Things To Do
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana (Hāna Highway) in Maui, Hawaii, is a famous, winding 64-mile scenic drive connecting Kahului to the town of Hāna, known for its lush rainforests, countless waterfalls (like Waiʻanapanapa's black sand beach), and cultural sites, offering an all-day adventure with narrow roads, single-lane bridges, and many stops for tropical treats and natural wonders, often taking 10-12 hours or more. It's best to start early, fuel up, bring cash for local vendors, and consider taking a tour or staying overnight to fully experience its beauty without rushing.
Ho'okipa Beach Park
Ho'okipa Beach Park on Maui's North Shore is a world-famous spot known for epic windsurfing, surfing (especially big waves), and stunning views, but also for its amazing sea turtle (honu) sightings as they bask on the sandy shores, offering a classic Hawaiian experience with powerful surf, volcanic rocks, and beautiful scenery, great for watching pros or seeing turtles up close (from a distance!).
Waihee Ridge Trail
The Waihe’e Ridge Trail is among the best hikes on Maui. This Nā Ala Hele trail climbs steeply along a snaking ridge with huge views of the West Maui mountains, also called Mauna Kahalawai. The trail passes myriad types of amazing plant life, changing as you climb in elevation. Birders will marvel at the amount of avian biodiversity. The trail ends at a small hill named Lanilili at 2500’ above sea level where you are rewarded for your effort with magnificent views in every direction.
Wailea Beach Path
The Wailea Beach Path is a picturesque, paved coastal walkway in South Maui, Hawaii, stretching about 1.5 miles (one way) connecting luxurious resorts and several beautiful beaches like Ulua and Polo Beach, perfect for walking, running, and enjoying ocean views, sunsets, and access to swimming, snorkeling, and beachside dining. It offers stunning scenery, lush landscaping, and is a great way to experience the Wailea resort area from end to end (around 3 miles round trip).
Snorkel Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic islet and Marine Life Conservation District off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, famous for its exceptionally clear water (up to 150 ft visibility) and vibrant underwater world, making it a top spot for snorkeling and scuba diving to see diverse fish, coral, turtles, and sometimes whales, with boat tours departing from Maui's harbors.
Get a Mai Tai at Monkeypod
If you want to know where to find the best mai tai on the island, look no further than Monkeypod Kitchen. This casual restaurant/bar whips up a mean Monkeypod Mai Tai, which is made with kula organic silver and dark rums and house-made macadamia nut orgeat syrup. It’s then mixed with lime and orange curacao and topped with honey-lilikoi foam. One sip, and you’ll see why it’s the star of the menu!
Golf at Wailea Golf Club
The Wailea Blue Golf Course was one of the very first pieces of land developed in Wailea back in the 1970s and today offers a very playable round of golf. The Wailea Emerald Course and the Wailea Gold Course are two of the best golf courses on Maui and are both typically in immaculate condition. Wailea has the world’s best weather with abundant sunshine, very little rain, and less wind than some other parts of Maui making it a safe bet for good golf weather.
Dine at Mama's Fish House
A South Pacific Dream, Brought to Maui Floyd and Doris Christenson sailed the South Pacific in the 1960s with their two young children, chasing the dream of opening a restaurant that captured the spirit of old Polynesia. Years later, they bought the beachfront property in Kuau Cove and opened Mama's Fish House. Make a reservation early, as they book up months in advance!
Watch the Sunrise at Haleakalā Summit
Haleakala National Park is home to Maui's highest peak. Rising 10,023 (3,005 m) feet above sea level, Haleakala means "house of the sun" and is where demigod Maui lassoed the sun, slowing its passage so people had more time to dry kapa (cloth) and grow food. The dormant volcano's "crater" is actually a valley carved by erosion. Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala has been a visitor attraction since the late 1800s when Samuel Clemens wrote: "It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always." Reservations are mandatory for all vehicles entering the Summit District between 3:00 am and 7:00 am. They can be booked up to 60 days in advance and often sell out quickly.