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Best Things To Do In Maui

Last Updated March 8, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Attractions & Experiences » Best Things To Do In Maui

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You really can't go wrong with Maui no matter what you do.  What I love about this island and really the rest of Hawaii is that you don't need to do much planning.  Let island time kick in and when you feel like exploring just take this list and plan your day.

Here are the top things to do in Maui!

Read more about Maui

  • Best snorkeling in Maui
  • Activities you can do in Maui without a car
  • Full Maui 5 day itinerary
  • Guide to Lahaina in Maui

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  • Car rentals – stop getting ripped off and learn about car rental coupon codes.
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  • Insurance – Make sure you're covered and learn more about where to buy the best travel insurance

Here's what we're covering:

  • Seven Top Things To Do In Maui
    • 1 – Pipiwai Trail
    • 2 – The Southern Road to Hana
    • 3 – Ululani's Shaved Ice
    • 4 – Haleakala Summit
    • 5 – Koiso
    • 6 – Sea Turtles and Molokini
    • 7 – Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop
  • Where to stay in Maui
  • Frequently asked questions

Seven Top Things To Do In Maui

Being based out of Lahaina and staying at the Aina Nalu in my trip, we drove all around to do a little bit of relaxing and a little bit of adventuring.

Aina Nalu Pool in the Morning

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE 

Find out how you can plan an amazing 5 days in Maui with this detailed itinerary.

5 day Maui itinerary

1 – Pipiwai Trail

Huge banyan tree along the trail
Makahiku Falls
Bamboo forest
pipiwai trail waimoko falls in maui hawaii
Waimoko Falls
The amazing hike up to Waimoku Falls.
Waimoku Falls
oheo gulch or the seven sacred pools near pipiwai trail in things to do in maui
Oheo Gulch or the seven sacred pools

This is perhaps the most amazing hike trail on the island that features a huge banyan tree, a smaller Makahiku Falls, dense bamboo forest which ends in the climax of Waimoku Falls.  There is also the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o so make sure you make the short walk there.  If you're feeling like taking a dip, this is the perfect spot.  Make sure you bring your swim suit and towel!

You can get to here from the southern road if you're not looking to do the full Road to Hana.  Make sure you plan to be here for a good 3-4 hours.

2 – The Southern Road to Hana

Road To Hana Southern Road Dramatic Cliffs

Traditionally people will do the Road to Hana to well…get to Hana which follows the northern coastal road but I actually enjoyed the southern road quite a bit more.  It's a lot more rugged and raw (portions unpaved) and there were a lot of opportunities to stop and take photos.

If you're feeling a bit lazy or don't have a car rental, book one of these full day sightseeing tours on the Road to Hana.

3 – Ululani's Shaved Ice

Molding the shaved ice
Shaved ice with mochi on top

I lost track of how many times we ended up going here.  Shaved ice is a staple in Hawaii and while this is a chained shop, it is unanimously the best on the island and I completely concur.  My personal recommendations are to make sure you get the mochi, and try their calamansi lime, and mango.  Their locations can be found on the Ululani's website.

4 – Haleakala Summit

Haleakala Fog Lifting Sunrise

I had the pleasure of watching the sunrise twice here (that's how crazy I am) and each time it was completely different.  The key here is to wake up as early as you can (leave your hotel latest 3AM).  It's a magical moment when you get to watch the fog lift as the sun peeks through the horizon.

Personally, I think the best spot to watch the sunrise is to park in the first lot (not the upper one near the observatory) and make the small spiral climb up to the hill and perch yourself on the rocks there.  The hike up looks long but it's only 5 minutes and pretty easy.

5 – Koiso

Koiso Sushi in Kihei

If you are a lover of sushi and have always wanted to know what it would be like to dine in Tokyo, then you absolutely cannot miss Koiso in Kihei.  I'm not even exaggerating how good it is here.  Their omakase (chef's selection) is only $45 USD and is a steal in my books.  Just keep in mind that they're typically booked several weeks out so make sure you make reservations in advance which you can only do by calling in (808- 875-8258).

Read the reviews of Koiso Sushi Bar.

6 – Sea Turtles and Molokini

Molokini crater
Snorkelling
Aboard the SeaFire
sea turtle sighting in maui
Snorkelling with sea turtles

While marketed heavily all around the island, half day boat trips out to the crescent shaped caldera jutting out of water is worth the money.  Sure you're contending with hoards of snorkelers in the morning but it's all worth it when you get to the end of the trip and hanging out with a family of sea turtles.

It's a memorable experience that you'll never forget.

To see a full list of what's available, make sure to check out all of the Molokini tours.

Lastly, if you're a fan of snorkeling, we encourage you to check out a platform called Zentacle and their listings of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Maui.

7 – Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop

The delicious Macnut Chocolate Pie
The delicious Macnut Chocolate Pie

Leoda's is located just outside of Lahaina, this was one of my favourite shops to stop by on my way in our of town.  There was also a good reason to drop in to buy a different personal dessert pie each time.  Their sandwiches and coffee are pretty darned good too so this also makes for a great lunch spot.

 

Where to stay in Maui

aina nalu living room in lahaina maui

As I mentioned earlier, I stayed at the Aina Nalu which was an amazing condo to stay at with prime location and affordable as well especially when you split it with a larger group of friends or family.

Alternatively, there are a number of impressive properties to take a look at.  If you're in Lahaina, check out the Ka'anapali Alii or the Westin Maui Resort & Spa which are both very impressive beach properties and mainstays of the strip.

If you're looking to stay on the other end which could put you in Wailea, I'd recommend the Castle Kamaole Sands or Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea.

Sufficed to say, there's a lot to do in Maui.  What I love about it is that it honestly doesn't take much planning at all.  You can wake up each day and decide what you want to do, hop into your rental car and away you go.

Read our Review of Aina Nalu

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Maui?

There's honestly no bad time to go to Maui but if you're looking fora time with smaller crowds, lower prices, and good weather, April, May, September and early October are the best times (shoulder season effectively).

Is Maui safe?

Maui is incredibly safe for travellers. The one thing you have to be careful with is driving on the roads and not be distracted especially when driving the Road to Hana.

Are rental cars in Maui expensive?

Yes, car rentals can be expensive but there is a good supply of them from all of the different companies that are on the island. To keep your costs low, make sure you educate yourself about car rental coupon codes.

What you should read next

  • Maui Itinerary – 5 Days Of Epic Sunrises, Drives, Hikes and Turtles
  • Best Snorkeling in Maui – Self-Guided and Boat Tours
  • Top 5 Hotels in Hawaii's Southern Islands
  • A Guide To Lahaina, Maui
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Filed Under: Attractions & Experiences 7 Comments

About William Tang

William is the Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places which is focused on off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring others to travel, writing detailed trip itineraries to help others plan their own trips, and providing helpful tips and tricks to guide readers to travel better. He is based in Toronto, Canada but you'll find him on the road more often than not. Make sure to learn more about William to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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  1. Maui Guide says

    October 26, 2021 at 2:11 PM

    Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to go that close to Waimoku Falls at the end of Pipiwai Trail anymore. It’s still an impressive hike at Oheo, but too many people have been hurt at that towering waterfall.

    Reply
    • William Tang says

      October 26, 2021 at 2:14 PM

      Thanks for the heads up on the new change!

      Reply
  2. bob bobbertson says

    August 5, 2019 at 6:31 PM

    Maui is beautiful however crime and homelessnes is out of control. Anytime you get out of your car, take everything with you or your windows will be busted and your car cleaned out. You’ll see cars stripped, and some burned, all along the roads. Every beach park is considered public space so there are large amounts of homeless people hanging out at the beach parks and most have tent cities setup. From my experience this past July, most Hawaiians outside the hotels and restaurants, do not care for tourists and are rude. It’s best to avoid the locals. We were even asked to leave a beach by a lifegaurd because we were not local.

    Reply
    • Will Tang says

      August 5, 2019 at 9:26 PM

      That’s definitely not my experience from m time in Maui but certainly I can see that some beaches could have homeless. That said, all of the main and popular beaches along the tourism route are pretty safe and clean so it’s not something to worry about or have to alter your travel plans for.

      Reply
  3. eTA Canada says

    March 5, 2017 at 9:56 PM

    I feel the entire Maui is spectacular and it seems it’s pretty good place to travel.

    Reply
  4. Best Flight Deals says

    December 30, 2016 at 1:08 AM

    Great, that is an awesome place and it have so many good things to enjoy. it is full with beautiful things and stunning photos you shared of that place.

    Reply
  5. Jaipur day tours says

    December 5, 2016 at 1:35 AM

    Great, that palce is looking so beautiful and it have so many good things to enjoy and it is full with natural beauty. So stunning photos you shared of that palce.

    Reply

author will tang going awesome places profile photoHey, my name is Will and I'm here to help you travel to some awesome places around the world and my home country of Canada by providing insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists.

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