A Maui vacation is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring this incredible island will leave you wondering why on earth you don’t uproot your life and move here! There is SO many things you must see and do in Maui. Make sure these sights and experiences are on your Maui itinerary.
Hiking through the jungle? Yep. Sunrise above the clouds on a volcano? Of course. The most beautiful drive in the world? The Road to Hana!
And on top of that, this is Hawaii after all. There are countless incredible beaches to sit back and relax on. You can snorkel with sea turtles, go whale watching, and of course hang out with a beer by the pool! And the sunrises and sunsets? To die for. If you want to watch our trip and see all the incredible sites, check out this video!
Without further ado, let us be your guide on your Maui vacation. Here are the must see and do Maui sights and experiences. Let’s plan a trip you will never forget.
Things You Must See and Do in Maui
Drive the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is the NUMBER 1 thing we did on the entire island of Maui! Talk about starting off the blog with a bang…
Before you attempt the Road to Hana, read our Road to Hana tips including driving tips, the best stops, what to wear, what to pack, where to stay, what time to start and more! There are many Road to Hana tour options that take the stress out of the Road to Hana drive.
The Road to Hana is an absolute must see and do in Maui, encapsulating the island’s breathtaking beauty in a single, winding journey. Along this iconic coastal road, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic ocean views unfold at every turn.
The route’s 600 curves and 54 bridges provide an immersive experience of Maui’s diverse landscapes, from black sand beaches to vibrant botanical gardens.
Cultural landmarks, such as the historic town of Hana, offer glimpses into Hawaiian traditions. The Road to Hana is not just a drive; it’s a sensory adventure, making it an essential and unforgettable part of any Maui itinerary.
Witness a Haleakala Sunrise
What on earth is Haleakala? Haleakala is the enormous volcano that actually created the island of Maui! Fun fact, the name Haleakala literally translates ‘House of the Sun’, or some people say ‘House of the Rising Sun’.
That may be because as the sun rises, depending on where you are on the island, the sun peeks just over the crest of Haleakala almost as if the volcano is holding the sun on it’s peak! Another explanation for this name is because of the sunrise at the peak.
On top of Haleakala is one of the most beautiful sites on earth: the sun rising over the clouds surrounding the mountain. The peak of Haleakala is over 10,000 feet, and the geography of the volcano leads to an almost constant of clouds around the peak, almost a crown of clouds with the peak sticking up the middle.
Therefore, at sunrise on top of the volcano, the surrounding clouds act as the horizon for the sun to rise over, and you get an incredible view that you can get almost nowhere else on earth.
A Haleakala sunrise is something you absolutely must see and do in Maui. However, we are not saying it is exactly easy to get to the top. You can book a Haleakala sunrise tour, otherwise here are some things you need to know.
Things You Need To Know – Haleakala Sunrise
First off, you need a permit to drive up the volcano for sunrise. They go on sale at 7:00 AM 2 days ahead of time. There are 80 permits per day, and they typically sell out within seconds, so you have to be on your game!
Second, the drive takes 2-3 hours depending on where you are on the island, so depending on what time the sun rises you will have to get up EARLY! We left our Airbnb at 2:30 AM to make sure we made it in time.
Third, it is COLD at the top! It was a wild experience being COLD in HAWAII! At the top of the mountain the temperature reached about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but it was the wind that made it cold! Bring along a jacket and as many layers as you can to make sure you are warm enough!
Hike to Nakalele Blowhole
The Nakalele Blowhole is right near mile marker 38.5 on Highway 30. Driving along the coast you won’t be able to miss it, with a huge parking lots and multiple signs marking the stop.
You will get an incredible overlook of the rocky coast and the vast Pacific Ocean from the parking lot, however the Nakalele Blowhole is a short hike down near the water’s edge.
The blowhole itself is basically a small vertical tunnel that was a former lava tube when the Maui volcanoes were still active! Now, when waves crash beneath the blowhole, the pressure forces the water up and squirts it through the hole into a huge plume of water. Think like a small version of Old Faithful, only this geyser pops off every few seconds!
The Nakalele Blowhole is a beautiful must see Maui site, one you won’t want to miss! And there is an added benefit here… Right near the blowhole is a hole in the rock shaped just like a heart! This will make a great photo opportunity for you and your sweetheart, or you can do what we did and turn it into a face-in-hole Hawaii style.
Snorkel at Maui’s Best Snorkel Spots
One thing that is definitely a must see and do Maui activity is snorkel. Snorkeling in Maui is a transcendent aquatic experience that unveils a world of vibrant marine life and unparalleled underwater landscapes.
Even if you’re a beginner, the crystal-clear Pacific waters allow you to effortlessly glide alongside schools of tropical fish, encounter graceful sea turtles, and explore thriving coral reefs. With warm temperatures and a rich diversity of species, Hawaii offers an immersive and unforgettable snorkeling adventure that captures the essence of paradise beneath the waves.
Snorkeling is a must-try activity for anyone seeking the true magic of the islands. Make sure to check out Maui’s top snorkel spots during your trip to Maui. Booking a snorkel tour will take the stress of planning out of it and allow you to fully enjoy your snorkel experience.
Visit a Farmer’s Market
There are many options for Farmer’s Markets around the island, and really we are saying you should find and go to AT LEAST 1. During our week on the island, we went to 2 different Farmer’s Markets and a local Fish Market!
You simply MUST make the most of your time on the island by eating all of the fresh local fruits and fish, which are typically priced cheaper than other non-local items that have to be shipped to the island! Visiting a farmer’s market is a must do activity in Maui.
Hike Waihe’e Ridge
Hiking the Waihe’e Ridge Trail in Maui is an absolute must for nature enthusiasts. This exhilarating trek unveils Maui’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to panoramic ridge-top vistas. The trail, weaving through bamboo forests and native flora, rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the coastline and neighboring islands.
Waihe’e Ridge Trail offers a perfect balance of challenge and awe-inspiring beauty, making it a must see and do Maui adventure. As you ascend, the cool mountain air and the ever-changing landscape create an immersive experience, ensuring that every step is a discovery, and every viewpoint is a moment to savor in this Hawaiian paradise.
Enjoy a Dinner Cruise
Pride of Maui offers a wonderful dinner cruise that is a must see and do Maui experience and activity! The cruise leaves the Maalena Harbor at 5:30 PM and cruises around the coast of Maui for a beautiful sunset and fun-filled evening of drinks, food, dancing, and entertainment!
Dinner is a delicious buffet of ribs, chicken, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and of course all the bread and dessert you can eat. YUM!! On top of that, there is a live hula dancing and Hawaiian songs sung on the ride, with the colorful Maui sky making a perfect backdrop for the show.
Explore Kapalua
Exploring Kapalua in Maui is a must see and do for those seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty and luxury. This coastal paradise boasts pristine beaches, including the renowned Kapalua Bay, offering superb snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
The Kapalua Coastal Trail meanders along the shoreline, providing stunning views of the Pacific. The Kapalua Golf Courses, surrounded by lush landscapes, attract golf enthusiasts.
With its upscale resorts, fine dining, and the iconic Honolua Store, Kapalua captures the essence of Maui’s splendor. Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, Kapalua’s charm invites you to indulge in the island’s diverse treasures.
More Maui Excursions
On Maui, you are able to find almost ANYTHING that you can think of to do as an excursion.
Do you want to go biking down a volcano, surfing where the best in the world practice or take a thrilling door off helicopter tour. Maybe you want to try whale watching and spot a big Humpback Whale? Go to eat some yummy local food at a luau or relax on a sunset cruise? All of these AND MORE are all available to you during your time on Maui.
We recommend doing at least 2-3 excursions during your time on Maui. You traveled ALL THIS WAY to an incredible tropical island in the Pacific, you should experience it as well as you possibly can!
Maui Packing List
Your packing list can’t necessarily ‘make’ your trip, but it can definitely ‘break’ your trip. Not having the right clothes, or forgetting a camera you wanted along, can hang over your head for the whole experience!
Therefore, we put together a checklist for you on your trip to Maui! Some of this is weather-dependent, like the sweater and rain jacket. Also, some is activity-dependent, such as the hiking clothes!
Gals
- 5 Swimsuits
- 4 pairs Shorts
- 1 pair Pants
- 4 Tank Tops
- 2 T Shirts
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Rain Jacket
- 1 Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sandals
- Hiking Boots/Shoes
- 6 pairs Socks
- 7 pairs Underwear
- 7 Bras
- 2 Dinner Outfits
Guys
- 3 pairs Swim Trunks
- 3 pairs Hiking Shorts
- 1 pair Pants
- 4 Tank Tops
- 2 T Shirts
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Rain Jacket
- 1 Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sandals
- Hiking Boots/Shoes
- 6 pairs Socks
- 7 pairs Underwear
- 2 Dinner Outfits
Electronics & Cameras
For us, all the electronics we brought were brought to capture our trip. Maui is full of so many amazing sites and adventures, we wanted everything we could to capture it!
For us, we love to get different perspectives. GoPros are the best way to get underwater shots, and our DJI Drone is our best way for getting an in-the-air-perspective! Find all our camera gear here!
Note: the GoPro Dome is how you get the half-above-half-below water pictures like this one!
Miscellaneous
You won’t need many miscellaneous items for your time in Maui, but MAKE SURE YOU BRING SUNSCREEN! And not just any sunscreen. Make sure it is reef safe sunscreen as that is the only type of sunscreen Hawaii will allow you to use while swimming in their beautiful oceans. And for good reason!
Also don’t forget aloe vera lotion for after the sun. That Hawaiian sun is HOT and BRIGHT, you have to protect your skin. Nothing worse than ruining a vacation by getting sun-sick or severely sunburned.
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen – must be reef safe!
- Aloe Vera
- Towel
- Day Backpack
- Water Bottles/Bladder
Rental Car Recommendation
We used Sixt Rental Cars for our week in Maui, and had the BEST experience with them. Why were they so great? A few reasons!
First off, the airport experience was awesome. There was a shuttle driver waiting right at baggage claim to bring us to our rental, and she gave us a TON of good recommendations of things to do on your Maui vacation! A few items we recommend above are because of her!
Second, the car itself was beautiful and clean. Sixt has cars for adventure (Jeep, Suburban, etc) and convertibles for the beach! Whatever you want, they’ve got it.
Third, the service was perfect! Everyone at Sixt was incredibly friendly and helpful, and made our experience in Maui as good as it possible could have been.
Must See and Do Maui Conclusion
There you have it, every experience and sight you must see and do in Maui, Hawaii! Beaches, waterfalls, hiking, relaxation, and more!
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