Maui is a stunning island in the state of Hawaii. There are green mountains, waterfalls, and long beaches. Guests would have a good time here. Families, couples, and solo tourists are all having grand adventures in Maui. This guide will give you an unforgettable Maui experience. It includes the top 15 things to do in Maui, interesting facts, and suggestions that will be useful.
Quick Facts about Maui
| Island Size | 727.2 sq mi (1,883 km²) |
| Population (2020) | 144,444 |
| Highest Peak | Haleakalā (10,023 ft) |
| Time Zone | Hawaii–Aleutian Standard Time (HST) |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
15 Things to Do in Maui
1. Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park
Another chance to see a sunrise from the world’s largest crater is right at Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park. It can get windy, so remember to bring a coat. Do not wait; you should already be on the list of the dawn admirers.
- Book: On Recreation.gov 60 days before
- Time: Gates open 3-7 AM; come 45 minutes before sunrise
- Bring: Coat, light, water, snacks
2. Sunset on Front Street, Lahaina
Walk on old Front Street as the sky turns red over the ocean. Be sure to see the iconic Banyan Tree. You can avoid the crowds by arriving 90 minutes ahead of time, when parking is convenient.
- Cost: Free to walk; parking costs $1-$2 per hour
- Best Place: Near Lahaina Harbor
- Near: Art shops, music, and food places
3. Cocktail Cruise off Ka‘anapali
Drink a mai tai on a large boat and get a panoramic view of the western coast. Enjoy a live Hawaiian music performance, savor the food, and take in the sunset. Call now and get the boat you want two weeks before you leave.
- Cost: $75-$120 for each person
- Time: About 2 hours (leaves 5-7 PM)
- Tip: Wear a light coat; it can be quite breezy on the top deck
4. Road to Hāna
Drive through 64 miles with a lot of curves and bridges that you pass over! If a path runs through the forest, you may see waterfalls and private beaches. Depart early so the big buses won’t be in your way. Always ensure that you have enough food and fill your car’s gas tank before taking off.
- See: Twin Falls, Waikamoi Ridge, Ke’anae Arboretum
- Time: All day (10-12 hours both ways)
- Tips: Get maps that work without internet; don’t trespass on private property
5. Upcountry Maui Loop
Drive away from the beach to see cowboy land and grape farms. Taste lavender at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm and get goat cheese at Surfing Goat Dairy. Verify the schedules of individual farms before you go.
- Drive: Pa’ia → Makawao → Kula → Ulupalakua
- Costs: Farm tours cost $5-$12 each
- Tips: Get out as the day begins to see the sunrise, and it’s not as hot
6. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
Swim in a half-moon shape made by a volcano’s crater wall that has been underwater. Finesse bright coral and fish without stressing them out. Act kindly on smaller boats: they have fewer people and the crew are usually quite helpful. Please choose a morning time, as the water tends to be quite calm and the views are clear.
- Cost: $120-$150 for each person
- Best Time: 7-11 AM (can see 80-150 feet down)
- Bring: Safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel
7. Turtle Spotting at Ho‘okipa Beach Park
Behold, watch big green sea turtles come on the beach and sit in the sun. No entrance fee; you should park for free and watch at specific children. Don’t use light, the camera, and too closely approach the turtles; these are the rules, and you must respect them.
- Cost: Free
- Best Times: 7-10 AM or late day
- Rules: Do not touch or feed; be quiet and watch
8. Dolphin Encounter in Ma‘alaea Bay
Ride a small, fast boat to swim close to spinner dolphins. Smart guides tell about marine life and how to take care of it well. Get onto trips that are not overcrowded to give the dolphins some space.
- Cost: $110-$130 for each person
- Time: 2-3 hours (mid-morning)
- Tip: Consider taking some motion sickness pills if you have a problem with boats
9. Hike Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls
Go on a 4-mile journey through the dense forest with the incredibly tall bamboo trees, which guide you to the majestic and enormous 1,400-foot waterfall. The pathway on the trail, near Oheo Gulch, is like a wooden street from the beginning to the end. Hiking boots and a 2-liter water bottle are indispensable items for the hike.
- Distance: 4 miles round-trip
- Cost: Part of the Oheo Gulch fee ($30 per car)
- Tip: Go early before it starts to get crowded
10. Seven Sacred Pools
Enjoy fresh water swimming pools in Oheo Gulch, the Oheo area that is located along the Kipahulu coast. Make sure the pools are not closed because of flash floods. The pools are looked after by guards even during swimming season. Care should be taken when walking on the slippery floor.
- Access: Same route as the Pipiwai trail
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
- Warning: It is closed when the water level gets too high
11. Visit ʻIao Valley State Park
A short 0.5-mile walk will take you past the wonderful Hawaii landscape to the jungle-floored Iao Valley. Visitors can also choose the easy ʻIao Valley nature walk with lots of places to stop and look at the plants. It is being charged $5 to park your car in the park and manage the trail properly.
- Parking: $5 per car
- Trail: 0.5 miles, is wheelchair friendly
- Tip: Go after sunrise to avoid the crowd
12. Relax on Kaanapali Beach
The 3-mile-long white-sand beach can be enjoyed in many ways. Besides swimming close to Black Rock and snorkeling in the clear waters of Honolua Bay, you can choose to relax by the waterside on the beach. Note that parking is not available, the beach is off limits for only those who come and swim or take lessons.
- Activities: Swimming, paddling, watching cliff jumps
- Rentals: $25-$40 per hour
- Tip: Try the fire show at 6 PM.
13. Surf or SUP at Kihei Cove
Would you like to try surfing or paddling? The waves here are not strong. At an additional cost of $XX per hour, guests can achieve a big discount. Watch the sunset from a high vantage point and enjoy it with fewer gusts of wind.
- Lesson Cost: $50 per 1.5 hours
- Board Rental: $25 an hour
- Tip: You should make a booking early on the weekend days
14. Traditional Luʻau Experience
Delight in Hawaiian hospitality at a beachfront luʻau featuring imu-cooked kalua pig, hula, and fire-knife dances. Venues like Old Lahaina Lu’au and Drums of the Pacific sell out weeks in advance. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are typically available.
- Price: $130–$150/person
- Duration: ~3 hours (5–8 PM)
- Tip: Request aisle seating for better photo angles
15. Historic Lahaina Walking Tour
Step back to Maui’s whaling era on a guided 90-minute stroll through Lahaina’s 19th-century landmarks. See the Baldwin Home, the courthouse, and the preserved sugar refinery ruins. Tours depart daily at 9 AM and 2 PM; reservations recommended.
- Price: $25/person
- Schedule: Daily, 9 AM & 2 PM
- Tip: Wear sun-protective clothing and sturdy shoes
Practical Tips for Your Maui Adventure
- Book Early: Reserve Haleakalā sunrise slots and lu’au tickets at least 60 days in advance.
- Rent Smart: Choose a compact car for narrow roads; fill up on fuel before leaving Pa‘ia.
- Pack Right: Reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottle, waterproof phone pouch, and sturdy shoes.
- Timing Matters: Start scenic drives and hikes early to beat crowds and afternoon showers.
- Stay Connected: Download offline maps for Road to Hāna; check local tide charts for sea caves.
Things to Avoid in Maui
- Skipping Reservations: Many top activities sell out—don’t miss out by planning late.
- Touching Marine Life: Never handle turtles, fish, or coral; observe from a respectful distance.
- Ignoring Signage: Heed warnings at blowholes, pools, and trailheads—conditions can turn dangerous.
- Single-Lane Overconfidence: Drive slowly on one-lane bridges and tight curves; watch for oncoming traffic.
- Plastic Waste: Bring reusable bags and bottles; avoid single-use plastics to protect local ecosystems.
Conclusion
Maui is home to a variety of stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences. The beaches, a lush part of the island, are connected right to the valleys and allow you to have fun while learning local culture and the way of life. People can spend time at the beach or try out the rides and activities. It is best to remember and follow the travel advice and list the things to avoid. This is a way of taking responsibility for the community, along with the preservation of nature.