Top Things to Do in Maui
Maui is a diverse travel destination. Sun-drenched beaches, historic plantation towns, volcanic landscapes, sub-tropical rain forests combined with fantastic dining, eclectic shops, world-class attractions and activities for all ages. An unforgettable experience awaits in Maui as you explore all there is to do on our island.
Watch the Sunrise at Haleakala
| In Hawaiian mythology, it was from the summit of the towering Haleakala volcano that the great demigod Maui famously snared the sun. According to legend, the sun would race across the sky so quickly that there wasn't enough time for people to plant crops. Enraged by the sun's actions, Maui journeyed to the 10,000 ft. peak and snared the sun in his massive fishnet. The only way Maui would release the sun, as if it agreed to slow its pace across the sky and provide ample warmth for his people below. In the Hawaiian language, Haleakala is translated as 'House of the Sun', and given the legend, it only makes sense that the mountain is named after the sun it so famously holds. Today, viewing the sunrise from Haleakala is one of the most iconic activities on the island of Maui, although there are definitely some tricks for making the experience more enjoyable. To maximize the magic of the sun cresting the horizon, here are some tips for viewing the sunrise at Haleakala Crater. Due to the time change, most visitors who travel to Maui are naturally waking up early during the first few days of their vacation. If you're waking up at 4am naturally, you might as well jump in the car and make the long, winding journey to the summit. Remember to pack warm clothing - Even though this is Maui, the temperature up at 10,000 feet can often dip below freezing, and since you'll be standing outside for at least 30 minutes you want to ensure that you're warm. Long pants, gloves, beanies, and windbreakers should all be part of your packing list, or if you forgot the warm clothes are home, a great souvenir is a sweatshirt from Maui. Check the exact time of the sunrise - Sunrise times vary greatly over the course of the year, so be sure to check with the National Park or your hotel concierge about the exact time of the sunrise during your visit. On January 1, the sun doesn't rise until 6:56 am, whereas the sun will rise on June 15 at 5:18 am. Once you determine the time of the sunrise, plan to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure you find a parking spot and find a good vantage point. From the Kaanapali area, count on a drive time of 2.5 hours. Pack some snacks - There aren't any restaurants at the top of Haleakala, and it's an hour drive back down the mountain until you'll find anywhere serving food. For those who need their morning caffeine, there is often a coffee stand that opens at 3:30 am just past the entrance to the Kula Lodge. Consider riding a bike - For those who want to add some excitement to their sunrise journey up the mountain, there are numerous companies who offer bike rides down the volcano where you are driven to the top and then cost down on two wheels. Since park regulations have recently changed, you will be driven to the summit to watch the sunrise and then driven back down to the 6,500 ft level where you will begin the bike ride outside of the National Park. Don't schedule a luau for the same evening - While it logistically might seem like a good idea to plan something for the same afternoon, oftentimes you'll be completely exhausted by the time that evening rolls around. Given the excitement of seeing a luau in Maui, you want to make sure you have energy for the experience instead of being groggy from waking up at 3 am. Don't drive straight back to your hotel - The area of Maui known as 'upcountry' is one of the best-kept secrets of anywhere on the island, and too many visitors pass it by while on a one-way beeline back down the mountain. A better plan is to spend the morning exploring the areas of Kula and Makawao and then drive Baldwin Avenue down to Paia to grab some lunch within steps of the beach. Watch the sunrise from a lower outlook - Finally, while it only seems natural to watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain, there are two overlooks on the way up the peak, which offer nearly the same view, but without the crowds. These also make great alternatives for watching the sunrise if you're running late and can't make it all the way to the top. Of the two lookouts 's, Leleiwi Overlook is the lowest point that gazes into the crater from 8,800 feet. A bit further up, Kalahaku Overlook is at 9,324 feet and offers a view stretching east towards the fiery horizon. |
Whale Watching w/ Pacific Whale Foundation
| Marvel at majestic humpback whales frequenting Hawaiis warm waters from November through April. Our certified Marine Naturalists provide the most innovative and educational whalewatch ecotours in Hawaii, drawing from nearly four decades of whale research and ocean conservation. We are proud to be Maui’s top-rated whalewatch offering the most options from both Maʻalaea and Lahaina Harbors. | |
| Location: | Lahaina & Maalea |
| Phone: | (808) 249-8811 |
Beaches - Top 15 Beaches in Maui
| Relax on one of more than 80 beaches fringing the islands coastline. Maui has over 30 miles of beaches, offering a handful of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The best beaches to visit on Maui depend on what kind of vacation you’re planning. Eliminate the mystery of figuring out where the best beaches on Maui are. Relax, and feel confident trusting in our experienced perspective. Plan a beautiful holiday full of all the best things to do on Maui! |
Maui Golf
| You`ll want to frame your scorecard, no matter what you shoot. Golf on Maui is that memorable. Choose from 14 courses (several of which are ranked at or near the top of the "world`s best" lists) designed by noted course architects and golfing luminaries such as Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. The PGA TOUR`s Tournament of Champions is held here each year, so you may even see a pro in the clubhouse. You`ll see why it`s difficult to imagine a more dramatic setting for these 18-hole masterpieces, with fairways abutting ancient lava flows, tees surrounded by palm groves, and greens arched by rainbows formed in the ocean mist. From Kapalua to Kaanapali to Wailea, the views are intoxicating. But stay focused on your game. You`ll want to show off that Maui scorecard when you return home. |
Visit Paia
| Paia, Maui reflects its heritage as a unique Hawaiian plantation village that originated in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The first mill was constructed in the 1870's as the sugar industry took hold on Maui. Paia Town was established later in 1896 with the founding of a company store for plantation workers. In recent decades, Paia has become a laid back town with local businesses and a coexistence between longtime residents and those attracted by the area's world windsurfing. The unique blend of shops, boutiques, and restaurants that make up has become a destination in its own right, nestled along some of Maui's best beaches and still surrounded by sugar cane. | |
| Location: | Paia, Maui |
Snorkel Cruise
| From swimming in sight of dolphins to exploring Maui’s most vibrant coral reefs and volcanic craters, there are many different snorkel tours to choose from. |
Surfing Goat Dairy Farm
| Aloha and welcome to Surfing Goat Dairy. Our Dairy Farm is located on the beautiful slopes of Maui's Haleakala Crater in lower Kula and has been producing award winning 'Maui Gourmet Goat Cheeses' for over 9 years. Come and take a tour of one of the Islands top Ag-Tourism venues and learn more about our goats and cheeses and what we have to offer. We hope you enjoy your visit to Surfing Goat Dairy and as they say in Hawaii... 'Da Feta Mo Betta!' | |
| Location: | 3651 Omaopio Rd, Kula |
| Phone: | 808-878-2870 |
Takamiya Market
| Savor local kine grinds (local food) at Takamiya Market in Wailuku. Tucked away in sleepy Happy Valley, an old-time neighborhood in Wailuku, Takamiya Market lies hidden in the shade of a few gently swaying palm trees. However, don't just pass it by your taste buds will thank you later. This small, family-owned grocery store has been selling yummy local grub to Maui residents for over 60 years, and the result is a long history of many very happy opus (pronounced OH-poo, the word `opu` means `tummy` in Hawaiian). | |
| Location: | 359 N Market St, Wailuku |
| Phone: | 808-244-3404 |
Maui Wine at Ulupalakua Vineyards
| Sample pineapple wine at Tedeschi Winery on Ulupalakua Ranch. A visit to our vineyard is not only a memorable adventure for the wine enthusiast, but a chance to experience the beauty of the island in an unparalleled way. Stroll between the rows of grapes and run your fingers through the rich volcanic soils that sustain our vines and give each of our varietals their distinctive character. In our 23-acre vineyard, you get away from it all and escape to a little slice of island paradise that is made available to few. At sunset, this experience offers an unbelievable perspective of the island that can't quite be put into words. Join us outside, in the center of one of the most unique vineyards in the world. Experience a tasting of our estate wines that is designed to be as exclusive as the ground you stand on where the flavors and aromas of our unique wines blend with the fresh mountain air and the warm glow of the majestic Maui sun disappearing behind the horizon. | |
| Location: | 14815 Piilani Hwy, Kula |
| Phone: | 808-878-6058 |
Makawao Town
| Get in touch with your inner paniolo (cowboy) in Makawao Town. Located on the mid-slopes of Maui's Haleakala volcano, Makawao has one foot in its plantation past and another in its thriving arts community. This charming town was once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States. Makawao is the biggest little town in the region locally known as Upcountry Maui and is famous for its Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo. Since the late 19th century, horseback-riding paniolo have wrangled cattle in Maui's wide-open upland fields. The Makawao Rodeo, held yearly on the Fourth of July, is Hawaii`s largest paniolo competition and has been an Upcountry tradition for more than 50 years. The weekend events include a parade and traditional rodeo competitions such as barrel racing, calf roping and bareback bronco riding, all with a few Hawaiian twists. | |
| Location: | Makawao, Maui |
Agriculture and Dining tour
| Taste Maui's edible treasures on an agriculture and dining tour |
Maui Swap Meet
| Grab island souvenirs and snacks at the Maui Swap Meet on Saturdays in Kahului. A Saturday-morning market with over 200 vendors selling food, crafts & more. Small admission fee. | |
| Location: | 310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului |
| Phone: | 808-244-3100 |
Windsurfing
| Gawk at topsy-turvy windsurfers from Hookipa Beach |
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
| Located next to Hawaii`s largest working sugar factory in the historic plantation town of Puunene, Maui, the award-winning Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is a marvelous repository of information and exhibits about one of the most significant and influential periods in Maui`s history. Dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of Maui`s sugar industry, the 1,800-square-foot Museum not only charts the establishment and growth of the industry, but looks at sugar`s influence on the development of Maui`s water resources and rich multi-ethnic make-up, and features intriguing displays on the inner workings of a sugar mill. We invite you to come and visit! | |
| Location: | 3957 Hansen Rd, Puunene |
| Phone: | 808-871-8058 |