Imagine a place that’s a top destination for everyone from honeymooners to multi-generational families, Maui’s diverse landscapes and outdoor activities cater to nearly every traveler’s interests. Nature lovers can explore the lush landscape of Haleakala National Park from visiting the enticing beaches of green, black, red and white sand, exploring the vibrant underwater world with sea turtles or diving, whale watching, snorkeling at Molokini Crater or scuba diving. Hike through and pierce the volcanic sky.
Again, for a scenic drive, you can explore the road to Hana or hike through the Hana bamboo forest or the lush trails of ‘Io Valley State Park and lose yourself in the mountain environment.
Maui beckons you to adventure activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, ziplining, snorkeling, sunset cruises, gentle wave surfing, and more. If you want to answer Maui’s call, pack your bags now.
If you have a plan to travel to Hawaii Island in your travel bucket list, then I would recommend you to visit these island best places besides Maui, O’ahu, Kauai, Island of Hawai’i and Moloka’i. And click to know about the best places and things to do in these islands which I have linked.
Explore The 15 Best Things To Do in Maui
1. Drive the Road to Hana
#Things to do in maui
If you are planning to visit Maui, the road to Hana should be the first thing on your list. Because this 64-mile stretch of road has become the most scenic drive in their lives. This makes it one of the most iconic places on Earth. But what is so special about it?
The first stop is at Twin Falls Mile Marker 2. It’s easy to hike through the nearly two-mile-long forest and swim in the large pools surrounding each waterfall. These waterfalls were probably my favorite of my road trip to Hana, and the cool, fresh water flowing through the rainforest made for a great start to the experience.
You’ll pass a number of scenic lookout points like the K’ana Peninsula and the Wailua Valley State Wayside, both of which will give you a great view of the Pacific Ocean and Hawaiian coastline.
After many stops and very close to the town of Hana, you will finally reach Waianapanapa State Park and its pristine black sand beaches.
2. Explore Haleakalā National Park
#Best things to do in maui
To visit Haleakala National Park you should definitely go to the top of Maui. It is home to Haleakala Volcano, the highest point on Maui at 10,023 feet. When you’re there, you feel like you’re on another planet. The crater is filled with tons of volcanic domes, and is such a strange yet beautiful place. The best time to see it is sunrise and sunset.
If you want to go for sunrise, you need to make a reservation in advance, but for sunset, you just pay the park entrance fee. It’s extremely cold, which is hard to believe considering Hawaii, so definitely bring warm clothes. If you can handle the cold, stay longer until dark after sunset. Haleakala is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky.
3. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
#Unique things to do in maui
Molokini Crater, often associated with Hawaii, is a volcanic atoll located in Maui. It was the most amazing boat ride for snorkeling. Because Maui is one of the best destinations for snorkeling. I highly recommend snorkeling here to experience crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, various species of fish, dolphins, turtles, and diverse marine life. However, all around is in the open sea behind. I would not recommend snorkeling outside the hole as it is in 300 feet of water and have heard of people going missing. Snorkeling here for the most part requires a tour guide and is totally worth the underwater viewing.
4. Ka’anapali Beach
#Top things to do in maui
I would consider it the best beach on the island, known for its golden sand, crystal-clear water, and vibrant marine life. One of the best spots for snorkeling. Besides, you can do many other activities including diving, jet skiing, and parasailing. Be careful when snorkeling at Black Rock as the currents can be strong. Snorkel sails and sunset cruises launch from specific points on the beach so be aware when you’re in the water. Enjoy beach resorts, dining, and scenic beach walks as well as shopping.
5. Pipiwai Trail
#Fun things to do in maui
This has become my absolute favorite hike in Maui for good reason. Waimoku Falls is a hike that takes you on the PPY Trail, an experience really unforgettable because of the island’s diverse and stunning landscape. The trail comes out challenging where you go up, and this can be a steep climb to test your endurance. But this should not discourage one when it starts off this way, for very soon the trail will assume an altogether different look.
Further ahead, walking into the enchanted bamboo forest is like plunging into another world altogether. The canopies of tall bamboo at places rise almost like a natural cathedral, their gentle rustling providing a soft soundtrack to your journey. The ethereal atmosphere, mixed with the distant roar of the falls, keeps one almost in a state of meditation to come out inspired in wonder. Each part of the trail has its own magic. For those who seek a hard-core nature experience, I can well recommend this hike to them.
6. Maui Ocean Center
#Things to do in maui
The Maui Ocean Center is a very nice aquarium. It is supposedly one of the best in the world or country. The center houses Hawaiian reef fish, corals, green turtles and stingrays in well-maintained aquariums. One feature is a glass tunnel through a shark and ray tank, allowing guests to sit and observe the diverse marine life around them. Various exhibits explain the current behavior of humpback whales, which migrate to Hawaii from December to March, and how the Polynesians who settled Hawaii used the ocean.
Guests can gain an in-depth look at the aquarium’s operations during a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, which allows visitors to watch feedings and ask staff naturalists questions about animal care. Adventurous guests can dive into the 750,000-gallon open ocean tank to get even closer to stingrays, sharks and a variety of vibrant sea life.
7. Ho’okipa Beach Park
#Things to do in maui
Located on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii, Ho’okipa Beach Park is one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. This beach is definitely not for swimming but it is the place to go if you are a surfer and definitely not a beginner surfer. At the lookout above, the views are great, you can watch surfers surfing huge 20-foot waves. And of course, the turtles are resting there, it’s an amazing feeling to see them in their natural habitat, the best feeling I can say. There are picnic tables for you to kick back and enjoy the show.
8. Iao Valley State Monument
#Things to do in Maui
Another beautiful place in Maui’s mountains is ʻĪao Valley State Park, about a 15-minute drive from Kahului. There aren’t many places in the world that feel like a complete fairy tale, but ʻĪao Valley State Monument in Maui is one of them. When you get to the park, you’re surrounded by massive volcanic ridges that remind me a lot of the mountains on Oahu. What really caught my attention was the 1,200-foot ʻĪao Needle, a unique rock formation. It costs about $10 to park, and you can walk along a short paved trail to the needle viewpoint.
We followed a trail into the forest and got some more incredible views of the park. T You’ll be surrounded by towering green mountains, vibrant flowers and plants, misty skyscapes and the clearest river you’ve ever seen. There are plenty of swimming spots along the river, so be sure to bring a towel and swimsuit to take some beautiful nature photos. It’s a beautiful place that you should definitely check out.
9. Wai’anapanapa State Park
#Best things to do in Maui
Maui’s Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach is a breathtaking wonder that feels like stepping into a world created by the gods. As soon as you step onto the ebony sands, you realize this is no ordinary beach. But it costs about ten dollars to enter. It is a truly magnificent place, well known for its black sand lava beaches. The sand feels so good on your feet, and it’s so different from other beaches. It is a great place for swimming. Exploring the area around the beach reveals more surprises. Sea caves and lava tubes are like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. It is a place where you can lose yourself in sheer beauty.
10. Go Ziplining
#Things to do in Maui
Ziplining in Maui offers an exhilarating way of seeing the panoramas that the island offers. It involves flying over lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and awesome ocean views by gliding along a series of zip lines. Variety tours are targeted toward the adrenaline junkies; most contain several lines, safety equipment, and expert guides. It’s an exciting tour, great for novice to expert skill levels that will suit just about anyone-family, friends, or couples. The zip line offers added value by way of an adrenaline experience, presenting a unique perspective on Maui’s outdoors that can neither be rivalled nor forgotten.
11. Go whale watching
#Things to do in Maui
Since Maui is located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, it’s no surprise that you’d expect to see whales off the coast. The best place to watch it is the AA channel. This is where humpback whales migrate and even breed, making it one of the most protected places on Maui. The whale watching season is between November and May of the following year, with January being the peak month. Winter is a favorite time of year for humpback whales, but since you’re in the tropical islands of Hawaii, you won’t have to worry about snow or cold weather as you watch the whales from afar.
12. Wailea Beach
#Things to do in Maui
Wailea Beach offers a beautiful and perfect Maui beach experience. Its pristine waters, soft sand, and excellent amenities make it a must-see destination. Nice white sand beach that is a bit shallow. By 11 am the water calmed down. Great for paddle boarding and kayaking. After 11 o’clock the wind started blowing. The waves can be quite high and great for bodyboards, but the water gets cloudy. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the calm morning conditions before the beach gets crowded. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience one of Maui’s most scenic beaches.
13. Haleakala Crater
#Things to do in Maui
Haleakala Crater is a large volcanic crater located in Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The Haleakala crater is a sun-drenched ten-thousand-foot fountain of liquid magma on Maui, the largest lazy fountain of lava on the planet. It was an incredible moment as you watched the sun rise above the clouds and the park ranger began his morning song.
The best time to visit here is either sunrise or sunset! You have to book it in advance for sunrise and it always sells out! Trekking, climbing craters, stargazing and more—all offer their own perks. I would recommend bringing a jacket as it gets cold once you get to the top. Don’t miss this. It is a must visit and you will not regret it!
14. Visit Hāna Lava Tube
#Things to do in Maui
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Hana Lava Tube is a stunning geological formation that gives visitors a unique glimpse into the island’s volcanic past. A great stop on The Road to Hana. There was a $15 fee per person to check out the Love Tube, cash only. Made up of flowing lava, the tube displays intricate rock formations, stunning stalactites, and fascinating lava textures. The experience allows visitors to walk through dark, cool tunnels while learning about the island’s volcanic activity. A self-guided tour and flashlights are provided. Took about 30 minutes round trip, definitely could have spent more time.
15. Makena State Park
#Things to do in Maui
Makena Beach State Park is Maui’s most untouched coastline consisting of large beaches and small beaches. The beach is huge, almost 2/3 of a mile long, and has amazing sand and clear water. I had a good time walking the shoreline to some tide pools and doing some snorkeling. There wasn’t much in the water, but it was exceptionally clear, which I liked. From the beach, you can see the Molokini Crater, which is pretty awesome. There is another beach called Little Beach, which is a short walk from Makena. But it’s also a popular spot for nudists. One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii we’ve experienced with great sand, lava rocks, and amazing waves.
Good luck on your trip to Maui, Hawaii Island. “Tale of Journey” is waiting for your valuable feedback to hear about your Maui travel experience. Oh yes, and one more thing subscribe to our newsletter to get more destination free updates straight to your email.
