What to do in Maui
Why visit the island of Maui and what activities are there to enjoy there? Read on in this chapter.
Beaches and swimming
The entire western and southern coastline of the island is lined with sandy beaches of varying lengths, a warm ocean and a pleasant microclimate with little rainfall.
The west coast is lined with the luxury resorts of Kapalua and Kaanapali, which benefit precisely from these magnificent beaches. These are mostly occupied by hotel resorts, but by law they must be accessible to everyone free of charge; public paths usually lead to them from the sides of the beach.
The situation is slightly different on the south coast, where, in the resort of Kihei, you’ll mainly swim at smaller town beaches, which gradually give way to the luxury resort of Wailea-Makena, home to the most beautiful beaches on Maui and luxury hotel resorts (though, once again, the beaches are accessible free of charge).
At the very southern tip of the island, you can visit Makena and Turtle Town (Maluaka) beaches, which are set apart from the resort centres but still easily accessible by car, and are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
The vast majority of beaches in the traditional resorts are covered infine white to golden sand; the beaches are very clean, as is the sea, which remains warm all year round.
The beaches in the west and south of Maui are generally safe for swimming; the sea here is relatively calm and the currents are weak, provided you do not venture hundreds of metres from the shore. All beaches have free toilets and showers; however, sun lounger and parasol hire is not very common, and where it is available, it is offered by hotel resorts at relatively high prices (around 50 usd per day).
In contrast, the beaches in the north and east of Maui are small, unspoilt, often rocky, and the sea here is rough and not particularly safe. On the other hand, you can enjoy breathtaking views and exotic beaches with black volcanic and red iron-rich sand.
TOP 6 – The Best Beaches on Maui
- Makena Beach – a spacious, long beach in the south of Maui, set in beautiful natural surroundings away from the town, yet easily accessible by car, just a few kilometres from the resort of Wailea. Makena Beach is ideal for swimming, relaxing with plenty of space around you, short walks and snorkelling.
- Kapalua Bay Beach – A cosy, smaller beach in the centre of the peaceful Kapalua resort, full of luxury resorts. Kapalua Bay is ideal for swimming in calm waters, with gentle reefs nearby and beautiful views of the sunsets. It is easily accessible by car or by bus.
- Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town) – A small sandy beach in the south of the Wailea-Makena resort, set in peaceful surroundings yet easily accessible by car. Its main attraction is the superb snorkelling conditions – there’s no need to venture far out to sea; simply wade into the water from the beach and marvel at the colourful underwater world.
- Wailea Beach – The main beach at Wailea-Makena is one of the liveliest on Maui, with kayak and sun lounger hire, as well as several restaurants. Even so, it remains peaceful, with beautiful surroundings featuring palm trees, breathtaking sunsets and calm seas.
- Waiʻānapanapa Beach – A secluded beach with black volcanic sand on the north coast, situated within the nature reserve of the same name. Its main attraction is the stunning scenery of the dramatic coastline; however, swimming is only recommended in areas where you can touch the bottom, as there are strong sea currents and large waves.
- [translate=none]Red Sand Beach– a very exotic beach beneath steep cliffs with dark red sand, a phenomenon that is very rare anywhere in the world. Red Sand Beach is primarily an attraction ‘to look at’, rather than for swimming, due to the rough sea and sharp rocks right by the beach.
Surfing
Hawaii is a paradise for all surfers, from beginners to professionals. AlthoughOahu is the main surfing island, you’ll find surfing schools practically everywhere on Maui, catering for all ability levels and age groups.
The most popular spot isHookipa andthe area known as Peahi, north-eastof Kahului, where the biggest surfing waves break.
For beginners, the calmer western or southern coasts are the ideal places to start.
What prices can you expect? The price of a two-hour lesson for beginners usually rangesfrom 125 usd to 170 usd with a private instructor who will focus solely on you, and from 75 usd in group lessons. A full two-day private course costs around 600 usd to 800 usd. Prices always include the hire of all equipment.
Examples of surf schools on Maui:
- Maui True North(Kahului)
- Maui Surf Lessons (Kihei)
- Surf Club Maui (Kihei)
- Maui Waveriders(Kihei and Lahaina)
- Honolua Surf (Lahaina)
Road trips
Even on this relatively small island, lovers of challenging driving will find plenty to enjoy. Thanks to the winding, narrow roads that snake their way tens or even hundreds of metres above the ocean through dramatic mountainous scenery, you could easily spend three days criss-crossing the island and still not get bored.
The Road to Hana is particularly iconic – the route from Kahului along the north coast to the town of Hana in the east.
The journey, which is over 80 km long, will take you at least two hours – and that’s only if you don’t stop along the way. And we guarantee you’ll be stopping every few minutes. Whether it’s for the stunning views, interesting spots along the way, or simply to enjoy some pineapple juice freshly squeezed by the roadside.
Car hire prices at Kahului Airport
If you’re not put off by the challenge of driving along very narrow roads with blind bends – often just wide enough for one car – which nevertheless wind through breathtaking, sparsely populated countryside and aren’t as busy as the Road to Hana, head north-west along Route 340, known as the Kahekili Highway, or, when leaving the town of Hana, do not return via the Road to Hana, but take the southern coast via the Piilani Highway – although a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for this route.
Snorkelling
Maui is one of the top snorkelling islands in Hawaii. The waters off the island’s southern coast, in particular, are exceptionally rich in coral reefs, thousands of colourful fish and sea turtles.
The most popular spot isthestunningMolokini Crater, halfway between Maui and the islet of Kaho’olawe. You can only get there with one of the many agencies that organise snorkelling trips. Most of them are based in Kahului and the town of Kihei.
Easily accessible snorkelling spots that do not require booking through an agency can be found right off the coast and on the beaches near the Wailea-Makena resort, particularly at Maluaka Beach – also known as Turtle Town – and in Honolua Bay in the north-west of Maui.
The average price for a snorkelling trip lasting around 4–7 hours, including lunch, is around 135 usd.
Examples of agencies:
Mountain and hiking tours
Although there aren’t as many walking trails on Maui as on the neighbouring Big Island, the island is dominated by the 3,000-metre-highHaleakala volcano, which is sure to keep keen walkers thoroughly entertained for at least two to three days. The treks tend to be shorter and can usually be completed in a single day.
There are also lovely short trails lasting from a few tens of minutes to an hour on the north-western side of the island, which is less frequented by tourists, meaning you’ll have the dramatic natural scenery of gorges, mountains and the raging ocean all to yourself. Particularly popular treks include the Waihee Ridge Trail and the famous Iao Valley, right on the outskirts of the Kahului-Wailuku conurbation.
Whale watching
Every year, from around late November to early May, whales migrate through the shallow waters between the islands of Maui and Lanai.
Giant humpback whales are the most common sight here; you can either book a half-day trip with one of the many agencies based in Lahaina or Maalea (around 150 usdper person), or stop at the viewpoint along the main road from Lahaina to Kahului and try your luck at spotting a whale from at least a few of the roadside viewpoints.
A day trip by boat to the island of Lanai
If, by any chance, you find yourself getting bored of Maui or want to tick off another Hawaiian island from your list, head toLanai, which is just under an hour and a half away by ferry. Lanai offers peace and quiet, far fewer tourists and a parched landscape.
Ferries depart several times a day from Lahaina Harbour, and a one-way ticket costs 30 usd. You can book online and check the timetable on the Expeditions website.
However, given the very high car hire prices on Lanai (around 250 usd per day) and the lack of public transport, we recommend booking a complete one-day trip from Maui to Lanai and back through a travel agency, with transport and an itinerary included.
Prices are around 250 usd per person, and you can use the services of agencies such asSailtrilogyor Lost on Lanai.
Sightseeing flight to Molokai
Leave the mainland of Maui and its surrounding waters behind for a while and take to the skies. A very popular attraction on Maui is a helicopter sightseeing flight to the neighbouring island of Molokai, where you’ll fly along the inaccessible northern coastline. Get ready for breathtaking views of Kalaupapa, the world’s highest sea cliffs at over 1,000 metres, orPu’uka’oku, the world’s eighth-highest waterfall.
Expect prices of around340 usdfor a 60-minute sightseeing flight (for example,Sunshine Helicopters,Blue Hawaiian HelicoptersorMaverick Helicopters). Flights usually depart from Kahului Main Airport.
Helicopter sightseeing flights around the island of Molokai depart only from the island of Maui; no company operating sightseeing flights is based on Molokai itself.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing
As well as traditional surfing, the north coast of Maui is one of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in the Hawaiian Islands. Among the most popular spots is the spacious Kanaha Beach on the northern outskirts of Kahului, where steady winds and relatively gentle waves are absolutely ideal for these sports.
Kahului is home to several kitesurfing and windsurfing schools where you can book beginner’s lessons. Prices range from around 280 usd for a three-hour lesson to around 500 usd for a three-day course. Examples of agencies:
Entertainment and nightlife
Whilst the other islands tend to be quieter and Oahu is mainly for the elite, Maui comes alive at night for everyone.
In the villageof Kiheiin particular, there are frequent evening events for young backpackers, featuring live concerts by local bands, outdoor bars and barbecues.
However, make sure there is always at least one person in your group who isn’t drinking, especially if you’re driving back to the hotel. The police are strict, and you could easily end up in prison for drink-driving.
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