Maui was named after a demigod who, in legend, fished the islands up from the sea and slowed the sun from the summit of Haleakalā. The island still feels larger than life: a crater above the clouds, a road through a rainforest of waterfalls, a sunken volcano full of fish and, in winter, thousands of humpback whales singing in its channels. Here are the best things to do on Maui.
The best things to do on Maui
1. Sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā
Watch the light spill across the crater and the clouds. Sunrise needs a reservation; at any time, bring warm clothes.
2. Hike into Haleakalā crater
The Sliding Sands Trail drops into a landscape of cinder cones, with rare silverswords and nēnē geese.
3. Drive the Road to Hāna
Waterfalls, bamboo forests, black-sand beaches and banana bread stands along about 64 miles of winding road. Book Waiʻānapanapa and leave early.
4. Snorkel Molokini
A crescent-shaped crater in the channel with some of the clearest water in Hawaii, reached by morning boat.
5. Whale watching
From December to April, Maui's channels are the main breeding ground of North Pacific humpbacks.
6. Kāʻanapali Beach and Black Rock
Snorkel with turtles at Black Rock and watch the evening cliff-diving ceremony.
7. Honolua Bay
A marine reserve with excellent snorkeling in summer and big surf in winter.
8. Mākena's Big Beach
A wild, golden beach in the south; strong shorebreak, so swim with care.
9. ʻĪao Valley
A green valley and the ʻĪao Needle, site of a decisive battle in 1790. Reservation required for non-residents.
10. Upcountry Maui
Lavender farms, a winery, cowboy towns such as Makawao and views across the isthmus from Kula.
11. Pāʻia and Hoʻokipa
A surf town of cafés and boutiques, and a lookout where turtles haul out in the late afternoon and windsurfers fly.
12. The Pīpīwai Trail
Beyond Hāna, a trail through a bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls, in Haleakalā National Park's Kīpahulu district.
13. The Maui Ocean Center
An aquarium of Hawaiian reef life with a walk-through shark tunnel, perfect for families.
14. Day trip to Lānaʻi
Take the ferry from Māʻalaea for snorkeling at Hulopoʻe Bay.
15. Nakalele Blowhole
A geyser of sea water on the wild northern coast; stay well back, as people have been swept into the sea.
What to book ahead
- Haleakalā sunrise: $1 per vehicle, released 60 days and 2 days ahead at 7 am, plus the $30 park fee.
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park: timed entry and parking, 30 days ahead.
- ʻĪao Valley: non-resident entry and parking, up to 30 days ahead.
- Molokini and whale-watching boats, especially in winter.
Lahaina is rebuilding after the 2023 wildfire; do not visit the burn zone, but do support reopened businesses and boat tours from Lahaina Harbor. Plan your days with our Maui itinerary, snorkeling map and hiking map.
Why Maui?
Maui is two volcanoes joined by a valley, which is why it is called the Valley Isle. The vast dome of Haleakalā fills the east; the older, deeply eroded West Maui Mountains rise in the west. Between them lie sugar-cane plains turned to towns, and around them some of the finest beaches in Hawaii. It is the most popular island for beach holidays and honeymoons, and the best in the state for winter whale watching.
When to go
December to April is whale season and the busiest, most expensive time. Summer brings calm snorkeling on the west side, including Honolua Bay. Late April to early June and September to mid-November give the best value. Haleakalā is cold at dawn all year. Where to stay? See where to stay on Maui.
Getting around Maui
You need a car on Maui. The main resort areas, Kāʻanapali, Kapalua, Kīhei and Wailea, are 30–60 minutes apart, and Haleakalā's summit is about two hours from the west side. The Road to Hāna takes a full day. A midsize car cost about $82 a day in spring 2026 before taxes and fees, so book early. Many rental contracts forbid driving the rough road around the back of Haleakalā beyond Kīpahulu.
Quick answers
What is the best thing to do on Maui?
Watching the sunrise from Haleakalā, driving the Road to Hāna and snorkeling at Molokini are the three classic Maui experiences; from December to April, add whale watching.
How many days do you need on Maui?
Five days for the highlights, a week to enjoy them at an easy pace.
Can you visit Lahaina?
Lahaina is being rebuilt after the 2023 wildfire. The burn zone and most of Front Street remain closed, but Lahaina Harbor has partially reopened for boat tours.
Do you need a reservation for Haleakalā?
For sunrise (3–7 am), yes: $1 per vehicle, booked 60 days or 2 days ahead, plus the $30 park entry. Sunset needs no reservation.
Keep exploring: where to stay on Maui, Maui with kids, things to do in Hawaii.
Facts checked October 2026. Opening days, prices and closures change, so check with each attraction before you go.
