32 Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii That are Actually Worth It

Woman walking along Haleakala summit, one of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii

Getting to visit Hawaii every year means I’ve compiled a lengthy list of things to do in Maui, Hawaii. Being the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, it’s one of the most popular islands to visit among families, couples, and friends alike.

But this also means that there are a lot of tourist attractions, and not all are created equal. Since I often get asked about my favorite things to do in Maui, I thought I’d share my best ideas that include a mix of must-see activities worth the hype and off-the-beaten-path adventures. So whether you’re craving glimmering beaches, epic hikes, or scenic road trips, here’s everything you must do on “The Valley Isle.”

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32 Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii

In this post, I’ll explain why Maui is worth visiting, despite the dramatic wildfires of 2023. I’ll break down my favorite activities, plus tips on how to get the most out of your vacation as you plan your stay.

Is Maui still worth visiting after the fire?

Yes! While downtown Lahaina has not been rebuilt yet, the restaurants on the outskirts are open, and the greater Lahaina area up through Ka’anapali and Kapalua are open as usual. With a bit of planning, there’s no reason why you should miss out on visiting Maui!

What to do in Maui, Hawaii

Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more Maui attractions as I discover them!

Quintessential things to do in Maui, Hawaii

These are tourist attractions and experiences you can’t miss because they’re iconic to Maui! Each is worth the hype and an activity you should do at least once in your lifetime.

Snorkel Molokini Crater

website | area: south Maui (get directions) | price: starts at ~$140pp | best for: snorkeling excursion

Molokini Crater aerial view — *Photo courtesy of Boss Frog’s*

Molokini Crater is one of the best snorkeling spots in Maui. You can only reach it by boat, so you’ll need to hire a boat or take a tour, but I promise it’s worth it. The rock rim protects the calm waters, so you hardly notice you’re in the middle of the ocean, and you get to see one of the biggest coral reefs in Maui.

They key to having a good experience is to prioritize a small group tour. This will make sure you don’t feel like you’re trying to fight crowds for a glimpse. While there will likely be multiple tours out when you’re there, each boat tends to give some distance between the others.

Here are some small group guided tours to Molikini Crater:

woman snorkeling at Molokini Crater, one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui

Whale watching

The amazing thing about Hawaii is that if you’re visiting between November and April, any snorkeling tour will become a de facto whale watching tour. That said, you can plan a humpback whale or dolphin-specific excursion if you’re not interested in snorkeling. Here are some tours to consider:

Road to Hana

area: east Maui (get directions) | price: free | best for: epic road trip to lush waterfalls and hikes

The Road to Hana is a ~64-mile stretch of highway that connects Kahului to the town of Hana in east Maui. It looks short on the map, but it takes about 5 hours round-trip because the road is relatively harrowing. But not so bad because it draws thousands, if not a million, visitors a year. It’s the most famous road trip on the Hawaiian islands, so you should definitely add this to your bucket list.

Check out my Road to Hana itinerary for insider tips on all the best spots!

Haleakalā National Park

website | area: Kula (get directions) | price: ~$30 per vehicle | best for: views and hikes

woman walking at Haleakala National Park, home to a bunch of easy hikes on Maui

The Haleakalā National Park is home to a dormant volcano that rises over 10,000 feet in the air. It’s one of the most popular hiking destinations in Maui, especially for sunrise. Reservations are required well in advance if you decide to go at sunrise, but don’t fret if you aren’t a morning person like me. The view is incredible regardless of the time of day!

Don’t feel like driving and sorting out your own reservation? Check out these tour options:

ʻĪao Valley

website | area: Wailuku (get directions) | price: $10 per vehicle & $5pp | best for: scenic viewpoint

Iao Needle, one of the easy hikes on Maui

Most visitors know ʻĪao Valley for the ʻĪao Needle, a 1,200-foot rock formation that rises up from the valley floor. In addition to its beauty, the needle is where a famous battle was fought in 1790, known as the Battle of Kepaniwai. The ʻĪao Needle Lookout Trail is easily accessible via a paved path, making it an easy and rewarding day hike.

Pro tip: Reservations are required and should be booked well in advance!

Shopping in Paia and Makawao

downtown Paia, one of the best shopping neighborhoods in Maui — *Downtown Paia*

Some of the best shopping in Maui is done in the Paia and Makawao neighborhoods. Paia is a small surfing town on Maui’s north side and is best known as the starting point to the Road to Hana. Expect to find a range of boutiques, like Biasa Rose Boutique, for locally made gifts and women’s clothing.

Makawao is Maui’s largest town in Upcountry and has a wider range of stores, like Monarch Collective Maui for statement jewelry, or Kulua for locally made clothing.

Free things to do in Maui, Hawaii

Getting to Maui and accommodations can be pricey, but luckily there are a lot of free things to do on the island. Here are some of my favorites.

woman looking out on a green canyon on on of Maui's best easy hikes — *View on Waihee Ridge hike*

Hiking

Maui is teeming with hikes and trails for all skill levels. As most are free to enter, taking the family on a hike can be an easy way to enjoy the day. Here are some of my favorite easy hikes on Maui:

Kapalua Coastal Trail – 2.5-mile out-and-back trail connecting beaches
King’s Highway – 5.4-mile out-and-back trail with stunning coastal views
Waihee Ridge – More challenging, 4.2-mile loop trail within lush mountains
Pīpīwai Stream Trail – 3.4-mile loop to a bamboo forest and waterfall

woman walking on a path surrounded by tall bamboo in Maui — *Pīpīwai Stream Trail*

beach hopping

Being a drivable island, there a ton of beaches around Maui. You could stay at the one near your hotel, but the beauty of Maui is to experience the unique charm each one has. For example, some are great for snorkeling while others for watching surfers. Try as many as you can and find your favorite! Here are a few of mine:

Kapalua and Napili Bay – These side-by-side Ka’anapali coves have the best snorkeling
Paʻako Beach – Hidden in a neighborhood south of the popular Makena Beach in Kihei
Olowalu Beach – Mellow waters for snorkeling and a locals-only vibe in Lahaina

Check out my map below for even more beaches and the vibe of each!

Napili Bay, one of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii — *Napili Bay*

Bird watching

I never considered myself a big birder, but I’m suspiciously getting more into these aviary marvels the older I get. Luckily there are a lot of birding trails in Maui where I can flex my new hobby.

Keila Pond is ideal for waterbirds, which you can observe from the coastal boardwalk. Or visit the Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary for a glimpse at endangered birds. I sent my birding relatives to these two spots and they absolutely loved them!

If you want to go on a guided excursion, here are some options:

woman walking along the boardwalk at Keila Pond, one of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii — *Keila Pond, a prime spot for birdwatching*

Watch surfers

Ho’okipa Beach Park is a popular surfing spot near Paia. Come November through March, the water is especially rich with surfers because the swells are bigger in the winter. You would never catch me riding a wave, but I’ll gladly enjoy the view of others doing it!

free events and classes

In an effort to introduce visitors to Hawaiian culture, there’s always a free class or two in the shopping centers near the hotels. For example, Whalers Village in Ka’anapali offers kid-friendly classes on coconut frond weaving, lei making, and hula dancing. The Shops at Wailea also offers activities like ukulele lessons, island wood carving, and traditional Hawaiian music.

If you love music, South Maui Gardens food cart pod has free concerts. They also offer free movies and yoga or sound bath classes for a suggested donation.

Unique things to do in Maui, Hawaii

Now that we got the quintessential tourist attractions out of the way, here’s my list of more unique things to do in Maui, Hawaii.

farms in Maui’s Upcountry

If you visit Haleakalā National Park, you’ll drive through the Upcountry Maui to get to it. As the name implies, it’s at a higher elevation gain than the rest of Maui. Since it’s away from the shoreline, not as many tourists spend the effort to really explore it.

The biggest towns are Makawao, Kula, and Pukalani. They’re small, but each has a lot of charm and some really great restaurants. If you want to prioritize just one, go to Makawao, the biggest of the three that has a cute shopping area.

I suggest visiting early on a Saturday morning so you can go to the Upcountry Farmers Market that runs 7 AM – 11 AM. Then head to Mahalo Aleworks for a beer followed by Pukalani Superette, which looks like a convenience store, but locals know makes excellent grab-and-go items like chow fun noodles and chili chicken.

Upcountry Farmers Market, a must do on a 5 day trip to Maui — *Upcountry Farmers Market*

After that, explore the cute farms and farm stands that dot the area. Some of my favorites include:

Moku Roots – Focuses on vegan deli items for pre-order pick up and farm dinners
Surfing Goat Dairy – For cheese tastings and farm animals
Kula Country Farms – For a well-stocked farm stand and u-pick strawberries
Maui Bees – For a honey-focused farm stand and farm dinners
O’o Farms – Coffee farm with tours and brunch

View of farmland in Upcountry Maui — *O’O Farms coffee crop*

Want to experience a guided tour of the farms? Check out these options:

Northwest coast

The Road to Hana is the iconic drive in Maui, but to be honest, I prefer driving along the northwest coast along Kahekili Highway (Highway 340). I find it just as beautiful but way less crowded, and the drive can be completed in just a few hours so it doesn’t have to take all day.

Some say areas of this route are more harrowing than the Road to Hana. I’ve done it all the way through multiple times and was always fine, but there was one time when we kissed sideview mirrors with an ongoing car and I thought for sure we were going over the edge. This was when we drove from Kahului to Kapalua, which means you’re on the edge of the cliff. If you want to do the whole route, I recommend starting in Kapalua so you huge the inner lane instead. Or, if you’re worried about it, turn around at Karen Lei’s Gallery (an excellent souvenir shop), as the section between there and Kahului is more treacherous.

Rainbow over a coastal lookout in Maui — *View from the Northwest coast of Maui*

If you opt to do the drive, here are some of my favorite stop:

D.T. Fleming Park – Great beach near Dragon’s Teeth trail
Baya Bowls – Excellent acai and smoothies from a business that rebuilt after the fires
Nakalele Blowhole via Acid War Zone Trail – Rugged coastal hike with views to a blowhole
Julia’s Banana Bread – Very inconsistent hours, but excellent bread and guava jam

When you’re done, end your trip with a meal at Sam Sato’s for dry mein noodles in Kahului!

water shooting from a blowhole on one of the best hikes on Maui with a rainbow — *Nakalele Blowhole*

Mountain biking

I have yet to go mountain biking in Hawaii, but I’ve walked by the course at the Makawao Forest Reserve, one of the most popular areas known for having epic routes catering to riders of all levels, including pump tracks to hone your skills. Krank Cycles Maui offers bike rentals and insights on what to expect on your ride.

woman walking through the trees in Maui — *Makawao Forest Reserve, a popular spot for mountain biking*

Take a ferry to Lanai

Lanai is a small island to the west of Maui (still a part of Maui County) known for having a more secluded atmosphere and white sandy beaches. The hour-long Maui-Lanai passenger ferry runs several times daily, making it a quick day trip from your Maui resort.

Or, skip the passenger ferry and take one of these inclusive tours that leave from Maui:

Get a resort pass for a pool day

If you’re curious to see how the other half lives, check if one of Maui’s luxury resorts offers day passes. The Andaz Maui has three infinity pools, hot tubs, and an adult-only pool you can lounge at for the day for $150 per person. Or experience Waldorf’s Grand Wailea waterfall pools and meandering rivers for the day without having to splurge for a room.

Andaz Resort in Maui pool — *Photo of the Andaz*

South Maui Garden Oasis food cart pod

website | area: Kihei (get directions) | best for: food trucks

There are other food cart pods in Maui, but the South Maui Garden Oasis is by far the biggest. As the name implies, they made it look like a tropical oasis with lush palm trees, Buddha statues, and little nooks to explore. There’s also an art market on Thursday afternoons!

Here are some of my favorite spots in the food pod:

Happy Belly – Super addictive garlic noodles and Asian comfort food
Kitoko – Chef-y spins on classic Hawaiian plates (get the loco moco if available)
Sweet Hula – Some of the best acai bowls on the island
Reef’s Real Fruit Ice Cream – New Zealand-style soft serve blended with fruit
Da Sweet Spot – Chinese shave ice with creative toppings

Romantic things to do in Maui, Hawaii

I always go to Maui with my long-time partner, and since we often go during my birthday we always want to do something extra romantic during at least some of the trip. If you’re visiting Maui as a couple or for your honeymoon, here are my favorite romantic things to do in Maui!

Sunset meal at Merriman’s or Mama’s Fish House

Nothing is more romantic than a sunset dinner at one of the best restaurants in Maui. One option is Merriman’s, a Maui classic known for their raw bar and stunning views of Kaplua Bay. Make a reservation well in advance if you want to try and snag a sunset reservation.

Mama’s Fish House is another staple with old school Polynesian decor and Hawaiian comfort foods. It also sits on the water, so you can expect stunning views and an easy beach walk from the restaurant. While both of these are a splurge an not somewhere I’d go regularly, they’re iconic and romantic for a special occasion.

Sunset cruise

Sunset cruises against the backdrop of the Hawaiian islands sound like a dream come true. Here are some cruise options that provide a truly romantic experience:

horseback riding

I can’t think of anything more original than riding horseback across Maui’s impeccable mountains and beaches. Here are some guided tours offering this unique experience:

couples massage at a spa

What would a Hawaiian vacation be without a couples massage at a resort’s fancy spa? Most of Maui’s luxury resorts allow you to purchase spa packages or buy a day pass even if you’re not staying there. Here are some of my favorites:

Spa Montage Kapalua Bay for their private massage huts and incredible view
Spa at Ritz-Carlton for their grotto and treatments
Spa at Andaz Maui for their soaking pools and access to pool facilities

Pro tip: Scour Groupon for deals on Maui spa treatments!

spa at the Andaz Maui — *Spa at the Andaz*

helicopter tour

Woo your partner with a surprise helicopter tour and see why it’s one of the best ways to view the island. Here are some options:

Stargazing

I have never seen the stars so clearly as I have when I’m in Maui. Of course, you need to get away from the mega resorts to really see them, which is why a guided tour is highly recommended. This stargazing tour in Kapalua includes a guide with an advanced computerized telescope and deep knowledge of the cosmos.

Hire a photographer

Hiring a professional photographer is my favorite hack for traveling because they know the perfect spots for capturing the best photos, and all you have to do is dress up and throw on a smile. Here are some highly rated packages:

woman walking in the water on a beach at sunset

Family-friendly things to do in Maui, Hawaii

If you’re traveling with kids, check out these family-friendly things to do in Maui. I’ve done many with my nieces on past trips and they absolutely loved these activities!

Luau show

No Hawaiian family vacation is complete without experiencing an authentic luau show. In my guide on where to stay in Maui, I list my favorite resorts that offer nightly luaus, including Andaz Maui and the Hyatt Regency. Or, snag some tickets to one of these nightly performances:

Snorkeling

What better way to explore the calm waters of Maui than with a family snorkeling outing? I wrote a whole guide on the best snorkeling spots in Maui if you want to give it a go yourself, but if you’d prefer a guided tour, here are some options:

woman walking along Maui beach with snorkel equipment during a 5 day Maui itinerary — *Kapalua Bay*

Turtle Town

If you’re at all interested in kayaking with turtles, you’ve probably read up on Turtle Town. It can be confusing for first timers because it’s not so much a “town” as a general area where you can expect to find a lot of turtles. Locals consider this the area near Maluaka Beach, north of Makena Beach.

If you don’t want to have to deal with renting a kayak and hauling it to the beach, take one of these tours:

Aquarium

website | area: Wailuku (get directions) | price: ~$40-50pp | best for: indoor family fun

Retreat from the heat and learn about the local marine life from the comfort of the Maui Ocean Center. Not only are there interactive exhibits and live shark feedings, but they also have a theater for musical performances and a botanical garden. They even offer summer camp for four days for kids ages 7-14.

Mini golf

website | area: Wailuku (get directions) | price: ~$17-$20pp | best for: mini golf

I’m a sucker for mini golf, and thankfully Maui Golf & Sports Park is available to quench my craving. In addition to 2 challenging 18-hole mini golf courses, you can play bumper boats in the lava lagoon, go rock climbing, or take turns at the bungee trampoline.

Biking

Not many people realize how bike-friendly Maui is, but you do have to know where to look to find the best routes. I love the paved path near Paia, and Maui Sunriders lists the best road bike routes depending on your skill levels and how far you want to ride. They also rent e-bikes, road bikes, and kid bikes (helmets included).

If you’re up for it, the North Shore Greenway offers an off-highway bike path from Paia to Kanaha Beach Park (10-12 miles round-trip) and includes opportunities to stop at small beaches along the way.

Zip lining

If you have some adventurous family members in your group, surprise them with a zip lining expedition. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate the magnificence of the Hawaiian jungle. Here are some options:

Surf lessons

Unless you live on the California coast, odds are you don’t to take surfing lessons every day. This can be a great family activity, and who knows? You may foster the next Kelly Slater!

Here are some private group lessons to get you catching waves in no time:

view of the ocean and palm trees in Maui

Map of what to do in Maui

Want more ideas of things to do in Maui Hawaii? Check out my map that I keep regularly updated with finds and notes of what I thought as I visit each stop.

How to get around Maui, Hawaii

The biggest tip I can offer for getting around these things to do in Maui Hawaii is renting a car. Granted, Uber and Lyft are available, but availability can vary depending on the location and time of day. The Maui bus service offers service within and between major towns, but you won’t be able to access more remote areas like Hana or Haleakala.

If you’re up for it, you can spend a day or two traveling by bike. The paved path along the highway between Kihei and Paia is flat and mostly road-free. But ultimately, you’ll have the most freedom to explore if you at least rent a vehicle for your more heavy travel days.

If you have any tips for how to get around Maui without a car, please leave them in the comments below!

woman overlooking the water on a rocky shore, one of the best hikes on Maui — *Trail along King’s Highway in south Maui*

More to do in Hawaii

After you plan your itinerary with all these things to do in Maui Hawaii, check out my other guides for exploring the islands!

Too overwhelmed to create your itinerary? Let me build a custom one for you catering to all your interests! Or use my Ultimate 5-Day Maui Itinerary as your guide.

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