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The best things to do on Maui

The second-largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui is a popular destination for all ages. Maui offers a unique view of several other islands.

You can see Kaho’olawe, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island of Hawaii from Maui!

If you’re researching your Maui vacation, you might enjoy this post about how to plan a Maui vacation.

Do I need a rental car in Maui?

You’ll need a rental car in Maui. There are so many things to see all over the island, from the Road to Hana to Haleakala Sunrise.

I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best prices on rental cars in Hawaii. You can check out why you need a rental car in Hawaii if you’re not convinced.

The top things to do on Maui

Also known as the “Valley Isle,” Maui is one of the most beautiful places that you can visit. This fantastic island has so much to explore, from incredible snorkeling to beautiful waterfalls.

These seven things are just a few of my favorites. You can check out 50 things to do in Maui for even more ideas.

Don’t miss: Limited time on Maui? Here’s a 4 day Maui Itinerary.

1. The best snorkeling on Maui

Snorkeling Molokini Crater is my #1 recommendation for the best things to do on Maui. The Molokini Snorkel Adventure aboard the Calypso is one of my favorites. The tour is half a day with breakfast and lunch included.

You’ll have a great time snorkeling Molokini. I have always found the crew to be fun and knowledgeable. It’s about an hour to Molokini from Maalaea Harbor, and the trip is delightful.

The Captain will have lots of fun information on the way to the crater. If you’re brand new to Maui, it will be very informative.

Of course, the best part of the tour was snorkeling the crater. You don’t have to have any swimming experience. Swimming isn’t required on most tours, although it’s a lot of fun if you do.

You can choose to use flotation devices; some boats have a glass-bottom if you’d prefer to stay dry. You can read a full review of snorkeling Molokini Crater here.

2. The best day trip on Maui

The Road to Hana is always on the list when you hear about the best things to do in Maui. You can either drive the Road to Hana yourself (and yes, you can do it in a car!) or take a guided tour.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a Road to Hana Luxury Tour and Helicopter Ride!

Try to leave as early as possible to avoid crowds. If you aren’t sure about driving it yourself, don’t worry.

You won’t be on tour with a huge group, because large busses don’t fit on the road. You can do a private or small-group tour, which is a lot of fun.

If you are prone to motion sickness, the road to Hana might cause some issues. Remember to bring some ginger pills if you need them; the road is very windy!

I recommend following a Road to Hana guidebook or downloading an app to get the most out of the Road to Hana.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t explore the road to Hana, but expect crowds, tourists unfamiliar with the route, and possibly road work.

The Road to Hana needs a post of its own. Luckily I have one – the ultimate guide to the road to Hana – but here’s an overview of my favorite stops.

Ho’okipa Beach Park
Twin Falls
Keanae Peninsula
Wailua Valley State Wayside
Pua’a Ka’a Falls
Hanawi Falls
Nahiku Marketplace
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Hana town
Hamoa Beach
Wailua Falls
‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)

3. The other best day trip on Maui

This “other side,” or the “back road” to Hana, is one of the things that I enjoy the most. The other side of the road to Hana or looping around the “back way.”

Locals also tend to recommend this, although you need to proceed cautiously. You’ll pass Hana for a few spots just on the other side anyway, so why not keep going?

There are a few tricky spots on the “other” road to Hana, but it’s not much worse than the “regular” Road to Hana. There were many beautiful sights all along the way.

Make sure to get gas if needed because it’s a long way to another gas station!

I also compiled a list of the best black sand beaches on Maui so that you can find more empty beaches like this one!

4. Is Haleakala Sunrise a must-do?

A visit to Maui wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Haleakala to view the sunrise. You will need a reservation, and parking is limited.

If you’d prefer a tour, that’s another excellent option. You can always sleep on the way!

I recommend this Haleakala sunrise tour with breakfast. Don’t forget to bring a jacket! It’s much cooler up a mountain, even in Hawaii. Visit the National Parks Service for more information.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even bike down Haleakala!

5. The best beaches on Maui

I can’t talk about Maui without mentioning a big. Big Beach consistently ranks as the best beach in Maui. It’s a beautiful, large (obviously!) beach. Maui is known for beautiful beaches, so make sure also to visit:

Baldwin Beach Park in Paia
Makena Beach State Park
Ka’anapali Beach
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Honolua Bay – black sand beach

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Maui for snorkeling, I recommend:

Honolua Bay
Napili Beach
DT Fleming Beach
Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach
Kahekeli (Airport Beach)
Baby Beach
Kamaole Beach (1, 2, and 3)
Polo Beach
Wailea Beach
Big Beach

6. The best Maui luau

One Hawaii bucket list item is attending a Luau. I have an entire blog post dedicated to the best Maui luau.

Fortunately, some of my favorite luaus are on Maui! I highly recommend Te Au Moana Luau at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort

This popular luau tends to sell out in advance, so make sure to purchase tickets as far ahead of time as possible.

If an upscale luau is more of your thing, I love the Feast at Mokapu at the trendy Andaz Maui at Wailea.

I recommend booking through Viator, which I linked above. They offer a best-price guarantee, and you can cancel most tour options up to 24 hours in advance.

7. Explore Maui from the air

No matter how much time you spend on Maui, you’ll never be able to see everything. The best way to take in the spectacular sights of Maui is from above.

I highly recommend Blue Hawaiian helicopters for any helicopter tour in Hawaii. One of my favorites is the West Maui and Molokai tour. Not only will you get to explore west Maui, but you’ll also see the highest sea cliffs in Hawaii on Molokai.

Where to stay in Maui

I recently wrote a separate post about the 10 best resorts on Maui. Are you looking for something a little more upscale? Check out the best 5-star resorts on Maui. I also have blog posts on the best honeymoon resorts and the best resorts for families.

If you have more Maui travel tips, I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Make sure to share this with any friends who are interested in visiting the beautiful Valley Isle!

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things to do in Maui

Comments

Lisa

February 4, 2020 at 12:57 am

We are taking a cruise of the Hawaiian Islands and we have 2 full days in Maui. What do you recommend we do?

- amyfillinger
  
  February 4, 2020 at 4:22 pm
  
  I would definitely snorkel at Molokini Crater! I would also look into the Road to Hana if you’ll have a car. If not, I would consider renting one since most of what you’ll want to do in Maui isn’t near the port. I’ll email you to make sure you see this. 🙂

The 7 Best things to do in Maui

The best things to do on Maui

Do I need a rental car in Maui?

The top things to do on Maui

1. The best snorkeling on Maui

2. The best day trip on Maui

3. The other best day trip on Maui

4. Is Haleakala Sunrise a must-do?

5. The best beaches on Maui

6. The best Maui luau

7. Explore Maui from the air

Where to stay in Maui

Want the latest in travel news and deals?

Thank you! You're all set.

Are you ready to book your honeymoon or vacation?

About amyfillinger

Want the latest in travel news and deals?

Thank you! You're all set.

The 7 Best things to do in Maui

The best things to do on Maui

Do I need a rental car in Maui?

The top things to do on Maui

1. The best snorkeling on Maui

2. The best day trip on Maui

3. The other best day trip on Maui

4. Is Haleakala Sunrise a must-do?

5. The best beaches on Maui

6. The best Maui luau

7. Explore Maui from the air

Where to stay in Maui

Want the latest in travel news and deals?

Thank you! You're all set.

Are you ready to book your honeymoon or vacation?

About amyfillinger

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