Things to do in Maui

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Maui Island
Hawaii
Kaanapali Beach showing swimming, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Hawaii

Maui Attractions

When island time sounds like the perfect pace for your next getaway, grab your flip-flops and hop on a plane to Maui. This Hawaiian island marries urban adventure with scenic outdoor beauty, making it the ideal destination for just about any type of traveler. Whether you want to trek through a bamboo forest or take a spearfishing tour on the water, you can find things to do in Maui that speak to your personal brand of the aloha spirit.


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Maui must see attractions

1. Kaanapali Beach

Hawaiian kings once favored Kaanapali Beach, and now the whole world is in love with it. Kaanapali was the first planned resort in Hawaii and, because of its success, its formula has been copied around the world. Kaanapali has many comforts, and just over a decade ago it was voted “America’s Best Beach.” Come here to laze on the palm-fringed sand and bathe in the warm Pacific waters.
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Kaanapali Beach which includes swimming, a hotel and a sandy beach

2. Wailea Beach

The luxury Wailea resort community occupies 1,500 acres (607 hectares) of land. The area is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Wailea Beach is a wide stretch of sand, perfect for an afternoon of sunbathing or building sandcastles. It’s surrounded by four smaller beaches and has a broad range of shops. Rent a kayak or snorkeling gear, or book a guided scuba dive to see the green turtles up-close. This popular, family-friendly beach has many facilities.
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Wailea Beach showing tropical scenes, swimming and a sandy beach

3. Napili Bay

The small crescent of golden sand that makes up Napili Beach is very popular with tourists, especially honeymooners and holidaying couples. Throughout the year, sunbathers and swimmers come to enjoy the turquoise waters in the bay or read a book under the waving palm trees. During the calmer summer months, conditions are perfect for snorkeling, with a chance to see Hawaiian green turtles. Come winter, the surfers arrive to ride the increasing waves.
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This vacation accommodation hotspot has everything you need. Its protected waters attract swimmers and snorkelers in summer, and surfers and body boarders in winter.

4. Haleakala National Park

At Haleakalā National Park, you can step inside volcanic craters, walk through rain forest and swim in freshwater pools.
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Haleakala Crater featuring tranquil scenes and hiking or walking

5. Kapalua Beach

Kapalua roughly translates into “arms embracing the sea,” and this perfectly describes the pretty, crescent-shaped beach that’s flanked by two rocky outcrops. As a result of this natural barrier, the water in this area is very sheltered and calm, making Kapalua Beach ideal for a gentle swim or snorkel. It’s one of the few northern beaches where children can safely splash around in the shallows.
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Kapalua Beach featuring tropical scenes

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What to do in Maui

Free Things to Do in Maui

Vacationing in Maui on a budget? The following can be experienced for nada.

Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center - Satiate your arts and culture cravings here and observe local talent at work.

Waikane Falls - There's something soothing about being around water, so stay a while here.

Hali imaile Farmer's Market - Strike up a conversation with a few locals and learn why many tourists swing by this place.

Holy Ghost Mission - Spend a moment in prayer or meditation at this peaceful holy site.

Makaluapuna Point - Contemplate the stark difference between the city and nature's wild beauty at this scenic spot.

Maunalei Arboretum - Find your green thumb and marvel at the diverse range of plants on show.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Maui

While Maui is universally stunning, it is also divided into several distinct areas. Some cities on the island are tucked away, while others are bustling and right in the thick of the culture and action. No matter the nature of your trip, you can find a part of Maui where you feel right at home.

Central Maui — If you fly into Kahului Airport, the largest airport on the island, you will begin your vacation in Central Maui. There are plenty of attractions and activities here, from the Kanaha Beach County Park to the small shops in Waikulu.Upcountry Maui — Travelers seeking an off the beaten path experience will appreciate a trip to the upcountry part of Maui. In the rolling hills and stunning mountains of this region, activities include tours of local farms and slow wanders through botanical gardens.West Maui — Staying on the west side of the island used to be reserved for royalty and other well-to-do travelers. Today, anyone can enjoy the impressive resorts. Some of the best water activities in Maui are also found here—take advantage by snorkeling out beyond the shores of Kapalua Beach.East Maui — The most popular spot in east Maui is Hana, for which the 52-mile Hana Highway is named. Expect lush forestry and national parkland on this side of the island.

Things to See in Maui

While Maui activities may seem to be calling your name, there are some things worth seeing on the island that are a bit less adventurous than diving beneath the sea or hiking a rainforest. For instance, the museums and art galleries in Maui offer intriguing exhibits. Learn something new as you walk through sites like Hana Coast Gallery or Whalers Village Museum. Take in a ‘Ulalena show that only Hawaii could put on at the Maui Theater or a classic magic show at Warren and Annabelle’s.

Sightseeing in Maui

The best things to do in Maui are difficult to nail down, simply because there are so many activities to choose from. Snorkel, scuba dive, or learn to windsurf while you’re feeling the Hawaiian spirit. Maui excursions include hikes in Hana that lead to rushing waterfalls and Kihei paddle boat adventures that might just put you face to face with a sea turtle. Maui tours may also put you atop a volcano or speeding along a zipline as you make your way from one side of the island to the other.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Maui

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Maui

Maluaka Beach featuring landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

Wailea

Indulge in Hawai’i’s high life with a stay in this beautiful coastal area known for its luxury accommodation and secluded beaches.

Wailea
Keawakapu Beach showing a sandy beach, landscape views and tropical scenes

South Kihei

While visiting South Kihei, you might make a stop by sights like Kamaole Beach Park 2 and Kamaole Beach Park 3.

South Kihei
Special beach finds!

Central Kihei

If you're spending some time in Central Kihei, Kihei Regional Park and Kihei Town Center Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Central Kihei
Maluaka Beach showing landscape views

Makena

A noteworthy feature of Makena is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Makena State Park Beach and Little Beach.

Makena
Kihei featuring fashion, shopping and signage

North Kihei

If you're spending some time in North Kihei, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Headquarters and Kalepolepo Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

North Kihei
Maalaea

Ukumehame Ahupuaa

While visiting Ukumehame Ahupuaa, you might make a stop by sights like Maalaea Bay Beaches and Papalaua Beach Park.

Ukumehame Ahupuaa

 

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Popular day trips from Maui

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Maui on a sunny day?
What to do in Maui on a rainy day?
If it's raining during your stay, ditch the umbrella and try out a couple of these entertaining indoor activities:


What is Maui famous for?
Decisions, decisions — you'll have many to make in Maui, like which of these noteworthy attractions to head to first:

  • Kaanapali Beach
  • Haleakala National Park
  • Waianapanapa State Park

What should I not miss in Maui?
Put these sights toward the top of your to-do list to get the most out of your trip:

  • Wailea Beach
  • Maui Ocean Center
  • Kapalua Golf Club Plantation Course
  • Maui Arts and Cultural Center

Are there cheap things to do in Maui?
What can you do in Maui for free?
You could put your wallet in the hotel safe for the day, because these fabulous attractions won't cost you a cent:

  • Kaanapali Beach
  • Waianapanapa State Park
  • Wailea Beach
  • Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

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