Top 20 Things to Do in Maui
Your Island Guide to the Valley Isle
Curated by Haus Travel
Top 20 Things to Do in Maui
Your Island Guide to the Valley Isle
Curated by Haus Travel
Welcome to Maui
Hey! So you're headed to Maui — you're going to love it. This island has the perfect mix of jaw-dropping scenery, incredible food, and enough adventure to keep you busy every single day (or you can do absolutely nothing on a gorgeous beach — no judgment). I put together my top 20 picks so you can start getting excited about what's waiting for you. Let's dive in.
01
Watch the Sunrise at Haleakala
There's a reason this is on every Maui list — it's genuinely one of the most breathtaking things you'll ever see. You'll drive up to 10,000 feet above sea level in the dark, and when the sun breaks over the crater, the sky explodes into every color you can imagine. Bring layers — it's cold up there. Reservations are required, so don't wait on this one.
Elevation
10,000 feet above sea level
Pro Tip
Bring layers — it's cold up there
Important
Reservations are required — book early
02
Drive the Road to Hana
This is the iconic Maui day trip. Over 600 curves, 50+ bridges, and some of the most lush, dramatic scenery on the planet. Waterfalls, bamboo forests, black sand beaches, hidden swimming holes — it's all along this road. Take your time, stop often, and don't try to rush it. This is an all-day adventure and one of the highlights of the trip.
600+
Curves along the route
50+
Bridges to cross
All Day
Plan for a full day adventure
03
Snorkel Molokini Crater
This crescent-shaped volcanic crater sitting just offshore is one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii. Crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish everywhere — you might even spot a reef shark. You can only get here by boat, so book a morning tour for the calmest water and best visibility.

Pro Tip: Book a morning tour for the calmest water and best visibility. You can only get here by boat.
04
Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is a protected marine preserve on the northwest coast, and it's absolutely stunning. The coral gardens are full of marine life, and sea turtles are practically guaranteed. Summer months are the best for calm, clear water. It's one of those spots that makes you forget you're still on planet Earth.
Protected Marine Preserve
Located on the northwest coast of Maui
Sea Turtles Practically Guaranteed
Coral gardens full of marine life
Best in Summer
Calm, clear water for optimal snorkeling
05
Attend a Traditional Lu'au
You can't come to Maui and skip a lu'au — it's a quintessential Hawaiian experience. Great food, incredible hula performances, fire knife dancers, and usually a beautiful beachfront setting at sunset. Te Au Moana at the Wailea Beach Marriott and the Feast at Lele are both excellent choices.
Great Food
Traditional Hawaiian feast
Hula Performances
Incredible cultural entertainment
Fire Knife Dancers
Thrilling traditional performance
Beachfront Setting
Beautiful sunset backdrop
06
Hike the Pipiwai Trail
This one is for the nature lovers. It's a 4-mile round-trip hike through lush rainforest and a towering bamboo grove that leads you to the base of 400-foot Waimoku Falls. It feels like you walked into a movie. You'll find this at the far end of the Road to Hana inside Haleakala National Park. Worth every step.
1
4-Mile Round Trip
Through lush rainforest
2
Bamboo Grove
Towering and magical
3
Waimoku Falls
400-foot waterfall at the end
07
Relax on Ka'anapali Beach
One of Maui's most iconic beaches — golden sand, crystal-clear water, and beachfront resorts lining the shore. Snorkel at Black Rock, watch the famous cliff diving and torch-lighting ceremony at sunset, or just plant yourself in a beach chair with a cold drink. This is the Maui beach day you've been picturing.
Snorkel at Black Rock
Vibrant marine life just offshore
Cliff Diving Ceremony
Famous torch-lighting at sunset
Beach Chair Bliss
Plant yourself with a cold drink
08
Take a Sunset Cruise
Getting out on the water at golden hour is one of those pinch me moments. Most cruises include open bar, appetizers or dinner, and incredible views of the coastline as the sun dips below the horizon. Some even include live hula performances. If you're there during whale season (December-March), you might spot humpbacks from the deck.

Whale Season Bonus: If your trip falls between December and March, you might spot humpback whales right from the deck of your cruise.
09
Explore Iao Valley State Monument
This lush, green valley in central Maui is home to the famous Iao Needle — a 1,200-foot rock formation that rises straight up from the valley floor. Short walking trails, beautiful scenery, and a fascinating piece of Hawaiian history. It's a quick visit but absolutely worth your time. Reservations required.
1,200
Feet Tall
The iconic Iao Needle rock formation
Quick
Visit Length
Short walking trails, big payoff
10
Go Whale Watching
Seasonal: Dec–Mar
If your trip falls between December and March, whale watching is a non-negotiable. Maui is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, and they come incredibly close to shore. A small-group boat tour gets you right out there with them. It's one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that actually lives up to the hype.
11
Visit Upcountry Maui
Take a break from the beach and head to higher elevation — Kula, Makawao, and Pukalani. You'll find lavender farms, botanical gardens, a craft vodka distillery (Ocean Vodka — the views alone are worth the stop), paniolo cowboy culture, and the cutest small-town vibes. Hit the Upcountry Farmers Market on Saturday morning if you can.
Lavender Farms
& Botanical Gardens
Ocean Vodka
Craft distillery with incredible views
Paniolo Culture
Hawaiian cowboy small-town vibes
Farmers Market
Saturday mornings — don't miss it
12
Zipline Through the Rainforest
If you've got an adventurous streak, ziplining through the Maui jungle is an absolute rush. Eight lines through the canopy, suspension bridges, and views that go on forever. It's a great way to see a completely different side of the island — and the adrenaline hit doesn't hurt either.
1
8 Ziplines
Through the jungle canopy
2
Suspension Bridges
High above the rainforest floor
3
Endless Views
A completely different side of Maui
13
Take a Surf Lesson
Maui is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. The breaks near Kihei are perfect for beginners — warm water, gentle waves, and instructors who make it fun for everyone. Even if you've never been on a board, you'll be standing up by the end of the lesson. Trust me, you'll want to go back for more.

Perfect for Beginners: The breaks near Kihei offer warm water and gentle waves. Even if you've never been on a board, you'll be standing up by the end of the lesson.
14
Visit Maui Ocean Center
This is Maui's aquarium, and it's way cooler than it sounds. Every species on display is native to Hawaii, which makes it feel really authentic. The shark tank walk-through tunnel is the highlight. They also offer behind-the-scenes tours where you can feed sea turtles and stingrays — super cool for families or anyone who loves marine life.
100% Native Species
Every species on display is native to Hawaii
Shark Tank Tunnel
Walk-through highlight of the aquarium
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Feed sea turtles and stingrays
15
Horseback Riding Through the Mountains
Riding horseback across Maui's mountains with ocean views in the background — it doesn't get much more scenic than that. Several ranches offer guided rides through upcountry terrain with waterfalls, valleys, and views for days. It's a unique way to experience the island that most visitors skip.
16
Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail
This easy 2.5-mile trail connects some of the most beautiful beaches on Maui's northwest coast. You'll pass Dragon's Teeth (a wild rock formation), a prayer labyrinth built by locals, and some seriously stunning ocean views. It's flat, it's gorgeous, and it's one of those walks where you just breathe and take it all in.
2.5 Miles
Easy, flat trail
Dragon's Teeth
Wild coastal rock formation
Prayer Labyrinth
Built by locals
17
Explore Napili Bay
This crescent-shaped cove is quieter than Ka'anapali and absolutely perfect for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles. The water is calm, the sand is soft, and the vibe is relaxed. It feels like your own little secret beach — even though it's not technically a secret. It's just that good.
18
Tour a Cacao Farm
This is one of those experiences people don't expect in Maui. The Ku'ia Estate in Lahaina offers guided tours where you walk through a working cacao farm, learn about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar, and taste fresh Hawaiian chocolate. It's unique, it's delicious, and it's one of the most reviewed activities on the island for a reason.
01
Walk the Farm
Through a working cacao plantation at Ku'ia Estate in Lahaina
02
Learn the Process
From bean to bar — the full chocolate-making story
03
Taste Fresh Hawaiian Chocolate
One of the most reviewed activities on the island
19
Swim Under a Waterfall at Twin Falls
One of the first stops on the Road to Hana, Twin Falls is a relatively easy hike to three beautiful waterfalls with natural swimming pools. It's a great warm-up for the rest of the drive, and the food trucks at the entrance serve incredible fresh smoothies and treats. Get here early to beat the crowds.

Insider Tip: Get here early to beat the crowds — and don't skip the food trucks at the entrance. Fresh smoothies and treats are the perfect pre-hike fuel.
20
Catch Sunset at the Nakalele Blowhole
On the rugged northwest coast, the Nakalele Blowhole sends ocean water shooting into the sky with every wave. It's raw, dramatic nature at its best. Time your visit for late afternoon and you'll get the blowhole show plus a jaw-dropping Maui sunset. The short hike down is a little rugged, so wear good shoes — but the payoff is incredible.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon for blowhole + sunset combo
What to Wear
Good shoes — the hike down is a little rugged
The Payoff
Raw, dramatic nature at its absolute best
Next Steps
So there you go — 20 of the best things Maui has to offer. Obviously you don't have to do all of these (though I wouldn't blame you if you tried). Let me know which ones jump out at you and I'll start weaving them into your itinerary.
Just shoot me a text or give me a call — I'm here whenever you're ready!
Curated with love by Haus Travel
Plan Local. Travel Far.