After a year of living abroad, we flew to Hawaii from Canada, where we had spent a year. Luky and I set off for Maui – and it was one of the most beautiful trips of our lives. In this guide I will share with you Maui, Hawaii: 20 Best Things to Do and See. Come with us to explore the beautiful green island of Maui and find out what makes an ideal road trip and what to see.
The island amazed us with its incredible diversity, from dramatic volcanic landscapes to lush rainforests and multi-colored beaches – golden and white beaches, but also black, red, and grey sand beaches.
What you might not expect on Maui are chickens in the rainforest or in campsites; in one luxury campsite in Lahaina, we literally slept among them, and it wasn’t pleasant at all. 🤭
Let’s take a look at the places you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Maui.
When to Go to Maui
Maui enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with temperatures between 20-30°C. The ideal time to visit is from April to May or from September to November. During these months, you’ll encounter fewer tourists and find accommodation at more favorable prices.
The winter months from December to March primarily attract visitors for whale watching. It is during this time that humpback whales return to Maui’s shores to raise their young. The summer season from June to August brings stable sunny weather, but also the highest prices and crowds of tourists.
Where to Stay in Maui
For the ultimate island experience, we recommend combining several locations. Start on the west coast around Kaʻanapali or Lahaina, where you’ll find luxurious beachfront resorts, such as The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali.
The Kihei area on the south coast is popular due to its more affordable prices and excellent access to beaches and restaurants. A very nice accommodation option is, for example, Amazing Kihei Kai Nani – Maui Vista One Bedroom Condos.
If you plan to explore the eastern part of the island and the Road to Hana, consider spending a few nights in Hana Town. While accommodation here isn’t cheap, it will save you from a demanding full-day trip. There isn’t much to choose from, so we recommend the Hana-Maui Resort.
10-Day Maui Itinerary
Days 1-3: West Maui (Lahaina/Ka’anapali)
Accommodation in Lahaina, for example at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali.
- Acclimatization, Ka’anapali and Napili beaches
- Snorkeling in Honolua Bay
- Explore historic Lahaina
- Sunset with dinner at the harbor
Days 4-6: South Maui (Kihei/Wailea)
Accommodation in Kihei, for example at Amazing Kihei Kai Nani – Maui Vista One Bedroom Condos.
- Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
- Visit Makena Beach and Wailea Beach
- Trip to Haleakala (one full day)
- Explore Upcountry, including a lavender farm
Days 7-8: East Maui (Hana)
Accommodation at Hana-Maui Resort.
- Road to Hana at a leisurely pace
- Wai’anapanapa State Park
- Pipiwai Trail
- Hamoa Beach
- Red sand beach in Koki
Days 9-10: Return to Kihei
Final days at the original accommodation in Kihei.
- ‘Iao Valley
- Waihe’e Ridge Trail
- Last-minute souvenir shopping for family and friends, and relaxation on the beaches
Where to Rent a Car on Maui and What Kind
It’s worth renting a car on Maui; you’ll be very limited without one. Book it in advance – typically through CarRental (they work perfectly in the USA), especially during peak season. For the Road to Hana, choose a smaller car that’s easier to maneuver on winding roads.
Maui, Hawaii: 20 Best Things to Do and See
Let’s now look at the most beautiful beaches on Maui, the treks, and other amazing places you should see on this Hawaiian island. I’ll also share our favorite excursions that you shouldn’t miss!
1. Haleakalā National Park
The ascent to Haleakala was one of the most intense experiences for us. Despite all the warnings about the cold, we were surprised by the scorching sun. With backpacks full of electronics (which we were afraid to leave in the car in the parking lot) and weighing around 20 kg on our backs, we pushed ourselves to our limits. Sunburned backs with blisters were an unpleasant souvenir, but the panoramic views were definitely worth it.
For beautiful views, you don’t have to go far; you can book a trip through GetYourGuide and be driven above the clouds to an altitude of over 3000 meters for sunset or sunrise. Sunrise over the crater is one of the island’s most popular attractions, but it’s necessary to make a reservation in advance.
2. Road to Hana
The legendary road with 620 curves and 59 bridges offers a full-day adventure. The route passes through waterfalls, black sand beaches, and tropical gardens. Key stops include Twin Falls, Wai’anapanapa State Park with its black sand beach, and the Pipiwai Trail leading to the impressive Waimoku Falls.
3. Waihe’e Ridge Trail
We discovered this hike by chance, and it became one of the highlights of our trip. Unlike the arid Haleakala, lush vegetation and a pleasant microclimate awaited us here.
The hike goes steeply uphill, and the first kilometer is the most challenging if you’re not trained, as we were at the time. However, the reward is panoramic views of the Waihe’e Valley, waterfalls, and the ocean in the distance. I recommend starting early in the morning – not only will you avoid the heat, but also the fog that later rolls into the valley creates a magical atmosphere.
The trail has an elevation gain of about 500 meters and takes 2-4 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. We had a picnic at the top and spent over an hour watching the clouds roll over the ridge.
Practical tips:
- Wear good shoes; the trail is slippery after rain.
- Start early in the morning (parking lot opens at 7:00 AM).
- Be prepared for rain, even if it’s sunny everywhere else.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for a picnic at the top.
- After the hike, you can stop at Kahului Beach to cool off.
After Haleakala, on the Waihe’e Ridge Trail, you’ll truly understand how diverse nature is on Maui.
4. Kā’anapali Beach
This three-kilometer white sand beach is one of the most beautiful on the island. Every evening, a traditional torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony takes place at Black Rock. Snorkeling is also popular in this area, especially around the Black Rock promontory.
5. ‘Īao Valley State Monument
This historically significant valley offers short but impressive trails leading through the rainforest. The dominant feature is ‘Īao Needle, a 365-meter-high rock formation covered in lush vegetation. The site served as a burial ground for the Hawaiian royal family.
6. Maui Ocean Center
The largest aquarium in the western USA is a must-see. You’ll find a giant tank with sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The center also focuses on marine turtle conservation and educating about Hawaiian culture.
7. Waianapanapa State Park
The black sand beach formed by lava is one of the most photogenic spots on the island. The park also offers a system of lava tubes, historic trails, and natural arches. We recommend visiting early in the morning when there are fewer tourists.
8. Lahaina Town
It’s nice to spend several pleasant evenings in the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Lahaina has a unique atmosphere – the main Front Street, lined with restaurants and shops, runs along the coast and offers beautiful sunsets.
We recommend going for dinner at one of the restaurants with live music (Fleetwood’s or Down the Hatch are great), strolling through the historic district, and enjoying a drink at sunset. In winter months, whale watching boats depart from here.
9. Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina
The symbol of the town is a giant banyan tree from 1873, which now covers an area of over 2000 square meters. This 151-year-old tree is not a native Hawaiian species – it was gifted by India to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in Lahaina. On weekends, art markets are held under its branches.
Unfortunately, in August 2023, the town was severely damaged by fire, but the iconic tree survived the blaze and is greening again thanks to the care of arborists and volunteers.
10. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
The crescent-shaped crater provides refuge for over 250 species of fish. It’s worth booking a morning trip when visibility is best and the sea is calmest. Most tour boats depart from Maalaea or Lahaina harbors, and the safest way to book a trip is through GetYourGuide (you can usually cancel if your plans change).
11. Ho’okipa Beach Park
This beach is known not only among surfers but also as a place where you can observe sea turtles. Every afternoon, turtles bask on the beach. Remember (and most importantly, respect) that it is necessary to maintain a safe distance of at least 3 meters from the turtles.
12. Twin Falls
Easily accessible waterfalls at the beginning of the Road to Hana offer a refreshing stop. A short trail leads to several waterfalls where you can even swim. Also visit the local stand with fresh fruit and coconut water.
13. Makena Beach (Big Beach)
One of the largest untouched beaches on Maui offers over a kilometer of golden sand. The waves here can be strong, so be careful when swimming. Beyond the rocky outcrop, you’ll find Little Beach, known as an unofficial nude beach.
14. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
You probably wouldn’t expect a lavender field on Maui, but through GetYourGuide, you can transport yourself to France. The farm in Upcountry Maui grows 45 varieties of lavender. You can stroll through the lavender gardens, taste lavender ice cream, or buy unique lavender products. The farm also offers beautiful views of the island.
15. Upcountry Maui
The area including the towns of Makawao and Pā “ia offers a unique glimpse into rural life on Maui. Makawao is known as a cowboy town, while Pā” ia is a surfer’s paradise with a hippie vibe and great restaurants.
16. Pipiwai Trail
The four-mile trail leads through a bamboo forest to the impressive 120-meter Waimoku Falls, already mentioned. The route is part of Haleakala National Park and is one of the most popular hikes on the island.
17. Wailea Beach
This luxurious beach, lined with five-star resorts, offers calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The coastal Wailea Beach Walk connects five beautiful beaches and offers spectacular sunset views.
18. Honolua Bay
The bay offers some of the best snorkeling conditions on the island, especially during the summer months. In winter, large waves are surfed here. Access to the bay leads through a short rainforest, where chickens are often found.
19. Snorkeling Trip
At the time, we didn’t have much money, but Lukáš loves snorkeling, and since we flew to Hawaii in June, when his birthday is, I gave him a snorkeling trip as a gift. I recommend it to everyone if you want to snorkel among fish that look like they’re from Finding Nemo. As always, I simply booked the trip through GetYourGuide.
20. Whale Watching
This is only possible in winter; unfortunately, we couldn’t go because we visited the island in June. I highly recommend this activity to everyone. In Canada, I had the opportunity to go whale watching from Vancouver Island, and it was amazing. We mainly saw orcas (killer whales in English).
On Maui, you can observe humpback whales from December to March, when they come here to give birth to their calves. A two-hour trip from Lahaina harbor costs around $60 per person. Many people hesitate to spend so much money on a short trip, but from my own experience, I can say that such experiences are worth it. For example, Luky and I invested a significant amount of money in kayaking in Alaska among glaciers, and we still rank it among our most powerful travel moments.
I recommend booking again through GetYourGuide; there’s usually a guarantee – if you don’t see whales, you can go again the next day for free. For the maximum chance of spotting them, I recommend morning cruises, when the sea is usually calmer.
Tip: Book your trip at the beginning of your stay. If the cruise is canceled due to weather or you don’t see whales, you’ll have a chance to go on an alternative date.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need to visit Maui?
At least 5 days, ideally 7-10 days for a comfortable exploration of the island.
Is Maui suitable for families with children?
Yes, it’s an island full of adventure but also safe, making it ideal for the whole family.
When is the best weather for snorkeling?
Summer months (May to September) offer the calmest seas and best visibility.
Is it necessary to book the Haleakala sunrise trip in advance?
Yes, reservations are mandatory and often sell out weeks in advance. You can typically use GetYourGuide.
What is the best month for whale watching?
February and March, when the most humpback whales are observed off the coast of Maui.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
