30+ Incredible Things to Do on Maui, Hawaii

From watching the sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā and driving the iconic Road to Hāna, to snorkeling with sea turtles and whale watching, Maui truly has it all. Add in epic hikes through rainforests and volcanic landscapes, traditional luaus, and incredible local food, and it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with Maui.

It’s no secret that Maui is one of Hawaii’s most popular islands, but we really do think it lives up to the hype. If you’re looking to relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you can definitely find that here. But if you’re like us and love big adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do.

In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do on Maui based on our personal experiences. We’ve also included helpful tips on where to stay, when to visit, what to bring, and everything else you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Maui! 

This list of the best things to do on Maui is sponsored by Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel website. On Tripadvisor you can read traveler reviews for Maui hotels, restaurants, and activities, and they have over 400,000 bookable experiences to choose from!

We’ll be linking to some of these Tripadvisor experiences, but as always, we’re sharing our honest opinions based on our personal trips. Want to make booking your Maui trip even better? Join Tripadvisor Rewards to begin earning 5% Trip Cash on any hotel or experience booking made in the Tripadvisor app, which you can use on future adventures.

Islandwide

Maui is a BIG island with a ton to do, so to help you navigate it all, we’ve broken this guide down by region. And these are some of the best things to do on Maui that either take you to multiple parts of the island or can be enjoyed from different regions, especially West and South Maui.

1. Go whale watching

One of the absolute best things to do in Maui is go whale watching! Every year, thousands of North Pacific humpbacks migrate over 3,000 miles from Alaska to the warm, shallow waters of the Auʻau Channel (the area between Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi) to mate and give birth. It’s one of the most incredible things we’ve ever seen! 

That said, you can only see the whales during the peak winter months (January through March). During this time of year, it’s almost impossible not to see whales breaching, tail slapping, and spouting! Since whale watching is seasonal, most boat companies switch over to dolphin focused tours and snorkeling trips during the summer.

We recommend booking a boat experience on a zodiac raft for a more personal feel. These boats are smaller and faster, allowing them to zip around easily to find active whale pods. This Maui Eco Raft Tour is a great option! 

Snorkeling is easily one of the best things to do on Maui! The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and unique volcanic rock formations that are home to tons of tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), and even the occasional reef shark.

You can definitely snorkel on your own at many beaches across the island. If you go this route, we highly recommend signing up for the daily snorkel report from The Snorkel Store. They send out updates every morning with wind and wave conditions at Maui’s top snorkeling beaches. This makes it much easier to find calm, clear water!

Some of our favorite places to snorkel from the shore in Maui are Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay, Honolua Bay, and Kahekili Beach Park (also known as Airport Beach) on the West side. If you’re staying in South Maui, Ulua Beach and the Kamaole Beaches usually have great conditions and are easy to access.

While shore snorkeling is awesome, we personally love booking a snorkeling tour. Not only do you get a scenic boat ride, but most tours visit multiple locations in one trip, including the famous Molokini Crater, a crescent shaped islet sitting between Maui and Kahoʻolawe. 

On our most recent trip, we booked this Molokini Crater and South Shore Adventure tour out of Kihei on a super fast zodiac boat. We got to experience three different snorkeling locations and swim with sea turtles. Plus see sea caves that only this company has access to!

If you are staying on the West side, this West Maui Snorkeling Experience by Boat or this Half-Day Snorkel from Ka’anapali Beach are both super convenient options that leave right from the beach.

For a larger boat with more amenities, we’ve previously done the Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel aboard Pride of Maui and had a great time.

And if you’re short on time but still want to see the crater, this 2-Hour Molokini Guaranteed Snorkel Trip is a perfect quick option!

One of the best parts about staying on Maui is how easy it is to explore the neighboring islands too! If you have an extra day in your itinerary, we highly recommend taking a trip from Maui across the channel to visit Lana’i. 

Often nicknamed Pineapple Island (because of its plantation history), Lana’i is less developed and more rugged than Maui. Here, you’ll find untouched beaches and a very slow paced way of life. So much so that the island actually doesn’t have a single traffic light! 

To get to the island, you can hop on the Expeditions Ferry from Ma’alaea Harbor. The ferry ride takes about an hour and is the absolute best way to get on land to explore! 

There are tons of things to do here, and if you rent a Jeep, you can explore places like the famous Shipwreck Beach (home to the remains of a WWII tanker offshore), the otherworldly rock formations at Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo), and the tide pools at Hulopo’e Beach. The Lana’i Cat Sanctuary is also a fun stop for cat lovers!

Lana’i is also famous for its resident pods of spinner dolphins, and the snorkel spots around the island are some of the best in Hawaii! 

Want to experience Lana’i by boat? This Ultimate 4-Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter takes you to see the island’s sea cliffs and snorkel in its crystal clear bays. Just keep in mind that this specific tour stays on the water and does not actually go on land.

While we try to personally experience everything we include in our guides, taking a helicopter tour of Maui is still on our bucket list! But it looks absolutely incredible, and we couldn’t make a list of the best things to do on the island without including it.

Much of Maui, especially the deep, rugged valleys of the West Maui Mountains and parts of the Hāna Rainforest, is completely inaccessible by car. And while you can hike into Haleakalā Crater, seeing its massive scale from above is incredible. Plus, many of these helicopter tours also fly across the channel to the neighboring island Molokaʻi to see its sea cliffs, which are the tallest in the world!

We highly recommend booking this Doors-Off West Maui and Molokai 45-minute Helicopter Tour for a more adventurous flight!

If flying without doors sounds a little too intense, check out this West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour instead! You’ll still get the same sweeping views of the valleys and sea cliffs, just from the comfort of an enclosed cabin.

5. Go on a zipline tour

Ziplining in Maui is such a fun way to experience the island’s valleys and massive trees without having to do a strenuous hike. Plus, because there are several different courses scattered across the island, you can easily find one that fits perfectly into your driving route.

To fly through a tropical canopy on Maui’s North Shore, we highly recommend the Maui Zipline Eco Adventure! You’ll ride 8 different ziplines through the jungle in Haʻikū, complete with swinging bridges and views toward the ocean.

If you are staying on the West side, check out the Maui 8-Line Zipline Adventure in Lahaina. After an off-road drive into the West Maui Mountains, you’ll zip high above valleys and ravines with sweeping views of the coastline and neighboring islands.

The Haleakala 6-Line Zipline Adventure takes place in Upcountry Maui. You’ll zip through a towering eucalyptus forest on the slopes of the volcano, which makes it a great activity to pair with a Haleakalā sunrise or sunset!

North Shore

When we talk about the North Shore of Maui, we are specifically referring to the area just east of Kahului, near Pāʻia. This side of the island has a much smaller feel with absolutely no big resorts. And it serves as the official starting point for the Road to Hana!

6. Visit Pāʻia

Pāʻia is one of our favorite towns on Maui! This fun historic surf town has an incredibly walkable downtown filled with colorful and eclectic storefronts, local boutiques, and surf shops. It is a great place to find some souvenirs or grab a bite to eat.

If you know us, you know we travel for food. And Paia is packed with amazing places to eat! We always grab a meal at Paia Fish Market when in town and Flatbread Company is an awesome spot to get pizza!

If you want a cold treat, Tobi’s Poke & Shave Ice is a great spot for shave ice and both Roselani (a Maui staple!) and Artisan Ice Cream make delicious ice cream. And make sure to grab a coffee from Story Maui while you are walking around town!

East Maui

This region is the lush, windward side of the island and is home to the famous Road to Hana. Because it’s on the windward side, you can expect it to rain most days. But do not let that deter you. That consistent rain is exactly what gives this area its massive waterfalls and insanely green scenery! 

8. Drive the Road to Hāna

Driving the Road to Hāna is one of the most iconic things to do on Maui. Connecting the town of Kahului to the town of Hāna (and beyond!), this winding coastal highway is roughly 64 miles long and is packed with tons of tight curves and one-lane bridges, taking you through some of the most remote and beautiful scenery on the island.

To help you plan your route, we highly recommend reading our full Road to Hana guide. But to give you a quick preview, some of our absolute favorite stops include watching the waves crash at the Ke’anae Peninsula, grabbing warm banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s, getting ice cream at Coconut Glen’s, and seeing the famous black sand at Waiʻānapanapa State Park (reservations required!). 

Further down the drive, we always make time to stop at Koki Beach Park and Wailua Falls. And then we end the trip at the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park to hike the Pipiwai Trail and see ʻOheʻo Gulch.

For a less rushed experience, we suggest staying one night in Hana. We stayed at the Waiʻānapanapa State Park cabins, which are not only affordable (by Maui standards), but just a short walk to the black sand beach!

If navigating the Road to Hāna on your own sounds a bit intimidating, you can easily book a guided tour! Most operators take you to the same sights and handle lunch for you, so you just need to pick the group size and the type of vehicle you want to ride in.

The Road to Hana by Mercedes Van is a great luxury tour option in a Mercedes van with huge windows. It includes a stop at the famous Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread!

While the Road to Hana Adventure with Pickup is a tour in coach bus that focuses heavily on local history, storytelling, and stops at Hana Farms to sample local treats.

Haleakalā National Park (Summit District)

Haleakala National Park is actually split into two different districts. While you can access the Kipahulu District at the end of the Road to Hana, the Summit District is a completely separate area that takes you all the way to the top of the volcano! 

It’s a long, winding drive to get to the summit. And because you will be climbing to 10,023 feet in elevation, it is MUCH colder up here. Especially when it’s windy! You will definitely need to pack warm layers for this part of your trip.

9. See the sunrise at Haleakalā Summit 

Watching the sunrise from above the clouds at the summit of Haleakalā, also called the “House of the Sun,” is definitely one of the most famous (and unforgettable!) things to do on Maui. 

That said, this experience takes a bit of planning! We share everything you need to know in this detailed Haleakalā sunrise guide. But the main thing to know is that you are required to have an advance reservation to enter the park during sunrise hours. You will also need to leave your accommodation VERY early to make the drive. So we highly suggest planning this for your first morning on the island while you are still on mainland time. You should plan to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the actual sunrise to secure a parking spot.

Another very important thing to know about sunrise is that because you are driving up in the pitch dark, you have absolutely no idea what the weather is doing until the sun starts to come up. It actually took us three tries over the last 12 years to finally get a clear morning up here!

Because of the unpredictable weather, going for sunset is a fantastic alternative. Sunset does not require any reservations, and you can easily check the summit weather conditions from the beach before making the long drive up.

If you don’t want to drive that early or deal with reservations, you can join a tour! We highly recommend the Maui Haleakala Sunrise Spectacular. Your guide handles all the logistics (including breakfast!) so you can just sit back and enjoy the views.

Most visitors make the long drive up to the summit of Haleakalā National Park just to watch the sunrise and then immediately leave. But in our opinion, hiking down into the crater is the absolute best thing to do in the entire park! Fun fact: it’s technically an erosional valley and not a volcanic crater, but everyone just calls it the crater.

If you only have time for one short hike, Sliding Sands is a must. It starts near the summit and takes you down into the volcanic terrain. It’s definitely a tough, steep hike back out, but even if you just go a mile or two down and turn around, it is totally worth it!

Another hike we love is the Halemau’u Trai, which is famous for its massive cliffside switchbacks. While this is also a difficult hike with a lot of elevation gain, it’s extremely scenic. The landscape here is gorgeous, with lush green plants lining the sides of the trail with views into the crater below. 

If you are up for a massive adventure, you can actually combine Sliding Sands and Halemau’u Trail into one long, epic day hike. To do this, it will require some logistics since the trails start and end in different locations, but we suggest parking at Halemauʻu and hitchhiking to Sliding Sands. There’s a designated hiker pickup area. When we did this, we got picked up by the very first car that drove by!

For a totally different way to experience Haleakalā, you can ride a bike down the slopes of the volcano. Most tours will take you up to the starting point just outside the national park entrance at 6,500 feet. Then you will hop on your bike and coast 23 miles all the way down to sea level!

The route is almost entirely downhill, where you will navigate steep switchbacks, cruise past Upcountry farms, and ride through the historic town of Makawao.

There are a bunch of bike tour companies on the island, but we highly recommend going on the Haleakala Downhill Self-Guided Bike Tour with Maui Sunriders. However, one important thing to know is that this tour is mostly self guided. They provide the shuttle to the starting point, plus the rental bikes. But you will ride down at your own pace and then meet at designated spots along the way. So we’d only suggest this for an experienced cyclist, who is comfortable with faster downhill riding and riding with cars.

Upcountry

After exploring the summit area of Haleakalā, we highly recommend spending some time in Upcountry Maui as well. Sitting on the slopes of the volcano, this region has cooler temperatures, rolling green hills, and tons of local farms.

12. Visit the Upcountry Farmers Market

If you happen to be in Upcountry on a Saturday morning, the Upcountry Farmers Market is definitely worth stopping by! Located at the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani, this weekly market runs from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and it’s without a doubt, the best farmers market on the island! 

Here, you’ll find over 40 local vendors selling everything from exotic tropical fruit, and Maui grown coffee to fresh coconuts, local honey, baked goods, lilikoi butter, and freshly caught fish. It’s such a fun way to experience Maui’s local agriculture and try foods grown right on the island! 

13. Explore Makawao

In the heart of Upcountry Maui sits the historic town of Makawao. Located on the cooler slopes of Haleakalā, this charming town is famous for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) history with a thriving arts community.

We love coming here to spend an afternoon wandering through the local art galleries and small shops around town. But, one of the biggest reasons to make the trip to Makawao is to visit the Komoda Store and Bakery. This place has been around since 1916 and is famous for their guava malasadas, cream puffs, and donuts on a stick. They are SO good! 

14. Grab a meal at some of Upcountry’s best restaurants

While it might be tempting to head back toward the coast for dinner, we highly recommend sticking around Upcountry for a meal. The ingredients are about as fresh as it gets since many of these restaurants are located just minutes from the farms where the food is grown. Here are a few of the top places to eat in Upcountry Maui!

Grandma’s Coffee House has been around since 1918 and is especially popular for breakfast and brunch. Their giant cinnamon rolls are legendary! 

Kula Bistro serves a mix of traditional bistro fare with a Hawaiian twist. We didn’t personally eat here, but it was recommended to us by SO many people while we were on Maui.

Located further down the road is Ulupalakua Ranch Store. They are famous for their ranch burgers, including unique options like elk and venison! 

And if you’re a coffee person like we are, Crema Maui is a newer addition known for their espresso and creative seasonal drinks. Plus, it’s located in an old street car!

Central Maui

Central Maui is the area most visitors first experience when arriving on the island since it’s home to Maui’s main airport. Compared to the resort areas in South and West Maui, this part of the island has a much more local feel. It’s also where you’ll find many of the larger grocery stores, shopping centers, and chain restaurants if you need to stock up on supplies during your trip.

16. Hike the Waihe’e Ridge Trail

If you’re looking for one of the best hikes on Maui, the Waiheʻe Ridge Trail is a must! This 4.3 mile (round trip) hike climbs 1,500 feet up a lush ridgeline with incredible views of the Waihe’e Valley and Makamakaʻole Falls. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the coastline and across Central Maui to the slopes of Haleakalā! 

This hike is often VERY muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so we highly recommend wearing good hiking shoes and bringing hiking poles for the descent. 

There are also a few important logistics to know before you go. The gate to the trailhead is only open from 7 AM to 7 PM, so plan your drive accordingly so you don’t get stuck behind a locked gate! The parking lot is also very small and fills up fast, so arrive early if you can. Otherwise, you’ll need to use the overflow lot farther down the road.

And unfortunately, car break-ins are fairly common here as well, so do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.

The ʻĪao Needle (Kūkaʻemoku) is one of Central Maui’s most iconic landmarks. Rising 1,200 feet from the floor of ʻĪao Valley, this lush green rock pinnacle was formed by centuries of erosion and makes for a very scenic stop while exploring the area.

Beyond the epic views, this area is also culturally significant in Hawaiian history. It was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790 and later became a sacred burial area for Hawaiian royalty. To see the needle, you can take a short, paved 0.6-mile trail to the main overlook!  

Important Note: The ʻĪao Valley State Monument is currently closed for bridge repairs through June 26, 2026. Make sure to check the state park website for updates before you make the drive. When it is open, keep in mind that a reservation is required for out-of-state residents. 

While you are in the area, we also suggest stopping by Kepaniwai Park just down the road. This park features beautiful heritage gardens that celebrate the different cultures that have contributed to Maui’s history, including traditional houses and gardens representing Japan, China, and the Philippines.

West Maui

The west side of Maui is the leeward side, which means it stays much sunnier and drier than the east side. This is also one of the most popular areas on the island, and where you’ll find many big resorts. But even if you aren’t staying here, it is well worth the drive to explore the beaches, snorkeling spots, and hikes! 

20. Hike the Lahaina Pali Trail

If you are looking for a hike with some of the best views on the island, the Lahaina Pali Trail is a must. This is a strenuous, 5.1-mile (round trip) historic trail that climbs about 1,600 feet over a ridgeline. It was originally used as a horse and foot path back in the 1800s. Today it offers panoramic views of the central valley, Maalaea Bay, and even Haleakalā across the valley. 

There are two trailheads. The West (Lahaina) side and the East (Maalaea) side. Most people do this as an out-and-back from one side. But if you have two cars, you could stage them and do it as a point-to-point.

Because this side of the island is so dry, there’s almost no shade on the trail. We highly recommend starting early to avoid the midday heat. Car break-ins are also common here, so do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.

One of our favorite parts of traveling is eating our way around a destination, and Maui is no exception. We are always looking for good local food spots and West Maui has some of our favorites on the island! 

If we had to pick our favorite meal of the entire trip, Joey’s Kitchen was it! This place serves up incredible Filipino fusion, and we are still dreaming about their garlic chicken and crispy pork belly.

If you are looking for the best poke on the island, head to The Fish Market Maui! For fish tacos, head to Fish Tacos El Blue. 

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop is a great stop for sandwiches and, most importantly, their sweet or savory mini pies. It’s located right on the Honoapiilani Highway in Olowalu and there is almost always a line. 

For dessert, we are obsessed with the banana iced lattes and banana bread ice cream sundaes from Penny’s Ice Cream Parlor & Cafe.

And for breakfast, The Gazebo is arguably the most famous spot on Maui. Especially for their macadamia nut pancakes and the ocean view! It’s located right on the water at the Napili Shores Resort. If you don’t arrive before they open to get in line, you will likely be waiting for over an hour.

26. Go on an ATV tour

If you want to see a side of West Maui that most people miss, going on an ATV tour is an absolute blast! It’s truly one of the best ways to explore the more rugged, inland terrain of the island. 

You can either opt for a tour that focuses specifically on the Lahaina area, taking you through private dirt trails with gorgeous ocean views. Or you can head deeper into the West Maui Mountains for a more rugged ride through valleys, ridgelines, and coastline scenery.

Just keep in mind, you are going to get very, very dirty. Depending on the recent weather, you’ll either be covered in red Maui dust or splashed with mud. It’s all part of the experience! 

The Maui Lahaina ATV Adventure takes you along private off-road trails in the hills above West Maui near the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve. This ride gives you gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the neighboring islands of Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi.

If you want to see the more rugged and scenic side of the island, West Maui Mountains ATV Adventure is the one to pick. This tour takes you through mountain valleys and ridgelines with views of cliffs, seasonal waterfalls, and West Maui mountain scenery.

South Maui

South Maui is the leeward side of the island, which means it has a lot of sunshine and dry weather! You will find some of the island’s biggest resorts here, especially as you get closer to Wailea. However, South Maui also has plenty of smaller hotels and condos, particularly in Kihei. 

27. Visit South Maui’s best beaches

South Maui, especially around Kihei, has a more local feel with tons of public beach parks that are incredibly easy to access. We’ve spent a lot of time visiting different beach parks, and these four are our absolute favorites! 

Located in the heart of Kihei along South Kihei Road, the Kamaole Beach Park is a set of 3 beautiful beaches (known to locals as Kam 1, 2, and 3). Kam 1 and 2 have great stretches of white sand for swimming. Kam 3 is the smallest beach and has more rocks, plus a massive grassy hill.

Keawakapu sits at the border of Kihei and Wailea, and offers a long stretch of golden sand, has beautiful clear water, fewer crowds, and amazing sunset views of Lana’i!

Big Beach at Makena State Park is one of the largest beaches on Maui, with nearly a mile of wide, pristine sand and turquoise water. We loved walking to the lava rocks to see the beach from above! Just be mindful that the shorebreak here is notorious for being extremely large and powerful. Unless you are a very experienced swimmer or bodyboarder, be very careful getting in the water. There is also a $10 fee to park here.

Makena Cove, also known as Secret Cove, is a tiny beach framed by black lava rocks and palm trees and it is VERY beautiful! There’s not a ton of space, but it’s a picturesque spot for photography.

29. Walk the Wailea Beach Path

Whether you are staying in Wailea or just visiting for the day, we can’t think of a better way to start the morning than a stroll along the famous Wailea Beach Path! This paved 1.5-mile coastal trail winds along the oceanfront in South Maui, taking you past resorts, gorgeous beach parks, and black lava rock points.

The path runs from Mokapu Beach all the way south to Polo Beach, passing Ulua Beach and Wailea Beach along the way. As you walk, you’ll get incredible views looking out across the ocean toward Molokini Crater and the neighboring islands. This is also a great place to see sea turtles lounging on the rocks here, especially in the mornings!

30. Hike the Hoapili Trail

If you want to experience a very different side of Maui, hike the Hoapili Trail in South Maui. This historic coastal trail begins at La Perouse Bay (Keoneʻōʻio Bay) and takes you across the youngest lava flow on the island, with rugged volcanic scenery and beautiful ocean views the entire way.

The trail was originally built in the 1800s using lava rocks and once connected communities across this part of the island. Along the route, you’ll also pass archaeological sites, including ancient Hawaiian house sites and old stone walls. Keep an eye out for feral goats roaming through the lava fields too! 

31. Take a surf lesson in Kihei 

You can’t come to the birthplace of surfing without paddling out into the ocean yourself! Taking a surf lesson is one of the most unforgettable things you can do on the island. And South Maui is the absolute best place to do it! The small, mellow waves and shallow water at Kalama Beach Park (known locally as Cove Park) are perfect for beginners! 

If you’re ready to catch your first wave, we highly recommend booking this Maui Two-Hour Beginner Group Surf Lesson. The instructors teach you the basics before heading into the water and all gear is included!

Getting to Maui

The main airport on Maui is Kahului Airport (OGG), which is located in Central Maui. Most visitors flying to Maui will arrive here, with direct flights available from many cities on the mainland US, plus inter-island flights from the other Hawaiian islands.

From the airport, drive times to some of Maui’s most popular areas are approximately:

South Maui (Kihei / Wailea): 20–30 minutes
West Maui (Kaʻanapali / Napili / Kapalua): 45–90 minutes
North Shore (Paia): 15 minutes
East Maui (Hana): 2.5–3 hours

How to Get Around Maui

While there are tours and shuttles available around the island, Maui has very limited public transportation, so we highly recommend renting a car! Any type of vehicle works, but for an extra fun ride, get a Jeep or a convertible.

One thing to know before booking a rental car is that many rental companies prohibit driving on unpaved dirt roads. This includes the backside of the Road to Hana beyond ʻOheʻo Gulch. If you break down out there, you won’t be covered!

We suggest booking your rental car early because prices on the island can get VERY expensive, especially during peak travel seasons.

Choosing where to base yourself can be a little overwhelming since there are a lot of options and most of them are not cheap. With that said, the most popular spots are Kihei/Wailea (South Maui) and the Kaanapali/Kapalua area (West Maui). 

We’ve stayed at a few different spots across the island, and here are some places we absolutely love and highly recommend: 

Maui Coast Hotel (Kihei): This is one of our favorite mid-range hotels on Maui! It’s located right in the heart of Kihei, has a great pool area, and is just a short walk across the street from the beach. They have nice bike rentals and a free electric van that can take you around the area too! Just know that there is a daily parking fee, which is common at some resorts.

The Mauian Hotel on Napili Beach (Napili): If you want more of an old-school Hawaii feel, we loved this spot in Napili. It’s a smaller beachfront property right on Napili Bay and you really can’t beat the location for snorkeling and sunsets. The rooms have kitchens too, which will help save money dining out.

OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa (Kāʻanapali): If you are looking for an upscale resort experience with full condo suites, this is a great option in West Maui. These suites are especially nice for longer stays or families and the beachfront pool setup is awesome. 

We have a detailed guide all about where to stay on Maui coming soon, so keep an eye out for that!

Respect the Locals and the Land: Practice mālama (to care for/protect) by packing out your trash, staying on marked trails, and respecting private property.

Do NOT Harass the Wildlife: You are almost guaranteed to see green sea turtles (Honu) and monk seals on the beaches. It is a federal law to give them space (at least 10 feet for turtles and 50 feet for seals). Never touch, feed, or crowd them!

Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car: Car break-ins can unfortunately be common at popular beach parks and remote trailheads. Don’t leave passports, wallets, or expensive gear in your vehicle, and hide any bags completely out of sight in the trunk before you park.

How much time do you need on Maui?

To truly experience the island without feeling completely rushed, we suggest spending a minimum of 5 days on Maui. Although 7 days is even better! A week gives you plenty of time to drive the Road to Hāna, watch the sunrise at Haleakalā, explore the beaches, and still have a few dedicated days just to relax.

If you are trying to figure out how to structure your trip, we have a complete, jam packed 5-Day Maui Itinerary. It covers all of the absolute best things to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time!