Haleakala National Park
Maui's 10,023-foot "House of the Sun" — sunrise above the clouds over a vast volcanic crater, otherworldly summit landscapes, and high-altitude hiking. Sunrise entry requires an advance reservation.
Hawaii
Maui
Maui is Hawaii's Valley Isle: sunny beaches on the south and west coasts, a rainforest road to Hana, and a volcano summit above 10,000 feet where sunrise breaks over the clouds.
Snorkel the crater at Molokini, watch humpback whales from a boat or from shore each winter, spend an evening at a luau, and wander Upcountry farms and cowboy towns. Kaanapali and Kapalua offer classic resort coastlines, Wailea and Makena offer reliable sun, and Hana offers a slower, older Hawaii. Whatever your pace, Maui rewards visitors who travel with care and give the island time.
Don't miss
Haleakala National Park
Maui's 10,023-foot "House of the Sun" — sunrise above the clouds over a vast volcanic crater, otherworldly summit landscapes, and high-altitude hiking. Sunrise entry requires an advance reservation.
Road to Hana
Maui's legendary coastal drive — 600 curves and 50-plus one-lane bridges through rainforest, past waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and banana-bread stands to the timeless town of Hana and beyond.
Molokini Crater Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel inside a sunken volcanic crater — Molokini's crescent shelters some of Hawaii's clearest water (100-foot-plus visibility) and a protected reef, reached by morning boat tours from Maui's south shore.
Kaanapali Beach
Three miles of golden West Maui sand with snorkeling at Black Rock, a beach walk linking the resorts, and the sunset torch-lighting and cliff dive that re-enacts King Kahekili's leap.
Things to do in Maui
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Road to Hana
Maui's legendary coastal drive — 600 curves and 50-plus one-lane bridges through rainforest, past waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and banana-bread stands to the timeless town of Hana and beyond.
Molokini Crater Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel inside a sunken volcanic crater — Molokini's crescent shelters some of Hawaii's clearest water (100-foot-plus visibility) and a protected reef, reached by morning boat tours from Maui's south shore.
Old Lahaina Luau
Widely regarded as Hawaii's most authentic luau — an oceanfront evening of traditional imu-roasted feast, genuine Hawaiian hula and storytelling, and no gimmicks, on Maui's west shore. Books out weeks ahead.
Maui Ocean Center
Hawaii's aquarium of the living reef — the 750,000-gallon open-ocean tank's shark-and-ray tunnel, the humpback sphere dome, and the snorkel primer that names every fish you will meet at Molokini.
FreeKaanapali Beach
Three miles of golden West Maui sand with snorkeling at Black Rock, a beach walk linking the resorts, and the sunset torch-lighting and cliff dive that re-enacts King Kahekili's leap.
Half dayDetails →
Makena Beach (Big Beach)
South Maui's largest undeveloped beach — a long, wide sweep of golden sand under the Puu Olai cinder cone, no hotels in sight, lifeguards on duty, and shorebreak powerful enough to respect.
Haleakala Sunrise Tour with Breakfast
A guided pre-dawn ride to Haleakala's summit above the clouds for sunrise, with the driving, parking and breakfast handled for you.
Maui Whale Watching Cruise (Lahaina)
A winter sail through the humpback whale sanctuary off Maui's west coast, where thousands of whales breed and calve between December and April.
Maui Helicopter Tour (Kahului)
A 60-minute flight over West Maui's valleys, Molokai's sea cliffs, Hana's waterfalls and Haleakala's crater, on a route that circles the whole island.
Drums of the Pacific Luau
A resort luau at Hyatt Regency Maui in Kaanapali with a Polynesian feast, a lei greeting and a dramatic show of drumming, hula and fire.
Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour
Coast down Maui's volcano on two wheels, from cool upland pastures through eucalyptus groves and paniolo country toward the sea. Mostly braking and sightseeing, with little pedaling.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
Wailea, Maui
Maui's grandest playground — 40 oceanfront acres on Wailea Beach with the legendary nine-pool Wailea Canyon (slides, rapids, water elevator), a 50,000-sq-ft spa, and full Waldorf Astoria luxury.
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$$$$Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux
Wailea (hillside), Maui
Maui's adults-only hideaway — an all-suite Relais & Chateaux retreat on a hillside above Wailea, with ocean-view suites, a celebrated treehouse dining experience, and honeymoon-grade tranquility.
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$$$$Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Wailea, South Maui
Wailea's design-forward beachfront resort on calm Mokapu Beach — cascading infinity pools, a 15-acre footprint that keeps everything close, and a younger, food-focused energy than its grand neighbors.
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$$$$Montage Kapalua Bay
Kapalua, West Maui
An all-suite West Maui sanctuary on 24 acres above Namalu Bay — residential-size suites with full kitchens, an 8,500-square-foot cascading pool and Kapalua Bay's calm snorkeling a short walk away.
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$$$$Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt
Hana, East Maui
The reward at the end of the Road to Hana — 75 tropical acres above Kapueokahi Bay in Maui's most remote town, with bungalows, a spa and no TVs, built for slowing all the way down.
Check rates →Fairmont Kea Lani
Wailea, Maui
An all-suite beachfront resort on Wailea's Polo Beach with white Mediterranean architecture, a pool and lagoon, and the quiet end of Maui's sunny south shore.
Check rates →Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Kaanapali Beach, West Maui
A large Kaanapali beachfront resort with a lagoon-style pool, a spa, several restaurants and the Drums of the Pacific luau on the grounds, built for families and groups.
Check rates →The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali
Kaanapali Beach, West Maui
A large resort on Kaanapali Beach with multiple pools, tropical gardens, a spa and a range of dining options, popular for families and relaxed beach stays.
Check rates →Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
Black Rock, Kaanapali, West Maui
A Kaanapali resort beside Black Rock with snorkeling nearby, sunset views, a luau and a classic West Maui beach setting.
Check rates →The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Kapalua, West Maui
A luxury resort on the green hillside of Kapalua, with ocean views, a spa, fine dining and quick access to the calm beaches and golf of Maui's northwest coast.
Check rates →Honua Kai Resort and Spa
Kaanapali, West Maui
A suite-style resort at the northern end of Kaanapali, with kitchens, multiple pools and a relaxed, residential feel that suits families and longer stays.
Check rates →Napili Kai Beach Resort
Napili Bay, West Maui
A low-rise, family-run style resort on calm Napili Bay, with snorkeling at the doorstep, a quiet atmosphere and a more traditional feel than the big resorts.
Check rates →Maui Coast Hotel
Kihei, South Maui
A mid-range hotel in Kihei with a pool, an on-site restaurant and easy access to the beaches, shops and restaurants of South Maui at a lower price than the Wailea resorts.
Check rates →Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott
Wailea, South Maui
A Wailea beachfront resort with pools, gardens, restaurants and a luau on site, close to the coastal path and the sunny beaches of South Maui.
Check rates →OUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
Kaanapali Beach, West Maui
A beachfront Kaanapali hotel known for its Hawaiian cultural focus, relaxed atmosphere and a more modest price than the biggest resorts.
Check rates →Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea
Wailea, South Maui
A suite-style Marriott in the Wailea area with kitchens, a pool and a practical layout that suits families and longer stays on Maui's south shore.
Check rates →Maui guides
The Road to Hana, Properly: Stops, Strategy & Reservations
How to do Maui's great drive right — the stops worth your limited hours, the Waianapanapa reservation, bridge etiquette, whether to continue to Oheo, and the mistakes that sour the day.
Snorkeling in Hawaii: Where to Go, When, and How to Do It Right
A practical guide to snorkeling across the Hawaiian Islands, with the best spots on each island, how conditions change by season, what gear to bring and the rules that protect the reef and its turtles.
A First-Timer's Guide to Maui
Everything you need for a first Maui trip: how the island is laid out, when to go, which bookings to make early, how to get around and how to visit with care.
Maui in 5 Days: A Flexible Itinerary
A five-day plan that mixes the island's essential experiences, from Molokini and the Road to Hana to Haleakala and West Maui, with tips for pacing and weather.
Where to Stay in Maui: Areas Compared
A clear comparison of Maui's main areas, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Wailea, Kihei, Hana and Paia, with who each suits and what to check before you book.
Haleakala Sunrise and Sunset: A Practical Guide
How to plan a summit visit to Haleakala: reservations, timing, what to wear, altitude tips, and whether to choose sunrise, sunset or a guided tour.
Whale Watching on Maui: Season, Boats and Tips
When to see humpback whales on Maui, how to choose a boat, what to expect, how to watch from shore and how to follow the rules that protect the animals.
Eating and Drinking on Maui: What to Try
A guide to Maui's food scene, from plate lunches, poke and shave ice to farm stands, luaus, coffee and local drinks, with tips for eating well on any budget.
