Published: July 29, 2025
From sunrise above the clouds to snorkeling in volcanic craters, Maui is a tropical playground full of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re visiting for relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both, here are the absolute best things to do in Maui, Hawaii — organized to give you a perfect mix of scenery, culture, food, and fun. Don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure (and your camera)!
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Watch the Sunrise Above the Clouds on Haleakalā
Start your Maui trip with a bucket list experience. Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā — over 10,000 feet above sea level — is absolutely surreal. You are literally above the clouds and the sky shifts through shades of purple, orange, and gold down onto the clouds below and it is indescribable and absolutely breathtaking. It is pretty cold at 10,000 feet above sea level, so be sure to pack long pants and a coat for this.
Reservations are required for sunrise, so be sure to book ahead. If you can’t snag a sunrise slot, consider going at sunset — while not quite as dramatic, the views are still breathtaking.
You can drive up on your own or book a guided sunrise tour (like this one.)
Biking down Haleakalā after sunrise is also a popular option for thrill-seekers who want a little adventure with their views.
👉 Check out my full post: Everything You Need to Know About the Sunrise at Haleakalā.
Explore the Road to Hāna
A trip to Maui isn’t complete without driving the epic Road to Hāna — 64 miles of dramatic coastline, 620 curves, over 50 one-lane bridges, and access to dozens of waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests. It’s one of the most scenic — and winding — drives in the world. Don’t leave Maui without experiencing it!
Plan a full day, stop often, and consider staying overnight in Hāna to really soak it all in. 👉 Check out my post on Where to Stay in Maui for tips on overnight stays in Hāna.
If you’re not comfortable driving the narrow roads or simply want to relax and enjoy the views, consider booking a guided Road to Hāna tour. It’s an stress-free way to see all the highlights without having to focus on the hairpin turns.
Road to Hana Tour Recommendations:
🚗 Small Group Road to Hana Guided Tour
🚗 Private Road to Hana Guided Tour
🚗 Guided Road to Hana Tour With Helicopter Tour Back
👉 Be sure to check out my full post on Everything You Need to Know About the Road to Hāna for detailed stops, tips, and itineraries.
Snorkel at Molokini Crater
Take a boat trip to this partially submerged volcanic crater known for its crystal-clear water and colorful marine life. Great for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike.
Here are two great ways to experience Molokini:
🚤 Adventure Raft Tour – For thrill-seekers who want a more exciting and intimate experience. These smaller boats move faster, visit less-crowded snorkeling spots, and sometimes include extras like dolphin sightings or lava tube visits. Book the adventure raft tour here.
⛴️ Large Catamaran Tour – Ideal for those who prefer comfort and stability. These tours typically offer shaded seating, bathrooms, and meals onboard, making them perfect for families or anyone prone to motion sickness. Book the large boat tour here.
Both tours offer stunning views, abundant marine life, and unforgettable memories — just pick the one that fits your travel style best!
Hike the Pīpīwai Trail
Located in Kīpahulu, part of Haleakalā National Park, Pīpīwai Trail is a 4-mile trail takes you through bamboo forests and past waterfalls, ending at the stunning Waimoku Falls. Your Haleakalā National Park entrance fee is valid for 3 days, so plan to visit both the summit area (for sunrise or sunset) and the Pīpīwai Trail within that timeframe to make the most of your ticket.
Take a Helicopter Tour
See Maui from above with a scenic helicopter ride over waterfalls, cliffs, and volcanic craters before soaring over Moloka‘i and the West Maui Mountains. These helicopters book up fast so be sure to book them well in advance. Click here to reserve your helicopter tour. For those of you who are more adventurous consider booking this doors-off helicopter tour.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Unwind on a catamaran as you sail along Maui’s coast at golden hour. Many tours include cocktails, pupus (appetizers), and music. Book your sunset cruise here.
Walk the Waihe‘e Ridge Trail
The Waihe’e Ridge Trail is one of Maui’s most scenic hikes, with panoramic views of valleys, mountains, and coastline. This is a challenging 4 mile hike that is almost straight uphill the whole way. If you are up for challenge, the views are incredibly rewarding! Go early to beat the clouds and crowds.
Visit Wai‘ānapanapa State Park
Home to the famous black sand beach, lava tubes, and dramatic sea cliffs. You’ll need advance reservations to enter this stunning park on the Road to Hāna. Details on these required reservations here.
Tour a Pineapple Farm
Learn how Maui’s sweetest fruit is grown on a guided pineapple farm tour. Many tours include tastings and a pineapple to take home! Check out this Maui Pineapple Farm Tour in Haliimaile.
Attend the Old Lāhainā Lū‘au
Experience Hawaiian culture through hula, storytelling, and a traditional feast at Maui’s most beloved luau–complete with fresh flower leis as you arrive. Book early here — it sells out fast. I tried booking 2 months in advance and it was sold out, but I signed up for the waiting list. Two weeks before our trip, they called and told me there was a cancellation and they had an opening for one of the nights we were going to be in Maui. I had to rearrange our itinerary to make it work but it was absolutely worth it!
If you can’t get reservations at Old Lahaina, you should still book another luau. A trip to Hawaii would be incomplete without experiencing a luau. The Te Au Moana luau is a great option and can be booked here.
Go Surfing or Take a Lesson
Whether you’re a pro or first-timer, the waves in Kihei and Lahaina are perfect for surfing and surf lessons are the best way to learn. Book a small group surf lesson in Kihei here. Experienced and Intermediate surfers will enjoy big waves at Honolua Bay, Ho’okipa Beach and DT Fleming Beach.
Enjoy Beach Snorkeling at Napili Bay, Baby Beach or Kapalua Beach
Many beaches in Maui have reefs that you can snorkel at just offshore. Baby Beach has calm waters and is great for kids. Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay also have great snorkeling. I snorkeled alongside a sea turtle in knee deep water at Kapalua! Bring your own snorkel masks to snorkel at any of the beaches in Maui. Full face snorkel masks are great for kids and beginners as they allow you to breathe normally. This guided snorkeling tour at Wailea Beach is perfect for beginners or non-swimmers. You snorkel from a paddle board until you are comfortable on your own.
Whale Watching Tour (Seasonal)
If you’re visiting Maui from December to April, don’t miss the chance to see humpback whales breaching offshore. Tours depart from Lāhainā , Ka’anapali and Ma‘alaea.
🐋 Adventure Raft Tour – Get up close and personal on a smaller, faster raft that offers an eye-level whale watching experience for thrill-seekers. Book the raft tour here.
🚢 Large Boat Tour – Prefer a more comfortable ride? Large boat tours provide spacious seating, restrooms, and often include narration from naturalists. Book the large boat tour here.
Both options offer incredible chances to witness these majestic creatures — pick the one that best suits your style!
Kapalua Coastal Trail
A scenic seaside walk that takes you along cliffs, lava rocks, and tide pools. The Kapalua Coastal Trail is easy and beautiful, especially at sunrise.
Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate Tasting
Sample locally made artisan chocolate with ocean views at this eco-conscious cacao farm and tasting pavilion in Lāhainā. Book your tour and tasting here.
Explore Iao Valley State Monument
See the famous Iao Needle and walk through lush gardens in this sacred valley with deep cultural significance. The views from Iao Valley give Jurassic Park vibes, highly recommend!
Zipline Over the Jungle
Fly through Maui’s lush landscapes on a zipline adventure. Great for thrill-seekers and families.
🌊 Ocean View Zipline in Kāʻanapali – Soar above the treetops with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. This scenic zipline tour is perfect for those wanting thrills with a stunning backdrop. Book the ocean view zipline here.
🌿 Dual-Zipline + ATV + Suspension Bridge Tour – Zip side-by-side with a friend, explore the rainforest by ATV, and cross Maui’s longest suspension bridge — all in one unforgettable adventure. Book this multi-adventure zipline tour here.
ATV Off-Road Adventure
Go off the beaten path with an ATV tour through muddy trails, jungle landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints in the West Maui Mountains.
Ocean View Horseback Riding
Saddle up for an Oceanview horseback ride, one of the most scenic and peaceful ways to explore Maui’s coastline. This horseback riding tour is run by real ‘paniolos,’ the Hawaiian cowboys who make their living by ranching, roping, and riding. Ride across pastures with sweeping views looking out at the island’s north shore, and trek through the West Maui rain forest. This is real ranching and real riding out in the Maui country.
Waterfall Rappelling Adventure
Channel your inner explorer with a guided rappel down Maui waterfalls. This adrenaline-pumping tour is perfect for outdoor lovers.
Paddleboarding or Water Bikes
Do a guided paddleboarding tour in Turtle Town or rent water bikes for a fun way to cruise the coastline.
Visit the Maui Butterfly Farm
Visit the Maui Butterfly Farm, A fun and educational stop in Lahaina where you can see butterflies up close and learn about pollinators.
Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center was named one of the best aquariums in the world! This is a great indoor activity for families, with immersive exhibits about Hawaiian marine life, coral reefs, and sea turtles. It is also the perfect activity for a rainy day! Purchase the aquarium tickets here.
Visit Ocean Vodka Distillery
Tour this sustainable distillery in Upcountry Maui and enjoy a tasting flight of vodka, rum, and gin with sweeping views of the coast.
Snorkel By Sea Scooter
Snorkeling with a sea scooter is less exhausting because you aren’t exerting yourself as much. The scooters also allow you to dive down deeper to see marine life. Using a sea scooter to explore Maui’s reefs and swim with sea turtles is an unforgettable underwater adventure. Book your sea scooter snorkel here.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Capture your Maui memories –and get an early start on holiday cards- with a professional beach photo shoot! Perfect for families or couples!
Visit Maui Tropical Plantation
At Maui’s Tropical Plantation, learn about local crops like coconuts and bananas, take a tram tour, and enjoy farm-to-table dining at The Mill House.
Clear Kayak Tour
Paddle over crystal-clear waters in a transparent kayak for a unique view of the reef below with snorkeling stops along the way. This is one of the top rated tours in Maui with over 200 five star reviews. Book your clear kayak tour here.
Scuba Diving in Maui
Whether you’re a certified diver or trying it for the first time, Maui also offers incredible scuba diving opportunities with vibrant coral gardens, lava tubes, and reef walls.
🤿 Beginner-Friendly Discover Scuba Tour – No certification needed! Learn the basics and dive with a professional guide at calm, shallow reef locations. Book the beginner scuba tour here.
🌊 Certified Diver Tour – Explore epic dive sites like Molokini Back Wall, the Carthaginian wreck, and Five Caves. Ideal for divers with certification looking for more advanced underwater adventures. Book the certified diver tour here.
If you’re new to diving, many operators offer beginner-friendly Discover Scuba experiences with professional instruction. Certified divers can explore some of Maui’s top dive sites like Molokini Back Wall, Five Caves, and the Carthaginian shipwreck.
Beach Hop to Maui’s Most Beautiful Shores
Ka‘anapali Beach: Lively and lined with resorts
Napili Bay: Calm, clear water and soft sand
Ho‘okipa Beach: Known for windsurfing and sea turtles
Kapalua Beach: Great for snorkeling
Makena Beach (Big Beach): Wide, scenic, and raw
Baby Beach: Shallow and safe for little ones
DT Fleming Beach Park: Good surf and a local feel
Final Thoughts
Maui is the kind of destination where you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do. Mix a little adventure with some beach time, add in a sunset sail and fresh poke, and you’ve got the perfect Hawaiian escape. Be sure to check availability for tours in advance — many sell out quickly, especially in peak seasons.
Don’t forget to check out my links throughout the post for tour and activity recommendations you can book directly!
👉 Be sure to explore my other Maui posts at the bottom of this page, including my Ultimate 5 Day Maui Itinerary.
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@postcardsfromcarrie 📌 Save this for your trip to Maui, Hawaii! The top 5 things to do: 🌺 Sunrise on Haleakala Crater 🌺 Drive the Road to Hana 🌺 Snorkel at Molokini Crater 🌺 Waianapanapa State Park 🌺 Old Lahaina Luau 📣 What is your favorite thing to do in Maui? 🔗 Link in bio for detailed Maui itinerary. ⬇️ Follow me for more travel tips and inspiration #maui #mauihawaii #hawaiitiktok #hawaii #hawaiivacation #hawaii #travel #traveltiktok #travel #roadtohana #haleakala #snorkeling #luau #hawaiivibes #travelinspiration #CapCut ♬ In the Summertime - Mungo Jerry
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