34 Best Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii: Top Attractions

34 Best Things to Do on Maui

This list isn’t ranked from best to worst. Important advice: watch out for car break-ins, and buy Haleakalā National Park tickets online in advance to save time and money.

1. Waiheʻe Ridge Trail

It is referred to as the Waihee Ridge Trail, which is believed to be one of the most beautiful hikes in Maui. It has a length of 4.4 miles and has spectacular mountain and ocean sights. It is quite a popular thing, so the most appropriate way to enjoy it is to arrive early enough or take tips in order to avoid long queues.

2. Haleakalā Summit (Sunrise & Sunset)

One of the most well-known places to see sunrise or sunset is the Haleakala summit. The reservations are necessary at sunrise as there is limited parking, but with sunset, it is simpler to get there. Dress to keep warm as the summit will be more than 10,000 feet high and may be as low as freezing.

3. Drive the Road to Hāna (Hāna Highway)

The Road to Hana is a scenic 51-mile highway on the Maui North Shore. It has waterfalls, beaches and secret places all in one, a total day outing. In order to savor it, it is important that the travellers take time to visit certain essential spots and stay at Hana rather than hurrying.

4. Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Wai`anapanapa State Park is considered to have a black sand beach, lava formations, and coastal trails. It is necessary to have an advanced reservation, which may be difficult to get. The residents are allowed to enter with ID, whereas all visitors are required to book in advance to ensure a parking spot.

5. Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour

Molokini Crater is a little volcanic island that has clear blue water and abundant marine life. It is commonly referred to as the most favorite snorkeling place in Hawaii. The crater is accessible by boat tours only to reach South Maui, thus a unique summer adventure.

6. ʻĪao Valley State Monument

One of the most well-known natural sites in the West Maui mountains is Iao Valley. It contains the Iao Needle perspective and green scenery. Visitors must now make advanced reservations, but Hawaii residents can still enter without an ID.

7. Mākena Beach(Big Beach)

Mākena Beach is one of the finest beaches in South Maui due to its beautiful sand and water. The region is also good for having a sunset. It should be noted that Little Beach is an informal nude beach, which is in contrast to family-friendly Big Beach.

8. Pīpīwai Trail (Waimoku Falls)

Pīpīwai Trail is a fairly simple walk that gives rise to the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls, the highest waterfall on Maui. Large banyan trees and beautiful bamboo forests are also famous on the trail.

9. Whale Watching Tour (Winter Only)

During the winter, the humpback whales leave Alaska for the warm waters of Hawaii in order to deliver. These whales are best seen at the water with your local tour operator.

10. Ho’okipa Beach

Ho’okipa Beach is popular as a Maui beach where green sea turtles are best observed. Tourists will be allowed to see them resting on the sand or swimming in the water, but not to touch them or go anywhere near them. The wildlife is carefully safeguarded by observing the beach, and hence it is significant to see it with respect.

11. Molokai Sea Cliffs Helicopter Tour (Maui)

Maui helicopter tours have two major options: to fly around Maui or to Moloka‘i. The Molokai route is unique in that it displays the highest sea cliffs in the world. Considering that every Moloka‘i tour is based in Maui, it is a journey that one can only find here.

12. Pāʻia Fish Market

Paia Fish Market is known to be adored for fresh fish, huge portions, and delicious preparation. The first store was in Paia town, although it has expanded its locations in Maui and Oahu today. The first place is still popular with many since it includes the quaintness of the small North Shore town.

13. Waikamoi Falls (Haipuaʻena)

One of the most beautiful places to be seen on the Road to Hana is Waikamoi Falls, which is also known as Haipua’ena Falls. Off a short path close to the stream, hikers come to the waterfall. Tourists are advised to exercise a lot of caution since streams bordering the highway may flash flood despite the absence of rain in the area.

14. Haleakalā Bike Tour

One of the things that is unique to do in Maui is a Haleakala bike tour during sunrise. There is no need to make reservations before taking visitors to the summit with tour operators. The entire ride is downhill in nature, beginning at the elevated, chilly top and passing through a picturesque mountain highway.

15. Road to Hāna Tour

Taking the Road to Hana yourself may be a stressful event, particularly when making reservations and having to contend with congested stops. The guided tour helps in making the journey a lot easier, wherein the local guides do everything. In this manner, visitors do not need to worry about planning but can enjoy the scenery.

16. West Lāhainā Pali Trail

West Lahaina Pali Trail is a 4.6-mile walking trail that is commonly not taken by tourists. It has expansive sea vistas, and it is particularly splendid during sunsets. During winter, humpback whales can also be seen along the trail, and thus it is a rewarding hike.

17. Makamakaʻole Falls Trail (13 Crossings)

A 2-mile hike, Makamakaole Falls, also referred to as 13 Crossings, is very brief but difficult. The path follows a gulch containing streams and is potentially dangerous because of flash floods and rockfalls. Due to these circumstances, it is most appropriate for inexperienced hikers of the adventurous kind.

18. Waioka Pond (Venus Pool)

An unknown local swimming and cliff-jumping location. It is between the Hana and Haleakala National Park. Its access road is private, and therefore, visitors should be considerate, silent and dispose of no litter.

19. Upper Waikani Falls

A popular attraction on the Road to Hana is Upper Waikani Falls. However, parking is now a problem, and the visitors must, in most cases, walk down narrow and winding roads to find it. With this obstacle, the falls are still a popular place to sample the stream and scenery.

20. Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill

Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill is a casual rest place in upcountry Maui. Visitors are able to have burgers and beverages and breathe the mountain air. The ranch also has a long history and is conservation-oriented, with native plants interspersed throughout the ranch.

21. Maui Helicopter Tour

Maui helicopter tours specialize in the Hana Rainforest, the Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. Most tourists relate them to the Molokai sea cliffs tours. Although Molokai boasts of the highest cliffs in the world, flying through Maui is also a meme-worthy experience.

22. Polipoli-Redwood Loop Trail

The Polipoli-Redwood Loop Trail is within the Kula Forest Reserve in the Maui upcountry. This 4.9-mile trail brings visitors a combination of native plants and even redwood trees. It is not so popular among tourists, yet it has one of the most picturesque day hikes on the island.

23. Kula Bistro

Kula Bistro is a famous breakfast and brunch place in upcountry Maui. It has plenty of meals that many people like to take before or after a visit to Haleakala Summit. Here, whether it is paninis or fresh local food, the meals are enjoyed at any hour of the day.

24. Colleen’s at the Cannery

Colleen’s at the Cannery is a nearby local favorite of Haiku, right above Paia. It is famous for its good breakfast meals, which are ideal prior to an adventure. The location is also not closed at a very early time, hence makes it a good option to have dinner after visiting Haleakala.

25. ʻĪao Valley Tableland Trail (‘Secret’ Trail)

A secret, difficult walk beyond the main monument is the Iao Valley Tableland Trail. This is a remote experience that is geared towards experienced and fit hikers.

26. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach (Hāna)

It is the only red sand beach in Hawaii. The climb up is not very long, but it is more hazardous than it may seem.

27. Hosmer Grove Trail

It is the trail in which endemic and rare Hawaiian birds are found. There are no other parts of the world where these birds are found. One of the few areas where visitors still stand a chance of seeing them is Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park.

28. Drive the Kahekili Highway

Kahekili Highway is a more difficult highway to operate than the renowned Road to Hana. It is a small, curvy path which extends between central and west Maui. An option that is good to visit as a day trip.

29. Maui Lūʻau

Though a luau is a tourist event, it is an excellent way to have a night out. The south shore of Maui has a number of choices.

30. Hāna Inn (Joe’s Place)

Hana Inn or Joe Place is among the limited choices for spending the night in Hana. An overnight stay in the town enables the tourists to explore more of the town and the surrounding sites. It is a local, easy-going place that makes exploration of East Maui much simpler.

31. Twin & Caveman Falls

One can see two beautiful waterfalls on a privately owned trail at the entry point of the Hana Highway. It is advisable to come early because the place is highly visited.

32. Kūloa Point Trail (ʻOhe’o Gulch)

It is one more scenic hike in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. The trail is a better and alternative adventure to get to see the least-visited district of the park.

33. Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach (Mākena)

Oneuli is the black sand beach within the Makena State Park that is striking. It is also minor and less loud as compared to the other park beaches. The greatest thing is that a visit to Oneuli is free, as compared to the two other beaches that require parking fees.

34. The Maui Butterfly Farm

Maui Butterfly Farm is critical towards the conservation of the two endemic butterfly species in Hawaii. Even though native butterflies do not inhabit lower altitudes, a tour would be an excellent option to facilitate their restoration and conservation education.

What Not to Do When Visiting Hawai’i?

1. Lock Your Car: Do not leave bags and valuables outside a car, particularly a rental. There can be so-called smash-and-grab incidences and, therefore, it is more appropriate to treat a vehicle as in any city.
2. Avoid Afraid of Being a Tourist: Do not stick out. Theft can be a victim of the tourist. It is important not to leave suitcases and beach gear in the car and to think about removing stickers or logos of rental companies.
3. Always Leave Things Behind: Wherever you are on the beach, make sure someone is with your belongings. They usually get stolen, such as phones, wallets, keys, and other items that are left unattended.

Respect Native Wildlife: Do not approach or disturb wildlife of native Hawaiian wildlife, including monk seals or sea turtles. This can result in severe legal action against harassing endangered species or destroying native plants.