Best Things to do in Maui
All pictures are my own unless otherwise noted/sourced; do not use without permission.
Often ranked just behind Oahu in popularity, Maui offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. From golden beaches like Kaanapali Beach to the breathtaking curves of the Road to Hana, the island delivers unforgettable scenery at every turn. Early risers can catch a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise at Haleakala, while winter visitors are treated to spectacular whale watching. Add in fresh, locally sourced seafood year-round, and Maui truly has something for everyone.
Maui ranks third for me among the four main Hawaiian Islands, but it holds a very special place in our hearts. We’ve been lucky enough to visit several times and always gravitate towards the charm of Lahaina. The sunrises and sunsets paint the sky in unforgettable colors, and winter whale season is nothing short of magical - spotting whales everywhere, and from our own balcony felt surreal.
We were last there in 2023, just weeks before the devastating fire. It’s incredibly painful to think about the destruction, but I remain hopeful that the community will rebuild and that the treasured banyan tree at Lahaina Banyan Court Park will stand strong once again.
Continue on to read about some of the best things to do in Maui!
Sunrise at Haleakala National Park
Experiencing sunrise from the summit of Haleakala is one of Maui’s most magical moments. Perched high above the clouds, you’ll watch the horizon glow with brilliant color as a new day begins. Advance reservations are required for entry between 3am-7am.
Make your reservation HERE.
Tip: log into your account first before tickets open up!
Temperatures can vary quite a bit depending on the season. Our first visit was freezing, with intense winds that made it feel even colder. The second time, in July, I bundled up with a heavy jacket but it turned out to be fairly warm.
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
After sunrise at Haleakala, a stop at Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm makes for a perfect addition to your morning. Located on the slopes of Haleakalā, the farm is home to more than 55,000 lavender plants spanning 20 different varieties. Beyond the fragrant fields, you’ll also find olive trees, hydrangeas, protea, succulents, and many other beautiful plants.
In addition to its beautiful gardens, the farm has a lovely gift shop and offers incredible panoramic views of Maui.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The farm sits on a slope, so some areas may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Hours:
Friday-Monday: 10am-4pm
Cost:
$5 per person ($2 Seniors, Military, or Kama’aina (locals)
Children 12 and under: FREE
Surfing Goat Dairy Farm
Also on the way down from Haleakala, Surfing Goat Dairy is another fun and worthwhile stop. Visitors can see, feed, and even milk the goats, sample delicious truffles and cheeses, and enjoy the laid-back farm setting.
They also have a store and patio area for tastings. Don’t miss the goat cheese flight!
You can book their tours HERE.
Below is a summary of the types of tours they provide:
The Golden Girl Experience (interaction with senior mama goats who are near retirement)
-Price: $41.50 per person
-18+ only experience
Baby Goat Interaction Experience (interact with baby goats 0-3month olds)
-Available only from December to spring
-12 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult
-Price: Children $33, Adults (12+) $41.50
Daily Casual Tour (overview of life on the farm, and meet the lovely goats)
-Price: Children (3-11) $24, Adults (12+) $33
-Cheese Flight Tasting: $27
Evening Chores & Milking Tours (lend a helping hand and milk a goat)
-Price: Children (3-11) $33, Adults (12+) $41.50
Whale Watching (winter only)
Winter is an especially magical time to be in Maui. From December to May, humpback whales return to the island’s warm waters for breeding season. The best sightings usually occur between January and March, when you can often see mothers swimming alongside their calves and groups of males competing for attention (we luckily witnessed all this and more during our visit).
There are plenty of tour operators in winter that either guarantee whale sightings or allow you to rebook if none are spotted. Joining a tour is the best way to get up close and truly experience these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
Tip: bring light jacket and a binocular!
Ho'okipa Beach
Head over to Ho’okipa Beach for a mix of surf watching and turtle spotting. This beach is famous for its surfing, so you’ll get to see skilled surfers riding the waves. Keep an eye on the far right end of the beach, the Hawaiian green sea turtles often lounge there, looking like large boulders if you don’t look closely.
Keep in mind:
Stay at least 10ft away from them
Do not approach, touch, or chase them
Do not feed them
Do not pour water on them
Always give them a clear path to land and sea
Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements, which will startle them
Īao Valley
ʻĪao Valley State Monument is a breathtaking 4,000-acre lush park and botanical haven, home to the iconic ʻĪao Needle, a dramatic 1,200-foot rock pinnacle that towers above the valley floor and overlooks the tranquil ʻĪao Stream. A short, paved 0.6-mile walking path winds through the vibrant landscape, offering scenic views of the gardens and unforgettable perspectives of the ʻĪao Needle.
Hours:
Open daily 7am-6pm
Cost:
$10 Parking + $5 per person entry (non-residents); make reservations HERE.
Free for Hawaii residents with ID
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most iconic drives, and for good reason. This 64-mile scenic journey winds through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along dramatic coastal cliffs. With its hundreds of sharp curves and dozens of narrow one-lane bridges, the drive is as thrilling as it is beautiful. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to come prepared for the winding road ahead.
Important Tips:
· Start early, like super early!
· Fill up on gas beforehand!
· Bring enough water, snacks, bug repellent, sunblock, and shade.
· Grab some breakfast before heading out.
· Bring some lunch!
Some of the main stops include: Twin Falls, Garden of Eden Arboretum, Honokalani Black Sand Beach, and Pipiwai Trail (ending at Waimoku Falls).
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is often pictured as a lush, tropical oasis, but when we visited, it had recently stormed. The trails were muddy, and the water at the base of the falls was brown from runoff. In better weather, though, it’s a popular place to swim and enjoy the scenery.
From the parking lot, it’s just a short walk to the falls.
Hope your experience will be better than ours!
Garden of Eden Arboretum
A stop at Garden of Eden Arboretum offers a peaceful break surrounded by lush botanical beauty. The arboretum features diverse tropical landscapes, including bamboo groves, striking rainbow eucalyptus trees, and several scenic waterfalls. It’s a well-maintained, picturesque spot that feels thoughtfully designed at every turn.
Visitors will also find a variety of birds throughout the grounds, including chickens, ducks (with an option to purchase feed and feed them), and even peacocks.
One of the coolest things about Garden of Eden Arboretum is that it was featured in Jurassic Park, and while here, you can’t miss this iconic spot!
Hours:
8am-4pm daily
Cost:
$20 (16 Years +)
$10 (Ages 5 -16)
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Discounts available to parties of 5 or more, military, students, AAA members, and Kama’aina
Honokalani Black Sand Beach
This beautiful Honokalani Black Sand Beach sits inside Waiʻānapanapa State Park, a 122-acre park filled with rugged coastal beauty. Beyond the beach, you’ll find sea caves and picturesque coastal hiking trails to explore.
The beach itself isn’t large, but its dramatic black volcanic sand makes it unforgettable. Just keep in mind that the sand and pebbles can be tough on bare feet, so definitely pack water shoes!
Due to its popularity, reservations are required, which you can reserve by clicking HERE.
Tip: Definitely go early! We were some of the first to arrive and had the beach to ourselves for a good chunk of time! It made the experience even more special.
Pipiwai Trail + Waimoku Falls
The grand finale of the Road to Hana is hiking the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park. This 4-mile round-trip trail winds through a magical bamboo forest, passes an enormous banyan tree, and leads to the stunning Waimoku Falls.
The hike is considered moderate and usually takes about 3-4 hours. Keep in mind that the tropical climate can make it hot and humid, so bring plenty of water.
I’ve done this hike twice, and it’s been incredible each time. It’s one of those trails that never gets old; I’d absolutely hike it again.
Tip:
· Try to start early to avoid the head/crowds
· Bring enough water
· Have lunch at/close to the waterfall
Dragon's Teeth
This easy 0.5-mile hike leads to breathtaking coastal views and a striking lava formation known as the “Dragon’s Teeth” at Makaluapuna Point.
If you’re visiting in the winter, bring binoculars or just keep your eyes on the horizon – humpback whales often breach and spout just offshore!
Tip: there is a free limited parking lot close to the trailhead!
Nakalele Blowhole
The Nakalele Blowhole is a fascinating geological feature formed by coastal erosion. During high surf, ocean water and air are forced through the hole in the rocks, creating dramatic plumes visible from a safe viewing distance.
There’s also a trail that brings you closer to the blowhole, but be sure to proceed with caution and wear sturdy shoes.
Be aware that it can get very windy in the area!
Beach Getaways
Makena Beach
Located in southern Maui, Makena Beach is a serene getaway, featuring a long stretch of soft sand and stunning waters in shades of blue and turquoise.
A paid parking lot provides easy access, followed by a short walk to the shoreline. Since there’s little natural shade, bringing a beach umbrella or sun shelter is recommended.
While the beach is beautiful, it’s important to note that the waves can be strong and the undertow can be challenging, so always exercise caution while swimming.
Kapalua Bay Beach
Kapalua Bay Beach is a charming little beach area near the resorts, ideal for swimming thanks to its gentle waves, shallow shoreline, and mild currents. It’s especially popular with families, so the beach can get very crowded later in the day. When we visited in the late morning, most of the sand was already taken, and finding parking and a spot to sit was challenging.
For better snorkeling, head to the right along the rocks, where the marine life is more abundant.
If you can’t visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon (after 4 or 5 pm), it may not be worth it. The beach can get too crowded to truly enjoy.
Lahaina Beach
Lahaina Beach is our favorite place to return to again and again, our true escape.
It’s a beautiful and peaceful stretch of shoreline on the island of Maui, offering unforgettable views from sunrise to sunset. Each morning, the sky fills with soft pastel shades of pink, purple, and blue, creating a calm, dreamy start to the day. By evening, the sunsets feel almost magical, glowing in brilliant orange and deep violet as the sun slips below the horizon. Walking along the beach, listening to the gentle rhythm of the waves and watching the sky transform, makes every moment there feel special and serene.
The Shops at Wailea
The Shops at Wailea isn’t just a shopping destination — it also frequently hosts a variety of cultural activities, including lei making, ukulele lessons, coconut husking, coconut frond weaving, island wood carving, traditional Hawaiian music, Polynesian performances, and more.
We joined a lei-making session once, and it was an absolute blast!
To view their events (days, times), click HERE.
Lahaina Front Street
Once an iconic dining and shopping street known for its historic buildings and the famous banyan tree court, Lahaina Front Street is now in the process of recovery following the August 2023 wildfires.
We used to stay nearby, strolling to the restaurants and shops and spending time people-watching at the beautiful banyan tree court. Hearing the devastating news of the wildfires broke my heart because this place holds a very special place in our memories. I hope it recovers quickly and that the banyan tree, a true landmark, will thrive once again.
Maui Ocean Center Aquarium
You could easily spend half a day exploring the Maui Ocean Center. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to be both engaging and educational, making it a great experience for all ages.
One of the highlights is the impressive 750,000-gallon open-ocean exhibit, home to giant ulua and sharks, which is an impressive sight as they glide effortlessly through the water. The popular underwater tunnel lets you walk beneath the sea life, offering a breathtaking, up-close perspective that feels just as magical for adults as it does for kids. Be sure to stop by the theater as well to watch their life-size 3D humpback whale film, an immersive experience that truly showcases the majesty of these incredible creatures.
There’s also a café where you can relax and grab a bite to eat, along with a gift shop stocked with unique souvenirs to remember your visit.
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Cost:
Non-residents:
Adult $49.95
Children $39.95
Seniors $44.95
Kama’aina (Hawaii Resident + US Military):
Adult $29.95
Children $19.95
Seniors $26.95
Purchase tickets HERE.
Farmers Markets
Hawaii is the perfect place to explore vibrant farmers markets, where the islands’ flavors and creativity truly shine. Stroll through rows of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, sample locally baked treats, browse handcrafted arts and crafts, and pick up stunning tropical flowers and bouquets.
Below are some of the most popular farmers markets on Maui worth visiting.
Central Maui
Maui's Fresh Produce Farmers Market
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays 8am-4pm
Queen Kaʻahumanu Shopping Center (center stage area)
Kaʻahumanu Avenue, Kahului
Kumu Farms
Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
1670 Honoapiʻilani Hwy, Waikapū
Upcountry Maui
Upcountry Farmers Market
Saturdays, 7am-12pm
Pukalani Longs Drugs at Kulamalu
55 Kiopaa Street
West Maui
Farmers Market of Maui-Honokowai
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 7am-11am
Hawaiian Motors parking lot (across from Honokōwai Park)
South Maui
Farmers Market of Maui-Kihei
Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm
Suda Store parking lot on South Kīhei Road
East Maui
Hāna Farmers Market
Fridays 3pm-5pm
1 Mill Road, Hāna Town
The Ultimate Maui Shave Ice Experience
When you’re in a tropical paradise, shave ice is an absolute must! In Hawaii, you’ll find some of the very best. Many spots serve shave ice made with 100% pure cane sugar, natural fruit juices, high-quality extracts and purees, and locally sourced ingredients, creating bright, authentic flavors you won’t forget.
That said, not every shave ice stand uses pure cane sugar or natural juices. After trying several places, my personal favorite on Maui is Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice. Their flavors are vibrant, the ice is perfectly fluffy, and the quality is consistently outstanding. I always get macadamia nut ice cream with mine (it is SO good!).
Even better, they have multiple locations across the island, so it’s easy to stop by and treat yourself no matter where you’re staying!
