Maui stands as a glittering gem of beauty and allure among the Hawaiian Islands. It’s not merely a place to visit but an enchanting paradise that calls to the wanderlust of travelers near and far. Maui, with its undeniable charm and exotic appeal, has long been etched into the bucket lists of intrepid explorers worldwide.
Maui is a symphony of experiences, offering something for thrill-seekers, history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and those simply in pursuit of extraordinary beauty. From magical waterfalls to snowcapped summits and farm to table experiences, the island of Maui has enough to do to fill several itineraries over.
Once you’ve sorted your one of a kind accommodations in Pulelehua Nani, it’s time to craft the perfect day out on island. Here are some of Let’s Go Travel Maui’s favorite things to do on Maui.
VISIT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
- Address: Mile Marker 41 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI
- Website: nps.gov/hale/index.htm
The Haleakalā crater of Haleakala National Park is one of the premier destinations on the island of Maui. You will start your drive at sea level and climb to over 10,000 feet above the ocean into upcountry Maui, scaling the side of a massive volcanic crater. When measured from the base of the ocean, the park protects a mountain that is technically taller than Mount Everest. Often, the clouds lie just below the summit, making for a wispy and awe-inspiring view of one of America’s finest national parks!
GRAB A FRONT ROW SEAT TO HUMPBACK MIGRATION
- Season: December to April
- Whale Watching Tours
Each winter, the waters around Maui become home to thousands of humpback whales. As the cold weather approaches, these magnificent creatures make their journey from their feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm, tropical waters of Hawaii.
The whales spend their time in Maui breeding, calving, and nursing their young before returning to Alaska in the spring. Visitors to the island have the unique opportunity to witness these creatures in action, with boat tours and whale watching excursions available throughout the season.
There are many tours to choose from when it comes to whale watching in Maui! You could hop aboard a luxurious catamaran and sip on a cocktail while you gaze out at the ocean from the comfort of a sleek and modern vessel. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you could strap on a wetsuit and dive into the water for a true up-close-and-personal experience with these gentle giants.
CHECK OUT THE BASKING SEA TURTLES OF MALUAKA BEACH
Maui’s diverse wildlife includes several unique species – but possibly none is more famous than the local basking green sea turtles. While this species usually only comes to shore to nest at night once a year, they famously come ashore occasionally on the Hawaiian islands during the day to bask, much to the delight of onlookers.
One of the best beaches to see sea turtles is Maluaka Beach, fondly known as ‘Turtle Town.’ Stretching between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach, this a great place for novice snorkelers to float in the calm waters and watch the green sea turtles snack on the seagrass below.
TAKE A SLOW AND SCENIC DRIVE ON THE ROAD TO HANA
If you have a limited time on island, the Road to Hana is a great way to soak up awesome views in one go. This drive snakes from Central Maui along the island’s northeast shore, finally leading to Hana, a remote town on Maui’s east side. This road trip promises to please all of your senses, from lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls to sweeping ocean views. Along the way, you’ll pass several small towns and villages, each with their unique charm and history.
There are plenty of opportunities to pull over and explore viewpoints, hiking trails, and small local stores. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing swim in a natural pool, a peaceful hike through bamboo forests, or just a picturesque spot for a picnic, this should be at the top of your Maui itinerary.
Pro Tip: Pick up some Maui banana bread along the way – a staple road snack on any drive to Hana. Maui’s banana bread is one of those things that you will find yourself thinking about even years later. It’s just that good!
HIKE THROUGH MAUI’S NATURAL SPACES
Hiking is a great way to experience Maui in all its glory! The island offers a ton of different hikes for various skill levels and interests.Whether you want waterfalls, black sand beaches, bamboo forests, or lava rock, Maui has it all.
Many of these hikes you can complete on your own but if you prefer a guided hiking tour, there are a lot of great options to enjoy nature without having to look down at your map.
Pipiwai Trail
This is a lovely hike in Haleakalā National Park. At just under 4 miles, you’ll see banyan trees and bamboo forests, all while picking up some elevation and increasing your wide-sweeping views in the process. The mile-and-a-half trek culminates in an unforgettable view of the stunning 400-foot Waimoku Falls.This can be a great half-day excursion, so don’t forget to pack snacks! (Did someone say banana bread?)
Seven Sacred Pools
The Seven Sacred Pools is a short and must-do hike for Maui travelers. Less than a mile round-trip, you will enjoy a landscape of greenery and water, a favorite of visitors to Haleakala National Park, where you will go to enjoy this stroll!
Black Sand Beach and Blowhole
We’ve all seen white sand beaches, but Wai’anapanapa State Park has some of the most striking black sand beaches in all of Maui, making it another must-see. The short half mile out and back trail to the Black Sand Beach and blowhole are a great way to experience the powerful natural forces at play all over Maui.
Iao Valley State Park
Iao Valley State Park is a breathtaking state park famous for its picturesque views, including its centerpiece, the Iao Needle – a massive natural stone monolith protruding from the ground, making this landscape even more jaw-dropping. Some awesome longer full-day hiking trails can be found here! Remember, reservations are required and can be made here.
EXPLORE WEST MAUI
West Maui is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and jaw-dropping mountain landscapes. Lahaina is the biggest town located on the western coast of Maui. Visitors to West Maui can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and zip-lining.
Ziplining in West Maui
Tons of awesome excursions take off from the rugged west side of the island. Adventures like ziplining take thrill seekers through lush West Maui landscapes with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai. There are a few great options for a guided zipline courses over plantations and lagoons.
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is one of the furthest west beaches you can visit, and it’s well worth the trip. With beautiful white sands and sky blue waters, it is a postcard snapshot of what makes Maui’s coastlines so revered.
Maui Ocean Center
Just as one crosses over into West Maui on the south shore, the Maui Ocean Center awaits them. Take some time to learn about and enjoy Maui’s native wildlife in and out of the water, and learn more about fabled Hawaiian culture as well.
Nakalele Blowhole
The spectacular and dangerous Nakalele Blowhole is a tourist-favorite destination. As the sea comes rushing back and slams against the shore, this ancient lava tube sends hundreds of gallons of water skyrocketing! A must-see on the northwest shore of the island.
Honolua
Just 20 minutes north of Lahaina lies beautiful Honolua. A top-tier destination for surfers and snorkelers, this town is full of attractions for all. The Mokulēʻia Marine Life Conservation District protects these waters, so sea creatures abound in this gorgeous bay, waiting to be discovered!
TAKE A SNORKELING TOUR OF MOLOKAI
Beautiful water is one of the biggest draws for most coming to Hawaii. Whether you want to be in the water or on it, Maui has unlimited opportunities for both!
Snorkeling is a bucket list item for many people, and Maui’s blue waters are a great place to check it off! Snorkeling tours and scuba tours take off across the island, including exploration of the haunting Molokini Crater, a massive hole in the sea floor created by a volcanic explosion 230,000 years ago, now home to various coral reefs! These guided tours are a great way to experience life under the surface.
Pride of Maui offers private charters and sunset cruises alongside guided snorkeling tours. Snorkel Molokini Maui takes guests straight to the famed Molokini Crater, where pristine waters and an astonishing diversity of sea life await.
TOUR A HAWAIIAN FARM
A Maui farm tour is the perfect way to experience Hawaiian heritage, enjoy fresh food, and take in beautiful country! Tons of farms all across the island invite you to tour their property and learn about their livelihoods.
The Maui Pineapple Tour
This is a great first stop to start your farm tour route through the heart of the island. Maui is famous for growing the sweetest pineapple in the world, and this farm is a great place to experience the trade of pineapple growing!
The Maui Alpaca Tour
This tour is a great change of pace from the normal farm tours that are food-centered. These fluffy critters are everywhere! There are a multitude of tours to choose from; one of the most unique is the Alpaca Trekking Tour, where you hike the hills of Maui while walking your long-necked best buddy alongside you! Definitely an unforgettable experience.
Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours
This beautiful farm is a great experience to see exactly how your favorite drink is made, starting with the rich and fertile soils of this picturesque plot of land overlooking the beauty of Maui. Chocolate is also grown here, and you can enjoy tours of both delicious treats!
EAT LOCAL CUISINE
Maui is a paradise of locally grown food, so why not live it up and treat yourself?
Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House is a delicious place to have a bite to eat. Mama’s employs their own team of fishermen so that you can enjoy freshly caught Hawaiian fish from the north shores of Paia on the daily. Paia is a lovely beach community nicknamed the “windsurfing capital of the world.” Hang out, grab a shaved ice on a hot day, and watch the windsurfers float on a sick breeze!
Maui Food Trucks
Some of the best food trucks in Maui are here on the Wailea coast, such as Kinaole, Happy Belly, and Horhitos Mobile Taqueria.
Kapalua Eats
Kapalua is a gorgeous resort town on the north shore, with even more options for food discovery! Everything from Mexican, burgers, and Hawaiian food is here, such as Maui Tacos, Burger Shack, and Cane & Canoe.
STAY AND PLAY IN MAUI
Whether you’re a beach bum, mountain climber, swimmer, or hiker, you will certainly find something here for you. Maui’s central location in the Hawaiian island chain makes it a great place to start adventures out to the other islands as well.
Come, bask in the warmth of the Aloha spirit! The brainchild of owner and Architect Kyron Brimmer, our Let’s Go Maui four bedroom paradise masterfully intertwines traditional and contemporary Hawaiian aesthetics, crafting a truly unique Maui retreat.
