1/9: Best of Maui
Top 5 Sights and Destinations
There are enough activities that can be enjoyed on Maui to keep you busy for more than a month. However, if you only have a few days to spend here, these are the five most iconic things to do:
2/9: Popular Themes
Culture, Natural Wonders, and Culinary Explorations
Delve into the island’s roots, experience its natural wonders, savor local cuisine, and discover the must-see attractions that define Maui.
Maui has a near infinite amount of history and culture to offer visitors. On a historical level, it was once the “Whaling Capital of the Pacific” as well as an epicenter of sugar cane production. Culturally, it carries deep traditions and provides numerous opportunities to explore sacred Native Hawaiian sites.
Explore the following 5 options:
Foodies will enjoy their trip to Maui, whose agriculturally dominated valley and rich volcanic slopes produce a variety of edible delights, including tropical fruits, dairy, coffee, spirits, herbs, flowers, and sweet treats.
Check out our list of preferred farmers markets, farm tours, and must-try local foods on Maui:
- Farmers markets
- Farm tours
- Food tours + Cooking classes
- Delicious local foods (and where to try them)
Maui is blessed with white-sand beaches, coral reefs, rocky cliffs, volcanic landscapes, diverse rainforests, dry forests, and high-elevation mountains. These outdoor arenas are home to the local flora and fauna of the islands and provide myriad educational and recreational opportunities to explore Hawaiʻi’s nature and wildlife.
Hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and nature tours are great ways to explore Maui’s ecosystems, reserves, and protected areas.
Interested in more than highlights? Check out our list of 20 sights and destinations on Maui that includes our favorite activities for the following categories: most popular / outdoors / kids / history / scenic spots / hidden gems.
3/9: Curated Tours
Popular Tours that look good on ANY bucketlist
Explore some of the most loved tours on Maui:
4/9: Sort out the basics
Best practices for planning your trip
Planning your trip from scratch can be overwhelming. Our guides take you by the hand and help you plan a trip to Maui with confidence.
Island Hopping in Hawaiʻi
Dos, don’ts, and money saving tips
Fly away
Free Itinerary
8 Magical Days on Maui: a GREAT Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Get started
Getting around Maui
Explore the transportation options you’ll find on Maui, including rental cars, public buses, regional shuttles, and more.
Hop On
20+ GREAT Places to Stay on Maui
Our recommendations for families, beach bums, luxury seekers, backpackers, surfers, and active adventurers:
Stay a while
5/9: All Activities
Maui Things to Do
Welcome to Maui, where the action never stops. We leave out the fluff as our guides compare all options on the island in a clear and no-nonsense way.
6/9: Our blog
Maui blog posts
From local insights and travel tips to must-try activities and hidden gems, discover the best of Maui with our straightforward guides and recommendations.
7/9: Regions
Tourist destinations in Maui
Maui spreads the love around its island to a number of small towns and mini-destinations. Below is an overview of the main districts on Maui to help you get a better sense of the island.
8/9: Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions about visiting Maui (5)
The answer to the million dollar question comes down to what you want to do when visiting Maui. Some things are not greatly effected by the seasons – you can still have a great beach day during the winter, for example. But other experiences, like whale watching, are only available certain times of year. The cost of your vacation can also vary with the time of year, as do ocean conditions and the amount of fellow visitors.
For example, consider these scenarios:
- What is the best time to see whales?
- What is the best time for snorkeling
- What is the best time to visit Maui “on the cheap?”
- When to visit Maui if you want to skip the crowds?
- What is the best time to visit Maui for the weather?
- How to Avoid Rain During the Rainy Winter Season
Visiting Maui after the August 2023 wildfires means visiting with aloha and empathy. Expect for example to wait longer than normal for food or other services and have compassion for those you interact with. Mahalo for embodying the true essence of community as we navigate these challenging times together.
Some activities that shouldn’t miss from your itinerary are:
- Road to Hana: A world-famous scenic drive along the famous Hana Highway, winding through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal vistas.
- Haleakalā National Park: Witness a breathtaking sunrise or sunset at the summit of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano offering panoramic views of the island.
- Snorkeling at Molokini Crater: Dive into the crystal-clear waters of an extinct volcanic crater for a spectacular underwater experience with diverse marine life.
- Roadside Stands and Food Trucks: Sample local flavors at roadside stands and food trucks. Try traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, fresh fruit, and shave ice.
ps: we have an 8 day itinerary for Maui that is GREAT for first-time visitors.
The Road to Hana is a famous drive along Maui’s coast, known for its waterfalls and scenic views. Whether it’s overrated is subjective.
- Some might not like the narrow road, potential for motion sickness, and the time it takes.
- But if you enjoy beautiful scenery and exploring off the beaten path, you might find it to be a highlight of your Maui trip.
Haleakalā last erupted between 400 and 600 years ago, and is technically considered to be an active volcano. However, while East Maui’s long eruptive history and recent activity indicate that Haleakalā will erupt in the future, there is very little chance this happens during your trip to Maui.
See the most recent Haleakalā updates on the USGS website.
ps: volcano-enthusiasts should check out our guide on seeing lava on the Big Island.
9/9: Free monthly newsletter
The only spam we like comes from a can.
Seriously though, one of the ways we stay as up-to-date as we can on all things Hawai’i as we can is by reading many Hawaiʻi newsletters. Letʻs say we were not happy by how many of those are mostly written to sell, not to inform.
We decided to do better.
Our newsletter is written to add value to your inbox.
Created for those people wanting to keep up with what’s happening on the Hawaiian islands and published once a month, here is what you can expect:
- Upcoming local events
- New and noteworthy places and restaurants and other venues
- Our take on current affairs (what about those hotel prices!)
- Volcano updates
- Upcoming astronomy events (think about meteor showers and lunar eclipses)