.png)
Best Things to Do in Maui (Beaches, Whale Watching, Road to Hana & Haleakalā National Park)
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
Maui is one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii, offering a mix of stunning beaches, scenic drives, ocean adventures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another trip, there are countless things to see and do across the island.
From snorkeling in crystal clear water to watching humpback whales breach just offshore, Maui offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world. You can drive through lush rainforest along the famous Road to Hana, watch the sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park, or simply spend the day relaxing on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches.
During our visits to Maui, we’ve been able to experience several of the island’s most popular activities, and below we’re sharing some of the best things to do in Maui to help you plan your trip.
Whale Watching in Maui (Best Time & Tours)
Best Time for Whale Watching
One of the most incredible things to do while visiting Maui is whale watching. Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters around Hawaii to mate and give birth. Whale watching season in Maui typically runs from November through April, with the peak season occurring in February and March. During this time, whales are commonly seen just off the coast of the island, and sightings are very frequent. We’ve gone whale watching in both February and March and were able to see dozens of whales each time. Seeing a humpback whale breach or hearing the powerful blow of a whale surfacing nearby is an unforgettable experience.
What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour
Most whale watching tours depart from Maalaea Harbor or the west side of Maui near the Ka’anapali area. Tours typically last 2–3 hours and head out to areas where whales are most commonly spotted during the season. During the trip, guides often share information about humpback whale behavior, migration patterns, and conservation efforts. It’s common to see whales breaching, tail slapping, or spouting as they surface. Some tours even use hydrophones so you can listen to whale songs underwater. Tour prices usually range from $80 to $150 per person, depending on the type of boat and the length of the tour. If you’re visiting Maui during whale season, we highly recommend adding a whale watching tour to your itinerary, it’s easily one of the most memorable experiences you can have on the island.
Drive the Road to Hana
What the Road to Hana Is Like
The Road to Hana is one of the most famous scenic drives in Hawaii. This winding road takes you along Maui’s eastern coastline through lush rainforest, past waterfalls, ocean cliffs, and incredible viewpoints. The drive includes over 600 curves and nearly 60 one-lane bridges, making the journey just as memorable as the destinations along the way. Along the route you’ll find waterfalls, scenic lookouts, hiking trails, and roadside food stands.
It’s truly one of the most unique experiences on Maui and a must-do activity for many visitors.
Driving Yourself vs Taking a Road to Hana Tour
There are two main ways to experience the Road to Hana: driving yourself or taking a guided tour. Driving yourself allows you to explore at your own pace and stop wherever you like along the route. Many visitors enjoy pulling over at waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and roadside food stands as they go.
However, the road can be challenging to drive. Many sections are very narrow with sharp turns and one-lane bridges, and it requires constant attention. Another important thing to know is that most rental car companies do not allow drivers to complete the full loop around the backside of Hana. The road becomes much rougher past Hana, and there are long stretches where it is narrow and only one lane wide. Because of this, many visitors who drive themselves end up turning around in Hana instead of completing the full loop.
Why a Guided Tour Can Be Worth It
Taking a guided Road to Hana tour allows you to experience the entire route, including the backside of Hana, which many rental companies restrict. The backside of the loop is much more remote and rugged, with dramatic coastal cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and sections of road that feel far removed from the rest of the island.
During our tour, we completed the full loop and quickly understood why rental companies discourage driving it. In one section, we even had to back down a hill to let a local cattle truck pass on the narrow road. We were glad we weren’t driving because it allowed us to relax and fully enjoy the scenery while our guide navigated the more difficult sections.
Guides also share interesting information about the island and know where to stop for the best waterfalls and viewpoints.
The only downside to taking a tour is that you’ll be on a schedule and may not be able to stop everywhere along the route. For example, we passed a roadside huli-huli chicken stand that our entire group wanted to try, but we had to keep moving to stay on schedule.
Road to Hana tours typically cost around $200–$250 per person depending on the length of the tour and what stops are included.
Snorkeling in Maui
Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Maui. The island is surrounded by clear, warm water and vibrant marine life, making it an incredible place to explore beneath the surface.
Whether you choose to snorkel directly from the beach or take a boat tour to offshore reefs, there are plenty of opportunities to see tropical fish, sea turtles, coral reefs, and sometimes even dolphins.
Snorkeling from the Beach
Many beaches around Maui offer great snorkeling right from shore. Popular spots include Black Rock near Ka’anapali Beach, Napili Bay, and Honolua Bay.
If you plan on snorkeling on your own, a helpful resource is The Snorkel Store’s Daily Snorkel Report. This report provides daily updates on ocean conditions at many popular snorkeling beaches around Maui. The report helps visitors understand which locations have calm water, good visibility, and safe snorkeling conditions for the day. Checking the daily report before heading out can help you choose the best beach and avoid rough water conditions.
Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tours
One of the most popular snorkeling experiences in Maui is visiting Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped volcanic crater located just offshore. Molokini is known for its incredibly clear water and abundant marine life, and visibility can sometimes reach over 100 feet. Because the crater sits in deeper water away from the shoreline, the reef is often home to a wide variety of tropical fish and coral. Since Molokini is located offshore, the only way to snorkel there is by taking a boat tour. Most Molokini snorkeling tours depart from Maalaea Harbor and typically last 3 to 5 hours. Tours usually include snorkeling gear, flotation devices, and a crew that helps guide the experience. Many tours also include food, drinks, and multiple snorkeling stops, allowing you to visit both Molokini and nearby reef areas along the Maui coastline.
Tour prices typically range from $120 to $180 per person depending on the boat and tour length.
Why Snorkeling Tours Can Be a Great Option
While beach snorkeling can be great, snorkeling tours offer a few additional advantages.
First, all of the equipment is usually included, so you don’t need to rent or bring your own gear.
Second, the crew members are typically lifeguard-certified and experienced swimmers, and they often enter the water with guests to help if needed. Captains and guides also know the area extremely well and can take you to locations where marine life sightings are most likely. During our snorkeling tours in Maui, we’ve consistently seen more sea life than when snorkeling from shore, which made the experience even more memorable.
Visit Haleakalā National Park
One of the most unique experiences in Maui is visiting Haleakalā National Park, home to a massive dormant volcano that rises over 10,000 feet above sea level. At the summit, visitors can experience breathtaking views above the clouds, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and some of the most memorable sunrises and sunsets in Hawaii. The park offers a variety of activities including hiking, sightseeing, stargazing, and camping, but the most popular experience is watching the sunrise from the summit.
Watching the Sunrise at Haleakalā
Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā is one of the most famous activities in Maui. Visitors gather before dawn to watch the sun slowly rise above the clouds, lighting up the volcanic crater with incredible colors. Because the summit sits above the clouds on many mornings, the views can feel almost otherworldly. Sunrise temperatures at the summit can be surprisingly cold, often in the 30s or 40s Fahrenheit, so bringing warm layers is highly recommended.
Visiting on Your Own vs Taking a Tour
You can visit Haleakalā either on your own or with a guided tour.
Driving yourself gives you more flexibility to explore the park at your own pace and visit hiking trails or scenic overlooks throughout the day. However, visiting for sunrise requires waking up extremely early and driving up a dark mountain road, which can take about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on where you’re staying on the island. Because of this, some visitors choose to take a guided sunrise tour, where transportation is included and a guide handles the drive while sharing information about the park and Maui’s history. Guided tours usually cost around $200–$250 per person, depending on what is included.
Sunrise Reservations and Planning Tips
If you plan on visiting Haleakalā for sunrise on your own, you’ll need to make a sunrise reservation in advance. Reservations are required between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM and can be booked through the National Park Service website. These reservations often sell out quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. Even if you don’t visit for sunrise, Haleakalā National Park is still worth exploring during the day. The summit area offers incredible views, unique volcanic landscapes, and several hiking opportunities.
Relax on Some of the Best Beaches in Maui
Maui is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. From long stretches of golden sand to unique black sand beaches, there are plenty of incredible places to relax, swim, or snorkel while visiting the island. Many beaches also offer great views of neighboring islands, opportunities to spot sea turtles, and calm water for swimming depending on the conditions.
Below are a few of our favorite beaches to visit while exploring Maui.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
One of the most unique beaches in Maui is the Black Sand Beach located in Waiʻānapanapa State Park near Hana. The beach is known for its striking black volcanic sand, which creates a dramatic contrast with the bright blue ocean water. The surrounding cliffs, lava rock formations, and lush greenery make it one of the most scenic coastal areas on the island. If you are driving the Road to Hana, this is one of the most popular stops along the route and is definitely worth visiting. Visitors should note that reservations are required to enter Waiʻānapanapa State Park, so it’s important to plan ahead before arriving.
Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Maui and is a great place to spend the day relaxing on the sand or swimming in the clear water. The beach stretches for several miles along the west side of the island and is lined with resorts, restaurants, and shops. Because of its location near many hotels, it can sometimes get busy, but the beach is large enough that it’s usually easy to find space. At the northern end of the beach, you’ll find Black Rock, a popular snorkeling spot where many visitors are able to see tropical fish and occasionally sea turtles. Checking the Daily Snorkel Report from The Snorkel Store before heading out can help you determine if conditions are good for snorkeling that day.
Wailea Beach
Located along Maui’s south shore, Wailea Beach is a beautiful stretch of soft sand surrounded by several resort hotels. The beach is known for its calm water and scenic views, making it a great place to relax or go for a swim. Because of the gentle waves, it’s often a comfortable spot for families and casual swimmers. A scenic coastal walking path, the Wailea Beach Path, runs along the shoreline and connects several nearby beaches, resorts, and restaurants.
Even if you’re not staying in Wailea, it’s a great area to visit for a relaxing beach day.
Tips for Planning Activities in Maui
With so many incredible things to do in Maui, it can be difficult to fit everything into one trip. Planning ahead can help you make the most of your time on the island. If you’re visiting during whale season (November through April), whale watching should definitely be on your list. The peak months of February and March usually offer the best chances of seeing humpback whales.
For travelers interested in scenic drives and waterfalls, the Road to Hana is one of the most memorable experiences on the island. Whether you drive yourself or take a guided tour, it’s a full-day adventure worth planning ahead for. If you enjoy being in the water, snorkeling is another must-do activity. Boat tours to Molokini Crater are especially popular because of the clear water and abundant marine life. Visitors looking for unforgettable views should also consider visiting Haleakalā National Park, where you can watch the sunrise above the clouds or explore the volcanic landscape during the day.
Of course, Maui also offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and relax. Spending time at the island’s beautiful beaches is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery and unwind during your trip. No matter what type of activities you enjoy, Maui offers an incredible variety of experiences, from ocean adventures and scenic drives to breathtaking viewpoints and relaxing beach days.
Looking for more Maui content? Checkout our full guide which has all information we have gathered through our trips!