15 Best Things to Do on Maui

If you are planning a trip to the Valley Isle, the hardest part is narrowing down all the things to do in Maui. From watching the sun rise above the clouds at 10,000 feet to floating over coral reefs in the warm Pacific, Maui packs an extraordinary range of experiences into one island. As a Native Hawaiian–owned studio based in Kailua-Kona, we have deep aloha for every island in our chain, and Maui — Maui no ka ʻoi, "Maui is the best," as the saying goes — holds a special place in many hearts. Here are fifteen of the most rewarding ways to spend your days on the island.

1. Watch the sunrise at Haleakalā

Standing on the summit of Haleakalā, the 10,023-foot volcano that forms the eastern half of Maui, as dawn breaks above a sea of clouds is unforgettable. The name means "house of the sun," and Hawaiian tradition tells of the demigod Māui lassoing the sun from this very peak to slow its journey across the sky. Reservations are required for sunrise entry, so plan ahead and bring warm layers — temperatures at the top can hover near freezing even in summer.

2. Drive the Road to Hāna

This legendary 64-mile coastal highway winds through more than 600 curves and crosses dozens of one-lane bridges, unfolding past waterfalls, bamboo forests, black-sand beaches, and roadside stands selling banana bread. Take it slow, pull over often, and treat the journey itself — not just the town of Hāna — as the destination.

3. Snorkel at Molokini Crater

This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater off Maui's south shore offers some of the clearest water in Hawaiʻi, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. Boat tours depart from Māʻalaea and Kīhei, carrying snorkelers to reefs teeming with butterflyfish, parrotfish, and the occasional reef shark or honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle).

4. Spend a morning in Lahaina

Once the royal capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina is a town rich with history. The community continues to heal and rebuild after the 2023 wildfires, and visiting respectfully — supporting local businesses and honoring the town's deep significance — is one of the most meaningful things you can do on Maui.

5. Go whale watching in winter

From roughly December through April, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to the warm, shallow waters between Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi to breed and give birth. The Au'au Channel is one of the best whale-watching spots on Earth, and breaching humpbacks are often visible right from shore.

6. Relax on Maui's beaches

Maui's coastline offers a beach for every mood. A few favorites include:

  • Kāʻanapali Beach — three miles of golden sand on the west shore, perfect for swimming and sunset.
  • Wailea Beach — calm, clear water and an easy coastal path on the south shore.
  • Hoʻokipa Beach — a windsurfing and surfing mecca where honu often haul out to rest on the sand.
  • Big Beach (Oneloa) — a dramatic, wide stretch of sand in Mākena.

7. Explore ʻĪao Valley

Just west of Wailuku, the lush ʻĪao Valley State Monument is home to the iconic ʻĪao Needle, a 1,200-foot green pinnacle rising from the valley floor. The site is both stunning and sacred — it was the location of a pivotal 1790 battle in Kamehameha's campaign to unify the islands.

8. Catch the surf or stand-up paddle

Maui is a surfing paradise for all levels. Beginners can take lessons in the gentle waves at Lahaina and Kīhei, while experienced surfers chase the legendary big-wave break known as Peʻahi, or "Jaws," on the north shore.

9. Visit a Maui farm or winery

Upcountry Maui, on the cool slopes of Haleakalā, is farm country. Tour a lavender farm in Kula, sample wine made from pineapple and grapes at a Maui winery, or browse the goat cheese and fresh produce at the Saturday morning Upcountry Farmers Market.

10. Snorkel or hike at Honolua Bay

A marine life conservation district on the northwest coast, Honolua Bay rewards snorkelers with vibrant coral and abundant fish. In winter, the same bay transforms into a world-class surf break.

11. Wander Upcountry's paniolo towns

Makawao and the surrounding Upcountry region carry the legacy of Hawaiʻi's paniolo (cowboys), whose ranching tradition predates the American West. Today the area is full of art galleries, local boutiques, and the famous cream puffs at a historic bakery.

12. Take a sunset sail or luʻau

For a classic island evening, board a catamaran for a sunset sail off the west coast, or attend a luʻau to enjoy kālua pig, poi, hula, and the storytelling traditions that have been shared in Hawaiʻi for generations.

13. Stargaze from Haleakalā

The same summit that delivers spectacular sunrises offers some of the darkest, clearest night skies in the world. With minimal light pollution and air above much of the atmosphere's moisture, the stars over Haleakalā are breathtaking.

14. Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail

This scenic path along the northwest shore links beaches, lava rock points, and ancient sand dunes, offering easy access to swimming coves and excellent winter whale watching from the bluffs.

15. Slow down and live aloha

Perhaps the most important thing to do on Maui is to slow down. Greet people warmly, tread lightly on the land and reef, learn a few Hawaiian words, and approach the island with respect and gratitude. The spirit of aloha is not a performance — it is a way of caring for one another and for this place.

Whether you are chasing waterfalls on the Road to Hāna or simply watching the sun sink into the Pacific, Maui has a way of staying with you long after you leave. If you want to carry a piece of the Valley Isle home with you, explore our Maui tees collection — designs created with love for this special island.

Bring the islands home: Explore our Maui Tees — original designs from our Native Hawaiian–owned studio in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi.