12 Things To Do In Maui: The Ultimate Hawaii Itinerary
As someone raised in Europe, visiting Hawaii was always a dream. After moving to the West Coast in Canada, just one flight away from these volcanic islands, I finally booked that long-awaited ticket. Although choosing which Hawaiian island to visit first wasn’t easy, the variety of things to do in Maui made the decision simple. In one place I could watch the sunrise above the clouds, explore a national park, surf, take scenic road trips, and visit multiple waterfalls. Maui truly has it all!
The first thing I did upon landing in Maui was pull up the map to see exactly where I was. I zoomed out, and out… until I realized I was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. How incredible is it to be on an island surrounded by endless ocean, with such a diverse landscape of volcanic rocks and lush forests?
In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know for your Hawaiian adventure, from the best time to visit, how to get around and the top things to do in Maui.
When to visit Maui
One of the great things about Maui is that it has pleasant weather year-round. But, the most crowded time of the year and the peak tourist season is in winter, during the months of December to April. That’s when weather is cooler and the perfect time to go whale watching. As you might have already guesses, this is also when prices are the highest.
If you’re flexible though, the best period to visit Maui is during the shoulder seasons, April to June (spring) and September to November (fall). This way you’ll benefit from fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates compared to the winter months.
We visited Maui in November and had excellent weather, despite some short, tropical showers in the mornings. In fact, November marks the beginning of the rainy season in Maui, but luckily rain doesn’t last all day. Personally, we didn’t mind a bit of rain at all but this could be a deal breaker for some.
How to get to Maui
Typically, to get to Maui you’ll fly into Kahului Airport (OGG), which is the main international airport on the island.
If you’re flying from North America, there are multiple direct flights to Maui from major cities. Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, WestJet, Air Canada all operate direct flights to Maui.
On the other hand, if you fly into another Hawaiian island first, you can take short inter-island connections that are mostly under an hour flight and quite affordable as well.
How to move around Maui
Rent a Car
The best way to explore Maui, in Hawaii, is by car, as you’ll be more flexible in reaching different attractions on the island. In fact, it only takes about 3 hours to drive Maui north to south. At the same time, renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at remote beaches, drive up to the Haleakala National Park for sunrise and visit multiple waterfalls along the scenic drive of Road to Hana.
We rented a car directly at Kahului Airport through the Costco Travel website. Unfortunately, this option is only available for North America residents, in possession of a Costco membership. Overall, the advantage of booking with Costco is the affordability and flexibility. For instance, we were able to add a second driver for no additional costs, which we absolutely loved!
To reach the car rental, you can either take the tram located outside the airport or you can follow the walkway and the directions to the rental car facility.
Public Transportation
If you don’t plan on checking out all the things to do in Maui or if it’s not your first time in Maui, then taking public buses could be a good option. Maui Bus is an affordable way of visiting the island but mind the longer travel times as well as the limited access to more remote areas, like the Haleakala National Park.
I would recommend this option to those on a budget who prefer enjoying the beaches over the more remote areas.
Renting a Camper Van
Visiting Maui in a camper van is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to see the island. This of course if camper vans fit with your lifestyle. Although you have a lot of luxury resorts in Maui, a camper van allows you to wake up straight by the beach or in remote areas away from the crowds. Also, by renting a camper van you’ll have both the accommodation and transportation sorted out.
Some rental companies offering camper vans and RVs on Maui are Maui Camper Vans and Van Life Maui. Also, check Airbnb for some additional options, as most time camper vans are being advertised. Keep in mind though, that all camping in Hawaii (including camper vans and RVs) requires a permit for public campgrounds or an advance reservation for private camps. It is a highly competitive and I would recommend reserving a spot in advance of your visit.
All in all, while visiting the island in a camper van sounds like a fun idea, it does require extra planning and logistics. Generally, many people believe that camping on Maui isn’t the best option due to the limited camping facilities. But, if you plan ahead and enjoy this type of travel, I’d encourage you to do your research. Also, keep in mind that some areas of Maui, like the Road to Hana, have narrow, winding roads that are not ideal for large camper vans. So, if you choose to go this route, opt for a smaller, easy-to-drive camper that will keep your trip comfortable and stress-free.
Where to stay in Maui
Maui offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to more laid-back, budget-friendly options. Your choice of where to stay in Maui largely depends on the things to do in Maui that interest you during your visit. In order to help you out, I’ve broken it down below to give you a quick overview:
- Wailea (South Maui): resort-focused area, with beautiful beaches and best golf courses but a longer drive away from main attractions, like Haleakala or Road to Hana.
- Kihei (South Maui): more affordable and laid-back area, with great access to beaches and main connecting roads.
- Lahaina & Kaanapali (West Maui): lively tourist-friendly area, with easy access to dining, beaches and excursions. Note: the 2023 wildfire in Maui devastated historic Lahaina, but the Kaanapali resort area remained untouched. Maui remains open to tourism but please check the local websites for the most up-to-date information before your trip.
- Paia (North Maui): laid-back, surf-centric and the perfect getaway to the Road to Hana.
- Hana (East Maui): secluded and immersed in the nature, away from the typical resort atmosphere.
We opted to book at two different places, to make the best use of our time and stay close to the things to do in Maui that we planned for those days. Firstly, we booked our stay for two nights in Paia, where we explored the Road to Hana area and the northwest areas of Kahakuloa and Waihee-Waiehu. For the remaining 5 days, we booked an accommodation in Kihei, in south Maui. This allowed us to have great access to the Haleakala National Park and the surrounding beaches.
Coastal Road Trip around Maui, Hawaii
One of the best ways to explore Maui is by driving along its stunning coastline, taking in the scenic viewpoint and lush landscapes. While driving along the coast of Maui is an unbelievable experience, it needs to be noted that some sections are not well maintained, are one-way only and quite narrow.
To help you decide whether a road trip in Maui is the right trip for you, I will break down the full coastal drive into sections with an overview of key stops and driving tips. Also, this road trip does not include the interior areas, such as the Haleakala National Park, which I would absolutely add to top things to do in Maui.
Start in Kahului (north Maui)
Kahului is the perfect spot to start a road trip, as it’s where the main international airport is located and the connecting town on the island. Here, I recommend renting a car at the main international airport and starting your road trip.
Head to Paia and begin the Road to Hana
You can’t come to Maui and not visit the Road to Hana. Not only is it one the most famous and scenic drives in Maui but it also takes you through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines. This should be one of the top things to do in Maui!
- Overview: the road is somewhat narrow and winding, so an early start is highly recommended
- Key Stops: Twin Falls, Upper Waikani Falls, Ke’anae Peninsula (don’t miss out Aunty Sandy’s Banana bread), Hana Lava Tube, Wai’napanapa State Park (reservation required), Pipiwai Trail
- Timing: the total driving time can take between 6 and 8 hours, if you stop at most of the locations and take your time
- Important Note: the Road to Hana itself is a one-way in, one-way out route and it doesn’t loop around the rest of the island. But, once you reach Hana, you have the option to continue along the Piilani Highway towards Kihei, which connects the east coast with the south coast. Keep in mind though that this road is a single-lane highway. Additionally, it may not be well-maintained and can be rough in certain sections. Before proceeding, make sure to check your rental company’s insurance coverage for potential damages.
Drive along the southern coast
If you decided to turn around in Hana, you can drive back to Kahului, which will give you the chance to revisit some of the beautiful spots you missed earlier.
Instead, you can take the Piilani Highway from Hana, as mentioned above. This road is a bit more challenging, with dirt roads and narrow sections. On top of it, I would not recommend driving it if has rained heavily in the previous days.
From Kihei drive along the west coast to Lahaina and Kaanapali
There are no interruptions along this main road, so this section is easy to navigate and well connected. Some of the key stops along this route are:
- La Perouse Bay: unique lava fields formed from Haleakala’s last eruption in 1790. There is a hiking trail that starts at the parking lot and leads along the rocky coastline. Also, it’s a beloved spot for snorkeling and if you’re lucky enough you might even spot dolphins. In fact, this is one of their favorite spots to come sleep due to the shallow waters.
- Kamaole Beach (Kihei): very popular set of beaches, where you can admire the sunset and have incredible views of Molokini and Lanai islands
- Makena Beach (Big Beach): as the name suggests, this is one of the largest beaches in Maui. Also, it is more secluded compared to the popular beaches in Maui and is nested between two black lava outcroppings, providing protection from winds.
- Kaanapali Beach: this beach was named on of America’s best beaches. Something not to miss here is the daily cliff diving ceremony of the beach’s northernmost cliffs.
Continue to Kahakuloa and finish in Kahului
If you continue on this road past Kaanapali, you will reach Nakalele Blowhole, a highlight along this section of the drive. This blowhole is a real natural wonder as it shoots water up into the the air, as waves crash into the rocks, creating a magnificent display.
If you decide to continue west to northeast back to Kahului, you’ll drive past Kahahuloa, a small and charming village to experience the old Hawaii. But keep in mind that this section of the road trip has narrow and winding roads. So, you’ll need to be careful when coming across larger vehicles or when the road allows only one vehicle to drive.
Following this direction you can stop at Iao Valley State Park, an area meant for nature lovers. This lush valley should be absolutely on your list as multiple trails here offer stunning views.
Top Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii
To summarize, Maui is the right blend of adventure and cultural richness. If you’re visiting this Hawaiian island, make sure to add these top things to do in Maui to your list:
1. Drive the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most famous and scenic drives. In case you only have limited time to visit Maui, this road trip should be at the top of your list.
2. Hana Lava Tube
The Hana Lava Tube was formed over 900 years ago as a result of molten lava spewing up from underground and flowing toward the ocean. Unarguably, this natural attraction is fascinating and allows you to explore its huge subterranean tunnel filled with stalactites and unusual rock formations.
3. Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is located within the Haleakala National Park boundaries, so you’ll need a pass to access it. Since a pass is typically valid for 3 days, it’s a great idea to visit the trail around the same time as your trip to the national park. This popular 4-mile hike leads through bamboo forests and ends at the breathtaking Waimoku Falls.
4. Sunrise or Sunset at Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano and one of the most spectacular spots to catch a sunrise or sunset. If you ask me, the sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the top things to do in Maui, as you watch the sun rise above the clouds from the summit.
If you’re planning on catching the sunrise, make sure you get a reservation ahead of time. But, if you were not able to get a reservation, you can also drive up for sunset and stay a bit longer to admire the clear sky at night.
From the summit, you can also embark on a hiking adventure, such as the Sliding Sands Trail, where you’ll walk down into the dormant crater and explore its volcanic surface.
5. Hike in Iao Valley State Park
If you want to experience something different to the beautiful beaches and scenic coastlines, then exploring Maui’s inland region of Iao Valley State Park is great idea. This lush valley is home to Iao Needle, which offers unbelievable views of the island.
6. Visit Nakalele Blowhole
Located on Maui’s northern coast, the Nakalele Blowhole is a natural wonder that shoots water high into the air creating a geyser-like effect. But, be cautious when approaching the blowhole and don’t get too close, as strong waves can cause powerful eruptions from the blowhole.
7. Attend a Traditional Hawaiian Hula Dance
There are several places to experience a traditional Hawaiian Hula dance in Maui. Personally, we decided to experience this unique dance at South Maui Gardens and had a very pleasant night. Not only were the dancers incredible, but the variety of performances was mind-blowing. To us, the hula dance was one of the most memorable things to do in Maui.
Additionally, other places offering a traditional hula dance in Maui are resorts, malls as well as beaches.
8. Surf the Hawaiian Waves
If you’re an advance surfer, then the north coast (Paia) is the right area for you. Even if you don’t surf, I highly recommend heading to Ho’okipa Beach at the lookout point, to watch the surfers take the wave. But, if you want to learn how to surf, then the area of Kaanapali and Kihei are more beginner friendly.
9. Explore La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is where the road ends in south Maui. It is located at the very end of Makena Alanui Road and the last stretch of the road offers amazing views of the surrounding bay. Here, the best things to do in Maui include walking through the lava rocks along the Hoapili Trail to the end of the road. The hike takes approximately 4 hours to complete round-trip.
10. Enjoy Maui’s Famous Beaches
Maui has some of the best beaches in North America. To just name a few, these are some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and a must-visit during your time in Maui:
- Kaanapali Beach (West Maui)
- Wailea Beach (South Maui)
- Makena Beach or Big Beach (South Maui)
- Little Beach (South Maui)
- Baldwin Beach Park (North Shore)
- Napili Bay (West Maui)
- Kaihalulu Beach or Red Sand Beach (East Maui)
11. Try some Shave Ice and Everything Pineapple Flavored
During my trip in Maui, I was on a mission to try out most of the pineapple-flavored treats available on the island. From pineapple candies covered in chocolate, to pineapple chips and pineapple beer. Everything was absolutely amazing! Also, add trying a shave ice to the top things to do in Maui. In fact, on a hot day it’s the perfect treat!
12. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
The Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater, and is located off the coast of South Maui. There are many tours that organize daily snorkeling strips from the coast of Maui. But, if you don’t want to take a boat trip, there are many other beaches on Maui where you can go snorkeling, such as:
- Makaiwa Bay, located near La Perouse Bay, is famous for its large population of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
- Honolua Bay, on the northwest coast, is one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui
- Black Rock on Kaanapali beach is a popular snorkeling destination
- La Perouse Bay is a fantastic spot for snorkeling for its abundance of marine life
