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Things to Do on Maui

Things to Do on Maui

Cruise coastal resort towns, tour Upcountry farms and witness Maui's sacred Haleakalā.

Sarah Burchard
By Sarah BurchardLast verified: June 2026Expert verified

When I think of Maui, I think about all the long drives I've taken along the coast, through valleys and up the slopes of Haleakalā. Sometimes it's in pursuit of something beautiful or delicious, sometimes it's for the journey alone. There are so many different sides to Maui, each town having its own personality and each landmark telling the story of the island's past and present. You could drive Upcountry to learn about paniolos (Hawaiʻi cowboys), meander through farms and shop upscale boutiques. You could spend the day in Wailuku, strolling artsy downtown or visiting the ancient battleground and royal burial grounds of ʻĪao Valley. Or you could have a tour guide introduce you to the road to Hāna, stopping at waterfalls, lava rock beaches and roadside food stands along the way. Lāhainā, Hawaiʻiʻs former capital, is slowly rebuilding and welcoming back visitors after the devastating 2023 wildfires — they need our support now more than ever. Compared to Oʻahu, Maui has more sprawling resorts, especially on the west side and south shore, but the chefs are just as impressive — some of the best meals I've had in the entire archipelago have been on Maui. I recommend Maui for couples celebrating something special, families who enjoy the beach and anyone seeking high-end luxury.

SB
Sarah Burchard
Editor
Best ForMaui's Iconic AttractionsMaui Outdoor AdventuresMaui Beaches & Ocean ActivitiesMaui's Cultural HistoryMaui DiningMaui ShoppingMaui Places to VisitMaui Seasonal ActivitiesKnow Before You GoFAQ

Maui Activities Best For

Best for first-time Maui visitors

Best for first-time Maui visitors

First-time visitors to Maui should take a Road to Hāna tour. These are usually all-day excursions that take you to beaches, waterfalls, food stands and more along the most famous stretch of highway on the island. Tours start at around $150 per person and go up from there depending on exclusivity, luxury and duration.

Best for families

Best for families

The best family activity on Maui is to spend an afternoon at Maui Ocean Center in Maʻalaea. Here, youʻll see all types of Hawaiʻi sea life from sea turtles to sharks. There is also a fantastic farm-to-table restaurant and one of Hawaiʻi’s best shave ice stands onsite. Tickets are $39.95 for keiki and $49.95 for adults.

Best romantic experience

Best romantic experience

For couples, the best romantic experience on Maui is a stay in Wailea. Book a room at Hotel Wailea, have lunch at Spoon & Key Market, an afternoon on the beach and a sunset dinner on the lanai at Koast. In between, sneak in some shopping at The Shops at Wailea.

Best water adventure

Best water adventure

For the best Maui adventure in the water, take a Molokini snorkel tour (starting from $99 per person). Catamarans and zodiacs depart from Kīhei to this ancient volcanic crater for an afternoon of swimming amongst colorful coral reefs and marine life. Some tours provide lunch too.

Featured Tours

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7 Sacred Pools & Pipiwai Trail Private Tour

7 Sacred Pools & Pipiwai Trail Private Tour

Hike the Pīpīwai Trail + Explore the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. Experience waterfalls, local food, bamboo forest and Road to Hana highlights!

Book Now →
Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui

★ 5.0· 2 hours
from $169Book →
Maui Circle Island-PRIVATE-Air Tour for 2-5: Waterfalls & Lava!

Maui Circle Island-PRIVATE-Air Tour for 2-5: Waterfalls & Lava!

★ 5.0· 1h20m–1h30m
from $452Book →
Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour from Shore at Turtle Town

Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour from Shore at Turtle Town

★ 5.0· 2 hours
from $129Book →

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.

Maui's Iconic Attractions

If you only have time for one big attraction on Maui, visit sacred Haleakalā — the world’s largest dormant volcano. Go for an afternoon hike or an epic sunset (sunrise is overcrowded and requires reservations 60 days in advance). If you have time for two, do Haleakalā one day and take a tour of the Road to Hāna the next. Together, they make an unforgettable Maui experience.

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Your Guide to Maui's Haleakalā

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Road to Hāna: Leave the Driving to the Professionals

The Sanctuary of MolokiniHigh Demand

The Sanctuary of Molokini

Molokini's crescent, quarter-moon shape acts as a fortress that provides protection from waves and powerful currents

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Returning to Lāhainā: A 2026 Visitor’s Guide

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Maui Outdoor Adventures

From epic waterfall and volcano hikes to parasailing and big-wave surfing — Maui is full of exciting adventures. Hikers should check out the Pipiwai Trail — a 4-mile round-trip hike in Haleakalā National Park through bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls. Visitors who prefer to stay in the water should take a Molokini snorkel tour. In the winter, if the swell is just right, the best beach to watch big-wave surfers is Peʻahi / Jaws lookout.

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Whale Watching on Maui

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Surfing on Maui

Whether you're just starting out or are a more advanced surfer looking to rip, Maui has you covered — as long as you know where to go. These are Maui's most popular surf breaks.

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Outrigger Canoe Tour in Wailea: My Favorite Morning Activity

Maui Pacific Tours offers a two-hour snorkel outrigger canoe tour  seven days a week at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, in South Maui.

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What You’ll Experience on a Maui Pineapple Plantation Excursion

Taste a Maui Gold pineapple strait from the field and learn about its impact on Hawaiʻi at a Maui pineapple plantation tour.

Nakalele Blowhole and Maui's Heart Shaped Rock

Nakalele Blowhole and Maui's Heart Shaped Rock

How to find the trail to Nakalele Blowhole and experience it safely.

Maui Beaches & Ocean Activities

Maui's beaches differ by coast. For the best calm-water beach, choose Wailea Beach. You can find public access between the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea resorts. For snorkeling, check out Honolua Bay in summer — a marine conservation district with no entry fee. The best beach for families is Kāʻanapali Beach. It’s equipped with lifeguard stands and restrooms and is close to dining and shopping. The biggest beach on Maui is Mākena — best for sunbathing as the shorebreak and currents are powerful here. For an extraordinary black sand beach experience, visit Waiʻānapanapa State Park (reservation required for non-residents) on the Road to Hāna.

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Top 5 Beaches on Maui

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A Different Kind of Ocean Adventure on Maui with Hawaii Ocean Rafting

On the west side of the island, whale watching tours offer a rare opportunity to turn a bucket-list activity into something deeper: an authentic, small-group ocean adventure that directly supports the Maui community.

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Mākena Beach, Maui

Discover Maui's wildest stretch of coast.

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Kāʻanapali Beach

West Maui's Resort Row

Maui's Cultural History

Maui’s cultural history is inseparable from its landscape — Haleakalā and 'Īao Valley are sacred to Native Hawaiians, Lāhainā was the former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and throughout the road to Hāna and beyond you will still see loʻi kalo — taro farmed in the traditional way. The 'Īao Valley State Monument is currently closed, but nearby is Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum, which exhibits an extensive collection of pre-western contact Hawaiian artifacts. If you want to learn more about Maui’s paniolo, or cowboy, history the best place to go is Makawao in Upcountry — there is also local art and good shopping here. Although still being rebuilt, Lāhainā businesses are reopening and welcoming visitors — please go and show your support.

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Returning to Lāhainā: A 2026 Visitor’s Guide

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Discover the Maui North Shore Town of Pāʻia

Spend an afternoon boutique shopping, eating and strolling the day away in Pāʻia, Maui.

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Why Kahului is Maui's (Non-Touristy) Heart

Kahului, Maui is where the airport and the largest harbor are located. It’s also a great place to find restaurants where locals really eat.

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The Complete Guide to Maui Ocean Center

Discover the Maui Ocean Center, where you can experience the vibrant marine life of Hawaiʻi without needing to dive or snorkel.

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Family-Friendly Things To Do in Maui

Explore the best things to do in Kahului Maui, from local shopping to family-friendly attractions and stunning landscapes.

Maui Dining

From food trucks and strip-mall eateries to a farm-to-table dining scene that often rivals Oʻahu's, the food on Maui rocks at every price point. The best high-end dining is in Wailea at Spoon & Key Market and Koast Maui — you’ll need reservations for both. For the best local plate lunch or pupu visit Chef Sheldon Simeon’s Tin Roof in Kaului and Tiffany’s Bar & Restaurant in Wailuku. For the best farm-to-table experience, book a farm tour and dinner at O’o Farms. The food trucks located by Costco are everyone’s favorite.

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3 Must-Try Restaurants on Maui – Editor’s Picks

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Papi’s Ohana: Cinnamon Roll Religion on Maui’s Westside

Located on the main drag of Honokōwai, Papi’s Ohana cinnamon rolls is a breakfast pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike.

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Best Maui Farm Tours – Editor’s Picks 2025

Maui is home to over 800 farms. Over a dozen host farm tours, but these four offer something extra special.

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Best Maui Restaurants - Editor's Picks

Maui's farm-to-table dining scene often rivals Oʻahu. Here are my current top 10 restaurants on Maui.

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Aurum Maui is led by managing partners Natasha and Taylor Ponte, both from Maui. Together, they have combined warm and unobtrusive service...

Maui Shopping

Looking for something funky and unique? Head to Wailuku or Pāʻia. For high-end shopping, visit The Shops at Wailea with over 70 stores and free parking. For an outdoor mall that covers it all, Whalers Village is the way to go. The best place to by local tropical flowers and produce is at the Upcountry Farmers Market in Kula on Saturday mornings from 7 to11 a.m. Makawao also has boutiques, galleries and gifts shops worth exploring.

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Discover the Maui North Shore Town of Pāʻia

Spend an afternoon boutique shopping, eating and strolling the day away in Pāʻia, Maui.

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Shopping on Maui

A neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the best shopping on the Valley Isle.

Maui Places to Visit

The best places to visit on Maui are not resorts, they are towns where locals work, live and play. Wailuku is Maui’s county seat and full of great art, shopping and food. Kīhei is a funky beach town with fun boutique shops and lively bars for a younger crowd. Lāhainā is Mauiʻs historic waterfront town, now welcoming back visitors after the devastating 2023 wildfires. The best Upcountry town to visit is Makawao for its shopping, eateries, art galleries and nearby farms.

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Things To Do in Kihei Maui

Explore the best things to do in Kihei Maui, from snorkeling with turtles to enjoying beautiful sunsets and family fun.

Returning to Lāhainā: A 2026 Visitor’s GuideHidden Gem

Returning to Lāhainā: A 2026 Visitor’s Guide

As Maui continues to rebuild Lāhainā after the devastating 2023 fires, one question remains for visitors, “Is it OK to come back?”

Why Kahului is Maui's (Non-Touristy) HeartHigh Demand

Why Kahului is Maui's (Non-Touristy) Heart

Kahului, Maui is where the airport and the largest harbor are located. It’s also a great place to find restaurants where locals really eat.

Maui Seasonal Activities

Most visitors flock to Maui in the winter and early spring for humpback whale watching from December to April. Summer is the busiest season, bringing festivals, concerts and calmer snorkeling and swimming conditions. Fall (September to October) and spring (April to May) is shoulder season. This is when you’ll find cheaper hotel prices and the best weather.

Whale Watching on MauiHigh Demand

Whale Watching on Maui

Spotting humpback whales can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. As these majestic creatures migrate to the warm waters of the islands during the winter months, there are several ways you can increase your chances of seeing them up close.

Peʻahi (Jaws) Maui Surf BreakHigh Demand

Peʻahi (Jaws) Maui Surf Break

This Maui surf Mecca is nicknamed Jaws for good reason. From November to March, monstrous swells can reach up to 70 feet pushing speeds of 30 miles per hour.

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Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Returns to Kapalua

From Oct. 20–26, the Maui Jazz & Blues Festival returns to Kapalua. The weeklong event takes place at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.

Book Things to Do

South Maui Shore DiveMauiFree cancellation

South Maui Shore Dive

This excursion is designed for people who are certified divers.  We will meet at one of the lovely dive sites located in the Wailea/Makena area of South Maui.  We will have a safety briefing, and afterwards go out on an underwater adventure.  Highlights of dives here include turtles, rays, sharks, eels, crustaceans, and lots of tropical fish and reefs. Pictures of your excursion are included.  A second dive at a second dive site may be added as well for a fee.

5.0(144)3 hours
From $155Book Now
Mermaid Ocean Swimming Lesson in MauiMauiFree cancellation

Mermaid Ocean Swimming Lesson in Maui

In this ocean Mermaid Swimming Lesson, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform into a mermaid and explore the beautiful, underwater world of Maui's most scenic coastline! A professional mermaid instructor will give you a private, one-on-one swimming lesson in a mermaid tail of your choice, as well as teach you tips & tricks to help you improve your mermaid technique. All lessons take place in the calm, shallow, and protected waters of Makena Bay in South Maui. This cove offers extraordinary coastal views of Haleakala, Molokini, Pu'u O'lai, and the neighboring islands! All tours include a FREE underwater digital photo package! AVAILABLE TAIL & MONOFIN SIZES: Child tail sizes: 6, 8, and 10. Adult tail sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Child monofin sizes 1-4 (Jr 9 -13 with provided neoprene socks). Adult monofin sizes: Men’s US 6 – 11.5 / Women’s: US 4.5 - 10. Must be ages 6+. *(Note it says 'Adult' while choosing number of participants. This includes ages 6-99).

5.0(96)1 hr 30 min
From $169Book Now
Semi Private Surf Lessons with Experienced CoachesMauiFree cancellation

Semi Private Surf Lessons with Experienced Coaches

Maui Surfer Girls is Maui’s Top-Rated Surf School! We are Maui's only female-owned, female-run surf school. Our semi-private surf lessons are for parties with 2-6 people, age 11 and up, and everyone knows how to swim. Our lessons are co-ed, with both male and female surf instructors with years of surfing and coaching experience. We are also one of the few surf schools that offer TWO-HOUR surf lessons (other schools offer only 1.5 hour classes). MAXIMIZE your time on the water with our unique and personalized teaching style, which we’ve been perfecting for over 20 years!

5.0(100)2 hours
From $165Book Now
Afternoon Adventure Snorkel from Ka'anapaliMauiFree cancellation

Afternoon Adventure Snorkel from Ka'anapali

Exclusive small-group snorkeling tour to Maui's best west-side locations. Fun, fast, and free from the crowds. Every guest gets a personalized experience and a shaded comfortable seat with their own storage space. Snorkel at 1 of the most amazing spots and have a guide in the water with you at all times!

5.0(69)2 hours
From $122.68Book Now
Maui: 2 hour Lahaina Sunrise Whale WatchMauiFree cancellation

Maui: 2 hour Lahaina Sunrise Whale Watch

Guaranteed whale sightings. Our boat is newly remodeled for passenger comfort. This boat is a photographers dream, and boasts 360-degree views with plenty of elbow room. Passengers aren’t the only ones who love our vessel, whales love a pink boat! Our captains and crew have over 25 years of experience boating and whale watching on Maui. This experience combined with the small group allows for an intimate and engaging experience and you will have all your whale questions answered. Family-owned and operated. Equipped with a hydrophone on board to hear the whales underwater. Owners, captains and crew are Lahaina Fire survivors and are excited to have your support and get back out on the water.

5.0(52)2 hours
From $70Book Now
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Sarah Burchard

Editor's Pick

Although the following attractions are at the top of most visitors’ bucket list, it’s important for me to acknowledge the significant impact that overcrowding can have on them. For each location I’ve included suggestions and tips on how you can enjoy these spectacular places responsibly. Visiting Lāhainā is a particularly sensitive topic as of late, and because of that we ask that you visit with the intent to support local businesses and strengthen the communityʻs economic recovery.

— Sarah Burchard

Things to Do on Maui
Sarah Burchard

Tips from Sarah Burchard, Editor

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

  1. 1Maui is bigger than most people expect. You'll need a rental car and realistic expectations about how long it takes to get around the island — especially during high traffic times. The parts of the island most visitors traverse include West Maui, Upcountry, South Maui and the road to Hāna. Driving from Wailea on the south shore to Kaʻanapali on the west side takes about an hour.
  2. 2Upcountry is a world away from the beach entirely. Where you stay will likely dictate what you do, unless you will be here for a week or more. Think about what you want to see and do before booking your hotel. Families who want easy beach access should stay in South Maui or Kaʻanapali. If you are interested in a quiet, restful stay, meandering farms and small towns in cooler temperatures, consider Upcountry.
  3. 3I recommend touring the road to Hāna for first-time visitors, but keep in mind it will demand an entire day. The 64-mile drive from Pāʻia to Hāna town with its more than 600 turns, 50-plus single-lane bridges and stops for waterfalls, lava rock coastlines, roadside banana bread and black sand beaches along the way are the whole point of the excursion. Most people dramatically underestimate how long it takes. Plan to leave by 6 a.m. and return in time for a late dinner. A guided tour is worth every penny — it handles reservations, parking and logistics so you can simply enjoy the ride and incredible landscape.
  4. 4Lāhainā holds a special place in the story of Hawaiʻi. Most of the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a thriving hub of West Maui's culture and commerce was devastated in the August 2023 wildfires. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in American history, and the community is still rebuilding. Visitors are welcome and your economic support for local business is genuinely needed. Go with an open heart and spend generously.
Maui · Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Four essentials for making the most of your time on the island.

Start here

When to Visit Maui

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Maui — cheaper hotel prices and the best weather. If you want to catch the annual humpback whale migration, book between December and April.

Getting to Maui

You'll fly into Kahului Airport (OGG). It has a few non-stop flights depending which city you fly out of, but you'll often have to connect through Oʻahu first.

Maui airports

Getting Around Maui

You definitely need a rental car on Maui. Most hotels are at least 45 minutes from the airport and attractions are spread out across the island.

Where to Stay on Maui

Wailea for luxury seekers, Kīhei for more affordable options, Pāʻia or Upcountry to explore farms and the road to Hāna, and the west side for those who prefer quieter beaches.

Maui hotels

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sarah Burchard
Sarah Burchard

Editor · Oʻahu

Sarah Burchard has called Oʻahu home since 2017. com, Hana Hou, FLUX Hawaiʻi, Forbes, Hawaiʻi Magazine and Honolulu Magazine.

More from Sarah →