15 Best Things To Do In Maui

Maui is a gorgeous island in Hawaii, and one of those spots that I’m pretty sure you’ll love. There’s a whole heap of things to do in Maui, with everything from hiking trails, gorgeous drives, stunning beaches and plenty of good food! It’s one of those islands that seems to just fit around your own pace.

Over the last 8 months, we’ve visited Maui twice and loved both of our visits (plus we lucked out with the weather). That’s the thing, with loads of things to do in Maui – it’s actually hard to dislike the island.

This is why I wanted to share some of my very favourite things to do in Maui from all across the island. Some things will take a few hours or even a day.

1.) Sunset (or sunrise) at Haleakalā Observatory

So, one of the best things to do in Maui is to watch the sunset from Haleakalā National Park. Now, you can either hike (if you’re feeling fit) or drive (which takes around 1 hour from the base), either way, give yourself plenty of time. I guarantee you’ll stop multiple times on the way up… especially when you start to rise above the clouds.

You will need to pay the entrance fee to the park itself, but this can be done at the gate when entering. Oh, and make sure to take a warm coat… trust me, it gets proper chilly up here!

Now, you can also head to the summit for sunrise too. For this, you will need to book online beforehand and make sure to wake up around 3 am. To be honest, I’m not naturally a morning person but the sunset was just incredible and I would always recommend this. Though, if you’re an early-riser, pop up!

2.) Nakalele Blowhole

On the easterly edge of Maui, beyond the Kapalua, you’ll come across the Nakalele Blowhole that’s around a 15-minute scramble from the road itself. Now, I say scramble as you will be going down the mountainside and the route isn’t paved. This means it can be a little precarious if you’re wearing sandals of flip-flops.

That being said, once you’re here it’s lovely to see and one of the things to do in Maui when you’re on this side of the island. Just be sure to stand a safe distance from the blowhole, it’s very dangerous to stand close as you can be sucked in.

3.) Luau Feast

A luau feast is almost a staple and one of the things to do in Maui if you want to explore some of the island states beautiful heritage.

Usually, the luau happens at some of the larger hotels and most of the larger ones organise this. which we chose as it was with the backdrop of the ocean. Plus, they had Hawaiian underground oven cooking too. 

4.) Mama’s Fish House

Perched on Ku’au Cove, Mama’s Fish House is one of those special spots for a lunch or dinner. Now, bookings fill up real fast, so if you’re looking for a dinner, pop over to their website and book before your trip. At least a few weeks in advance.

Alternatively, head across (like we did) at a more off-peak time. We popped over for a late lunch/early dinner at around 5 pm and was seated within 5-minutes.

Once inside, make sure to try their stuffed mahi-mahi (with lobster and crab).  It’s totally yummy, even if it’s a little more expensive than some of the other eateries on Maui.

5.) Visit the Mill House

I totally bypassed the Mill House for food on our first visit to Maui. Boy, was that a mistake! I totally fell in love with this place on our second visit.

Perched within the lush Maui Tropical Plantation, it’s a great place to go for a tasty dinner. Just remember, their positions can be pretty large.

Oh, and make sure to gorge on their bao buns! 

6.) Wailua Falls

Right at the very top of the Road to Hana is Wailua Falls, a gorgeous spot that’s actually right next to the road and doesn’t require anything more than a few minutes ramble to the edge. It’s totally idyllic and very Jurrasic Park-esque. Without those pesky dinosaurs, obvs!

Make sure to take your swimming gear and take a dip in the water below. Ysee Google Maps location

7.) Sail a Catarman

Report this adIf you’re fancying a long day out at sea, pop over to Trilogy. who have a whole heap of tours that set sail to explore the nearby Lanai island or even whale watching (when in season).

We decided to hop over to Lanai and explored the island, snorkelled the bay and even watched the dolphins curiously come right next to our catamaran. It was such a special experience and one of the best things to do in Maui.

8.) Turtles at Hookipa Park 

The natural wildlife of Maui is just incredible! No more so than the giant turtles that call this region home. Now, you can technically see the turtles all across the shores of Maui (we did) but there’s a little area at Hookipa Park that the turtles regularly chill out at.

Now, as with all wildlife, pay close attention to local laws and never try to touch or interact with the wildlife. You should also respect their space and keep a far distance from them. After all, they want to chill out too!

9.) Road to Hana

Before we visited, we were warned about the road to Hana being quite narrow and long. To be honest, after living in Scotland and Wales, the road is pretty much the same as some of the Highland roads and quite easily navigated if you’re used to winding routes.

That being said, if you’re used to more straight and wide roads, you might find this a little more challenging.

Now, there’s a whole heap of things to do in Maui and particularly on the road to Hana. Along the way, make sure to stop off at Twin Falls have a Braddah Hutts BBQ and some yummy banana bread.

Oh, and don’t forget to stop off at Wailua Falls (mentioned below) and the Bamboo Forest!

We’ve driven the road to Hana twice and on the first time, we drove back the way we came (once reaching near Hana). The second time, we headed around the whole loop.

One thing to note is that the road does become a gravel travel at some stages after Hana and can be much slower. Plus, it’s not always covered by your rental car policy.

10.) Molokini Island Preserve

The uninhabited Molokini island sits just off the shore of Maui and is actually one of the old vents from the main volcano on Maui itself. Today, it’s a tiny little semi-circle island that’s amazing to visit!

Now, you won’t be able to go on the island itself, but you can hop on an excursion to go snorkelling in its bay. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot some turtles too.

Our excursion took around 3-4 hours and was totally worth it. It really is one of the things to do in Maui if you want to explore more.

11.) Shaved ice

This is one of the most refreshing things to do in Maui. Hands down! Literally, I think we ate shaved ice every other day whilst we were on the island.

Now, you’ll find lots of spots selling shaved ice, but one of our favourites was at Shave Ice Be prepared for a little queue as this place is pretty popular. Oh, and try it with li hing mui powder on top! It’s a local favourite (though, I couldn’t get to grips with the saltiness of it).

12.) Hali’imaile General Store

Nestled in a sleepy little town just belowHaleakalā National Park, the Hali’imaile General Store is one of the best things to do in Maui if you want some yummy treats.

We’ve visited a few times and each time was totally amazing. Now, their menu changes every so often but take a look at their website for the latest dishes. Honestly, you won’t be disappointed.

13.) Iao Valley

If you love natural landscapes, you’ll love a Hwawiian Hike around the Iao Valley (or take the car to the visitor centre). Whatever you choose, make sure to pack plenty of waterproofs, it’s the wettest part of the island due to the sheer mountains that rise straight out of the ground.

Now, in my opinion, it’s one of the best things to do if you want to experience the more untouched side of Maui. The trails are gorgeous and it’s incredible to see the valley itself (alongside the Iao Needle State Monument).

14.) Beach time

Lots of the best things to do in Maui centre around island life! And being an island, that usually means there’s a whole heap of beaches to explore, surf or just chill out at.

Once you’re in Maui, head over to Kapalua Bay Beach for some of the gorgeous white sand, or the beach at Keawakapu and Kahekili. To be honest, there’s just a whole host to explore…you’ll have a great time! 

15.) Sunset at Lahaina Harbour

So, I know I mentioned the gorgeous sunset at Haleakalā but there’s also another great place that’s pretty easy to reach.

Head over to Lahaina and pop over to the harbour area itself around dusk. From here, you’ll see one of the best sunsets ever. Just make sure the sky is clear and you’ve grabbed a shaved ice to watch the day turn to night.