What to do in Maui
Why go to Maui and what activities to do? Read in this chapter.
Beaches and swimming
The entire west and south coasts of the island are lined with shorter and longer sandy beaches, a warm ocean and a pleasant microclimate without much rainfall.
The west coast is fringed by the luxury resort belt of Kapalua and Kaanapali, which benefit from beautiful beaches. These are mostly occupied by hotel resorts, but by law they must be accessible to all free of charge, usually with public paths leading off the sides of the beach.
The situation is a little different on the south coast, where the Kihei resort is mostly smaller, urban beaches that gradually transition into the upscale resort of Wailea-Makena, with some of Maui's most beautiful beaches and luxury hotel resorts (though again, the beaches are free).
In the very south of the island, you can then visit Makena and Turtle Town (Maluaka) beaches away from the resort centers, but still very accessible by car, which are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
The vast majority of beaches in the classic resorts are covered in fine white to golden sand, the beaches are very clean, as is the sea water, which is warm all year round.
The beaches in west and south Maui are mostly safe for swimming, the sea is relatively calm and the currents are weak unless you venture hundreds of yards off shore. Free toilets and showers are available at all beaches, but beach chairs and umbrella rentals are not very common, and when they are, they are offered by hotel resorts at relatively high prices (around 50 usd per day).
On the other hand, the beaches in the north and east of Maui are small, natural, often rocky, and the sea is rough and not very safe. On the other hand, you can enjoy breathtaking views and exotic beaches with black volcanic and red iron sand.
TOP 6 - The best beaches on Maui
- Makena Beach - A spacious long beach in south Maui in a beautiful natural setting outside of town, but very accessible by car just a few miles from Wailea. Makena Beach is perfect for swimming, relaxing with plenty of space around you, short walks and snorkeling.
- Kapalua Bay Beach - A cosy smaller beach in the centre of the quiet resort of Kapalua full of luxury resorts. Kapalua Bay is perfect for swimming in the calm sea with decent reefs nearby and beautiful sunset views. It is perfectly accessible by car, but also by bus.
- Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town) - A smaller sandy beach in the south of Wailea-Makena in a quiet area but easily accessible by car. Its main advantage is the great snorkelling conditions without having to go far out to sea, just dive into the water on the beach and be fascinated by the colourful underwater world.
- Wailea Beach - Wailea-Makena's main beach is one of Maui's liveliest, with kayak rentals, lounge chairs and several restaurants. Even so, it's a quiet, beautiful setting with palm trees, breathtaking sunsets and calm seas.
- Waiʻānapanapa Beach - A secluded black volcanic sand beach on the north coast in the natural park of the same name. The main advantage is the beautiful scenery of the dramatic coastline, on the other hand swimming is only recommended where you can swim, there are strong sea currents and big waves.
- [translate=none]Red Sand Beach - a very exotic beach under steep cliffs with dark red sand, a phenomenon very rare in the world. Red Sand Beach is mainly a "look at" attraction, not so much for swimming because of the rough sea and sharp rocks right next to the beach.
Surfing
Hawaii is a place promised to all surfers, from beginners to pros. While the main surf island is Oahu, Maui also has surf schools for all skill levels and ages virtually everywhere.
The most popular spot is Hookipa and an area called Peahi northeast of Kahului, where the biggest surf waves are found.
For beginners, the calmer west or south coast is ideal.
What prices to expect? The cost of a two-hour lesson for beginners is usually between 125 usd and 170 usd with your own instructor who will be dedicated to you and from 75 usd in lessons with multiple students. Full two-day private lessons cost around 600 usd to 800 usd. Prices always include the rental of all equipment.
Examples of surf schools on Maui:
- Maui True North (Kahului)
- Maui Surf Lessons (Kihei)
- Maui Surf Club (Kihei)
- Maui Waveriders (Kihei and Lahaina)
- Honolua Surf (Lahaina)
Roadtrips
Even on a small island, challenging driving enthusiasts will find something to enjoy. With winding narrow roads that twist and turn dozens or hundreds of feet above the ocean in a dramatic mountainous landscape, you can drive the island cross-country for 3 days and still not get bored.
The Road to Hana, the road from Kahului along the north coast to the town of Hana in the east, is particularly iconic.
Over 80 km long, you'll drive for at least 2 hours and that's only if you don't stop along the way. And we guarantee you'll be stopping every minute. Whether it's for the beautiful views, interesting places along the way or just for the pineapple juice squeezed right by the roadside.
Kahului Airport car rental prices
If you're not worried about the more challenging driving on really narrow roads with uncluttered curves and often only wide enough for one car, but which run through sparsely populated stunning countryside and aren't as busy as the Road to Hana, head northwest on Route 340, called the Kahekili Highway, or head south from Hana town not on the Road to Hana but via the Piilani Highway, though a 4x4 is recommended.
Snorkeling
Maui is one of the main snorkeling islands in Hawaii. Especially the waters off the south coast of the island are extremely rich in coral reefs, thousands of colorful fish or sea turtles.
The most frequented spot is the amazing Molokini crater halfway between Maui and Kaho'olawe. You can only get here with one of the many agencies that organize snorkeling trips. Most of them are based in Kahului and the town of Kihei.
Good snorkeling spots without paying agencies are right off the coast and beaches at Wailea-Makena, especially Maluaka Beach also known as Turtle Town, and then in northwest Maui at Honolua Bay.
The average price for a roughly 4-7 hour snorkeling trip with lunch is around 135 usd.
Examples of agencies:
Mountain and Hiking
Maui may not have as many hiking trails as the neighboring Big Island, but the island is dominated by the 3,000-foot Haleakala volcano, which is sure to keep hiking enthusiasts busy for at least 2-3 days. The treks tend to be shorter and can usually be done in a single day.
There are also nice short trails for a few dozen minutes to an hour on the northwest side of the island, which also doesn't get as many tourists, so you'll have the dramatic natural scenery of gorges, mountains, and rough ocean all to yourself. Particularly popular hikes are the Waihee Ridge Trail or the famous Iao Valley right on the edge of the Kahului-Wailuku conurbation.
Whale watching
Every year from about late November to early May, whales roam the shallow waters between the islands of Maui and Lanai.
Huge humpback whales are the most common sighting, and you can either pay for half-day tours with one of the many agencies based in Lahaina or Maalea (around 150 usd per person), or stop at a lookout off the main road from Lahaina to Kahului and try your luck at spotting a whale from at least a couple of roadside vantage points.
Day trip by boat to Lanai
If perhaps you happen to get bored of Maui or want to add another Hawaiian island to your bucket list, head to Lanai, which is less than an hour and a half away by ferry. Lanai will offer tranquility and significantly fewer tourists and arid landscapes.
Boats depart several times a day from the Port of Lahaina, and a one-way ticket will cost you 30 usd. You can book online and check the cruise schedule on Expeditions' website.
However, due to the very high cost of rental cars on Lanai (approx. 250 usd per day) and the lack of public transportation, we recommend booking a complete day trip from Maui to Lanai and back with transportation and a program with one of the travel agencies.
Prices are around 250 usd per person and you can use the services of Sailtrilogy or Lost on Lanai, for example.
Sightseeing flight to Molokai
Leave the mainland of Maui and its adjacent waters for a while and take to the air. A very popular Maui attraction is helicopter sightseeing flights to the neighboring island of Molokai, where you'll fly along the inaccessible northern coastline. Prepare for breathtaking views of the world's tallest sea cliffs , Kalaupapa, at over 1,000 metres, or the world's 8th highest waterfall , Pu'uka'oku.
Expect prices around 340 usd for a 60-minute scenic flight (such as Sunshine Helicopters, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters or Maverick Helicopters). Usually takes off from the main Kahului airport.
Sightseeing helicopter flights around Molokai only take off from Maui, there is no company operating sightseeing flights directly on Molokai.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing
Aside from classic surfing, Maui's North Shore is one of the best kite- and windsurfing spots in the Hawaiian Islands. Among the most popular spots is spacious Kanaha Beach on the northern edge of Kahului, where steady winds and relatively mild waves are absolutely ideal for these sports.
Kahului is home to several kitesurfing and windsurfing schools where you can pay for beginner lessons. Prices are around 280 usd for a three-hour lesson, or around 500 usd for a three-day course. Example agencies:
Entertainment and Nightlife
While the other islands tend to be quieter and only the elite party on Oahu, Maui is alive at night for everyone.
Especially in Kihei Village, there are frequent evening events for young backpackers with live concerts by local bands, outdoor bars or barbecues.
However, make sure there's always at least one non-drinker in your party, that is if you're driving back to your hotel. The police are uncompromising and you could go to jail for drink driving.
Any questions left?
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