ALOHA!
West Maui is a part of Maui that is pretty touristy, but there are lots of things to do for amazing views!
There is beauty to be seen all along the shores of West Maui!
Tons of the best things to do in Maui can be found in West Maui!
Yes, West Maui is located on the western side of Maui!
You go to West Maui for the beaches, hiking trails, and scenic drives!
The popular resort towns in West Maui are Kaanapali and Kapalua. These resort areas up a bit further up the coast from downtown Lahaina (also in West Maui) that you saw all over the news during the Maui wildfire.
For this list below of things to do in West Maui, it will take you from the south part of West Maui to the northern shores of West Maui.
Best things to do in West Maui
1. Papawai Point
We will start with one stop to make in West Maui as you are driving up to Kaanapali from the south.
If it’s whale season (generally speaking that’s in the winter months), you might stop by Papawai Point! On google maps, this is listed as Whale Lookout Point, and it’ll be a few minutes past Maalaea Harbor and the McGregor Point Lighthouse.
There is a small parking area along the coast. You can test your luck and see if you can see whales off in the distance.
2. Old Lahaina luau
A luau is basically a Hawaiian feast and entertainment show.
Although luaus like this are very touristy experiences, it can still be a good way to get a taste of Hawaiian culture when you’re visiting Hawaii for the first time.
This is an evening activity, and the Old Lahaina luau is located on Front Street (reviews and tickets). Currently, this luau won’t be happening until February 2024 at the earliest.
MAP: Kaanapali
Explore the map.
3. Kaanapali Beach
Side note! Read the reviews at partner websites below!
Top Maui tours
- Turtle town snorkeling tour (with photo and video)
- Lahaina ATV adventure tour
- Horseback riding tour with Hawaiian cowboys
How to save money on your trip
I use hotels.com to look for the cheapest hotels. You can also try the expedia hotels site (good for car rentals too) or see if you like any of the vrbo vacation rentals.
/end side note
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Kaanapali Beach is one of the most popular (if not THE most popular) beaches in West Maui.
Along here you will find many beachfront hotels and resorts, including:
- Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
- Kaanapali Beach Hotel
- Aston at the Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
- Kaanapali Alii Resort
- Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club
- Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Kaanapali Beach
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
🌴
4. Black Rock
Black Rock is also found along Kaanapali Beach but will get an individual mention since this spot is specifically known as a top snorkeling spot on Maui.
As you’re facing the ocean, it’ll be to the very right of the beach, the northern end of the beach.
5. Kaanapali beach walk
You can basically walk the entire stretch of Kaanapali Beach on a paved trail, called the Kaanapali Beach Walk.
You can consider this a nice leisurely walk with ocean views!
There are a number of bars (including a “cave bar“) and restaurants that line this coastal walk, which means there’s plenty of places you can eat and drink in an outdoor setting with ocean views too!
This includes Hula Grill (reviews and menu) and Leilani’s on the Beach (reviews and menu).
6. Whalers Village
This is basically the outdoor shopping mall of Kaanapali. See the stores.
Now moving onwards north of Kaanapali towards Kapalua…
MAP: Kapalua
Explore the map.
7. Napili Bay
This is a beach located at the southern end of Kapalua.
Napili Bay may be a spot to see if you can find turtles swimming in the ocean.
As you’re facing the ocean, you’ll want to try off to the left side of the beach.
If you’re not going to be wearing snorkeling fins, be sure to bring along water shoes for snorkeling!
8. Kapalua Bay
Kapalua is a smaller resort area in West Maui, and this is one of the beaches in the area.
Kapalua Bay beach was once named the best beach in America by Dr. Beach.
This is considered to be a good snorkeling spot on Maui.
The Montage Kapalua Bay is located here.
9. Kapalua Coastal Trail
This is a coastal trail for another walk you can do in West Maui to take in ocean views!
See more about the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
10. Makaluapuna Point
This is basically a side trail from the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
You’ll take the Dragon’s Teeth Trail where you will see unique rock formations that I guess look like dragon’s teeth.
Past the dragon’s teeth you’ll find more great opportunities to walk across lava rocks with the island of Molokai in the distance across the ocean.
See more about Makaluapuna Point.
11. Ironwoods Beach
This is a quieter beach in Kapalua. It’s directly on the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
See more about Ironwoods Beach.
12. DT Fleming Beach
This is a pretty popular beach in Kapalua, and it’s known for being good for boogie boarding.
You can buy boogie boards when you get to Maui, for example at the ABC store (convenience store) in Kaanapali or at Walmart.
This is also the beach that’s in front the Ritz Carlton Kapalua.
You can go for an oceanfront lunch or snack at the Burger Shack that’s located pretty much at the beach.
See more about DT Fleming Beach.
And now moving further north of Kapalua…
13. Honolua Bay
This is part of a marine life conservation district on Maui, and it’s a top snorkeling spot in West Maui.
This is a rocky beach, so once again, make sure to have the water shoes for snorkeling on Maui if you won’t be wearing fins!
14. Mokuleia Bay
Right near Honolua Bay is Mokuleia Bay aka Slaughterhouse Beach.
This is also a part of a marine life conservation district on Maui.
This beach is also known for as a beach good for boogie boarding which means the waves can be a bit rougher compared to Honolua Bay.
This is a sandy beach.
And continuing to drive to the very north shores of West Maui…
MAP: North West Maui
Explore the map.
15. Driving the highway along the north West Maui coastline
Part of the “destination” can be the journey! Great scenic views of ocean and mountains as you continue driving.
As you come up from the south from Lahaina, Kaanapali, and/or Kapalua, you’ll be continuing to drive on Honopiilani Highway, and this will turn into Kahekili Highway.
There are spots to pull over and get out along the way too.
16. Nakalele Blowhole
You can see ocean water shoot up into the air here, along with more great scenic ocean views.
See more about the Nakalele Blowhole.
17. The previously heart-shaped rock
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.
18. Ohai Loop Trail
This is a pretty easy coastal walk in West Maui that will give you more great ocean views.
See more about the Ohai Loop Trail.
19. Olivine Pools
These are the famous tide pools of Maui. It’s a short hike down across rocky terrain to reach them.
Yet again, this can be another good spot to see Maui’s rugged coastline. (Yes, north West Maui is really great for scenic ocean views!)
Although this is also known as a swimming spot among tourists, people have died at these tide pools. So it can be best to go here for the views, not to swim.
See more about the Olivine Pools.
20. Kahekili Highway backroad
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 driving close to the edge of a cliff at times.
So you’ll want to think twice before driving this road.
But, if this sounds like something you’d rather pass on driving, good news!
You can walk the Kahekili Highway backroad too!
At least part of it. I mean, you could walk the whole thing too, but the entirety of the one-lane highway portion of Kahekili Highway is around 8 miles, so 16+ miles round trip.
So, where to walk to…?! (Next on the list!)
21. Kahakuloa Bay overlook
If you’re walking the one-lane portion of the Kahekili Highway, then seeing Kahakuloa Beach from above can be your “destination.” (You can go further if you’d like!)
There’s a small area that you can park (at your own risk) right before the highway becomes one lane, and then you can start walking. From the overlook, you can see closer Kahakuloa Bay, Kahakuloa Beach, and the small Kahakuloa village.
See more about Kahakuloa Bay.
WEST MAUI MAP: Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, onwards to north West Maui
For the visual!
Explore the map.
👆 Map of where the West Maui towns of Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua are located. Explore the map.
And those are a few ideas of things to do in West Maui!
Things to do in the West Maui mountains
On the inland side of Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua are the West Maui mountains.
WEST MAUI MOUNTAINS MAP
Explore the map.
And for more things to do basically on the other side of these mountains…
Also have a look at these things that can be more considered central Maui!
1. Waihee Ridge Trail
With this great Maui hike, you get views of mountains and ocean!
See more about the Waihee Ridge Trail.
2. 13 Crossings
This is a waterfall hike, one of the rare ones that’s relatively accessible in the West Maui mountains. (East Maui is where to go if you want to see tons of waterfalls as there are many Hana Highway waterfalls to see.) There is also a small bamboo forest here. (And again, East Maui is where to go to see the famous bamboo forest of Maui.)
You’ll be following the Makamakaole Stream to get to waterfalls. And not just following actually… you will quite literally be crossing the stream MANY times! (Thus the name of the trail!)
There’s a good chance your shoes will get wet, and I was happy to be wearing waterproof hiking boots! At the very least, pack an extra pair of socks just in case as part of your Maui hiking essentials!
Check local news for Maui weather alerts before you go, and avoid going if there are any flash flood warnings in effect. Stream waters can rise quickly and without warning and can become dangerous really quick.
Getting to the start of the trail means taking the start of the Kahekili Highway backroad on the southern end.
See more about 13 crossings.
3. Iao Valley State Park
This state park has a famous Maui icon, the Iao Needle.
See more about the Iao Valley lookout.
Make it a day trip: How to spend one day in the West Maui Mountains!
West Maui without a car: Getting around West Maui by bus
It’s possible to get to West Maui by bus, and to get around West Maui by bus, and that includes to Kaanapali, and to Kapalua. Kapalua is as far north as you can go by bus.
For reference, here is the estimated bus ride time within West Maui:
- Kaanapali to Kapalua by bus: around 45 minutes
Google maps is a reliable way to figure out how to get around Maui by bus. You’ll select the public transit option. It will also be best to verify the bus is operational on the official Maui government website.
The bus route in this area is generally once an hour, so it’s best to plan ahead and pay attention to the bus timings!
See an example about getting around Maui by bus: Taking the Maui bus from the airport.
And that’s a bit of West Maui!
Still undecided about staying in West Maui?!
The other main area to stay on Maui is South Maui. See things to do in South Maui!
HAPPY SPENDING TIME IN WEST MAUI!
What was downtown Lahaina like?
Downtown Lahaina no longer exists as we knew it after the devastating wildfire.
Here are some “before” pictures of Lahaina.
Explore the map.
This is what Front Street, the main street that goes through downtown Lahaina, used to look like.
Front Street runs directly along the ocean in part and it was a nice coastal walk and there were many small shops around. There were also a few oceanfront restaurants.
Lahaina is/was a historic district, and there were many historic buildings throughout downtown Lahaina. You could make it a Lahaina walking tour to go to the various historic buildings.
You could to a self-guided walking tour to explore the town by foot.
The iconic hotel in the Lahaina historic district was the Best Western Pioneer Inn.
The Lahaina banyan tree was the big tree that made the news in the aftermath of the fire. It seems like there’s a chance that it will survive.
This is a truly special tree. At first glance, this might look like a bunch of trees in the park.
But actually, it is one MASSIVE tree that’s all connected that takes up the entire area you see! The entire square of trees is connected.
See more about the Lahaina banyan tree. (video)
The Lahaina Harbor was in a convenient part of town.
There were tons of boat tours that went out from the Lahaina Harbor, especially during whale season.
Maui is often considered to be the best Hawaiian island to spot whales.
And the channel between Maui and Lanai, which you can see across the channel, can be among the top spots for whale watching when it’s whale season, and this is the open water that’s directly in front of the Lahaina Harbor.
This means that Lahaina used to be a great spot to get a boat tour from.
Otherwise, there are many spots on Maui where you can give yourself a good chance of seeing whales from shore, like generally the western shores of West Maui and South Maui.
For West Maui, this can really mean just get yourself on the shorelines of Lahaina, Kaanapali, or Kapalua, and be on the lookout! Bring your binoculars!
You could also take a ferry to the island of Lanai.
Right now you can catch the ferry from the Maalaea Harbor, which is a bit south down the coast.