17 Best Things to Do on Maui, Hawaii
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Maui is one of those islands that truly has a little bit of everything: golden beaches, lush waterfalls, epic snorkeling, dreamy food stops, and one of the most magical sunrises you can experience in Hawaii. If you’re planning your trip and trying to narrow down the best things to do on Maui, just know this island makes it really hard to choose!
I first visited Maui as part of my 2-week Hawaii island-hopping itinerary, and it ended up being such a fun mix of adventure and relaxation. This guide pulls from my own 3-day Maui itinerary, my Lahaina guide, and the Maui experiences that still live rent-free in my brain.
Whether you want to snorkel with sea turtles, brave the Road to Hana, sip farm-fresh cocktails, eat your way around the island, or catch sunrise above the clouds at Haleakala, these are the Maui activities I would prioritize!
Best Things to Do on Maui
1. Drive the Road to Hana
If you only have time for one big adventure on Maui, make it the Road to Hana. This scenic drive is packed with waterfalls, swimming holes, black sand beaches, lush rainforest views, and food stops that somehow taste even better after a few hours of winding roads.
I will be honest: planning this day can feel overwhelming. There are so many stops, the drive is long, and you definitely want to start early. We used the Shaka Guide App, and it made the whole thing feel way less chaotic because it works offline and points out stops along the way.
If you do not want to drive it yourself, this full-day Road to Hana tour includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and a guide so you can just sit back and enjoy the views. If you do drive yourself, grab a rental car, fill up your gas tank before you go, and plan for a full day.
2. Visit Waianapanapa State Park’s Black Sand Beach
Waianapanapa State Park was one of my favorite stops on the Road to Hana. The black sand beach is dramatic, beautiful, and totally different from the golden beaches Maui is known for. The contrast of the black sand, bright blue water, and lush greenery is unreal!
This is one stop you need to plan ahead for. Non-residents need a reservation. When I went, reservations opened up to 14 days in advance. Definitely double-check the current reservation window and fees before your trip, because this is not the kind of stop you want to wing.
3. Stop at Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is one of those Road to Hana stops that gives you a big reward without a huge time commitment. It is an 80-foot waterfall that you can see pretty easily, which is ideal when you’re trying to fit a lot into one day.
You can snap photos, take in the view, and if conditions are right, even cool off nearby. As always with waterfalls in Hawaii, pay attention to posted signs, weather, and flash flood risk.
4. Swim at Venus Pools
Venus Pools was another Road to Hana highlight for us. A short trail leads to these gorgeous pools, and depending on conditions, it can be a fun spot for swimming, cliff jumping, or just soaking up the scenery.
Bring bug spray, wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty, and use your judgment before getting in the water. Conditions can change quickly, and no pretty photo is worth ignoring your gut.
5. Watch Sunrise or Sunset at Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is one of the most iconic things to do on Maui, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. The summit sits over 10,000 feet above sea level, and watching the sky shift colors from above the clouds is just… wow. Truly one of those pinch-me Hawaii moments!
If you want to go for sunrise, you will need to plan ahead because reservations are required. Sunset is also stunning and does not require a reservation, so that can be a great backup if mornings are not your thing.
Entry is per vehicle unless you have an America the Beautiful Pass. And please pack layers! It is freezing at the summit, even when the beach below is giving full tropical vacation energy. If you would rather not deal with the reservation scramble, this Haleakala Sunrise Tour includes transportation, breakfast, and a guide.
6. Snorkel Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is the crescent-shaped volcanic crater off Maui’s south coast, and it is one of the island’s most famous snorkeling spots. The water is known for being incredibly clear, and the whole experience feels like a bucket list ocean day.
You will need a boat tour to get there. This Molokini snorkeling tour is a great option, or you can check out this 5-hour all-inclusive snorkeling tour that includes breakfast, lunch, and even a waterslide!
7. Snorkel at Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is one of my favorite snorkel spots on Maui. The water can be calm, the reef is beautiful, and we saw so many turtles that I was basically floating around in disbelief the entire time.
Parking is limited, so go early if you want a smoother start to your beach day. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, water, and your own snorkel gear if you have it (this set is my absolute fave, and it packs well!).
8. Snorkel or Cliff Jump at Black Rock
Black Rock is another amazing Maui snorkeling spot, especially if you are staying near Kaanapali. It is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping, and the marine life can be incredible. Think sea turtles, colorful fish, rays, and maybe even spinner dolphins if luck is on your side.
Go early before the crowds roll in, and only cliff jump if conditions are safe and you feel confident. Want to level it up with a guide? This 4-hour Maui snorkeling and eco-raft adventure includes breakfast, snacks, gear, and a guide. Or this kayak and snorkeling tour is another fun option.
9. Go Whale Watching
If you are visiting during whale season, whale watching needs to be high on your list of things to do on Maui! Humpback whales migrate through Maui’s waters in winter, and seeing them breach, slap their tails, or just casually exist in the ocean like majestic giants is pure magic.
Whale season is generally December through April. This 2-hour eye-level eco-raft tour is a fun option if you want a smaller, more adventurous boat experience. If you want to combine two Maui must-dos, this whale-watching and snorkel tour to Turtle Town checks off both.
10. Try Scuba Diving
If you have ever wanted to try scuba diving, Maui is a pretty dreamy place to do it! The underwater world here is stunning, and doing an intro dive with a guide is such a memorable way to experience the island beyond the beach.
This intro scuba course in Lahaina includes gear, snacks, and a professional guide to help you get comfortable before your first dive. Just keep in mind that you cannot fly within 18 hours of scuba diving, so do not save this for the morning before your flight home!
11. Dinner at Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House is one of those Maui restaurant experiences that feels special from the second you arrive! The oceanfront setting is gorgeous, the food is so fresh, and the whole place has a dreamy energy.
Reservations can book out months in advance, so plan early if this is a must for you. We did not have a reservation and lucked out with bar seats, but I would not build your whole dinner strategy around that kind of travel fairy dust.
The macadamia nut crab cakes, shrimp wontons, and drinks were all so good!
12. Tour Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery is such a fun first stop after landing because it is only about 15 minutes from the airport. The views are gorgeous, the tour is interesting, and the farm-to-table food and cocktails are such a strong welcome-to-Maui moment.
The tour includes tastings, and you will learn about their production process, including how Ocean Vodka is made with deep mineral water sourced from the Kona Coast.
Before you leave, make time for dinner or drinks at their Cafe at The Point. The kimchee-hoo pizza was unlike anything I had tried before, and the sunset views were dreamy!
13. Go on a UTV Adventure
If you want a break from beach hopping, a UTV adventure is such a fun way to see a different side of Maui. This 2-hour UTV tour explores the rugged beauty of the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve on Maui’s west side.
You can drive or ride along while taking in ocean views, wetlands, and landscapes you would not be able to access with a regular rental car. It is a great option for families, friend groups, or anyone who wants something a little more adrenaline-filled without committing to a full-day excursion.
14. Eat and Drink Around Whalers Village
If you are staying in West Maui, Whalers Village is an easy place to grab dinner, drinks, or dessert after a beach day. We went on a Sunday evening without reservations and aimed for happy hour, which worked out beautifully.
Monkeypod has one of my favorite mai tais in Hawaii, and Hula Grill is where you need to order the coconut-crusted calamari and Hula Pie!
15. Experience a Luau
A luau is a classic Hawaii experience, with music, hula, storytelling, and a feast that introduces you to Hawaiian culture and traditions in such a memorable way. Luaus can be a splurge, but if you have never done one before, Maui is a beautiful place to add it to your itinerary!
The Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa includes dinner, drinks, parking, and a welcoming lei. I also did a luau on the North Shore of Oahu, and it was SO FUN and informative! So I am very pro-luau when it fits your budget and schedule.
16. Try Maui Coffee
Do not underestimate the simple joy of a Maui coffee shop! Between early Road to Hana mornings, beach days, and sunrise missions, caffeine becomes less of a preference and more of a personality trait.
We loved Akamai Coffee before starting our Road to Hana adventure, and Badass Coffee was such a fun stop on another Maui morning. If you are exploring West Maui, keep an eye out for local cafes and breakfast spots, but always double-check current hours before heading out.
17. Eat Local on the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is not just about waterfalls and beaches. The food stops are part of the adventure too! One of our favorites was Huli Huli Chicken, located about 20 minutes outside Hana. It was juicy, flavorful, and exactly what we needed after a morning of exploring.
We also loved the food truck court in Hana, where we tried Poke Bobs and Ae’s Thai Kitchen. The poke bowl and pumpkin curry were both phenomenal. Bring cash just in case, because some smaller stops may be cash-only, and do not wait too late in the day if there is a specific place you are excited about. Things can sell out!
Where to Stay on Maui
Choosing where to stay on Maui depends on what kind of trip you want. West Maui, including Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua, is one of the most popular areas to stay because you have beaches, restaurants, shopping, and snorkeling close by.
Here are a few West Maui stays to check out:
- Aston Kaanapali Shores: Located on Kaanapali Beach, this spot has an oceanfront pool, on-site restaurants, a garden pool with evening lights, and even free ukulele and lessons!
- Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows: Offering three pools, a hot tub, flower lei and puka shell-making classes, and a shuttle to Whaler’s Village, this resort is a great pick. Bonus: an ice cream parlor and coffee shop on-site!
- Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas: The top-rated choice, with free parking, private balconies, and two adult pools set on 11 acres of lush tropical gardens.
If you are planning to take your time on the Road to Hana, you may also want to spend a night in Hana. Options are limited, so book early if that is part of your plan!
Tips for Visiting Maui
- Rent a car: Maui is much easier to explore with your own wheels. Compare options and pricing with DiscoverCars or Rentalcars.
- Start early: This is especially important for the Road to Hana, popular snorkel spots, and Haleakala sunrise.
- Pay attention to what needs to be reserved in advance: Black Sand Beach and Haleakala for sunrise require advance reservations for non-residents, so do not leave this until the last minute. Same with dinner at Mama’s Fish House!
- Pack layers for Haleakala: The summit gets cold, especially before sunrise. Bring a jacket, pants, and warm layers.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect your skin and Maui’s reefs. I also recommend packing sunscreen, hiking boots, sandals, headlamps, and GoPros if you are doing water adventures.
- Bring cash: Some Road to Hana stops and smaller food stands may be cash-only.
- Download maps and guides: Cell service can be spotty, especially on the Road to Hana. Better yet, use the Shaka Guide App!
- Respect the island: Follow posted signs, do not park illegally, avoid trespassing, support local businesses, and check current guidance before visiting areas still recovering from the Lahaina fires.
You can also check out my full Hawaii packing list and my Hawaii packing list recommendations for more trip essentials.
Which of these things to do on Maui are you adding to your itinerary first?!
Maui is one of those places where even a packed itinerary still leaves you dreaming about what you will do next time. Between the Road to Hana, Haleakala, snorkeling with turtles, beach hopping, and all of the amazing food, there are so many unforgettable things to do on Maui. I hope this guide helped you plan your trip!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Hawaii blog posts:
