If you want to make the most of your trip to Maui, you have come to the right place to start planning your Maui vacation. Maui, with its gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes, scenic drives, shaved ice, your options of things to do in Maui are endless. With the help of friends, family and locals we have met, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do on Maui during your next trip to Hawaii.
Enjoy Copious Amounts of Fresh Tropical Fruit
Every island of Hawaii has such delicious sweet fruit ( especially pineapple and mango). Since we stayed in Kihei, it was so easy for us to grab fruit at Kihei Farmers Market. Oh and you have to try their fresh coconut water. It was the perfect start to the day. Depending on where you stay, Upcountry Farmers Market may be closer to you and their vendors also sell all kinds of delicious food and produce.
There are so many fun stops to get fresh fruit(honor system-deposit cash in a safe box), and several vendors selling homemade candies and banana bread. Everything was cash only.
Go on a Sunset Sail
I love sunset cruises, it’s a great way to wind down after a long day. To this day I still remember the sunset sail and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
Watch the Sunset/Sunrise from Haleakala National Park
Watching the sunrise or sunset on the summit of Haleakala is an amazing experience. I preferred going at sunset and I loved it. To go at sunrise , a reservation is required for sunrise and in normal times they sell out the instant they go on sale 60 days in advance. You also have to wake up at 2-3 am to make it to the summit by sunrise.
Shop at Costco for Unique Hawaiian Snacks
If you are a Costco fan, you have to stop at Costco in Maui. Shopping at Costco for some original Hawaiian snacks is always a good time. It was actually our first stop after picking up our rental car when we arrived in Maui.
My favorite things to get are chocolate covered macadamia nuts, guava cheesecake, sweet rolls, macadamia popcorn crunch, Honolulu cookies and so much more.
Visit Ho’okipa beach and See the Surfers and Turtles
I could spend all day at Ho’okipa Beach watching the turtles and surfers while eating my poke bowl. We were fortunate enough to see so many in the early afternoon. If you are wanting a lazy day in Maui to just sit in the sand and relax then put Ho’okipa Beach on your itinerary.
Snorkel at Molokini Crater
For those who love marine life and snorkeling, a boat tour to Molokini Crater is a must. This partially submerged volcanic crater has crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling.
Drive Road to Hana
Driving Road to Hana, is something you would definitely want to do once when you visit Maui. Fair warning, it’s not for everyone. Because of its windy road and hairpin turns, one may easily get car sick and quickly find it unenjoyable.
I recommend you watch some youtube videos and read things online to see if Road to Hana is for you. Bring lots of small bills! There are so many fun stops to get fresh fruit(honor system-deposit cash in safe box), and several vendors selling homemade candies and banana bread. Everything was cash only.
Go on a Maui Chocolate Tour
For all my chocolate lovers, going on a chocolate tour would be a super fun excursion. You will get to taste many different kinds of chocolate and learn how chocolate is made. We went to Maui Chocolate Tour and I would recommend this tour to anyone. You arrive at the storefront and take a tour bus to the farm (about 10 min).
Once on the farm, you will see the cacao trees (crazy that they were only planted 10 years ago!) and enjoy a chocolate tasting in the treehouse.
Get Mac Nut Sticky Buns at Sugar Bakery
To fulfill your sweet tooth, you have to try the Mac Nut Sticky Buns at Sugar Bakery in Kihei. It’s located right across the beach, so it’s perfect to just pick up a pastry and then hang out at the beach. The line outside gets long, go early.
Snorkel, Snorkel and Snorkel Some More
Are you even in Hawaii if you did not snorkel? I have never really been snorkeling before my time in Hawaii so I did not know what to expect. But as soon as I started snorkeling, I immediately understood the draw to snorkeling. It is a whole other world under the water and the best part is you don’t have to go that far into the ocean or that deep. There are lots of marine life near the shore.
You can bring your own snorkel gear from home ( which is what we did) or you can rent snorkel gear from the snorkel store and spend your time snorkeling at Napoli, Kaanapali Bay , Honolua Bay.
Have a Luxurious Spa Day
Depending on where you are staying, how much you want to drive, and if you love spas and spa treatments, I can highly recommend the Montage Spa in Kapalula. I loved their facilities and their massages were incredibly satisfying. It was one of the best massages I’ve ever had. We first had lunch first at Duke’s (gorgeous setting) and then went to the spa under the day pass ($150). You could easily spend a day there and would be great for a last day in Maui activity.
Hike Waihee Ridge Trail
The Waihee Ridge Trail is a must do if you are in Maui. It looks like a scene straight out of Jurassic Park. The scenery resembles a lot of scenes from Jurassic Park. The trail is pretty steep and can be hot as there is little shade. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Parking is free.
Explore Iao Valley State Park
For my outdoor lovers and photographer lovers ʻĪao Valley State Park is a must see. A well-marked, paved path leads from the parking lot to a ridge-top lookout, offering stunning views of ʻĪao Needle and the valley. For the best visibility, arrive early, as the needle is often shrouded in clouds. This state park doesn’t take long to explore. The trail is pretty short (0.6 miles long) and the lush greenery is such a beautiful sight.
Explore Maui Japanese Gardens
On the way back from Iao Valley, stop at Kepaniwai Park and enjoy a picnic meal surrounded by lush gardens, pagodas and streams. Not to mention this park is totally free!
Hike Dragon’s Teeth
You might have heard about a popular landmark on Maui called Dragon’s Teeth. As its name suggests, there are unique, rugged rock formations that look like Dragons Teeth. It’s pretty cool and it’s a fun and easy hike along the water. It is about 1 mile out and back with spectacular views of two beautiful bays along the way. We even saw a huge sea turtle swimming in Kapalua Bay. Highly recommended for a quick and easy hike! Two things you should know: be very careful walking out to see Dragon’s Teeth. The trail is usually wet and muddy and slippery.
Go On a Whale Watching Tour
A Maui Whale Watching tour is one of the best things to do on Maui, hands down. Seeing the North Pacific humpback whales grace Maui’s oceans during their annual Winter migration is one of the most exciting experiences you could ever have.
Take time for the Sweet Things in Life
Calories don’t really count when you’re on vacation right? Like who’s counting. This is your chance to indulge in the sweet things.
Some of my favorite spots are:
–Komoda Bakery. NO trip to Maui would be complete without a trip to Komoda bakery. The cream puffs have custard inside – LOTS of custard.
– Stillwell’s Bakery for their mac nut pie w/whipped cream
– Leoda’s Pies for just about eveyrthing
See Nakalele Blowhole
Visit this place for some spectacular natural water shows. Watch the ocean waves enter a lava tube and get sprayed several feet up in the air. The coastal views surrounding this area are also beautiful.
Snorkel at Kapalua Bay & Honolua Bay
Two of the best places on the island for snorkeling, especially during summers when the tides are low. Honolua Bay is also a popular surfing spot during high tides.
Lounge at Makena Beach State Park
One of the best beaches in Hawaii, Ka’anapali Beach is a favorite spot for swimming in clear water, sunbathing on soft white sand, snorkeling, and kayaking.
One of my other favorite beaches is Makena Beach State Park. It’s the ultimate wide, sandy expanse to bask in the Hawaiian sun while watching the local surfers take on its famous waves.
Visit Tamura’s Market for Poke
A local secret, Tamura’s Market Wailuku offers more than just groceries. Its poke is so good, it draws both locals and visitors.
Visit Historic Paia Town & The North Shore
Immerse yourself in the charm of the Historic Town of Paia and the stunning North Shore. Spend a day exploring beautiful beaches, perusing local boutiques and art galleries, and indulging in delicious meals at world-class restaurants.
Do a Helicopter Tour over The Coastline
A helicopter tour offers unparalleled access to the islands’ stunning beauty, from the lush valleys and hidden waterfalls of Maui to the dramatic coastlines and volcanic landscapes of Molokai and Lanai. With a wide range of tour options available, you can tailor your aerial adventure to your interests.
Ohe’o Gulch (The Seven Sacred Pools)
The Ohe’o Gulch Pools, more commonly known as the Seven Sacred Pools, are one of the most popular things to see on Maui. This whole place is a natural spectacle, with a string of pools and waterfalls that cascade from the East Maui Mountain valleys to the coast of the clear, blue Pacific Ocean.
Paddle board/Kayak in Turtle Town
Stand Up Paddling is quickly becoming one of the top ocean activities in the world. It’s open to the masses and quite easy to learn. Spend a day “sweeping the ocean,” relaxing, and enjoying gorgeous views of the water and the shore. Strengthen your core, find your balance, and feel a true sense of achievement as you learn stand-up paddling in Hawaii.
Snorkel Right Off the Beach at Maluaka Beach
If you love to snorkel but don’t want to go very far into the ocean, Maluaka Beach has some great reefs and snorkeling right off the beach. Its also a big enough beach where you can lay and have your own space and not feel crowded. You will often see turtles laying right on the beach as well!
See the Dolphins at La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is a great place to see dolphins if you can be an early riser. Be at the beach around dawn and soon after the dolphins come into play. You can snorkel here as well and get lucky to be surrounded by dolphins. If you’re lucky enough to be out you can hear them in the water. There are also super beautiful hiking trails in the area as well that you can do afterwards.
Hike Kapalua Coastal Trail
If you love hiking, you’ll love the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Do a Horseback Riding Tour
If you can do a horseback riding tour, you definitely should in Maui. We loved every moment of our tour with Triple L Ranch. The scenery is unbelievable. And the ride itself was such a memorable experience that we won’t forget.
Have many Beach Picnics
Just my two cents,have as many beach picnics as possible from sunrise to sunset. Grab the freshest fruit from the farmers market, grab your poke bowls and just head to the beach. Bring lots of small bills!
Sample Cheese at Goat Farm
Surfing Goat Dairy is a dairy farm in Kula, Hawaii on the island of Maui. It produces more than two dozen goat cheeses. Many of the cheeses have won national awards. We happened to love this tour because it reveals a different side of Maui, one most visitors never endeavor to see. And you get to taste all kinds of goat cheese flavors.
Go to the Cat Sanctuary
Cat lovers, don’t miss the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, a hidden gem on the island of Lanai. This unique sanctuary provides a safe haven for stray cats and helps protect the island’s bird population. A day trip to Lanai is well worth it to experience this heartwarming initiative.
Go Parasailing
Go Parasailing with UFO Parasail Adventures in Ka’anapali.
What to pack for Hawaii?
Here are some of my favorite things I brought with me to Hawaii:
- Reef Safe Sunscreen: So incredibly important and #1 on the list >Buy Sunscreen
- Reusable Grocery Bag – for just about anything > Buy Reusable Grocery Bag
- Rain Jacket- Hawaii gets spontaneous rain showers, although it will likely be in shorter intervals they can be heavy – > My Favorite Rain Jacket
- Water Bottle: stay hydrated > Check out this water bottle
- Chapstick: This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
- Hiking Boots/Shoes: It can be quite muddy in parts of Hawaii. It is best to have waterproof hiking shoes. >Check Out My Hiking Shoes , Mens version
- Hiking Sandals: hiking shoes can be bulky, so bring some hiking sandals instead also sandals are great for the beach>Buy Some Teva Sandals Here
- Snorkel Set– bring your own -> Snorkel set
- Waterproof phone pouch (to take photos underwater).
Favorite travel essentials
The Capital One Venture X card is my travel bestie! I love that this card grants you access to so MANY AMAZING airport lounges, offering a relaxing escape before your flight. On top of that, it practically pays for itself. You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit, which helps offset the $400 annual fee. Plus, you earn a 10,000-miles ANNUALLY (worth $100) just for having the card.
Other things worth mentioning that are just my 2 Cents
- DINE-Simple, less expensive meals – we aren’t fancy diners at home and don’t like the higher end restaurants (unless it’s a special occasion) in Maui. Running around to make a reservation takes a lot of the joy out of it for me. We’d rather grab a take out meal from a food truck, taco or pizza place or grill at the condo. Saves $ and lets us catch the sunset on our patio.
- get out on the water in some fashion whether a sunset sail, a kayak or SUP outing, or a whale watching tour, etc.
- Create your own traditions and rituals, whatever that may be (i.e. getting Poke from Tamura, or pies from Leodo’s, etc). It’s a place you will want to come back
- Explore the island!! get out of the resorts and tourist areas and see the whole island. Take in the beauty and all of the things that make Maui special. Hike the trails, explore the streams, photograph some spot that none of your friends have ever seen.
