Maui attractions

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.

Held at the Royal Lahaina Resort in Kaanapali, Maui, the Myths of Maui Luau is a celebration of Polynesian culture with music, dancing and a traditional feast.

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.

La Perouse Bay is a cut of crescent-shaped coast bordering the ’Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve on the south shore of Maui—at the very end of Makena Alanui Road. Marked by rugged lava fields, the bay draws visitors looking to snorkel and hike the King’s Highway—also called the Hoapili Trail—an ancient walking path once reserved for Hawaiian royalty.

The site of the pivotal 18th-century Battle of Kepaniwai, the Iao Valley State Monument in West Maui is today best known for the soaring Kuka‘emoku (also known as the Iao Needle). This rocky outcropping rises 1,200 feet (365 meters) into the air, resembling a cathedral spire. Take the paved 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) lookout trail, which crosses a rushing stream, to take in the vegetation-covered rock formation and visit the ethnobotanical garden, highlighting native plant species.

Dwarfed by neighboring Maui and once dominated by pineapple plantations, Lanai is one of Hawaii’s smallest inhabited islands. Miles of country roads and open spaces, unique geological formations, and quiet white-sand beaches offer the opportunity for rugged adventure far from the beaten path. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all without having to go far from Hawaii's more populated islands.

Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery is an 80-acre (32-hectare) organic sugar cane farm paired with the world’s only vodka distillery that uses deep ocean mineral water. An upcountry Maui gem on the slopes of Haleakalā, you can visit for a guided tasting that showcases its sustainable farming and solar-powered production, plus take in sweeping views of Maui’s north and south shores.

Set on the scenic slopes of Haleakala Crater in upcountry Maui, Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm is a must-see for garden lovers. The bluff-top estate bursts with blossoms, including 20 varieties of lavender, plus other Mediterranean and native Hawaiian plants backed by ocean views. Explore the garden to admire the various species cultivated here, plus browse the lavender-laced treats and other products at the farm store.

Set along Maui’s lush northwest coast, Kapalua is a luxury resort community framed by white-sand beaches and marine reserves. Here you’ll find upscale accommodations such as The Ritz‑Carlton Kapalua and Montage Kapalua Bay, world-class golf courses, top-tier restaurants, high-end boutiques, and scenic trails that hug the shoreline. It’s a laid‑back, yet refined, destination for travelers in search of relaxation and refined aloha hospitality.

Maalaea Harbor sits between Lahaina and Kahului on Maui’s South Shore and serves as a key departure point for ocean adventures. From here, travelers set off on snorkeling trips to Molokini Crater, seasonal whale-watching cruises, and sunset sails. The harbor is also home to the Maui Ocean Center and a selection of waterfront restaurants and shops, making it a convenient and activity-packed stop for both land and sea experiences.

Wailea is South Maui at its most polished: think luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and calm, turquoise water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Travelers come here to unwind, explore the ocean, or join tours to nearby spots, including Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Wailea offers a relaxed yet refined base for exploring the island, with cultural experiences, coastal trails, and sunny weather.

Wailea Beach is a picture-perfect stretch of soft white sand and calm turquoise water nestled among upscale resorts on Maui’s south shore. Voted one of America’s best beaches, it’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting sea turtles or humpback whales in season. Wailea Beach offers a mix of luxury and natural beauty, whether you’re strolling the beachfront path, lounging under a cabana, or catching the sunset over neighboring islands.

The Waihee Ridge Trail is a popular but challenging 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) hiking loop that runs through the West Maui Mountains, also known as Mauna Kahalawai. It’s hailed as one of Maui’s most scenic treks, and for good reason: The trail ascends 1,500 feet (460 meters) through forests of guava, ohai, and candlenut (kukui) trees—the state tree of Hawaii—to waterfalls and dramatic viewpoints among the clouds.

You might never guess that the twisting labyrinth of branches, roots, and foliage engulfing the Banyan Tree Park square all stem from a single banyan tree. Planted in front of the Lahaina courthouse in 1873, the tree now consists of a dense canopy expanding more than 60 feet (18 meters) with innumerable offshoots providing shade for picnickers, art shows, and passers-by.

Sprawled across the southwestern slopes of Haleakalā volcano on Maui, Ulupalakua is one of the largest ranches in Hawaii, where thousands of cows, sheep, and elk graze. More than 18,000 acres (7,300 hectares) have been preserved as a working cattle ranch and wildlife habitat. The site is also home to the Ranch Grill restaurant, the Ranch Store, and an on-site winery.

Hidden along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana, the Hana Lava Tube, also called the Ka’eleku Caverns, is a subterranean cave system that was formed by underground lava flows thousands of years ago—part of the landscape associated with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. A geological marvel with intricate rock formations, the cave system is among the largest accessible lava tubes on Maui.

Set on the slopes of the Haleakalā Crater, this working goat dairy is one of Maui’s top agritourism venues. Stop here to simply meet the goats or take an in-depth farm tour to learn about the residents whose milk is used to create cheese and other dairy products available on-site. Enjoy a tasting and stock up on cheese, truffles, gift baskets, soaps, and other goat milk products at the farm shop.

Located at the base of the West Maui Mountains, also known as Mauna Kahālāwai, Wailuku is one of the oldest towns on the island. It sits at the entrance to ʻĪao Valley, just minutes from Kahului, and is both the county seat and commercial center of Maui. Visitors can explore its mix of historic sites, charming local shops, and emerging arts, culture, and culinary scenes.

Set on Wailea Beach against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Te Au Moana is one of the most popular luau celebrations on Maui. The evening includes three courses of Polynesian fare, an open bar, and a traditional greeting with a fresh flower lei. There’s also plenty of live entertainment with costumed singers and dancers performing island folk stories, and the audience is invited to join in the fun on the dance floor.

On the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, the charming town of Makawao is at the heart of Upcountry Maui. Rich with cowboy (paniolo) culture—the island’s biggest rodeo is held here each July 4—it’s equally known for its art scene and eclectic selection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, centered around Baldwin Avenue and Makawao Avenue.

On Maui’s north central shore, Kahului Harbor serves as both an important commercial port and an international cruise ship harbor. If you visit the island on a cruise, this is likely where you’ll dock, and it serves as the ideal jumping-off point for exploring the rest of Maui on a shore excursion or catching a flight back home at the nearby Kahului Airport.

A highlight on the Road to Hana (Hana Highway), Hoʻokipa Beach Park is the perfect place to pull over for sweeping ocean views, people-watching, and even wildlife encounters. While the white sand beach is most popular among skilled surfers and windsurfers for its big waves and winds, it’s also a haven for dozens of sea turtles around sunset.

On Maui’s north shore, Hanakao’o Beach Park combines a long sandy beach with a grassy picnic area for an ideal beach-day out. Take advantage of this local favorite for snorkeling—sea turtles are frequently spotted—and for strolls along the shore or shaded boardwalk. It's a quieter alternative to the neighboring Kaanapali Beach.

A “secret” beach off the famed Hana Road, red-sanded Kaihalulu is a secluded beauty protected by a lava rock wall and the short but risky hike needed to reach it. When the water is calm, a wall of jagged lava rocks offshore create a naturally protected cove, an inviting spot for (cautious) swimming and snorkeling.

Located along the Wailea-Makena shoreline in South Maui, Little Beach offers a lovely stretch of white sand that’s rarely crowded. Part of Makena State Park, and just north of Big Beach, the largely sheltered and hidden beach is popular with sunbathers, swimmers, snorkelers, and the free-spirited, clothing-optional crowd.

The Bailey House Museum (Hale Hōʻikeʻike), devoted to Hawaiian history and art, is housed in a former mission built on the compound of Kahekili, the last ruling chief of Maui. It boasts the largest public collection of Hawaiian artifacts on the island, including rare pieces that predate contact with Europeans. Among the site’s features are a canoe house with a traditional fishing canoe and Duke Kahanamoku’s redwood surfboard, a dining hall hosting rotating exhibits, and gardens with native Hawaiian plants.

Kahului is Maui’s vibrant commercial hub and entry point for most travelers, home to Kahului Airport, Maui’s main shopping centers, and the bustling Kahului Harbor. Although often overlooked by tourists, it offers genuine island life, with farmers markets, local restaurants, and landmarks such as the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum. As the starting point for adventures like the Road to Hana (Hana Highway) or Haleakala summit tours, Kahului offers practical convenience and authentic Hawaiian charm.

Kalaupapa National Historical Park is the site of two former Hansen's disease (leprosy) settlements on Molokai. Once completely isolated, the park today is dedicated to preserving the history and experiences of settlement residents, as well as offering refuge to the remaining few who are cured but choose to reside there still. Some of the landmarks on view include historic churches, homes, and cemeteries. Visits to this remote part of the island require permits and organized transportation.

The towering pagoda, giant Buddha statue, and well-manicured grounds of Lahaina Jodo Mission near downtown Lahaina reflect a world an ocean away. Get a window into Japanese culture as you wander grounds modeled after a Japanese Buddhist temple and constructed in honor of Japanese immigrants who once worked in nearby sugarcane fields.

The smallest of Maui’s Kamaole Beach Parks, Kamaole Beach Park III attracts travelers looking to enjoy its beautiful beaches. Many come to sunbathe, swim, whale watch, and picnic, but it’s most popular among boogie boarders who enjoy the calmer water. Colorful, tropical fish and marine life fill the water near the beach, so Kamaole Beach Park III is also an ideal snorkeling pick.