Many bucket list destinations include the Hawaiian islands. Maui, is the 2nd largest of the islands, behind the Big Island (Hawai’i) and ahead of O’ahu (home of the capital, Honolulu). Maui is such a great vacation location because it is very quiet compared to O’ahu. Maui is filled with resorts but look to the Big Island if you seek more isolation.
Maui’s Airport, OGG, allows for many direct flights from the US but is not the international airport hub that you will find in Honolulu. A quick island hop flight from HNL will bring you to OGG. With Southwest Airlines bringing more routes both inter island and from the mainland, air travel hasn’t ever been easier or cheaper to go to Maui.
Things to Do
The Road to Hana
One of the most iconic things to do on Maui. Popularity brings crowds so be sure to check out my Road to Hana Travel Guide for planning the perfect adventure. https://www.themtgalleries.com/post/planning-the-perfect-adventure-the-road-to-hana
Haleakala
The giant volcano on the East side of the island is home to Maui's U.S. National Park. The most iconic thing to do is catch the famous sunrise above the clouds. This is over 10,000 feet above Sea Level so be sure to pack warm clothes and not just your tropical attire if you plan to come. Bike riding down the volcano is another fun activity once you are here.
Pro Tip: Do this at the beginning of your trip (ideally the first two days) as you will have the advantage of Time Zone’s on your side as you will need to get up early for this adventure.
Snorkel / Scuba Dive
Snorkeling is the easiest and best activity to do on the island. There are three ways to enjoy this activity, rent a snorkel from the resort, go on a snorkel tour, or bring your own!
My recommended gear:
Snorkel : https://amzn.to/2Aa52WB
Underwater Camera : https://amzn.to/3ekrvyN or https://amzn.to/2X2x2Eh
*for mirrorless / DSLR cameras, I recommend the aquatech housings. These are expensive but you can rent them as well!
Most resorts will have snorkel gear to rent. I recommend bringing your own gear because you may save money if you elect to do this a few times throughout your trip. Plus, you can drive and stop anywhere on the island for a quick swim. This is a great thing to do if you plan to go to Hana as well!
There are also many great options to join a snorkel tour. I had a great time with Redline Snorkeling. They took us on a quick and fun boat ride to Molikini (the small volcanic crater in the ocean between Maui and Kahi’olawe) and 4 other snorkel hot spots along the coast. Although it is not a guarantee, they will certainly do their best to get you up close and personal (while keeping away from the protected species) to see or photo the beautiful sea turtles that swim all over the island.
Find a local beach
Get away from the big resorts and take a drive along the coast. The drive to Hana on the South East side of the island has some unique and amazing beaches. Don’t forget to drive the North West part of the island too. My favorites are Red Sand Beach, Black Sand Beach, and Slaughterhouse Beach.
Surf Competitions
Many surfers come to Hawaii for the BIG waves. For this reason, there are pro surf competitions held around late fall / early winter every year. If you have an off road capable vehicle, adventure out to Jaws Surf Break (NOTE: do not go here without a 4x4 especially before or after a rainstorm)
Take a Drive
Maui is so lush and scenic. From sweeping coastline views, to lush green ridges, to the abundance of waterfalls. Stop for local fruit or shaved ice and find a secluded beach or hike along the way. Pro Tip - watch out for the wild chickens!
North Maui
Honolua Bay, Napili Bay, Slaughterhouse Beach,
Nakalele Blowhole, Honolua Bay & Olivine Pools
East Maui
Jaws, Waiuku to Lahaina Road, Baldwin Beach
South Maui
Makena Landing State Park, Wailea, Hana
Take a Hike
Find a secluded waterfall or go to the top of a ridge for 360 views. My favorite hikes are:
Waimoku Falls (Hana)
Pipiwai Trail / Oheo Gulch (Hana)
Twin Falls (North Shore)
Waihee Ridge Trail (North)
Nakalele Blow hole (North Shore)
Places to Stay
There are many big resort areas on the island including, Wailea (SE), Kaanapali (NW) and Kapalua (N). Be sure to also check out Lahaina for great dining and shopping (a few minutes from Kaanapali)
Wailea Beach
The Grand Wailea
Beautiful and grand just like the name.
Fairmone Kea Lani
Classy and beautiful rooms and villas. Beach feels a little more private.
Wailea Beach Resort Marriott
A more modern hotel with great restauraunt options. Not as big as the other two.
Kaanapali
The Westin Ocean Villas
Timeshare style villas with full kitchen. Huge property with multiple pools and great beaches.
Westin Resort
Hotel style. Closer to all of the hotels in the area.
Kapalua
Four seasons Kapalua
A classy resort on the north end. Huge property with a great beach and golf course.
Places to Eat
So many great options especially at all of the great resorts. My two favorites are:
Mama’s fish house (close to airport)
Sensai Seafood & Sushi (kapalua)
Be sure to make reservations before you arrive on the island!!!
