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8 Amazing Things To Do In Maui Hawaii
Maui Hawaii is one of my favorite places to travel. Maui is not just another beautiful island. It has so much to offer and landscape that varies greatly in different parts of the island.
The Hawaiian islands were created so magnificently from volcanic activity in the past. Mother nature has gifted us with the opportunity to enjoy unique scenery in Maui including black lava rock coastlines that contrast so beautifully with the blue Hawaiian Ocean.
You don’t get that type of scenery on just any island!
There is a little something for every type of traveler to enjoy in Maui. Here are 8 things to do in Maui that I know you will love!
#1 Watch A Sunset
Sunsets in Maui are gorgeous! Any beach on the west side of Maui will give you a chance to see breathtaking sunsets. The most stunning sunset in Maui would be from the top of Haleakala Volcano 10,000 feet above sea level and the highest point in Maui.
I saw this sunset from Kamaole Beach on my first day in Maui. Great way to start a vacation!
#2 Explore Beaches
There are so many unique and different types of beaches to visit in Maui. Some of Maui’s most unique beaches are its red sand or black sand beaches because you only find these types of beaches in certain parts of the world. Maui is one of those special places.
Below is La Parouse Bay which is just stunning! Notice the lava rock shoreline. You will find La Parouse Bay on the south-west side of the island in the town of Wailea.
Do you love to surf? Swim or snorkel?
Maui has beaches suitable for every water activity you can imagine.
Kapalua Bay Beach in Maui Hawaii (pictured below) is great for swimming and snorkeling. You can frequently find turtles here too.
My personal favorite thing to do in Maui is exploring its amazing coral reefs and underwater life. There are so many great snorkeling spots in Maui. You can snorkel right from the sand at beaches like Kapalua, Napili Bay or Kaanapali.
Turtles are abundant in Maui and I saw them every time I went snorkeling. Just be sure to respect the turtles and do not touch or chase them. It’s the law in Maui to protect the turtles.
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Take a look at some of the beaches in this video which include La Perouse Bay, Hana Beach, Waianapanapa and more!
#3 Road To Hana
This road through the lush rainforest of Maui is full of surprises! No trip to Maui is complete without driving the Road To Hana.
It’s an adventure packed with dozens of waterfalls, amazing beaches, swimming holes, hikes, and many secrets. The below picture is a black sand beach that you can find in Hana at Waianapanapa State Park. A must see!
With so many things to see and do along the Road to Hana, it is important to do a little research before you go and have in mind what stops you would like to make along the way.
To help with your planning, the below guides cover more details about the best things to do and will get you set for the Road To Hana. (Click on the picture below.)
#4 Swim Under A Waterfall
Have you ever wanted to swim near a waterfall? This is possible at Seven Sacred Pools!
When I traveled to Maui, I had never swam near a waterfall before so I made sure to put this at the top of my list of things to do in Maui and wow was it memorable!
The Seven Sacred Pools is found along the Road To Hana in Haleakala National Park.
I found Seven Sacred Pools easier to access than most of the other swimming holes in Maui. The less than a mile walk from the Haleakala National Park entrance was relatively easy with lots of beautiful scenery along the way.
So, if the Road to Hana is on your list of things to do in Maui, you can also check swimming next to waterfalls off your bucket list by adding seven sacred pools to your Road To Hana itinerary.
Get the full details on the Sacred Pools here in this quick guide.
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#5 Enjoy Fresh Seafood
Maui has the freshest seafood! Most restaurants prepare fish caught the day of. You may find that you want to eat fish everyday while in Maui because it is just that good!
My favorite restaurant was Paia Fish Market and the Kinaole Grill (Food Truck). Kinaole Grill is located across the street from Kamaole Beach I in Kihei.
You can find the Paia Fish Market in both Paia and Kihei, although the location in Paia is better for some reason.
Great food from Kamaole Grill in Kihei, just across the street from the beach.
#6 Snorkel The Amazing Coral Reefs Of Hawaii
Hawaii’s warm water is great for snorkeling in Maui. Explore underwater to discover hundreds of species of fish and coral reef. You can snorkel from shore at beaches such as Kapalua Beach, Napili, or Kaanapali so I suggest bringing your own snorkel gear.
If you are looking for a tour, consider a tour to Molokini Crater which is one of the other top snorkel spots on the island.
#7 Take A Scenic Drive
While everyone has heard of the Road to Hana, a drive that is equally beautiful yet not as well known, is a drive-through upcountry and south coast of Maui. You will get some breathtaking views of the coastline from upcountry since it is well above sea level.
This drive will be less crowded than Road to Hana and you will get a chance to pull over (safely) to take in the views.
The scenery will change drastically as you pass through different areas of the island. There are many places to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Get all the details of this less known drive here.
Pictured above is a view from upcountry Maui. I stopped at the side of the road to take in the amazing views. Molokini Crater can be seen in the distance.
This amazing volcanic rock coastline can be seen as you drive along the south side of Maui toward the back Road to Hana.
#8 Visit Ali’i Kula Lavender Farms
A visit to the lavender fields is a great stop while driving to upcountry. At Ali’i Kula, you can explore the gardens, have the most delicious lavender coffee and scones all while getting “zen” from the scent of the fresh lavender fields.
To read more about Ali’i Kula on the blog, click here.
You will find the most amazing flowers at Ali’i Kula. It had just rained when I went to visit and you could see the rain drops settled on the flowers as captured in the picture below.
Watch the video of Ai’i Kula Lavender Farms on the youtube channel: https://youtu.be/DSkQc7J334A
Which of the 8 things to do in Maui are you most excited about doing?
Related Maui Hawaii Posts to help you with your trip planning.
- Road To Hana Tips And What To Expect Along The Way
- Road To Hana – What To Do and See On Road To Hana
- Maui Seven Sacred Pools – Swim Under A Waterfall
- Amazing Black Sand Beach In Maui
- Beautiful Lavender Farm in Maui Hawaii – Alii Kula Lavender Farm
- Maui Hawaii’s Road Less Traveled – A Guide To An Amazing Drive!
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Any sharks in the Maui waters?
Dont worry about sharks, it is highly unlikely you will see one. I have never seen one while in Maui.
I only have two days or so to spend on Maui. I would like to drive the road to Hana and see the national park. I know full well I could spend two months on Maui and not see everything, but I was wondering what you would recommend for someone with a limited amount of time. The idea is to fly in on a Monday morning, rent a car, and fly back to Honolulu Wednesday morning.
Hi Mark, 2 days in Maui is short but at least you will get a little taste of Maui paradise!…. If you know for sure you want to do the Road to Hana, its doable in one day, BUT I suggest you get a super early start on Tuesday. If it were me, I would do the drive Tuesday morning. If you do it Monday, you will most likely loose time after landing, picking up car etc…. I have a few other blog postsand videos on the Road to Hana that might help you.
To get an early start on the Road to Hana, you could consider staying close to Paia Monday night. Spend Monday enjoying some of Maui’s coastal beaches(on the west side), perhaps some swimming or snorkeling. Try Napilo, Kailua or there are many beautiful beaches to visit on the west side. You dont have to drive far down the west side for gorgeous beaches, they are abundant. With only 2 days, I would try to enjoy it and take it slow Monday without trying to cover too much ground. A beach day on Monday would be what I would do. Its just apart of the Maui experience!
What do you think? I hope that helps.