which last erupted 650 years previously.)  If you continue a little farther, the road ends at La Perouse Bay .

HORSEBACK RIDES

If you enjoy horseback riding, there are Lahaina Stables and Ironwood Ranch on the west side, Mendes Ranch just past Waihee Valley, or Triple L Ranch on the south side, and more choices in other parts of Maui. Info about horseback rides in various parts of the island, including a comparison of some companies offering those rides, is on the Maui Horseback Riding page.

LAVENDER GARDEN

Aliʻi Kula Lavender in Upcountry opened in 2002.  It’s out of the way, so you won’t find it without knowing where to look.  Nanea ao Kula (Serenity of Kula) is a former protea farm that Alii Chang turned into a lavender garden from which they produce numerous products containing lavender.  You can tour this lovely garden, with its gorgeous views of the central valley of Maui, on your own without the need for a reservation. There is a small admission fee. All of the lavender products they offer are available in the gift shop. Open Friday – Monday from 10 am – 4 pm. Phone 878-3004.

I don’t usually hike, but my wife and I did do part of the hike on the Lahaina Pali Trail in 1999.  This is a 5-mile hike over the West Maui mountains.  We only walked the first half mile uphill and then turned around and came back down.  It is a beautiful hike, with wonderful views of the mountains and the ocean.  Like us, you can do as much or as little of it as you like.  To get to the start of this trail, look for a small dirt parking lot just off the main road (Honoapiilani Highway), just past Mile Marker 11 (just past an emergency call box, just past the first section of wire fencing screen on the side of the mountain), on your way from the Lahaina-Kaanapali area toward the central valley of Maui.

Check out other suggested Maui hikes .

There are books about hiking on Maui at all of the bookstores on Maui.  Two of the best are Hiking Maui, The Valley Isle , by Robert Smith, and Maui Trailblazer by Jerry & Janine Sprout.   You can get either of them before you go, at major bookstores, or by ordering it online.

LUAU (ONE EVENING)

There are several Hawaiian luau dinner shows available any evening.  The food is interesting; the show has various Polynesian island dancers and music. Every visitor should go to one luau during their vacation to Hawaii.

The Old Lahaina Luau (my wife’s favorite) is the most authentically Hawaiian, has the most beautiful oceanfront setting, has the most comfortable chairs (if you don’t choose to sit on the ground), has Hawaiian music, and has less touristy music than a hotel luau.  It is at 1251 Front Street in the north part of Lahaina, across from the Lahaina Cannery Mall.  Space for 440 guests and often sold out, so call far in advance for the best seats.  More expensive than the hotel luaus, and generally not discounted like the hotel ones.

My personal favorite luau is at the Hyatt Regency Hotel because it is showier, with the Hawaiian music that all we tourists love.  Kids often like the Hyatt Luau because it has fire dancers and is less serious than the Old Lahaina Luau.  I also like the luau at the Royal Lahaina Hotel .  It has a good combination of authentic and touristy music and dance, with a beautiful sunset backdrop.

At the Old Lahaina Luau and at the Feast at Lele, you are assigned to a reserved seat when you make your reservation, so the further in advance you buy your ticket, the closer you will sit to the stage.  For most other luaus, there are no reserved seats, so the earlier you arrive that evening, the closer to the stage you can choose to sit.

Other Luau Shows Worth Mentioning:

• Andaz Wailea
• Feast at Lele
• Grand Wailea Luau
• Wailea Beach Marriott

More info about these and other luaus is on the Maui Luau page in the Activities.

Where’s the best place to pick up those souvenirs you’ve just GOT to take home?

• For the most fun shopping:  lots of small stores on Front Street in Lahaina.
• For the most choices in one store:  Hilo Hattie (Lahaina).
• For souvenirs in South Maui: Kalama Village in Kihei
• For something upscale: The Shops at Wailea
• For the lowest prices:  Wal-Mart in Kahului.

For Hawaiian music CDs , there are some at Hilo Hattie and a much larger selection at Barnes and Noble bookstore in Kahului.  But the best prices are at Wal-Mart in Kahului, and their souvenir section is pretty extensive.  Learn more about Maui shopping .

Five main shopping areas and one store I suggest:

Front Street in Lahaina Little tourist shops for T‑shirts and souvenirs, and art

Whalers Village on Kaanapali Beach      808-661-4567 Nicer tourist shops and restaurants. Good souvenir shirt choices at Crazy Shirts . Whalers Village Activity Calendar

The Shops at Wailea        808-891-6770 Upscale shops and restaurants in a beautiful modern open-air mall

Lahaina Cannery Mall     808-661-5304 Modern enclosed mall Regular stores, tourist shops, restaurants, Long’s Drugstore, and Safeway 24-hour supermarket

Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului    808-877-3369 Macy’s, food court, and about 90 other stores The biggest shopping center on Maui Where Maui residents (not just tourists) shop

Hilo Hattie in Lahaina    808-667-7911 There is one store on Maui that deserves its own special mention.  Hilo Hattie may be tacky, but it’s got good selections of all the clothes and souvenirs that you want to bring home from Maui.  You will be astounded at the selection of aloha shirts, dresses, costume jewelry, trinkets, candies, nuts, souvenirs, and other Hawaiian-themed STUFF.

FREE THINGS TO DO

HULA SHOWS AT SHOPPING CENTERS Several shopping centers have free hula shows once or twice per week.  Call for days and times:

• Whalers Village     808-661-4567
• Lahaina Cannery Mall      808-661-5304
• Queen Kaahumanu Center    808-877-3369

ALOHA FRIDAYS AT KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL Fridays at 11:30 am, you can enjoy Hawaiian music and hula performances by the employees of the hotel. Grab a seat and enjoy. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel are all live music days at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. 

HAWAIIAN CULTURAL TALK AT RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL Weekly, you can see a video about the Hawaiian people, with a discussion by Hawaiian Cultural Advisor Mr. Clifford Naeʻole called “Sense of Place.”  Call the Ritz at 808-669-6200 to verify the day and time.

KEALIA POND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Walk around these quiet and peaceful wetlands in the south part of Maui’s central valley, looking at the birds and maybe some turtles.  Enter at mile marker 6 on Maui Veterans Highway (Route 311) (formerly called Mokulele Highway),  just north of North Kihei Road (route 310). 6 am – 7 pm daily.

SHUTTLE BUS  (some free and others cost $2)

• Whalers Village – Kahana – Napili – Maui Bus ($2 one way) – Kaanapali Islander Route (25), West Maui Islander Route (28) – Visit MauiBus for the schedule and map.
• Kaanapali Resort Trolley – Free
• Kihei – Wailea – Maui Bus ($2 one way) – Kihei Villager Route (15), Kihei Islander Route (10) – Visit MauiBus for the schedule and map.

SIT UNDER THE BANYAN TREE In Lahaina, relax and watch the tourists and the locals.  Meet artists there some weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM.

OLD COURTHOUSE BUILDING In Lahaina, behind Banyan Tree .  Includes Lahaina Visitors Center (open every day, 10-4), art gallery, and old jail.

• The Friday Night is Art Night event in Lahaina. Walk through the numerous galleries there.  The Lahaina Visitors Center (in the Old Courthouse behind the Banyan Tree) has a flyer with a map of Lahaina’s art galleries with the names of the artists featured in each.
• WOW = Wailea On Wednesdays.  Wednesday evening, or any day, see the art in galleries at the Shops at Wailea shopping center. Enjoy free live music from 4:30 pm to 6 pm every Wednesday.
• Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului is free and open from 10 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday – Saturday, with rotating art exhibits.
• You can also see beautiful art in the major hotels in the resort areas of Wailea, Kaanapali, and Kapalua.  The best is the art at the Four Seasons Hotel in Wailea.

MUSEUMS A few of Maui’s museums are free:  Printing Museum at Lahainaluna High School in Lahaina, Hale Paahao (Irons House) on Prison Street in Lahaina, and Lahaina Heritage Museum in the Old Lahaina Courthouse. These museums are free, but donations are encouraged. The suggested donation is $5.

RAINBOWS Watch for rainbows over the ocean the first two hours after sunrise and in the mountains the last two hours before sunset.  They are most likely on days with some mist in the air or days with light rain showers when the sun is visible in the opposite direction from where you look for the rainbows.  They are most commonly seen from West Maui (the Kaanapali side of the island).

MOONSET For a beautiful sight, watch a nearly full moon setting into the ocean, in a dark sky, with white moonlight reflected across the ocean towards you.  The only time you can see this is 1-3 days before a full moon, at 1-3 hours before sunrise.  Look in the western sky at about the same position that the sun has been setting at night.  (On the day of a full moon, and in the next few days, the moon sets in daylight, and so you do not get the beautiful effect that you get by seeing it set in the dark, before sunrise, on the last few days before the full moon.)  A couple of days before the full moon, wake up 20 minutes before the time the moon is due to set to get this view.  You can find out the date of the full moon and the time of the moonset and sunrise here .

If you refuse to get up around 4 AM for the above spectacle, or if you are not on Maui at the right time just before the full moon, then you can get a partial similar view by watching a first-quarter moon set into the ocean around midnight.  Check the above website for the date of the first quarter moon phase and what time the moon will set for a couple of days before and after that date.

NIGHT SKY Look up at Maui’s clear skies any night, and see more stars and a different perspective than at home.

If you are willing to spend money for a closer look, there are astronomy programs with a telescope on the roof of the Hyatt every night for $30. Call 808-667-4727 to reserve your spot

Or, if you would like a longer astronomy tour with better views and more personal attention, see Maui Stargazing .

IAO VALLEY Huge rock formation and surrounding valley scenery in the middle of the West Maui Mountains ( Reservations required and parking fee).  Also, Heritage Gardens on the road into Iao Valley.

HOSMER GROVE A beautiful small forest of a wide variety of trees (pine, spruce, cedar, and eucalyptus imported from all over the world).  At the 7000-foot elevation, just below the entrance to Haleakala National Park .  Camping and hiking, but it can be chilly.

MAUI WINE Taste Maui wine along with lite appetizers in Ulupalakua. Walk the historic grounds of Maui Wine.  808-878-6058

PETROGLYPHS In Olowalu.  Ask for directions at the General Store.  About a mile walk back into the fields to see ancient rock carvings on a cliff.

WATCH THE WHALES About 12,000 humpback whales are around Maui at any one time during the peak time in mid-winter.  Watch them from the beach or from your lanai.  January through March are the main months when you can see whales every day.

WHALE LECTURES AND FILMS The Ocean Science Discovery Center is run by the Pacific Whale Foundation in the Maalaea Harbor Village, the shopping center adjacent to the aquarium.  Also, free talks about whales in Kihei at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary .

WATCH THE MAUI VISITORS CHANNEL Cable TV channel 7 has constant information about things to see, places to go, restaurants, etc.

PICK UP BROCHURES This Week in Maui, Maui Gold, 101 Things to Do, and others are available on racks in hotels and shopping centers.

SEE DIFFERENT BEACHES Use the book of maps from your car rental company to drive around and see Maui beaches on different parts of the island.

PLAYGROUNDS FOR KIDS Kamaole and Kalama Parks (both in Kihei) have free swings, slides, and jungle gyms. Banyan Tree Park, Napili Park, and Wahikuli Terrace Park are your choices for West Maui.

GIANT BUDDHA STATUE Lahaina Jodo Mission has the largest Buddha statue outside of Japan. In the north part of Lahaina (near the “Jesus coming soon” sign), turn off Front Street (toward the ocean) onto Ala Moana Street, immediately bear left, and look for the sign “Lahaina Jodo Mission.”

TOURS IN THE HYATT Sign up at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Kaanapali Beach for their free Penguin Presentation and Wildlife University.  Visit Wildlife University for tour times and days.

SEE THE FARMERS’ MARKETS Honokowai Farmers Market – Mornings (7-11 AM) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in Honokowai, a couple of miles north of Kaanapali.

Napili Farmers Market – Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm

Kihei Farmers Market – All day (7 AM – 4 PM) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in Kihei (at 61 S Kihei Road)

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center Farmers Market – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8 am – 4 pm

Upcountry Farmers Market – Saturdays from 7 am – 11 am

Find out more at Maui Farmers Markets .

WATCH THE SUNSET It looks different each night, and it looks different from each vantage point.  Watch the sunset from a different place each evening:  from your hotel or condo, from a sunset-view restaurant, from the corner of Front Street and Papalaua in Lahaina, from S-turns Park in Kahana, from Olowalu (just north of the Olowalu General Store), from Kaanapali Beach, from one of the three Kamaole beach parks in Kihei, from Wailea Beach, from the hills of Kapalua, from the top of Haleakala.

On June 21 (the longest day), the sun rises around 5:50 AM and sets around 7:15 PM.  On December 21 (the shortest day), the sun rises around 7:05 AM and sets around 5:55 PM.  However, depending on where you are watching from, the sun may rise later or set earlier if it is rising or setting behind a mountain or behind Lanai (an island about nine miles away).  In addition, the sun rises earlier and sets later when viewed from the top of Haleakala, the tallest mountain on Maui, two miles up.

HISTORICAL SIGHTS OF LAHAINA Take a self-guided walking tour.  Pick up a free “Maui Historical Walking Guide” booklet in the Lahaina Visitors Center in the old courthouse behind the banyan tree, or view the map here .

TAKE A WALK ON THE BEACH All beaches in Hawaii are free and public. Make sure to park legally.

HIKING See this Maui hiking page for where, when, and how:

WATCH THE SURFERS Watch them riding the big waves in the afternoon, off Hoʻokipa Park on the north shore, two miles past Paia.

WATCH GLASS BLOWING See glass blowing most days at any of several places on Maui described at Maui Glass .

WAIʻANAPANAPA STATE PARK Four miles before Hana.  Includes a black sand beach and some trails to explore. Reservations required .

LOOK AT REAL ESTATE Look for signs announcing “Open House” at condos and homes all over Maui.  Wander in and chat with the real estate agents about condos for sale.  Dream about owning a condo on Maui someday.  (Do NOT attend any Time Share sales presentations.  Do NOT even consider looking at any Time Share property.)

CHEAP THINGS TO DO

MAUI SWAP MEET (50 cents admission) The only bargains on Maui (T-shirts, jewelry, flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, hand-painted shirts and dresses, and an amazing variety of other STUFF) are at the Maui Swap Meet , at Maui College in Kahului, Saturdays, 7 AM – 1 PM  It’s been going on every week since 1981.  Two hundred vendors and thousands of customers (60% locals and 40% tourists) show up here each Saturday morning, so they know this is the place for a good deal.

MAUI NEWS Buy the Maui News newspaper and read about restaurants, movies, entertainment, or even Maui politics.  Check out Maui Times for local information, events, and news.

WATCH A POLO MATCH At Haleakala Ranch.  April through June only.  Visit Maui Polo Club for information.

RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES

But what about when it rains in Maui ?

• Shop at Maui’s largest shopping center, Queen Kaahumanu Center , in Kahului (ask at your hotel for directions) (When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.)
• Lahaina Cannery Mall shopping and sometimes free hula shows
• Tour the insides of hotels in Wailea and Kaanapali
• Numerous art galleries in Lahaina
• Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Mill Museum on Puunene in Kahului
• Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in Upcountry
• Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Kahului
• Leisurely lunch and dinner at any of the restaurants listed in the restaurant section below
• Ask your hotel about the nearest health club or spa for exercise or relaxation.
• Rainy day movies:  rent a video at your hotel or condo desk (or ask them for the location of the nearest video rental store);  go to a movie at the Wharf Center across from Banyan Tree in Lahaina (808-661-8748), Queen Kaahumanu Center (808-877-3369 in Kahului), or Maui’s biggest and most modern theater which is the Maui Mall Megaplex in Kahului.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS

You brought your children along to Maui.  Now, what are you going to do to keep them happy and entertained?

• Maui Ocean Center (aquarium) in Maalaea
• Hike in the park in Iao Valley
• Bumper boats, miniature golf, rock wall climbing, and trampoline, all at Maui Golf and Sports Park
• Snorkel (if they are old enough and well-supervised)
• Baby Beach in Lahaina (if they are too young for the waves at other beaches)
• See a different beach every day
• Free hula show at Lahaina Cannery Mall
• Take them to one of Maui’s best Luaus .
• Dan’s Greenhouse   661-8412 – Upstairs across from the banyan tree on Front Street in Lahaina.  Live birds and other animals and plants for sale.
• Under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina – Younger kids just like running around here.  Older kids like seeing the people as well as the giant tree.
• Hyatt Regency Hotel on Kaanapali Beach   661-1234- See the penguins, parrots, flamingos, and swans.
• Glass blowing at any of several galleries on Maui.
• Maui Swap Meet   Great bargains and lots of choices of fun stuff to buy (in Kahului on Saturday mornings).
• Hilo Hattie    Lahaina 667-7911 – Variety of kids’ clothes and souvenirs.

Dining ideas with the kids (more info in the restaurant section below):

• Make their own pancakes in fun shapes at Slappy Cakes 808-419-6600
• Carryout from Honokowai Okazuya 808-665-0512
• Zippy’s local food in Kahului  808-856-7599
• Round Table Pizza   Kaanapali 808-662-0777   Kihei  808-874-8485
• Maui Tacos (good fast food)  Napili 808-665-0222, Kihei 808-879-5005, Kahului 808-793-3931

DON’T JUST EXPERIENCE HAWAII, HAVE A HAWAIIAN EXPERIENCE

If you would like to make this more than just a vacation, or if you have been to Hawaii before and are looking for something different to make this visit even more special, then don’t just experience Hawaii:  have a Hawaiian experience.  Catch the Aloha Spirit.  Learn about the Hawaiian people, land, and culture.

The Aloha Spirit is the natural kindness and friendliness of the Hawaiian people.  Aloha doesn’t just mean hello and goodbye.  Aloha also and mainly means love.  The people of Hawaii use the word Aloha when others would say hello or goodbye because they are expressing their love for all people.  The people of Hawaii are the warmest and friendly people I have ever met.  They are kind and polite.  They are happy to see you and to help you.  They don’t push in line or act rudely or toot their horn or cut you off in traffic.  They take their time, take it easy, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature.  Return that attitude and behavior toward the people you meet on Maui.  While you are visiting their island, catch the Aloha Spirit.  Learn a little about their ways and their lifestyle.  Take that spirit home with you.  When you are back home, and you are taking the time to be kind to everyone you meet, remember that you learned about this Aloha Spirit during your visit to Hawaii.  In this way, your Hawaiian experience will last the rest of your life.

Before you come to Maui, read a little about the history of this land and people, such as the book “A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands” by Dr. Phil Barnes.  While you are on Maui, learn about the people and about this wonderful land in which they live.  Attend the cultural talk by Clifford Naeʻole at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua.  Pick up the free “Maui Historical Walking Guide” booklet at brochure racks or at the Lahaina Visitor Center behind the Banyan tree, and read it as you walk to each of the historical sites in the old whaling town of Lahaina and elsewhere on the island. Take a guided walking tour of one of Maui’s towns ( Makawao , Paia, Kihei, or Lahaina) from Local Tastes of Maui.  Take the self-guided Kaanapali Beach history tour (Google search for Kaanapali Historical Trails or call 661-3271).  Learn about the ocean environment at the Maui Ocean Center in Maʻalaea.  Use the words aloha (greetings or love) and mahalo (thank you) at least 5 times every day, and try to learn a dozen additional Hawaiian words ( ʻaina = the land, aliʻi = royalty, anuenue = rainbow, hale = house, honu = turtle,  mauka = toward the mountains, makai = toward the ocean, keiki = children, kokua = cooperation, ohana = family, ono = delicious, pau = finished).  When you buy souvenirs, look for things that are made on Maui.  When you go to a restaurant, order a local fish instead of a steak or burger.  At local restaurants and grocery stores, sample more local foods such as guava juice, pog, Maui chips, lomi-lomi salmon, shave ice, Kona coffee, Maui onions, plate lunch, kalua pig, poke, saimin, and maybe even poi.  Try the “Native Hawaiian Diet” dinner (fern salad, steamed fish in lau lau, poi) at the Tiki Terrace at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.  During whale season (winter), stop off at the whale-watching lookout near Maalaea, visit the Pacific Whale Foundation store in the Maalaea shops, and learn about humpback whales.  If you do the things in this paragraph, you’ll come home with a far better understanding of Hawaii than the usual tourist.  Your family will have a wonderful new respect for Hawaii and its people.  But even in this land so different from home, remember that back home is “on the mainland” and not “back in the States.”  

RESTAURANTS:

Restaurant tips.

Many of the top restaurants on Maui serve a type of food called Pacific Rim Cuisine .  This consists of a mixture of Asian, California, and Pacific Island styles of cooking, stressing seafood.  A good choice at many Maui restaurants is “catch of the day.”  This is generally a fish with a Hawaiian name, such as Mahi‑Mahi (dolphin‑fish), Uku (gray snapper), Monchong (pomfret), Opakapaka (pink snapper), Ahi (yellow‑fin tuna), or Ono (wahoo, like mackerel).

When you go to restaurants that you heard about here, you can get the best service by telling them you heard about them on Jon’s Maui Vacations website.  Why?  Because you only go there once, the readers of this website represent many Maui visitors.  The people in these restaurants know that I will hear about the kind of service they give you.  They know that I will only continue to recommend them if they give great service to the people who read about them here.  So tell your waiter or waitress, tell the person who greets you at the restaurant, tell the person who answers the phone when you call to make your reservation, tell the manager or chef at the restaurant if you see him/her, tell them all!  Tell them you heard about them on Jon’s Maui Vacations website.

Many of Maui’s best restaurants in all price ranges are described in more detail, with menu lists and photos of the food, on the Maui Restaurants page.

There are about 350 restaurants on Maui, and I have tried to find the most wonderful of them for you.  (It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.)  It is a good idea to make reservations a couple of days ahead, especially if you are on Maui during the busiest times of the year (around holidays or school breaks) or if you want to eat supper at the busiest times (7‑8 P.M.).  Don’t think a restaurant isn’t good just because it’s in a hotel or shopping center.

Restaurants and other businesses on Maui are opening, closing, and changing every day.  I only live there part-time, and unfortunately cannot try every one of these restaurants every year.  About 100 restaurants on Maui open, close, or change ownership per year.  Therefore, some of the restaurants and other businesses listed on these pages may be gone or may have changed by the time you get to Maui.  Call before you go.

You can save money on your Maui restaurant expenses with the following suggestions:

• Share an entrée (many restaurants have generous portions, enough for two people).
• Have an appetizer as your entrée.
• Cut your entrée in half as soon as you get it, then eat only half of it and take the other half back to the condo to have for dinner the next evening.
• Eat out for lunch instead of dinner.
• Some restaurants have “early bird specials.”  Call ahead to ask how much you can save by eating dinner early.
• Carry out dinner from the Honokowai Okazuya & Deli (808-665-0512) on the west side or from Paia Fish Market (808-874-8888) on the south side.  The fish entrees here are as good as at many of Maui’s top restaurants for about half the price.
• If you are staying at a resort hotel that has its own restaurant, ask when you make your hotel reservation whether they have a package that includes free breakfasts.

Here are my favorite Maui restaurants and my opinion of the best ten in each price range:

THE VERY BEST RESTAURANTS ON MAUI

I only have space in this “Printable Guide” to describe my ten favorite restaurants in each of the three price ranges (expensive, moderate, inexpensive).  But on the rest of this Maui Vacations website, there are more complete reviews and menu lists, and food photos of over 210 Maui restaurants in all price ranges, including more details of the ones listed here and many others.

EXPENSIVE (Fine-Dining) RESTAURANTS:

ROY’S KAANAPALI     808-669-6999      Kaanapali At the entrance to Kaanapali, in the golf course clubhouse.  In my opinion, the tastiest food on Maui.  For great service, ask for the manager, Matty, and tell him Jon and Rosie sent you.  Pacific Rim Cuisine.  Great chocolate souffle for dessert.

NICK’S FISHMARKET   808-879-7224     Wailea In the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea.  Excellent service:  the best of any restaurant on Maui.  Excellent food (great seafood, with some chicken and beef available as well).  Even the salad course (their own Maui Wowie salad) made me say, “Wow!”  Beautiful open-air room.  Very expensive.

HULA GRILL   808-667-6636    Kaanapali Beach In Whalers Village shopping center.  Good view of the ocean and sunset.  Excellent dinners, including fish and meats, in the main dining area (not the casual area on the sand floor).  Very good lunch (salads, pizza, sandwiches).

HALIIMAILE GENERAL STORE   808-572-2666      Haliimaile Creative preparations of delicious seafood and meats.  In the upcountry area, a one-hour drive from Kaanapali or 45 minutes from Wailea, but worth the trip.  Open for both lunch (11 – 2:30) and dinner (5 – 8:30) Tuesday – Saturday.

LAHAINA GRILL   808-667-5117       Lahaina The food is innovative Pacific Rim cuisine, and the service is excellent.  A couple of examples of their unusual and beautiful preparations:  Reconstructed California Roll (appetizer stack of crab, avocado, and rice);  Maui Martini (a salad, not a drink, in a martini glass).   It’s in the center of Lahaina, just off Front Street, on Lahainaluna Road.  Very expensive.

MORIMOTO MAUI   808-243-4766    Wailea Terrific sushi and a long list of other great food that integrates Japanese and Western ingredients.

GANNON’S     808-875-8080       Wailea At Gold and Emerald golf courses in Wailea.  Great food, beautifully presented, beautiful views.

MERRIMAN’S KAPALUA     808-669-6400 Spectacular oceanfront setting on one end of Kapalua Bay.  The food is excellent and beautiful.

The above are my ten favorite fine-dining (expensive) restaurants on Maui.  But there are many more that are also excellent.  Reviews, menu lists, and food photos for the above, plus all the rest of the best Maui fine-dining restaurants .

MODERATE PRICED RESTAURANTS:

(Note:  These are “moderate” only relative to the even more expensive restaurants in the above section.  Compared to back home, these are expensive.)

CAFÉ O’LEI     891-1368  Kihei   and   500-0553  Waikapu Upstairs in the Rainbow Mall at 2439 South Kihei Road or at the Maui Tropical Plantation in its Mill House location.  Lunch and dinner.  Good variety of seafood, meat, flatbreads, sushi, and more in a beautiful atmosphere.

THREE’S    879-3133     Kihei In Kihei Kalama Villages at 1945 South Kihei Road.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night. Excellent food at moderate prices.

CASANOVA   572-0220        Makawao In Makawao (Upcountry). Large servings of delicious pasta, pizza, and Italian entrees.  Much lower prices than the restaurants in the resort areas.

LEILANI’S 661‑4495      Kaanapali Beach In the Whalers Village Shopping Center, on the beach.  Good seafood and steaks in the main dining area (dinner only) upstairs.  Limited less expensive menu in the more casual bar area (lunch and dinner) downstairs, including my favorite fish tacos.

SANSEI   669-6286       Kapalua    &     808-868-0780     Kihei On Office Road near the Ritz Carlton Hotel.  Excellent sushi and similar foods.  Try their two “Taste of Lahaina Award Winners”  Mango Crab Salad Handroll with Peanuts and Thai Vinaigrette or  Asian Rock Shrimp Cake with Crusty Chinese Noodles & Ginger-Lime Chili Butter & Cilantro Pesto.  Call to ask if they still have their 25% off everything special price for all food ordered between 5:30 and 6:00 PM.  (If you go for that Early Bird pricing at 5:30, avoid Sundays and Mondays, when they are extremely crowded with Maui residents getting an even bigger discount.)

KIMO’S 661-4811       Lahaina    On the ocean in Lahaina.  Good for lunch or dinner.  Several fish choices are prepared in several different ways for dinner.  Save room for their famous Hula Pie (a large ice cream dessert specialty).  One of the few places that stay open late in Lahaina, often with late-night happy hour and music.

MULLIGAN’S ON THE BLUE 874-1131    Wailea Irish icon on a golf course.  Live entertainment many evenings.

TAVERNA     667-2426    Kapalua In the Kapalua Activity Center near the Ritz. Italian.  Dinner only.

The above are my ten favorite moderate-priced restaurants on Maui.  But there are many more that are also excellent.  Links to reviews, menu lists, and food photos for the above plus all the rest of the best moderately priced Maui restaurants .

INEXPENSIVE RESTAURANTS:

PENNE PASTA CAFÉ    661-6633       Lahaina Small restaurant on Dickenson Street, a couple of blocks back from Front Street, in Lahaina.  Lunch and dinner every day.  Good variety of pasta, interesting pizzas, plus some salads and sandwiches.

CAFÉ DES AMIS      579-6323    Paia At 42 Baldwin Avenue in Paia.  Small restaurant with large plates of super-tasty Mediterranean and Indian food.  From 11 am to 830 pm, they have crepes, curry wraps, breakfast crepes, salads, Indian curries, and sweet crepes.

GAZEBO   669-5621       Napili Breakfast and lunch in a little open-air gazebo, on the ocean, behind the Napili Shores condos in Napili.  While you’re waiting in line to get in, walk down a couple of steps toward the ocean behind the restaurant, and take a look at the beautiful view of Napili Bay and the beach to the right.

HONOKOWAI OKAZUYA & DELI   665-0512       Honokowai At 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Road, in a small strip shopping center a couple of miles north of Kaanapali.  Excellent take-out food.  Their most expensive fish entrees here are just as good as the much more expensive fish dinners in the most expensive restaurants listed above, even though this place has less atmosphere than McDonald’s.

DA KITCHEN   446-3486  Kihei Delicious giant plate lunches with kalua pork or chicken, or beef.  Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, in the Kihei Center near Long’s Drugs.

PITA PARADISE   879-7177   Wailea Uphill from the Shops at Wailea, in the Wailea Gateway Center.  Excellent Mediterranean cuisine in a modern setting.

THAI CHEF   667-2814  Lahaina Located in the Old Lahaina Shopping Center behind Front Street.  Very tasty, with over 80 menu choices, including 19 vegetarian dishes.  Same menu for lunch & dinner.

ULULANI’S HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE     808-877-3700  6 Locations on Maui Not really a restaurant, but I’m fitting it in here beside my ten favorite low-priced restaurants above. A must-try on Maui.

The above are my ten favorite inexpensive restaurants on Maui (plus my favorite shave ice).  But there are many more that are also excellent.  Reviews, menu lists, and food photos for the above plus all the rest of the best inexpensive Maui restaurants .

PLACES FOR GOOD PIZZA

• Prison Street Pizza  in Lahaina
• Manoli’s Pizza Company  in Wailea
• Round Table Pizza    Fairway shops in Kaanapali,  and 207 Piikea in Kihei
• Lahaina Pizza Company in Lahaina
• Pizza Paradiso   Honokowai Marketplace in Honokowai

SUNDAY BRUNCH  

(On the seventh day, the chef created brunch):

TIKI TERRACE at KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL    667-0124        Kaanapali Beach A huge variety of very good food.  Cold foods include 22 kinds of salads, salmon, sushi, fruit, soup, bagels, rolls.  Hot foods include carved beef and ham, kalua pork, chicken, mahi (fish), crepes, potatoes, rice, chow mein, waffles, and omelet station.  Desserts include 20 kinds of pies, cakes, petit fours, and more.  No ocean view, but choose to eat at the outdoor tables so you can see and hear the live music.

DAILY BUFFET BREAKFASTS

For a good buffet breakfast or brunch any and every day (not just Sunday), go to any and all of the following.  (Try a different one every day.  Call ahead to be sure they still have a buffet every day.)

SWAN COURT RESTAURANT IN THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL    661‑1234       Kaanapali Beach Daily buffet breakfast, including many hot and cold breakfast items.  Beautiful view of swans and waterfalls in pond.  Great artwork in the lobbies. www.mauihawaii.org/restaurants/swan-court

SHERATON HOTEL     661-0031     Kaanapali Beach Excellent sweet rolls on the cold buffet, eggs, and breakfast meats on the hot buffet.

DUO at the FOUR SEASONS     874-8000     Wailea

RITZ CARLTON KAPALUA   669-6200

GRAND WAILEA ‑ Grand Dining Room    875‑1234

RESTAURANTS WITH GOOD SUNSET VIEWS:

• Merriman’s  669-6400     Kapalua
• Plantation House  669-6299       Kapalua
• Hula Grill  667-6636       Kaanapali Beach
• Pacific O  667-4341       Lahaina
• Mala   667-9394     Lahaina
• Honu   667-9390     Lahaina
• Humu at the Grand Wailea Hotel 875-1234      Wailea
• Gannon’s   698-0555       Wailea
• Seahouse at NapiliKai Beach Club  669-1500       Napili
• Castaway Café  661-9091       Kaanapali Beach
• Lahaina Fish Company   661-3472       Lahaina
• Kimo’s  661-4811       Lahaina

I’m usually back in my condo by 9:00 P.M., but people younger than me who stay out later have told me that you can have a great time drinking, dancing, and meeting the Maui residents, after that time.  Places they have told me are worth checking out:

• Three’s Bar & Grill in Kihei
• Da Playground in Maalaea
• Captain Jacks in Lahaina
• Down the Hatch in Lahaina
• Kimo’s in Lahaina
• Dollie’s in Kahana

For more details and longer lists of live entertainment on Maui, check out the MauiTimes or buy the Thursday issue of the Maui News, which contains a special entertainment section called “Maui Scene.”

ADDITIONAL MAUI INFORMATION:

Suggested books to buy at home before you go:

Driving and Discovering Hawaii:  Maui and Molokai by Richard Sullivan (Montgomery Ewing Publishers) has beautiful photos and good maps, to help you drive around to all the best sights on Maui.

For information about the other Hawaiian islands, as well as Maui, I suggest Eyewitness Travel Guide Hawaii (published by DK) for loads of info & maps and color pictures throughout the Hawaiian islands.

NOTE:  This Maui Guide contains only a fraction of the information available on the website.  See that complete website for many more pages of facts and reviews, and photos of many more Maui hotels, condos, restaurants, sights, and activities.  For the most up-to-date information about Maui, subscribe to our free email Maui Newsletter by using the “Maui Newsletter” section at the bottom of any page of the Maui website at www.mauihawaii.org.

If you are planning on getting married on Maui, you can get the information you will need from these sources:

• My own Maui Weddings page.
• Free information booklet and directory from Maui Wedding Planners:  Maui Visitors Bureau   1-808-244-3530.
• A free directory of wedding planners from Maui Wedding Network

SOME QUOTES ABOUT MAUI

Maui is where people are sent when heaven is overbooked.

Here today, gone to Maui. You go your way. I’ll go Maui. The sun’ll come out to Maui. Happily Mauied The more the Mauier. Eat, drink, and be Maui.

Lahaina Luna – Kui Lee

I am going to the island of the valley, To Lahaina, Lahaina Luna. Where the mountains are green, you will find me. In Lahaina, Lahaina Luna. They say that “Maui no ka oi” And I agree. Maui no ka oi‑‑‑ It’s the only place for me. That’s why you’ll find me Down by the seaside, Watching the moonlight, The twinkling starlight, The golden sunrise, The evening sunset, In Lahaina, Lahaina Luna.

I’m Going To Maui Tomorrow – Bill Dana

I’m going to Maui tomorrow To marry Tamara Malone. Nothing could be finer Than to live in Lahaina And make Tamara my own. I am going to the island of the valley To live a life of delight. I’m going to Maui To marry Tamara tomorrow Unless I get lucky tonight.

–  “The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean” (Mark Twain, 1866)

–  “I’d rather live one day in Maui than a month in New York.”    (Charles Lindbergh)

MAUI NO KA OI    (Maui is the best) The unofficial motto of Maui, “Maui no ka oi,” was made up by Rev. Samuel Kapu in 1897 when he wrote words to the song “Maui Chimes.”

My feelings about Hawaii mirror those of Mark Twain , who wrote in 1889: –  “No alien land in all the world has any deep, strong charm for me, but that one, no other land could so longingly and so beseechingly haunt me, sleeping and waking, through half a lifetime, as that one has done. –  “Other things leave me, but it abides; other things change, but it remains the same.  For me, the balmy airs are always blowing, its summer seas flashing in the sun; the pulsing of its surf beat is in my ear; I can see its garlanded crags, its leaping cascades, its plumy palms drowsing by the shore, its remote summits floating like islands above the cloud wrack;  I can feel the spirit of its wildland solitudes, I can hear the splash of its brooks; in my nostrils still lives the breath of flowers that perished twenty years ago.”

ISLANDS WE HAVE VISITED

(In order of our preference)

Valley Isle.  Built up enough with hotels and towns with plenty to do, but not crowded with immediately adjacent hotels and solidly packed tourists on the beach like Waikiki.  728 square miles, with a population of 167,000, and had 2.9 million visitors in 2022.

More statistics on Maui visitors from the Annual Visitor Research Report for 2021 from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism:

• 44% of Maui visitors came only to Maui, while 56% also visited other Hawaiian islands.
• 29.4% were first-time visitors to Maui, and 70.6% were repeat visitors.
• 49% stayed in hotels, 18% in condos, 9% in timeshares, 11% with friends or relatives, and 13% stayed in other accommodations like B&Bs, hostels, camping, etc.
• The busiest month in 2021 was July, with around 76,000 visitors on an average day, followed by June, December, and August.  The least busy month was September, with 46,000 visitors on an average day.  Typically October and May are slower months as well.  The December average visitor count of 70,500 can be misleading because there are very few visitors in early December, averaged with extremely high visitors during Christmas week (by far the busiest week of the year).
• 69% of U.S. visitors to Maui come from the U.S. West area and 31% from the East.

Most populated and built-up island.  Waikiki Beach area (a suburb of Honolulu) has several big hotels on each block and a crowded beach.  Lots of good restaurants and shows and stores.  Oahu had 995,638 residents and saw 4,864,701 visitors in 2022.

Polynesian Culture Center.  Pearl Harbor.  Ala Moana Shopping Center.  Aloha Tower.

Waikiki Beach (on Oahu) has over 100 hotels and condos but is the same size as Kaanapali Beach (on Maui), which has 13 hotels and condos.

You can usually get a magnificent view of Waikiki from your plane if you request to sit on the right side (seat F or K, whichever is by a window) when coming into Honolulu Airport and on the left side (seat A) when taking off from Honolulu.

Fern Grotto.  Beaches, canyons, cliffs, and great sights to see.  No real cities but very small towns and large open spaces.  Choose a hotel in Lihue or Poipu areas. Kauai had 73,298 residents and saw 1,345,265 visitors in 2022.

“The Big Island” ‑ the largest Hawaiian island by far.  Two huge dormant volcanic mountains, one of which has snow on top almost all year round.  Some still active volcanic areas.  Black sand beach in one area.  Big ranches.  The cities of Kona are on the west (sunny) side of the island, and Hilo is on the east (rainy) side. The Big Island had 200,629 residents and saw 1,674,208 visitors in 2022.

Formerly covered with pineapple plantations.  141 square miles, 3,102 inhabitants. Had 67,364 visitors in 2022.  Two luxury hotels opened in 1991 (total of 363 rooms):  Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay Hotel.  Expensive hotels, expensive excellent restaurants in the hotels.

Very few condos and hotels and no luxury resorts.  Nothing to do and no great restaurants, but some interesting sights to see.  Old leper colony.   260 square miles, 7400 residents.  Had 43,420 visitors in 2022.

New island.  Haven’t really been there yet.  Eighteen miles southeast of the Big Island of Hawaii and 3,000 feet below sea level is a new island being formed by an erupting underwater volcano.  In only 50,000 years, this new island will rise above the surface.  Better make your reservations soon.

OTHER ISLANDS

Although Hawaii is best known for its eight main islands (Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai, Hawaii, Kahoolawe, and Niihau), the state actually includes 132 islands, reefs, and shoals that stretch 1,523 miles from Kure Atoll to underwater seamounts off the southeast coast of the Big Island.

There are 20-40‑minute Hawaii island hopping flights on full‑size jets from each of the four major islands to each other every hour or so.  Hawaiian Airlines flies Boeing 717s between the four major islands.   To the minor islands (Molokai, Lanai, and others), you have to take a much smaller plane or a boat.

A LITTLE GEOLOGY

The earth’s tectonic plates, moving westward slowly (3 inches per year) over a “hot spot” of lava deep in the ocean, plus millions of years of erosion, account for the fact that the islands on the eastern end of the Hawaiian chain are the largest (newest), while those toward the western end are very tiny (old and eroded).  The largest island in Hawaii, on the eastern end of the chain, formed about 300,000 years ago and still enlarging as fresh lava pours into the ocean.  The second-largest island is Maui.  The newer (eastern) half of Maui is the larger side, called Haleakala Volcano, which formed about 750,000 years ago, and last erupted in 1790.  The older (western) half of Maui is the smaller side, the West Maui Mountains, which formed 1,300,000 years ago.  The next islands, as you move westward along the chain, are smaller because they have had more years to erode.  In parentheses is the approximate age of each of these islands in millions of years:  Kahoʻolawe (1.03), Lanaʻi (1.3), Molokai (1.5), Oahu (3), Kauaʻi (4).  Farther west are over a hundred much smaller and older islands, many of them eroded down to sea level or below.

                       ALOHA!

Copyright © 1998-present  Jon Blum.  All rights reserved.

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Maui Best Things to See

Maui top sights guide (45+ attractions).

The island of Maui has some of the most diverse scenery and attractions in the world. It's also home to the most scenic road in all of Hawaii- the Hana Highway .

This world-famous road is packed full of stops as you make your way to Hana town. Beyond Hana, there is the gorgeous Oheo Gulch (also known as the 7 Sacred Pools). Upcountry, Haleakala awaits you as one of the largest dormant volcanoes in the world.  In West Maui, there is the mysterious Iao Valley nestled among the rugged West Maui Mountains.

A tour around Maui can take you from the chilly summit of Haleakala at 10,023 ft. to the warm tropical waters of Molokini island off the South Shore of Maui. Our list below covers all the best Maui sights, including all attractions categorized by region, to help you navigate the island geographically.

— article continued below —

This entry includes resources for Maui's Top Things to See, including tips, advice, rankings, maps, and more.

• The 10 Best Things to See on Maui  - ranked based on several important visitor criteria
• Discover  all of the Maui's Sights , categorized by region
• Explore our hand-picked  Maui Sightseeing Tours

Experience the Incredible Road to Hana with an Audio Tour from Shaka Guide

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Tour Highlights:

• Stunning Waterfalls: Discover the island's most beautiful waterfalls, including the majestic Wailua Falls and the enchanting Twin Falls. Each stop is accompanied by fascinating stories and legends, bringing the landscape to life.
• Lush Rainforests: Drive through lush rainforests and witness Maui's incredible biodiversity. Shaka Guide will guide you to the best viewpoints and hiking spots, ensuring you don't miss any natural beauty.
• Pristine Beaches: Relax on Maui's secluded beaches, such as Hamoa Beach and the striking black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. Each beach offers unique experiences, from sunbathing to exploring sea caves.
• Historic Sites: Learn about the rich history and culture of the Hawaiian people as you visit ancient Hawaiian temples (heiaus) and historic towns. Their narration provides deep insights into the island's past and cultural significance.
• Local Flavors: Enjoy recommendations for the best local food stops along the way, from fresh tropical fruits to mouthwatering Hawaiian cuisine. Savor the authentic flavors of Maui as you journey through this tropical paradise.

Best Top 10 Maui Things to See

The numbered sights listed below are our absolute favorites on the island of Maui. When ranking sights & things to see for visitors, we consider several variables - accessibility, scenery quality, location history, costs (if admission required), type of path (if walking/hiking is necessary), and general safety. Here are our top picks for Maui.

Haleakala Pu'u Ulaula 'Summit Hill'

Upcountry & haleakala region, #10 rated in sights to see on maui.

Technically, this attraction is part of Haleakala National Park (coming up on our list), but we simply had to include it here too.

A trip to Haleakala, Maui's highest peak at 10,023 feet, is most definitely a bucket list adventure. So if you are fortunate enough to make this journey up into the clouds, make sure to go as far skyward as possible to Puu Ulaula Summit- the highest point on Haleakala. 

Climb the steps to the shelter or take the more gradual ramp from the far end of the parking lot. If you look to the southeast you will probably see the high summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes on the Big Island, each over 13,000 feet in elevation, poking their summits through the clouds.

Haleakala Puu Ulaula Summit Hill

Kama'ole Beach Park

Kihei & wailea region, #9 rated in sights to see on maui.

Frequently called by their shortened nicknames (“Kam I,” “Kam II,” and “Kam III”), all three beaches encompass white sand and blue waters. A series of jagged rock formations separates these sandy areas. The first two beaches (known as Kamaole 1 and Kamaole 2) are the largest and are considered some of the best beaches in Maui for swimming.

The third (Kamaole 3) is the smallest and features water most compatible with bodyboarding. While that may not be suitable for the little ones, the third beach boasts a large grassy park perfect for a picnic.

As one of the best snorkeling locations in Kihei, you’ll likely see the best marine life by the rocky coves.

Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III

Waianapanapa State Park

Hana Highway Region

#8 rated in sights to see on maui.

Wai'anapanapa (Why-Ah-naa-paa-naa-paa) features sculpted lava rocks, a black sand beach , wind twisted foliage, a sea arch, lava caves, and tubes, and even a blowhole in the lava rocks near the shoreline.

Technically, this attraction is along the Road to Hana (coming up on our list), but we've included Waianapanapa here because of its uniqueness.

The area around the park is also fascinating to hike through. There are a few wet caves and lava tubes with fresh water running through them. More hiking is available to the southeast, where you could technically hike all the way to Hana town along the  Waianapanapa Coastal Trail .

• La Perouse Bay

Kihei & Wailea (South) Region

#7 rated in sights to see on maui.

Haleakala's last display can be seen on Maui's southeast shore at La Perouse Bay. Scientists estimate that in 1790 Haleakala erupted to form the jagged lava rock coastline. Now there is a monument and ruins of Hawaiian natives who made their home on the sharp a'a lava rock.

La Perouse is the end of the road, literally, in south Maui. It is located at mile marker 7 at the very end of Makena Alanui Road. 

At La Perouse Bay, visitors can walk through the lava and explore the sea estuaries. This is a favorite place for dolphins and local fishermen. 

#6 Rated in Sights to See on Maui

Technically this stop, like a few others, is also on the Hana Highway (which is later on this list). But, in our opinion, it's too good not to include on its own. Just beyond mile marker 45 on the Hana Highway after it turns into Highway 31 you'll reach one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawai'i, Wailua Falls.

Wailua Falls gracefully cascades 80 feet through a lush setting in the surrounding vegetation just feet from the road. There is a short path to the base of the falls, but it can be tricky so use caution.

The water flow varies but is usually pretty at any rate throughout the year. 

Waimoku Falls

#5 Rated in Sights to See on Maui

You'll have to do a bit of hiking to see this beauty, but it's an adventure well worth taking. Waimoku Falls is found at the end of the  Pipiwai Trail , above the Oheo Gulch Pools (coming up on our list) on the  Road to Hana (also coming up on our list).

The hike to Waimoku Falls passes the 185-foot Makahiku Falls  (which is also beautiful) at about half a mile into the trail. The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is one of the best hikes on Maui. It is four miles round-trip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do.

The final destination is the fantastic Waimoku Falls. This gigantic waterfall drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool; this is one of the tallest falls on Maui.

Iao Valley & Needle

Central maui region, #4 rated in sights to see on maui.

Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor.

The name 'Iao is pronounced, "EE-ow." The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants. Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history. In 1790 King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army here in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. 

As of May 1, 2023, a  new reservation system is now being implemented  to reduce congestion and diffuse parking and crowding issues.

Iao Valley State Park

Oheo Gulch at Kipahulu

#3 rated in sights to see on maui.

The Oheo Gulch, technically part of Haleakala National Park (which is up next on our list), is located about 15 minutes past Hana town, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Hwy. 31.

We've split this attraction off from Haleakala National Park because of its geographic location and separation from the Summit portion of the park; what visitors typically think of when they hear 'Haleakala NP.' The Oheo Gulch side, also known as the Kipahulu Area, and can be accessed via Hwy. 360, the Hana Highway or Road to Hana.

The Oheo Gulch region is home to lush green landscapes, waterfalls, pools, and more - it's well worth a visit.

Oheo Gulch Kipahulu

Haleakala National Park

#2 Rated in Sights to See on Maui

To say Haleakala National Park is impressive would do it a great injustice. Spanning a huge swath of land across Maui’s southeastern region, Haleakala is home to the highest peak on Maui, at 10,023 feet. If that weren’t enough, it also holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance- a mere 38 miles!

And not only is it one of the most popular sights in Hawaii, but it’s also home to five distinctly different climate zones, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, stunning views, otherworldly landscapes, and flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world.

Hana Highway - 'Road to Hana'

#1 rated in sights to see on maui.

The scenic Road to Hana on Maui is the undisputed top attraction on the island. When it comes to driving the Hana Highway on Maui,  it's the journey, not the destination , that is the main attraction.

There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Alaskan coastline.

Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, a multitude of trails, and beautiful gardens and you've discovered the highway to heaven itself.

Road to Hana

All Top 45+ Maui Sights & Attractions

Categorized by region.

Need Help? Check out our Maui Regions Guide →

West Maui Sights

• Whalers Village Museum
• Nakalele Point and Blowhole
• Dragon's Teeth
• Waihee Ridge Trail - Excellent, top-rated hike!
• Makamaka'ole Falls

West Maui Sights Guide

Hana Highway Sights

• Road to Hana -  #1 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Oheo Gulch at Kipahulu -  #3 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Keanae Peninsula
• Waimoku Falls -  #5 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Garden of Eden Botanical Arboretum
• Wailua Falls -  #6 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Waikamoi Forest Ridge Trail
• Waianapanapa State Park -  #8 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Kaumahina State Wayside Park
• Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park
• Honomanu Bay Lookout
• Wailua Valley Wayside Park
• Hana Highway Lookouts
• Ke'anae Arboretum

Hana Highway Sights Guide

Upcountry & Haleakala Sights

• Haleakala National Park -  #2 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Kula Botanical Gardens
• Haleakala National Park Summit Area - Guide/Overview for the summit of Haleakala NP.
• Enchanting Floral Gardens
• Kalahaku Overlook - Popular Overlook in Haleakala NP!
• Leleiwi Overlook - Scenic Overlook in Haleakala NP!
• Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park
• Haleakala Puu Ulaula Summit Hill -  #10 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Polipoli Springs State Recreational Area

Upcountry Maui & Haleakala Sights Guide

Kaanapali Sights

• Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a

Kaanapali Sights Guide

Kihei & Wailea Sights

• Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III  -  #9 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Molokini Island
• 'Ahihi Kina'u Natural Area Reserve

Kihei & Wailea Sights Guide

Central Maui Sights

• Iao Valley State Park -  #4 Best in Sights  on Maui
• Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
• Kahului Airport (OGG)

Central Maui Sights Guide

Maui Sightseeing Tours

Taking a tour on Maui means taking a tour of heaven itself. Lace up your boots and hike some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii. Sit back and relax and tour the Road to Hana in style. Dive into pristine waters and snorkel and explore an underwater paradise. Or hop from island to island and see everything from volcanoes to Pearl Harbor in one glorious day. No matter what you’re up for, the Valley Isle will surely impress you.

Check out our handpicked Maui Tours and book your adventure today.

Recommended Maui Tours

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