ALOHA!
So you are going to MAUI!
And you want to go to see some stunning views of Hawaii as a part of your time on Maui!
Which are the best things to do in Maui that will give you some of those amazing Maui views?!
Well, there are so many things that you can do for amazing views that there’s enough to fill your days for weeks on Maui!
I spent 3 weeks on Maui, and here are things to know about!
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1. Kaanapali Beach
Cost: FREE
Kaanapali is one of the main resort areas of Maui, and there’s a long stretch of beach here with many beachfront hotels and resorts.
This is located in West Maui.
Side note!
Things to buy on Amazon for your adventures!
I am an Amazon Associate. I may earn a commission.
- Lightweight quick-dry hiking shorts (comfortable shorts that are good for movement!)
- for women: hiking shorts | for men: hiking shorts
- Lightweight quick-dry hiking pants
- for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
- capris for women
- Some of the best outdoor travel brands:
- When you fly: If you have an iphone, you can put an airtag tracker in your luggage so you can better keep track of it! Buy just one, or buy a pack of 4. (Read the reviews!) This also makes a good travel gift!
2. Black Rock
Cost: FREE
This is the best snorkeling area that you’ll find on Kaanapali Beach.
As you’re facing the ocean, it’ll be off to the far right.
3. Kaanapali coastal walk
Cost: FREE
You can walk a long stretch of Kaanapali Beach without getting sand in your toes too.
There are a number of bars and restaurants that line this coastal walk, also called the Kaanapali Beach Walk.
🌴
Top Maui tours
Read the reviews at partner website Viator!*
- Turtle town snorkeling tour (with photo and video)
- Lahaina ATV adventure tour
- Horseback riding tour with Hawaiian cowboys
Things you might want to pack for your Maui vacation
Read the reviews on Amazon! I'm an Amazon Associate.*
- For women: Search for a rash guard for swimming and you won't have to worry as much about putting on sunscreen!
- Search for a rash guard for men
- Water shoes for snorkeling if you won't be wearing fins, or just generally for the beach!
- Cheapo waterproof phone case so you can capture pictures of colorful fishies swimming underwater!
- I always have a camera float attached to my phone case that I put around my wrist
- Snorkeling set: mask and fins
- Fins allow you to propel further faster (aka see more in less time and energy!)
- Go cheap if you accept that you need to come up for air frequently: regular swimming googles. They are not as fashionable but if you get swimming goggles, make them the clear kind so you won't be seeing dimmed colors of the colorful fishies!
- If you are able, I recommend trying out the mask at your local lake (in summer) or pool so you will be good to go in Hawaii when there's actually stuff to see!
- Travel-friendly turkish towel for the beach (lightweight compared to regular beach towels)
- For women: Teva walking sandals (one of the best sandal brands for the outdoors, perfect for lots of walking around outside - that's not a lava field!)
- For men: Teva sandals
- For women: Merrell hiking shoes (one of the best outdoor shoe brands, perfect for walking over rugged terrain like lava fields!)
- For men: Merrell hiking shoes
- Moisture-wicking tech t-shirt for women perfect for hiking and hot days when you'll be outside a lot sweating
- tech-t-shirt for men
- For more ideas, do a search for hiking clothes or swimming clothes!
*As a Viator partner and Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission.
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4. Kapalua Bay Beach
Cost: FREE
Kapalua is a smaller resort area in West Maui, and this is one of the beaches in the area.
Kapalua Bay Beach is the Maui beach that has been named #1 beach in America.
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5. Dragon’s Teeth
Cost: FREE
This is a spot where you can see a unique rock formation, and it’s a nice scenic viewpoint too, the Makaluapuna Point.
See more about the Dragon’s Teeth Trail.
6. Kapalua Coastal Trail
Cost: FREE
This is a coastal trail for another walk you can take with ocean views.
See more about the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
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7. Honolua Bay
Cost: FREE
This is a marine life conservation district on Maui, and it’s one of the best snorkeling spots in West Maui.
8. Nakalele Blowhole
Cost: FREE
You can see ocean water shoot up into the air here.
And, maybe you can see a rainbow forming too!
See more about the Nakalele blowhole.
9. The previously heart-shaped rock
Cost: FREE
The heart-shaped rock was a famous icon of Maui.
You can see the power of nature and what’s left of it after it was destroyed likely by ocean waves crashing against it.
See more about the heart-broken rock.
If you will be doing a Maui day trip to Lanai, you can go to the Sweetheart Rock in Lanai!
10. Ohai Loop Trail
Cost: FREE
This is a pretty easy coastal walk in West Maui that will give you ocean views.
See more about the Ohai Loop Trail.
11. Olivine Pools
Cost: FREE
This can be a good spot to see Maui’s rugged coastline. (This general area is, actually!)
People have died at these tide pools, so it can be best to go here to look, not swim.
See more about the Olivine Pools.
12. Kahakuloa Bay overlook
Cost: FREE
This would be a visit to a part of Kahekili Highway that fewer tourists go to.
Well, there’s a reason for that.
This starts to become what’s been considered a more dangerous and scary part of Kahekili Highway and requires driving on a one-lane road to get to.
To avoid driving on the one-lane road, you could try unofficially parking at a spot just before it turns into a one-lane highway.
See more about the Kahakuloa Bay overlook.
13. Lahaina banyan tree
Cost: FREE
The Lahaina banyan tree made big news during the Maui wildfire.
Lahaina as we knew it no longer exists. When it’s possible to drive by Lahaina again, look for this tree.
At first glance, this might look like a bunch of trees in the park.
But this is one MASSIVE tree that’s all connected that takes the entire area you see!
See more about the Lahaina banyan tree.
14. Whale watching
Cost: FREE (from shore) to $40+ (for a tour)
Whale watching boat tours are another thing that you can get from Lahaina.
Whale season in Maui (and in Hawaii) is generally speaking the winter months.
Maui is often considered to be the best Hawaiian island to spot whales.
There are many spots on Maui where you can give yourself a good chance of seeing whales, like the western shores of West Maui and South Maui.
A dedicated whale watching tour can give you help in spotting those whales.
Bring binoculars if you’re going to Maui in winter!
15. Old Lahaina luau
Cost: $150
A luau is a Hawaiian feast and entertainment.
Although these sorts of luaus are very touristy experiences, this can be a good way to get a taste of Hawaiian culture when you’re visiting Hawaii.
This is an evening activity.
Read the reviews of this Maui activity.
16. Molokini Crater
Cost: $150
Going to Molokini Crater requires a boat tour.
There are many snorkeling spots on Maui where you can snorkel from shore on your own without a tour, but Molokini Crater is considered to be a top snorkeling spot when you’re staying on Maui.
This is another marine life conservation district within Maui.
17. Waihee Ridge Trail
Cost: FREE
This is among the best hikes in the West Maui mountains.
See more about the Waihee Ridge Trail.
18. 13 Crossings
Cost: FREE
This is one of the rare waterfall hikes in West Maui that you can access on your own.
Although it does require a little bit of effort as you will be quite literally crossing a stream many times!
See more about 13 crossings.
19. Iao Valley State Park
Cost: $5+
The Iao Valley State Monument is Hawaii state park has a famous Maui icon, the Iao Needle.
See more about the Iao Needle hike.
20. Mill House
Cost: $$$ See menu
This is a popular restaurant on Maui in a mountain setting.
Read the reviews of this place to eat in Maui.
21. Haleakala summit
Cost: $30 for 3-day national park pass
Haleakala National Park is where you’ll find Maui’s dormant volcano and the highest point on Maui.
This is 1 of 2 national parks in Hawaii.
The super popular thing to do is to go to see the sunrise at the Haleakala summit, and this does require a permit.
Otherwise, going to Haleakala National Park any time past 7am does not require a permit, and it’s also popular to go to the Haleakala summit during the day.
Going to the summit means that you’ll be at 10,000+ ft! (aka what’s considered high altitude.)
You can drive all the way to the Haleakala summit.
See more about the Haleakala summit.
22. Pa Ka oao Trail
Cost: National park entry fee
The Pa Kaoao Trail is a short trail is a part of the Haleakala National Park and will take you to slightly higher for a famous Haleakala view.
See more about the Pa Ka oao Trail.
23. Sliding Sands Trail
Cost: National park entry fee
If you are looking to hike in the summit area of the national park, then the Haleakala crater hike is THE hike to do.
It’s called the Sliding Sands Trail.
This is one of the best hikes in Haleakala National Park.
This starts at the top and then goes down into the crater.
Even if you don’t want to do the full 11 mile hike (of which one option is hitchhiking to the start of the trail), you can do something like hike 30 minutes into the crater on this trail and turn around.
See more about the Sliding Sands Trail.
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24. Kula Highway – Piilani Highway
Cost: FREE
This is an area of Maui less tourists go to.
This would be the direction you’d take if you want to drive the Road to Hana in the opposite direction and as the Road to Hana loop. (aka the back road to Hana aka the back side of Haleakala aka doing the Road to Hana in reverse.)
The back road to Hana is considered to be a more dangerous and scary road at times.
But you can also drive just part of it on the Kula Highway and part of the Piilani Highway.
Basically this can be before the “scary” or “dangerous” part of the road begins, and it can give you nice scenic views of coastal Maui.
See more about driving the Road to Hana loop.
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25. Hana Highway (Road to Hana)
Cost: FREE
The Hana Highway is THE famous highway to drive on Maui, also known as the Road to Hana.
The “destination” is the town of Hana, so you’re taking the road TO Hana, although there are a few things to do past Hana town too.
There are MANY stops you can make on the Hana Highway, including waterfalls, beaches, hikes, and for food, some of which are listed below.
Most people do this as an out-and-back, but there are people who do it as a loop too, and that would be taking the back road to Hana that includes one-lane highways with steep drop-offs.
See more about Road to Hana stops.
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26. Paia town
Cost: FREE
This is a cute little town, often described as a hippie town, and also often described as the unofficial start of the Road to Hana.
27. Hookipa lookout
Cost: FREE
This is a scenic lookout point that overlooks Hookipa Beach.
This can be a good surfer watching spot, and a spot to watch waves in general.
See more about the Hookipa Lookout.
28. Hookipa Beach
Cost: FREE
Hookipa Beach is known for surfing and turtles.
It can often be a pretty reliable beach to see turtles on Maui.
You also have a chance to see Hawaiian monk seals on Maui by visiting this beach too!
👆 One of the best things to do in Maui is see turtles at the turtle beach of Maui. You can do this as one of your Road to Hana stops or you can make it a separate Maui day trip to Paia!
See more about where to see turtles in Maui.
29. Mama’s Fish House
Cost: $$$
This is a very popular restaurant on Maui that’s right along the coast.
See menu of Mama’s Fish House.
Read the reviews of this place to eat in Maui.
30. Twin Falls (Caveman Falls)
Cost: $10 for parking
Twin Falls is among the first waterfall hikes you can do on the Road to Hana.
You’ll look for entry to Twin Falls.
See more about Twin Falls.
31. Keanae Peninsula
Cost: FREE
The Keanae Lookout is a scenic lookout point at the end of Keanae Road. This is also a spot you can go for banana bread on Maui. (Next on the list.)
See more about the Keanae Peninsula.
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32. Aunty Sandy’s banana bread
Cost: $7 for loaf of bread
Banana bread is a thing on Maui, and this is the famous spot to get banana bread on the Road to Hana.
See more about Aunty Sandy’s banana bread and more Road to Hana food.
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33. Waianapanapa State Park black sand beach
Cost: $15+
This is THE famous black sand beach on Maui.
This is located at Waianapanapa State Park. This is one of the best Hawaii state parks in Maui!
The official name for the black sand beach is the Honokalani Beach which is at Pailoa Bay.
You can also make it an overnight in Hana by staying at a Waianapanapa State park cabin.
See more about things to do in Waianapanapa State Park.
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34. Black sand beach lava tube
Cost: State park entry fee
This is right at the famous black sand beach on Maui, but it’s easy to miss. Be sure to look out for this lava tube that opens up to the ocean!
See more about the Waianapanapa State Park black sand beach lava tube.
35. Waianapanapa Coastal Trail (Piilani Trail)
Cost: State park entry fee
This is also at the state park.
There’s the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail that goes for a few miles in both directions of the black sand beach.
Grand ocean views with a chance to see sea arches, blowholes, and more rock formations that were formed by lava!
See more about the hiking in Waianapanapa State Park.
36. Kaihalulu red sand beach
Cost: FREE
This is THE famous red sand beach of Maui.
The trail to get to the red sand beach is sometimes described as a dangerous hike.
See more about the red sand beach hike.
37. Hana lava tube
Cost: $13
If you are interested in Maui’s volcanic landscape, then this is worth a visit for the educational value! You walk through an underground cave formed by lava and there are informational signs along the way.
See more about the Hana lava tube.
38. Braddah Hutts BBQ grill food truck
Cost: $11-15 for fish tacos
Fish tacos are a thing on Maui, and this is a casual spot on the Road to Hana where you can have some fish tacos.
See more about Braddah Hutts BBQ.
39. Hana Farms restaurant
Cost: $15-20 for a lunch meal
This is an outdoor restaurant with farm-sourced food.
See more about Hana Farms.
40. Hamoa Beach
Cost: FREE
This is probably the best beach to hang out at on the Road to Hana.
41. Wailua Falls
Cost: FREE
Easy spot to stop along the Hana Highway for waterfall swimming.
See more about Wailua Falls.
42. Pipiwai Trail
Cost: $30 for 3-day national park pass
This trail is location of THE famous bamboo forest of Maui.
This is a part of the Haleakala National Park, but it’s not connected to the summit side.
It’s in the Kipahulu District of the national park.
At the end of this trail are some grand waterfalls.
See more about Pipiwai Trail.
Also know about the Hawaii national park pass if you want to visit both sides of Haleakala National Park but want more time than the 3 days the regular pass will give you.
43. Pools at Oheo
Cost: National park entry fee
These are popular waterfalls that you can see right near the ocean in the Oheo Gulch.
You can see the stream that feeds the waterfalls open up to the ocean.
You will hike the Kuloa Point Trail to see these waterfalls that are part of the Seven Sacred Pools.
See more about the Pools at Oheo.
44. Wailea Beach
Cost: FREE
Wailea is another one of the main resort areas of Maui. This is located in South Maui.
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45. Wailea coastal walk
Cost: FREE
A casual walk with ocean views!
46. Ulua Beach
Cost: FREE
This is a good snorkeling spot in South Maui.
47. Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)
Cost: FREE
This is a good snorkeling spot in South Maui with a chance to swim with turtles!
See more about Maluaka Beach.
48. Oneuli Beach
This has been called the alternative black sand beach to visit if you don’t want to drive the Road to Hana, although this black sand is only kind of black.
See more about Oneuli Beach.
49. Makena Cove
Cost: FREE
This is a small beach that’s a bit more hidden.
See more about Makena Cove.
50. Makena Beach (Big Beach)
Cost: $5 for parking
This is a large expansive beach that’s a part of Makena State Park. Nearby is a trail to the more hidden Little Beach.
51. Ahihi Kinau natural reserve
Cost: FREE
This is another top snorkeling spot in South Maui.
See more about Ahihi Kinau snorkeling spots.
52. La Perouse Bay
Cost: FREE
Scenic views!
You can make it a hike from La Perouse Bay! (Next!)
53. Hoapili Trail
Cost: FREE
A hiking trail across lava fields with more scenic coastal views.
See more about Hoapili Trail.
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54. Jawz fish tacos
Cost: $10 for fish tacos
Once again, fish tacos are a thing on Maui, so if you see a fish tacos food truck in South Maui, stop for some tacos!
See more about Jawz Fish tacos.
What is Maui known for?
Maui is also called the Valley Isle.
Maui is best known for amazing views of the ocean and mountains… and a volcano!
👆 Maui is known for ocean views! Some of the best Maui hikes that come with amazing views include the Hoapili Trail which is also a hike across Maui lava fields!
👆 Maui is known for ocean views! You can go to South Maui for one of the best coastal walks on Maui that comes with amazing views!
👆 Maui is known for mountain views! You can go to West Maui for one of the best Maui scenic drives that come with amazing views! You can drive to the famous Maui blowhole and the famous Maui tide pools and see mountains (and ocean!) along the way!
Maui might be most famous for its beaches, including Kaapanali and Kapalua.
But there is also so much to do in Maui that’s not the beach!
The most famous things to do in Maui include the Road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, and Waianapanapa State Park.
The top 7 things that Maui is known for include the Hana Highway, the Haleakala volcano summit, Kaanapali Beach, Waianapanapa State Park, the Molokini Crater, Iao Valley, and the Pools of Oheo.
7 BEST places to visit in Maui when it’s your first trip to Hawaii
I know, that was a lot! So here’s the short list of the best of Maui!
1. Road to Hana
👆 One of best things to do in Maui is the Road to Hana where you can drive to the Keanae Peninsula for famous banana bread, lava fields, and a cute Hawaiian church.
👆 One of best things to do in Maui is to see Maui waterfalls on the Road to Hana. There are tons!
👆 One of best things to do in Maui is to go hiking near the Road to Hana.
2. Haleakala National Park
👆 One of best things to do in Maui is Haleakala National Park where you can drive to the Haleakala volcano summit and then go hiking near Haleakala summit.
3. Kaanapali Beach
👆 One of the best things to do in Maui is go to the world-famous Maui beaches.
4. Waianapanapa State Park
👆 One of best things to do in Maui is Waianapanapa State Park where you can see the famous black sand beach, go hiking Maui lava fields, and stay overnight in a Maui state park camping cabin!
5. Maui snorkeling spots
👆 One of the best things to do in Maui is go to the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii.
6. West Maui Mountains
👆 One of the best things to do in Maui is the West Maui Mountains where you can do the Waihee Ridge Trail that is one of the best Maui hikes.
👆 One of the best things to do in Maui is the West Maui Mountains where you can do an adventurous hike with many stream crossings with a final destination of waterfalls!
7. Pools of Oheo
👆 One of best things to do in Maui is the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park where you can see famous Maui waterfalls and hike the famous Maui bamboo forest.
Best Maui hotels
Maui is also known for its beachfront hotels and oceanfront hotels!
Maui has some of the best luxury hotels in Hawaii, including Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton.
To stay in the main resort area of Maui, you will look at West Maui or South Maui.
In West Maui which includes Kaanapali and Kapalua, some of the best Maui hotels are the Ritz Carlton, the Montage, the Honua Kai, and the Napili Kai.
In South Maui which includes Wailea, some of the best Maui hotels are the Four Seasons, the Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria, the Fairmont Kea Lani, and the Andaz.
If you want to stay in an area of Maui where few people stay overnight, then one of the best Maui hotels for you is the Hyatt Hana in East Maui!
The town of Hana is the “destination” of the famous Road to Hana so it’s a popular tourist destination. But, most people only go for a day trip to East Maui. So you can be special and spend an overnight in East Maui!
If budget is more your style and you don’t mind bringing your own everything, then East Maui is also where you will find the best Maui state park camping cabins!
If you are traveling alone to Maui, then there are also Maui hostels you can stay at!
Here are the best known regions of Maui:
- West Maui
- South Maui
- East Maui
- Hana
- Haleakala National Park summit district
- Haleakala National Park Kipahulu district
- West Maui Mountains
Here are some more specific Maui lists:
- Best Maui hikes
- Best Maui snorkeling spots
- Best Maui waterfalls
- Best things to do on the Road to Hana
- Black sand beaches on Maui
HAPPY FIRST TRIP TO MAUI!
