National Parks

From Beaches to Turtles to Volcanoes: Top 17 Things to Do on Maui

Sunrise at Haleakala National Park. credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Maui, part of the Hawaiian archipelago, is a dream destination for most travelers, even those with stamped-up passports. With its remote location, travelers will always crave its soft, fragrant air, its colorful sand beaches and its distinct culture. Hawaii appeals to a wide range of travelers as well, from families with tots to honeymooners to retirees looking for a game of beach-front golf. Maui offers many outdoor activities, from seeing volcanic Haleakala to hiking at the Ohe’O Gulch to sampling its selection of colored sand. Animal lovers will fall for the native green turtles and the humpback whales that migrate in the winter and early spring. Here are the top things to do in Maui. 

17 Top Things to Do on Maui

Visit Haleakalā  National Park

See a Sunrise or Sunset on the Summit 

Go Hiking at the Kīpahulu District

Drive the Road to Hana

See a Waterfall

Eat Roadside Banana Bread

Visit Waia’napanapa State Park

Hit one of Maui’s Best Beaches

See Kaanapali Beach Cliff Diver

Stop at Makena Beach State Park

See Windsurfers at Hookipa Beach Park

Visit the Maui Ocean Center

Hike in the Iao Valley State Park

Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail

See the Nakalele Blowhole

Take a Boat to Molokini Crater

Snorkel in Turtle Town

Haleakalā  National Park

As the top attraction on Maui, it offers 30,000 acres of land from the moon-like crater of Haleakalā to the tropical footpaths along the rugged coastline of south Maui. Haleakalā National Park offers lots of space and opportunities to explore this special and sacred land.

Summit District

The signature experience for most first-time visitors is traveling to the summit district, located 10,000 feet above sea level. The dormant crater is 7 miles across and was created from an eruption about 1 million years ago. It is a popular place to view the sunrise or enjoy the inky night sky.

Top Things to Do in the Summit District

Though planning is required for summiting, the weather along the coastline stays moderately temperate year-round, though it can snow on the top of Haleakalā. Visitors need to pack and wear layers no matter the time of the day.

Sunrise, Sunset and Stargazing on the Summit

For the special sunrise ritual, an NPS reservation is required. Reservations are released 60 days in advance, though some are held until two days before. The reservation is necessary to enter the park from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. and date specific. For more information, consult the NPS website.

Permits are not required for the sunset, though parking lots will close when their spaces are filled. Visitors should have a backup location in mind for sunset.

Stargazing is also a top activity in the Summit District.

Drivers need to remember the drive from the summit entrance to the actual summit can take at least 30 minutes. All visitors driving in the dark at Haleakalā should use caution and stay observe for wildlife.

Top National Parks for Volcanoes in U.S.
The scenic rode up to Haleakala. credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Top Hiking Trails

Pā Ka’oao Trail—A .4-mile trail with a 100-foot elevation change

Keonehe’ehe’e Trail—A .5-mile trail to the first overlook with a 50-foot overlook.

Visitors Centers at Haleakalā National Park

A must for any national park visit, the visitor center offers 24-room restrooms along with maps, Junior Ranger booklets and rangers for information. Haleakalā offers three visitor centers though only two are open at the time. 

Headquarters Visitor Center

Located about one mile from the summit district sign at Mile Marker 11 on Crater Road. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Haleakalā Visitor Center

Located about 10 miles from pass the Headquarters Visitor Center. It is closed while undergoing a project.

A view of the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Kīpahulu District

With the summit district is about the volcano, the Kīpahulu District is about the waterfalls and the lush foliage along the coast. Located along the Road to Hana on the southern tip of Maui, it offers three visitor centers:

Top Things to Do at the Kīpahulu District

  • Stop by the Visitor Center
  • Take a Hike

The Kīpahulu District Visitor Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It cultural and natural history exhibite and features 24-hour restrooms. It is located at Mile Marker 42 Hana Highway.

Hiking in the Kīpahulu District

A couple of hikes take hikers past one of the top sites in the Kīpahulu District.

Kūloa Point Trail—A .5-mile trail with an 80-foot elevation change that passes ‘Ohe’o Gulch, or the Seven Sacred Pools. It is fed by a small waterfall flowing down the gulch.

Pipiwai Trail—A 4-mile roundtrip trail with an 800-foot elevation change and it is one of Maui’s most popular hiking trails.

The top sites along the Pipiwai Trail are the Makahiku Overlook, a half-a-mile in and offers a glimpse of the Makahiku Waterfall. The bamboo forest is one mile in. The 400-foo Waimoku Falls is two miles in.

Plan for rain as this is the rainy side of the island and arrive earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

Details for Visiting Haleakala National Park

The main parking lot is located at the visitor center at Mile Marker 42, about 10 miles past the town of Hana on Highway 360. Plan for rain, as this is the rainy side of the island. The Haleakala National Park pass is used for both districts, and vehicles enter for $30 for three days. It is $15 for pedestrians.

Top Things to Do at Haleakala National Park

Road to Hana

For 52 miles, sightseers can take the scenic Highway 360, also known at the Road to Hana. With 600 curves, more than 50 bridges and 60 cascading waterfalls, it is one of the Top Things to do on Maui with Kids.

Drivers see the island’s lush eastern shore from their car windows and the scenic lookouts that are found along the route. The scenery is breathtaking though the trip will take most of the day with numerous places to stop along the slow driving.

Many Road to Hana drivers start at Paia Town for a clockwise trip. It offers a good selection of food along with gas. 

Top Sites along the Road to Hana

Twin Falls around the mile marker #2

Ho’okipa Lookout around mile marker #9 and known for its surfing.

Honomanu Bay around mile marker #14 

Halfway to Hana Stand around mile marker #17 for banana bread

Upper Waikani Falls around mile marker #19

Waianapanapa State Park around mile marker #32

Hana around mile marker #34

Haleakala National Park is around mile marker #45

Waia’napanapa State Park

In Hawaiian, its name means “glistening waters,” and its stand-out feature is its jet-black sand, which contrasts with the ocean’s bright blue waves and verdant jungle. Visitors come for that and the two freshwater caves at the 122-acre Waia’napanapa State Park.

A Hawaiian legend states these caves were the site of the grisly murder of Princess Popo’alaea, who, along with her attendant, were murdered by her cruel husband, Chief Ka’akea. This park features a temple, a heiau.

Waia’napanapa State Park features natural blow holes and sea stacks, too. Visitors will find a natural stone arch.

Located at the end of Waiʻanapanapa Road off Hana Highway at mile marker 32, 53 miles east of Kahului. Online reservations are required through the state’s website for entry and parking. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking fee is $10. Each visitor enters for $5 per person, children 3 and younger can enter for free.

Haleakala National Park reaches the Pacific along the Road to Hana. credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Maui’s Top Beaches 

With 30 beaches across the island, visiting a beach is one to the top things to do on Maui with kids.

Kaanapali Beach

Top-ranked and most popular strips of white sand in Hawaii, Kaanapali Beach stretches across three miles of the island’s northwest coast. Additionally, whale-watching and snorkeling excursions depart from this area. This is one of the best places to swim and splash.

Many hotels line this stretch of beach that includes two golf courses and the lively Whalers Village, an open-air shopping center. Excursions depart from this area as well. 

At sunset, beachgoers can see a daily cliff dive at Puu Kekaa (Black Rock), paying tribute to King Kahekili. He was Maui’s last independent king, who ruled in the 18th century.

Located about 3 miles north of the town of Lahaina on the western shore and can be reached by car via Route 30 (the Honoapiilani Highway). Free public parking around the beach is limited though Whalers Village offers 500 spots. 

D.T. Fleming Park 

A 3-acre park with a beach along with picnic tables and restrooms. This beach typically has a lifeguard. 

Located along Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina. Parking in the area. 

Kapalua Bay Beach

Along the Kapalua Coastal Trail, this crescent-shaped beach is in a protected cove known for its wildlife. No lifeguard on duty.

Located at 99 Coconut Grove Lane, Lahaina. Parking in the area.

Hanakaʻōʻō Park  

South of Kaanapali Beach, this four-acre park offers a beach along with picnic tables and restrooms. Water sports rentals are available. This beach typically has a lifeguard. 

Located at 2501 HI-30, Lahaina. 

Launiupoko Beach Park

This six-acre park features a shallower area for swimming. The beach features picnic tables and restrooms.

Located at HI-30 at Kai Hele Ku St., Lahaina. Parking in the area.

Napili Beach

This crescent-shaped Napili Beach is popular with families for swimming, paddle boarding and boogie boarding. Like most west Maui beaches, Napili Beach offers views of Molokai and Lanai.  

Many snorkel here to see the butterflyfish. Others catch the sea turtle population playing in the waves here. 

Located 53 Hui Dr., Lahaina, about 5 miles north of Kaanapali. Free to enter and limited parking. 

Update on Lahaina

As the community rebuilds, visitors are asked to use the Lahaina Bypass to connect to Ka’anapali Resorts and Kapalua. This bypass keeps the roads clear for construction traffic in Lahaina.

Best Beaches in the U.S.
 Maui beach.
See a sunset at a Maui beach. credit: Pixabay

Makena Beach State Park

At 165 acres, Makena is one of the largest, undeveloped beaches on Maui. It is actually three beaches, just south of Wailea. 

The Big Beach (Oneloa) is 1.5 miles long and 100 feet wide. There is a black sand beach (Oneuli) here as well. Visitors will find a cinder cone, too. 

Little Beach features 660 feet of sand and is backed by lush tropical vegetation. It features views of Molokini and Kahoolawe. 

Makena Beach State Park features large waves, making it a popular spot for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. Little Beach is more suitable for wading with calmer waters. 

Located at 4670 Makena Alanui, Kihei. Open  Big Beach and Black Sand Beach are open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Little Beach is Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Entrance costs $5 for nonresidents (in addition to the $10 parking fee, payable on-site). Visitors will find lifeguards, restrooms, a concession stand, picnic tables and trashcans. 

Wailea Beach

North of Makena Beach State Park, Wailea Beach is a crescent-shaped beach, close to Waldorf Astoria and the Four Seasons properties. Lined by palm trees, this beach features a paved walkway connecting the shoreline to hotels, shops and restaurants. 

Beachgoers will find water sports equipment rentals and an umbrella service. During the winter, whales can be spotted south along the western shore. This is one of the most popular beaches. 

For Parking, head south along Wailea Alanui Drive until you pass the Grand Wailea Resort, and turn right immediately after. Restrooms, showers and free public parking. Free to enter.

Kamaole Beach Parks

This is a series of three beaches with consistently calm waters and plentiful amenities. The first two beaches and better for swimming. 

Kamaole 3 is the smallest beach and features regular shore breaks for bodyboarding. The beaches offer restrooms, showers, lifeguards, parking, picnic tables, volleyball courts, an accessible sand chair and playgrounds. 

Kamaole Beach 1 is located at 75 Alanui Ke’ali’i, Kihei in the southwest portion of Maui. All the Parks are within walking distance of one another. 

Hookipa Beach Park

This beach is more of a scenic destination than an amateur water sports one. In winter, the waves at Hookipa Beach are so white and frothy that they look like an oil painting. If you are game to see some pro-am windsurfing, this is the spot.

If you don’t have an endorsement deal, you probably need to stay on the sand. There are active tidepools in sheltered spots if your visit is during low tide.

Locaated at 179 Hana Hwy, Paia. This area offers off-highway, restrooms, showers and lifeguards. Parking available.

Top Things to Do at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Maui Ocean Center tunnel
The tunnel through the open ocean exhibit. courtesy of the Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center

At  3 acres, this facility is the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It helps visitors learn about Hawaii’s underwater ecosystems with its 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit houses hundreds of fish, including sharks, all visible via a 35-foot tunnel.

Another top exhibit is the green sea turtles at the Turtle Lagoon. The 3D Humpbacks of Hawaii and Sphere Exhibit penetrate the deep ocean to give an up-close look at these animals.

Maui Ocean Center offers a cage-free shark dive in its Open Ocean exhibit with 20 sharks (SCUBA certification required).

Located at 192 Ma’alaea Rd., Wailuku. Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults are $44.95 and kids (3 to 12) are $34.95.

Iao Valley State Park

This 4,000-acre, 10-mile-long park sits in central Maui amongst a verdant landscape and striking rock features, like the Iao Needle that spikes 1,200 feet into the air. One of its more popular hiking trails is the paved 0.6-mile Iao Needle Lookout Trail. It is here where King Kamehameha I and his forces won against Maui’s tribal army during the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790.

Located in Western Maui, about 4 miles west of Kahului from Highway 32. Reservation for parking and enter are required for out-of-state visitors. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day-use fee is $5 per person (over 3). The parking is $10. 

Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail

This one way1.76-mile trail is popular, boasting a mostly paved and flat place to walk. It snakes along Maui’s northwestern coast. Entry points are found at Kapalua Bay, Namalu Bay, Oneloa Bay and Honokahua Bay, the latter containing D.T. Fleming Beach Park. Visitors will find restrooms and parking in the area. 

For the south termination point of the trail, the parking lot is close to the Sea House and Merriman’s Kapalua. Free to enter. 

See the Nakalele Blowhole

At the northern tip of Maui, hikers can see a geyser of misty ocean water as it blows up to 100 feet into the air. This phenomenon is caused by a vertical shaft from a sea cave below, and they blow much like a land geyser.

To see the Kalalele Blowhole, visitors must hike a moderate 1.2-mile trail to the ocean with a 300-foot elevation gain.

Look for the 38.5-mile marker off Highway 340 (Kahekili Highway), about 15 miles from Kaanapali. Free to enter.

Take a Boat to Molokini Crater

This crescent-shaped volcano crater is known as one of the top snorkeling and diving spots in the Hawaiian Islands. Partially submerged, Molokini Crater, boasts 250 varieties of tropical fish and 38 types of hard coral. Located in the Pacific, about 3 miles from Makena State Park in south Maui.

A boat cruise is required to reach the Molokini Crater. Several depart from the Maalaea Harbor, located about 18 miles east of Kaanapali.

Snorkel in Turtle Town

If an open water snorkel and dive is too much, then stay close to Maui’s south shore. In a protected location away from the trade winds, Turtle Town is an area of active marine life, including the green sea turtle as well as fish.

Off Maluaka Beach is the most consistent spot for seeing green sea turtles. In both shallow and deeper water, swimmers can see turtles in the area, especially closer to the rocks.

There are other snorkeling spots in Maui, like Kaanapali Beach, Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay. Or you can reserve a guided kayak or snorkel trip.

Maluaka Beach is located at 5400 Makena Alanui, Kihei, north of Makena Beach. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Author

  • Catherine Parker

    Catherine Parker has a passion for travel and seen all 50 U.S. States. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, there isn't a North American airport that she hasn't landed in at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with visiting architectural and cultural icons. She is based out of Central Texas dividing her time between writing and restoring a pair of 100-year-old houses. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband.

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Catherine Parker has a passion for travel and seen all 50 U.S. States. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, there isn't a North American airport that she hasn't landed in at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with visiting architectural and cultural icons. She is based out of Central Texas dividing her time between writing and restoring a pair of 100-year-old houses. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband.

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