Things to do in  Maui

Tropical foliage, black-sand beaches, rushing waterfalls, and incredible views are the calling cards of the legendary, winding Road to Hana. Also called the Hana Highway, this spectacular seaside stretch features more than 50 bridges and is regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Highlights along the route include the seven sacred pools of Oheo Gulch, the Wailua Falls, the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls, and the rainforests of the Haleakala National Park.

Thanks to its calm, crystal clear waters, bright coral reef, and 250-plus species of tropical fish, Molokini Crater is the most popular spot for snorkeling tours on Maui. Spend a day on a snorkeling excursion to explore the protected marine preserve around this sunken Hawaiian volcano and come face-to-face with some of the island’s most colorful marine life.

For most, traveling to Hana is about the journey, not the destination. A quiet town nestled on Maui’s eastern shore, Hana is of international fame thanks to the Road to Hana (Hana Highway)—hailed as one of the world’s most scenic drives. While the route’s waterfalls and picture-perfect volcanic landscapes are better known than Hana itself, the town makes for a tranquil escape and an excellent base for exploring the region.

Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park, nestled just off the famed Hana Highway (around mile marker 22.5), offers travelers a refreshing rainforest stop on the Road to Hana. This compact rest area features a paved trail that leads to a scenic waterfall and plunge pool framed by lush tropical foliage. With picnic tables and restrooms, it’s a convenient and relaxing stop for those seeking a break in nature without straying far from their journey.

Home to hidden sea caves and the volcanic black-sand Paʻiloa Beach, Waiʻanapanapa State Park is one of the jewels of Maui’s Road to Hana. Located just outside of Hana at the end of the extraordinarily scenic Hana Highway, the park’s lava tubes, coastal hiking trails, and ancient burial sites are a welcome reward for those who make the long and winding drive.

Lush bamboo forests, a massive banyan tree, and a 400-foot (122-meter) waterfall are the highlights along Pipiwai Trail, a scenic hiking route and worthwhile detour off Maui’s Road to Hana (Hana Highway). Set in the remote Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, the moderately challenging trail takes you about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) round-trip to the base of Waimoku Falls.

At first glance, Paia might seem like nothing more than a stop along the famous Road to Hana (Hana Highway), but for keen surfers (and those who like to watch them), it’s a major destination—the central hub of the North Shore and its world-renowned surf breaks. The town is filled with all the amenities that go along with the surfer lifestyle, from health food markets and homely burger joints to yoga studios and art galleries.

One of Maui’s first resort towns, Kaʻanapali offers high-rise hotels lining idyllic white-sand beaches—the most famous among them being Kaʻanapali Beach. While not as remote as other West Maui beaches, this long stretch of coastline is a hub for activities on both water and land. Most visitors come for swimming and cliff-diving, though you can also stay busy with shopping, golfing, and ziplining—plus whale-watching and a host of water sports.

Tucked inside the lush Kipahulu district of Haleakalā National Park, ʻOheʻo Gulch is a scenic series of tiered waterfalls and freshwater pools fed by mountain streams. Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, this remote valley is a favorite stop on the Road to Hana for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Surrounded by bamboo forests and rugged cliffs, it offers a chance to stretch your legs and experience Maui’s rugged, unspoiled landscape.

Dubbed the “House of the Sun” by Native Hawaiians, Haleakalā Crater is an ancient, 10,000-foot (3,050-meter) volcano—the highest peak in Maui. Some of the best views in Haleakalā National Park can be found at this massive erosional feature, where you can hike across cinder desert landscapes, admire endemic silversword plants, and see some of the best sunrises and starscapes in Hawaii.

The Haleakalā volcano stretches more than 10,000 feet (3,055 meters) above Maui’s white-sand beaches. Most of its slopes, flora, and fauna are protected within Haleakalā National Park, where you can hike, bike, and camp to catch sunsets and sunrises of a lifetime. The park’s diverse landscapes range from volcanic rock formations to lush waterfalls, the highlight being the plunging Haleakalā Crater visible from the volcano’s summit.

Sitting on Maui’s northwest shore, Honolua Bay is a marine‑protected sanctuary prized for its emerald-blue waters, thriving coral reefs, and abundant marine life—including sea turtles, tropical fish, and occasional manta rays. In winter, the bay draws expert surfers to its legendary waves. Whether you're drawn underwater or drawn to incredible vistas, Honolua Bay offers a pristine, unforgettable slice of Hawaiian coastal beauty.

Located on the northeast coast of Maui, this wayside park is a popular stopping point on the Road to Hana. Spanning 8 acres (3 hectares), the forested area is home to native Hawaiian plants and birds, several hiking trails, and scenic views of the coast and the Ke’anae Peninsula.

On an island surrounded by snorkeling opportunities and vibrant sea life, the Maui Ocean Center offers a deeper look into local marine ecosystems. Surround yourself with colorful fish, stingrays, and sharks in an aquarium tunnel, learn about rare Pacific corals and Native Hawaiian culture, and get up close with creatures you may not spot in the wild.

Molokai may be about a third of the size of Maui, but don’t judge it by its humble size. The small island packs a big punch in terms of natural beauty, and what it lacks in ritzy resorts it makes up for in pristine white-sand beaches and untouched sea cliffs. It’s often considered the most Hawaiian of islands, thanks to its predominantly Native Hawaiian population.