16 of the best experiences in Maui

Maui, the second-largest Hawaiian island, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth, with gorgeous beaches, tropical rainforests, unique wildlife and landscapes, and remarkable culture all around. For those lucky enough to go, this guide rounds up some of the best activities in Maui to make the trip one you’ll cherish forever.

One of the things that makes Hawaiʻi so special is the local love and care for the fragile island ecosystem. The state relies on responsible tourism, especially after the devastating wildfires that shut off the West Maui region. Visiting Maui boosts the efforts to restore and preserve the natural splendor of this paradise, so booking a vacation there is absolutely encouraged.

1. Iao Valley

Take in the views at the sacred Iao Valley

Suggested time: 2 hours

The emerald peak of the Iao Needle guards this sacred valley. At 1,200 feet high, this ‘needle’ is actually an old foliage-covered lava remnant, and one of the island's most popular tourist attractions. Considered sacred to the ancient Hawaiians, stepping foot in the valley should be treated with the utmost respect. 

The valley offers plenty of spots to take in the incredible views, with small trails to explore around the needle. Take in some of the best views of the needle and the valley below from a spot just a short walk from the parking lot. 

While in Iao Valley be sure to stop by the botanical gardens or the Bailey House Museum, which are located at the mouth of the valley. Take in the history of the area and see fascinating artifacts found nearby. 

Local tip: The Iao Needle can sometimes be obscured by clouds, so it’s best to get an early start to see it in all its glory. 

2. Waihee Ridge Trail

Hike along the Waihee Ridge

Suggested time: 3 hours

Maui is known as “valley island” and is home to some of the most jaw-dropping valleys in the world. The Waihee Ridge trail is the best place to explore them as you take in unparalleled views of lush forest jungles, waterfalls, and staggering mountain ranges. 

Climb 1,500 meters over this 5-mile hike and see an abundance of beautiful wildlife. Keep a lookout for birds like the crimson colored ‘Apapane, the yellow Hawaiʻi amakihi, and the Iiwi. 

Top Tip: To avoid the clouds and get the best view of everything along the trail, arrive at around midday. It’s also best to wear good shoes, as the trail can get muddy towards the top. 

3. Mā‘alaea Town, Bay and Harbor

Find lots to do in Mā‘alaea

Suggested time: 2-6 hours

Best known for its harbor, which serves as a starting point for some amazing ocean-based activities, Mā‘alaea is a great little village to use as a home base for the day. It has the longest uninterrupted beach on the island, which extends around the entire bay and makes for a perfect spot to laze about and take in the views of the boats leaving the glittering harbor. 

Mā‘alaea also borders the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Sanctuary - a natural wetland filled with some rare birds. You might even spot Hawksbill turtles, as the beach area nearby is one of their nesting areas. 

From the harbor, you can take a boat and spend an afternoon snorkeling in the beautiful coral gardens. Swim with sea turtles and immerse yourself in the warm ocean currents. 

4. Maui Ocean Center

Learn more about the surrounding ocean at the Maui Aquarium

Suggested time: 2 hours

Home to one of the world's largest displays of living Pacific coral, and numerous other exhibitions and aquariums, the Maui Ocean Center is the best thing to do in Maui if you’re looking to get away from the heat of the Hawiian climate, or the perfect place to hide from the rain. The exhibitions contain rare species of marine life that can only be found in the waters surrounding Hawaiʻi. 

Get up close and personal with rays, sharks, and brightly colored fish in the Open Ocean exhibition. This fascinating exhibit allows you to walk underneath a dazzling display of marine life darting right above your head in the 53 foot long tunnel hidden beneath the 750,000-gallon tank. There’s even a chance you’ll be able to dive into the tank, if you’re feeling adventurous. 

5. Helicopter tour

See the entire island from a helicopter

Suggested time: 1 hour 15 minutes

After seeing Maui from the sea on your sunset cruise, you might think you’ve seen the island in its entirety. But nothing compares to seeing it from above. Take a helicopter tour of the island and fly high above the north shore. You’ll follow the Road to Hana, passing the world-famous Jurassic Rock (featured in “Jurassic Park”), and finally set down in the stunning Wailua Valley. 

The helicopter tour keeps you in the air for 75 minutes; giving you more than enough time to see the greatest sights Maui has to offer. If you’re lucky, you may even see the surf break “Jaws”, which creates some enormous unpredictable waves. 

The helicopter lands in a former taro plantation, where you’ll have the opportunity to pick some of the island’s delicious fruit at its freshest, including bananas and coconuts. Explore this off the beaten track area that many tourists will never see, and then return to the helicopter for another spectacular flight back to Kahului.

6. Luau

Attend a traditional luau

Suggested time: 3 hours

After a day spent taking in all the sights the island has to offer, it’s time to appreciate the culture of its people. Luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast, accompanied by Hula, lively music, and vibrant cultural performances. Every visitor to the island should experience it — a must for your list of things to do in Maui. 

Luau is the celebration of the first time King Kamehameha II ate with a woman in 1819, ending the Hawaiian “Kapu” taboo holding that men and women should be kept separate at mealtimes. 

Enjoy this diverse feast of traditional and contemporary dishes, and immerse yourself in the culture and history of the island. Learn about the Polynesians’ arrival in Maui, and witness the impressive fire dancers, all while tasting some amazing food. 

7. Ho’okipa Beach Park

Try windsurfing at Ho'okipa Beach

Suggested time: 2 hours

Ho’okipa Beach Park is one of the best places to windsurf in the world. It’s favored by the pros and is the best place to take in a professional competition. If you go on a relatively windy day chances are you’ll spot both professional and amateur windsurfers making use of the weather and perfecting their craft. 

The beach itself is a stunning backdrop to witness these masters at work as they tame the waves. It’s best to leave the windsurfing to them unless you have a lot of experience, as it’s a notoriously difficult spot — the strong rip currents and shallow reef can quickly overpower novices. If you want to step into the water, head over to the tide pools and relatively quiet beaches further to the north. 

8. Paia Town

Spend a day in Paia Town

Suggested time: 4 hours

This pastel colored, old west style town is often overlooked by those traveling down the Hana highway. But if you choose to stop here, you’ll find it offers more than enough to do and will keep you busy for a few hours at least. 

Paia town is known for its hippie, surfer vibes, with members of the counterculture movement settling here in the 1960s. It has largely avoided gentrification to this day. 

The restaurants here offer some delicious food, and Paia Fish Market is worth visiting for its chilled out atmosphere and fairly priced but hearty meals. After lunch, spend time in one of Paia’s art galleries or visit one of the many beaches. 

Local tip: If you are traveling the Hana highway, make sure to fill up on gas here and grab a bite to eat as there won’t be another stop for a while. 

9. Hana Highway

Travel the Road to Hana

Suggested time: 4-9 hours

The Hana Highway comprises routes 36 and 360 and is one of the most famous things to do in Maui. Better known by its more popular name, the Road to Hana, this 52-mile trip takes you through dense tropical rainforest, past beautiful waterfalls, and crosses 59 bridges along twisting coastal roads. 

Winding its way from Kahului to Hana, the road features many incredible sights on the way, allowing you to stop and appreciate the natural beauty of Maui. It’s best to plan your trip ahead of time to make sure you see the best spots and avoid private or inaccessible areas. 

To make the most out of your journey and take in the surroundings rather than the road ahead, it’s worth booking a full-day bus tour. Listen to an expert guide, stop off for the best views, and make sure you’re visiting the safe, legal areas to help conserve the island for visitors to come. 

Local tip: If you’re driving yourself, start out early and only park in designated parking spots. Be sure to plan your stops ahead of time so that you don't miss out on the best areas.

10. Waianapanapa State Park

See the natural beauty of Waianapanapa State Park

Suggested time: 1-3 hours

One of the most popular state parks and things to do in Maui, Wai’ānapanapa State Park is full of luscious forests that curve around the glittering ocean. Stop off at Pailoa Beach and take in the brilliant black sand, which formed when hot lava reached the sea and shattered into tiny pieces. 

In contrast to the black sand, the freshwater caves in the park turn red several times throughout the year as millions of small shrimp arrive. Local legend holds that the waters turn red with the blood of Popoaleae, who was murdered by her husband in the nearby lava tube. You can even visit the lava tube, which is large enough to walk inside. 

These caves give the park its name “Glistening waters”, and are only a short walk from the nearby parking lot. 

Local tip: If you decide to visit the park, you will need to make a time-slot reservation for parking and entrance at least one day before you arrive, and up to 14 days prior to your visit. 

11. Hike to Twin Falls Maui Waterfall

Stand under the Twin Falls

Suggested time: 2 hours

Twin Falls is one of the first accessible stops for views of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. If you’re lucky, most other tourists will rush off to see the more famous landmarks along the road, leaving you plenty of time to discover this serene location at your own pace. 

Walking the trail here will lead you to two major waterfall locations, splitting off in opposite directions at a fork in the road. The first path leads to a fall locals have dubbed “The Caveman'' due to its prehistoric mix of caves and vines. Swim in the waters and cool off after your short hike before heading back down the trail to walk the second path.

Here you’ll pass through a hand-dug tunnel that goes straight through solid rock before arriving at another waterfall. Take a cooling dip, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb up a rock wall to the right of the fall which leads to another, less populated waterfall. 

Local tip: There’s no phone service here, so be sure to download any maps you need prior to arrival. There’s also a great snack stand in the car park that serves smoothies made from locally-grown fruit.

12. Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

Hike the Pipiwai Trail

Suggested time: 3-4 hours

This spectacular hiking trail is found on the Road to Hana and will lead you to Waimoku Falls. At roughly 1.8 miles long, it will take you on one of the best hikes on the island. You’ll pass seven waterfalls and a zen bamboo forest before you’re greeted by the mammoth Waimoku Falls. At over 400 feet, this waterfall drops down from a sheer lava rock wall into the boulder-strewn pool below. 

Local tip: The trail can get very muddy, and you’ll come across plenty of small obstacles like tree roots and large rocks throughout, so be sure to wear good sturdy shoes.

13. Haleakala National Park

Start the day at Haleakala National Park

Suggested time: 4-9 hours

Haleakala National Park is the centerpiece of Maui. It’s home to endangered species that don’t exist anywhere else on earth, and countless cultural sites for you to explore. Named after the dormant volcano Haleakala, which stands within the boundaries of the park, you’ll see vast volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rainforests as you journey throughout. 

The best way to take in this picturesque landscape is at sunrise. And to ensure entry at your chosen time be sure to book a ticket around 60 days in advance - the park is very popular. If you miss youtube may find last minute tickets available two days before you visit. The best way to ensure you will get a spot is to book a tour, which starts the day with an energizing breakfast, before taking you all the way to the top of Mount Haleakala.

Local tip: Be sure to be respectful of the local wildlife, cultural sites, and hazardous landscape, and stay on the trail, within the designated areas. It can also get quite cold up at the summit, so pack some thicker clothes to put on when the temperature changes. 

14. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

Take a deep breath among 55,000 lavender plants

Suggested time: 1.5 hours

With over 20 different varieties of lavender among 55,000 plants, it's no surprise Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a popular wedding spot. 

Fully immerse yourself in its tranquility as you explore the farm at your own pace. If you missed the sunrise Haleakala summit walk, stop in at this beautiful 13.5 acre farm as you make your way up to the top of the mountain for sunset. Designed around the philosophy of “Aloha” - meaning love, friendship and responsibility - Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm educates guests and local communities on sustainable stewardship of the land and cultural treasures of Hawaiʻi for future generations. 

Local tip: If you bring a donation of non-perishable food, the small entrance fee will be waived, and the food donated to the Maui Food Bank. The farm is open Friday-Monday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. 

15. Maui Pineapple Tour

Tour a pineapple plantation

Suggested time: 1.5 hours

If you can’t take a day trip from Maui to Oʻahu to visit the Dole Plantation, then the pineapple plantation at Hali'imaile Farm is a great activity to book in Maui. Take a tour to witness the fascinating step-by-step process of harvesting pineapples from plant to packaging. You’ll journey through the fields and witness the plants still being cultivated by hand, and then stop to sample the different varieties of pineapple available.

Nothing will taste sweeter than the pineapple you try here, hand picked and machete cut, straight from the field. Once the tour is over you’ll receive a free Maui Gold pineapple to take home with you (don’t worry, if you live in the mainland United States it’s air travel safe).

16. Molokini Crater and Turtle Town

Snorkel around Molokini Crater

Suggested time: 3 hours

Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater with incredible coral reefs, home to around 260 different species of tropical fish. Jump into the water and snorkel around the reef, swimming with rays, whitetip reef sharks and small fish like the Moorish idol, Parrotfish, and yellow Tang. 

The crater is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred about 230,000 years ago. The legend says that two goddesses fell in love with the same prince. Pele cut her rival Mo’o in half and turned her to stone to create Molokini, the goddesses' tail. 

Once you’ve finished at the crater, head to turtle town and get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles. Combine both activities and make a day of it by booking the Molokini and Turtle town Combo. 

Local tip: For conservation reasons, and for your own enjoyment, it pays to visit both areas in the off season (April-June and September-November). This will ensure there are fewer people, and help prevent damage to the coral reef.