Choose from 37 Fun Things to Do in Maui
Surfing Goat Dairy
Practical Info
Waianapanapa State Park
Practical Info
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
Practical Info
Waihee Ridge Trail
Practical Info
Ulupalakua Ranch
Practical Info
Wailea Beach
Even though private cabanas line the shoreline (and there is a great chance of spotting a celebrity), Wailea Beach is a public beach and is open to anyone in the community. Public parking lots are found at neighboring Ulua Beach as well as next to the Four Seasons, and a two-mile coastal path connects Wailea Beach with Polo beaches, which is a similar island favorite.
Although there is never a bad time to find yourself on Wailea Beach, summer can be a bit more prone to large surf which can make bodyboarding dangerous and churn up the visibility while snorkeling. On most days of the year, however, Hawaiian green sea turtles can be spotted off the point, and the waters are calm and clear with just enough wave action to frolick in the surf.
Or, if watersports aren’t your thing, the string of cabanas and beach umbrellas are the perfect spot for kicking back with a good book, a cold drink, and simply listening to the surf crash on the shore. Flanked on both sides by palm trees and resorts, Wailea Beach is a dream getaway for the resort-loving crowd, and even those who prefer their lodging a bit more low-key will appreciate the island beauty which radiates from the shore.
Little Beach
Practical Info
Maui Ocean Center
Practical Info
Royal Lahaina Luau
Since the Royal Lahaina luau is located in the Ka’anapali resort district, the luau grounds are only a short drive from neighboring hotels, or, if you’re staying in the immediate vicinity, you can reach the luau on your own two feet by taking a leisurely stroll down the beach. Once inside, learn about the history of Polynesia as it’s told through chanting and dance, and gradually lose yourself in the rhythm an oli (chant) as you sip your drink beneath a rustling palm.
Both entertaining and filling, the Royal Lahaina luau is a great evening for groups traveling with children, and the affordable ticket price and casual atmosphere make it a family evening that you’re sure to remember long after you’ve left the islands behind.
Iao Valley
The iconic rock pinnacle known as the Iao Needle is the focus of Maui’s Iao Valley State Park.
Rising 2,250 feet (675 meters) into the air, the unusual plant-covered peak rises from the Iao Valley floor, surrounded by rainforest-covered volcanic craters, pools and streams.
The pinnacle was used as an altar, and the evocative location was the site of a famous battle between Kamehameha and the warriors of Maui.
Come to the Iao Valley State Park to follow easy hiking trails along tumbling streams. Views take in the Iao Needle, all the way across the rainforest to the coast at Kahului.
Practical Info
The Iao Valley is on the western side of Maui, 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the regional town of Wailuku. To get here from Wailuku, head west along Iao Valley Road.
Makawao
Practical Info
Kapalua
Practical Info
Bailey House Museum
Practical Info
Road to Hana
With 64 miles of black sand beaches, waterfalls, and bamboo jungles, the Road to Hana is a must-see for any Maui visitor. The two-lane route, also known as Hāna Highway, connects Kahului with the tiny town of Hana in east Maui, offering scenic views, plenty of excursions, and some of Hawaii’s most beautiful scenery along the way. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your trip on this beautiful island.
The Basics
Most Hana tour options tend to be long, full-day trips, as the drive is slow-going with many twists and turns, taking at least three hours to drive the winding route. Don't be surprised when the path gets narrow—you'll pass over 59 bridges, 46 of which are only a single lane wide.
Small group trips offer a comfortable, air-conditioned ride via van or mini-coach with an expert tour guide who'll give you the inside scoop on the history and legends of the Valley Isle, while a private tour will include a driver who will stop wherever you’d like. Despite the narrow road’s name, most tours continue further south past Hana Town before turning around and returning to Kahului.
Road to Hana Popular Attractions
Some of the sights you can visit on your Hana adventure are the famous Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo, the Twin Falls waterfalls, the Ho'okipa Lookout, Honomanu Bay, the two arboretums, the Hana Lava Tube, and Wai'anapanapa State Park. For a piece of history, make a stop at Palapala Ho’omau Church, set on the coast in Kipahulu, where famous aviator Charles Lindbergh is buried. The town of Hana itself is tiny but lovely, and has many nice beaches.
Things to Do While Touring Hana
Stop at the Oheo Gulch to take a dip in the Seven Sacred Pools, or enjoy a range of short hikes through tropical rain forest, such as the four-mile Pipiwai Trail, a part of Haleakala National Park. If weather permits, take in the views at Keanae Lookout; rappel or zipline alongside one of the beautiful waterfalls; grab lunch in Paia Town; and check out ancient lava formations in the Ka’eleku Cavern. You can also take to the skies to see the Hana Highway on a helicopter tour or a day trip from Oahu, flight costs included.
Some travelers opt to take their own road trip along the famous Road to Hana, spending the night in Hana before heading back to the west side of the island. If you're interested in cycling, you can either rent a bike and go on your own, or book a cycling tour.
Amenities and Accessibility
- Those considering the self-guided option should note that select rental car companies don’t allow their vehicles on the Hana road due to gravel and rocky paths.
- Some rock climbing may be required at the Seven Sacred Pools; however, Wai'anapanapa State Park has worked to improve its pathways for safer and more comfortable travel throughout the area.
- Not all day trips include meals, so consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy at a scenic stop en route. Some options do include a continental breakfast for your early start.