50+ things to do in Maui that’s SO Hawaii for your Maui bucket list! (mostly CHEAP + outdoors + on your own!) for first trip 🌴 Maui travel blog

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?!

 

 

 

 

First, the quick list of the top things to do in Maui to know about when you want to see the best of the best when you’re in Maui.

Then, a bit more about each of these things, and a whole lot more! aka 50+ things to do in Maui aka the Maui bucket list!

And this includes the BEST Maui adventures… and then some!

It is enough to fill your days for 3 weeks in Maui!

 

 

7 BEST things to do in Maui when it’s your first trip to Hawaii

(The Maui bucket list with 50+ things to do in Maui follows, but first, the short list!)

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

More Maui activities on the big list of things to do in Maui below!

 

 

🌴

 

 

 

Still undecided on which Hawaiian island to visit?! Also see:

• Which island to choose for your first trip to Hawaii
• Things to do on the Big Island
• Things to do on Oahu
• Things to do on Lanai

 

 

Now…

Maui bucket list: 50+ things to do in Maui

 

Maui is best known for the ocean, mountains, and amazing views!

Here are 50 ways you can experience what Maui is best known for!

If you are simply overwhelmed by the amount of activities to choose from, also have a look at this Maui itinerary that breaks things down by region with just a few of the top picks!

Otherwise…

It’s the big Maui bucket list!

The things on this list are more or less organized by area:

• West Maui
• Kind of central Maui
• East Maui
• South Maui

 

 

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.

 

 

See more about this Maui activity: West Maui vs South Maui

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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 this Maui activity: 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 this Maui activity: Kapalua Coastal Trail

 

 

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 this Maui activity: 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 this Maui activity: 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 this Maui activity: 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 this Maui activity: 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 this Maui activity: Kahakuloa Bay overlook

 

 

13. Lahaina town

Cost: FREE

 

Lahaina is a historic village and a cute little town that’s right along the coast.

You can take a self-guided walking tour to explore the town.

 

See more about this Maui activity: Things to do in Lahaina without a car

 

 

14. Lahaina banyan tree

Cost: FREE

 

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 this Maui activity: Lahaina banyan tree

 

 

15. Lahaina harbor

Cost: $40+ for boat tours

 

Tons of boat tours go out from this harbor.

 

 

16. Day trip to Lanai

Cost: $60 for a round trip ferry

 

A ferry to the neighbor island of Lanai is one of the boats you can take from the Lahaina Harbor!

Many people make it a day trip to Lanai from Maui.

 

 

See more about this Maui activity:

• Maui to Lanai ferry
• Things to do in Lanai without a car

 

 

17. 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!

 

 

 

18. 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.

 

 

19. 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.

 

 

20. Waihee Ridge Trail

Cost: FREE

 

This is among the best hikes in the West Maui mountains.

 

 

See more about this Maui activity: Waihee Ridge Trail

 

 

21. 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 this Maui activity: 13 crossings

 

 

22. 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 this Maui activity: Iao Needle hike

 

 

23. 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.

 

 

24. 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 this Maui activity: Haleakala summit

 

 

25. 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 this Maui activity: Pa Ka oao Trail

 

 

26. 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 this Maui activity: Sliding Sands Trail

 

 

27. 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 this Maui activity: Driving the Road to Hana loop

 

 

28. 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 this Maui activity: Road to Hana

 

 

29. 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.

 

 

30. 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 this Maui activity:

• Hookipa Lookout

 

 

31. 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 these Maui activities:

• Where to see turtles in Maui
• Where to see Hawaiian monk seals in Maui

 

 

32. 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.

 

 

33. 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 this Maui activity: Twin Falls

 

 

34. 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 this Maui activity: Keanae Peninsula

 

 

35. 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 this Maui food activity: Aunty Sandy’s banana bread

 

 

36. 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.

 

 

IMPORTANT!!! Starting in March 2021, you need to make a time slot reservation in order to visit Waianapanapa State Park if you’re not a Hawaii resident. And this costs money. It’s $15+ for a 2.5 to 3 hour time slot, and you can make back-to-back reservations for more than 1 time slot. This means that you need a permit of sorts in order to see Maui’s famous black sand beach. See Hawaii State Parks for updates.

 

You can also make it an overnight in Hana by staying at a Waianapanapa State park cabin.

 

 

See more about this Maui activity:

• Things to do in Waianapanapa State Park
• Waianapanapa State Park cabins

 

 

37. 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 this Maui activity: Waianapanapa State Park black sand beach lava tube

 

 

38. 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 this Maui activity: Waianapanapa Coastal Trail

 

 

39. 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 this Maui activity: Red sand beach hike

 

 

40. 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.

Hana lava tube: See more about this Maui activity.

 

 

41. 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.

Braddah Hutts BBQ: See more about this Maui food activity.

 

 

42. Hana Farms restaurant

Cost: $15-20 for a lunch meal

 

This is an outdoor restaurant with farm-sourced food.

Hana Farms: See more about this Maui food activity.

 

 

43. Hamoa Beach

Cost: FREE

 

This is probably the best beach to hang out at on the Road to Hana.

 

 

 

44. Wailua Falls

Cost: FREE

 

Easy spot to stop along the Hana Highway for waterfall swimming.

 

 

See more about this Maui activity: Wailua Falls

 

 

45. 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 this Maui activity: 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. 

 

 

46. 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 this Maui activity: Pools at Oheo

 

 

47. Wailea Beach

Cost: FREE

 

Wailea is another one of the main resort areas of Maui. This is located in South Maui.

 

 

48. Wailea coastal walk

Cost: FREE

 

A casual walk with ocean views! 

 

 

49. Ulua Beach

Cost: FREE

 

This is a good snorkeling spot in South Maui.

 

 

50. 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 this Maui activity: Maluaka Beach

 

 

51. 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 this Maui activity: Oneuli Beach

 

 

52. Makena Cove

Cost: FREE

 

This is a small beach that’s a bit more hidden.

See more about this Maui activity: Makena Cove

 

 

53. 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.

 

 

54. Ahihi Kinau natural reserve

Cost: FREE

 

This is another top snorkeling spot in South Maui.

See more about this Maui activity: Ahihi Kinau snorkeling spots

 

 

55. La Perouse Bay

Cost: FREE

 

Scenic views!

You can make it a hike from La Perouse Bay! (Next!)

 

 

56. Hoapili Trail

Cost: FREE

 

A hiking trail across lava fields with more scenic coastal views.

 

 

See more about this Maui activity: Hoapili Trail

 

 

57. 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 this Maui activity: Jawz Fish tacos

 

 

And those are some ideas of how to spend your time in Maui!

 

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
• Best Maui campgrounds
• Black sand beaches on Maui

 

Maui itinerary ideas:

• How to spend 3 days on Maui
• How to spend 2 weeks on Maui
• How to spend 1 week on the Road to Hana

 

Also see more Hawaiian islands:

• Things to do on Lanai
• Best Lanai hikes
• Things to do on the Big Island
• Best Big Island hikes (ocean views!)
• How to spend 7 days on the Big Island
• Things to do on Oahu
• Best Oahu hikes (ocean views!)
• How to spend 3 days on Oahu

 

And if you’re getting ready to go to Hawaii, also see:

• Snorkeling essentials to pack for Hawaii
• Hiking essentials to pack for Hawaii
• Everyday essentials to pack for Hawaii

 

HAPPY FIRST TRIP TO MAUI!