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
How to get the best deals in travel
- Hottest deals – Bookmark the travel deals page.
- Car rentals – stop getting ripped off and learn about car rental coupon codes.
- Hotels – Use corporate codes or get Genius 2 tier with Booking.
- Flights – Have you ever heard of the “Everywhere” feature?
- 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
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.
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
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
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).
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.
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 Guide says
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.
William Tang says
Thanks for the heads up on the new change!
bob bobbertson says
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.
Will Tang says
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.
eTA Canada says
I feel the entire Maui is spectacular and it seems it’s pretty good place to travel.
Best Flight Deals says
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.
Jaipur day tours says
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.