Hawaii offers an abundance of attractions, making it one of the best things to do in Maui, including the most exceptional diving and whale excursions in the entire archipelago, as well as the black and red sand beaches in Hāna and the volcanic alpine crater atop Haleakalā. Additionally, the island boasts scenic drives and towering waterfalls.
Nevertheless, Maui is an enormous island! In contrast to Oʻahu or Kauaʻi, where I would suggest staying at your leisure and returning to the same location at the end of the day, I advise against this on Maui. If you intend to explore locations such as the renowned Hāna Highway, it is somewhat impractical to reserve only one lodging. This is due to a variety of factors.
The initial reason is to ensure that you can travel at a leisurely pace and avoid the stress of a lengthy, winding drive back in the dark. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Maui is home to a significant number of deer. On Maui, the deer population is in the tens of thousands, and driving at night should not be taken lightly.
Nevertheless, Maui is an island that is both immensely diverse and beautiful, surpassing the majority of Hawaiʻi. This is why I strongly encourage visitors to explore the entire island, as there is truly something for every type of traveler to appreciate on the Valley Isle.
Why am I Recommending these Maui Tours?
The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is one of my favourite features of scheduling through Viator. You have the option to book ahead and rescind in the future if you change your mind, as long as you are booking more than three days in advance.
Furthermore, I have incorporated these tours for two distinct purposes. Initially, it may not be your preference to explore some of the local destinations that I have listed below, even if they are among the best things to do in Maui. However, it is more essential to note that certain experiences are inaccessible without a tour reservation.
That being said, the tour options that I have provided below are an excellent method of obtaining a “more guaranteed experience,” which is undoubtedly more child-friendly and safer than some of my recommendations.
15 Best Things to Do on Maui – Best Time to visit Maui
The following list is not arranged in any particular order of best or worst; however, it is more significant that I discuss what not to do at the end, best time to visit maui such as how to prevent your vehicle from being broken into. Please refrain from skipping the conclusion.
On a separate note, it is important to be aware that Haleakalā National Park charges an entrance fee. However, you can save time upon your arrival by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor supplies, at REI prior to your arrival.
1. Waiheʻe Ridge Trail
⭐Distance: 4.4 miles / 7.1 km
The Waiheʻe Ridge Trail is one of the most beautiful day hikes on Maui!
However, the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail is also one of the most popular trails on Maui. By carefully planning your visit, you can experience the trail with significantly fewer crowds. For more information, please refer to the separate post linked below.
2. Haleakalā Bike Tour
The Haleakalā National Park sunrise bicycle tour is unquestionably one of the most exceptional activities on Maui, and I assert this for a variety of reasons.
Initially, a number of operators on Maui have a relationship with the National Park that enables them to circumvent the highly competitive advanced reservation system in order to drive up Haleakalā for sunrise. This implies that you will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds without any inconvenience by scheduling a bike tour at sunrise on Haleakalā.
Second, one of the most enjoyable activities in Haleakalā National Park is to drive the Haleakalā Highway to the summit. That being said, there is truly nothing quite like the thrill of a downhill bike journey from the frigid alpine summit of Haleakalā to upcountry Maui on the winding switchbacks of this breathtaking scenic drive!
3. Makamakaʻole Falls Trail (13 Crossings)
⭐Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
’13 Crossings,’ also known as Makamakaʻole Falls, is a hike that is particularly popular among local Maui residents.
This implies that the trail ascending the Makamakaʻole Stream is not a managed trail. Consequently, I advise that only experienced trekkers embark on the Makamakaʻole Falls Trail, as it is a brief 2-mile (3.2 km) trail.
4. Colleen’s at the Cannery
Colleen’s at the Cannery is a top-tier local breakfast establishment in the upcountry region of Maui.
I have consistently found the menu to be exceptional and sufficient for a single individual. However, Colleen’s is open until late, making it an excellent choice for dining at any time of day.
5. Drive the Road to Hāna (Hāna Highway)
The Hāna Highway, also known as the Road to Hāna, is an iconic 51-mile (82.1 km) winding road that runs along the North Shore of Maui. It commences in central Maui and concludes in the tiny town of Hāna in East Maui.
That being said, the Road to Hāna is primarily about creating one’s own adventure, and there are simply too many activities to encompass in a few sentences along the stunning drive.
With this in mind, the Hāna Highway is replete with secrets—secrets that Maui residents would despise if I were to attempt to explain. Consequently, Google Maps should serve as the starting point and conclusion of your journey along the Road to Hāna. Plan 3-5 adventures along the journey, and most importantly, spend the night in Hāna. Identify what appears to be enjoyable. It is certain that the finest activities along the highway and the numerous activities available once you have arrived in Hāna would be missed if you were to repeat this drive twice in a single day.
6. Hāna Inn (Joe’s Place)
In the Road to Hāna section above, I have indicated that I strongly advise spending the night in Hāna to take advantage of the numerous activities available both along the highway and upon arrival, including the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, Waiʻānapanapa, and Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach.
Nevertheless, it is self-evident that Hāna is an extremely expensive destination for overnight stays. However, if you are seeking a slightly more reasonably priced lodging option, I highly recommend the Hāna Inn, which was previously known as Joe’s Place.
7. Hāna Ranch Restaurant
As I have repeatedly stated, Hāna is a small and tranquil hamlet in East Maui. This is evident in the limited number of dining options and the hours during which they are open.
Given this, the Hāna Ranch Restaurant is inarguably the most exceptional dining establishment in the area, and their picturesque outdoor dining area is one of my preferred locations to savour a delectable meal when I am in town.
8. Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach (Mākena)
Mākena State Park offers a variety of stunning beaches; however, the Oneʻuli Black Sand Beach is my personal favourite of the three.
Oneʻuli is a charming, diminutive stretch of black sand that is typically less congested than the other primary beaches in Mākena State Park. Additionally, unlike the other two beaches, Oneʻuli is free to visit for out-of-state residents, whereas the other two beaches require a parking fee.
9. Molokai Sea Cliffs Helicopter Tour (Maui)
When contemplating Maui helicopter excursions, divide them into two categories.
First, there are helicopter tours that exclusively concentrate on Maui, which encompasses the Haleakalā Crater, the Hāna Rainforest, and the West Maui Mountains. Secondly, and perhaps this is the category that is overlooked, there are helicopter tours that depart from Maui to circumnavigate the Molokai sea cliffs, which are the tallest sea cliffs in the world. In truth, all helicopter tours that fly along the Molokai sea cliffs depart from Maui, rendering it a Maui-exclusive adventure.
In conclusion, I can attest to the unparalleled quality of a helicopter tour along the remote cliffs, valleys, and waterfalls of the North Shore of Molokai, as I have personally experienced the ruggedness and sheer majesty of the Molokai sea cliffs.
10. Haleakalā Summit (Sunrise & Sunset)
It is without a doubt one of the most exceptional activities to engage in on Maui: observing the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā, also known as the “House of the Sun.”
Nevertheless, in order to access Haleakalā before sunrise, it is necessary to make a reservation in advance, as parking at the summit is extremely restricted.
Nevertheless, if you are unable to secure an advanced reservation, I strongly advise either booking the Haleakalā Bike Tour or visiting the summit for sunset, as advanced reservations are not necessary.
In conclusion, the majority of visitors to Maui overlook the fact that Haleakalā is situated at an elevation of +10,000 ft. (3,048 m). Additionally, the fact that the majority of visitors arrive during the harshest hours of the day means that they are often unprepared for the subzero winter temperatures at the summit, particularly when the wind is present.
Consequently, I recommend that you consult the summit forecast prior to your visit and be aware that Haleakalā may experience snowfall, if this indicates anything about the weather.
11. Waikamoi Falls (Haipuaʻena)
Waikamoi Falls, also known as Haipuaʻena Falls, is a stunning, towering waterfall that is situated directly off the Road to Hāna, just past the Waikamoi Ridge Trail, when travelling east towards Keʻanae.
A small trail ascends and circumnavigates the lower Haipuaʻena Falls from the hairpin turn over the Waikamoi Stream. This trail will eventually connect with Waikamoi Falls, which is situated a short distance away.
12. Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Waiʻānapanapa State Park, situated just outside of Hāna, is one of the most exceptional locations in East Maui for beachcombing, camping, and relaxation.
However, the Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks decided to implement an advanced reservation system as a result of the park’s overflow. This implies that you are now obligated to make a reservation in advance to visit Waiʻānapanapa, which you can learn more about below.
13. Road to Hāna Tour
I understand the difficulty of attempting to plan a trip along the Hāna Highway, as there is an abundance of sights and activities to experience. This is from my personal experience of driving it on numerous occasions. The advanced reservation system at Waiʻānapanapa State Park can make it difficult to fit everything in, which can be particularly distressing.
That being said, I strongly advise booking one of the excursions listed below if you are seeking a stress-free method of exploring the Road to Hāna and Waiʻānapanapa without a prior reservation. The local guides from central Maui are the most knowledgeable about the renowned drive to Hāna, and they handle the advanced reservation so that you don’t have to.
14. West Lāhainā Pali Trail
⭐Distance: 4.6 miles / 7.4 km
The West Lāhainā Pali Trail is frequently disregarded by visitors; however, I believe that the Lāhainā Pali Trail, which commences at Ukumehame, is one of the most exceptional sunset treks on Maui.
Additionally, I particularly enjoy the West Lāhainā Pali Trail during the winter season, as it is one of the most exceptional locations to observe Humpback whales from the shore.
15. Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour
The most ideal location to reserve a snorkelling tour in all of Hawaiʻi is Molokini Crater, which is situated between Maui and Kahoʻolawe. The island is exclusively accessible by boat on one of these tours, and the pristine, stunning waters that encircle it are truly unparalleled.
In conclusion, the most optimal and exclusive boat tour that I suggest booking during the summer is snorkelling at the Molokini Crater, as humpback whale excursions are exclusively available during the winter.
What NOT to Do When Visiting Hawaiʻi!
**Don’t ever leave bags or anything valuable visible in your car.
Treat Maui as you would any other city, and you will be successful. This is due to the fact that smash-and-grab incidents do occur in Hawaiʻi, particularly with regard to vehicles that are clearly rentals.
It is regrettable that the parking lots of some of my preferred beaches and trailheads are littered with glass, as many individuals fail to comprehend this issue.
**Do your best to avoid looking like a tourist.
I understand that this is a challenging topic, but please bear with me. I am suggesting a number of local activities in this blog that may lead you to areas of the island where you do not wish to be conspicuous. This is in line with my first point in this section, which is that tourists are simple and vulnerable targets for petty theft and crime.
Therefore, what is the most effective method for avoiding the appearance of a tourist? Ensure that your rental vehicle does not resemble a rental car. Do not overload your rental with suitcases, beach items, and towels that you recently acquired from the ABC store. Furthermore, remove any rental car stickers or insignia from the vehicle’s exterior. I have observed rentals that have labels displayed over the door seals to indicate that they have undergone an enhanced cleaning process.
I am primarily attempting to generate ideas that occur to me when I am able to clearly identify a visitor.
**Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
In Hawaiʻi, it is a common occurrence for valuables, such as phones, wallets, keys, cameras, and passports, to be stolen by walking away from one’s possessions on the shore.
To guarantee the security of your possessions, it is necessary for at least one individual to remain behind at all times if all members of your group wish to go swimming.
**Do NOT approach or harass Hawaiʻi’s native wildlife.
In Hawaiʻi, common sense is a valuable asset; however, visitors to the islands have been and will continue to face legal repercussions for their reckless disregard for the rights and wrongs of the wildlife, including the endemic and endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, Sea Turtles, and Nesting Shorebirds, as well as the destruction of native plants.
This is to say that you are welcome to pause, take photographs, and appreciate the fauna you see, but please do so from a safe distance. Sea Turtles and Monk Seals should be maintained at a minimum distance of 10 ft. (3 m) and 50 ft. (15.2 m) from each other, according to NOAA and Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Native Hawaiian Plants on Maui
The diversity of native plants in Hawaiʻi is extraordinary! I am stating the following for two reasons: 90% of the native flora that you will encounter in the vicinity of the islands are globally unique.
The initial request is that you make every effort to reduce the impact of your activities on our trails, as a significant number of our native flora are in danger of extinction. The second is that I have composed a distinct post that exclusively discusses native Hawaiian plants, in the event that you have a personal interest in the subject or are inquisitive about a particular species you have discovered. I composed it in order to assist individuals in the vicinity of Hawaiʻi, ID, with any enquiries they may have.
For instance, the species depicted in the accompanying photograph is exclusively located on the island of Maui and is not found anywhere else on Earth.
Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals on Maui
Since Maui is such a big island and driving from place to place can take a long time, many of the best places to stay are located on all different sides of the island.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
In my experience, the weather in Hawaiʻi can often appear to be warm and beautiful throughout the year. However, there are countless other nuanced variables that can all impact the type of trip you can expect to have. You must consider the island you are considering, the sides of each island you plan to stay on, the activities you are most interested in, the wildlife, and countless other factors when planning when to visit the islands.
For these reasons, Highly recommend that you read my distinct article to gain insight into my opinions on the optimal time of year to visit Hawaiʻi, as well as the factors you should take into account based on the time of year you plan to visit.
Safety
There is no need to compare all hikes in Hawaiʻi to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise caution on every expedition, as many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is renowned for its hot, humid weather, precipitous, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Consequently, it is crucial to verify the local forecast, assess the physical condition of your entire group, and ensure that you have packed an adequate amount of food and water prior to embarking on any expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the must-see places and top activities in Maui?
Highlights include Haleakala National Park, Road to Hana, snorkeling Molokini Crater, attending a traditional luau, whale watching (in winter), and exploring ‘Iao Valley and Lahaina Banyan Tree.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Maui?
The whale watching season is from November to March when humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters.
What are some unique natural attractions in Maui?
Visit the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa, La Perouse Bay lava fields, Nakalele Blow Hole, and Waimoku Falls for unique landscapes and natural beauty.
Are there any cultural experiences recommended in Maui?
Yes, attending a luau provides an immersive experience into Polynesian culture with traditional food, music, and dance.
What outdoor activities can visitors do in Maui?
Popular options include hiking (e.g., Pipiwai Trail), ziplining, waterfall rappelling, snorkeling with sea turtles, and scenic bike tours.
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