I recently got back from three fun and sun filled days in Maui, Hawaii with my mom. We’ve traveled together before and always have the best time together! This trip, we spent three days in Oahu before hopping on a quick Southwest flight to travel to Maui. The flight time was only 45 minutes! Maui is an Hawaiian island that’s known for its stunning beaches, luxurious hotels and resorts, natural scenery and volcanic mountains. It’s also known for its Hawaiian cultural heritage that’s tied to local mythology and traditions. Save this page and read below on things to do on Maui, Hawaii and some of my bucket list trip things to do on Maui.
Things to Do on Maui, Hawaii
Things to Do on Maui – Where to Stay
As I said above, Maui is known for its luxurious hotels and resorts. We ultimately decided to stay at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali. It was about an hour drive from the airport but we loved the location and everything it had to offer. Our room had a king sized bed, mini kitchen (with a fridge, microwave and sink), washer/dryer and ocean view. It was nice being able to have coffee on our balcony each morning and bring leftovers back to the room to enjoy later. Also love being able to wash all of my dirty clothes.
There are several pools on the property, including a slide for kids. There are lots of chairs to lounge by the pool and the ocean is just steps away from the pool. There’s also several restaurants on the property and a spa if you need some additional relaxation.
Things to Do On Maui, Hawaii – Activities
Maui is not a walkable island and you either need to find a hotel that will shuttle you or book a rental car. We rented a convertible to drive around the island and enjoy the beautiful scenery! I will also say that going ten miles will sometimes take you an hour. Most of the roads are two lanes and you get behind people doing slow scenic drives or tour groups. Just accept that you’re on island time and enjoy the ride. Now onto the activities.
- Light exploring at Napili Bay – Located on Maui’s northwest coast, it’s a crescent-shaped cove with a tranquil atmosphere that is also great for spotting sea turtles. If you have kids this a great area to camp out for a bit and swim and snorkel.
- Hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail – This is the most well-known hike in Maui and is a 1.76 mile path that has ocean views and is suitable for all skill levels. It begins at the Ritz Carlton and ends at DT Fleming Park and is well-maintained and mostly paved. I will say there are sections that are a little uneven and rocky and the trail is very exposed to the sun. We hiked in the morning and wore a hat, long sleeve shirt and lots of sunscreen but the views are worth it.
- Sunset Cocktail Sail – One of my favorite things to do on Maui was a sunset sail. It wasn’t a dinner cruise but a happy hour with music, great drinks and amazing views. As someone that gets seasick I ate light that day and had my sea sickness bands on. I also wore sneakers in case my balance got thrown off.
- Drive the scenic road to Hāna – This is an all-day activity that takes some planning. This scenic 64 mile drive is known for lush rainforests, waterfalls, coastal views and has over 600 hairpin turns and 50 one lane bridges. Most of the time the road starts in Kahului and ends in Hana. Overall this takes 10-12 hours but you have to start early and plan stops. There are large stretches where there’s no bathroom or restaurants so you’ll need to pack snacks and take advantage of any change to go to the restroom. We spent three days in Maui and didn’t have time to take this road trip but it’s on my bucket list for next time!
- Stargaze at the summit of Haleakalā National Park – The National Park Service says that this is the perfect place for stargazing because it’s higher elevation and the atmosphere is clearer and light pollution is minimal. Dress warmly when you go and something to sit or lay down on.
- Go Whale Watching – From December to April you can see humpback whales! Find a whale watching tour to give you a closer look. We went in late October and didn’t see any whales but would have loved to go on a tour to see them up close.
- See local surfers at Ho’okipa Beach Park – Watch local surfers take on the waves or look for green sea turtles along the shore. The scenic views and free access are worth it, however the strong waves make it less ideal for swimming
- See the black sand beach at Wai’ānapanapa State Park – This is another activity that requires planning in advance. Non-residents are required to book a reservation online in advance. Same-day reservations are not available, so plan ahead. You can make reservations 30 days ahead here. The main attraction is Pa’iloa Beach, known for its striking black sand and pebbles, a result of volcanic activity. The park also includes blowholes, lava formations, and ancient sites.
- Learn about marine life at the Maui Ocean Center – A great rainy day activity, or if you’ve had too much sun, the Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and oceanography center located in Maalaea. It’s one of the best ocean experiences you will find with great exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and even artisans on the premises. It takes time to see, but is well worth it, especially the huge aquariums and underwater tunnel.
- If you don’t like a lot of action slow down and do some tours – In Maui you can visit local wineries, the Ocean Vodka farm or a lavender farm.
- Snorkeling at the Molokini Crater – The Molokini Crater is the remains of one of the seven Pleistocene epoch volcanoes that formed the prehistoric Maui Nui island. Molokini is a destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Its crescent shape protects divers inside it from waves and the channel’s powerful currents and offers water clarity up to 150 feet. With no sand beach you can find sand patches, basalt rocks, and boulders covering the bottom of the cove.
Where to Eat
- Duke’s Beach House – $$$ – Hawaiian Cuisine
- Slappy Cakes – $$ – Breakfast and Brunch
- Fish Market Maui – $$ – Seafood
- Merriman’s Kapalua – $$$ – Hawaiian Cuisine
- Maui Brewing Co. – Brew Pub
- Leilani’s on the Beach – $$ – Seafood
- Island Vintage Coffee – $$ – Coffee shop and Acai Bowls
- Monkeypod Kitchen – $$ – New American Cuisine
- Da Kitchen – $$ – Hawaiian Cuisine – Closed Sundays
- Kaleis Lunchbox – $$ – Hawaiian Cuisine
- Oao Sushi – $$ – Sushi
- Tiffany’s Restaurant & Bar – $$ – Hawaiian Cuisine
- Cafe O’lei at the Mill House – $$$
- Kihei Caffe – $$ – Breakfast and Brunch
- Gazebo – $$ – American Breakfast and Lunch. Go early because it’s a small space and there’s usually a line. Also try the macadamia nut pancakes!
- Joey’s Kitchen – $$ – Filipino Cuisine
- Tasty Crust – $$ – Diner
- Four Sisters Bakery – $$ – Closed Sundays and Cash Only
When is the best time to visit Maui?
There is no bad time to visit, with weather being generally warm and humid year-round.
What is Maui’s nickname?
“The Valley Isle” because it’s located between two mountain ranges: the West Maui Mountains and the dormant volcano Haleakalā.
What’s the best way to get around Maui?
Renting a car is the best way to get around Maui.
What are your favorite things to do on Maui? Share with me in a comment below. Aloha!
Leave a Reply