Things To Do
in Maui
Maui, known as "The Valley Isle," is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and the majestic Haleakalā volcano. The island offers a variety of outdoor activities, including snorkeling in the coral reefs of Molokini Crater, hiking in the scenic Iao Valley, and driving the breathtaking Road to Hana. Maui's rich cultural history is reflected in its charming towns, such as Lahaina and Paia, where visitors can experience traditional Hawaiian art, music, and cuisine.
With a diverse ecosystem and a welcoming atmosphere, Maui is a popular destination for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.
- "Aloha" - Hello / Goodbye
- "Mahalo" - Thank you
- "Ohana" - Family
- "Hana hou" - Encore / Do it again
- "Pule" - Prayer
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $600
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $60
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $8
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey early with a scenic drive along the famous Road to Hana. Stop at waterfalls and enjoy the lush tropical views.
Visit Waianapanapa State Park to walk on the black sand beach and explore lava tubes. Have a picnic with fresh local snacks amid the beautiful scenery.
End your day in Hana, enjoying a sunset at the beach. Relax with the soothing sound of waves as you unwind from your adventure.
Spend a relaxing morning at Kaanapali Beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the warm waters. Grab a refreshing smoothie from a nearby café.
Try your hand at snorkeling at Black Rock, where you can see colorful fish and possibly sea turtles. Enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Catch the cliff diving ceremony at sunset to witness a spectacular Hawaiian tradition. Afterward, explore the shops and grab dinner at a local seafood restaurant.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty, including beaches, mountains, and waterfalls.
- Diverse outdoor activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and surfing.
- Rich culture and history, with opportunities to experience Hawaiian traditions.
- Pleasant tropical climate year-round.
- Strong sense of community and local hospitality.
- High cost of living and expensive accommodation options.
- Tourism can lead to overcrowding in popular areas.
- Limited job opportunities and economic diversity.
- Environmental concerns, including disposal of waste and conservation issues.
- Potential for natural disasters such as hurricanes and volcanic activity.
Best Activities in Maui
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes, unique flora, and volcanic features of Haleakalā National Park. Trails like the Sliding Sands Trail and the Halemau'u Trail offer breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems.
Experience vibrant marine life and crystal clear waters by snorkeling or scuba diving at Molokini Crater, a volcanic caldera and marine sanctuary off the coast of Maui.
Take a scenic drive along the iconic Road to Hana, featuring lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and coastal views. Numerous stops along the way offer hikes and beautiful photo opportunities.
Catch some waves in Lahaina, known for its excellent surf conditions. Whether you’re a beginner taking lessons or an experienced surfer, this is a popular spot.
From December to April, witness humpback whales during their migration. Tours are available from various locations on the island, providing a chance to see these majestic creatures up close.
Paddle through the waters of Makena and explore along the coastline, with opportunities to see sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.
Experience the thrill of ziplining above the treetops and through the lush landscapes of Maui’s rainforest, offering a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty.
Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding in the calm waters of beaches like Ka’anapali and Kihei, perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Tours
Uncover the best of Maui with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Maui
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views from the summit, Haleakalā offers panoramic vistas and otherworldly landscapes including the volcanic crater.
This scenic drive features numerous waterfalls, lush rainforest, and dramatic ocean views, making it an ideal spot for photography opportunities along the way.
Renowned for its incredible views of surfers and windsurfers, this location is perfect for capturing action shots against a backdrop of stunning coastal scenery.
Known for its golden sands and stunning sunset views, Wailea Beach offers excellent opportunities for beach photography, especially during dusk.
A crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic caldera that is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, perfect for underwater shots and snorkeling adventures.
This picturesque beach offers expansive views of the ocean and nearby islands, ideal for capturing the essence of Maui's beaches and sunsets.
Home to the iconic Iao Needle, this lush valley features beautiful trails and a diverse array of tropical flora, making it a great spot for nature photography.
A picturesque bay with calm turquoise waters framed by palm trees, it’s perfect for capturing idyllic beach scenes and sunset reflections.
Known for its beautiful sunsets and the famed Black Rock, Kāʻanapali Beach provides excellent opportunities for sunset photography and capturing local marine life.
Famous for its black sand beach, sea arches, and natural stone formations, this park provides a unique setting for dramatic photographs and landscapes.
Food in Maui
Maui Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Hawaiian dish made with diced raw fish, typically marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and various toppings. You can find great poke at Tamura's Market or Eskimo Candy.
Must-Try!
This hearty dish consists of rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. A popular spot to enjoy Loco Moco is at the Kihei Café.
Grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, usually cooked over an open flame. For the best Huli Huli chicken, try it at the roadside stands in Kīhei.
Portuguese doughnuts that are deep-fried and coated in sugar, often filled with custard or fruit. Visit Leonard's Bakery for some of the most famous malasadas on the island.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Maui better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held twice a week, this market showcases local produce, flowers, and handmade goods. It's a great place to sample fresh fruits and grab a quick bite from local vendors.
Located in Kihei, this gathering of food trucks offers a diverse menu ranging from tacos to gourmet burgers, providing a taste of Maui's street food scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Embrace the 'Aloha Spirit' by showing kindness, respect, and love towards others. Use the word 'Aloha' in greetings and farewells, and embody the friendly attitude that is characteristic of the Hawaiian culture.
Hawaiians have a deep respect for nature and the environment. When visiting, be mindful of local ecosystems, such as coral reefs and beaches. Avoid littering, and respect restricted areas to help preserve Maui's natural beauty.
Be aware of and respect traditional Hawaiian practices and customs. This includes observing cultural events and ceremonies without disrupting them, and asking for permission before taking photos of sacred sites or cultural activities.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Maui with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Maui
Ensure a smooth experience
In Maui, Hawaii, tipping is customary in the service industry. It is generally expected to tip around 15-20% for services such as dining in restaurants, taxis, and other personal services like spa treatments. For tour guides and activities, a tip of $10-20 per person is appreciated, depending on the level of service. It's important to note that many restaurants in Maui may also add a service charge for larger parties, so it's advisable to check the bill before tipping.
Payment methods in Maui are generally similar to those in the mainland United States. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, and it is common to find ATMs throughout the area. Cash is still accepted, but not as widely used, particularly in tourist-heavy locations. Some places, especially local markets and small vendors, may prefer cash or have a minimum purchase amount for card transactions. It's also a good idea to notify your bank of travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions while on the island.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Maui.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter is a peak travel season in Maui due to warm temperatures and the holiday season. Expect cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings, with averages ranging from 65°F to 80°F. This is also whale watching season, as humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off Maui's coast.
Spring is an excellent time to visit Maui, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Temperatures range from 68°F to 82°F. You can enjoy beautiful flowers in bloom and a range of outdoor activities. Spring also offers more affordable accommodations than the winter months.
Summer is the warmest season in Maui, with temperatures averaging from 70°F to 88°F. It is a popular time for families to visit, leading to larger crowds. Expect lots of sunshine and great conditions for beach activities, snorkeling, and surfing. However, humidity can be higher during these months.
Fall is another great time to visit Maui, as the weather remains warm with temperatures between 68°F and 84°F. Crowds begin to thin out after the summer season, making it an ideal time for relaxation. Orchids bloom and the surf starts picking up, providing exciting opportunities for surfing enthusiasts.
Maui at Night
Hiking in Maui
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Haleakalā National Park is known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, diverse ecosystems, and a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, including the Sliding Sands Trail.
Iao Valley offers scenic trails with lush greenery and views of the iconic Iao Needle. The park features short and easy hikes suitable for all skill levels.
The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile trek located in the Hana Rainforest, leading to the beautiful Waimoku Falls. It takes hikers through bamboo forests and past scenic streams.
A popular and relatively easy hike along the Hana Highway, Twin Falls features several waterfall pools. It's a great spot for a quick hike and a refreshing swim.
This trail features beautiful views of the rainforest and is perfect for those looking for a moderate hike. The trail is located in the lush area of the Hana Highway.
The trails around La Perouse Bay offer unique volcanic landscapes and ocean views. The area is less crowded, making it a great option for a hike away from tourist spots.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Maui through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Maui by plane.
The primary airport on Maui, serving both domestic and international flights.
Located on the island of Oahu, this is the largest airport in Hawaii, providing many international connections and is about 100 miles from Maui.
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, approximately 200 miles from Maui, it serves several international flights.
Located on the island of Kauai, it is around 250 miles from Maui and offers limited international service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Maui, comprising a significant portion of the population.
Includes various subgroups such as Filipino, Japanese, and Chinese residents.
Represents the indigenous population and other Pacific Islanders living in Maui.
Includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin, primarily from Mexico and Central America.
A smaller demographic group in Maui, representing African American residents.
Individuals identifying as multiracial or mixed heritage.
Includes various smaller ethnic groups and those who identify as 'other' or do not fall into the above categories.
The Soul of Maui
Discover the essence of Maui through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Maui is famous for its waves, making it a popular destination for surfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
The island offers numerous hiking trails with stunning views, including the famous Haleakalā National Park and the Pipiwai Trail.
Maui's clear waters and coral reefs attract snorkelers to spots like Molokini Crater and the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve.
The calm waters of Maui provide ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding, a popular water sport for both relaxation and fitness.
Maui boasts several world-class golf courses that offer beautiful scenery and challenging layouts for golf enthusiasts.
During the winter months, Maui is a prime location for whale watching, particularly for humpback whales migrating to the warm waters.
Kayaking around the island allows visitors to explore hidden coves and marine life, with options for guided tours or independent trips.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Maui.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Maui offer vegetarian options, including salads, pastas, and grain bowls. Check out Flatbread Company in Paia for wood-fired pizzas with fresh toppings.
For vegan options, visit the choice of places like Choice Health Bar, which offers a range of smoothie bowls, salads, and raw meals made from organic ingredients.
Several restaurants cater to gluten-free diets, including the Flatbread Company and Mama's Fish House, which both have gluten-free options on their menus.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Maui with these cultural adventures.
