With so many things to see and do in Maui, finding the best Maui Vacation activities can seem like a daunting task. But no worries- we’re here to help you narrow down your options.
We've selected our top six Maui activities and attractions so you can make the most of your Valley Isle vacation. These are what we feel are the top sights and activities Maui has to offer. If you’re looking for an even more comprehensive vacation fun checklist, be sure to visit our Maui Must See and Do page.
We must admit this list is purely subjective- they’re our personal top picks. That said, we feel pretty confident these are the top things to do and see on the island of Maui. If you feel we've left something off, we hope you'll tell us in the comment section below.
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Drive the Road to Hana
East Maui - Hana Highway
The 50+ mile journey that takes you along the winding northeast coastline of Maui is a highlight that's not to be missed. And don't turn around in Hana because some of the best sights are still ahead of you. Make sure you visit the `Ohe`o Gulch beyond Hana town, as well. You'll see incredible waterfalls, stunning coastal views, beautiful gardens, and will have a selection of hikes that are more than worth your time. View more information about the Road to Hana.
And while we have many years of experience driving the Hana Highway, we fully recognize it may not be the best option for a lot of people. That said, we must caution you that not all Road to Hana Tour companies are created equally. That’s why we are proud to recommend our friends at Valley Isle Excursions. They offer the best Road to Hana Tour… and beyond! Their local professional guides possess a wealth of Hawaiian knowledge, their commitment to excellent service is unmatched in the industry, and their luxury custom cruisers will have you riding in style and comfort. Plus, they are the first Hawaii-based tour company to complete the Hawaii Green Business Program. We love them and so will you!
Visit the Summit of Haleakala
Upcountry Maui
Whether you come up to view the sunrise or not, make sure the drive to the summit of Haleakala is in your plans. The 10,023ft volcano is a good way to get an up close view of the world's largest dormant volcano. Learn more about Haleakala National Park.
Visit Historic Iao Valley
Central Maui
The valley is famous for the 1,200ft Iao Needle within it, but it's the history of the valley that will fascinate you the most. You can visit the valley in about an hour, so it's a quick visit that's definitely worth a stop. Learn more about the Iao Valley and Needle.
Hike the Waihee Ridge Trail
West Maui
This remarkable trail will give you a taste of the much older West Maui mountains. While the view is often dependent on the weather, when it's clear - wow! Even on a cloudy day this hike is a lot of fun; that's if you can make it up the first incline - even we'll admit that part is a doozy. Learn more about Waihee Ridge Trail.
Take a Humpback Whale Tour
If you're fortunate enough to visit during the winter months (December - March) then definitely add a whale watching tour to your to-do list. These majestic creatures call the warm Maui waters home during the winter and will put on quite a show for visitors. This is one of the highlights of visiting Maui at this time of year. If you can't or don't want to take a boat tour, then you can watch them from the shore at beaches like Ka`anapali in southwest Maui.
If you're fortunate enough to visit during the winter months (December - March) then definitely add a whale watching tour to your vacation must-do list. These majestic creatures call the warm Maui waters home during the winter and will put on quite a show for visitors. This is one of the highlights of visiting Maui at this time of year. You can watch them from the shore at beaches like Ka`anapali in southwest Maui; however, the best vantage point is on a Maui Whale Watching Tour.
Make sure to entrust your trip to only the best tour operators. Whether you are looking for an exclusive Private Whale Watching Charter on the one and only Leilani, a fun-filled adventure on Pride of Maui, or an epic Whale Watch Kayak Tour with Maui Kayak Adventures or Hawaiian Paddle Sports, you can’t miss these amazing creatures.
Snorkel at Molokini
South Maui (offshore)
Maui has a fantastic assortment of snorkeling spots around the island, some of the best locations being in south Maui. You can also consider taking a snorkeling tour out to Molokini Crater for the day. Either way, be sure to slip on your flippers, grab your mask, and dive in. There's a whole other world awaiting you beneath the ocean waves.
