*This post was updated in November 2024.

I could give you a list of 1000 things you absolutely don’t want to miss on Maui (and believe me I have on this blog), but I’m going to keep it a bit more streamlined here. You can go to ANY Hawaiian island and find beautiful beaches and fun adventures like snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, horseback riding, tennis, golf, zipline, etc. You get the drill.

There are a lot of things that while 100% amazing, you’ll find some version of it on every island.

So this post is all about things that you can ONLY do on Maui. This is what makes the island unique and hopefully it’ll help you put together an itinerary whether you’re coming for three days or three weeks (or if you’re just starting your vacation research and trying to decide which island is perfect for you).

This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make HulaLand possible.

Things to Do on Maui

1. Drive the Road to Hana

Maui’s most epic adventure is driving the famed “Road to Hana.” Hana is a tiny town in the Eastern jungles of Maui, but it’s not about Hana itself, it’s about the journey to get there.

Tales of the harrowing drive along narrow and windy roads along cliffs, through jungles, and past waterfalls have only built up the folklore surrounding Hawaii’s most popular drive.

And taking part is practically a right of passage when visiting Maui. Set out early, stopping to grab breakfast in Paia town and see all the sights along the way.

Your journey past rainbow eucalyptus trees, bamboo forests, black and red sand beaches, 400 foot waterfalls, and Hana town itself will give you a taste of the real Hawaii. Old Hawaii.

Of all the things to do in Maui, you really shouldn’t miss this one.

Read >> My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary & Tips <<

2. Waianapanapa State Park

Maui’s dramatic black sand beach is STUNNING and it’s easily the #1 don’t miss stop along the Road to Hana. But it’s more than just a beach, this state park has hiking trails, a blowhole, a sea cave, and plenty of dreamy coastal views.

But you HAVE to make reservations or you WILL be turned away at the gate. You can make reservations 30 in advance (and no later than the day before) here. Parking is $10/vehicle and there’s a $5/person entry fee that all has to be registered and paid for when you make your reservation.

3. Pipiwai Trail

The Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park is one of my favorite hikes in Hawaii.

Dramatic bamboo forest + 400-ft tall waterfall = must do.

The four mile round trip hike takes about 2 hours, and even if you’re not an avid hiker, it’s 100% worth the effort. It’s not a particularly difficult trail (it’s super well maintained), but it’s usually pretty humid so it can feel challenging.

This is a separate entrance from the summit of Haleakala National Park (where people go for sunrise and sunset), but if you pay the entrance fee ($30/vehicle), your receipt is good at BOTH locations for three days.

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4. Haleakala National Park

There aren’t many places in the world where you can stand on top of a 10,000 ft tall volcano in the middle of the ocean and watch the sun begin to awaken.

It’s become a pilgrimage of sorts, with bleary eyed tourists waking up in the middle of the night and donning coats and hats to make the long and windy drive up the mountain to Haleakala’s summit where they stake out spots and wait for a glimpse of those first sights of peachy orange hues peaking through the cloud canopy.

It’s been called magical and that’s all you can really say about it. You’re unlikely to experience this kind of phenomenon anywhere else in the world.

If you’re making the trek up to Haleakala for sunrise (entering the park between 3AM and 7AM), you’ll need a reservation through the National Park service. You can make reservations 60 days in advance and they cost $1 (plus the $30 park admission/vehicle upon arrival).

Read >> Haleakala National Park Sunrise Guide <<

5. Snorkel Molokini Crater

Located three miles off Maui’s southern shore, Molokini Crater has long been Maui’s (and possibly Hawaii’s) most popular snorkeling and diving destination and it’s easy to see why.

The partially submerged volcanic crater with its famous crescent shape is not only home to an extensive coral reef with 250+ species of tropical fish, but it also has an incredible quality of water that boasts up to 150 feet of visibility.

There are some amazing snorkeling spots on Maui that can be accessed by beach or even by boat, but Molokini is completely unique. Because the crater is volcanic rock and it’s miles off shore, there’s not a trace of sand or soil in the water. This is what gives the incredible clarity that’s unprecedented in Hawaii.

Sounds pretty great, right? So what’s the downside? The downside is the number of boats that take snorkelers out to the crater that can make it CROWDED, and many tour providers operate under conditions that can make the experience less than ideal. Not that it’s ever bad, but when you’re paying a premium, you want the best experience possible.

Showing up to Molokini mid morning with a dozen other boats (some with as many as 150 people!) after an hour boat ride just isn’t magical. But don’t worry-I’ve got the scoop on how to see Molokini the best way. Uncrowded.

My favorite way to snorkel Molokini is with Kai Kanani on their Sunrise Deluxe Snorkel.

Read >> Snorkeling at Molokini Crater <<

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

6. Whale Watching

Humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii each year to mate, give birth, and raise their young. While the whales can be seen in season around all of the Hawaiian Islands, if this is a bucket list experience for you, you’re going to want to visit Maui in February. It’s PEAK whale season and they are EVERYWHERE.

There are a TON of companies that take visitors (and locals alike!) out on boats to get a closer look at the whales. Humpback whales are protected in Hawaii so all boats are required to stay 100 yards away from whales (unless the whale approaches the boat), but (despite extremely rare circumstances) that’s MUCH closer than you’ll be if you’re viewing them from the beach.

Personally, my favorite way to go whale watching is on a catamaran. It’s a sizable enough boat that it feels very stable and “safe” while offering all of the creature comforts (bathroom, galley, snacks and drinks, etc.) yet there are not so many people onboard that it feels crowded.

There are a lot of great commercial companies offering whale excursions, but I personally feel like there’s one stand out choice on Maui: PacWhale Eco-Adventures. PacWhale’s ocean ecotours include snorkel trips, sunset cruises, and of course, WHALE WATCHING. The best part is all of the profits of their tours go straight to the Pacific Whale Foundation. And each cruise has a certified Marine Naturalist so you’re sure to get an education along with your entertainment. My favorite cruise is the Whale Watch Sail that departs from Ma’alaea in the morning.

Read >> Whale Watching on Maui <<

7. Dinner at Mama’s Fish House

Tell 100 people who’ve been to Maui before that you’re going to Maui and 95 of them will ask “are you going to Mama’s?”

It’s not a “hidden gem” or an out of the way place that nobody knows about. But it’s the best.

I like to think of this places as “Gilligan’s Island meets fine dining.” The inside of the restaurant is layered and welcoming while still being impressive. Like maybe you’re eating in someone’s home or family restaurant.

One of my favorite parts is that the menu is printed fresh everyday so they can list not only which fish they’re using in each dish, but where on the island it was caught and the name of the fisherman. I’ve never seen anything like that anywhere else.

My Usual Order: I must confess, I get the exact same thing EVERY time I’m at Mama’s. I mean, when I’m paying this much for a meal and I find something outstanding, I just don’t like to mix it up.

Drink: Guava Fizz

Appetizer: Crispy shrimp wontons.

Entree: Mac nut crusted mahi mahi (stuffed with lobster and crab)

Dessert: The Pearl (Honestly, I’m usually too stuffed for dessert but this is their signature)

It’s not cheap, but it never disappoints. And it really is an EXPERIENCE.

Since it’s such a hot spot, you NEED a reservation. They take reservations about 18 months in advance, and honestly they’re usually pretty booked up for dinner at the six month mark. So reserve early! But it’s a lot easier to get a lunch reservation closer to your travel dates.

Read >> My Favorite Maui Special Occasion Restaurants <<

8. Spend Time Upcountry

The slopes of Haleakala are home to an area called the “upcountry.” It’s by far the largest area of Maui, it’s a predominantly local area, and if you couldn’t look out and see the ocean you’d probably think you were in the Texas Hill Country or Colorado high meadows instead of Hawaii.

The lava rock has created super fertile soil and that combined with the moderate climate make for spectacular agricultural conditions.

You’ll find every type of farm tour you can think of here plus some of the cutest little towns on Maui.

Stop in Makawao for some shopping and famous stick donuts at Komoda Bakery.

Have breakfast at Grandma’s in Keokea and hike up Thompson Road.

Drive up Olinda Road and stop for the Sunday afternoon polo match.

Read >> My Favorite Things to Do Upcountry <<

9. Maui Pineapple Tour

You’ve probably heard about the Dole Plantation on Oahu (it’s mostly just a tourist trap these days), but I’ve got something better for you. How about a real, working pineapple farm that grows most of the pineapple that’s actually consumed in Hawaii??

The Maui Gold Pineapple Company (locally owned and operated) is a 1,350 acre pineapple farming operation located on the slopes of Haleakala at Hali’imaile. And you can tour it!

This is not a cheesy, touristy experience. It’s a real working farm tour.

The Maui Pineapple Tour is probably my top “off the beaten path” thing to do on Maui.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is offered multiple times a day but I recommend booking the first tour of the day (9:30 AM) for the coolest temperatures.

Call ahead before you book your tour to pick the best day. Last time I did the tour they were only picking pineapple on Monday-Thursday and that’s definitely something you’ll want to see if possible.

The tour includes a peak into the packing facility and everyone goes home with their own Maui Gold pineapple. Plus all the pineapple you can eat straight out of the field!

10. Ali’i Lavender Farm

There’s more than one lavender farm on Maui, but the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm (AKL) is the special one. A lavender farm anywhere is rather pretty, but the big reason to come to this one is for THE VIEWS. It really gives you a different perspective on the island when you can see it stretched out at your feet.

If you’re a lavender enthusiast, the best time to visit the farm is June through September when it’s in full bloom although they have several varieties of lavender that bloom year round.

Lavender aside, the property is BEAUTIFUL and honestly I enjoy seeing a lot of the tropical flowers and trees more than anything.

DO NOT MISS THE GIFT SHOP. AKL sells their lavender products in various shops around the island, but this is the holy grail. Every possible thing you could ever imagine made with lavender or lavender themed plus a lot of great merch in general.

And they have plenty of treats that you MUST try like lavender coffee, lemonade, iced tea, scones, brownies, etc. Grab a treat to enjoy out on the lanai while you take in the views.

The farm is at 4000 feet in elevation (the reason for the views), and it can get a little chilly – especially if you’re there first thing in the morning so check the weather and take a sweatshirt at least.

Entry to the farm is $3/person) and the current hours are limited to Friday-Monday, 10AM-4PM.

If lavender makes you think of France (that’s what it always reminds me of), make a stop nearby at La Provence. It’s a cute little French restaurant that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. The outdoor restaurant serves light French inspired fare, light crepes, quiche and honestly whatever the chef/owner feels like making. The hours are a little hodgepodge too, but the main thing you need to know here is about the bakery…DO NOT MISS THE ECLAIRS. They’re as good as any I ever had in France.

11. Maui Wine

I have a long list of places that I love to visit in Maui’s upcountry, but I think Maui Wine in Ulupalakua is my #1.

1. The drive out to the winery is one of the best on Maui
2. The property is incredibly beautiful and historic
3. The aloha hospitality is alive and well
4. There are snacks. And drinks.

The drive out to the winery is INCREDIBLY SCENIC. From Keokeo onwards, plan to slow down and spend a little extra time at some of the pullouts to take in the views down below.

You can show up, poke around the property, and check out the gift shop anytime you want, but if you want to do a tasting, you should definitely make a reservation in advance. They try to accommodate walk-ins, but there’s pretty limited seating so if this is something you’re serious about experiencing (it should be!), plan ahead.

Reservations (make them here) get you a table for 90 minutes (this isn’t the kind of place where they’re standing over you with a stopwatch) and you can order anything you want from the menu including flights, wine by the glass, cocktails, and small bites.

I can’t really comment on the quality of the actual wine here (it’s not something I’m really into or knowledgeable about), but the experience is great.

My favorite is always the Lokelani, but this time we did the pineapple tasting and rose ranch tasting, plus a brie tray and had an overall fantastic time sitting out on the lanai sampling and taking in the views.

And the views are GREAT. Besides looking out and being able to see the ocean, the winery is located on a beautiful tree filled estate with historic buildings and beautifully landscaped grounds.

The tasting room is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11AM to 5 PM.

12. Ulupalakua Ranch

While you’re out at the winery, you’re definitely going to want to stop in at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store across the street. Not only do they have great souvenirs that represent this part of the island, but it’s a great place to get lunch.

The grill on the porch is open from 11AM to 4PM and they serve up local grass fed burgers (beef, elk, venison, lamb) straight from the ranch. They also have fresh made sides and fixin’s and the perfect place for a little picnic.

13. Iao Valley

Maui’s Iao Valley is where you’re going to want to go to get those “Jurassic Park vibes.” Jagged, green mountains are the backdrop to a lush jungle that seems like it could be home to a spare dino or two.

In terms of actual history, this is the site where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s army and united the Hawaiian Islands.

You’ll need to do a little light hiking to get the best views, but it’s a great easy hike (stroll, really). There’s a 0.6 mile paved walkway that leads to an overlook of the Iao Needle.  There’s also a small botanical garden where you can learn about the plants brought to the valley by the Hawaiians who first settled there.

To visit Iao Valley State Park, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are offered for 90 minute time slots beginning at 7AM and ending at 6PM. They ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your time slot.

Entry is $5/person plus $10/vehicle to park.

In my personal experience, reservations are usually available last minute (at least a day or two before), but if you’re visiting during peak season or on a holiday, you’ll probably need to plan a bit more in advance.

14. Day Trip to Lanai

I know a lot of people are interested in island hopping during their trip and I get asked a lot of questions about taking ferries instead of planes…well Maui and Lanai are the only two Hawaiian Islands that are currently connected via ferry.

You’ve got two options here: 1) Take the public ferry and spend the day on your own, or 2) do a day trip with Trilogy that includes snorkeling and a beach BBQ on the island.

I HIGHLY recommend doing the excursion with Trilogy. Trilogy’s Discover Lanai Tour is their top rated snorkel tour and one of the best bang for your buck excursions on Maui.

This 8 hour excursion picks up on Kaanapali Beach and cruises over to Lanai in about an hour. It’s kind of advertised as a “snorkeling tour” but it’s actually a lot more.

You’ll spend the day at Hulopoe Beach snorkeling, swimming, lounging on the beach, exploring the tide pools, and hiking to the Puʻu Pehe lookout and then have a big BBQ lunch in a pavilion overlooking the harbor.

If the Trilogy excursion is out of the budget (of you just want to DIY), you can take the public ferry. I STRONGLY encourage you to read the updates on the ferry’s website as the situation is very fluid post fire.

But currently (as of June 2024), the ferry is running out of Maalaea Harbor with 3 round trips a day, 7 days a week. And it takes about 1.5 hours from Maalaea Harbor to Manele Harbor (on Lanai).

Round trip tickets are $60/adult (12+) and $40/child (2+).

If you take the early ferry (6:30AM) and come back on the late ferry (5:30PM) that gives you a really decent day on Lanai.

Read >> Day Trip to Lanai <<

15. Old Lahaina Luau

Ok yes, there are luaus on every Hawaiian Island, but I strongly believe that the Old Lahaina Luau is the best luau in all of Hawaii. Maybe a bold statement, but I’ve been to a lot of luaus in Hawaii and I know when I’m impressed. And I’m impressed. So if you’re doing a multi island trip and you’re trying to decide where to do your luau, pick this one.

The Old Lahaina Luau does absolutely everything right. I’ve got a full post about the Old Lahaina Luau with all of the details here, but in a nutshell…

• The setting is oceanfront and so dreamy
• The venue is custom built (no folding tables on a lawn) and designed so well
• There’s traditional seating (on cushions at low tables) which is so fun but also table and chair options
• As the sun sets, the dancers are framed by palm tree silhouettes
• Arrival experience is top notch (fresh flower leis and proper mai tais in actual glasses)
• The open bar has amazing restaurant/bar quality drinks
• The food is traditional Hawaiian luau food
• The dancing is phenomenal and the show tells a story that’s paced just right (but there is NO Samoan fire knife dancer)

Well I’m not sure what else I can say. I’ve been to a LOT of luaus and honestly most of them kind of run together, but this one is special. Besides everything I’ve already told you, I guess the best way to sum it up is…while a lot of luaus feel like a production or a list of experiences to check off (Imu ceremony, check…hula lesson, check…taste poi, check) the Old Lahaina Luau feels more like a pleasant evening spent with friends enjoying good food and entertainment. Which at the end of the day, is what makes it feel so authentic.

Since this luau is the most popular one on Maui (in all of Hawaii really), it often books up months in advance, so I recommend making reservations as soon as you know your travel dates. Last time I visited, I booked our tickets about 3 months in advance and we had great seats (your seating assignments are made in the order that tickets are reserved).

16. Spot Turtles on the North Shore

Ho’okipa Beach is one of the most popular (and reliable) spots to see turtles resting on the beach on Maui. Located on the north shore, Ho’okipa is a well known turtle “resting ground” and the turtles show up here like clockwork every afternoon.

Ho’okipa overlook is about a mile past Mama’s Fish House on the north shore (there’s a small sign but there’s usually a couple of food trucks in the small parking lot). The overlook is a great spot to watch the surfers, but to get to the actual beach you’ll have to drive or walk down below.

The east end of the beach is the resting area for the Hawaiian green sea turtles. Every afternoon they will swim up onto the beach to sun themselves while they nap. A volunteer group usually has a perimeter blocked off around the turtles, but this is the perfect spot to see a whole herd of turtles (usually around 20) both in and out of the water.

Ho’okipa may be the most famous place for spotting turtles, but there’s an even better spot close by. Tavares (Kuau) Bay is just east of Paia town and the water is usually calmer and there are a ton of turtles.

There’s a small parking lot and you’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see the big blue tile house.

It’s a mix of local families (watching small children being nonplussed about a turtle because they’ve grown up with them is pretty cool) and visitors staying in Airbnbs nearby.

The turtles aren’t monitored here like they are at Ho’okipa and there aren’t nearly as many people so it feels like a more natural environment. Just remember to stay at least 10 feet away from them and don’t be tempted to sneak in close because there’s nobody enforcing the rules.

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

17. Drive the Kahekili Highway

The Road to Hana gets all the buzz as Maui’s most famous drive (heck, it’s one of the most famous drives in the world!), but the Kahekili Highway that circles the West Maui Mountains connecting Kapalua and Wailuku has some of Maui’s most rugged and beautiful terrain.

But I’ll be honest…this drive is not for the faint of heart. And I actually can’t recommend driving the full loop. I’ve done it twice, but it’s…INTENSE. The road is narrow, with blind curves, steep drop-offs, and sections where only one car can pass at a time.

But it isn’t ALL that bad.

I feel pretty comfortable saying that the drive from Kapalua clockwise around West Maui up to Kahakuloa Village is a must do for everyone.

This stretch of the Kahekili Highway is just about 15 miles, but there is sooooo much to see, and you’ll get to do the best part of the epic drive without doing the risky part.

Along this stretch of road you’ll be able to explore Slaughterhouse Beach, Honolua Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, and the Olivine Pools.

Read >> Driving the Kahekili Highway <<

18. Hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail

The Kapalua Coast Trail stretches for about 1.75 miles along West Maui’s coastline and offers beautiful beaches, sweeping ocean views, and dramatic lava landscapes all from a fairly easy walking trail.

If you’re looking for a fairly easy and accessible hike, with INCREDIBLE views without having to go to the Hana side of the island, this is my number 1 recommendation.

If you do this as an out and back hike…depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the sights, the hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. For casual hikers who like to take photos and enjoy the scenery, setting aside 2 hours is a pretty good estimate.

The trail is easy to follow and part of it feels more like a rugged hiking trail, but some of it feels more like a pleasant stroll through a resort area.

The Kapalua Bay Beach Parking Lot has the most free parking spaces available. But it’s still limited and fills up, but if you’re doing this hike first thing in the morning, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a spot here. This is the south end of the trail.

If you’re arriving later in the day, parking kind of spills out down the road and sometimes you can find something or you can pay to park in the lot of the Kapalua Tennis Garden (you pay via app and I’m not sure how closely they monitor this). Last time I was here I also noticed a sign that you could park in the Merriman’s parking lot until a certain time (4ish I think), but I didn’t stop to check out the details on that.

There’s also a small parking lot (less than 15 spaces) on Lower Honoapiilani Road and Kapalua Pl which has the best access for Oneloa Beach (this lot puts you more towards the north end of the trail). DT Fleming Beach has more parking and that would put you at the far north end of the trail.

If you’re not staying in Kapalua and you’re looking to make a day of this, I would plan to arrive at the Kapalua Beach parking lot early enough to get a spot. Take all of your beach gear with you (chairs, umbrella, towels, snorkeling gear, cooler, etc.) but leave it in the car (don’t leave valuables in the car!).

Start your hike at Kapalua Beach and hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail all the way north to the Ritz Carlton at DT Fleming Beach. It’s about 1.75 miles there. You could stop in at Cafe Kai in the resort for coffee and breakfast. It’s a cute little shop and there’s plenty of seating around the cafe and lobby with great views out over the resort and ocean.

When you’re done, reverse your route and end with some beach time at Kapalua or Napili Beach.

19. Wailea Beach Walk

This is one of my favorite parts about staying in Wailea, but even if you’re not this is a great way to see vacationland.

This beachfront walkway between Polo beach (Fairmont Kea Lani) and Mokapu beach (Andaz) is 1.5 miles of beachfront and cliffside beauty. Whether you’re a jogger or just a stroller (or using the path to hop from happy hour to happy hour), you’ll definitely want to explore the trail.

There’s plenty of public parking at Polo Beach, Wailea Beach, and Mokapu Beach and from there you’ll be able to access the trail.

As far as things to check out in Wailea…I think having a drink at the Lobby Bar at the Four Seasons is a must do Wailea experience. It’s just so…civilized.

Don’t miss the giant “aloha” sign in the outdoor lobby of the Wailea Beach Resort.

And once you hit Mokapu Beach in front of the Andaz (where the paved walkway ends), you can actually walk on the beach for a long way as it connects to Keawakapu Beach. There’s also pretty good snorkeling right off the beach at Mokapu.

20. La Perouse Bay & Lava Fields // Ahii Nature Preserve

I love a good scenic drive, and the drive down to the end of the road through Makena is one of my favorite parts of Maui. You’ll pass through some of Maui’s most high dollar real estate (rumor has it Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler has a place in Makena) where the road hugs the coast just feet from little coves and beaches before you drive through a lava field (from Maui’s most recent volcanic eruption) and end at La Perouse Bay.

La Perouse Bay is usually a good spot to see spinner dolphins and you’ll find some ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites including heiaui (a temple/altar). It’s also the trailhead for the Hoapili Trail (the most accessible portion of the ancient King’s Highway that circumnavigated the island).

On your way to La Perouse Bay, pull over to the side of the road to snorkel in one of the pristine and calm pools at the Ahii Nature Preserve.

21. Taste Test Mai Tais around the Island

If there’s one drink that’s synonymous with Hawaii, it’s the mai tai. I like to try them wherever I go because you never know where you’re going to find the BEST one, but after a LOT of research, I have two stand out favorites:

Monkeypod. This isn’t really an under the radar place. They’re famous for their mai tais topped with lilikoi foam and their happy hour always draws a crowd. Besides pretty good deals on drinks, most of their appetizers and pizzas are half off.

When I lived on Maui, we would stop at the Monkeypod in Wailea for happy hour all the time after a beach day so it feels a bit like tradition. I never feel like I’m actually in Hawaii until I’ve had a Monkeypod (or Merriman’s) mai tai. If you’re staying on the west side (or heading that way for the day), the Monkeypod in Whalers Village has amazing ocean views.

My other favorite (new) spot is Tikehau Lounge in Wailea. It has more a tiki bar/craft cocktail lounge vibe and their drinks are all a home run. You’ll find better (and cheaper) drinks here than in all the nearby resort lounges).

And the food is good too!

22. Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea

With so many luxury resorts, you KNOW there have to be some cushy spas on Maui, but the Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea is pretty special.

The Grand Wailea has always been known for having a “grand” spa, but it just opened after an EXTENSIVE multi year renovation and it’s probably now the best in Hawaii.

Even if there’s a spa at your resort, it’s probably worth coming to the one at the Grand Wailea instead.

23. Hula Show at South Maui Gardens

This is one of my favorite recommendations on Maui. If you’re semi interested in a luau but not 100% sold on the price tag (a lot of resort luaus are pushing $300 PER PERSON now!!), this is a GREAT option.

This nursery/event space close to the Cove Beach Park is a beautiful outdoor venue that’s home to a food truck park…and a hula show on Wednesday evenings.

The entertainment lasts from 5-7 PM and features live music plus an hour long show with dances from across the Pacific Islands (including Samoan fire knife dancing).

The venue is open seating and while they have some mats, benches, and picnic tables, they encourage you to bring your own beach chairs to set up camp on the lawn.

There are dozens of food trucks on site, but the shining star is Kitoko. The truck is at South Maui Gardens full time, but during the Wednesday night hula show, they have a special menu.

I LOVED the crispy pork belly with okinawan sweet potato gnocchi.

Tickets to the show are about $100/person and sometimes they have a 25% discount available online.

Honestly, I LOVE this set up. Especially if you have kids. You get to see a full quality production without paying a premium for mediocre food and drinks. $100/person is a pretty good deal for 2 hours of entertainment and the flexibility to do whatever you want for food. And not having to sit at a table and make small talk with strangers is a big bonus for me ; )

This isn’t the big fancy resort experience, but I think it’s a really good fit for a lot of travelers.

Find more info here.

24. Hit the Beach

I said this list was going to focus on things you can ONLY do on Maui and obviously, all of the Hawaiian Islands have great beaches, but I personally think Maui has the best.

I tend to spend more time in South Maui, and I think it has some of the loveliest beaches on Maui.

Wailea, Polo, and Mokapu/Ulua are the major beaches in the area (all with nice resorts situated on them).

Keawakapu is a long (and often quiet) stretch of sand between Wailea and Kihei that’s one of my favorite spots for a long walk.

Big Beach is one of Maui’s most stunning beaches (it has huge waves!), Secret Beach (just past Big Beach) is a cozy little cove and the most popular spot for weddings on the island, and Maluaka beach is likely the best spot for turtle sightings (it’s very near Turtle Town).

Kamaole I, II, III are all popular beaches in Kihei (some with more parking than others), and my favorite thing is to start either at Kam I or Kam III and walk from beach to beach. Each beach is connected with a little path (you don’t need to use the sidewalk up by the road).

On the West Side, Napili Bay and Kapalua Beach are two of my favorites plus I can never resist Kaanapali Beach.

Read >> Best Beaches on Maui <<

How I Booked 3 FREE Trip to Hawaii (Including Airfare & Hotels) in the Last Year

Hawaii FAQs

When is the best time to go to Hawaii?

I’ve got good news for you…there’s no BAD time to go to Hawaii ; )

But depending on what you’re after (low crowds, best weather, low prices, WHALES), then some times are definitely better than others. 

As far as weather goes, Hawaii is pretty temperate year round (the air and water temp only varies a few degrees), but their seasons technically match ours on the US mainland. Our summer is their summer and our winter is their winter. The biggest thing weather wise is that it rains more during the winter months. 

But if you’re staying in the resort areas (Waikiki and Ko Olina on Oahu, Wailea/Kihei and Lahaina/Kaanapali on Maui, Kona and Kohala on the Big Island, and Poipu on Kauai) you’re going to be pretty good on the sunshine year round. 

If you’re planning your trip with the main goal of seeing humpback whales…make it February, and make it Maui. 

As far as crowds go…when kids are out of school is peak season. The summer months and winter holidays will be the most crowded (and expensive). 

The best times to go to Hawaii in terms of low crowds and therefore low(er) prices are during shoulder season in the spring and fall. 

I’ve been to Hawaii pretty much all times of the year and I’m constantly monitoring prices on flights and hotels and I consistently find mid April through May and mid August through mid October to be the cheapest time of year to go to Hawaii. 

But my personal FAVORITE time to go to Hawaii is…February! 

February is not necessarily the cheapest or the least crowded (it’s also not the most!), but there is NOTHING more luxurious than escaping the long, cold, dark winter where I live for a trip to Hawaii. I will pay a little bit more as a “winter tax” and while visiting Hawaii anytime is a treat, visiting Hawaii during the winter is my ultimate treat. 

Read more about the best times to visit Hawaii here >> Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Which Island is best?

If you want gorgeous beaches, aloha vibes, water and cultural activities, good food, great hotels, and an all around amazing vacation…I can plan you the PERFECT Hawaiian vacation to ANY of the main four islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island). Seriously, anyone that tells you that a specific island is the best “hands down” is just biased. They’re all spectacular. 

If you’re not already swayed to one island over another, some things that I would consider…

Are there direct flights to a certain island from where you live? Sometimes the easiest logistics will sway my vacation planning. 

Are there specific activities that you’re interested in or sites you want to see that are unique to a certain island? Always wanted to see Waikiki and Pearl Harbor? Head to Oahu. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and swimming with manta rays? The Big Island. The Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park? Maui. Those jagged green Jurassic Park mountains? Kauai. While all of the islands have some version of what you’ll expect from a Hawaiian vacation, there are a handful of unique experiences on each island. 

Start with these posts about things you can ONLY do on each island: Maui, Big Island Kauai, Oahu. 

If we’re making the vaguest of generalizations, people usually say that Oahu is city and has the most things to do. Kauai is country and is the most undeveloped. Maui is the best overall island. And the Big Island is the most undiscovered. 

I can (and do) argue all of those points in this post if you want to read more about picking the best island for YOU. 

How many days on Maui? Or Kauai? Or Oahu?

Well, you’ve only got however many days you’ve got, but if you’re wanting the best overall vacation, I wouldn’t suggest less than one week (probably 6 full days, but you could do a lot in 5 full days too) on any one island. 

If you’re short on time (doing a quick long weekend getaway from the west coast), you can still have a great trip just as long as your expectations are more about resting and relaxing. 

But in general, if you’re wanting to explore the island and still feel like you’ve had a relaxing vacation, you’ll want at least 6 full days. I also don’t recommend splitting up a one week vacation between two different islands. Just stick to one and really experience it. 

The exception to this is if you’re going to spend a week on one island and add on a few days on a different island because there’s something really specific that you want to see. 

Which airport to fly into?

These days, the four main islands are all easily accessible from the mainland US (or a quick layover in Honolulu). Here’s a list of each island’s major city and airport code:

Oahu: Honolulu (HNL)

Maui: Kahului (OGG)

Kauai: Lihue (LIH)

Big Island: Kona (KOA) or Hilo (ITO)

What’s the best airline to fly?

The short answer…it’s the airline that offers the best flight options from YOUR home airport. 

For me, that’s usually Southwest (I’ve written a full post about why they’re my airline of choice here). 

For you, that could be American, United, Delta, Hawaiian, or Alaska Airlines. 

This post has all my best info about flying to Hawaii. 

Do I need a rental car?

In a word, yes. 

Hawaii is not an all-inclusive destination where you’ll arrive by shuttle and never leave your resort (I mean you could do that…but it’s pretty expensive just to get to Hawaii so most people want to actually see Hawaii. If you want a cheaper resort only vacation, just go to Mexico).

The islands are pretty large so unless you’re just going a few miles, taking Ubers and Lyfts isn’t really feasible (you could be talking $100 one way to go to another part of the island). Also, Oahu is the only island that has a decent bus system. 

So you’ll most definitely want a rental car for your stay even if you’re staying in a resort area. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Where should I stay?

My favorite question!!

I am a hotel PERSON and I’ve stayed at a LOT of hotels in Hawaii. 

On Maui, the first thing you’ll have to decide is which part of the island to stay on. Most visitors either stay on the South Side (Wailea and Kihei) or the West Side (Kaanapali and Kapalua). Both have beautiful beaches, plenty of restaurants, and all of the vacation amenities you could want. I’ve got a full comparison/breakdown of the two areas here >> Wailea vs Kaanapali

Personally…I prefer to stay in Wailea. It’s a bit nicer, has everything you could ever want right there (plus soooo many restaurants nearby in Kihei), AND it’s more conveniently located for exploring the rest of the island. 

As far as specific hotels, the Four Seasons Maui is the go to if you’re looking for luxury. But I’m becoming partial to the Andaz for the price. I also think it’s on the best resort beach on Maui. 

But I’m also a Marriott Bonvoy member which often pushes the Wailea Beach Resort to the top of my list. 

Soooo much info on my specific Maui hotel recommendations here >> Where to Stay on Maui

And if you’re visiting Maui on a budget, or you prefer more space, I’ve got a pretty comprehensive breakdown of where to book condos on Maui here >> Maui Condos

On Kauai, the north shore is hands down the most beautiful part of the island, but I usually opt to stay in sunny Poipu on the south side and do day trips up to the north shore. Read the pros and cons of staying in Princeville vs Poipu plus my specific hotel recommendations here >> Where to Stay on Kauai

On the Big Island, I like to stay on the Kona side of the island because it’s where the best beaches and resorts are but the island is so huge that some people like to do a split stay and stay 3-4 days on the Hilo side and 3-4 days on the Kona side >> Kona vs Hilo

Also, the Big Island has some of the best beach resorts in Hawaii. I’ve ranked them all here >> Big Island Beach Resorts Ranked The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has a prime location on what I think is the best beach in Hawaii. But the Four Seasons Hualalai, Kona Village, and Mauna Lani Resort all get top points for luxury. 

On Oahu, you’ll find the best deals in Waikiki and it’s a great basecamp for exploring the island. The Royal Hawaiian is iconic, but you can find such good value for the money at smaller boutique hotels like the Laylow, Kaimana Beach Hotel, Surfjack, Wayfinder, etc. >> My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Waikiki

But if you want a real vacation and to see the best parts of the island, you’re going to want to stay outside of Waikiki >> Where to Stay on Oahu BESIDES Waikiki I personally love staying in Ko Olina at Disney’s Aulani Resort or the Four Seasons and can’t wait to stay at Turtle Bay on the North Shore now that it’s joined the Marriott Bonvoy family as a Ritz Carlton. 

Tips for saving money on hotels?

YES….SO MANY! I love staying in a fabulous hotel, but I’m always looking for ways to save some $$$. 

Some of my best tips:

Do a split stay. Spend the first part of your trip at a more budget friendly hotel or condo and do the bulk of your “exploring” and sightseeing. And then switch to a nicer place the last few days and just “vacation.” You’ll get the best of both worlds. 

Visit during shoulder season. There’s not much of an off season in Hawaii anymore, but I usually find the best rates on hotels in late April through May and late August through September. 

Also, just picking the “right” days can save you a bundle. Prices vary throughout the month and even week (especially if standard rooms are sold out for certain dates and they’re showing you the price of a suite). If you can view the 30 day calendar and pick your dates more strategically, you can save $$$. 

More details here >> How to Save Money on Hotels

But my FAVORITE way to save money on hotels is TRAVEL HACKING. I’ve done THREE trips to Hawaii in the last 18 months staying at luxury resorts for FREE using credit card points. 

Here’s how I do it >> Travel Hacking Guide

Best places to eat?

I’m always updating these posts with my favorites and recommendations:

Where to Eat on Maui

My Favorite Special Occasion Restaurants on Maui

Where Locals Eat in Waikiki

Where to Eat on Kauai

Where to Eat on the Big Island

Best things to do?

I’ve written a TON about the best things to do on each island, but this is a good place to start: 

On Maui, the top highlights are Haleakala National Park and driving the Road to Hana >> Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui

On Kauai, the top highlights are the Napali Coast (seen by boat or helicopter) and the Waimea Canyon >> Things You Can ONLY Do on Kauai

On the Big Island, the top highlights are Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and swimming with the manta rays >> Things You Can ONLY Do on the Big Island

On Oahu, the top highlights are Waikiki & Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore >> Things You Can ONLY Do on Oahu

What to pack?

A few of my most important things:

Underwater phone case for snorkeling (+ pool pics!)

Hiking sandals for adventure days

A great coverup for living that “resort life” 

Light sweater/jacket for evenings

Kindle loaded with books

Reef safe sunscreen

Warm clothes for Haleakala or Mauna Kea

My full list >> Hawaii Packing List

Reservations to make in advance?

Quite a few actually ; )

In the last few years, a lot of popular attractions and sites have moved to a reservation system to help manage the crowds and effects of tourism. 

Haleakala National Park // Maui (for sunrise hours)

Waianapanapa State Park // Maui (black sand beach)

Iao Valley // Maui (Jurassic Park mountains)

Diamond Head // Oahu 

Hanauma Bay // Oahu (popular snorkeling spot)

USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor // Oahu 

Haena State Park // Kauai (Kalalau Trail)

Full details on time lines and where to book here >> Hawaii Reservations

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