Maui Hawaii is one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. Whether you are planning your first visit or returning for the tenth time, Maui Hawaii never runs out of ways to surprise you. From volcanic landscapes to hidden waterfalls and world-class beaches, Maui Hawaii offers experiences that stay with you long after you leave. This list covers 20 of the best things to do so you can plan every day with confidence and make the most of your time on the island.
- 1. Watch the Sunrise from the Summit of Maui Hawaii’s Haleakala Volcano
- 2. Drive the Road to Hana Through Maui Hawaii’s Lush Rainforest
- 3. Snorkel at Molokini Crater off the Coast of Maui Hawaii
- 4. Relax on Ka’anapali Beach, One of Maui Hawaii’s Most Famous Shores
- 5. Hike to the Twin Falls Waterfall in Maui Hawaii’s East Side
- 6. Explore the Iao Valley State Monument in Central Maui Hawaii
- 7. Take a Whale Watching Tour off the Waters of Maui Hawaii
- 8. Kayak to Sea Turtles Along the South Shore of Maui Hawaii
- 9. Visit the Lavender Farm in Upcountry Maui Hawaii
- 10. Watch Cliff Divers at Black Rock on Maui Hawaii’s Ka’anapali Shore
- 11. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Maui Hawaii’s Waterfalls and Coastline
- 12. Visit the Maui Ocean Center to Learn About Maui Hawaii Marine Life
- 13. Surf at Ho’okipa Beach, One of Maui Hawaii’s Most Iconic Surf Spots
- 14. Shop and Eat in Paia Town on the North Shore of Maui Hawaii
- 15. Stargazing at the Summit of Maui Hawaii’s Haleakala After Dark
- 16. Take a Sunrise Bike Ride Down Maui Hawaii’s Haleakala Volcano
- 17. Visit Waianapanapa State Park and Its Black Sand Beach in Maui Hawaii
- 18. Attend a Traditional Luau in Maui Hawaii for an Evening of Culture
- 19. Snorkel at Turtle Town Near Makena in Maui Hawaii
- 20. Catch the Sunset at Mallory Square in Maui Hawaii’s Lahaina Town
1. Watch the Sunrise from the Summit of Maui Hawaii’s Haleakala Volcano
Haleakala is one of the most iconic things to do in Maui. Standing at over 10,000 feet above sea level, the summit sits above the clouds and the sunrise from here looks like something out of another world. Colors shift from deep purple to fiery orange within minutes. You need a reservation to enter the park before 7 AM, so book well in advance. Sunrise tours depart from most resort areas around 3 AM and are worth every early morning.
2. Drive the Road to Hana Through Maui Hawaii’s Lush Rainforest
The Road to Hana is a 64-mile coastal highway with over 600 curves and 59 bridges. Each turn reveals a new waterfall, bamboo forest, or black sand beach. Stop at Twin Falls early to beat the crowds. Pull over at Wailua Falls for one of the most photographed views on the island. The drive takes a full day at minimum if you want to enjoy the stops along the way. Most travelers agree this is the single best road trip in all of Maui Hawaii.
3. Snorkel at Molokini Crater off the Coast of Maui Hawaii
Molokini is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater sitting about three miles off the southwest coast of Maui. The water inside the crater is some of the clearest in Hawaii with visibility stretching up to 150 feet on a good day. Over 250 species of fish call this reef home. Morning snorkel tours depart from Maalaea Harbor and typically last about four hours. The calm conditions inside the crater make it accessible even for beginner snorkelers.
4. Relax on Ka’anapali Beach, One of Maui Hawaii’s Most Famous Shores
Ka’anapali Beach stretches three miles along the western coast of Maui and consistently ranks among the best beaches in the United States. The sand is soft and white, the water is calm enough for swimming, and the snorkeling near Black Rock at the northern end is excellent. Sunset here draws a crowd every evening. Cliff divers leap from Black Rock in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony at dusk. Several major resorts line the beach and non-guests are always welcome on the shore.
5. Hike to the Twin Falls Waterfall in Maui Hawaii’s East Side
Twin Falls is the most accessible waterfall hike in Maui and a great first stop on the Road to Hana. The trail starts just past the small farm stand near mile marker 2 and reaches the falls in about 20 minutes. Two separate waterfalls feed into natural pools that are safe to swim in. Go before 9 AM to have the pools nearly to yourself. The path winds through dense tropical vegetation with mango trees and wild ginger lining the trail.
6. Explore the Iao Valley State Monument in Central Maui Hawaii
Iao Valley is one of the most historically significant sites in all of Maui Hawaii. The Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot green rock spire, rises dramatically from the valley floor and is sacred to Native Hawaiians. A short paved path leads to the best viewpoints and takes about 20 minutes to walk. The valley receives over 400 inches of rain per year, which keeps it a vivid, almost unreal green. Entry is free and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
7. Take a Whale Watching Tour off the Waters of Maui Hawaii
From December through April, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Maui Hawaii to breed and give birth. This is one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales on Earth during peak season. Tours depart daily from Lahaina and Maalaea Harbor. A two-hour tour gives you a strong chance of seeing multiple whales breach within feet of the boat. Pacific Whale Foundation runs eco-friendly tours that also provide narration from marine naturalists.
8. Kayak to Sea Turtles Along the South Shore of Maui Hawaii
The south shore of Maui has some of the best kayaking conditions on the island. Calm morning waters make paddling easy, and green sea turtles regularly surface alongside kayakers near Makena and Turtle Town. Guided tours include snorkel gear and stop at reef locations not accessible from shore. Turtles in Hawaii are protected, so you must stay at least 10 feet away, but they often swim close on their own. Morning departures between 7 and 9 AM offer the flattest water.
9. Visit the Lavender Farm in Upcountry Maui Hawaii
Alii Kula Lavender Farm sits at 4,000 feet elevation on the slopes of Haleakala and offers one of the most unexpected experiences in Maui Hawaii. Rows of lavender bloom against sweeping views of the island and ocean below. The farm sells lavender scones, oils, and handmade soaps in the gift shop. Walking tours run on weekends and last about 45 minutes. The cool upcountry air feels like a completely different climate compared to the coast, making it a refreshing afternoon stop.
10. Watch Cliff Divers at Black Rock on Maui Hawaii’s Ka’anapali Shore
Every evening at sunset, a hotel staff member in traditional Hawaiian dress lights torches along Ka’anapali Beach and dives from Black Rock into the ocean below. This ceremony honors a legend in which the spirit of Maui’s King Kahekili leapt from the rock as a final act of courage. It draws a large crowd and is completely free to watch. Snorkeling around Black Rock during the day reveals sea turtles, reef fish, and lava formations. This is a rare mix of cultural experience and natural beauty in one location.
11. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Maui Hawaii’s Waterfalls and Coastline
Seeing Maui Hawaii from the air reveals parts of the island that are completely unreachable by road. The remote waterfalls of the East Maui watershed, the sheer sea cliffs of the north shore, and the black lava fields of Haleakala all look entirely different from above. Most helicopter tours last 45 to 65 minutes and fly over multiple landscapes in a single flight. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Maverick Helicopters both offer doors-off options for photographers. Book morning flights for clearer visibility before clouds build up.
12. Visit the Maui Ocean Center to Learn About Maui Hawaii Marine Life
The Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea is the largest tropical aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It focuses entirely on Hawaiian marine species, from spinner dolphins to hammerhead sharks and manta rays. The glass tunnel walkway lets you watch sharks and rays swim directly overhead. It is a great rainy day option and works well for families. A visit takes about two to three hours. The center also runs a coral restoration program you can learn about during your visit.
13. Surf at Ho’okipa Beach, One of Maui Hawaii’s Most Iconic Surf Spots
Ho’okipa Beach on the north shore of Maui is world-famous among windsurfers and surfers alike. It hosts international competitions and the waves here can reach over 20 feet in winter. Watching from the cliffside overlook above the beach gives you a full view of the action without getting wet. Beginners should head to Launiupoko Beach Park instead, where gentle waves and a flat inside break make learning easier. Ho’okipa also has a large resident green sea turtle population that hauls out on the sand most afternoons.
14. Shop and Eat in Paia Town on the North Shore of Maui Hawaii
Paia is a small surf town on Maui’s north shore that feels entirely different from the resort areas. Independent boutiques sell handmade jewelry, vintage aloha shirts, and local art. Charley’s Restaurant has been a local institution for decades. Mama’s Fish House nearby is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in all of Maui Hawaii, with a reservation list that sometimes stretches months. The town is also the last stop before the Road to Hana, making it a natural place to grab food and fuel for the drive.
15. Stargazing at the Summit of Maui Hawaii’s Haleakala After Dark
Haleakala Summit is one of the best stargazing locations in the Northern Hemisphere. The high altitude and lack of light pollution create conditions that reveal thousands of stars, the Milky Way band, and meteor showers with no equipment needed. The Park Service runs a free ranger-led stargazing program on select evenings. Temperatures at the summit drop to near freezing even in summer, so bring layers. Reservations for the summit road after dark must be made through the park website in advance.
16. Take a Sunrise Bike Ride Down Maui Hawaii’s Haleakala Volcano
After watching the summit sunrise, many visitors join guided bike tours that roll 26 miles down the mountain on paved roads. The descent covers dramatic landscapes as the terrain shifts from volcanic rock to eucalyptus forest to green farmland. Most tours include breakfast at the bottom and hotel pickup. You do not need to be an experienced cyclist since the route is almost entirely downhill. The combination of the sunrise and the bike ride makes for one of the most memorable single days possible in Maui Hawaii.
17. Visit Waianapanapa State Park and Its Black Sand Beach in Maui Hawaii
Waianapanapa is one of the most dramatic beaches in Maui Hawaii and the entire Hawaiian island chain. The beach is made of black volcanic pebbles and sand, flanked by sea arches, lava caves, and blowhole formations. The contrast between the jet-black shore, turquoise water, and green hala trees is unlike anything else in Hawaii. The park requires reservations for both day visits and parking. Swim with caution as currents can be strong, but the coastal trail surrounding the park is safe and spectacular.
18. Attend a Traditional Luau in Maui Hawaii for an Evening of Culture
A luau is one of the most classic experiences in Maui Hawaii and still one of the best. Old Lahaina Luau is considered the most authentic option on the island, with traditional hula performances, fire knife dancing, and a Hawaiian feast cooked in an imu underground oven. Tables are set directly on the beach as the sun sets over the ocean. Book at least three to four weeks in advance since it sells out consistently. The performance includes storytelling about Hawaiian history and the migration of Polynesian peoples.
19. Snorkel at Turtle Town Near Makena in Maui Hawaii
Turtle Town is a collection of reef systems near Makena on the south coast of Maui Hawaii where green sea turtles gather in high numbers to feed and rest on the coral. The turtles are accustomed to snorkelers and often swim within arm’s reach, though touching them is illegal. The reef also holds moray eels, octopus, and dozens of reef fish species. Shore access is possible from Maluaka Beach. Tour boats from Maalaea also stop here as part of longer snorkel trips. Morning visits offer the clearest water.
20. Catch the Sunset at Mallory Square in Maui Hawaii’s Lahaina Town
Lahaina on the west coast of Maui was once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom and remains one of the most vibrant towns on the island. Front Street runs along the waterfront and is lined with galleries, restaurants, and old plantation-era buildings. The banyan tree in the town center is over 150 years old and covers nearly an acre. Sunset from the seawall draws locals and visitors alike every evening. The West Maui Mountains turn deep purple behind the town as the sky shifts from gold to pink.
Maui Hawaii earns its reputation as one of the best islands on Earth. From volcanic summits and rainforest waterfalls to sacred cultural sites and world-class reefs, this island packs more variety into a small space than almost anywhere else on the planet. Save this guide before your trip and share it with anyone who needs help planning their Maui Hawaii adventure.
