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31 of the BEST Things To Do On Maui (2026 Update)

ByJordan Fromholz Updated on

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate linksmeaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Hawai’i Vacation Guide and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. 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. Thereforenarrowing down the list to the best 31 things to do on Maui was challenging.

Pack your bags for Hawaii and come on over to the Valley Isle. The Road to Hanablack sand beacheswaterfall swimssnorkeling with sea turtlesand the best beaches in Hawaii await you. Learning about Hawaiian history and culture is also a mustso 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 Maui’s geographic areas to help with your itinerary planning. We are all about making your Hawaii vacation planning as easy as possible.

Plusmost of these activities are free. We share our favorite tours and activitiesbut this list is mainly free things to do on Maui.

Quick Maui Travel Resources:
Explore more of Maui in our Maui Travel Guide
Pssst… If you’re visiting more islands than Mauimake 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 waterswatch the videos below for more things to do on Maui.

Watch our popular 21 Things to Do Around Maui for more ideas.

For those Maui couples celebrating their honeymoonanniversaryor special occasionsee 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). 

Maui is home to the best luaus in Hawaiilet us show you our favorites!

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

More stops for you to check out before your Road to Hana trip.

Things to Do on Maui by Location

Maui is a large island. At 727 square milesMaui is the second-largest Hawaiian Island after the Big Island. Two volcanoes divide Maui into West and East Mauimaking navigation of the island time-consuming. 

To help you understand where these things to do on Maui are locatedthis list is organized by Maui’s main geographic areas. See the Maui map below for reference. 

things to do on maui map
This list of the best things to do on Maui is organized by area.

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 Mauiyou will find a lot of things to keep you entertained. Here is a collection of our things to do on Maui:

Let’s start with 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 Resortsa line of beachfront hotelsand 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 Lahina rebuildsthere 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 viewparkingand safety items.

nakalele blowhole west Maui thing to do
Nakalele Blowhole viewed from up on the hill.

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 from the dry rocks. People have been swept into the ocean by waves or into the blowhole. 
  • Secondwe don’t recommend driving further down Kahekili Highway as the road gets dangerouswith one lane on a cliff in spotsand local residents prefer their solitude.

Directions: Nakalele Blowhole Poelua BayWailukuHI 96793

Grab some banana bread from the stand in the parking lot and drive back to Honolua Bay or the best beach on Mauiour 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 smallcrescent-shaped bay has excellent snorkelingstand-up paddleboard rentals at the beachand 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 yearsso 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 Lot99 Coconut Grove LnLahainaHI 96761

things to do on maui kapalua bay beach
Kapalua Bay Beach in Northwest Maui.

3. Swim with Sea Turtles at Napili Bay

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

Napili Bay has a largegolden-sand beach (erosion is worseningthough) 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 hourlive musicand 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 F248LahainaHI 96761

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

Click to watch our video of 35 things to do in West Maui!

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 largeshaded parking areashowersand public restrooms. The beach is connected to the Ka’anapali Beach Boardwalk. 

At Kahekili Beachyou 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 DrLahainaHI 96761

things to do on Maui snorkeling airport beach
My wife Erica and I are ready for snorkeling at Kahekili Beach on Maui.

5. Kaanapali Beach

West Maui is known for its beacheshence 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 familiescouplesand adventure seekers. 

Kaanapali Beach has Black Rock Beach on the north endfamous for snorkeling and rock jumping. Both are dangerousso see our Black Rock article for tips. 

Snorkel tours and sunset sail cruises leave directly from Kaanapali Beach. Visit the beachgo shopping at Whalers Villagewalk the boardwalkand 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. We have a full Ka’anapali Guide and Things to Do in Ka’anapali!

Directions: Kaanapali Beach

maui things to do kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach looking toward Black Rocknear the Hyatt.

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

6. Best Luaus on Maui

West Maui has some amazing luaus! They offer authentic experiencesgreat entertainmentand good food. 

Explore our recommended Maui luaus for more ideasplus if a luau is worth visiting!

maui things to do Lahaina
Lahaina Harbor with the old courthouse and the Banyan Tree in the background.

7. Whale Watching from West Maui

If you’re heading to Maui in the winteryou’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 9 recommended whale tours on Maui. Many of the tours have our exclusive HVG coupons.

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8. Day Trip to Lanai

One of the great things about visiting Maui is its proximity to Lanai. After a 75-minute ferry rideyou 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 lunchor hop in a Jeep to get to Shipwreck Beach. Lanai is worth a day trip. Our favorite 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!

Click to watch one of our day-trips to Lanai from Mauifull of things to do on Lanai!

Currentlythe 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.

things to do maui island of lanai shipwreck beach
My son Henry enjoyed the trip to Shipwreck Beach on the island of Lanai.

9. Olowalu Snorkeling

The reef in front of the historic village of Olowalu is home to sea turtlesmonk sealslarge fishand a pristine reef. If you’re looking for a unique place to snorkel on Mauihead to Olowalu. You can walk in from Olowalu Beachbut 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.

Olowalu snorkeling thing to do on maui
A sea turtle enjoying Olowalu reef.

Tip: Maui is working to revitalize the reefs around the island. You can help by wearing sun protective clothingmineral-based sunscreenand 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 MauiSouth Maui. From Kihei to Makenawe have you covered with the best things to do on Maui.

Beachesrestaurantsand surf spots will keep you busy in South Maui. ButSouth Maui is best for being a launching pad to explore Mauilike Central and Upcountry Maui. 

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

If this list is feeling overwhelmingthen let us plan your perfect Hawaii vacation. In our Maui Wayfinder Itinerarychoose from 8 excursion days that have these things to do on Mauiplus many more. Learn more below.

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Get The Maui Itinerary

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The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beachessnorkeling spotsrestaurantsand 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.

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

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Buy the Maui Itinerary

10. South Maui Gardens

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

Visit the Thursday Farmer’s Marketsit by the butterfly gardenor 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.

Watch our Unforgettable Maui Food Experiencesstarting with South Maui Gardens.

Directions: 35 Auhana RdKiheiHI 96753

11. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Visitor Center

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center is an education centerart galleryand 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 that visit Maui every year. 

Directions: 726 S Kihei RdKiheiHI 96753

things to do on Maui: whale visitor center in KiheiSouth Maui

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 RdKiheiHI 96753

13. Kamaole Beach III

Kihei has a 1.5-mile stretch of sandy beach that stretches down the coastdivided into three beach parks. 

Kamaole Beach III is our favorite for snorkelingswimmingswings for our sonand restroom facilities. There is also a large grassy area with shade trees and lifeguards on duty. 

Directions: Kamaole Beach III S Kihei RdKiheiHI 96753

In our experienceKihei can get windy in the afternoonmore than West Mauias the trade winds pick up. We recommend hitting the beach in Kihei in the morning and early afternoon.

maui things to do Kamaole Beach III
Kamaole Beach III has lifeguards on duty.
Click to watch our South Maui things to do article!

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 RdKiheiHI 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 Beachsouth of Wailea.

If Kihei is going to be your home base we have you covered with even more to dowhere to eatand the best vacation rentals in the area. We also have Things to Do in Kihei and our Kihei vs Kaanapali Where to Stay guide.

15. Secret Cove Beach (Makena Cove)

Secret Cove is the place to go for sunsetengagementsand 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 sunsetfamily picturesand whale watching in the winter. Find a reason to go to Makena Cove during your Maui vacation.

Directions: Makena Cove off Makena Road

Maui things to do Makena Cove
Secret Cove Beach is a must for sunset if you’re staying in Wailea.

Things to Do in Central Maui

Central Maui isn’t known for things to do on Mauibut 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 minimumdon’t skip the food trucks!

16. `Iao Valley State Monument

‘Iao Valley State Monument is home to the ‘Iao Needlea 1,200-foot erosional feature in a magnificent valley. Come to walk the 0.6 miles to the observation decksee waterfallsexplore the botanical gardenand 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 StWailukuHI 96793

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

iao valley state monument maui thing to do
The family enjoying a brief hike up to the ‘Iao Valley Monument.

17. Costco Food Truck Park

Many visitors flock to Costco to fill their vacation rental upon arrival in Mauior 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 Mauithe freshest ingredientsand 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 friendlythe picnic tables are in the shadeand you will have a hard time deciding what to eat. Most of the ingredients are sourced from the local farmthe remainder is from the island. 

Directions: Ula’Ula Cafe 1765 Kahekili HwyWailukuHI 96793

Ulu ulu cafe maui places to eatthings to do on Maui

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

Yeswe have a video on Central Maui things to do! This is an ideal itinerary day.

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 celebritiesyogisand local familiesPaia is an old surfing and plantation town on Maui’s North Shore. We enjoy walking the town to check out the storesrestaurantsand 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
  • Paia Bay Coffee Bar
  • Mele Ukulele

Directions: PaiaMaui

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 Beachjust 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 

maui hawaii things to do sea turtles
My wife Erica watching the sea turtles on Kaulahao Beach.

22. Ho’okipa Beach

Famous for sea turtles and windsurfingHo’okipa Beach Park makes for a nice day at the beachor come at sunset to see the sea turtles. After a long day on the Road to Hanathis 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 coastlinesurfers down belowand windsurfers out on the deeper break.

Directions: Hookipa Beach Park 179 Hana HwyPaiaHI 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. 

waterfall swim things to do on maui hawaii
Twin Falls has three waterfall swimming spots during good weather. This is the third and most famousTwin Falls.

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 HwyHaikuHI 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.

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Get The Maui Itinerary

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The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beachessnorkeling spotsrestaurantsand 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.

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

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Buy the Maui Itinerary

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 LahainaMakawao is our place to be. The historic cowboy (paniolo in Hawaiian) town has art galleriescoffee shopsand 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: MakawaoMaui

things to do on Maui Makawao town
Historica Makawao Town is full of shops and restaurants to start your Upountry Maui Day.

25. Haleakalā National Park

Maui erupted out of the sea from two volcanoes over a million years ago. Todayno trip to Maui is complete without seeing the summit of the dormant volcano Haleakala (House of the Sun).

See our Guide to Visiting Haleakala National Park for details.

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 Nenestand on the 10,023-foot summitor 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 choosetry camping in Haleakala National Park and get the best of both worlds.

Save 10% on a Haleakala Sunrise Guided Tour here.

maui things to do haleakala national park
The Hawaii Vacation Guide family at the summit of Haleakala.
We have a full guide to visiting Haleakala right here!

26. Maui Wine Tasting

MauiWine started making wine on the Ulupalakua Ranch in 1974. As the vines were ripeningthey 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 Upcountrywe like to pair MauiWine with the farm-to-table cafe at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. After a long day of exploring Upcountry Mauigrab a burger or sandwich from the ranch store and then head across the street for wine tasting.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Directions: MauiWine 14815 Piilani HwyKulaHI 96790

Things to do on Maui go to MauiWine

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. Butwe can’t help but share some of our favorite stops below. 

You can do the Road to Hana in one day with our tipsstay the night in Hanadrive straight to Hana and then do the stops on the way backor drive the backway to Hana (video). 

The only wrong way to do the Road to Hana is to park illegallyswim on private propertyand not let locals pass. Yesthere 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 videosthis 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 beachtake you for a waterfall swimand stop at the best stops based on the time of year. Save 10% on our recommendedlocal Road to Hana tour guide.

27. Keanae Peninsula

Located on an ancient lava field that was converted to taro fields by ancient HawaiiansKeanae Peninsula is a beautiful stop to stretch your legs. Take in the views of the coastlinewalk the lava fieldand 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 Sundaysso go to Halfway to Hana roadside stand just down the road from Keanae Peninsula.

Directions: Aunty Sandy’s 210 Keanae RdKe‘AnaeHI 96708

Things to do on Maui - Road to Hana waterfall swim
Erica enjoying having this waterfall to herself!

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 videodiving into a waterfall is dangerous. Flash floodschanging water depthsweatherand private property make waterfall swims risky. 

Hencewe usually go to Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park. While swimming here is still riskyespecially during the rainy season in the winterthe water holethe three waterfallsand the park make this a wonderful stop.

Directions: Hana HwyHaikuHI 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 Townthe Wai’anapanapa State Park has a blowholeblack sand beachlava caveshort hiking trailsand camping in tents or cabins. The park is a welcome retreat on the Hana Highway and one of those only in Hawaii-type places.

maui road to hana things to do black sand beach.jpg
Wai’anapanapa State Park on Maui’s Road to Hana.

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. 

maui things to do road to hana pipiwai trail.jpg
Hiking the Pipiwai Trail through the Bamboo Forest on the way to an epic waterfall.

Located 10 miles (35 minutes) past Hanathe park is home to the Pipiwai TrailWaimoku 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 openfeel overwhelmed about what to doand have no idea where to start. 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.
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Get The Maui Itinerary

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The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beachessnorkeling spotsrestaurantsand 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.

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

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Buy the Maui Itinerary

Visiting Maui FAQs

How many days should you spend on Maui?

The average visitor spends 8.1 days on Mauiaccording to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. And that number feels right. While you can spend as few as five days here if you’re island hoppingwe 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 waterfallslush sceneryand the beautiful coastline on this drive. 
  • Whale watching: You can whale watch on any of the Hawaiian islandsbut 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 Mauithis 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 Cratera partially submerged volcanic crater. This is a very popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. These are our favorite tours
Things to Do on Maui the road to hana curve
A few of the curves on the Road to Hana.

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 toddlerwe 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 agefrom baby to teen). Some ideas to get you started include: 

  1. Head to baby beach: have some younger swimmers? This beach is made for you!
  2. Visit Maui Tropical Plantation: see how some of your kids favorite foods are grown and stop inside for some baked goods.
  3. Feed the Alpacas: for a unique tour kids (and parents) lovehead to Maui Alpaca Farm. 
Things to do on Maui - feed alpacas
As you can tellour son Henry had a blast feeding the alpacas!

Things to do on Maui for couples?

While we love spending time on Maui with our kidsit’s also such a romantic place to visit! There is no shortage of things to dowhether you’re on a honeymoonan anniversary tripor 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 farmthen 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 HawaiiHotel Wailea. (If you’re looking for more places to stayvisit our Where to Stay database for reviews!)
  • Sunset cruise: Take to the ocean for a sunset cruise. During our babymoonwe enjoyed this adventure sunset cruise. We had a beautiful sunsetgreat pupusand 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 sailsnorkeling tripor 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. 
Things to Do on Maui - couple's sunset sail
My wife and I are enjoying a sunset sail.

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: 

  1. Hiking: while most of the hiking on Maui isn’t through a lush rainforestthere are still some wonderful trails. Check out ‘Iao Valley State Park for a short walkPipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu Districtor Sliding Sands Trail in Haleakala National Park. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
Things to do on maui food trucks
We love a good food truck park!

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:

  1. Don’t crowd sea turtles or monk seals: Both of these amazing animals are protected marine lifeso it’s illegal to get too close or harass them. Admire them from afar and let them have their space. 
  2. Don’t venture past ‘do not enter’ signs: These signs are there for a reasonbut we often see people disregarding them. The signs are either keeping you off private property or warning you that danger exists beyond the sign. 
  3. Don’t use any old sunscreen: Protecting the coral reef is a high priority in Hawaiiso 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 sunscreenjust wait and buy when you arrive. They only sell sunscreen that is legal to use in Hawaii. 
  4. 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 worrywe also make sure to tell you when reservations are required in our itinerary. 
  5. 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. 
  6. Don’t rush your vacation: Slow downthis isn’t the mainland! I know you are so excited to experience all that Maui has to offerbut make sure you give yourself time to breathe. Slow downwatch the sunset (and the sunrise!)take a walklisten 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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Aloha! I’m Jordanco-founder of The Hawaii Vacation Guidewhere my wife Erica and I share insider tipshonest reviewsand personal stories to help you plan the perfect Hawaiian getaway. After living on both Maui and Oʻahuwe’ve spent years exploring the islands with our family—snorkelinghikingand learning about the ʻāina and Hawaiian culture. Our goal? To make your dream trip easymeaningfuland unforgettable. From honeymooners to families to 50th anniversary tripswe're here to help you! Thanks for joining us on the journey—aloha and happy travels!

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