As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
Is visiting Maui, Hawaii on your bucket list? It’s been on mine since the second grade, and I am so happy to say that I was lucky enough to move here in 2015. Hawaii is so much more than palm trees and sandy beaches.
It is a melting pot with a deep pride for its Polynesian roots and history. Coming to Hawaii is almost like visiting a foreign country.
Each island in the Hawaiian Archipelago is different, each island has a different landscape, climate,
I love the change of pace Maui is compared to my home on Oahu. We just said goodbye to Maui for the second time in the last year. And I’m already planning my next trip.
Things to Do on Maui
Maui should be on your bucket list if you like; a slower pace, delicious pie, whale watching, waterfall chasing and/or amazing beaches. Maui is a place of culture, amazing views, killer agriculture, and amazing beaches. So, I have highlighted my favorite Maui attractions for you below.
Drive the Road to Hana
You can’t miss this waterfall filled drive around the island taking you for jungle and mountains to magnificent coastal views. With near 600 curves and around 50 waterfalls, the Road to Hana is a Hawaiian Waterfall adventure that will take you from Paia town to Hana a 57-mile long journey.
Relax at the Black Sand Beach:
Located in Wai’anapanapa State Park off of the Hana Highway the Black Sand Beach also called Pa’iloa Beach has breathtaking views, a great swimming beach, lava flow tubes, and the gorgeous Instagram worthy sand.
Visit Mount Haleakalā
Don’t miss out on a trip to Mt. Haleakalā a massive vault volcano that makes up the majority of Maui. Located on the eastern side of the Island Mount Haleakalā is a can’t miss. Please note you do need to make reservations for sunrise visits. Also, make sure to pack some warm clothes.
On our first visit to Mt. Haleakalā, a drive up to the top observation tower gave us a shocking 40* temperature drop! It was hard to get a good picture from the top of the mountain as we went on a foggy day, but it was worth it to see local Nēnē, Hawaiian geese along the ride up the mountain which lasted about 45 minutes.
Sample Organic Vodka from Locally Grown Sugar Cane
A local organic vodka made with locally grown organic sugar cane, Ocean Vodka Distillery is a must stop. Although not on our original tour list, all three of us in our group called this a favorite stop on our last trip.
The history and culture behind this brand is a love of Maui’s History and Culture. Learn about the concept behind this award winner as you tour sugar cane fields, get a peek at their process, take a taste of the product and enjoy their breathtaking lookout spot. The tour was $12.50 each but well worth it! You even get a free gift!
Snorkel Molokini Crater
A snorkelers paradise this island marine sanctuary is just a few miles off the coast of Maui. Although you are not allowed to set foot on the island, which is home to a bird sanctuary this is a can’t miss. Join a tour to spend the day among a vast array of corals, fish, turtles and the occasional ray or shark. On our trip, we had the songs of the Humpback Whales as our soundtrack throughout the snorkel.
We did out Molokini Crater trip with Maui Reef Adventures. The crew was great and they provided breakfast, lunch, and equipment. We made a total of three snorkel stops and spent the whole morning out on the water having a blast.
Grab Lunch at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
Grab Lunch on the way to Lahaina at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. I loved their loaded potato salad and couldn’t get enough. The selection of full and mini pies was amazing. Their staff was knowledgeable, kind and quick. We chose the miniature key lime pie made with locally grown key limes. On my second visit there, I got their turkey club! My food was so delicious I didn’t even snap a picture!
Drink a Brew at Maui Brewing Company
I love Maui Brewing Company beer. We never go out on the boat without a full supply of their Bikini Blonde. Make sure to book a tour of their location in Kihei to explore their factory and enjoy samples of their latest and greatest brews. If tours aren’t your thing stop by their tasting room to try out their brews. I loved the Imperial Coconut Porter.
Explore Paia Town
An idyllic little town full of one of a kind treasure, boutiques, and eateries this is a must stop on your way around the island. Local Charm is the theme of Paia. Paia is the start of the iconic Road to Hana, so gas up here and do some shopping before you head on your way to Hana.
Soak Up the Zen at Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
For just $3 you can take a self-guided tour of Maui’s lavender farm. The purple flowers make for amazing Instagram pictures and relaxing scent might just wash your worries away. Wandering these manicured grounds will have you ready to put on your garden gloves when you get home. An amazing little cafe and Gift Shop allow you to sample the scents and flavors of lavender in unique ways. Try the Organic Lavender Coffee and take a cup to enjoy as you drive to your next adventure.
Sample Locally Made Vodka and Whiskey
Visit Hali’imaile Distilling the makers of Pau Vodka, Paniolo Whiskey, and several others. This distillery tour is just $10 and includes tastings at the end. See their patented glass distilling process and spirits made from local pineapples. Tour is about 30 minutes and you can tour the glass blowing shop next door after your visit.
Get Blown away by the Nakalele Blow Hole
Pun Intended! Drive over to Maui’s West Side to see amazing cliffside views, whale watch and stop at the Nakalele Blow Hole. Watch as the surf puffs up through the blowhole located on the west coast of Maui.
Be careful as getting too close to the sea wall or the blowhole itself is dangerous business. We also found our favorite banana bread on Maui at this stop so make sure to buy a loaf to enjoy on your way back into Lahaina.
Pet Baby Goats
Sample Award Winning Goat Cheese in Up Country Maui at the Surfing Goat Dairy. We loved the sample flight of goat cheeses with crackers, petting the baby goats and capturing photos of the quaint farm.
They sell goat cheese chocolate truffles, goat milk soap and other souvenirs in their gift shop. For a full tour and a chance to feed the goats call ahead and book a tour.
Enjoy a Maui Nature Walk
Near Kihei and Ma’alea is the quaint little nature sanctuary of
Watch for Whales
December through April is peak whale season in Hawaii and Maui is the premier spot to enjoy whale watching. Whether from an oceanside eatery or out on a whale watching tour, you can often catch a Humpback Whale Spout or jump from the shore. In our Kihei Air BNB, we could see them each sunrise and sunset.
Sip Local Coffee at a Historic Coffee Shop
Located in old Lahaina Maui Grown Coffee Company is situated inside a historical plantation building which gives the great coffee a little old school local charm. Try their Maui Mokka for a chocolatey treat. While you’re enjoying your brew step outside to view the old plantation smokestack and locomotives- a reminder of an older Hawaii.
There are many things to do on Maui! Drop a comment or question about the Valley Isle below.
What's on your mind?