Top 15 Most Memorable Things To Do In Maui, Hawaii

This article describes the top 15 most memorable things to do in Maui, Hawaii in 2024, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the Road to Hana.

Aloha and welcome to my list of the top 15 best and most memorable things to do in Maui, Hawaii! Maui is the definition of paradise and is the perfect vacation destination for relaxed beach-going honeymooners and adventure-seekers alike. The island is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of sights to see and activities to do.

Maui is the second-largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, after the Big Island (Hawaii). Kahului is the main town on Maui and is likely where you will fly into. The island has numerous microclimates due to its drastically changing topography, ranging from tropical rainforests on the windward side to arid regions on the leeward side. You tend to find most of the popular resorts on the “dry” side of the island, for example, Kapalua.

A trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming for many due to its distance and endless attractions. But don’t worry, I am here to help you with the planning process so that when you visit Maui you don’t miss a thing! So grab your sunscreen because I’ve compiled in this post all of the best things to do in Maui, with helpful tips scattered throughout.

Please note that Lahaina is not included on this list intentionally. Please be respectful and do not travel to Lahaina while Maui mourns and rebuilds.

1. Haleakalā National Park

The number one best thing to do in Maui is to visit Haleakalā National Park! Haleakalā, meaning “house of the sun” in Hawaiian, is a dormant volcano as well as Maui’s highest peak. The top of Haleakalā reaches an elevation of 10,023 feet above sea level, which for context is where cruising altitude begins on airplanes! As you can imagine, this makes for an unbelievable view with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

The most famous thing to do at Haleakalā National Park is to watch the sunrise from the Haleakalā Visitor Center. To do so, you need to make a reservation in advance. This is extremely important, as they will likely not have reservations available the same day. This reservation is separate from the entry fee. Remember to bring your national park pass if you have one to avoid paying the entry fee!

Watching the sunrise from the top of Haleakalā is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. Logistically, you will need to check sunrise time and wake up early to make the drive from your accommodations (likely ~2 hours, depending on your location). Make sure to bring something warm, as the temperatures at that altitude are very cold before the sun rises.

If you can’t get a reservation, don’t have a rental car, or just don’t like waking up early – that’s no problem! Sunset is equally remarkable, and further to that, there is so much more you can do in the park than watch sunrise and sunset. The crater is a sight to behold on its own any time of day, and there are numerous hiking trails to pursue. Definitely take a stop at the visitor center to learn more about the park’s history, or get informed on the hiking trails in further detail.

2. Relax At One of the Many Beaches or Resorts

Maui is world-renowned for its unbelievable resorts. Chances are that if you’re in Hawaii, you intend to spend much of your time relaxing. The hotel or Airbnb pool is the perfect spot to sip a piña colada, get your tan on, and indulge in some local Hawaiian cuisine (try some poke!). After all, the beaches are most definitely the best things to do in Maui!

You will definitely want to explore some of Maui’s pristine beaches during your stay. Pick a couple of beaches, bring your snorkel gear, and see if you can spot a sea turtle! Some of the popular beaches to visit while you’re on Maui are listed here:

1. Kapalua Bay Beach: Located on the northwest coast, Kapalua Bay is a sheltered beach with calm waters and vibrant marine life- perfect for snorkeling.
2. Wailea Beach: Located in South Maui, Wailea Beach is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and upscale resorts.
3. Ka’anapali Beach: Located in West Maui, Ka’anapali Beach is famous for its long sandy shoreline, excellent snorkeling at Black Rock, and lively atmosphere with shops and restaurants.
4. Ho’okipa Beach Park: Located on Maui’s North Shore, Ho’okipa Beach is known for its large waves, making it a popular spot for surfing and windsurfing.
5. Makena Beach (Big Beach): Located in South Maui and known as “Big Beach,” Makena Beach is famous for its huge stretch of golden sand and impressive sea views.

3. Road to Hana – Stop 1: Paia

Many of the cheapest and coolest things to do in Maui are located along the famous Road to Hana. As such, I have included the major sights and stops of the Road to Hana as part of the top 15 sights to see. There are many additional stops you can take if you choose, including paid attractions, but these stops I outlined are what I deemed to be the most worthwhile. The Road to Hana is a 64-mile-long scenic route that connects Kahului to Hana, famous for its scenery, many waterfalls, rainforests, and ocean views.

The Road to Hana drive can take several hours in one direction because it is a winding road filled with many hairpin turns, one-lane bridges, and numerous attractions. The drive can be challenging but is worthwhile. Make sure to rent the proper car and drive with the utmost caution to ensure your safety as well as that of the other drivers. Due to the length and challenging aspects of the drive, I recommend that you start as early in the day as possible, bring snacks and water, and be prepared for varying weather conditions.

I personally love the small town of Hana at the end of the drive, and my recommendation is to stay in Hana for a couple of nights before returning to West Maui. This will allow you to enjoy the beauty of East Maui and split up the drive.

Your first stop on the Road to Hana is the village of Paia. Absolutely fill up your gas tank here before you embark on your journey! Snap a pic of Baldwin Beach, and then head into town to grab some Açaí or a delicious vegan breakfast at Choice Health Bar. If you are in town for dinner, I highly recommend the Flatbread Company for pizza, it is outstanding and the staff are very friendly.

4. Road to Hana – Stop 2: Twin Falls

The second stop to take on the Road to Hana is Twin Falls. Accessible via a short trail, the double falls cascade gracefully through glowing green foliage, creating a serene oasis. Enjoy the beauty of the falls, or if you like you can take a dip into the warm water. The Twin Falls are the perfect start to a day of fun on the Road to Hana.

5. Road to Hana – Stop 3: Ke’anae Peninsula

The third stop on the Road to Hana that should not be missed is the Ke’anae Peninsula. The peninsula has a rocky coastline with striking black rocks against lush greenery. It’s the perfect stop to take a walk and collect some beautiful photos. Before leaving, you will want to stop at Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread for some delicious homemade banana bread!

6. Road to Hana – Stop 4. Pu’a Ka’a State Wayside Park

The fourth stop on the Road to Hana is the Pu’a Ka’a State Wayside Park. This park is a really great stop if you need to use the bathroom or want to have a picnic lunch by a pristine waterfall. This park is halfway to Hana, the falls are easily accessible, and you can take a swim at the base of the falls. Upon leaving, look out for some local vendors selling shaved ice! It’s the perfect way to refresh yourself for the second half of the journey through East Maui.

7. Road to Hana – Stop 5: Waiʻānapanapa State Park

My fifth stop on the Road to Hana is Waiʻānapanapa State Park. This is hands-down one of the best things to do in Maui and one of my personal favorites!

Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a section of Maui’s coastline with extraordinary natural beauty. This scenic park is famous for its jet-black volcanic sand beach, unique sea caves, and vibrant blue water. While here I recommend exploring the lava lubes, blowholes, and gardens. Dip your toes in the water and enjoy the feel of the black sand.

I don’t recommend laying out on the beach here because it is small and can be crowded; however, there is still plenty to do. The park is full of Hawaiian history and legend and has gorgeous panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Please note that reservations to Waiʻānapanapa State Park must be made in advance to gain entry to the park. You will likely need 2 hours to spend at the park. There are bathrooms and picnic tables here that you can use, and camping reservations are available.

8. Road to Hana – Stop 6: Hana

The sixth stop on the Road to Hana is the town of Hana itself! Hana is a charming town with some wonderful inns and kind locals. If you can, I highly recommend staying at the Hana Maui Resort (pictured above)! It gives a feeling of “old Hawaii”, with wonderfully spread-out villas. While here, you can enjoy some authentic Hawaiian cuisine and really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. There are multiple beaches nearby that you can spend time at if you stay in town overnight. There are also some great food trucks in the area to try out some local foods.

9. Road to Hana – Stop 7: Hamoa Bay or Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach

For our seventh stop on the Road to Hana (although technically we’ve passed Hana at this point), we are taking a beach break. I have two recommendations:

1. Hamoa Bay: Hamoa Bay is a tropical crescent-shaped beach circled by lush vegetation. The bay is a perfect place to relax and swim with golden sands and clear waters.
2. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach (local secret): This red sand beach (pictured above) is accessible by a short trail that starts near the Hana school. The secluded cove has striking red-hued sands, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant blue waters. Perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path beach experience! Please note that the trail can be in poor condition or washed away depending on the weather. Exhibit caution if considering a visit.

10. Road to Hana – Stop 8: Wailua Falls

The second-to-last stop on our journey through East Maui is Wailua Falls, another gorgeous waterfall! I’m guessing you’re picking up on a trend here!

Wailua Falls is a double-tiered waterfall, cascading 80 feet down a basalt cliff. The falls are easily accessible from the Hana Highway, and there is a trail down to the pristine pool at the base that you can take a dip in, provided that the conditions are safe for hiking and swimming.

11. Road to Hana – Stop 9: Pipiwai Trail

Congratulations, you made it to the Pipiwai Trail, the end of the Road to Hana! The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile hiking trail that leads up to Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls. The trail is technically part of Haleakalā National Park, so entry is paid without a national park pass. Bring plenty of water and some snacks. Along the trail, you will find an incredible Banyan tree, scenic overlooks, and an enchanting bamboo forest. It is a magical and beautiful location!

At this point, I recommend turning around and returning the way you came, rather than continuing the loop around the island. The route is safer and more scenic.

12. ʻĪao Valley State Monument

Another incredible sight to see in Maui is the ʻĪao Valley State Monument. The ʻĪao Valley State Monument is a beautiful natural area located in Central Maui very rich in vegetation. The monument is named after the ʻĪao Needle, which is the green-mantled volcanic rock pinnacle picture above, that rises 1,200 feet up from the valley. While here you can also see the ʻĪao Stream which flows through the valley, and take the opportunity to do some hiking.

The park also has the ʻĪao Valley Lookout, where you can get panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot to capture the beauty of the landscape. Of cultural significance, the valley was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790.

Please note that reservations must be made in advance for entry into the ʻĪao Valley State Monument.

13. Maui North Shore

The north shore has many attractions to offer tourists. Please note that driving can be dangerous as the roads are one-way in some locations. Drive with caution! Some of my favorite stops and best things to do in Maui along the north shore if you have time are the following:

• Wahee Ridge Trail: Wahee Ridge Trail is a popular hiking trail with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and ocean. This trail can be a challenging hike, so make sure you come prepared!
• Kahakuloa Head: Kahakuloa Head is a sea cliff scenic viewpoint with beautiful views.
• Olivine Pools: The Olivine Pools are natural tide pools accessible by a short hike. They are known for crystal-clear waters and the presence of olivine crystals.
• Nakalele Blowhole: Nakalele Blowhole is a natural blowhole that shoots water high into the air and is a sight to behold.
• Kapalua Coastal Trail: The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a scenic oceanfront trail that winds along the coastline of the Kapalua Resort area. This is an easy trail with gorgeous views of the neighboring islands.
• Dragon’s Teeth: Dragon’s Teeth is a geological formation of jagged lava formations that resemble dragon teeth. They are a spectacular backdrop against the ocean.

14. Molokini Crater

One of my regrets of when I visited Maui was missing the opportunity to see the Molokini Crater. The Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater. It is about three miles off the southwest coast of Maui and is unlike anything I have seen before. There are numerous tours that you can book to take a boat out to the crater. It is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving! In addition, Molokini’s underwater landscape has a series of ledges and walls, which can be very interesting for snorkelers and divers to explore.

15. Lū’au, Snorkel, Surf, Take a Boat Tour, Visit Another Island

A trip to Hawaii is not complete without partaking in a traditional Lūʻau! There are many options around the island that offer different experiences based on your interests (or dietary restrictions).

To finish off your relaxing trip in paradise, spend some time doing whatever you enjoy most! For me, that is snorkeling! For others it might be taking a boat tour for sunset or to the nearby islands of Molokai or Lanai, playing a round of golf, eating at the local food trucks, or grabbing a surfboard and hitting some of the best waves in the world!

Map Of the Top Things To Do In Maui, Hawaii

To make life easy, I’ve included a live map below of all the top sights and attractions I discussed in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion – Most memorable things to do in Maui, Hawaii

If you’re on the fence, I highly recommend a trip to Maui! I hope that my list of the top things to do in Maui helps you plan your dream vacation in Hawaii! Until next time, Maui, mahalo for the memories!

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be for informational purposes only and may contain affiliate links. Refer to the full disclaimer for more information.

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