A shortlist of my all-time favourite things to do on Maui.
These must-do experiences are waiting for you on Maui, shining star of the Hawaiian Islands.
01. Watch sunrise atop Haleakala volcano
02. Snorkel the marine sanctuary of Molokini
03. Meander Lahaina’s lively Front Street
04. Take a barefoot Kaanapali Beach stroll
05. Drive the coastal Road to Hana
06. Travel Dec-Apr for whale watching
07. Treat yourself to a lavish spa treatment
08. Explore Upcountry Maui gardens and farms
09. Visit a working pineapple plantation
10. Catch the ferry to the island of Lanai
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Maui Tours
01. Watch sunrise atop Haleakala volcano
Haleakala, Maui Must Dos | @clairee78
Haleakala means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian. Flock to the top of this dormant volcano, the islands highest peak, to watch an unforgettable sunrise (sunrise viewing reservations are required) or sunset. Tours will pick-up early in the morning (3:00am-ish) and it’s extremely cold up top!
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Haleakala National Park; Haleakala Crater
02. Snorkel the marine sanctuary of Molokini
Molokini Crater, Maui Must Dos | @pamiemala
The water clarity, flourishing coral reef and myriad of marine life make Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped islet off Maui’s south coast, a prime snorkel and dive site.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Molokini Crater
03. Meander Lahaina’s lively Front Street
Lahaina, Maui Must Dos | @subgogo
Delight in the historic charm of Lahaina town with its buzzing main street and iconic banyan tree, local art galleries, unique boutiques, a outlet center and oceanfront dining.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Lahaina
04. Take a barefoot Kaanapali Beach stroll
Kaanapali Beach, Maui Must Dos | @aashleeo
Kaanapali Beach beckons a barefoot walk past resorts, Whalers Village beachside mall, bars, restaurants and oceanactivities. Head to “Black Rock” at sunset for a special cliff-diving ceremony every evening.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Kanaapali
05. Drive the coastal Road to Hana
Road to Hana, Maui Must Dos | @hilt_gifford
Take a cliff-side 64 mi (104 km) journey along one of the worlds most scenic roads through tropical rainforests, waterfalls and gorgeous beaches. Only drive this road if you are confident with navigating 600 hairpin bends and one-lane bridges, otherwise book a tour and relax.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Road to Hana
06. Travel Dec-Apr for whale watching
Whales, Maui Must Dos | @kathy.harrod
From December to April you can watch the splendor of humpback whales frolicking in the protected waters of the Auau Channel off Maui’s west coast. They can be viewed from the beach in some locations or book a whale watching tour.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Dolphin & Whale Watching
07. Treat yourself to a lavish spa treatment
Grand Wailea Spa Grande | @grandwailea
Maui has no shortage of luxury spas making it the ideal island to indulge in a lomilomi, one of the most profound forms of Native Hawaiian massage.
- Hoomana Spa Maui, Makawao
- Spa Grande at Grand Wailea, Wailea
- Wailea Massage and Body Care, Kihei
- Zensations Spa Maui, Lahaina
08. Explore Upcountry Maui gardens and farms
Alii Kula Lavender Farm, Maui Must Dos | @iamphysiqhal
Upcountry Maui, on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano, offers a full day of fun and exploration through lovely a countryside featuring gardens, farms and ranches. Hire a car or take a tour through Paia, Makawao, Kula and Ulapalakua.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Paia, Makawao, Alii Kula Lavender Farm
09. Visit a working pineapple plantation
Maui Pineapple Tour, Maui Must Dos | @hawaiiadmirer
Get your sweet-fix in harvesting pineapple fields, touring the packing facility and tasting different stages of the pineapple on a popular Maui Pineapple Tour.
10. Catch the ferry to the island of Lanai
Expeditions Lanai Passenger Ferry, Maui Must Dos | @heybeerman
Hawaii’s only ferry service links Maui (Lahaina Harbor) to Lanai (Manele Harbor), making the island of Lanai a popular option for day excursions. There are also many tour operators that will take you there!
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Lanai Island Tours