Things to do on Maui
Overview
Maui is one of the most popular Hawaiian Islands with a huge variety of things to do and see. It is a lush, diverse island known as the Valley Isle. Maui is the second most densely populated island but far less than Oahu. It is a good mix of fewer crowds with a good variety of things to do. Maui has some of the best beaches in Hawaii.
Maui is composed of two main mountains. To the East is Haleakala, a dormant volcano cone rising over 10,000 feet. To the West are the smaller West Maui Mountains. There is a valley between them with the city of Kahului at the north side of the valley. Kahului includes the main airport and is the largest city in Maui. Kahului is also the starting point to journey to Hana or Haleakala. Traversing the valley to the south you reach Maalaea Harbor where many of the boat tours depart. From here, going northwest along the coast takes you to Lahaina and Kaanapali. Heading the other direction to the southwest takes you to Kihei and Wailea.
Rental cars are a popular way to see the island although you can see the most favored spots by scheduling tours. Many of the roads on Maui are 2 lanes only and can sometimes back up with traffic. Maui has a laid back atmosphere and is not known for it’s nightlife. Cruise ships dock in Kahului harbor or tendered into Lahaina before the fire.
Most state parks in Hawaii require reservations for non-residents. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. Visit https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov for information, reservations and to pay entrance and/or parking fees.
Kahului/Wailuku
Kahului is the main city with the airport offering flights to/from the mainland or other islands. The harbor where cruise ships dock is also in Kahului. It does not have a lot of tourist spots or beaches but it has lots of eating and shopping places. Kahului is close to Iao Needle which is a popular scenic/hiking destination. Wailuku is adjacent to Kahului and is a little older town where many locals live.
Lahaina/Kaanapali/Kapalua
Lahaina and Kaanapali are at the southwest end of the island and cater to tourists.
Lahaina was a historic whaling town that catered to tourists with shops, art galleries and restaurants. Unfortunately, most of Lahaina was destroyed in the 2023 wildfire. Most of the preserved historic spots were destroyed and Maui’s oldest living banyan tree was burnt but hopefully can recover. During the winter it is a popular spot for whale watching tours. Cruise ships used to stop and tender passengers to shore but they may dock in Kahului instead. Whalers Village is a little up the coast from Lahaina town with additional shopping and restaurants. Whalers Village was not damaged by the fire.
A few miles down the road from Lahaina is Kaanapali. Kaanapali has some of the best snorkeling spots on Maui with the clearest water you will find in Hawaii. There are great choices of hotels and resorts along the coast here. Kaanapali was once the site of sugar plantations and had a short railroad tour that may reopen. Past Kaanapali is the picturesque Kapalua Bay with great snorkeling and a scenic hiking trail. Both Kaanapali and Kapalua feature some of the best golf courses in the world.
Kihei/Wailea/Makena
These towns are located on the south shore of Maui. Kihei is the easternmost town and has a large number of lower cost condo/timeshares along the beachfront. Most of these operate more like a hotel with a check-in desk and housekeeping. The beaches here are not the best swimming beaches on Maui but are close to Wailea/Makena which have great sandy beaches. The town of Kihei has a good shopping area (not just tourist) and lots of less expensive dining options. Kihei is a shorter and easier drive to Kahului than Lahaina/Kaanapali. West of Kihei is Wailea and Makena. Wailea has some of the most luxurious resorts on Maui. Wailea and the adjacent Makena area have some of the most beautiful and expansive sandy beaches on Maui. The water is suitable for swimming but a little rougher than Kaanapali.
Beaches
Maui has some of the best beaches in all of Hawaii. The best swimming beaches tend to be on the south and west shores with the clearest water on west beaches. Note that Hawaii has a ban on sunscreens harmful to the reefs, containing oxybenzone and octinoxate which are in most popular sunscreens. These are not available for purchase in Hawaii and are technically illegal to use. You can look online for approved reef safe sunscreens or purchase them in Hawaii.
South Maui
Makena Beach State Park just down the road from Kihei and Wailea has two large sandy beaches called “Big Beach” and “Little Beach”. These beautiful beaches are the most photographed in Hawaii and do not have the crowds of Oahu beaches. The waves and currents in the area can be a little strong so weaker swimmers should be cautious. There are 3 small public lots with a daily parking fee. Warning; Clothing has traditionally been optional at Little Beach and there are a few people who continue the tradition.
Wailea Beach nestled between the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons resorts is a public beach with access from free but limited public parking.
Kamaole Beaches I, II, and III are beach parks in Kihei with sandy beaches, picnic areas, ample parking and park facilities that make them a great place to relax and have a picnic. They are not the best beaches for swimming or snorkeling.
West Maui
Kaanapali Beach is a long stretch of beach in front of the many resorts with amazingly clear water and a white sand beach with great snorkeling. Black Rock, near the northern end of the beach, is famous as one of the best snorkeling spots from shore on Maui. It does get a bit crowded so it’s best to go early to beat the crowds. All hotels are required to have public parking but it is very limited. A good choice is to go a little past Kaanapali to Kahekili Beach Park. There is a reasonably sized public parking and is a little over a mile walk to Black Rock. The trail weaves through some resorts and it is shorter to walk along the beach until you get to the Sheraton Hotel. The entire shore between Kahekili and Black Rock is also a great place to swim or snorkel.
Kapalua Bay Beach is just north of Kapalua Beach and offers a protected cove and sandy beach with the same clear water as Kaanapali. It is also known as one of the best snorkeling spots. The Kapalua Coastal trail offers a great hike (1.8 miles) with a bird sanctuary and view of cliff divers. It has a small parking lot so get there early to park. Adjacent to Kapalua Bay is Napili Bay that is smaller and not quite as protected where you are likely to see sea turtles.
North Maui
Ho’okipa Beach Park is the where you will be able to watch world class windsurfing. The combination of strong wind and waves make this the spot where the top windsurfers and kite surfers in the world can be found. It is also a popular surfing spot. This bay is an easy drive east of Kahului and is at the start of the Road To Hana.
Baldwin Beach between Kahului and Ho’okipa Beach is the best sandy beach on the north side of the island. The waves are a popular spot for experienced boogie boarders, especially during the winter.
East Maui
The Honokalani black sand beach is around Mile marker 32 on the Road To Hana. It is part of the Waianapanapa State Park & Beach and is a must stop if doing the trip to Hana, just remember to make a reservation before going.
Hamoa Beach is located just south of Hana town and is the safest and most beautiful beach in the area. You need to park on the access road above the beach and walk down the steps to access it.
Things To Do
Haleakala Volcano
Haleakala Volcano is a National Park and one of the larger volcanoes in Hawaii at over 10,000 ft in height. It is about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive to the summit from Kahului on a winding road. There are spectacular views (weather permitting) of the island and sunrise. Near the summit, experience stark volcanic landscapes and rare Silversword plants. There is a fee to enter the park and reservations are required for sunrise viewings.
Viewing the spectacular sunrise from above the clouds is a unique experience. Driving yourself requires a reservation or there are tours you can sign up for. Be prepared for the cold due to the high altitude that can be below freezing during the winter. Riding specially equipped bicycles from the summit to the base is another popular thing to do. The tours will drive you to the top, provide appropriate attire, and guide you down the mountain. There are hiking trails through the volcanic fields can be tiring due to the altitude.
Road To Hana
A very popular activity is driving the “Road to Hana”. It is all about the scenic journey and not necessarily the destination. You pass through lush rainforests, panoramic ocean views and numerous waterfalls. The road is a narrow, very winding road with many one lane bridges. It is about 50 miles from Kahului to Hana but the drive is slow with lots of traffic and you will want to make multiple stops on the journey. Expect to take a full day for the round trip journey. Parking is very limited at the popular spots and it is a tiring drive. A good option is to take a tour and let someone else deal with the driving and parking. It is possible to continue past Hana and circle Haleakala but the roads are very rough, dangerous and not recommended for the faint of heart. Most rental companies prohibit taking this route.
There are many beautiful waterfalls and pools on the journey. Some of the more popular ones are Twin Falls, Upper Waikani (Three Bears) Falls, Wailua Falls, Hanawi Falls and the Pools of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Scared Pools). There are state parks with restroom facilities at Kaumahina Park and Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park. Some beaches to visit are Wai’anapanapa State Park (black sand) and Hamoa Beach. Detailed descriptions of sites on the “Road To Hana” can be found online.
Snorkeling and Diving
Maui has some of the best snorkeling and diving spots you will find in Hawaii. Honolua Bay which is past Kaanapali and Kapalua is a marine sanctuary with spectacular snorkeling and diving although there is no sandy beach. The entire stretch of beach from Kaanapali to Kahekili beach park offers great snorkeling with crystal clear water. A popular spot along this stretch is Black Rock near the Sheraton Hotel. Kapalua Bay is also offers amazing snorkeling with easy access. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent at multiple shops in Kihei and at the resorts.
Molokini crater and Turtle Town have some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world but are only accessible by boat. Molokini is a caldera open to the sea on one side. Visibility there is often over 100 feet and there is an abundance of marine life. Most Molokini tours take off from Malaea harbor. Tours to Molokini often include a stop at Turtle Town where there is an abundance of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles along with many tropical fish. There is another spot called Turtle Town accessible from shore off Maluaka Beach in Makena that is a little difficult to find but a good spot to view turtles.
Iao Needle
Iao Needle is a peak within the Iao Needle State Monument with hiking trails and a botanical garden that is a popular spot to visit. Advanced reservations are required for out of state visitors and there is a small fee.
Golf
With great weather, some of the best courses in the world, and amazing scenery, Maui is a golfer’s paradise. A few of the courses host professional tournaments including PGA events. Several of the resorts feature multiple courses. Some of the highest rated include The Plantation and Bay Courses at Kapalua Bay, King Kamehameha Golf Club, Wailea Golf Club; Gold, Emerald and Blue Courses, Kaanapali Kai Course, Dunes at Mauna Lani Golf Course, and Royal Kaanapali Golf Course. Serious golfers may take their own clubs but you can also rent them for a day.
Whale watching
During the winter months humpback whales migrate from Alaska to winter in Hawaii and Maui is the best island to view them. They can be seen from shore on the stretch from Maalaea Harbor to Lahaina but the best way to see them is by boat. Most whale watching tours depart from Lahaina. Whales can be found from November through May but the peak season is January through March.
Luaus
Visitors to Hawaii should experience a luau at least once and Maui is a great place to do that. Luaus provide a taste of traditional Hawaiian foods with lots of entertainment including Polynesian dancing and hula accompanied by Hawaiian music. Most luaus also provide a history of Hawaii. Some of the more popular Luaus are the Old Lahaina Luau, Feast at Mokapu, Feast at Lele, Drums of the Pacific and Te Au Moana (Marriott Wailea).
The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the oldest and most traditional Luaus that is very family friendly. No fire dancing as that is a Samoan, not Hawaiian tradition. The luau site was damaged by the fire but they are hoping to reopen within a few months.
The Feast at Mokapu at the Wailea Resort is rated as the most luxurious. It is smaller than some of the others with a great setting and world class food.
Another upscale luau is the Feast at Lele in Lahaina. A 5 course sit down dinner is a journey through different Polynesian cultures with matching entertainment. The site was damaged by the fire and there is no word yet on when they will reopen.
Drums of the Pacific in Kaanapali is known for its more theatrical performances with great fire dancing.
Te Au Moana at the Marriott Wailea includes pre-show activities and weaves a story of Hawaiian folklore and other Polynesian cultures.
This is just a sample of some of the more popular luaus but there are quite a few more excellent options to explore. The food and entertainment do not come cheap and expect to pay between $200 to $300 per adult.
Hawaiian Plate Lunch
Hawaii is known for the “Hawaiian Plate Lunch”. These typically include large portions of food served with rice and macaroni salad. Popular dishes are chicken katsu (breaded and fried chicken filet), loco moco (hamburger patty on rice with fried egg and covered with brown gravy) and kalua pig. Some favorite “local’s” restaurants include Da Kitchen (small restaurant in Kihei), Tin Roof (take out only in Kahului), Kalei’s Lunch Box (Kahului), Honokowai Okazuya (Lahaina), Sam Sato’s (in industrial area of Wailuku) and Joey’s Kitchen (Whalers Village).
Shopping
The tourist shops in Lahaina were destroyed but Whalers Village is still open. Kihei has a variety of shops including tourist shops and there are a number of snorkeling/diving equipment rental shops. Shopping centers with restaurants, grocery stores and non-tourist shops can be found in Kahului and Kihei. Longs Drugs is a favorite of locals to pick up a variety of sundries and local food items at reasonable prices.
Shave Ice
You can’t visit Hawaii and not sample authentic “Hawaiian Shave Ice”. It may look like a snow cone but it is unique in it’s fine texture that melts in the mouth. It can be served with ice cream or Azuki beans at the bottom and with a variety of toppings. One of the most well-known shave ice spots is Ululani’s Shave Ice with 4 locations in Kihei, Kahului, Paia, and Maui Lani (near Iao Needle). Another great place is Tobi’s Poke and Shave Ice in Paia at the start of the Road To Hana.
This is just a sampling of the most popular things to do in Maui but there is plenty more. It is easy to fill a full week of vacationing on this one island.
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