Looking for the best things to do in Maui? From driving the legendary Road to Hana and watching the sunrise from Haleakalā to snorkeling with sea turtles and relaxing on golden-sand beaches, Maui is packed with unforgettable experiences.

I lived on the island of Maui for 14 years and spent that time hiking its trails, exploring its beaches, driving just about every corner of the island, and sharing many of these adventures with visiting friends and family. 

Although it’s difficult to narrow down everything Maui offers, this guide covers the places and experiences I believe are genuinely worth adding to your trip, including iconic attractions, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, local favorites, and practical tips to help you plan an incredible trip.

Best Things to Do in Maui at a Glance 

Short on time? These are my top five Maui experiences for first-time visitors. 

1. Drive the Road to Hana for waterfalls, rainforest scenery, coastal views, and some of Maui’s most memorable stops. 
2. Watch sunrise or sunset from Haleakalā and experience Maui from more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
3. Explore Wai’ānapanapa State Park to see its famous black-sand beach, lava formations, and rugged coastline.
4. Hike the Pipiwai Trail through an enchanting bamboo forest to the towering Waimoku Falls.
5. Go whale watching if you’re visiting during whale season for the chance to see humpbacks breaching, tail slapping, and playing in Maui’s warm waters. 

If you have more time, explore Upcountry Maui, hike Waihe’e Ridge, snorkel with sea turtles, and slow down with a few relaxing beach days.

Best Things to Do in Maui

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, or unforgettable views, these are the best things to do in Maui.

1. Drive the Road to Hana

Driving the Road to Hana is easily one of the best things to do in Maui. The winding Hana Highway is a famous road that takes you through lush rainforest, past cascading waterfalls, along the dramatic coastline, and across dozens of one-lane bridges.

The journey is just as important as the destination. Some of the best stops include Twin Falls, Ke’anae Peninsula, Wailua Falls, Wai’ānapanapa State Park, and the roadside fruit stands scattered along the route.

Plan an entire day for the drive and get an early start between 6 and 7 am. If your schedule allows, spend at least one night in Hana so you can explore East Maui without rushing through every stop.

👉 Book a Tour: Prefer to leave the narrow roads and hairpin turns to someone else? This guided Road to Hana Tour includes transportation and stops at several highlights along the Hana Highway.

🚙 Explore on Your Own: If you prefer to drive independently, download the Shaka Guide to Road to Hana audio tour for GPS directions, stories, and information about the stops along the way.

✔ Travel Tip: Cell service becomes unreliable along the Hana Highway, so download your maps and audio tour before leaving. My complete Road to Hana itinerary includes the best stops in order, drive times, reservation information, and an interactive map.

2. Watch Sunrise or Sunset Atop Haleakalā

Watching the sun rise or set from the summit of Haleakala is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Maui. At just over 10,000 feet above sea level, you’ll look across the volcanic landscape and find yourself standing above the clouds.

Sunrise is the most famous time to visit, but an advance reservation is required to enter Haleakala National Park between 3 and 7 am. If you can’t secure a reservation – or don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night – sunset is equally beautiful and does not currently require one.

👉 Book a Tour: If you don’t want to drive the winding mountain road in the dark, this Haleakala sunrise tour includes transportation to the summit for a much easier start to the morning.

✔ Travel Tip: The drive to the summit takes longer than it appears on a map. Read my complete Haleakala sunrise and sunset guide for drive times, reservation details, what to wear, and tips for visiting the summit.

3. Explore Wai’ānapanapa State Park

Located just outside Hana, Waianapanapa State Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Maui. The park is best known for Pa’iloa Beach, where jet-black sand contrasts against the turquoise water and lush tropical coastline.

Beyond the black-sand beach, you can walk along the rugged Pi’ilani Trail, explore lava formations, look for the blowhole, and admire the coastline from several iconic viewpoints. Allow at least an hour or two so you can experience more than just the beach.

Advance reservations are required for non-Hawai’i residents and include a designated entry window, so this is one Maui attraction you’ll need to plan before driving the Road to Hana.

✔ Travel Tip: Read my complete Wai’ānapanapa State Park guide for reservation instructions, things to do, parking information, and tips for visiting. If you’re considering spending the night, my Wai’ānapanapa cabins guide explains what it’s like to stay inside the park.

4. Hike the Pipiwai Trail

Hiking the Pipiwai Trail is one of the best outdoor activities in Maui. Located in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, this four-mile round-trip trail passes an enormous banyan tree, winds through a dense bamboo forest, and ends with views of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

The trail gains about 800 feet of elevation and typically takes two to four hours to complete. Although there are some uphill and muddy sections, the scenery changes constantly and makes the hike feel like an adventure from beginning to end.

🎋 Travel Tip: Read my complete Pipiwai Trail guide for trail conditions, parking information, what to expect, and tips for hiking through Maui’s famous bamboo forest.

5. Go Whale Watching

If you’re visiting during the winter, whale watching is one of the best things to do in Maui. Thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawai’i’s warm waters to mate, give birth, and care for their calves.

Humpbacks are generally seen around Maui from November through April, while peak whale-watching season occurring from January through March. During these winter months, it’s common to spot spouts, tail slaps, and even breaches from the shore, but boat tours give you a better opportunity to observe their behavior.

👉 Book a Tour: This Maui whale watching tour is led by a knowledgeable crew that can help identify whale behavior while ensuring the animals are viewed responsibly.

📌 Read Next: Plan your experience with my complete Maui whale watching guide, including best season, tours, departure points, and places to see whales from shore. 

✔ Travel Tip: Morning tours often have calmer ocean conditions. Bring a light jacket, sun protection, and a camera with a zoom lens

6. Snorkel with Sea Turtles

Maui is just as beautiful below the surface as it is on land. Snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles, known locally as honu, is one of the most memorable activities in Maui.

Sea turtles can be spotted around reefs throughout South and West Maui, including areas near Turtle Town, Honolua Bay, and Black Rock.

Always give sea turtles plenty of space and never touch, chase, or feed them. Remain at least 10 feet away from the turtles both in the water and on land.

👉 Book a Tour: This Maui snorkeling tour visits Turtle Town and Molokini Crater, giving you the chance to see sea turtles, tropical fish, coral reefs, and other marine life in one trip.

✔ Travel Tip: Ocean conditions are generally calmest in the morning. Enter only where conditions match your swimming ability, and never stand on or touch the coral.

📌 Read Next: Looking for more ways to enjoy the ocean? Here are 10 Maui water activities, including surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, sunset sailing, and more.

7. Spend the Day at Kā’anapali Beach

Stretching for roughly three miles along West Maui, Kaanapali Beach is one of the island’s most iconic places to swim, snorkel, walk, and watch the sunset.

The northern end of the beach is home to Pu’u Keka’a, commonly known as Black Rock, where you’ll see tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles when snorkeling conditions are calm. This is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.

The beach also has a paved oceanfront path connecting resorts, restaurants, shops, and different sections of the shoreline. Plan a few hours or an entire day here. You can relax on the sand, take a snorkel or sailing excursion, walk the beach path, and stay for sunset before having dinner nearby.

👉 My guide to the best things to do in Kā’anapali covers more beaches, the best activities, tours, and places to explore around the resort area. When you’re ready to eat, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Kā’anapali.

8. Relax at Big Beach

Of all the beaches on Maui, Big Beach has always been one of my favorite beaches. Officially known as Oneloa Beach and located inside Mākena State Park, this impressive stretch of golden sand extends for nearly two-thirds of a mile along South Maui.

Big Beach is a beautiful place to walk, sunbathe, have a picnic, and watch the powerful waves roll toward shore. With plenty of room to spread out and views of Kaho’olawe in the distance, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.

Despite its inviting appearance, Big Beach is known for a powerful shore break that can cause serious injuries. Waves and currents can become dangerous quickly, so check posted warnings, speak with a lifeguard, and stay out of the water when conditions are rough.

🌴 Big Beach is one of the island’s most incredible stretches of coastline. My guide to the best beaches in Maui covers where to swim, snorkel, watch the sunset, and spend a relaxing day by the ocean.

9. Explore ‘Īao Valley State Monument 

Surrounded by the lush peaks of the West Maui Mountains, Iao Valley State Park is one of the most scenic places to visit in Central Maui. The valley is best known for Kuka’emoku, commonly called the ‘Īao Needle, which rises 1,200 feet from the valley floor.

A paved 0.6 mile trail leads through an ethnobotanical garden and up a series of stairs to the main viewpoint. The short walk is relatively easy, making ‘Īao Valley one of the most accessible natural attractions in Maui.

The valley also holds tremendous cultural and historical significance. Advance entry and parking reservations are required for out-of-state visitors.

🌺 Read my complete ‘Īao Valley State Monument guide for reservation instructions, current fees, trail details, and the history of the valley.

10. Hike the Waihe’e Ridge Trail

For sweeping views of Maui’s lush valleys and rugged coastline, hike the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. This four-mile out-and-back trail climbs along a ridge in the West Maui Mountains, offering views of waterfalls, deep valleys, and the northern coast.

The trail gains 1,500 feet of elevation, making it a moderately challenging hike. Expect a steady uphill climb, muddy sections, and rapidly changing weather as clouds move through the mountains.

🥾 Read my complete Waihe’e Ridge Trail Guide for parking information, trail conditions, what to pack, and tips for completing one of the best hikes on Maui.

11. Hike Inside Haleakalā Crater

For a closer look at Haleakalā’s otherworldly volcanic landscape, hike below the summit and into the world’s largest dormant volcano. Colorful cinder cones, black volcanic sand, native silverswords, and sweeping views make this one of the most unique hikes in Maui.

The Sliding Sands Trail, officially called the Keonehe’ehe’e Trail, begins near the Haleakalā Visitor Center. You can hike a shorter out-and-back section or continue across the crater and connect with the Halemau’u Trail for a strenuous full-day adventure.

Remember that the hike begins with a descent, which means the most difficult climbing comes at the end. The high elevation, loose volcanic terrain, intense sun, and rapidly changing weather can make the return hike much harder than expected.

For an even bigger adventure, spend a night in one of the historic wilderness cabins inside Haleakalā Crater. Advance reservations are required, and you’ll need to carry everything you need into the backcountry.

🪵 My guide to camping inside Haleakala Cabins explains the different cabins, hiking routes, reservation process, and what to pack. For broader information about the Summit and Kipahulu districts and everything you need to know, read my Haleakala National Park guide.

12. Explore Upcountry Maui

For a completely different side of the island, spend a day exploring Upcountry Maui. Located along the slopes of Haleakalā, this scenic region includes Kula, Makawao, Pukalani, and Ulupalakua.

Start in Makawao, a historic paniolo town known for its art galleries, independent boutiques, and colorful storefronts. From there, continue through the rolling countryside toward Kula and Ulupalakua, where you’ll find local farms, gardens, local food, and sweeping views across the island.

Upcountry Maui’s cooler climate and fertile volcanic soil support everything from pineapples and lavender to goat cheese and wine. Depending on your interests, you can tour a working pineapple farm, visit Surfing Goat Dairy, walk through Ali’i Kula Lavender, or enjoy a tasting at MauiWine.

👉 Book a Tour: This Maui pineapple farm tour takes you through a working farm in Hāli’imalile to learn how Maui Gold pineapples are grown and harvested. The tour includes fresh pineapple samples and a pineapple packaged for airport transport.

✔ Read Next: Upcountry is also easy to combine with sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā. My complete guide to the best things to do in Upcountry Maui covers the area’s towns, farms, restaurants, scenic stops, and tips for planning your day.

13. Explore Pā’ia and Ho’okipa Beach Park

Spend a few hours exploring Pā’ia, a colorful North Shore town filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. It’s also considered the unofficial starting point of the Road to Hana, although the town is worth visiting even when you aren’t continuing to Hana.

After walking through Paia, drive a few minutes east to Ho’okipa Beach Park. The upper lookout is one of the best places in Maui to watch experienced surfers and windsurfers take on the powerful North Shore waves.

Green sea turtles frequently rest along the sand at the far end of the beach around sunset. Observe them from at least 10 feet away and never touch, feed, crowd, or block their path to the ocean.

👉 My guide to the best things to do in Pā’ia covers more places to explore around town. When you’re ready to eat, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Pā’ia for local cafés, restaurants, and food stops.

14. Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail

The Kapalua Coastal Trail is an easy and scenic way to explore the shoreline of Northwest Maui. The trail passes beaches, lava-rock coastline, resort grounds, and several viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The complete route stretches about 2 miles each way between Kapalua Bay and D.T. Fleming Beach Park. You can walk the entire trail or complete a shorter section before returning to the beach.

✔ Travel Tip: Walking the Kapalua Coastal Trail is one of the best free things to do in Maui and is easy to combine with snorkeling or a beach day at Kapalua Bay. Read my complete Kapalua Coastal Trail guide for parking information, trail conditions, viewpoints, and what to expect along the route.

15. Explore the Northwest Maui Coast

Beyond Kā’anapali and Kapalua, the Northwest Maui coast becomes increasingly rugged and undeveloped. The drive passes dramatic sea cliffs, windswept viewpoints, lava formations, and several short coastal trails.

Notable stops include Honolua Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, and the ‘Ohai Trail. Take your time, use designated parking areas, and stay well back from cliff edges, blowholes, and waves breaking across the rocks.

👉 Read Next the best things to do in West Maui which includes additional viewpoints, beaches, trails, and tips for exploring this side of the island.

✔ Travel Tip: Download an offline map, fill your gas tank, and check road conditions before leaving. Cell service is limited along remote sections of the coastline.

16. Visit the Maui Ocean Center 

Located in Mā’alaea, the Maui Ocean Center offers an up-close look at marine life found throughout Hawaii. It’s also one of the best things to do in Maui when it rains or when you need a break from the sun.

The aquarium features living coral reefs, Hawaiian green sea turtles, sharks, rays, and more. Admission also includes the Humpbacks of Hawaii 3D Sphere Experience. The aquarium is educational without feeling overly formal, making it a good Maui activity for adults and families alike.

🎟️ Book Tickets: Purchase your Maui Ocean Center tickets in advance to save time when you arrive.

👉 Read Next: Looking for more weather-proof activities? Here are the best things to do in Maui when it rains.

17. Eat Local Maui Food

Eating your way around the island is one of the best things to do in Maui. The local food scene reflects Native Hawaiian traditions alongside the many cultures that have shaped Hawai’i, including Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Puerto Rican influences. 

Try fresh poke, a plate lunch, saimin, laulau, loco moco, garlic shrimp, banana bread, and shave ice during your trip. Maui also has excellent farm-to-table restaurants, roadside food stands, bakeries, farmers markets, and food trucks. 

Make an effort to dine at locally owned establishments in different parts of the island rather than eating exclusively at your resort. It’s an easy way to support Maui businesses while experiencing more of the island’s flavors and communities. 

18. Learn to Surf

Surfing has deep cultural roots in Hawai’i, and taking a lesson is one of the most memorable activities to try in Maui. I’ve taken several surf lessons over the years, and Joe previously worked as a surf instructor on Maui, so we know firsthand how much proper instruction can improve both your confidence and safety in the water.

Bbeginner lessons cover ocean safety, surf etiquette, paddling, positioning, and how to stand on the board before heading into the water. South Maui is a popular area for first-time surfers, although lessons are available in several parts of the island.

🏄‍♀️ Book a Lesson: This Maui surf lesson includes instruction and equipment, making it an easy option for beginners who want to learn in a supervised setting.

👉 Read Next: Find the right lesson and learn what to expect with my complete guide to the best Maui surf lessons.

Don’t attempt to learn at an unfamiliar surf break without instruction. Local conditions, currents, reefs, and surf etiquette are important for your safety and everyone else in the water.

19. Go Scuba Diving 

Scuba diving gives you the chance to explore Maui’s underwater world beyond what you can see from the surface. Volcanic formations, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks can be found around the island.

Certified divers can choose from guided shore dives and boat trips to sites around Maui, Molokini Crater, and Lāna’i. If you’ve never tried scuba diving, several operators offer introductory experiences that include basic instruction and a supervised dive without requiring a full certification.

🤿 Book a Dive: This introductory Maui scuba-diving experience includes equipment, safety instruction, and a guided dive for beginners. Certified divers can instead book a guided Maui scuba-diving tour suited to their experience level.

20. Paddle an Outrigger Canoe or Kayak

Paddling along Maui’s coastline offers a peaceful way to experience the island from the water. Depending on the tour, you can explore calm bays, look down into clear water, and enjoy views of Haleakala, the West Maui Mountains, and neighboring islands.

For a more culturally focused experience, join a guided Hawaiian outrigger canoe tour. Many excursions incorporate information about traditional navigation, paddling techniques, Hawaiian history, and the cultural importance of the ocean.

🚣 Book a Tour: Choose a Hawaiian outrigger canoe experience for a cultural paddle or a Maui kayaking and snorkeling tour for a more active ocean adventure.

21. Take a Helicopter Tour

A Maui helicopter tour offers a completely different perspective of the island of Maui. From above, you can see remote waterfalls, hidden valleys, volcanic landscapes, and rugged sections of coastline that are difficult or impossible to reach by road.

Popular routes fly over the West Maui Mountains, East Maui and Hana, or across the channel to the towering sea cliffs of Molokā’l. If you can only choose one route, look for a tour that combines Maui with Moloka’i for some of the most dramatic scenery.

🚁 Book a Tour: This Maui and Molokā’i helicopter tour flies over rainforest valleys, waterfalls, sea cliffs, and remote landscapes on both islands.

22. Go Ziplining

For a more adrenaline-filled Maui activity, soar above tropical valleys and forested slopes on a zipline tour. Courses are available in West Maui and near Haleakalā, offering everything from ocean views to lush mountain scenery.

Maui zipline tours are such a fun way to see a different side of Maui. Some tours also incorporate suspension bridges, short hikes, or off-road transportation between lines.

👉 Book a Tour: This Kapalua zipline tour features dual lines that allow you to zip alongside a friend, plus panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains and neighboring islands.

23. Play a Scenic Round of Golf

With ocean views, volcanic landscapes, and courses designed by some of golf’s biggest names, Maui is an incredible destination for golfers. Golf courses range from prestigious resort layouts to more relaxed public options suitable for a casual vacation round.

In South Maui, the Wailea Golf Club offers the Gold, Emerald, and Blue courses. West Maui is home to the Royal Kā’anapali and Kā’anapali Kai courses, both of which feature views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands.

24. Take a Day Trip to Lāna’i

A day trip to Lana’i offers a completely different island experience without requiring an overnight stay. Located across the ‘Au’au Channel, the island is only a short trip from Maui but feels much quieter and less developed.

The island is known for its quiet beaches, rugged landscapes, and slower pace. The passenger ferry currently travels from Mā’alaea Harbor to Mānele Harbor and takes about an hour.

🐬 Book a Tour: You can explore independently or book a guided Lanai sailing tour that includes snorkeling, food, and time at Hulopo’e Beach.

👉 My guide to the best things to do in Lanai covers what to see and how to get around. If you want to stay longer, compare where to stay in Lanai or read my guide to camping on Lanai.

25. Sail Into the Sunset 

Watching the sun sink into the Pacific from the water is one of the most relaxing things to do in Maui. A Maui sunset cruise pairs beautiful island views with a few hours of sailing, drinks, and time away from the crowds on shore. 

Cruises depart from several areas around the island, including Mā’alaea and Kā’anapali. Options range from laid-back cocktail sails to dinner cruises with live music and a full meal.

During whale season, you may also spot humpbacks while sailing. Outside whale season, the views of Maui, Lāna’i, Kaho’olawe, and the West Maui Mountains still make the experience worthwhile.

⛵️ Book a Tour: This Maui sunset sailing cruise includes drinks, appetizers, and panoramic views as the sun sets over the ocean. 

26. Experience a Lomilomi Massage

After hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the island, slow down with a lomilomi massage. Rooted in Native Hawaiian healing traditions, lomilomi commonly uses long, flowing movements intended to relax the body and create a sense of balance.

Book your massage toward the end of your trip when your body will appreciate the recovery time after several days of Maui activities. 

27. Experience Hawaiian Culture at a Lū’au

Finishing up our best things to do in Maui list, is to experience a luau. Attending a Maui luau is an entertaining way to learn about Hawaiian history, music, food, storytelling, and hula.

Most experiences include dinner, live performances, and demonstrations highlighting traditions from Hawaii and other parts of Polynesia. 

🍹 Book a Luau: Reserve tickets for the Myths of Maui luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort if you are staying on West side of Maui and Feast at Mokapu Farm-to-Table Luau in Wailea if you are staying in South Maui and want to be closer to your hotel

👉 Travel Tip: Popular luau performances sell out, especially during holidays and peak travel periods. Reserve your preferred evening well before arriving on Maui.

Maui Activities to Book in Advance

Popular things to do in Maui sell out weeks ahead, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons. Reserve your Haleakalā sunrise entry and Waianapanapa State Park visit as soon as your dates become available.

I also recommend booking your Road to Hana tour, Maui whale watching tour, Molokini snorkeling trip, Maui luau, and Lanai day trip before arriving on the island. Restaurant reservations, surf lessons, helicopter tours, and sunset cruises are also worth booking early if they are priorities for your trip. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to do in Maui

From driving the Road to Hana and hiking through Haleakala Crater to snorkeling with sea turtles and relaxing on beautiful beaches, there are enough incredible things to do in Maui to fill several trips.

After living on island for well over a decade, these are the experiences I believe best showcase Maui’s landscapes, culture, wildlife, and adventurous spirit.

Leave room on your itinerary to slow down, support local businesses, and enjoy the unexpected moments that often become the most memorable parts of a Maui trip. Any questions, leave them in the comments below. 👇

Maui Travel Guides Below ↓

📍 Planning a trip to Maui? Explore my detailed Maui travel guides below for help choosing where to stay, building your itinerary, finding the best beaches and hikes, and planning an unforgettable trip.

Best Time to Visit Maui

What to Pack for Maui

Best Area to Stay on Maui + Best Places to Stay 

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