Top 10 Things to do in Maui

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Are you looking for the ultimate mix between relaxing and adventure? Maui is the place. There is no doubt that when I want a relaxing carefree vacation that Maui is always at the top of my list. Are you looking for things to do in Maui? We got you covered!

In Maui they say “Maui No Ka Oi”, which translates to Maui is the Best!

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When trying to find things to do in Maui, you are have so many options to choose from. My first trip to Maui I tried to fit in every single sightseeing activity that I didn’t get to really relax. I have been back several times since then and feel like we finally get a balance between adventuring and relaxing. We like to hike in the mornings and enjoy afternoons at our favorite beaches.

10 best things to do in Maui

Haleakala Sunrise Haleakala sunrise is a great way to start your Maui vacation. It is breathtaking and you really appreciate that beauty for the island from 10,000 ft. I recommend doing this on your 1st or 2nd day of arriving in Maui. The time difference makes it easier to get up at 3-4 am on for the 1.5-2 hr drive up the summit.

IMPORTANT: With limited parking at the summit, you must make reservations online prior to going up to 30 days in advance.

Pipiwai Trail This hike is on located in the East side of Maui in the Haleakala National Park. This 4 mile roundtrip hike features a banyan tree, bamboo forests and ending at Makahiku waterfall. Make sure to pack water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and wear good shoes. (If you've been to Haleakala summit in the last 3 days, save your receipt so you don't have to pay entrance fee again.)

Seven Sacred Pools aka ‘Ohe’o Gulch The pools are located in the same area as Pipiwai Trail. This is an easy 1/2 mile trail to beautiful pools. This is a popular destination towards the end of the day on the road to Hana. Tourists are arriving at the same time after so I recommend arriving early if you don't want to share the pools with everyone else.

Nakalele Blowhole We love to visit this location every time we're in Maui. Located in the West side of Maui, north of Kaanapali and Kapalua. You can hike down to the blowhole. Be careful! You will get sucked in if you get too close. Make sure you see the heart in the rock down by the blowhole. The drive is scenic and beautiful on your way to the blowhole. I recommend driving to the blowhole first and then on your way back driving south pulling over to lookout points to view the rock cliffs.

Dragon’s teeth (Makalua-puna Point) This small hike is located off Office Rd in Kapalua and offers great views of the coast. Parking can be a bit of a hassle in the afternoon. Trail runs along a golf course property so it looks like you shouldn’t be there but if you follow the path it’s fine.

Fish Market in Kaanapali While you in the West Maui area, stop here for lunch or stop in to pick up fresh fish to make for dinner. They even give you recommendations and sauces to cook with. It’s a must!

Whale Tours Whale season in Maui is from December-May and is must see if you are visiting during these times. During this time you will often spot the whales breaching while you are relaxing on the beach. We love Pacific Whale Foundation because they provide an educational experience while also protecting the sealife.

Beaches

Maui offers some of the best beaches in the world. Maybe this should be the number one thing to do but its seems pretty obvious that you would be visiting a beach while in Maui. Check out our favorite Maui beaches!

Hana Highway We mentioned the Seven Sacred Pools and Pipiwai Trail on the list which is on the end of Hana Highway if you go clockwise (from Paia to Hana). We love doing the Hana Highway in reverse and driving along the south side of the island from Haleakala upcountry area. You can then beat the crowds to the pools and hike the bamboo forest and waterfall on the Pipiwai Trail. Then proceed towards Hana and you are going opposite of the rest of traffic. Hana Highway is an all day activity so plan accordingly.

Sunsets We started our list with the sunrise in Maui and you should definitely end your trip with the sunset. Leaving Maui to the mainland flights are usually red eye flights, which leaves you plenty of time to sit on the beach one last time and see Maui's beautiful sunsets.

Maui has some of top beaches in the world

You really can’t go wrong in Maui. There is so many things to do in Maui and all of them are amazing. But depending on your trip length, I hope this list helps you narrow down your list for a amazing vacation!

Don’t forget to check out our Maui Guide for other tips and recommendations.

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-Nicholle

Beach Hawaii

Nicholle DeNiro

April 20, 2019

Comments:

Jenn | By Land and Sea
April 28, 2019
Maui is such a beautiful island! Although I’ve visited twice, there are things on this list that I’ve missed. Thanks for giving me a reason to go back at some point!
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- Brittany Morazan
  April 29, 2019
  I am going for my second time this summer but this time I am taking my kids. We shall see how that goes. 😜
  -Brittany
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Roshni
April 28, 2019
The whale watching looks so amazing there! Are there dolphins too?
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- Brittany Morazan
  April 29, 2019
  There is! It is so cool because you can see the Dolphins interactive with the whales!
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Carrie Ann
April 29, 2019
Maui is just a gorgeous place! That’s a great tip to use the time difference to easily get up early for the sunset hike. I know once I get used to the time zone, I won’t want to get up at 3am on vacation!
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- Brittany Morazan
  April 29, 2019
  Exactly! 3 am is never a fun time to get up at but that first day when you acclimating it is MUCH easier! And really there is nothing like the Halekala Sunrise.
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Karletta
April 29, 2019
Thx for sharing your pics and suggestions … the whale watching looks great and the sunsets spectacular. Looks like a great place to visit
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- Brittany Morazan
  April 29, 2019
  It is truly a beautiful place! I can’t wait to go back in August.
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Kalyan Panja
April 29, 2019
Thanks for sharing this nice and exhaustive Maui travel guide. The photographs tempt me to be there right now.
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- Brittany Morazan
  April 29, 2019
  Do it!
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Crystal
January 23, 2020
What is the drive like going the opposite of the traditional direction on the road to Hana? Is it harder to get across the one lane sections?
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- Nicholle DeNiro
  January 24, 2020
  Hi Crystal! We drove this way in the morning when most people were starting their Hana Hwy on the opposite side so we hardly ran into any other cars. But there is just a few spots that don’t fit cars side by side and they have areas to pull over to allow the cars to pass. As you get closer to the Seven Sacred Pools area, it is a bit narrow but just drive slow around corners.
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