Attractions And Things To Do in Maui Hawaii
Things To Do In Maui Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are renowned for their natural wonders, and the best way to experience these is by exploring them on foot. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a complete beginner, we’ve picked out some of the most incredible hiking trails to explore on Maui.
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Hike to the summit of Haleakala Mountain
Maui’s iconic volcano, Haleakala, is a must-see when visiting the island. During the summer months, you can catch a spectacular view of the volcano from atop its peak as well as watch the sunset over the ocean.
Snorkel at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town
One of the top things to do in Maui for snorkelers is to snorkel at Molokini Crater, an extinct submerged volcano that’s home to technicolor tropical fish and a rich reef. You can also book an exciting whale watching tour to see humpbacks frolicking in the water during winter months.
Explore a bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail
The beautiful Pipiwai trail in the National Park System on East Maui takes hikers through an incredible bamboo forest and diverse landscape. From the lush bamboo to the string pools and waterfalls, this 4.8-mile trail is a great choice for nature lovers on a Maui vacation.
Cliff jump at Wai’anapanapa State Park
A great place to do some cliff jumping is on the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State park in Hana. Ancient Hawaiians believed this beach was a spiritual place where spirits went to join their ancestors for eternity.
Take a bicycle tour around West Maui. You’ll pass Black Rock Beach, Honolua Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, tide pools, petroglyphs and so much more!
Maui is home to a multitude of things to do. From hiking and snorkeling to driving the world famous Road to Hana, there’s something for everyone on this magical island!
Ka’anapali Beach #1
Ka’anapali Beach is one of Maui’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. Its three miles of pristine golden sand and gorgeous waters have made it one of the world’s best beaches. There are a number of water activities you can do at Ka’anapali Beach including snorkeling, scuba diving and boating.
You can also enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk. If you are looking for a little more action, head to Black Rock, a popular cliff jumping site. Here you can participate in a daily cliff jumping ceremony at sunset, reenacting a feat of strength by the ancient Hawaiian kings.
Another option is to hike up to the top of Haleakala, Maui’s iconic volcano. This is a great way to start the day, and it gives you a stunning view of the island and ocean.
There are so many things to do in Maui that you could easily fill a whole trip here! But you can also just take a few days to relax and unwind at the beach. Whether you are looking for something relaxing or want to get your adrenaline pumping, there is always a spot on the beach for you!
Haleakala Crater #2
If you want to see a truly incredible landscape while in Maui, then Haleakala Crater is the perfect place to visit. This crater is a massive volcano that forms over 75% of the island of Maui. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in this area of the park.
There are hiking trails for everyone from those who just want to spend an hour or so, all the way up to overnight hikes. Another great thing to do in this area of the park is to check out the observatory. This is a great spot to view the stars and get a better look at the crater.
There is a lot to see here and it is important that you plan out your visit properly. It is very easy to miss out on some of the most incredible things to do in this area of the park if you don’t plan accordingly. It is a good idea to plan at least 2 days in this area of the park. This will give you time to explore both districts of the park.
Haleakala National Park #3
The 30,000-acre Haleakala National Park is a smorgasbord of breathtaking landscapes and sacred sites in one of the most remote corners of Hawaii. Stunning lava fields, dormant volcano craters, dreamy bamboo forests and waterfall-laden tropical oasis await visitors to this incredible place.
The landscape reaches from lush valleys beneath a waterfall at sea level to a red desert of cinder cones up at the volcanic summit. Its contrasting worlds are linked by the rain that falls on the mountain’s slopes and carves its valleys.
Haleakala’s 30,000 acres of forest, coastal land, and volcanic peaks are home to ancient cultures and a multitude of diverse life zones. The park preserves and perpetuates kua mauna, the land above the clouds, as well as ka poe kahiko, the people of old.
Accessing Haleakala National Park is easy, but you might need a tour to get there, especially if you don’t have a vehicle on Maui. You’ll find a number of tour operators that offer transportation to the park and a chance to see a sunrise at the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala.
Maui Ocean Center #4
If you’re looking to get a little closer to the sea life on Maui, the aquarium at Maalaea Harbor is a great option. Whether you’re looking for an interactive learning experience or a chance to see the humpback whales in 3D, the aquarium is a fun option for the whole family.
Visitors can explore the Living Reef exhibits and then descend into the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean tunnel to witness sharks, rays, and many different fish swimming overhead. There’s also a touch tide pool where you can try your hand at identifying sea creatures from the sea floor.
While the aquarium isn’t huge, it’s a fantastic indoor activity that’s sure to be an educational and entertaining experience for the entire family. The Humpbacks of Hawaii exhibit is especially impressive, as you’ll be able to see these incredible ocean mammals in a 3-D virtual experience that uses the latest technology.
The aquarium is located on the main highway and is very easy to get to from most areas of the island. You can also find a number of excellent restaurants at the Maui Ocean Center that serve up delicious local cuisine.
Napili Beach #5
The crescent-shaped Napili Bay beach is one of Maui’s best spots for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie boarding. Its warm, calm waters are sheltered by reefs and protected from large waves by the shore’s rugged coastline.
The beach is also known for spotting a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral. In the winter, you may even see humpback whales breaching in the distance. This is a great place for children to swim and learn about the ocean in a safe and friendly environment.
The water here is notably calmer than at many other beaches on the island. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, take in the keiki hula show at the Napili Kai Foundation on Tuesdays. It’s free and features local kids.
Another great thing to do on this west-side beach is visit the farmer’s market. It’s open every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8 am to noon, with heaps of fresh produce and local products to purchase.
Another adventure to add to your list is a zipline tour of the landscape and deep valleys above historic Lahaina town. The tours are about three hours long, and will give you a chance to view the ocean at some of the stops along the way!
Pipiwai Trail #6
Located on the southern end of Haleakala National Park, Pipiwai Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails on Maui. It offers a vast bamboo forest, idyllic stream, and majestic waterfalls.
Hiking Pipiwai can be a challenging adventure, but it’s well worth the effort for the reward of seeing some of the most beautiful natural attractions on the island. The hike starts near the parking lot for Haleakala National Park and can take up to 3 hours to complete.
The trail leads through a dense bamboo forest, a grove of ancient banyan trees, and ends with the spectacular 400-foot Waimoku Falls. This four-mile roundtrip hike is perfect for anyone with an adventurous spirit!
The hike also takes you past the Seven Sacred Pools (also known as Oheo Gulch) and offers stunning views. This natural succession of descending pools, which cascade down to the ocean through a sculpted lava rock basin, provides the ultimate refreshing place to soak in nature after your hike.
Lahaina Banyan Court Park #7
Lahaina, once the capital of Hawaii, abounds with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s also known for its historic/cultural significance and boat harbor, which carries a large number of cruise ships as well as tours to Lanai and Molokai.
While you’re there, stop by Lahaina Banyan Court Park to cool off under one of the largest banyan trees in the world. Imported from India, this tree has grown to be the size of a city block and stands more than 60 feet tall. This park is a great place to sit down and relax under the shade of its sweeping branches and long, stringy roots.
It’s also a popular spot for taking photos. The banyan is a symbol of wish fulfillment in Hinduism and enlightenment in Buddhism. It was a popular tree for trade and commerce in India, where it served as a sheltered space for vendors to peddle their wares.
Maui Tropical Plantation #8
Maui is famous for its beaches and beautiful landscapes, but there’s so much more to see and do here. One of the best places to visit in Maui is the Maui Tropical Plantation, an agricultural park in the Waikapu Valley.
This working farm is a great way to learn about Hawaii’s agriculture and the plant types that grow there. It’s a great family-friendly place to spend the day, with tram rides, a nursery, gift galleries and evening barbecues.
If you want to get a taste of the delicious fruits of Maui, take the tram tour around the Plantation to try everything from pineapple to papaya. The tour is 40 minutes long and takes you through the whole plantation. Another popular option is to go on a zipline ride in the West Maui Mountains.
This is a good half-day adventure for kids ages 10 and up. If you’re looking for a vacation rental home near Maui Tropical Plantation, Vrbo has more than 2,500 options to choose from. These rentals have the amenities that you need for a fun trip with friends or family, including swimming pools and air conditioning.
FAQs about Maui, Hawaii
Why is Maui famous?
Maui is a famous island in Hawaii known for its stunning natural beauty, warm weather, and abundant recreational activities. It’s home to beautiful beaches, world-renowned surf spots, volcanic landscapes, and diverse marine life. Maui is also rich in culture and history, with many opportunities to learn about Hawaiian traditions and customs.
What is the best month to go to Maui?
The best time to visit Maui is from April to May or from September to November, when the weather is warm and dry, and the tourist crowds are lower. The summer months of June to August can be hot and crowded, while the winter months of December to March bring higher chances of rain and large waves.
