15 of the Top Things To Do on Maui Per Viator Travelers

What?: Looking to do some Maui sightseeing? The Road to Hana is a 65-mile (104-kilometer) winding, scenic drive that passes waterfalls, hiking trails, and a black-sand beach. Join a small-group tour to handle the travel logistics and take you straight to the sights, which include lava tubes, volcanic caves, and a traditional fruit farm.

When?: You can tour the Road to Hana year-round, though you’ll want to avoid rainy days if possible. Plan for an early start as this is an all-day excursion.

What one reviewer said: “One the best tours I’ve ever been on. Jay was super knowledgeable about the Road to Hana and showed us spots that we wouldn’t have been able to find on our own. From the black-sand beaches [to the] waterfall, lava tubes, [and] banana bread, it was definitely worth it and I would highly recommend.” Phill_F, January 2025

What?: The Molokini Crater is a small, crescent-shaped islet off the coast of Maui known for its incredible snorkeling conditions; you're likely to see marine life including tropical fish, octopuses, rays, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Snorkeling trips take you out to the best spots in the crater, usually visit additional areas where snorkeling opportunities abound, and often include lunch as well.

When?: The water temperature in Hawaii is typically pleasant year-round and there’s no bad time for snorkeling. That said, early morning is best for a Molokini tour when the waters are calmest and offer the most visibility.

What one reviewer said: “This experience was unlike any [snorkeling] experience we have been on. We got to see whales breaching everywhere as we headed out to the Molokini crater, many colorful fish in the clear water, sea turtles, octopus, and eels swimming the reef. Captain Tim and his First Mate were fantastic, friendly, funny, very knowledgeable, and made us feel safe when in the water.” Stephanie_M, February 2025

What?: Nearly 50 miles (80 kilometers) along the Road to Hana, you’ll find Waiʻanapanapa State Park, home to Maui’s only black-sand beach: Honokalani Beach. While it does take some time to get to, it’s worth the effort as one of the must-see places on Maui—book a full-day tour to take the hassle out of navigating and organizing logistics.

When?: Any sunny day will do. If you’re not visiting on a tour, you’ll need to reserve a timed entry ticket in advance to visit Waiʻanapanapa State Park.

What one reviewer said: “Tom was a fantastic driver, guide, and entertainer. Saw all of the sites and learned a great deal. Black-sand beach body surfing was amazing and the blow hole was booming.” Rick_L, January 2025

What?: From Makena Beach, you can paddle your way out to Turtle Town—a section of reef known for its abundance of marine life, most notably turtles. Take to the water in a clear-bottom kayak for a particularly memorable experience; look down and you might just spot manta rays, tropical fish, and, naturally, turtles.

When?: You’ll want to get up early for the calmest waters and the most sea life activity. Tours typically offer early morning starts to ensure the best conditions.

What one reviewer said: “I can't say enough good things about our Clear Bottom Kayak tour guide! From start to finish, the experience was absolutely incredible. Our guide was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the local sea life but also showed deep respect for the aquatic environment … We were able to see such a wide variety of marine life, from colorful fish to sea turtles, all while gliding along in our clear-bottom kayaks.” Pam_C, January 2025

What?: The golden sands and sunset views at Kaʻanapali Beach make it one of the most popular Maui tourist spots and one of the island's best beaches. You can take your sunset-viewing experience to the next level with an evening boat cruise that includes drinks, snacks, and the chance to spot dolphins jumping in the surf as you sail.

When?: A Ka’anapali Beach sunset cruise is fantastic year-round, just keep in mind that a winter tour may mean a slightly choppier boat ride.

What one reviewer said: “We had a great time seeing the sunset AND the whales! Truly amazing! Would definitely take this sail[ing experience] again!” Valerie_C, February 2025

What?: Standing at 10,023 feet (3,055 meters), the dormant volcano of Haleakalā is the tallest point on Maui and a sacred spot to Native Hawaiians. This Maui landmark offers stunning and unobstructed views of the sunrise each morning; book a guided hike to handle the early hotel pickup and get you to Haleakalā in time to admire the sun coming up.

When?: You’ll need to get up early—earlier than you think—to catch the sunrise at Haleakalā. If you’re not taking a tour, plan to leave your hotel around three hours before sunrise, though the exact timing depends on your location.

What one reviewer said: “This was a wonderful tour. The guide, Spencer, was professional and very informative. The most memorable part was, as the sun rose, the park ranger and our tour guide sang a chant for the sunrise in Hawaiian and it was breathtaking.” Monica_C, September 2024

What?: All the Hawaiian Islands, including Maui, boast an incredible marine ecosystem filled with coral, fish, rays, sharks, eels, turtles, and more. Even if you haven’t dived before, beginner scuba diving excursions are available to experience the incredible sights below the water’s surface.

When?: You cannot scuba dive within 24 hours of flying, ziplining, or summiting Haleakalā, as the change in altitude can give you decompression sickness.

What one reviewer said: “This was our first dive. Kevin was wonderful! He was welcoming, understanding, very friendly, and excluded an aura of safety and fun. He also took some great pics the whole way through. We are so sad we couldn’t schedule a second drive this trip, but will absolutely be back with our sons in the future!” Kyle_T, November 2024

What?: The lush West Maui Mountains have remained relatively untouched, with just a few trails skirting the edges of these forest-covered peaks. While some trails are accessible on foot, others are best explored on a horseback riding adventure that takes you into the valleys, past waterfalls, and along the Pacific Ocean coastline.

When?: Horseback riding tours in West Maui Mountains are relatively limited, usually only offered once a day—check ahead to find one that best fits your sightseeing schedule.

What one reviewer said: “Excellent horseback riding adventure. The horses were well trained and matched to ride ability. The guides were super friendly and helpful. You could tell they really cared about the horses as well as the guests.” Brianna_T, January 2025

What?: Hawaii has a unique local food scene, partly due to the influence of many immigrant cultures and partly due to the tropical plants that grow on the islands. Savor some of the latter—from papaya to mango to dragon fruit—on a farm tour at the sustainable Lā Kāhea Community Farm.

When?: Different tropical fruits are in season at different times of year, so there’s something to enjoy year-round.

What one reviewer said: “This was such a fun experience. Winsome and Jake were really great hosts. You can feel Winsome's passion for farming and her knowledge was phenomenal. The fruit tray at the beginning and the banana ice cream at the end were pleasant surprises. Highly recommend checking this out.” Reed_N, August 2024

What?: East Maui is the most verdant part of the island, perfect for a scenic drive, a nature-filled hike, or a thrilling zipline adventure over the treetops. One for adventure seekers, you’ll traverse eight ziplines, stand atop three tree platforms, and cross two swinging bridges and a suspension bridge

When?: Since there is a bit of walking between ziplines, it’s best to avoid the midday and afternoon heat if possible.

What one reviewer said: “My wife and I have never ziplined before and we were both a little nervous. Alec and Nina did a great job in making us feel confident and ready! Had an amazing time zipping and walking through the jungle!” Joseph_C, March 2025

What?: There’s no doubt that Hawaii is the surf capital of the world, and it’s a great place for beginners to try out a board for the first time during a group surfing lesson. Surfing is one of the most popular Maui activities, after all. Kihei’s Kalama Park typically has great waves for surfers of all experience levels, from beginners to pros.

When?: Surfing conditions are typically best in the morning when the waves are smoother and more predictable.

What one reviewer said: “Super fun! Our instructor, Mikah, was awesome! She was a great teacher and everyone in our group got up on the board. We would definitely [do this experience] again.” Kaylynn_G, February 2025

What?: While all of Maui is gorgeous, Upcountry Maui has a rustic, untouched beauty with its lush, wildflower-dotted hills. Get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape during an exhilarating tandem paragliding adventure.

When?: Paragliding is weather dependent: wind or rain can cause a tour to be cancelled.

What one reviewer said: “My two daughters did the 3k tandem and absolutely loved it! Everything from beginning communication through [the] end was prompt and spot on. I highly recommend!” Melissa_M, January 2025

What?: The east side of Maui, particularly along the Road to Hana, boasts many beautiful waterfalls. Get up close and personal to the falls on a rappelling excursion, during which you’ll head into the rainforest to learn how to descend cliffs and waterfalls, before taking refreshing dips in pools at the base.

When?: Rappelling tours take place year-round and tailor their itineraries to include the best spots based on current weather conditions.

What one reviewer said: “Wow, where do I even begin? Our waterfall rappelling tour with these three amazing ladies was, without a doubt, the highlight of our entire trip to Maui! From start to finish, they made the entire experience so much fun, while making sure we felt safe and prepared every step of the way.” Pam_C, January 2025

What?: Each winter, whales migrate down to the warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands and whale-watching tours offer you the chance to see these incredible creatures in the wild. While humpback whales are the most spotted species, there are about a dozen other types of whales in the waters, as well as dolphins and more.

When?: Maui's whale watching season runs from mid-December to around April, while the peak time is January and February.

What one reviewer said: “Very fun and informational tour! Being in the eco raft was so fun! We saw more whales than we could count, including a few moms with babies!” Alexuz_T, February 2025

What?: Hawaii has long had a booming pineapple industry, at one point exporting 90 percent of the world’s pineapples. The industry is still thriving, and you can get an up-close look at a modern working pineapple farm and factory on a Maui Pineapple farm tour.

When?: Multiple tours are offered daily, typically in the morning and the afternoon.

What one reviewer said: “We loved the Maui pineapple farm. Rudy, our guide, has 47 years of experience on the farm so his knowledge and information was incredible. He taught us what to look for in the store when buying pineapple as well. The pineapples were absolutely delicious. Can't wait to eat the two [that] they gave [us] with the tour [to take home].” Barbara_S, January 2025