If you only have a short amount of time, these are the best things to do in Maui. You won’t want to miss any of them.
Named for the mythological demi-god of Polynesia who is said to have raised the heavens, snared the sun and discovered fire, the island of Maui is the second most populated and the second largest in the Hawaiian Island Chain.
Ruled by several chiefs since 700 AD and conquered by Kamehameha the Great in the 1700’s, Maui has been the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
It is the location of the oldest school west of the Mississippi and the only county in the Hawaiian Islands that consists of more than one island.
However, for many travelers, the Valley Isle is a destination of dreamy proportions and those who are lucky to have a few glorious days on this magical island should prepare a plan that embraces all of the sights and activities possible.
Here are a few tips for a comfortable and enjoyable Maui experience.
Things to do in Maui
When you don’t have much time in this majestic place, you have to prioritize. These are the best things to do in Maui, even on a short break.
Snorkeling
Maui has one of the best snorkeling experiences of all the Hawaiian islands.
These experiences include being whisked away to the marine conservation district of Molokini where reef fish rule, or the coastal areas of Turtle Town and Coral Gardens where one can enjoy the clear warm waters teeming with colorful coral and sea turtles.
There are many companies that offer trips for families, seniors and everyone where comfort and amenities come along with boogie boards and snorkel equipment.
Snorkeling tours on Maui typically include breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and even an open bar.
SNUBA or SCUBA are available for an additional charge.
Tips for snorkeling in Maui:
- A Molokini snorkeling tour the day after you arrive can shake off the jet lag.
- Book SCUBA and snorkel trips before you arrive to be sure of a spot.
- Opt for a whale watching / snorkeling combo during the months of January to March.
Experience Maui from a new perspective and swim and snorkel with the marine life at Molokini and Turtle Town. Board a catamaran and cruise to a legendary snorkeling destination. Includes deli lunch. See more here.
Driving the road to Hana
The drive to Hana is one of the must-do things while on the Valley Isle.
A full day of narrow one-lane roads, cliff-hugging scenic beauty, tropical rainforests and a parade of dazzling waterfalls make this a very popular activity for visitors and locals alike.
The drive is over 50 miles, 600 curves and 59 bridges of awe-inspiring exploration. Discover a terraformed peninsula, black sand beaches, lava tubes and so much more.
Tips for the drive to Hana:
- Start early – you don’t want to be driving this road in the dark.
- Let a pro drive – this road has been known to get people carsick and frustrated but a pro knows the tricks to seeing it all.
- Plan for a picnic – there are more picnic spots than places to buy food. Depending on the day and the ocean swell, everything or nothing will be open.
- Always start with a full tank – fuel economy will be poor with no bargains and limited resources for fuel in Hana.
- Bring cash – a little bit of cash will make sampling from roadside stands along the road easier.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Driving the Road to Hana
Hire a rental car here, even better make it a jeep wrangler because they looked so cool with the Road to Hana scenery. Make it red. Best for your photos.
Road to Hana Tours
Another option, if you did not want to do drive the Road to Hana yourself, is to join a Road to Hana tour through Get Your Guide. You can then sit back and relax and ensure someone else takes you to the best spots.
Surfing, kayaks, outrigger canoes and SUPs
Hawaii is all about hanging at the beach. These beach-launched ocean activities are some of the easiest to do while in Maui.
One can rent and learn on the whim in places like Ka’anapali, Kihei and Kapalua.
Nothing is more ego-boosting and enjoyable than getting out on the ocean and learning a new skill, or applying skills to a new locale. Those who prefer to take formal lessons or guided tours can certainly book in advance.
Hawaiian Paddle Sports is a one-stop-shop for all of these activities. Private surfing lessons can be arranged here.
Attend a Luau on Maui
No one denies that this experience is far from the traditional backyard feasts that locals enjoy for birthdays, weddings, graduations and other family gatherings.
But the luau ritual is a unique way to gather for an evening of good food, drink and entertainment that ranges from sweet and slow to fierce and flaming.
There are many ways to luau so pick one that meets your needs and desires.
Laua’s at resorts are popular with those who don’t want to wander far for the evening’s entertainment and can offer anything from the simple to extravagant. While the more traditional ones offer a special locale for a night out.
But all offer a glorious evening under the stars with a gorgeous sunset backdrop and a balmy breeze along with the roasted pork and poi.
Yes, once in a lifetime might be enough, but that one time is certainly not to be missed.
Eating the local food in Maui
The variety of cultures and cuisines in Hawaii make food one of the more interesting and enjoyable pursuits on Maui that range from the quick and inexpensive to the opulent and romantic.
However, there are many unique tastes on Maui that should not be passed up.
Visit some of Maui’s top restaurants to savor the fine cuisine or hit our favorite local spots for an everyday take on these interesting dishes.
Why not try a Maui food tasting tour? Experience the real taste of Maui through culture and history with your very own local expert. Visit 7 local restaurants in the heart of Wailuku, sample 17 authentic Hawaiian dishes and local specialities as you taste locally brewed beers.
Book a Maui food tasting tour. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Try these different Maui dishes
- Poke – spiced and seasoned raw tuna.
- Guri Guri – milky frozen sherbet perfect for after the beach.
- Okazuya – all SPAM musubi is okazuya but not all okazuya is SPAM musubi
- Manju – little pastry pies with sweet fillings.
- Saimin – noodles in clear broth topped with green onions, sweet and sour pork and more.
Experiencing culture and arts in Maui
Out of all of Maui’s festivals and celebrations occurring on the island each year, the best and by far the most raucous is Halloween.
People gather along Front Street in Lahaina for an evening of kiddie parades, costume watching, and bar hopping along with lots of frivolity each October.
It’s a grass roots celebration that has been growing like a juggernaut by word of mouth for over 20 years. Today it has become more of a family affair with adults lingering later into the evening.
Some of the more frequent events include Wailuku’s First Friday event every month that includes restaurants, galleries, arts and crafts along with entertainment.
Obon Festival runs through summer along with the Outrigger Canoe Regatta season. All are worth consideration for those who love culture.
Popular annual events on Maui:
- July 4th weekend: Annual Makawao Rodeo.
- Third week in September: Maui County Fair in Kahului.
- September: Maui Festivals of Aloha.
- Front Street Halloween in Lahaina.
An extended stay on Maui
That is about all you will be able to experience during a short break on Maui.
But add on another week and you can see the summit and it’s massive crater with old lava flows, Iao Valley with it’s bloody history, take a raft to find dolphins along the Forbidden coast, go paragliding down a mountain, and explore the local food culture with farm and food tours.
Plan Your Trip to Maui
We’ve been traveling consistently for 17 years and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time when booking accommodation, flights and car rental. Below are our preferred partners:
Flights Car Rental This island paradise is at least a 5-hour jaunt from anywhere other than the other Hawaiian islands. Many find that the best time to visit Maui is between mid-May and mid-June and after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving. At this time, the prices are realistic, the crowds are thin, the bargains are bountiful and special events and festivals are an added bonus. You’ll probably need a car to get around Maui. Hire a rental car here. Pin to share: Do you have any tips on things to do in Maui? Share in the comments.
Airbnb has rentals in Maui worth checking outGetting To and From Maui
Popular Tours in Maui
More Tips on Travel to Hawaii
Ooh Maui looks nice! Im liking the snorkelling picture! Hawaii has always been a place i have wanted to travel to…Looks pretty spesh!
I think we could all do with some island time on Maui Sean. I visited Waikiki way back in 1994 so I’m long overdue for a visit to Hawaii.
Spent our J1 on Maui (3 months working holiday visa while in Uni). Was the best three months of my life! Definately recommend the sunrise cycle tour of the volcano- amazing views! Lahaina is the best and as I worked in Ono Gelato I really recommend the yummy gelato there!!! Would go back in a heartbeat
What a great destination for a working holiday!
Looks amazing. Loving the Snorkelling picture.
Leonie ♥ Lo On The Go
Awesome post! I have never been to Hawaii! What a great place to work, snorkel, and relax!
Took a family trip to Maui a while back…maybe 6-7 years ago… but it was by far the best vacation I’ve ever had.
We did all the touristy things, of course – My favorite being the helicopter tour over a couple nearby islands, forgot the name(s), but we went right next to the world’s tallest sea cliffs – and that island where they apparently don’t allow locals on what-so-ever.
I’ll absolutely be going back. Next time I want to do more hiking and exploring for sure. Beautiful…beautiful place.
Thanks for sharing, I’m going to visit this place 🙂
I married in Maui 3 years ago…well could look like a big chiche but it was cheaper than made a traditional ceremony to all the family. The entire island is amazing, but if you look for a more relaxing stay look for Wailea – Makena hotels. The best time to go is off season with great deals for a 3 or 4 days stays. Yeah, Hawaii is expensive, but cheaper than Australia in general. Recommend West Maui Heli tour, the Haleakala at Sunrise or sunset , Molokini Snorkeling tours and try local food and Hawaiian beers.
Thanks for the tips Alvaro. Sounds great!
Maui looks amazing with so much to do.
These are beautiful photos of Hawaii, wow. Make sure when you travel again that you have the App “Vidzy” on your phone. It makes recording videos such a breeze and let’s you record upto 5 minutes in length. Plus, you can then share your videos really easy on their platform to friends. Happy travels !
The next time you guys travel, you have to use this new App for the IPhone called Vidzy. It makes it sooo easy to record videos and share them. You also can upload any length onto the platform. It’s such a must have App when traveling. Cheers !
ahhh maui the valley isle! so many amazing things to do! we did a helicopter tour of west maui molokai sea cliffs and my girlfriend was literally in tears! it was amazing!
If you need something to do in Maui at night, go to Warren and Annabelles Magic Dinner Show in Lahaina. It’s a great evening of entertainment. Make sure you pre book your reservation or you may not get in. We attended on the advice of friends and haven’t regretted going at all! In fact we’ve gone on two different Maui visits.
You can’t miss the Maui Ocean Center aquarium in Ma’alaea! When you go, sign up for the “behind the scenes” tour where you can get up close to baby green sea turtles and touch moon jelly fish!! Then you get to feed adult green sea turtles and baby sharks!! Watch the feeding frenzy in the big shark tank!! Amazing day spent at this awesome aquarium!!!
wow fantastic images and the place is even more perfect. Thanks for posting, I’ll start thinking about my vacation in Maui
This is the best article I could have come across. My friends and I are renting a boat from Dream Yacht Sales and we’re doing a one month sailing trip around all the islands in Hawaii. This article just made me even more exited.