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*Last updated March 10, 2024
Best Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii
Table of Contents
How long to Stay at Maui and Haleakala National Park
In general, for Hawaii, I think there is enough to do on each island that you should spend at last a week on and island before considering jumping to other islands. For instance, if you have a week or less, just stay on Maui. As for Haleakala National Park, it takes about 4 hours round trip to drive to the summit (not including the time it takes to drive to the base). It is popular to drive for sunrise, but it requires reservations and you will have to get up really early. If you opt for sunset (we did and it was beautiful), plan to leave in the afternoon and return at dusk.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a popular island with two major tourist hubs. First is Wailea is a beach paradise with numerous large resorts. Second is Lahaina, with numerous artist shops. We visited Maui 11 years ago, before most of our kids for a 10 day trip, with 7 on Maui and 3 on Oahu. We went to the Big Island last year, so we like to say that we are on the 10 year Hawaii plan. That means we should plan for Kauai in 2032!
We flew into Oahu and spent 3 days and to meet up with a friend. Then we flew to Maui for a week with Wailea as a home base. If you have Delta sky miles, you can use them to book Hawaiian Airlines flights between the other Hawaiian islands. This is a good option as the inter-island flights have gotten more expensive.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is the towering volcano on the east side of Maui. It is so large, it creates its own weather patterns. The north side, which you travel on the road to Hana, is lush with waterfalls and vegetation. However, the south side is a desert landscape.
Going up for sunrise or sunset is a popular option. Hawaii has instituted a reservations system for sunrise. However, sunset is also a good option for those not wanting to wake up at 3am.
The Road to Hana
One of the most popular things to do in Maui is drive the Road to Hana. Hana itself is a small town, but really the journey itself is why you go. Additionally, banana bread vendors are quite frequent here. Be sure to print or download a guide marking the various stops.
Most impressive is probably the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Also, the area has nearby lava tubes. There are also numerous waterfalls that you can stop along the route. Another popular spot is the “Seven Sacred Pools”. However, they were closed for swimming while we were there.
Once you get to Hana, you can either drive back the way you came, or you can keep going and circle back on the south side of Haleakala volcano. However, there is less stops on the desert side, but it does have its own beauty.
Luau of Hawaii
If you have never done a luau before, then it is kind of obligatory. We stayed in Wailea so we decided to go to the Grand Wailea Luau. When we were there is 2012, the Grand Wailea included some aerial acrobatic performances. You can also watch while they dig out the pig from its earthen oven.
However, there are a number of different luaus on Maui, but most tend to be in Wailea or Lahaina. In Wailea, there is also the Andaz Luau and Marriott Luau. In Lahaina, there is the Sheraton Luau and Royal Lahaina Luau.
Iao Valley State Monument
Iao Valley State Monument is home to the Iao needle, which is a point rock feature among the mountains. It is a fun stop to do some hiking and enjoy the nature of the island. Additionally, it is a nice option if you are looking to do something inland away from the beaches.
Lahaina
Lahaina is the other most common resort area on the island (the first being Wailea). However, Lahaina has less of a resort destination and more of town, complete with chain restaurants. It also is home to more artists and art exhibits.
Be sure to travel a little further north and visit the Nakalele Blowhole. You can walk around the area, but please be aware that people have died either falling into the hole or being washed to sea by large waves.
Unfortunately, in August of 2023, there was a wildfire that spread and caused massive destruction to the city of Lahaina and the surrounding area.
Also Consider Nearby
Additionally, if you have more than a week, you might consider visiting one of the other Hawaiian Islands.