Maui may be the most popular Hawaiian island to visit, and for that reason it is also the priciest. However, if you find yourself planning a trip here, you’ll likely want to start planning your trip back shortly after leaving. We loved Maui and although we only got to spend three days here, it is one of our favorite places we’ve travelled to!
1. Road to Hana
Our favorite stops were Kaihalulu Beach (red sand beach), Waiʻanapanapa State Park (black rock beach), Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), Pipiwai Trail, Coconut Glen’s ice cream, and Braddah Hutts for lunch. I recommend downloading the Gypsy Guide app and buying the Road to Hana guide for the drive. Also, start as early as you can to avoid crowds. The road is very narrow in some parts and impossible for two cars to pass through at the same time. The earlier you go the easier it will be to navigate.
2. Haleakala sunrise
We didn’t make it for sunrise when we were there because tickets sell out within minutes of them being listed, but we did drive up to the summit and did a short hike into the crater. If you want to get tickets for the sunrise, they list 60 days and 2 days in advance. Make sure you have an account and are already logged in before they go live. If you do want to hike down into the crater, I only recommend hiking down for about 15 minutes and then hiking back up. The elevation makes it a difficult hike back up and the views did not drastically change for us.
Book Haleakala sunrise tickets here: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731
3. Go whale watching
If you’ll be in Maui between November and April, make sure you book a whale-watching tour. This is on our bucket list if we ever make it back during migration season! Some snorkeling tours include whale watching when in season.
4. Eat shave ice
Shave (yes, shave, not shaved!) ice is a Hawaiian specialty that tastes so much better than the typical shaved ice that you’re thinking of. Our favorite we’ve had on any island is Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. Make sure you get a macadamia nut ice cream center and a snow cap (topping of a sweetened condensed milk mixture).
5. Snorkeling/scuba diving at Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is a volcanic caldera off the shore of Maui. It’s known to have some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in all of Hawaii.
6. Eat at Mama’s Fish House
We weren’t able to get reservations here but it was the number one recommended restaurant among our friends that have been before. They book up more than 3 months in advance, even in the off-season so make sure to plan ahead. Their dishes are pricey but the fresh fish looks delicious!
7. Go beach hopping
Maui’s beaches are pristine. Our favorite beaches were on the Kaanapali side of the island. You can find great snorkeling right off of many of the beaches. We went to Kapalua beach which was in a crescent that broke a lot of the waves. Some other beaches to check out include Makena Beach State Park, Wailea Beach, Honolua Bay, Olowalu, Ahihi Kinau, and Maluaka (aka Turtle Town)
8. Eat Poke
Another food recommendation, but you just can’t beat fresh Hawaiian food! If you’re into poke, don’t skip getting it at least once while you’re in Maui. We stayed in a camper van on our trip so we stocked up on poke from a grocery store, which is not the same kind of grocery store seafood you’re used to seeing.
9. Go to a Luau
It wouldn’t be a top 10 Hawaiian list without mentioning a Luau. They’re pricey but worth it!
10. Stroll the Kapalua Coastal Trail
This is a 2.5-mile round trip easy trail near Lahaina. Walk along the coast for beach and rock formation views!
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