Things To Do
in Maui
Maui is a lush volcanic island in Hawaii known for its pristine beaches, emerald valleys, and the towering Haleakalā volcano. From the scenic Road to Hana to world-class snorkeling, the island blends natural beauty with a laid-back, aloha spirit. Visitors encounter sacred cultural heritage, luxury resorts, and farm-to-table dining in a compact, easy-to-explore landscape.
Outdoor adventures range from whale watching in season to sunset strolls along Kaanapali Beach, making Maui a versatile tropical getaway.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Ease into island time with a slow breakfast by the ocean, savoring fresh fruit and a cup of local coffee. Take a relaxed stroll along the shoreline to shake off travel fatigue and listen to the waves.
Check into your lodging and unpack, then head to a nearby beach for a gentle swim and warm, golden light. Explore a nearby town to sample poke bowls and fresh Hawaiian shave ice.
Enjoy a sunset walk with the horizon glowing pink and a refreshing drink from a beachside bar. Dine on a meal featuring locally caught seafood and farm-to-table produce, followed by a stroll under starry skies.
Wake to the sun over the sea and fuel up with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe. Begin with a shoreline walk to loosen up and map your day of discovery.
Spend time exploring Lahaina town's Front Street, art galleries, and historic sites. Grab a refreshing shave ice or a poke bowl as you roam the harbor and waterfront.
Catch a dramatic sunset at Kaanapali Beach or Kahekili Beach. Choose a dinner spot with Hawaiian flavors and perhaps live music to cap the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥗Casual lunch | $12-22 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $180-350 |
| 🚗Gas per gallon | $4-6 |
| ☕Coffee or smoothie | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class beaches and wildlife encounters
- Stunning volcanic landscapes and scenic drives
- Rich Hawaiian culture and welcoming locals
- Excellent farm-to-table dining and fresh seafood
- Crowds and higher prices in peak season
- Some areas are car-dependent and require planning
- Ocean conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous at times
- Limited late-night nightlife outside resort areas
- "Aloha" - Hello / goodbye / love
- "Mahalo" - Thank you
- "E kala mai" - Excuse me / I’m sorry
- "Pehea ʻoe?" - How are you?
- "ʻO wai kou inoa?" - What is your name?
- "ʻAe" - Yes
- "ʻAʻole" - No
- "E ʻoluʻolu" - Please
Places to Visit in Maui
Visit one of these nice places.
Jaw-dropping volcanic landscape, sunrise and panoramic views over the Big Island on clear mornings.
Striking black sand beach with sea stacks, sea caves, and coastal forest scenery.
Lush valley framing a dramatic, iconic spire—great for a moody landscape shot.
Crystal waters, reef edges, and excellent marine life as a backdrop for underwater and shoreline photography.
A massive urban canopy in Front Street; captures a sense of old Maui amid modern activity.
Submerged volcanic crater visible on clear days, ideal for aerial or seascape photography from vantage points around Maui.
Food in Maui
Maui Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Diced fresh fish (often tuna or salmon) with soy, sesame, onion, and seaweed over rice. Found everywhere, with standout spots like Da Poke Guys in Kahului and local poke counters in market stalls.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked pork cooked in an underground imu, typically served with cabbage and poi or rice. Common at luau menus and many Hawaiian eateries.
A hearty plate of rice topped with a beef patty or spam, fried egg, and brown gravy. Popular at breakfast and casual spots across the island.
Colorful, flavorful shaved ice made with tropical syrups; a refreshing treat after a day in the sun and available in multiple Maui locations.
Succulent, locally grown fruit enjoyed fresh or in smoothies and smoothies bowls; widely available at markets and beachside stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daytime market with fresh produce, poke stalls, baked goods, and local snacks in the central Maui town of Kahului.
Markets in Makawao and Kula offering fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, homemade goods, and seats for farm-to-table tastings.
Seasonal clusters of food trucks along the Lahaina waterfront offering quick bites, tacos, and local snacks with ocean views.
A bustling weekend market with local crafts, clothing, and street food options; great for souvenirs and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with warmth, be patient, and respect local customs and sacred sites. Dress modestly in religious or cultural spaces and remove shoes when appropriate.
Avoid touching coral, disturbing sea life, or feeding wildlife; use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems.
In many homes and some temples, shoes are left at the door as a sign of respect.
Safety
Tipping in Maui
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 15-20% is customary if service is not included. For tours and guides, tip 10-20% depending on quality. Some larger venues include a service charge; in that case, tipping explicitly is optional.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Trade winds are steady, seas can be rough on the north shore, and whale watching peaks from November to April. Expect cooler evenings and occasional rain showers, especially on windward sides.
Mild temperatures with fewer crowds; good for snorkeling and hiking as trails dry out after winter rains.
Warm, sunny days with generally calmer seas, ideal for snorkeling, beach days, and outdoor activities; expect higher rates in resort areas.
Pleasant shoulder season with comfortable weather and opportunities to catch occasional seasonal deals; surf can be variable.
Maui at Night
Hiking in Maui
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Shaded paths with lush scenery and the iconic Iao Needle rock formation.
Bamboo forest trail in Haleakalā National Park ending at a 400-foot waterfall.
Classic Maui hike through tropical forest to dramatic waterfalls and several stream crossings.
Ridge views over upcountry Maui, with rolling green slopes and distant coastline.
Airports
How to reach Maui by plane.
Main gateway to Maui with interisland and international flights; located in Kahului.
Small airport serving inter-island and private flights on the west side of Maui.
Nearby island airport with inter-island connections; useful for day trips or island hopping.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A core element of Maui’s cultural identity, visible in language, music, hula, and crafts.
Contribute to the island’s diverse cuisine, festivals, and neighborhoods.
A broad mix shaped by tourism, agriculture, and retirement communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A Maui staple with famous breaks on the north and south shores; suitable for watching or learning with a guide.
Calm bays and lagoons ideal for beginners and families.
Fringing reefs around Molokini and Ahihi Kinau offer vibrant underwater scenery.
World-class courses in Wailea and Kapalua with oceanfront holes and scenic views.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Maui.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for fresh fruit bowls, veggie plates, and tofu or mushroom-based dishes; poke options can be seafood-based, so ask for veg alternatives or vegetable-heavy bowls at markets and restaurants.