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
Do you need a car rental?
- Learn how car rental promo codes can help you save hundreds.
Here's what we're covering:
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.
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE
Find out how you can plan an amazing 5 days in Maui with this detailed itinerary.
1 – Pipiwai Trail
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
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
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
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
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
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.
These Molokini tours are worth taking a look at.
7 – Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop
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
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.
Frequently asked questions
Starting July 8, 2021, pre-travel testing and quarantine requirements will be eliminated for domestic travelers who have been fully vaccinated in the United States (2 weeks beyond their final vaccine shot). At this point, restaurants will be able to get to 75% capacity although social distancing will remain and masks indoors required. When the state reaches 70% vaccination rate, all restrictions will be terminated. Travelers to Hawaii will need to upload your CDC issued vaccination record card to the state’s Safe Travels Program website and have that card with them upon arrival in Hawaii. For everyone else, there is a 10-day quarantine for in-bound visitors to all Hawaiian Islands unless you have proof of a negative COVID-19 test (state-approved trusted testing partner) taken 72 hours prior to departure to bypass this including travellers from Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and French Polynesia. For Canada, the lab used must be approved by Air Canada or WestJet. If you fail to do this, you'll have to do a 10-day quarantine. In addition, Maui has mandatory contact tracing through the AlohaSafe Alert app. The most up to date information can be found here.
What you should read next
