Are you daydreaming of gorgeous turquoise blue waters, white sand beaches, and some action-packed adventures with a little bit of thrill, then Maui is absolutely where you need to go. I have recently returned from a one-week trip to this Hawaiian haven, and for real—it’s amazing!
From stunning sunrises, relaxing beaches, and dramatic mountains, here’s the ultimate insider guide for the best things to see, do, and experience in Maui now.
🌴 1. Relax on the best beaches in Maui
🌊 Makena Beach (Big Beach)
Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, is one you absolutely have to visit. It stretches for well over a mile of very soft golden beach, so it’s perfect for sunbathing, picnic-ing, or generally hanging out.
Despite being quite popular, it never gets too crowded. I spent an entire afternoon there, and it was fantastic. Be careful of strong currents and waves, though, ’cause they can get very powerful, especially during winter.
🏄♂️ D.T. Fleming Beach
D.T. Fleming Beach in Kapalua is really popular with surfers and bodyboarders. The waves are always great, and the scenery is just gorgeous, so I suppose it’s no wonder. I spent the time on the beach having a picnic, just relaxing and watching surfers ride those waves. It’s one of the best places to relax and people-watch, too.
🌊 2. Let’s catch some waves!
🏄♀️ Surfing classes in Lahaina, bro!
Surf pro or not, there are some awesome spots in Lahaina. I learned some fantastic tips from a very laid back teacher who made everything so much fun and made me feel quite secure.
Catching that very first wave was such a thrill, and the teacher aced it with his instruction. The warm water and gentle waves are wonderful for beginners. Big Island is fantastic!
🌬️ Windsurfing at Ho‘okipa Beach is incredible!
For thrill-seekers, Ho‘okipa Beach on the North Shore is legendary. Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, the waves and winds here create perfect conditions. While I didn’t try it myself, watching the windsurfers perform tricks was mesmerizing. If you’re into water sports, this place is a dream.
🐠 3. Snorkel in Crystal-Clear Waters
🐢 Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is this awesome crescent-shaped volcanic caldera, and it’s snorkeler heaven. I did a morning tour, and the visibility was just incredible. Snorkeling alongside vibrant coral reefs and observing sea turtles was hands down the highlight of my trip. The really calm waters and all the various sea life make it such a great place for snorkeling.
🐠 Turtle Town
Located near Makena Beach, Turtle Town lives up to its name. I was fortunate to snorkel here and encountered several Hawaiian green sea turtles. The gentle creatures glided effortlessly through the water, and I couldn’t help but be in awe. It’s a serene spot that’s perfect for underwater photography.
🌄 4. Hike Through Maui’s Natural Wonders
🏞️ I‘ao Valley State Monument
I’ao Valley is such a green heaven in the West Maui Mountains. And that I’ao Needle? It’s essentially a massive rock spike that clearly exposes the island’s geological past. I climbed up for that short hike to the overlook, and boy, the views are fantastic. It’s such a relaxing place to escape from everything.
🌋 Haleakalā National Park
If you’re looking for something really cool to do, go to Haleakalā National Park. Seriously, watching the sunrise at the summit is like magic. I woke up at 3 AM to make the 5:45 AM sunrise, and believe me, it was well worth it. The crater is so huge, and the sky changing colors is just wow. Just be sure to reserve your spot in advance because they get booked up quickly!
🐋 5. Look at those incredible humpback whales!
Just so you know, December through May is the time for must-see whale watching. I took this whale-watch tour from Lahaina, and it was absolutely fantastic! Our guide was a very cool marine biologist who told us some fantastic things about how humpbacks behave. We even got lucky enough to see a load of breaches and tail slaps!
The Auau Channel, between Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lāna‘i, is where all the action is for whale watching.
🍽️ 6. See the fantastic food culture of Maui!
🌮 Food trucks, man
Maui’s food trucks are so lively and offer a multitude of choices. I splurged on some shrimp tacos from a vendor in Lahaina, and they were full of flavor. There are poke bowls, garlic shrimp—there’s literally something for everybody. You have to see the food trucks that are located in Kihei and Pa‘ia—locals love them!
🍴 Luau Experiences
You can’t go to Maui and miss a traditional luau. I tried out the Old Lahaina Luau, and it was a complete feast for the senses. The imu ceremony where they unearth the roasted pig, the hula dances, and all the delicious Hawaiian food made for a memorable night. Be sure to reserve your place in advance since reservations are required.
🛍️ 7. Shop and Stroll Through Lahaina
Lahaina’s got such a wonderful energy that blends history with island charm. Prior to the wild 2023 wildfires, this adorable little town was duly the epicenter of West Maui—full of artsy things, galleries, trendy historical sites, and lovely restaurants by the water. It’s still rebuilding, but sections of Lahaina are operating once again, and the locals are simply brimming with spunk and determination. I spent a wonderful afternoon wandering down Front Street, visiting charming little shops, and acquiring some handcrafted jewelry and locally produced soaps (gosh, I get transported back there instantly whenever I wear that plumeria scent).
One of the best places I visited was the Banyan Tree Court. This enormous banyan tree occupies a whole city block—it’s a physical cathedral with its hanging roots and shaded benches. I actually loved just hanging out there with some of that shaved ice stuff and people-watching. And there are vendors selling their wares and handmade goods, too, and I talked with one who told me how much Lahaina is a big deal for the island and how much the island needs it for people to support the locals now.
I walked through several galleries along the street—Lahaina is so artsy. I even came close to getting into possession of that ocean-inspired art work created entirely out of reclaimed wood. If you’re looking for souvenirs, or just basking in island atmosphere, there’s that relaxing vibe happening for you in Lahaina. Just do keep an eye on the hours of whatever places you discover, so you can support them as much as possible. The aloha spirit is surely living and thriving here.
🚗 8. You have to see the Road to Hana!
If you’re only taking one trip on Maui, make it the Road to Hana. No lie, the drive is madness—over 600 turns, over 50 one-lane bridges, and simply breathtaking views. Truth be told, I was actually a bit anxious for the drive (I get carsick very, very easily !!!), so we started early, took some snacks, and proceeded slowly. Totally worth it though!
We visited some waterfalls where you can swim completely under them (Twin Falls was totally magical), the best fruit stands along the side of the road with pineapples that I’ve ever had, as well as hidden beaches such as Hamoa and Red Sand Beach. But the place I loved best is Wai’anapanapa State Park—those black beaches are stunning, and the ocean is much wilder there than any place else on the island.
If driving doesn’t appeal, you can book a guided tour no problem. Either way, just make your schedule free, grab your camera, and sit back and relax on the ride. The Road to Hana isn’t so much where you’re ending up—it’s all of the cool things along the way that make it worthwhile.
🌅 9. Take a look at the Ka’anapali Beach sunset!
I have witnessed many a sunset while driving, but the one on Ka’anapali Beach? No comparison, it was by far the best. The sky literally erupted with this incredible blend of gold, pink, and lavender, and the ocean glimmered like a mirror. I happened to be lounging there barefoot on the beach, sipping a mai tai from the Whalers Village bar, and for one brief moment, time literally stood still.
Ka‘anapali Beach is, like, extremely popular on Maui, and it absolutely delivers on the hype. This is where they do that amazing cliff diving spectacle at Black Rock nightly. Around the time the sun is setting, a diver lights up tiki torches on the cliff before leaping into the water, which is a respectful homage to the natives’ tradition of worshipping their gods. It’s absolutely stunning and gorgeous—arrive early so you can get a good spot to watch!
You can spend your day however you want—paddle-boarding, swimming, relaxing on the beach—Ka’anapali is so postcard-perfect. There are plenty of resorts and shops within easy access of the beach, so you can spend the day and night hanging out there. You’ve gotta watch the sun set here at least once during your island visit.
🧘♀️ 10. Relax with a Beachside Massage or Spa Day
So, after a couple of days of running around, snorkeling, and driving on those windy roads, I was ready to relax. I said to myself, why not indulge and get myself a beach massage? So, I grabbed a massage from this spa in Wailea that offers cabanas outside with great ocean views and gentle sea breezes.
I mean, getting a lomi lomi massage with the waves crashing behind you? It’s basically heaven.
Maui has some fantastic spas, from elegant resort locations to small, little wellness centers staffed by locals. They even have yoga on the beach at dawn and Hawaiian healing treatments utilizing native herbs. I simply relaxed after my massage, wrapped up in a robe, sipped herbal tea, and lounged outside while I gazed out at the palm trees moving gently. It was full-on recharge time.
If you are one of those people who enjoy pampering yourselves while traveling (totally agree!), you need to make some time for a bit of self-indulgence. Seriously, it is the best way to press that reset button and actually absorb that relaxing island atmosphere
🐾 11. Visit the Maui Ocean Center
If you’re visiting Maui with the children—or just want to see what’s happening underwater without getting wet—be sure to visit the Maui Ocean Center in Maʻalaea. I happened by on a rainy day (paradise isn’t always sunny, of course!) and I was thoroughly impressed. The displays are excellent, great quality, and full of interesting information on our ocean environments and marine wildlife.
The highlight for me was actually getting to walk through that absolutely enormous 54-foot-long shark, ray, and lots of fish-filled passageway. I had the feeling I was inside a massive, live aquarium. They have an amazing humpback whale exhibit, as well as a virtual reality experience where you get the illusion that you’re swimming alongside them. I literally got the shivers—it was so amazing.
I especially appreciated how the center is completely dedicated to conservation and Hawaiian perspectives of the ocean. It is not your average aquarium—it is a fun, educational experience that certainly gets one fired up. And then there’s this fantastic little gift shop selling sustainable souvenirs.
🌺 Wrapping it up: Why Maui’s magic remains with you
Dude, leaving Maui is such a bummer, right? There is just something so rad about that island—those sick views, mellow locals, and the entire go-with-the-flow atmosphere that lingers with you even after departure.
Whether you’re watching the sun rise above the clouds, swimming with sea turtles, or simply sipping coffee with your toes in the sand, Maui absolutely relaxes you and lets you absorb it all. Each second there feels like a little treasure.
If you’re considering a trip soon, seriously—don’t wait. The island is humming, full of good energy, and completely ready to greet you with open arms. Bring that swimsuit, charge the camera, and get ready for an unforgettable time.