14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Maui

Written by Lana Law and Lura Seavey
Updated May 26, 2022
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Maui is known for beautiful beaches, surfing, dramatic scenery, and wonderful climate. The island lies west of the Big Island of Hawaii, separated from it by the Alenuihaha Channel, and is about 68 miles from Oahu as the crow flies. It is the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, covering an area of 694 square miles, with 120 miles of coastline. Following Oahu, Maui is the most visited island in Hawaii.

Maui's mountainous landscape causes weather to vary quite a bit, enjoying high temperatures of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit and lows near 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors will find a wide range of activities on Maui, many of them free, from hiking adventures in the rainforest to a romantic stroll on the beach at sunset.

Plan your sightseeing and activities with our list of the top things to do in Maui.

1. Haleakala National Park

This park is located on the slope of the inactive 10,023-foot Haleakala Volcano, which covers nearly 25,000 acres. Visitors can look into the dormant crater, and from the summit there are incredible views over the entire island.

This is a popular spot where many people come to see the sunrise, so reservations are required for early morning visits. For smaller crowds and an equally stunning view, visit the peak at sunset instead. While the top of the mountain is what draws most people, the drive up is also impressive.

One of the most popular attractions within the park are the Pools of 'Ohe'o, idyllic freshwater pools fed by waterfalls within the 'Ohe'o valley. Visitors should plan to arrive early in the day before they get crowded with swimmers. The Makahika and Waimoku Waterfalls are among the most stunning in the valley.

Birders will enjoy the short trail at Hosmer Grove, where some of the original species of Hawaiian birds are seen.

A full-day guided tour of Haleakala National Park and Central Maui is an excellent way to enjoy the area's amazing scenery while hearing about the island's history and culture from a professional guide. The tour includes hotel or resort pickup; a visit to the top of the Haleakala Crater; scenic drives; and a stop in historic Wailuku, where you can enjoy shopping at a variety of locally-owned shops.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm

Haleakala National Park - Floor plan map — Haleakala National Park Map (Historical)

Haleakala National Park Location Map (Historical)

2. Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau in Lahaina

Old Lahaina Luau | Kilmer Media / Shutterstock.com

No visit to Hawaii is complete without attending a Lūʻau, a massive feast accompanied by traditional dance and music. More than just a dinner show, luaus offer tourists the opportunity to taste authentic native foods while watching brightly adorned hula dancers tell stories through their performance.

Tourists can find luaus hosted by several of the island's major resorts, as well as the Maui Ocean Center in Wailuku. Most luaus last two to three hours and typically include all food and beverages, including plenty of vegetarian options.

The most popular place to go for a luau on Maui is the Old Lāhainā Lūʻau on the west coast of the island. It's held right on the shore. Guests can enjoy the sunset as they settle in, receiving freshly picked orchid leis to start the evening.

As the sun sets, torches are lit, and the multi-course meal begins, featuring traditional dishes made from local ingredients, including roasts cooked in an underground imu oven. Dancers take the stage with the setting sun as a backdrop and proceed to tell the story of Hawaii through dance, music, and narration.

Address: 1251 Front Street, Lāhainā, Hawaii

Official site: https://oldlahainaluau.com/

3. Drive or Ride the Hana Road

Hana is a remote village in one of the most thinly-populated districts in the entire state of Hawaii. Its isolated position has enabled the town to maintain an image of the Hawaii that existed before the invasion of mass tourism. It is idyllic, with lush fields and gardens, thanks to the plentiful rains characteristic of the east coasts of all the Hawaiian islands.

One of the main attractions for visitors coming to Hana is the drive to the village. The Hana Road on the eastern Windward side of Maui starts at the town of Pa'ia and traverses rain forest with waterfalls, making it a stark contrast to the almost desert conditions found everywhere else on the coasts.

While the distance between Pa'ia and Hana is roughly 40 miles, the fact that the road follows a scenic curving coastline with single lane bridges means that a round trip takes at least four hours of driving. It's best to allow for a full day, so you have plenty of time to stop for photos at the scenic vistas, explore the town of Hana, and check out the villages along the way.

An excellent way to see Hana Road and visit its numerous attractions is on the Small-Group Road to Hana Luxury Tour, which features a maximum of eight passengers to ensure a personalized experience. The nine-hour tour includes narration by an expert guide as you enjoy the scenic views and sites, making plenty of stops along the way for photo-ops, as well as lunch and snacks. Destinations include the village of Ke'anae, Kaumahina State Park, Ho'okipa, Waikani Falls, and the town of Hana, where you will get an exclusive tour of the Hana Tropical Gardens.

4. Visit the Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center houses a collection of Hawaiian reef fish, corals, green turtles, and stingrays in a series of well-designed aquariums. Its most impressive exhibit is the Living Reef, home to more than 40 species of coral native to Hawaii. The reef is fed by water directly from Mā'alaea Bay and is home to a variety of fish that thrive in the reef environment.

Another highlight is the Open Ocean tank, a 750,000-gallon tank featuring a 53-foot acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to see sharks, rays, and fish up close and all around.

Other exhibits include Turtle Lagoon, where visitors can learn more about the native green sea turtles, and a whale exhibit that explains the life cycles of the humpback whales, which migrate to Hawaii from December to March. Visitors can get an in-depth look at the aquarium's operations on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, a tour that allows guests to watch feedings and ask the staff naturalist questions about animal care.

Other exhibits explore the relationship that early Polynesian settlers had with the sea, as well as the environmental impact that humans have had on the islands and surrounding aquatic life. The center also displays many pieces of original Hawaiian art. The store on the grounds sells a range of gifts, including original works of art of exceptional quality for the serious collector.

Address: 192 Māʻalaea Road, Wailuku, Hawaii

Official site: www.mauioceancenter.com

5. Take a Helicopter Tour

Experiencing the Hawaiian landscape from the air provides a unique perspective, allowing tourists to see untouched expanses and appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the islands. This bird's-eye-view truly gives visitors a new appreciation for the beauty of the lush forests and dramatic landscape of the island below. Passengers can also get glimpses of the islanders' aquatic neighbors from the sky, including pods of dolphins or migrating whales.

The West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour is an exclusive 45-minute adventure, which gives you the chance to see remote areas of western Maui, including the forests and waterfalls of the West Maui Mountains and the 4,000-foot cliffs on the coast of neighboring Molokai. The tour is fully narrated by the pilot.

6. Iao Valley State Monument

Iao Valley lies west of Wailuku. Traditionally, Hawaiians would undertake pilgrimages to such places in honor of their gods. Today, several well-maintained paths lead from the parking area to this beautiful valley. It is a popular place to visit, however tourists should be aware that parts of the park may be closed due to flooding and other weather-related hazards.

In the middle of the valley stands Iao Needle, a pointed lump of basalt, reaching 2,215 feet above sea level. This unique overgrown rock was apparently used as an altar in prehistoric times. A legend surrounds Iao Needle's origin. It is said that the demi-god Maui took captive an unwanted suitor, the water sprite Puukamoua, of his beautiful daughter, Iao, and wanted to kill him. But Pele, the fire goddess, ordered Maui to turn him to stone. Hence the needle.

The valley is said to be full of the ghosts of Hawaiian gods, known as manas. On the left-hand side of the path to Iao Needle is Pali Ele'ele, a dark black cliff.

7. Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach

The three-mile-long Kaanapali Beach is Maui's finest beach. It lies in western Maui and is part of the town of Lahaina. One of the most popular things to do at Kaanapali Beach is to watch the daily cliff-diving ceremony from Black Rock, traditionally known as Puu Kekaa. This is also where some of the island's best hotels and resorts can be found.

As a result, the area is full of activities and things to see and do, including world-class golf; a variety of restaurants; tons of shopping; and a zipline course, which affords great views of the coastline. Whalers Village is a prominent open-air shopping center with a good variety of stores and dining options. Other attractions include a whaling museum and traditional Hawaiian entertainment.

8. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Off the shores of Maui are some of the most remarkable reefs and marine habitats, making this island a top place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. Tourists can find equipment rental shops near most of the top beaches, and there are several places that offer scuba lessons for those who would like to try it for the first time. As always, those venturing into the water should be aware of current conditions.

The Marine Life Conservation District of Honolua Bay, located on the northwestern end of the island, is one of the top snorkeling and diving spots. The bay, which is isolated by rocky cliffs, has calm, quiet water and is home to a wide variety of reef fish, including parrot fish, surgeon fish, wrasse, and Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (also known as the Rectangular Triggerfish). Tourists should note that there are no facilities or lifeguards at this location.

Another popular place for snorkeling and diving is Molokini, a volcanic atoll that sits just off the southern coast of Maui. Also a designated conservation district, it is a top destination for snorkeling tours due to its picturesque setting and wide variety of marine life, from rarer species of reef fish to dolphins and turtles.

The Molokini Sail and Snorkel Adventure is a good choice for those who want the option of viewing the spectacular sea life without getting wet, thanks to the glass-bottom section of the catamaran, which affords views deep under the clear water. Those who want to dive right in can spend their time in the pristine reefs or making a splash on the waterslide. The cruise includes breakfast and lunch, and lasts approximately five hours.

9. Waianapanapa State Park

Black-sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park

Waianapanapa State Park is a remote area on the Hana Coast with beaches, rugged coastline, hiking, camping facilities, and lodging options. This is a good spot to simply enjoy nature. The black lava beach at Paiola Bay in the park is worth visiting, however those unfamiliar with the surf conditions should refrain from swimming in the strong waves.

Hiking trails can be challenging but rewarding, and the Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail is one of the most popular for its views of Haleakala and the Hana Coast. Other highlights include natural stone formations like arches and sea stacks, blow holes, caves, and heiau, an old temple.

Official site: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/waianapanapa-state-park/

10. Wailea

In southern Maui, the coastal area of Wailea has become a top tourist destination and resort area thanks to its five gorgeous beaches and wide range of things to do. Wailea Beach is the best known and home to some of the more exclusive resorts on Maui, while Polo Beach is popular with swimmers and snorkelers and Ulua Beach Park is the perfect place for a romantic sunset walk.

Wailea is also known for its championship golf courses, consisting of the Wailea Gold, Wailea Blue, and Wailea Emerald. Another top attraction is the Shops at Wailea, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, which will keep tourists occupied indefinitely.

Wailea is also host to both the Maui Film Festival and Whale Week festivities each February, as well as its wide selection of spas. Nearby natural attractions include the lava fields of Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, an area also known for its snorkeling, and La Perouse Bay, which is home to the scenic Hoapili Trail.

11. Makena Beach

Makena Beach, also known simply as "Big Beach," is one of the longest undeveloped beaches on the island. It sits south of Kihei in the village of Makena, a great alternative to the more crowded Wailea beaches. Tourists should be aware of beach warnings, as this beach is known for having rougher conditions at times, and should never swim here when the lifeguards are off-duty.

This is an excellent spot for a romantic stroll, and the shore affords lovely views of Kahoolawe and Molokini islands. For an even more secluded spot, couples can venture to the park's much smaller "Little Beach," which does not have lifeguards or facilities.

12. Learn to Surf with the Masters

Surfing is nearly synonymous with Hawaii, and no visit to Maui is complete without at least watching the local pros in action. But why just watch when there are so many skilled surfers ready to teach you how to have a tubular time yourself?

One of the top surf schools is Kaanapali Surf School, located on Ka'anapali Beach. Students have the choice of private, semi-private, and small-group lessons, with options for all skill levels. Beginners start with the basics on the beach before hitting the waves, and then head to the water for practice; experienced surfers can hone their skills with one-on-one training.

The folks over at Maui Surfer Girls are a great option for beginners, and with mostly female instructors, it's often a good fit for women trying the sport out for the first time. All group lessons are small groups; lessons are held just south of Lahaina at Ukumehame Beach Park, which is also known for being a great place to spot whales.

13. Visit Lanai Island

Aerial view of Hulopo'e Bay and Sweetheart Rock (Pu'u Pehe) on Lanai Island

The island of Lanai sits nine miles off the west coast of Maui, offering tourists a combination of high-end luxury resorts and nearly untouched wilderness. It is the smallest of Hawaii's inhabited islands, and a nature-lover's paradise. While there are only about 30 miles of paved roads on Lanai, there are over 400 miles of off-roading trails perfect for exploring the lush forests.

The coastline of Lanai is about 18 miles, including several excellent beaches. The southern coast is the best place on Lanai for swimming, home to its most popular beaches. Those who want to go snorkeling or swimming should head to Hulopoe Beach Park, located in Hulopoe Bay. While in the area, be sure to hike over to admire Puu Pehe, an 80-foot rock formation that is named for a Hawaiian legend.

Polihua Beach on the northern coast isn't safe for swimming, but it's a beautiful place for sunbathing and strolling that is rarely occupied by more than a few other beachcombers.

Another great spot along the northern side of the island is Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach). The water here is also dangerous, and the specter of a massive wrecked oil tanker looms just offshore as a reminder. Visitors will also find Poiawa, or petroglyphs, on rocks near the beach and can enjoy great views of the island of Maui from here.

There are also many excellent hikes in the island's interior, including established trails at the Kanepuu Preserve and the Munro Trai near Lanai City, which leads to the highest point on the island for stunning views. Visitors will find several local places that offer guided tours, ATV and 4-Wheel-Drive rentals, as well as opportunities to go horseback riding along the trails and the beaches.

Tourists should be aware that many of the dirt roads are unmarked, and all can be subject to flooding and mud, so be sure to plan ahead and utilize a guide if unsure. The island can be accessed most easily via the Maui-Lanai Passenger Ferry, which departs from Lahaina.

14. Golf in Paradise

View of Kapalua Bay from the golf course

Maui is home to over a dozen golf courses, several of which host international competitions and tournaments.

One of the top picks is the Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay, which hosts a PGA tournament annually. In addition to offering a challenging 7,411-yard course, it sits elevated on the West Maui Mountains, overlooking the ocean, for incredible vistas every step of the way. Also on the slopes of these mountains, golfers will love the private club at King Kamehameha, with a course that sits at an elevation of 750 feet.

Another top pick is the Bay Course at Kapalua, a par-72 course designed by Franis Duane and Arnold Palmer. It offers 6,600-yards with excellent views of the Island of Molokai, and has been host to numerous professional tournaments.

The Wailea Golf Club offers three courses, with the 7,000-yard Gold Course as its most difficult and also most popular. If you are looking for something more laid-back, Ka'anapali Kai Course on the western tip of the island offers stunning views over the water.

Where to Stay on Maui for Sightseeing

We recommend these highly rated hotels and beachfront resorts on the beautiful island of Maui:

Montage Kapalua Bay: This luxury beachfront resort offers sublime ocean views from its guest rooms, and also offers sea-view condos with kitchens and lanais. The grounds are home to beautiful gardens, and property amenities include multiple pools with a dedicated adult-only pool, private beach space, tennis courts, and a fitness center with group classes. The resort is home to a top-rate spa and multiple restaurants; there is also a kids' club and on-site babysitting.
Napili Kai Beach Resort: This mid-range beach resort is convenient to airports and just steps from the Kapulua Coastal Trail, offering ocean-view rooms and suites right on Kapalua Beach. This family-friendly resort has four pools, including a kids' pool where the little ones can work off their energy; guests can also enjoy on-site shopping and dining, as well as activities like shuffleboard, bocce ball, and a putting green.
Maui Seaside Hotel: This budget hotel is near the airport in Kahului, offering rooms with views of the mountains and the beach. The hotel has an inviting pool with ocean views and plenty of lounging space, and is situated next to Ho'aloha Park and beach, with several restaurants within only a few minutes' walk.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Maui

Volcanic Sunrise: Early birds will get the unique opportunity to watch the sun rise from atop one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes, the Haleakala Crater. The Maui Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour brings you to the summit to witness the breathtaking reds, oranges, and yellows of the sunrise from over 10,000 feet above seal level. After riding part-way down the slope, you are then provided with bicycles and safety gear and will pedal downhill through Haleakala Ranch, Paia, and Makawao to Paia Bay Beach Park.
Snorkeling Excursion: Tourists looking for a chance to explore two of the top snorkeling spots in Hawaii will want to take the Molokini and Turtle Arches Snorkeling Trip, a five-hour excursion from Ma'alaea Harbor on the catamaran Ocean Odyssey. The tour includes professionally fitted equipment and snorkeling instruction for those who need it, and a certified naturalist will provide details about the area's unique marine ecosystems. The tour includes stops at both Molokini and Turtle Arches, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages all day, and lunch.
Rainforest Hike: If you would like to fully appreciate the tropical beauty of the Hana region but aren't comfortable bounding off into the forest alone, the Small Group Waterfall and Rainforest Hiking Adventure on Maui is a great option. This half-day tour offers the opportunity to explore the lush rain forests with a knowledgeable guide through the interior of eastern Maui, its most densely forested region. The group will make stops along the way for photos, lunch, and swimming at the pools beneath the falls while learning about the surrounding ecosystem.
Bird's-Eye View: Adventure-seekers will love this 8-Line Jungle Zipline Tour on Maui, a two-hour canopy excursion. The tour is guided by experts who will ensure safety while providing fascinating information about the area's geology, wildlife, and plants. The course of eight ziplines traverse deep ravines and the canopy of tropical forests, providing amazing views of Lanai and Molokini for an unforgettable experience.