Aloha! If you are planning a trip to Hawai’i, or even considering a tropical destination in the near future, might I recommend Maui?
We have a popular saying here, “Maui no ka oi,” which means Maui is the best. Because truly, it is. As a Maui resident, I’m not surprised that top travel sites such as TripAdvisor & Conde Nast Traveler consistently rate Maui as the best island in the world. It really is that incredible. The beaches, the people, the scenery, the food, & the abundance of things to do make Maui an ideal vacation destination.
When I moved to Maui I took it as my personal responsibility to try every thing there is to do on this island. It took a few years, but with a little persistence I have checked every single beach, trail, river, waterfall, site, & restaurant off my Maui bucket-list. In doing so I’ve created my own list of “Maui musts” that every tourist should try while visiting Maui.
This is the tried & true, will-not-disappoint list. It is chock-full of places we frequent as Maui residents & spots we go to anytime family & friends visit. Regardless of whether you come to Maui for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adrenaline pumping adventure you are sure to find just what you are looking for on this list of Maui musts.
I have included more options than any visitor can hope to do in a normal travel period, so you’ll have to consider what works best for your travel style & conditions. And remember, you can always come back! There is no shortage of things to do on Maui…unless it rains. But even when it is raining on one part of the island it isn’t hard to find a dry spot somewhere on Maui.
Maui Musts
Sites
- Iao Valley
- Twin Falls
- La Perrouse
- Paia Town
- Surfing
- Haleakala (sunrise or sunset, both are equally incredible)
- Lavendar Farms
- Maui Tropical Plantation
- The Road to Hana
- Three Bears Waterfalls
- Pua’a Ka’a State Park
- Kahanu Garden
- Hana Farms Banana Bread (it’s the best on island. I tried every single spot just to be sure.)
- Wai’anapanapa State Park
- Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
- Maui Ocean Center
- Whale Watch Tours
- Zip Line
- Old Lahaina Luau
- Front Street Lahaina (& Banyan Tree Park)
- Ulalena
- Nacelle Blow Hole
- Makawao Town (& T. Komoda donuts!)
- Ululani’s Shave Ice
- Pipiwai Trail
- Kapalua Coastal Trail
- Ululani’s Shave Ice (OK so maybe this one isn’t technically a “site” but we take our shave ice pretty seriously on Maui. If you are going to eat shave ice ever, in your life time, this is the spot to go.)
Beaches: when visiting Hawai’i beaches remember to use proper ocean safety. The ocean is not to be trifled with. Read the warning signs, talk to the lifeguards, check the conditions, & remember, “if in doubt, don’t go out.”
- Ho’okipa Beach
- Wailea Beach
- Big Beach
- Kamaole 1, 2, or 3
- Baldwin Beach
- Wai’anapanapa Beach
- Hamoa Beach
- Napili Beach
- Honolua Bay
- D.T. Flemming Beach
- Kapalua Beach
- Black Rock
- Honolua Bay
Now it’s time for a little local public service reminder. The aloha spirit is strong in Hawai’i and that is part of the charm of this place. When you visit please bring your own aloha to share. Be respectful as you interact with others both Locals & other visitors as you tour this beautiful island. We love to share our little island with all those that visit; just leave your troubles behind because on Maui there are no worries. We hope to see you on Maui soon! Aloha!
3 things to bring with you when you visit
#1
If you are going to snorkel, you need this mask. I did NOT like snorkeling until I tried it using this mask – now I LOVE it!!! No salt water in your eyes and mouth, no water up your nose, and no tired jaws from holding the snorkel. Check out the reviews.
GAME. CHANGER.
#2
Have you tried these? Made of parachute material so super light weight, folds up super small and shaking sand off is breeze. Need a bigger one?..It has snaps on the side so you can connect multiple one together.
# 3
THIS frisbee for the beach. BEST. FRISBEE. EVER. What is a beach trip without a frisbee?
Are you looking for even more travel inspiration, tips, and trick? Check out a few more of our favorite travel insider tips:
Why You Should Vacation Without the Kids & How You Can Make it a Success
ICELAND – Top 9 Things To Do In Iceland
10 Travel Tips From a New Traveler
Kim says
Thank you for the great tips! Going to Maui next month.
Sara Watkins says
Mahalo! I hope you enjoy this beautiful island as much as we do.
Sandy says
Sara, please where double waterfall is. I know where the one in the second picture, I think it’s the most Hawaii look of all.
I’m living in Upcountry on Maui and am an adventurous junkies too.
Thank you
Sara Watkins says
Hi, Sandy! The waterfall from the first picture is on the road to Hana. It’s a hidden gem & kind of hard to explain. We found it a few years ago when we decided to hike up all the rivers along Hana Highway. You should give it a try!
Martina says
Hi Sara, what are the best Restaurant on Maui?
Thank you!
Suzanne says
This is fantastic. I had a list but you just confirmed what we need to see! Mahalo!
Sara Watkins says
Mahalo! I’m glad you are coming prepared. That’s the way to travel!
chiara says
My Husband and I are going in November! Can’t wait for it and thanks for the fantastic tips 🙂
Sara Watkins says
Mahalo! You will love it, November is a perfect time to travel to Maui. The weather is fantastic and their aren’t as many tourists. Enjoy!
Shayla says
Hi Sara,
I love that this is a true list of the must-do’s. We have 6 full days and are two young couples. Is your list in order? Also, Mama’s Fish House… worth it? I’ve heard so many mixed opinions. Thanks!
Katy Nolan says
Hi Sara
We’re considering going in late April or early May but I read something about it being very crowded due to a Japanese holiday. Do you know anything about this? Is the last week of April not a good time to come? Any advice about times to visit would be very much appreciated! Thanks!
Sara Watkins says
April-May is a great time to come to Maui! I’ve never heard anything about a Japanese holiday; I’m guessing what you read is probably referring to Oahu. They get the majority of Japanese tourists. The weather is fantastic during that time & it isn’t very busy at all. You should totally come!
Jody Reale says
Thanks for mentioning the rainforest side of Maui, and not just the beaches. Maui has it all!
Susie Nancarrow-Glenn says
Thanks for your great list! Heading from the North Shore to Maui in a few days! Can’t wait to chill out 🙂
Sara Watkins says
Oh, Susie, if you like the North Shore you will love Maui!
Jamie says
We are going to Maui for 6 days. What do you recommend we should do in that time? We are going in November. I was thinking about doing the road to Hana, the Pipiwai trail, Haleakala sunrise, snorkeling on Molokini crater. Can that be done and if so, what else should be added?
Sara Watkins says
You’ve got a pretty great list right there. Do you want more action & adventure or some chill activities? Are you planning to stay in Hana? The Pipiwai trail takes a few hours so hiking the full thing will take away from the amount of time you have to stop on the Road to Hana.
Debbie says
We are vacationing for a week in Maui in February/March 2018. would like to know some of the eating establishments, you would recommend. We don’t need expensive, but rather good local flavours. We are staying in the area of Lahaina….specifically on Kaanapali Beach
Sara Watkins says
Unfortunately, eating on Maui is pretty pricey. Our favorite place is Honokawai Deli, it’s close to where you are staying. The owner was the head chef at Mama’s Fish House & the lemon capers mahi mahi is amazing. Some other good spots on that side are Paia Fish Market, Sea House, & the Gazebo (hands down the best mac nut pancakes on Maui). I hope that helps!
Kate says
Hi Sara! Thanks so much for the great list of things to do and see! We are coming to visit Maui for a week in February, staying at the Westin near Lahaina. Is it possible to see sea turtles and whales from the beach during that time? Any specific beaches we should check out to see one or the other? I hate to spend so much money on tours if they are easy to see from the beach. Thanks so much, and thanks again for the great list of activities!
Sara Watkins says
Hi, Kate! February is a great time to come. The whales will be here! They go all around the island but they do spend more time on the West side & South side. Your best bet would probably be the lookout by the lighthouse on the Pali Highway. It’s on your way to Lahaina so you won’t miss it. That being said, the whale tours get you up close so you really get to experience the whales. As for turtles, they are here year around. The best place to come across turtles would definitely be Ho’okipa Beach. They are there almost every single day. Hope that helps!
Betsy says
Mahalo Sara and Thanks for the great tips. Our countdown has begun! My mother and I are fulfilling a dream of going to Maui and Oahu soon. Will definitely look into your suggestions as much as our time allows. I am so excited! 😄
Sara Watkins says
Oh, that is so exciting! Let me know if you have any questions.
Charise says
Hi what snorkel gear is your son using…i see ad in your feed but prefer not one piece. What do use
Is there any sheltered (From those tiger sharks) snorkel areas??? Coming there in 2 wks april 17. Thx!!
Sara Watkins says
Honestly, this is just the standard snorkel stet you can find anywhere. They sell them at Costco, Walmart, Target, or you can rent them for a few bucks from the many snorkel stores on island (Snorkel Bob is the most popular).
As for the sharks, I totally get where you are coming from. I’m terrified of all ocean creatures. But, truth is, it’s really, really rare for a shark to come in the shallow waters. They say you are more likely to die from a coconut than a shark on Maui. If you are worried, I’d stick to beaches with lifeguards. They do a good job of watching out for sharks & clearing the beaches at any siting. Kam 3 in Kihei has good snorkeling & lifeguards so that’s probably a good place to start. I hope this helps!
Libby Sanford says
Hi Sara,
Do you have partners and/or recommendations for some of the tour companies on the activities that you recommend? We would be looking to take surfing lessons, paddle board, a helicopter tour, snorkeling, and also maybe go through a tour company for the Road to Hana. Thanks in advance for your help.
Sara Watkins says
I’m so sorry, Libby! I really don’t know much as far as tours go. We’ve always done all the adventuring on our own. I have heard only the best about Blue Hawaiian helicopter tours & the Surf Shack in Kihei. I hope that helps a little!
Janie says
Hi! I love your list. We are planning our first trip to Maui in the next 18 months or so. We are a family with 2 girls ages 3 and 5. I love traveling in off season and we would love March/April or Sept/Oct but trying to decide if we should come in February for whale watching. Also considering staying 1 (or 2) nights in Hana to be able to explore more leisurely and break up the car ride for the girls. Any insight you have would be much appreciated
Lisa says
We are thinking about coming in January or feeling. The problem is finding somewhere to stay. I have 5 kids, so total of 7 of us. What things are best for kids? Ages15-5