Maui is an island of adventure. Trek through ancient forests, paddle out at near-perfect waves, snorkel with sea turtles and soak it all in on a sandy beach. With so much natural beauty to uncover, these are the best things to do on Maui, Hawaiian Islands.
Wondering how to get to Maui? Flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney often have a short stopover in Honolulu.
Maui is still recovering from the August 2023 wildfires which impacted many businesses, homes, historical and cultural sites in Lahaina. Check local official advice before visiting any of Maui’s sights, as restrictions may be in place.
Maui top 5 landmarks
Planning your itinerary to Maui? Add these five stops to your Maui bucket list, and thank us later.
Haleakalā National Park
This is Maui’s “House of the Sun”.
Wander among wildlife in Haleakalā National Park, home to a dormant volcano that towers 3,055 metres above sea level. The word Haleakalā means ‘House of the Sun’ in Hawaiian, and it’s believed that this is where the god Maui stood when he captured the sun. Pack your hiking shoes and trek along lava fields and fern-filled forests along the coastline. Many rare species of animals call this unique landscape home. If you want an experience that’ll stay with you long after you leave, come for sunrise and see every shade of orange appear above Haleakalā’s sprawling foothills.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
Sacred and serene, this geological wonder towers above the forest floor.
The ʻĪao Valley State Monument is home to the ʻĪao Needle, also called the Kukaʻemoku, which is a 370-metre pinnacle that was once used as an altar. The valley and surrounding lands of the ʻĪao Needle are considered sacred, offering a glimpse into Hawaii’s cultural heritage. An easy one-kilometre loop leads you to a vantage point of the ʻĪao Needle and through ethnobotanical gardens. Out-of-state visitors will need a reservation to visit ʻĪao Valley State Monument, and it’s wise to get them at least a day in advance.
Molokini Crater
Snorkel around an ancient volcanic crater.
Grab your snorkelling gear and take a boat trip to Molokini Crater, a site that’s as impressive geologically as it is biologically. The crater is the remnant of an eruption over 200,000 years ago. Today, it’s a haven for sea life. Snorkel and dive among corals, reef fish, sea turtles, rays and reef sharks. On the way to the crater, you might be lucky and spot a humpback whale migrating along Maui’s coastline from November to March (January and February are the best months). Many birds, like wedge-tailed shearwaters and Bulwer’s petrels, nest and mate on the crater’s exposed ridge.
Pe’ahi
Witness the power of the ocean at Maui’s biggest wave.
Watch gargantuan waves break off Maui’s north shore at Pe’ahi, also called Jaws. It’s one of the biggest and most impressive waves in the world. Surfers fly in from all over the world to take a crack at the yearly ‘Biggest Wave Award’. If the wave is breaking, head to the Pe’ahi lookout point atop Pe’ahi cliffs. The road to Pe’ahi cliffs requires a 4WD, and it’s best to go with a guide.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
This state park showcases the best of Maui’s diverse landscapes.
If you seek natural beauty, you’ll find it at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Spend a day lounging on its glittering black sand beach, exploring volcanic caves and lava tubes, hiking along coastal trails, admiring its stone arch, and getting misted by blowholes. While you can easily visit as part of a day trip, it’s worth setting up camp and spending a night under the stars.
Can’t-Miss Experiences on Maui
Wondering what to do during your time on this impressive island? These are the things you won’t want to miss.
Drive the Road to Hana
There’s a scenic view around every turn on Maui’s iconic road trip.
The 104-kilometre stretch of Maui’s northeastern coastline is among the most beautiful in the Hawaiian Islands. You’ll find roaring waterfalls, dense forests, lava tubes and tucked-away beaches along the way. And while it’s tempting to drive it yourself, it’s worth going on a guided tour. That way, you’ll be able to keep your eyes on the scenery instead of the winding road. Some worthwhile stops? Kaumahina Wayside Park, Puaa Kaa State Park and the Kaeleku Cave.
Visit a pineapple plantation
Pineapples thrive in Maui’s rich volcanic soil.
Did you know it takes over a year to grow a pineapple? Visit the Hali’imaile Pineapple Plantation and learn all about the prickly cultivation process, see the pineapple fields, and leave with your own pineapple. Some say Maui’s pineapples are the sweetest out of all the Hawaiian Islands, but that’s an accolade you’ll have to verify yourself.
The four main Hawaii islands are Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Maui is the second largest.
Visit during the shoulder months of March, April, May, October and November for a chance a good weather and fewer crowds.
Maui is the best island in Hawaii for whale watching. Come from November to March to see humpback whales migrate.
Go beach hopping
From sugar white beaches to stretches of glittering black sand, don’t miss Maui’s beaches.
Are you really in Hawaii if you don’t beach hop? Lounge on the spacious white sands of Makena Beach State Park, surf and snorkel off the shoes of Honolua Bay, wade in the calm waters of Kapalua Bay, or find a spot of sand to yourself on the volcanic shoreline of the Kamaole Beaches. Shop, dine, relax and watch cliff divers at Kāʻanapali Beach on Maui’s west shore.
Go snorkelling and scuba diving
Blow bubbles alongside Maui’s marine life.
Maui’s seascapes are just as impressive as its above-sea-level landscapes. Snorkel and scuba dive around lava tubes, walls and caves. You’ll find all types of sea life residing among the reef crags. Search for sea turtles, sharks and rays cruising around the corals. Take a closer look and you might spot anemones and their resident fish, crustaceans, nudibranchs, and more. There are tens of dive and snorkel sites worth exploring, so save space in your suitcase for your mask and snorkel.
Hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail
Follow the trail from one scenic bay to the next.
For a pleasant walk that’ll take you past secluded bays, lava fields and pretty beaches, walk along the 2.8-kilometre Kapalua Coastal Trail. Stop and go for a dip at Kapalua Bay, Namalu Bay, Oneloa Bay, or Honokahua Bay. This area has some of the best Maui accommodations, like the Ritz Carlton Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay, and the Mauian Hotel. Even if you’re not staying in the area, these Maui hotels are well worth visiting for lunch or dinner.
Maui costs
When you’re in Maui, expect to pay:
Maui accommodations: Budget hotels can cost around $150 AUD per night, while luxury hotels can start from $300 AUD.
Food: A meal at a local restaurant may cost around $30 AUD per person.
Drink: A local beer usually costs about $12 AUD.
Thinking of travelling to Maui? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
