Maui is a heaven on Earth. A true paradise. There are so many incredible places in Maui, that you could spend weeks exploring and still not see everything you wanted to.
Maui, known as the “Valley Isle”, offers a diverse range of experiences, from breathtaking beaches and dramatic cliffs to lush rainforests and charming towns. The landscapes will be so diverse that you won’t believe you’re on the same island.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking to explore hidden waterfalls, a beach lover searching for the perfect stretch of sand, or a traveler wanting to immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture, Maui has it all.
After a decade of living on Maui, I wanted to write a post and take you through some of the best places to see in Maui, ensuring you make the most of your time on this stunning Hawaiian island and leave you with unforgettable memories.
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Incredible Places in Maui Quick List
Below I have listed the best places to visit in Maui to visit for easy viewing. If you would like more information about a specific place in Maui, click on the blue links below for more details. If not, keep scrolling for more details of the most beautiful spots in maui.
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail
- Waimoku Falls
- Red Sand Beach
- Lahaina Banyan Tree
- Black Rock
- Big Beach
- Haleakala Crater
- Iao Valley
- Molokini Crater
- La Perouse Bay
- Road to Hana
- Ho’okipa Beach Park
Why Visit Maui?
Maui offers a plethora of experiences and places that sets it apart from the other Hawaiian islands, making it an exceptional destination for any traveler. It truly has a little bit of everything. Here’s why Maui stands out.
- 🌋 Varied Landscapes: Maui is incredibly diverse in its natural beauty, with everything from golden beaches and volcanic landscapes to lush rainforests and rolling hills. You can experience the best of Hawaii’s scenery in one place, whether it’s watching the sunrise over Halekakalā crater, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater, or hiking to hidden waterfalls along the Road to Hana.
- 🏖️ World-Class Beaches: Maui boasts some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, ranging from sprawling white sands to unique red and black sand beaches. Kaanapali Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, while beaches like Wailea Beach and Kapalua Beach are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
- 🌎 Best of Both Worlds: Maui offers a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Unlike bustling Oahu, it has a more laid-back vibe, but it’s still lively enough to enjoy nightlife, shopping, and dining. At the same time, it has fewer tourists than Oahu, providing a more serene and intimate experience without being as remote as the Big Island or Lanai.
- 🐳 Whale Watching Capital: During the winter months, Maui is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, as thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters. The channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai becomes a playground for these majestic creatures.
Best Places to Visit in Maui
Waianapanapa State Park | The Most Beautiful Place in Maui
Starting off our most beautiful places to visit in Maui list is Wai’anapanapa State Park. The park’s main attraction is Pailoa Beach, a breathtaking black sand beach formed from volcanic activity, offering a stark contrast to Maui’s typical white sand shores.
The vivid black sands, surrounded by lush green foliage and turquoise waters, create a striking and photogenic landscape that feels otherworldly. This is by far one of the most beautiful places in Maui.
Not only is Waianapanapa State Park one of the most popular stops on the road to Hana, but this is one of the best spots on Maui to catch the sunrise, with stunning views of the sun rising over the ocean and illuminating the black sand beach and cliffs.
Waianapanapa also has miles of coastal hiking trails and is home to mystical freshwater caves, known for their fascinating legends and folklore. I promise you won’t regret your decision to visit this state park on Maui.
💡 Travel Tip: As of March 2021 reservations in advance are now required to enter Wai’anapanapa State Park. Book a few weeks prior to visiting. Same day reservations are not permitted. You can reserve your spot here.
Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail
The dreamiest bamboo forest on Maui can be found hiking on the Pipiwai Trail. The Pipiwai Trail is located in East Maui inside the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park about 20 minutes past Hana town.
The popular 4 mile round trip trail takes you past waterfalls and eventually through a majestic bamboo forest. Tall bamboo trees will tower on each side of you as you traverse the raised platform. The cracking and swaying of the bamboo puts your mind in a peaceful state.
This bamboo forest is easily one of my favorite places in Maui. This is the second best part about the Pipiwai Trail as the best part brings me to my next place on the list, Waimoku Falls.
🎋 Read Next: Hiking the Pipiwai Trail
Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls is picture perfect Hawaii. A towering 400 foot waterfall that can only be reached by hiking 2 miles through the rainforest or by helicopter.
The trail is located inside the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park which is a remote area in East Maui. To get here you must drive the road to Hana or the drive the backside to Hana. Start early as this trail is a fan favorite of tourists and locals alike.
🚗 Travel Tip: If you would prefer to follow along to an audio tour I recommend the Shaka Guide! The Shaka guide tours are great for independent explorers who want the freedom to explore on their own terms, but like to learn about the spots they’re visiting.
The tours use GPS to offer turn-by-turn directions and audio narration with stories and music.This will leave you with a deeper understanding and connection to Hawaii.
Red Sand Beach
You can’t get more exotic than a red sand beach and mother Maui has one. Just to get to the beach you have to scale a cliff. If you stay in Hana, the elegant Hana Hotel is next door to this beautiful beach.
Catch sunrise, you won’t regret it. There were lots of sand flies when I was here last so use bug spray and bring something to sit on.
🌺 Hana Travel Guides:
Lahaina is currently off limits to visitors due to the devastating wildfires that swept through the area in August 2023. These unprecedented fires caused significant damage, destroying much of Lahaina’s cherished landmarks, homes, and businesses.
Please respect these areas and support other areas of Maui that have not been affected. This will help the island continue to thrive while Lahaina heals. 💔🔥
Lahaina Banyan Tree
The iconic Banyan Tree spans a whole block in the charming town of Lahaina. In the mornings and on weekends don’t be surprised to see a local artist playing music or artists selling art and jewelry.
This is a perfect place to enjoy a shaved ice and escape the heat. There are plenty of benches underneath the massive tree for you to sit on and take in the views.
Black Rock at Kaanapali Beach
Our next beautiful place to visit in Maui is Black Rock or Pu’u Keka’a, a stunning lava rock formation that juts out into the ocean. Located on the northern end of the famous Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock is known for its clear waters, tropical marine life, and breathtaking sunsets.
Black Rock is a favorite snorkeling spot where you can swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), tropical fish, and even spot rays. The calm, protected waters make suitable for beginners and the pros.
For thrill-seekers, Black Rock offers the opportunity for cliff jumping. The height of the jump ranges from 12 to 20 feet, perfect for all the thrill-seekers out there.
This must go place in Maui also holds cultural importance in Hawaiian history and is considered a sacred place. According to Hawaiian legend, it is a place where souls would leap into the spirit world.
Today, you can experience a bit of Hawaiian culture at the nightly torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony. At sunset, a diver lights torches along the rock and takes a leap into the ocean, honoring the ancient tradition.
🐳 Read Next: 20 Epic Things to do in Kaanapali
Big Beach | A Must See Maui
One of my favorite places in Maui, Big Beach also known as Makena Beach, is one of Maui’s most stunning and expansive beaches, offering over a mile of golden sand, clear waters, and a dramatic, natural setting.
This must see Maui beach can be found on the southern part of the island inside Makena State Park. Big Beach is famous for its pristine beauty, lack of development, and great conditions for sunbathing, swimming, and bodyboarding.
On a calm day this is a perfect beach to snorkel and go for a swim. When surf’s up use caution as the shore break is no joke and I’ve seen many tourists under estimate the wave.
On the north end of the beach you are able to climb up the lava rock for some incredible views of Big Beach below. If you continue to climb down the other side of the lava rock you’ll get to Baby Beach.
⚠️ Warning Baby Beach is a nude beach. If you happen to be here on a Sunday night you can participate in the naked drum circle and face painting.
👙 Read Next: Maui’s Best Beaches
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala is the volcano on Maui and an experience that transports you to another world. As part of Haleakala National Park, this massive volcanic crater, standing over 10,000 feet above sea level, offers stunning panoramic views of the island and beyond.
If you venture up to the summit of Haleakala at 10,023 feet you will be so high that you’re above the clouds. A truly magical moment and one of the most unreal places to visit in Maui.
The summit area feels like a different planet, with its stark lunar-like terrain contrasted against lush valleys below. A popular way to experience being above the clouds is for sunrise or for sunset. Sunrise atop Haleakala requires reservations but going for sunset does not.
Another way to experience Haleakala Crater is by hiking through its vast, otherworldly landscape of cinder cones and lava rock. You can even have an overnight adventure by staying in one of the three wilderness cabins that are located inside the crater.
🌋 Haleakala Crater Travel Guides:
Haleakala Summit: Everything you Need to Know
I’ao Valley
I’ao Vally is one of the island’s most lush and historically significant natural areas. Located in Central Maui, this emerald green valley is home to the iconic Iao Needle, a towering rock formation that rises 1,200 feet above the valley floor, offering epic views amidst tropical vegetation and flowing streams.
Iao Valley State Park is a peaceful place to explore, with easy trails that take you through the scenic valley, allowing you to learn about its history – it was the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, a pivotal event in Hawaiian history.
There’s even a spot for swimming in the river. This is a great place to visit in Maui to connect with the island of Maui’s natural beauty, cultural roots, and the perfect for the whole family can enjoy.
Molokini Crater | The Best Place to Visit in Maui on the Water
If you think Maui is beautiful from land you should see her from a different perspective, under the sea. There are plenty of beaches that offer impeccable snorkeling, but some of the best snorkeling in Maui can be found at Molokini Crater.
Molokini Crater, just off the coast of Maui, offers one of the most unforgettable snorkeling and diving experiences in Hawaii. This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and untouched coral reefs.
Accessible only by boat, a trip to Molokini allows you to explore a protected marine sanctuary teeming with tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and even reef sharks. Disability often exceeds 150 feet, providing exceptional views of the underwater world.
The crater’s crescent shape not only creates calm waters perfect for snorkeling but also serves as a natural shelter, making it a great spot for all levels of swimmers. Whether you’re snorkeling above the colorful coral gardens or diving deeper into the crater’s walls, don’t miss out on visiting this place in Maui.
La Perouse Bay
The next stunning place in Maui to visit is La Perouse Bay. Located on south Maui, within the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Reserve, the bay is the site of Maui’s most recent volcanic activity, with dramatic lava rock landscapes created by the eruption of Haleakala in the 18th century.
The black lava fields contrast strikingly against the blue waters. The bay is great for snorkeling, especially in the mornings when the water is calm and visibility is high. It’s also a prime location for hiking and exploring lava fields and coastal trails, like the Hoapili Trail, which winds along the rocky coastline.
While this place to visit on Maui is more remote and lacks amenities like restrooms and shops, it’s a beautiful place for those looking to escape the crowds and experience a more untouched side of Maui’s natural landscape. Just be sure to bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and respect the fragile ecosystem that makes La Perouse Bay such a special spot.
🥾 Read Next: A Complete Guide to Hiking the Hoapili Coastal Trail
Road to Hana
Driving the Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most iconic and scenic adventures, offering an unforgettable journey through lush rainforests, dramatic coastlines, and cascading waterfalls.
This 63-mile drive along Hana Highway takes you from Kahului to the town of Hana and is known for its winding roads, over 600 curves and hairpin turns, and 50 narrow bridges, providing epic views and a sense of adventure at every turn.
The Road to Hana is all about the journey, with numerous stops along the way to explore hidden gems like waterfalls at Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, and the stunning coastal views of Ke’anae Peninsula. On this road trip, you’ll also find tropical fruit stands, botanical gardens, and scenic lookouts perfect for photo ops.
🍍 Read Next: Best Stops Along the Road to Hana
Ho’okipa Beach Park
Finishing off our best places in Maui list is the Ho’okipa Beach Park. Located on the north shore of Maui, near the town of Paia, Hookipa is famous for its powerful waves, making it a famous spot worldwide for surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
The best time to catch the pros in action is during the winter months when the surf is at its peak, and you can watch surfers and windsurfers from the cliffside lookouts or right on the beach.
The beach itself is beautiful, with golden sands, turquoise waters, and rocky outcrops. It’s also a great spot to see Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), which often bask on the shore or swim in the shallow waters.
🐢 Read Next: Best Things to do in Paia:A Local’s Guide
Maui Travel Vlogs
Rather see what it’s like to travel around Maui? My husband and I have filmed many vlogs of some of our adventures around Maui, including some of the best places to go in Maui included in this post.
Check them out on YouTube and Please Subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and helps us continue to create free content for you to enjoy.
🎥 Watch our Maui series on YouTube
Maui Travel Guides
🌴 After living on Maui for 14 years (up until the unfathomable fires that destroyed Lahaina), Maui is where this blog was born. I’ve written all about Maui from where to stay, what to do, where to eat, insider tips and so much more.
Here are some travel guides to check out to help plan your dream trip to Maui.
- The Ultimate guide to Maui– The ultimate guide to traveling around Maui.
- 1-3 Week Maui Itinerary – Detailed itineraries 1 to 3 weeks written by a local.
- Best Time to Visit Maui – When to visit Maui based on your preferences & budget.
- Best Area to Stay on Maui – Find out where to stay and why.
- What to Pack for Maui – Know what to pack and what to leave at home.
- Top Things to do on Maui – Check out the best things to do on Maui.
- Haleakala National Park – Find out all the must know tips & tricks for visiting Haleakala National Park.
- 40 Free Things to do in Maui – Find out the best things to do in Maui on a budget.
- 10 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Maui – Things to know before you travel to Maui.
- 21 Mistakes to Avoid on your First Trip to Hawaii – Don’t make these mistakes on your first visit to Hawaii.
- Best Beaches on Maui – These are the most beautiful beaches on Maui.
- 21 Insane Hikes on Maui – Learn all about the best hikes on Maui.
Final Thoughts on these Unreal Places in Maui
In conclusion, Maui is a true paradise offering an incredible diversity of places to visit on Maui, from its stunning beaches and scenic drives to lush rainforests and historic sites.
Maui’s blend of natural beauty, adventure, and aloha spirit ensures that every traveler can find their own slice of paradise. As you plan your visit, be sure to include these must see Maui destinations and let Maui’s magic sweep you away for an experience of a lifetime.
More Maui Travel Guides ↓
📍Planning a trip to Maui? Check out these Maui travels guides to further help you plan your trip.
10 Budget Friendly Maui Adventures
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Thank you for this fantastic info. I’ve been researching our upcoming Maui trip and have searched through so many blogs. Jess, yours topped them all. Your information is exactly what I needed to read!!! I’m a very outdoorsy person and I’m traveling with my teenage sons who are just excited as I am. Mahalo.
Aloha Andrea! Thank you so much for the kind comment. That has made my day. I hope you and your sons have the best time here on Maui 🌺.
Great information! Thank you!
Thank you! Love Mother Maui!