Things To Do in Maui: What to do and see in 2024
There are so many things to do in Maui and if I were to go back, I would put these places on my list again. This beautiful island is filled with a sense of adventure and aliveness, but yet the slow pace pulls you completely into the present. I would recommend you not over fill your days, but rather take your time when exploring each part of Maui to be able to take it all in.
During my visit, these were some of my favourite things to do for an adventurous or relaxing day. To be able to enjoy the nature and people around you is something I look forward to when visiting a new place. Whether you’re into hiking, enjoy a good beach day or want a thrilling road trip along the Road to Hana – I think there will be something for you.
5 Things to Do in Maui this Summer
- Relax at the beach
- Go snorkelling
- Take a road trip
- Go on an adventurous day hike
- Support local businesses
1. Relax at the Beach
During my visit to Hawaii, I spent everyday visiting the ocean. There is something to love about the calm ocean breeze and salt water air. The sand that seems to stick to your skin all vacation long. I’m in love it all, especially the golden sand beaches and radiant ocean blues. That’s why visiting the beach is a must on your trip.
If I had to choose my top 3 beaches, my absolute favourites would be Napili Bay, Makena Beach and the Black Sand Beach. This is because waters here are a brilliant crystal blue, with the ocean that spans infinitely into the distance.
The waves at Napilli and Makena were calm, which makes for the perfect swim. At the Black Sand Beach, the waves were wild and exciting with much to explore including its lava sea caves and cliffs.
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2. Go Snorkelling
The experience swimming above the coral reefs and seeing the marine life in the waters of Maui is incredible. The clear ocean blue waters makes for the best snorkelling conditions to spot fish, sea turtles, and other marine life under the sea. My favourite spots for snorkelling were Makena Beach and Napili Bay, as the ocean tide was calm here.
Travel tip: I would recommend that you bring your own snorkelling gear, such that you can take a peek underwater during any one of your beach days. Secondly, ensure you have water shoes, as I’ve seen pointy sea urchin snuggled in the sand below!
3. Take a Road Trip
The Road to Hana is a must do when visiting Maui. The views driving along the winding road make for the perfect road trip to get to know this beautiful island and ocean. The views are so dreamy and you’ll want to leave lots of time for this drive.
This road trip will take some some extra planning, as there are many stops along the way. Since it’s impossible to make it to all of them in one day, I would suggest doing some research before starting your road trip and then pick your top choices.
Sometimes there are stops you may want to make, but there is no parking available, so you may have to move on. That’s why I’d also suggest you having a few backups to your trip itinerary in case that happens.
If you start your road trip at Paia town along the Hana Hwy, you can expect lush green tropical forests and waterfalls on your drive. Here were some of the spots I stopped at between Paia Town and Hana Town:
I stopped for 2 nights in Hana at the Hana Maui Resort for my friends’ wedding. If you have a chance to stay here, I would highly recommend it! It was a nice way to break up the road trip, but I know some people continue on from Hana all in one day.
After spending the 2 nights in Hana, we continued on and drove along the Piilani Hwy (known as the backside of the Road to Hana.). This side of the island has completely different views compared to the Hana Hwy. You can expect gorgeous views of the dryer red, brown meadows and sea cliffs.
4. Go on an Adventurous Day Hike
When I think about Maui, I think about the time spent outside in nature. This is because it’s such a contrast to the city life where you’re surrounded by office buildings and high rises. Although I enjoy a nice city stroll, now that I’m home, I can’t help but feel the nostalgia of Maui’s beautiful coast lines.
The Kapalua Coastal Trail was one of my favourite hikes. I wish I could have had time to do them all, but I’m so glad I was able to experience this one. This is an easy, casual, 4 km trail along the rocky coastline near the north west side of the island. Make sure you take a few hours to do this trail, as you’ll likely be taking many stops along the way for photos.
5. Support Local Businesses in Maui
Supporting local businesses when traveling is a great way to immerse yourself into the culture of that area. By learning about the local economy and culture, you’ll enrich your experience and expand your perspective from the stories shared by locals. There’s many local businesses to explore and here were two that I really loved.
Maui Wine
Maui Wine is in the picturesque Ulupalakua Ranch. Here, you can experience the exquisite wines crafted from locally grown grapes. Undeniably, the Mount Blanc is a must try. This wine is crisp, bright and infused with Maui Gold pineapples. If you’re not sure which to choose, the wine flight is also another popular menu item and they also have small bites to pair with the wines.
This is the most lovely winery. It’s quiet and peaceful, making for a relaxing afternoon visit. I would recommend getting a reservation, as the wait times can be long.
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Additionally, a visit to the lavender farms, such as Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, offers beautiful views of purple blooms and garden florals. There are walking trails for you to explore the grounds on your own and learn about the lush flora of Maui. Make sure to visit the gift shop for sustainable lavender products from essential oils to pantry ingredients.
