Maui is the island most first-time Hawaii visitors dream about — and for good reason. In a single trip you can snorkel with green sea turtles at sunrise, drive one of the most famous coastal roads on earth, watch the sun rise above the clouds from a 10,023-foot volcano, and end the day on a beach that looks Photoshopped. This guide covers the best things to do in Maui, with the snorkeling-first angle this site is known for: every recommendation below is one we would actually do, with the practical details — reservations, fees, and best times — that the big listicles skip.
If you only remember one thing, make it this: snorkel early. Maui’s trade winds pick up most afternoons, so the calmest, clearest water is almost always before noon. Plan your water days around that, and the rest of the island falls into place.
Short on time? Our top five things to do in Maui are: snorkel Ka’anapali Beach and Black Rock, take a morning boat to Molokini Crater, drive the Road to Hana, watch the sunrise at Haleakala, and go whale watching if you visit between December and April.
See also our Hawaii-wide list of the best things to do in Hawaii.
1. Snorkel Maui’s Best Reefs
Snorkeling is the single best thing to do in Maui. The island’s leeward west and south coasts are sheltered from the trade winds, which is why the water here is calmer and clearer than on most other Hawaiian islands — and why the reefs at Ka’anapali, Kapalua Bay, and Honolua Bay are famous. If you are planning a trip around the water, start with our complete guide to the best places to snorkel in Maui, which ranks more than 25 shore and boat spots. Below are the four snorkel experiences that belong on every first-timer’s list.
Ka’anapali Beach and Black Rock
Ka’anapali is Maui’s best-known beach for a reason: three miles of golden sand, calm morning water, and a reef right off the shore. At the north end, the lava point known as Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a) is the island’s most famous shore snorkel. Swim out along the rock in the morning and you are likely to see green sea turtles (honu), reef fish, and the occasional reef shark in deeper water. The entry is easy sand, which makes it a good first snorkel for beginners — and for families. Go early, before the wind and the crowds, and stay close to the rock rather than crossing the open bay. Full details: Ka’anapali Beach snorkeling guide.
Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay is the prettiest and most protected snorkeling beach in West Maui. A crescent of white sand sheltered by two lava points, it has calm, clear water, a sandy entry, and a healthy reef on both sides of the bay — which is why it is regularly named one of the best beaches in the United States. It is the spot we recommend most to first-time snorkelers and to families with kids: you can stand in waist-deep water and watch fish within minutes of walking in. There is a small public parking lot, showers, and restrooms; arrive before 9 a.m. in high season, because the lot fills. Full details: Kapalua Bay snorkeling guide.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is a marine reserve — no fishing, no taking — and it shows. On a calm summer morning the water here can be the clearest on the island, with big coral heads, schools of reef fish, and turtles cruising the bay. The catch is access and conditions: you walk a short trail through the forest from the roadside parking, enter over rocks rather than sand, and the bay is at its best in the calm summer months; in winter, north swells can make it rough and murky. Check the surf before you go and skip it on big-swell days. Full details: Honolua Bay snorkeling guide.
Molokini Crater by Boat
Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater three miles off Maui’s south coast, and the only way in is by boat. The payoff is visibility that can exceed 100 feet on a good day, a crescent-shaped reef wall, and a good chance of turtles at the Turtle Town stop many tours add on. Boats leave from Ma’alaea Harbor, and most trips cost roughly $150-$200 per person, with morning departures the calmest. Book a morning trip, take motion-sickness precautions if you need them, and bring reef-safe sunscreen. Full details: Molokini Crater snorkeling guide.
A few snorkeling rules that apply everywhere on Maui: snorkel in the morning, never stand on coral, keep a respectful distance from turtles (they are protected by federal law), and use reef-safe sunscreen — Hawaii bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. If the wind is up and the water looks choppy from shore, it will be worse in the water: pick another bay, or another day.
2. Spend a Day on Maui’s Best Beaches
Even if you never put on a mask, Maui’s beaches are worth the trip. Ka’anapali is the best all-rounder — three miles of sand with resorts, restaurants, and the famous sunset walk along the beach path. Wailea Beach, on the south shore, is calm and resort-backed, with a paved beach walk that connects the Wailea resorts. Makena State Park’s Big Beach is the island’s biggest stretch of sand, but swim with care: the shorebreak here is powerful and there are no lifeguards at the far end. In Kihei, the three Kamaole beach parks are the local family favorites — grassy parks, picnic tables, showers, and gentle entries that suit kids. Napili Bay, just north of Ka’anapali, is the quieter alternative: a small, sheltered bay with a sandy bottom and good turtle spotting from shore. All of Maui’s beaches are public, and the beach parks are free, with parking, restrooms, and showers at the main ones.
3. Drive the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is the most famous drive in Hawaii: about 64 miles from Paia to Hana, roughly 600 curves, and more than 50 one-lane bridges, winding past waterfalls, bamboo forests, and black sand beaches. Plan a full day, leave early, and remember that the drive is the point — budget stops rather than rushing to Hana itself.
The stop that needs planning is Wai’anapanapa State Park, home to the black sand beach at Pa’iloa Bay. Advance reservations are required for all out-of-state visitors, and entry is sold in four time slots: 7:00-10:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 12:30-3:00 p.m., and 3:00-6:00 p.m. Entry is $5 per person, plus a parking fee. Book in advance and take a screenshot of your reservation, because there is almost no cell service along the road. Other classic stops include the Twin Falls trail near mile marker 2, the Ke’anae Peninsula’s rugged coastline, and the Ohe’o Gulch pools (the “Seven Sacred Pools”) inside Haleakala National Park near Hana. Stay on marked trails and off private land, never swim below waterfalls after rain, and keep drive time in mind — many visitors turn around at Hana and drive the same road back rather than continuing the rougher unpaved stretch around the south side.
4. Watch the Sunrise — or Sunset — at Haleakala
Haleakala, the dormant volcano that makes up most of eastern Maui, rises 10,023 feet above sea level — and on a clear morning you can watch the sun rise above a sea of clouds from the summit. That is the catch: it is the most popular sunrise in Hawaii, so a reservation is required for sunrise entry to Haleakala National Park, and it must be booked in advance — reservations regularly sell out, so do not leave it to the week of your trip. The drive to the summit takes around two hours from the resort areas, the air at the top can be close to freezing before dawn, and the wind is often strong, so bring layers and arrive with your reservation confirmation ready.
If the sunrise reservation does not work out, go for sunset instead. No reservation is needed for sunset, the crowds are thinner, the light on the crater is spectacular, and — because Haleakala’s summit is one of the darkest, clearest places in the United States — the stargazing afterwards is superb. The park entrance fee is charged per vehicle and covers three days.
5. Go Whale Watching (December to April)
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm, shallow waters of the Maui Nui Basin to breed and give birth, and Maui is one of the best whale-watching spots on the planet. The season runs from December to April, with the most whales in the water from January to March. Tour boats leave from Ma’alaea Harbor and run two- to three-hour trips; the boats know where the pods are, the naturalists on board explain the behavior you are seeing, and you will very likely see a breach, a tail slap, or a mother and calf. You do not have to take a boat, either — on a good winter day it is entirely possible to watch whales breaching from Ka’anapali Beach or from the Kihei shoreline. Book morning trips for the calmest seas, dress for wind and spray, and give the boats a week or two of flexibility in your itinerary if you can: a whale-watching trip is the kind of activity that rewards a second chance if the weather does not cooperate.
6. Free Things to Do in Maui
Maui is an expensive island, but some of its best experiences cost nothing. The beaches themselves are the obvious place to start: every beach in Hawaii is public, and the beach parks are free, so a day at Kamaole III or Napili Bay costs no more than parking. The sunset from Ka’anapali Beach is free and reliably excellent — get there thirty minutes before the sun goes down, and watch the sky change over the West Maui Mountains.
- Watch turtles from shore at Black Rock: honu feed and rest in the shallows near Black Rock on Ka’anapali Beach. Bring a mask if you have one, or simply watch from the sand at first light.
- Nakalele Blowhole: a 45-minute drive north of Ka’anapali, a lava-tube blowhole shoots ocean spray tens of feet into the air when the surf is up. It is a short walk from the road — and a real hazard, so stay well back from the spout and never stand on the wet rock near it.
- Dragon’s Teeth: the jagged black lava formation at the edge of the Makaluapuna Point in Kapalua is a short, free walk from the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua parking area and one of the most dramatic coastlines on the island.
- Ho’okipa Beach Park: on the North Shore near Paia, this is one of the world’s most famous windsurfing beaches — and at sunset, dozens of green sea turtles haul out on the sand to rest. Watch quietly from the viewing area and give them space.
- La Perouse Bay: at the end of the Makena road, a walk across the 1790 lava flow at La Perouse Bay is free, stark, and otherworldly — a look at what a young Hawaiian landscape actually is.
- Farmers markets: the Upcountry farmers markets (Kula, Makawao) and the Kihei farmers market are free to browse and full of local fruit, baked goods, and crafts.
7. Things to Do in Maui with Kids (Family Activities)
Maui is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands for families, because so much of the island is beach-based and gentle. Kapalua Bay and Kamaole Beach Park III are the classic family snorkeling and swimming spots: sandy entries, small waves in the morning, shade, showers, and lifeguards at the Kamaole parks. Baby Beach (Lahaina side, near the harbor) and Napili Bay are also good with small children, and both are top spots for watching turtles from shore.
When the kids need a break from the beach, the Maui Ocean Center in Ma’alaea — the big aquarium at the harbor — is the best indoor family activity on the island and a natural pairing with a morning boat trip, since both leave from the same harbor. Tickets are $45 per adult if bought in advance ($50 same-day), so book ahead. The Road to Hana works with kids too, if you keep it short: pick two or three stops — Twin Falls for a waterfall swim, Wai’anapanapa’s black sand beach — rather than trying to see everything. And a sunset sail or a whale-watching cruise (in season) is an easy, memorable outing for kids who are old enough to sit on a boat for a couple of hours. Book the calm, morning departures and pack snacks — Maui’s best activities run on island time, and a fed kid is a happy kid.
8. More of the Best Things to Do in Maui
Attend a luau. A luau is the classic Maui evening: a buffet of kalua pork, poi, and poke, hula and fire-knife dancing, and an open-air setting at sunset. Luaus book out days ahead in high season, and prices have climbed over the last few years, so reserve early. The Old Lahaina Lu’au, Maui’s most famous, reopened in March 2024, after the fire — a hopeful sign for a town that is still rebuilding.
Explore Upcountry Maui. The slopes of Haleakala are a different island: cool, green, and rural. Farm tours, food stands, and farm-to-table restaurants around Kula and Makawao are worth a half day, and the drive up through the fields and the cooler air is a welcome break after a few days at the beach.
Visit Iao Valley State Monument. The Iao Needle — a dramatic lava remnant rising from the Iao Valley — is a 0.6-mile paved loop walk from the parking area, and one of the most beautiful, sacred, and storied places on Maui. Note that reservations are now required for non-residents, with a $5 per-person entry fee plus $10 for parking.
Wander Paia town. The little surf town at the start of the Road to Hana is worth an hour or two by itself: boutiques, surf shops, shave ice, and the North Shore vibe — plus Ho’okipa Beach Park just up the road for windsurfing and turtles.
Learn to surf. Maui’s gentle beach breaks — the Kihei coast and parts of West Maui — are good for first-timers, and several surf schools run group lessons and kid-friendly sessions. Book an early-morning lesson, when the water is calmest.
Take a sunset sail. The evening trade winds make for excellent sailing off West Maui and Ma’alaea Harbor, and a two-hour sunset cruise is a good way to see the coastline you have been snorkeling all week — and, from December to April, to watch whales against the sunset.
A Note on Lahaina
Any honest guide to Maui has to address Lahaina. The historic town — the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Maui’s main visitor hub — was devastated by the wildfires of August 2023. The town is rebuilding, and a growing number of businesses, shops, and restaurants have reopened. Visiting respectfully — spending money with local businesses, following posted signs, and not treating burned areas as attractions — is one of the most useful things a visitor can do. Towns just north of Lahaina — Ka’anapali, Napili, Honokowai, and Kapalua — were not damaged by the fires and remain fully open, which is why so much of this guide is based there. Before you plan a visit to Lahaina itself, check the current status of the places you want to see, because the reopening picture is still changing.
How Many Days Do You Need in Maui?
Five to seven days is the sweet spot: enough for the snorkeling, a couple of big days out, and a beach day that does not feel like a luxury. Three days is a realistic minimum for the highlights. Here is a snorkeling-first, three-day version of the trip above:
- Day 1: Morning snorkel at Kapalua Bay or Ka’anapali (Black Rock), then the beach at Kamaole or Napili, and sunset at Ka’anapali.
- Day 2: Morning boat trip to Molokini Crater, afternoon at Wailea Beach or the Maui Ocean Center, and (in season) a sunset whale watch.
- Day 3: Choose the Road to Hana (a full day, early start) or a very early start for Haleakala sunrise, then Iao Valley and Paia on the way back.
Stay based on Maui’s west or south coast — Ka’anapali and Kapalua in the west, Kihei and Wailea in the south — and you will spend far less time driving than if you split your stay across the island.
Best Time to Visit Maui
Maui is a year-round destination. Summer (May to September) brings the calmest ocean conditions on the west and north shores — the best time for snorkeling Honolua Bay and the northwest coast. Winter (December to April) brings whale season and the biggest surf on the north shore. Spring and fall are the quieter shoulder seasons. One timing detail worth knowing: Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time, so the state stays on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (UTC-10) year-round — sunrise and sunset times shift less through the year than they do on the mainland, and your flight times from the mainland shift by an hour in spring and fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Maui? The best things to do in Maui are snorkeling at Ka’anapali (Black Rock), Kapalua Bay, Honolua Bay, and Molokini Crater; driving the Road to Hana; watching the sunrise at Haleakala; going whale watching between December and April; and spending a day on the beaches at Ka’anapali, Wailea, or Napili Bay.
What is free to do in Maui? Maui’s beaches and sunsets are free, as are the Nakalele Blowhole, Dragon’s Teeth in Kapalua, watching turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park, and walking the lava fields at La Perouse Bay. Most beach parks have free parking, restrooms, and showers.
What should families do in Maui? Families do best with calm, sandy spots like Kapalua Bay and Kamaole III, a visit to the Maui Ocean Center aquarium in Ma’alaea, and short, easy stops along the Road to Hana. Try whale watching and morning boat trips if the kids are old enough for a couple of hours on a boat.
Do I need a reservation for Haleakala sunrise? Yes. A sunrise reservation is required to enter Haleakala National Park before sunrise, and reservations must be made in advance through the National Park Service — they regularly sell out. No reservation is needed for sunset.
Do I need a reservation for Wai’anapanapa State Park? Yes. Out-of-state visitors need a reservation for the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa, sold in four time slots (7:00-10:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 12:30-3:00 p.m., and 3:00-6:00 p.m.). Entry is $5 per person, plus a parking fee.
Is Lahaina open to visitors? Lahaina is rebuilding after the August 2023 wildfires. A growing number of businesses have reopened, and visitors are welcome — visit respectfully, support local businesses, and check the status of individual places before you go. The resort areas north of Lahaina were not damaged and are fully open.
When is whale season in Maui? Whale season in Maui runs from December to April, with the most humpback whales in the water from January to March.
Maui rewards travelers who get in the water early, book the big-ticket items early, and leave room for the beach. Start with the snorkeling — for the full list, see our guide to the best places to snorkel in Maui — and the rest of the island will take care of itself.