15 Best Things to Do in Maui | Activities & Top Tips

Maui is a land of jaw-dropping beauty. Known as the Valley Isle, the second largest island is part of the grand Hawaiian archipelago off the coast of California. This East Pacific dreamland is a mosaic of breathtaking landscapes, rich Hawaiian culture, and unending adventure.

You won’t know whether to start by roaming the iconic road to Hana, wandering the lush rainforests, or taking on the majestic Haleakala volcano. 

From discovering secret freshwater caves to savoring the sun on one of the island’s gorgeous beaches or snorkeling through waters teeming with colorful tropical fish, Maui will keep you wanting more. You’ll find no end to the island’s incredible sights, sounds, and flavors. Acai bowls, immersive hiking trails, and unforgettable experiences make up the list of the best things to do in Maui. 

Whether you’re seeking relaxation in the sun or adventures around every corner, this guide will help you find the best experiences to add to your memory box.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Map Of Best Things to Do in Maui

15 Amazing Things to Do in Maui

There are so many things to do on Maui Island, and it might seem like this list should be exhaustive. Instead, you get a curated list of the top tours, activities, and experiences showcasing the best of Maui. Let’s get into it so you can get planning.

1. Drive the Road to Hana

The road to Hana is legendary, and with good reason. This meandering road takes you through the most scenic parts of Maui. The road is a 64.4-mile stretch that will take you past sights out of your imagination.

You can’t skip hiking the stunning Pipiwai Trail. Wandering through the lush bamboo forest is something you’ll never forget. Situated above the seven sacred pools, the trail takes you to the fern-covered walls of the awe-inspiring Waikomu Falls. If it has rained recently, you might even find a few mini waterfalls, too.

There are other waterfalls like Twin Falls and Wailua Falls along your mini road trip. The Garden of Eden Arboretum offers the chance to rappel down a waterfall.

Other amazing sights include Ke’anae Peninsula, Wai’anapanapa State Park, and countless other hiking trails and gorgeous beaches.

If driving isn’t really your scene or you only have time for a day trip, book a rainforest helicopter tour. A helicopter tour is a great way to see the area from a higher perspective.

Read More: The 19 Best Road To Hana Stops For The Perfect Road To Hana Itinerary

2. Watch a Sunrise at Secret Cove

While it might be called Secret Cove, Pa’ako Cove is not exactly Maui’s best-kept secret. This little cove is also known as Makena Cove, Makena Beach, or Secret Beach. Despite its popularity, this little slice of heaven still has that hidden appeal.

One of the most stunning places to visit in Maui, this hidden treasure is one of the best places to catch the sun coming up. Visiting during the early hours also gives you a better chance to experience the secluded beach in peace.

You can find the cove off Makena Road, just south of the fabulous Big Beach. You can park on the roadside or at the parking lot of the nearby Makena State Park. The path is surrounded by homes but has public access, so don’t worry; you won’t be trespassing.

3. Visit ‘Iao Valley State Park

• Mileage: 0.6 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 101 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

This short and sweet paved trail will take you along the ‘Iao stream with verdant indigenous flora on your other side. The short trail provides a spectacular viewpoint of Kuka’emoku, or the ‘Iao Needle, a 1200-foot structure soaring out of the valley floor.

Suppose you’d like a little extra adventure; venture beyond the lookout point to see the Quartermile Falls. There are a few unofficial trails where you’ll find little pools to swim in or places to get closer to the stream.

The ‘Iao Valley State Park is packed with history. It was once the site of the battle of Kepaniwai of 1790, and the cliffs were once used as the burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. It’s also the second wettest place in Hawaii.

You need a reservation to access this beautiful park, so make sure you have your booking in order before you go.

4. Hike and Watch the Sun Rise Over Haleakala National Park

• Mileage: 11 miles point to point
• Elevation Gain: 2,060 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

The Keonehe’ehe’e, or Sliding Sands trail, is for the adventurers. While this hike isn’t a walk in the park, it’s entirely worth the foot rub you’ll need afterwards. Located on the active Haleakala volcano, the crater, seen from anywhere on the island, is the jewel in the park’s crown. 

The trail is the best way to see the colors of the Haleakala crater. It starts at the rim and heads downward, past sights like Kawilinau and Pele’s paint pot, where the multicolored lava will take your breath away. Even if you still have some energy in the tank after all that, the last stretch back to the rim will have you on reserve in no time.

If the hike seems too much for you, go on a sunrise tour, where you can marvel at how the rising sun colors the blanket of clouds in the most ethereal way.

5. Shop at Wailea

Known as Maui’s prime shopping destination, The Shops at Wailea is one of the most fun things to do in Maui. The center features over 70 different stores, offering high-end designer gear, artisanal Hawaiian options, and everything in between.

You can find clothing, gifts, souvenirs, delicious food, and vibrant entertainment at this hub in Wailea. Whether you’re looking to glam up, immerse yourself in all things Hawaii, or indulge in a delicious meal, the Shops at Wailea have everything you could need and want.

6. Mākena State Park

Nestled along Maui’s southwestern coast, Makena State Park is a go-to for its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational activities. The park is also home to Pu’u Olai, a 360-foot cinder cone located behind Little Beach, which offers amazing views of the surrounding coastline and is a prime spot for hiking and photography.

The park has two gorgeous beaches: Big Beach and Little Beach. Big Beach, also known as Oneloa Beach, boasts warm golden sands stretching for nearly 2/3 of a mile, making it an optimal space for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Little Beach is a short hike over the black rock from Big Beach.

Aside from its beaches, Makena State Park offers excellent whale-watching opportunities during the winter months when humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed and calve. Most visitors look for whales from Pu’u Olai. 

You’ll also be able to have a picnic, go snorkeling, and explore the tidal pools that dot the beach. Makena State Park is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

7. Trek the Waihe’e Ridge Trail

• Mileage: 4 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,443 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re looking for a dramatic hike, this is the trail for you. The Waihe’e Ridge trails promise to push your body out of its comfort zone (hello, fiery quads), but the payout is phenomenal.

You can expect lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and scenic wonders on this ridgeline hike. The going might be a little wet and muddy, but you’ll be cooler for it. Ensure you have a good pair of hiking shoes, as the trail can be tricky if there’s been rain recently.

Get to see the best of Mauna Kahalwai on this trail as you traverse pines, rainbow eucalyptus, and koa trees. You can spot the Makamaka’ole Falls along the first leg of the hike. 

Once the path starts reaching for the sky, you’ll soon be able to get a peak of the Waihe’e Valley and the West Maui coast. At the trail’s peak, keep an eye out for Molokai Island, which is visible amongst the lovely ocean vistas.

8. Mama’s Fish House

If you want the most epic dining experience on Maui, head over to Mama’s fish house on the north shore near the historic town of Paia. The famous restaurant may not look glamorous, but its food rivals any Michelin-star restaurant.

The menu has each dish listed in curious ways, which only adds to the charm. The fresh seafood and beautifully plated dishes will have you swooning (and then waddling). While it has been referred to as a hole-in-the-wall, this place will likely serve you the most delicious meal you’ll eat on this trip.

9. Visit Maui’s Beaches

There’s no shortage of sultry beaches for you to visit on Maui. You can find activities like snorkeling, boarding, whale watching, beach sports, and boating on various shores. Here are some of the best beaches in Maui.

• Ka’anapali Beach – This beach is world-famous for its beauty and has an epic zipline tour where you can see the whole area from above.

• Napili Beach – Best known for its epic sunsets and sultry sands, Napili is also home to breathtaking reefs and the occasional sea turtle.

• Honokalani Beach – This road to Hana detour is a show-stopping medley of black sand beach against verdant jungle and turquoise waters. Go Boogie boarding or visit the sea cliffs for some adventure.

• Kaihalulu Beach – Just off the Hana highway, this red beach is known for its calm waters and the crazy cliff jumpers off the sides of the secluded cove.

• Keawakapu Beach – Soft white sand and calm waters make this beach a lovely swimming and snorkeling spot.

• Wailea Beach – As one of the island’s most glamorous beaches, Wailea has amazing views of Molokin Crater, Kahoolawe, and Lanai from its shimmering shores.

• Baldwin Beach – Located near the historic town of Paia, this is the perfect family-friendly beach.

10. Visit the Maui Ocean Center

Located on the picturesque Maalaea Harbor, the Maui Ocean Center remains one of the top Maui tourist attractions, showcasing Hawaii’s enchanting underwater wonderland. Spanning over three acres, the state-of-the-art facility boasts a diverse array of marine wildlife indigenous to the waters surrounding the island.

You can immerse yourself in the wondrous exhibits featuring colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, majestic sharks, and other marine life. With interactive displays, educational programs, and experiences, the Maui Ocean Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s unique aquatic ecosystem.

Don’t forget to explore the Open Ocean exhibit, be wowed by the amazing creatures in the 3D whale exhibit, or the mesmerizing jellyfish display.

11. Waianapanapa State Park

Waianapanapa State Park is one of the many detours you can make along the beautiful road to Hana Highway. Head to East Maui to be blown away by the park’s dramatic landscapes and captivating cultural history. The park is home to many ancient sites, including a heiau, or temple, dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god of agriculture.

One of the park’s most standout features is its black sand beach. The sand gets its ebony hues from the region’s volcanic activity. The darkness of the sand against the blue water cuts a striking and otherworldly picture.

Aside from the black sand beach, Waianapanapa State Park is full of several amazing sea caves. These caves will give you priceless insight into the millennia and the forces it took for the Hawaiian islands to come into being.

You can also roam the park’s lush natural landscape, ribboned by trails leading to enchanting waterfalls and superb vistas.

12. Kapalua Coastal Trail

• Mileage: 2.5 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 249 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

This short stroll will take you through some of the wild and the tame of Hawaii. The trail starts at Kapalua Bay Beach and meanders along the coast. The trail changes between the boardwalk and the sidewalk, and there are both rocky and sandy parts.

Along the way, you’ll see Kapalua Bay Beach and its adjacent tide pools, Oneloa Beach, and some of the area’s resorts. You can’t walk this trail without detouring to see the Dragon’s Teeth at Makalua-puna Point, as well as the unique labyrinth on the way to the point where you’ll be humbled by the power of the surf.

While you’re in the area, try out the ziplines. Kapalua has the longest on the island.

13. Experience an Authentic Hawaiian Luau

You can experience the essence of Hawaiian culture when you see an authentic luau. These events celebrate the food, music, and dance that is the core of Hawaii.

The Gilligan’s island luau is probably the top experience on Maui, being famous for its performance flair. Here, you’ll taste delicacies like kahlua, poi, and seafood, all cooked in an underground oven.

As the sun sets over Maui, your body will attune to the vibrant beats of the music and the rhythmic hula performances. You’ll feel so transported you might channel your inner Lilo and start your own sway.

14. Hang Ten at Ho’ okipa Beach Park

The generous waves on the North Shore at Ho’okipa Beach Park make this one of Maui’s best places to surf. This world-renowned destination is certainly where you’ll find the best surf conditions. No matter your skill level, you’ll be riding the swells in no time.

Beyond surfing, Ho’okipa offers eye-popping scenery and other activities if you aren’t a keen surfer. You can windsurf or kiteboard here or just relax on the sand and take in the natural beauty of the island.

15. Go on a Snorkeling Tour to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town

A snorkeling tour in Maui is the perfect aquatic escape. Being able to see the brilliance of the coral and tropical fish off the shores of the island is one of the top things to do in Maui.

Molokini Crater and Turtle Town are two of the premier snorkeling spots on the island. Molokini’s crescent-shaped crater features crystalline water bursting with vivid marine wildlife. Turtle Town is aptly named for the best encounters with the illustrious green sea turtles that call this area home.

A guided snorkeling tour will offer extra value to your experience, with the knowledge of an experienced tour guide at your fingertips.

Top Rated Maui Tours and Activities for Your Trip

Here are some of the most recommended Maui tours to help make your trip unforgettable.

• Whale-Watching Catamaran Cruise – See the majestic giants of the sea from the comfort of a luxury catamaran for one of the most exciting Maui boat tours ever.
• Gilligan’s Island Luau – Experience the height of Hawaiian culture along with a scrumptious dinner.
• Road to Hana Helicopter Tour – Take in the iconic route from the sky and skip all the traffic.
• Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour – Swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.
• Guided Hiking Tour – Traverse the bamboo forest near the rugged East Maui coastline and see the natural beauty of the Haleakala National Park.

How Many Days Are Enough to See Maui?

Frankly, there isn’t really an answer to that. There is so much to do on this Hawaiian island that you’ll struggle to get bored. Some try to fit a lot in, wondering what to see in Maui in 3 days, while others plan a slightly longer 5-day itinerary. 

Technically, you could see most in 3 days, but it’s definitely recommended to spend at the bare minimum 5-7 days. This way, you can experience all the best things to do in Maui without feeling too rushed.

The Best Time to Go to Maui 

The fantastic climate of the Hawaiian island means that you can easily visit throughout the year. While the summer months of May through September will give you warmer, drier days, the island is also abuzz with tourists.

You might enjoy your vacation better during Spring (April- May) and Fall (September- November) when the weather is still balmy, but the crowds have dissipated. If you decide to visit during winter when it’s cheapest, plan to spend a lot of time on the west and south coasts to avoid finding things to do in Maui in the rain.

Where to Stay on Maui

You’re covered no matter what your budget is with these excellent accommodation options.

Luxury | Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

This opulent hotel looks onto Wailea Beach. With three pools and three restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, you’ll be spoilt for choice in every way. Don’t miss out on the spa and wellness center for that ultimate relaxed feel. >>>Check Rates and Availability

Midrange | Maui’s Ocean Club

This wonderful hotel sits directly on Ka’anapali Beach, so if you hear waves in your sleep, you aren’t dreaming them up. Each room has a balcony to give you that fresh sea breeze anytime you want it. The hotel also offers a 3.5-acre spool, three heated pools, a spa, a wellness center, and a host of food options to satisfy any craving. >>>Check Rates and Availability

Budget | Hana-Maui Resort

Hyatt’s budget offering proves that you don’t need to break the bank to experience the best of Maui. The ocean-view bungalows offer comfort and value for money in addition to the rolling gardens and many activities on offer.>>>Check Rates and Availability

FAQs About Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii

If you still have some questions, here’s a quick look at the most common inquiries about Maui.

What Is Special About Maui?

There are so many good answers to this question. Maui is actually made up of 3 islands that were once connected: Lanai, Molokai, and Maui. The many ecosystems and idyllic beaches make Maui seem like it fell straight out of paradise. 

Aside from sharing a name with the demigod Maui, there is so much to love about this unique island you could fill a book or two.

Which Parts of Maui Should I Not Visit?

Like all things beautiful, Maui has a dark side. The wildfire that decimated the old town of Lahaina serves as a brutal reminder of the power of nature. The historic area is currently closed for business, and tourists have been asked not to visit the town or its iconic banyan tree out of respect for those who lost people and property in the fire.

What Is the Food Like on Maui?

Aside from the famous Acai bowls, you can enjoy pork-based dishes like Kahlua and lau lau, fresh seafood, and other farm-to-table offerings. Maui has plenty of indigenous and adopted cuisines to try and love.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Maui

Now that you’ve been briefed on the best things to do in Maui, you can plan your trip to Hawaii with ease. You can hop from a black sand beach to a white sand beach with all the shades of gold in between. 

There are countless snorkeling spots, the revered sacred pools, and the best beaches. The lush rainforests, amazing creatures, and incredible views all make up the wonder that is Valley Isle.

Pin For Later: Best Things to Do in Maui