If you're planning a trip to the Valley Isle, you'll want a solid list of things to do in Maui before you land. From sunrise on a dormant volcano to snorkeling a sunken crater and wandering a historic whaling town, Maui packs an outsized range of experiences into one island. Here are fifteen you shouldn't miss.
1. Watch the Sunrise from Haleakalā
Haleakalā National Park's summit sits above 10,000 feet, and watching the sun break over the crater rim is one of the most talked-about experiences on the island. Reservations are required for sunrise viewing, so book ahead and bring layers — it's genuinely cold up there.
2. Drive the Road to Hana
This winding, waterfall-lined coastal drive is a rite of passage for any Maui visitor. Give yourself a full day, stop often, and don't rush the switchbacks — the black sand beaches and roadside fruit stands are half the point.
3. Snorkel Molokini Crater
A partially submerged volcanic crater a few miles offshore, Molokini has some of the clearest water in Hawaiʻi and a healthy population of tropical fish. Most boat tours leave early from Māʻalaea Harbor.
4. Explore Historic Lahaina
Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina carries deep history and ongoing recovery after the 2023 wildfires. Visiting respectfully, supporting local businesses, and learning the town's story are meaningful ways to spend an afternoon.
5. Walk Through ʻĪao Valley
The green, knife-edged ʻĪao Needle rises dramatically from this lush state park, site of a pivotal battle in Hawaiian history. It's a short, easy walk with a big payoff.
More Ways to Spend Your Days
- Relax on Kaʻanapali or Wailea Beach, two of Maui's most popular stretches of sand
- Watch surfers (or take a lesson yourself) at Lahaina Breakwall
- Catch a traditional luau for music, hula, and a kālua pork feast
- Whale-watch from a boat or the shoreline during humpback season (roughly December through April)
- Browse the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market in Kula
- Drive up to Lavender Farm or a Kula protea farm for cooler upcountry air
- Paddle an outrigger canoe or try stand-up paddleboarding in calm morning waters
- Visit the Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina, home to one of the largest banyan trees in the country
- Hike the Pipiwai Trail past Waimoku Falls, near the end of the Road to Hana
- Pick up shave ice in Paia before browsing its surf shops and galleries
However you fill your days, Maui rewards a slower pace — leave room in your itinerary to follow a good tide pool or an unplanned beach stop. If you want to bring a piece of the island home with you, our Maui Tees collection is a good place to start.
Bring the islands home: Explore our Maui Tees collection — original designs from our Native Hawaiian–owned studio in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. Here are a few of the newest additions:
Ohana Family Tee — a warm, family-first design perfect for matching island trips.
Banyan Tree Lahaina Tee — a tribute to Lahaina's iconic banyan tree.
Maui Wowie Tee — laid-back island style with a playful Maui nod.