Must Do's in Maui

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Named the best beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2018, this spot offers everything you could want for a day. A protected cove that can shelter you from a majority of the waves (but not all!), excellent snorkeling, turquoise water, and soft sand. 

There is something so relaxing about Napili Bay. Even though you’re on west Maui, there are no high-rise resorts in sight, just nice little hotels and inns. The beach itself is quite large — bigger than Kapalua Bay 

Here the snorkeling is good, though not often great, but you’ll find a very long, soft sand beach, beautiful water that is great for swimming on a calm day, picnic facilities, and a good size parking lot.

If you’re looking for a beach resort experience, this is the place. The incredibly long, soft sand beach makes way to beautiful water. Truly, it’s a sight.

The most popular beaches in Kihei, and it’s easy to see why. These three beaches offer great swimming, beautiful white sand, and plenty of amenities, like parking lots, bathrooms, and picnic tables. The calmest beaches are Kamaole I and II. Kamaole III 

There is a reason that one of the most popular resorts on the island is built on this beach — it is near perfection. Here you’ll find a very wide, soft sand beach with beautiful ocean views and water. 

 This is a great spot to snorkel on the south shore of Maui and it comes with an excellent beach that has great amenities. Located in front of the Wailea Elua Village Condos, this beach can get crowded with locals and visitors. 

 I think this might be the most underrated beach in south Maui. Located between Kihei and Wailea, this beach is quieter than most south Maui spots and offers multiple parking lots. 

Say hello to another hidden gem, located right near the resorts of south Maui. Head just south of Wailea into Makena and you’ll find this beach.

 Makena Beach is postcard perfect: a ⅔ mile long, white sand beach with clear blue water and a great view of Molokini and Kahoolave. And, not a resort in site. 

At Makena Beach you’ll find two beaches: Big Beach and Little Beach

  If you’re looking for a special place to enjoy the sunset, exchange vows, or have a photo shoot, this is where you want to be. It’s small, but spectacular. The waves come crashing into this tiny cove and occasionally you can find very daring

Baldwin offers a little something for everyone. This is a popular spot for locals of all ages. During the winter or other periods of high surf, you’ll find experienced boogie boarders here 

The most famous windsurfing location on Maui…or in Hawaii…or in the US. The waves are large (check out our video below) and there is a lot of wind, making conditions nearly perfect for experienced windsurfers. 

  This picturesque black sand beach offers stunning panoramic views, a dark ocean, and green jagged cliffs. There are also nice walking trails, a blowhole, arches, and plenty to see here. 

The crescent shaped beach can often have a decent amount of surf and rough break, so judge the conditions and your skills accordingly. The sandy bottom helps to make the water crystal clear

a geological formation in West Maui that erupts every few minutes with over 50-foot geyser-like water spouts. The Nakalele blowhole is located 30-minutes north of Ka’anapali. One can view the blowhole from above or hike a quarter-mile down a steep hillside for a closer look. 

Heading to Maui in the winter, you’re in luck.

You can see them from shore or head out on a whale-watching tour.

A quick 45-minute ferry ride, you can find yourself landing on a different island.

Head to Lanai City for galleries and lunch, or hop in a Jeep to get to Shipwreck Beach. 

The historic village of Olowalu is home to sea turtles, monk seals, large fish, and a pristine reef. If you’re looking for a unique place to snorkel on Maui, head to Olowalu.

Cove Beach Park in Kihei is a great place to learn how to surf. The slow rolling waves make this an ideal place for locals and first-time surfers to learn the ancient Hawaiian tradition. 

Home to the ‘Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot erosional feature in a magnificent valley. Come to walk the 0.6 miles to the observation deck, see waterfalls, explore the botanical garden, and learn the history of the decisive Hawaiian battle that made the river turn red. 

Paia is an old surfing and plantation town on Maui’s North Shore. 

 Just past Paia Town. Visit here for a large beach without the crowds, see the sea turtles climb onto the beach for some rest and sunshine. 

A private waterfall hike along a stream. The stream has three major waterfalls that are all great swimming holes. The famous Twin Falls is the last one on the short hike. 

The historic cowboy (paniolo in Hawaiian) town has art galleries, coffee shops, and the best donuts on a stick on Maui at Komoda Store and Bakery. 

Haleakala National Park is best known for its sunrise tour (which lives up to the hype) but the National Park is also worth a day trip to see the endangered state bird the Nene, stand on the 10,023-foot summit, or hike into the crater for the adventurous travelers

Located 10 miles (35 minutes) past Hana, the park is home to the Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls, ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), and camping. Plan about 2 hours to hike the easy to moderate Pipiwai Trail. The waterfall views and the walks through the bamboo forest are out of this world.

Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach is the best black sand beach on Maui. Located just before Hana Town, the Wai’anapanapa State Park has a blowhole, black sand beach, lava cave, short hiking trails