Amanda & Bryan
Things To Do
The Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a scenic highway that twists through the lush rainforest and past the cascading waterfalls that line the island's eastern shore. Most people start their trip in Kahului with the intention of driving 52 miles to Hana. This activity will likely take all day given the number of scenic lookouts and other places to stop, so we recommend starting your drive early in the morning, as the road gets super congested throughout the day. There are several tour companies that offer tours in luxury vans, including Valley Isle Excursions and Temptation Tours.
Haleakela National Park
Haleakala National Park is home to one of the world's largest dormant volcano craters. The entire park occupies 30,000 acres of land in Maui, though most visitors focus on a few specific areas of the park. Travelers recommend planning your visit to the summit in the morning to see the sunrise (keep in mind you'll have to make reservations online in advance and you'll be required to pay a small fee). A fairly winding road (Route 378) will lead you to the top. No matter when you visit, be sure to wear warm layers. The air up top is thin and chilly, according to past visitors.
Molokini Snorkeling
The crescent-shaped Molokini, located off Maui's southwestern coast, is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination and home to 250 different species of fish. It can only be reached on a boat tour and individual tickets can cost upward of $145, but it's a must-do. Tours typically depart from nearby Maalaea Harbor in Kihei and Lahaina Harbor on Maui's western shores. Trilogy, Pride of Maui and Redline Rafting Co. are just a few of the many operators offering tours to Molokini. Most tours, which span several hours, provide snorkeling gear and a meal and/or drinks and snacks to passengers.
Helicopter Tours
Most operators offer tours of West Maui and Molokai, and Hana and Haleakala, though some also take passengers on scenic, hourlong flights of the whole island. No matter which route you choose, you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Maui's waterfalls, craters, cliffs and valleys. Some of the most popular operators include, Air Maui, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Maverick Helicopters. Most tours depart from the Kahului Heliport in west Maui (packages do not include transportation to or from the helipad).
Old Lahaina Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the most popular things to do for first-time Maui visitors; those who have taken in the show highly recommend devoting an evening to this luau in particular for a fun intro to Hawaiian culture. Those who put on Lahaina's luau pride themselves on sticking to tradition, rather than catering to tourists' preconceived notions of the ceremony. Though entry rates may seem steep, previous visitors say that it's worth the cost to see the award-winning dancing and music. While you admire the performers' hula skills, you'll dine on Hawaiian specialties, such as pua’a kalua (pork roasted in an underground oven), fresh poki 'ahi (raw yellowfin tuna with green and Maui onions) and poi (mashed taro plant).
Kapalua Golf - The Plantation Course
Some of the more popular courses include the Gold, Emerald and Old Blue courses at Wailea and the Bay and Plantation courses at Kapalua. Depending on the courses you choose to play, you'll find fantastic views of Maui's coastline or volcanic formations. Kapalua's Plantation Course is a favorite among reviewers for its spectacular setting and excellent amenities – which include a pro shop and a restaurant. From its location on Maui's northwest coast, the Plantation Course boasts spectacular views of the mountainous West Maui Forest Reserve, as well as the neighboring island, Molokai.
Ali'i Kula Lavender
Ali’i kula lavender is open to the public only on Friday’s, Saturday’s, Sunday’s and Monday’s for the foreseeable future, with new hours from 10am to 4pm. General Admission is $3 per person.
Napili Beach
Napili's waters are much calmer than those at other Maui beaches, so it's a great place for swimming, paddle boarding and boogie boarding. Napili's reefs also have a ton of fish and sea turtles - don't forget your snorkels!