ALOHA!
So if you’re looking for some things to do in Maui with amazing views, you can have a look to some Hawaii state parks!
You can find Maui state parks in South Maui, the West Maui mountains, and in East Maui along the Hana Highway.
There are 8 Hawaii state parks or state sites in Maui.
This count includes sites that are called a state park, state historical park, state monument, state recreation area, and state wayside.
Here are some of the Maui state parks to consider adding to your short time on Maui!
Many can be quick visits.
Here are 5+ state parks in Maui with amazing views!
The best state parks in Maui are Waianapanapa State Park, Iao Valley State Monument, and Makena State Park.
Each of these Hawaii state parks have amazing views and show you a different landscape of Maui.
And it’s not a Hawaii state park, but another Maui park you need to visit is Haleakala National Park!
1. Waianapanapa State Park
Maui state park in Hana
The Maui state park you want to go to is Waianapanapa State Park if you want to see THE famous black sand beach in Maui!
This is also the state park in Hana. And that means that you will drive the Road to Hana to get to Waianapanapa State Park.
This is also the Maui state park you want to go to if you want to see some Maui lava fields!
You can go hiking in Waianapanapa State Park!
Waianapanapa State Park is a park that you need reservations for in Maui.
Before you leave to go to Waianapanapa State Park, you will need to make reservations. There is a fee for this. You make the park reservation at gowaianapanapa.com.
Aside from Waianapanapa State Park, another park you need a reservation for in Maui is Haleakala National Park IF you will be going for the Haleakala sunrise on your own.
Maui state park camping
Waianapanapa State Park is a Maui state park for camping too. There is a campground for tent camping. (Camping may not be currently offered so you will want to check for this.)
It’s also possible to get a permit for overnight campervan parking. (You need to rent a car that’s designed for overnight sleeping in order to get this permit. You can’t just sleep in any car at Waianapanapa State Park.)
You can also have an overnight stay in a cabin in this Maui state park!
There are the Waianapanapa State Park cabins.
You may be steps away from the OCEAN!
Depending on your cabin, you might even be able to see the ocean from your cabin.
An EPIC stay near the ocean in a Maui state park!
As of early 2022, cabin bookings open up 30 days in advance. Chances are if you look at availability right now, the next few weeks will be booked up, but those last days 4 weeks out might still be available. (You can look at the cabin availability now to get an idea.)
Reservations are made through the official Hawaii state parks camping reservation website.
2. Iao Valley State Monument
Maui state park in West Maui mountains
The Maui state park that you must visit to go to is Iao Valley State Monument if you want to see THE famous Iao Valley needle in Maui!
3. Makena State Park
Maui state park in South Maui
The Maui state park you want to go to is Makena State Park if you want to go to one of the best beaches in South Maui!
4. Puaa Kaa State Wayside
Maui state park on the Road to Hana
If you want to go waterfall chasing in Maui, you will want to stop at Puaa Kaa State Wayside to see one of the many Road to Hana waterfalls!
5. Kaumahina State Wayside
Maui state park on the Road to Hana
If you want to stop for some scenic ocean views from above as you are driving the Road to Hana, the Kaumahina State Wayside is a stop along the Hana Highway that you can make!
6. Wailua Valley State Wayside
If you want to stop for some scenic views from above as you are driving the Road to Hana, the Wailua Valley State Wayside is another stop along the Hana Highway that you can make!
And these are some of the Hawaii state parks on Maui!
Here is the full list of state parks in Maui:
- Halekii Pihana Heiau State Monument (a heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple. You can see the remains of a piece of Hawaiian culture here.)
- Iao Valley State Monument
- Kaumahina State Wayside
- Makena State Park
- Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
- Puaa Kaa State Wayside
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Wailua Valley State Wayside
See more about these state parks from the official Hawaii state parks website.
If you are interested in Maui state parks, you may also be interested in these Maui activities:
- Things to do in Waianapanapa State Park
- Hiking in Waianapanapa State Park
- Hiking in Iao Valley State Monument
- How to see the Puaa Kaa State Wayside waterfalls
- Things to do in South Maui
- Things to do in Haleakala National Park
If you’re headed to the Big Island, also see Big Island state parks with amazing views!
HAPPY MAUI STATE PARK VISIT!
IMPORTANT!!! If you wanted to see the famous Iao Valley in the West Maui Mountains, it is closed through the end of April. It is scheduled to open back up on May 1, 2023, and you need a reservation. Check the Hawaii State Parks website to confirm.
👇 Explore the Road to Hana map on google maps!
See the list:
- Things to do on Maui (for VIEWS!)
- Things to do in Haleakala National Park
- Road to Hana stops (for views!)
- Things to do on Lanai
- Maui to Lanai ferry
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Top things to pack for your Hawaii vacation!
The ultimate beach towel for travel?!
Turkish towels are considered to be more absorbent and lightweight than your average beach towel. Be sure to check out turkish towels like these!The cheapo way to waterproof your phone
You can take underwater pictures with a simple waterproof phone case like this. Touch screen may not work well underwater - try the volume button to snap the pic instead!Get your suitcase more organized!
Packing cubes can make it so you're spending less time on your vacation looking for things! They are basically a form of drawers in your suitcase. Take a look at these packing cubes.Wear less sunscreen by wearing a UPF swim shirt!
Wearing a swim shirt means less skin that's exposed to the sun which means less sunscreen you need to apply! See about wearing swim shirts with UV protection like these when you're snorkeling.More for your Maui packing list
- How a cheapo waterproof phone case works
- Why wear water shoes for the beach
- Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean
- Essentials to pack for Maui
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Watch the videos to see Maui in action!
Find more amazing things to do on Maui: Watch my Maui videos on youtube
If you see an activity you like, look in the description below the youtube video for the individual blog post about that specific activity!ALOHA!
There are affiliate links on this page.