26 Ultimate Things to Do in Maui

“Monster waves” is Maui’s middle name, and the world’s best surfers (and windsurfers) know it. To watch the big kahunas, head to the North Shore’s world-renowned Ho‘okipa Beach in winter. The best perch is the Ho’okipa Lookout, a clifftop parking lot overlooking “Pavilions” (the beach’s surfing end). There, amped-up surfers undertake an “epic day brah!” as they charge, carve, and perform aerials.

Beginners, or “Barneys,” are in luck—Maui boasts more beginner surf breaks than any other Hawaiian island. The Cove at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei and Launiupoko Beach Park are good choices, and both offer surf schools.

The perfect storm of golf occurs on Maui, where stunning weather, gorgeous views, and amazing course layouts converge. You have a tough task ahead of you, choosing the best place to hit the irons—what a problem to have, right? For starters, favorites include the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf (played by PGA Tour pros), the Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course (a British links-style course), and the Royal Ka‘anapali Course at Ka‘anapali Golf Courses (designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.). For an extra challenge, cross the channel to Lana‘i to visit the Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course at Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Lana‘i where the 12th hole sees golfers tee off from a cliff 150 feet above the ocean. 

As you drop down into the dark watery chamber, a lacy, lava-rock ceiling gives the sense of stained-glass windows and a big boulder resembles an altar. You are in First Cathedral—a lava tube that comprises one of Maui’s primo diving spots (though technically it’s off Lana‘i). Nearby Second Cathedral has a 6-foot albino coral tree hanging from the ceiling, resembling a chandelier. Both boast a variety of multicolored fish, eels, even turtles, dolphins, and octopi. Obviously, scuba diving doesn’t get much better than this. Lahaina Divers is a reputable outfitter, with tours leaving from West Maui Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

No doubt about it, one of Maui’s greatest appeals is its beaches. You really can’t go wrong anywhere you go, but, if you need some direction, try one of the following: Keawakapu, which features critter-filled tide pools and golden sand; Hamoa Bay, which was voted one of the world’s best beaches; or Kapalua Bay, a popular choice among snorkelers. Ho‘okipa also makes a great choice if you’re looking to be entertained by board and kite surfers. You’ll find soft sands, sunny skies, clacking palm leaves, and refreshing blue waters are all around you; it’s the quintessence of paradise.

Luaus are a time for Hawaiians to come together to feast and tell stories and remember their past through music and dance. While some of the more touristy versions can be cheesy, Old Lahaina Luau gets high marks for authenticity. You’ll enjoy good food (including Kalua pig, cooked in a traditional underground oven), music, arts and crafts, and a spectacular sunset. But, most of all, you’ll partake in the age-old tradition of hula, accompanied by the sweet strains of the ‘ukulele. You may even be invited to come up on stage and dance.

You can’t penetrate much of Maui’s breathtaking landscape; it’s too remote and rugged. That’s where the helicopter comes in, allowing you to zip into Haleakala’s Martian landscape, down Hawaii’s tallest waterfall, and over the secluded Wailau Valley. You’ll see circular rainbows, mist-swirling rainforests, and black and red sand beaches–all of nature’s glory from high above. During whale season you might even be able to catch a peek at a pod from overhead. Blue Hawaiian is a reputable company, with state-of-the-art equipment.

It’s said that the ‘ukulele (in Hawaiian, pronounced oo-koo-leh-leh), the diminutive little instrument with four plastic strings, is experiencing a revival. The ‘ukulele has always been at the heart and soul of Hawaiian music, and while you’re visiting, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hear the pleasant pluck of strings wafting on a Maui breeze. Many different restaurants and bars offer live music while you dine; try Kimo’s or Hula Grill Ka‘anapali. Better yet, attend the Maui ‘Ukulele Festival in October (keep an eye on Covid protocols and cancellations), where a free ‘ukulele workshop is offered, or attend a show. Most larger resorts, shopping centers, and cultural centers offer free or low-cost lessons for guests; some hotels even make them available for guests, like Wailea Beach Resort with its ‘ukulele lounge in the lobby.

Humpback whales, koholā in Hawaiian, hang out every winter in the ‘Au‘Au Channel off Maui. Boats leaving from Lahaina (once a booming whaling capital) can be in the midst of these gentle giants within 15 minutes, watching them cavort, spout, dive, showing off their flukes. Ultimate Whale Watch offers intimate tours with no more than 12 passengers. You can also stake out an onshore spot; Ka‘anapali Beach, just north of Lahaina, and the bluffs near the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, are divine perches, as is the stretch of Highway 30 between Ma‘alaea and Lahaina. The South Shore is also no stranger to the gentle cetaceans, with great vantage points from beach parks and resort balconies. Whale-watching season runs roughly from November through May.

Don your best pareo (sarong), stick a plumeria in your ear, and saunter up to the bar at the laid-back upscale lobby lounges in Wailea. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea as a good place to start; you’ll know you’ve found a piece of paradise when you feel the breeze through your hair and the sounds of the surf crashing nearby. Cocktails are handcrafted and evening live music includes a sunset hula show and sunset torch lighting. Another standout bar is Botero Lounge at Grand Wailea–part outdoor art gallery, part cocktail and live sushi lounge, the newly revitalized space is the perfect gathering place to enjoy a specially crafted drink from a menu inspired by both Japan and the classic resort, itself.

When molten lava meets the ocean (and its glistening waters, which the park is named for), it shatters into tiny pieces of basalt—voilà, black sand! Wai‘ānapanapa State Park near Hana is such a beach, formed after one of Haleakala’s many eruptions. The thing about black sand, though, is that while it’s beautiful it’s sharp and heat-saturated. You may be better served to avoid sunbathing and explore the beach’s sea caves, rock arch, and the remains of the Old King’s Highway—the first road to encircle Maui. Millions of tiny shrimp occasionally occupy the sea cave here, turning the waters blood red. Non-residents must make reservations in advance and there are entry and parking fees.

The breeze gently rustles through the forest, the clacking of wooden chimes all around. You’re in the heart of an immense bamboo forest, where the tall, willowy stalks rhythmically sway to and fro. Close your eyes—it’s mystical and meditative, purely zen. But that’s not all that you find along the 4-mile round-trip Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park, which many consider to be the Island’s best hike. It’s a dramatic realm of plunging waterfalls and infinite pools, archaic ferns, and a singular, massive banyan tree.

Maui may not be known as Hawaii’s primo sportfishing spot—there’s no near-shore, deep-water trench to lure the big fish. But if you’re willing to cruise for 30-60 minutes, you’ll find unsuspecting places to successfully troll your line. Of course, the best thing to do is to leave it to the captain of one of the Island’s many fishing charters. Try Start Me Up Sportfishing or Hinatea Sportfishing, both out of Lahaina. With luck (and depending on the season), you’ll be targeting Striped Marlin, Pacific Blue Marlin, perhaps a shortbill spearfish or sailfish; and there’s always a good chance of Yellowfin and Bigeye tuna, as well as Mahi-mahi and Ono. All catches are typically divided among anglers and the boat. Don’t have a place to prepare the fish? Bring it to Down the Hatch in Lahaina–they’ll cook it for you.

Pa‘ia once reigned as a sugarcane town, until the cane went away. An influx of hippies fell in love with the place in the seventies and never looked back; it continues to be a hip and happening place. The rustic plantation storefronts are filled with art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, yoga studios, eateries, antique stores, and, of course, surf shops. Pa‘ia also happens to be the hub of the North Shore’s famous surfing. Be sure to stop by Pa‘ia Fish Market for a fish burger and fries, note the Pa‘ia Peace Stupa—blessed by the Dalai Lama in 2007—and buy a cool aloha shirt at Moonbow Tropics.

Many Maui restaurants serve delicious seafood, including the most iconic, Old Hawaii experience found at Mama’s Fish House, a casual, open-window, beachside eatery in a North Shore coconut grove that dates back to 1973. Other options abound across the Island: On the South Shore Nick’s Fishmarket is one of the only restaurants to regularly serve Opakapaka, Hawaiian pink snapper, thanks to its great relationship with local fisherman. The imported oysters with lilikoi (passion fruit) mignonette are standouts for those who like a variety of seafood. Nearby Morimoto shows off what the famed chef can do with Hawaiian ingredients like ahi (on a pizza!) and black cod served with a beautiful sake menu. On the west side, Japengo offers decadent sushi selections along with adventurous fish options; the Hamachi Kama (collar) is one of the Chef’s specialties, with a limit of four to five available per night.

Upcountry Maui is booming with awesome agricultural projects, many of which visitors can check out on a tour. In addition to the Maui Pineapple Tour, Surfing Goat Dairy has tours of its award-winning goat cheese operation, Kula Lavender offers self-guided walks through their trails, and Ocean Vodka hosts tours and tastings. And that’s just a sampling–really, if you open Google Maps and look around in the Upcountry area, you’ll find plenty of options. While you’re there, be sure to stop in the small town of Makawao, becoming a bit of a destination of its own. Standouts are brunch at Casanova Italian Restaurant, a visit to the charming hobbit hole at Maui Cookie Lady, and shopping at Pink by Nature boutique.

Nearby Islands Molokai and Lanai are both part of Maui County, and though Molokai is only accessible by plane, Lanai can be reached four times daily on Expeditions Ferry. The ferry is a nice ride across the Auau Channel and leaves from Lahaina Harbor. Once you arrive on Lanai (book a tour or rent a vehicle well in advance), visit standouts like the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, charming Lanai City (way more of a village than an actual city), and the astounding Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District including Manele and Hulopoe Bays. If you want to stay overnight, treat yourself to an incredible experience at Four Seasons Lanai for decadent dining at Nobu (the only one in the state), astronomy programs, and world-class golf.

Shave ice is a quintessential part of the Hawaii experience, and each Island has its own styles and popular purveyors. Ululani’s is the go-to in Maui, with six locations across the Island, including one in the Hyatt Regency Maui. They’ve been making gourmet shave ice in Maui since 2008, and their syrups and toppings can’t be beat; be sure to check out their seasonal specials to try something a little different. With its vibrant colors, shave ice may seem like a treat just for kids, but at Breakwall Shave Ice in Lahaina, they’re not afraid to add a little booze to those cones, from mai tais to mango margaritas.

Hawaii Island may have one of the most famous coffee scenes in the world thanks to Kona, but Maui has its own growers and roaster creating some mighty fine cups of joe. Step right off the plane and into Maui Coffee Roasters in Kahului that features Maui, Kona, and Ka‘u coffees at their bright, lively cafe. Grandma’s Coffee House has been growing and roasting coffee since 1918; visitors can get a taste of their organic coffee, grown on the slopes of Halwakala, and “talk story” with locals at their shop in Kula. Kupa‘a Farms offers private coffee and chocolate adventure tours on their working farm in Kula.

Editor’s Note: Per the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Fodor’s recognizes “the proper use of the Hawaiian language, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i,’ which includes the ‘okina [‘], a consonant, and the kahakō [ō] or macron.” The Hawai‘i Board on Geographic Names was created to “assure uniformity and standardize spelling of geographic names to communicate unambiguously about places, reducing the potential for confusion.” In order to ensure our readers the best experience reading our Hawaii travel guides, we follow the standardized spelling, but hope to expose readers to the importance and cultural significance of the written Ōlelo Hawai‘i language.