Discover the Magic of Maui

Watch the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park: Haleakalā, the dormant volcano, offers one of the most breathtaking sunrises you can witness. Arrive early to catch the sky change colors above the clouds. The park also has hiking trails that lead through volcanic landscapes and native forests, perfect for nature lovers. Sunrise requires a reservation ($5 per car) and it books up months in advance. If you don’t want to wake up at 2 am for the drive, you can also catch sunset and you don’t need a reservation for that.

Drive the Road to Hāna: This scenic drive is famous for its winding roads (an many one-lane bridges), waterfalls, and lush greenery. Stop at spots like Twin Falls and Wai’anapanapa State Park to explore black sand beaches and sea caves. Take your time, start early, and enjoy the road. Don’t forget to stop at Coconut Glens for the best coconut milk ice cream! I also suggest staying a night in Hana at the Hana-Maui Resort, so you can truly enjoy the stops along the way.

Snorkeling: Maui is famous for snorkeling and my husband and I visited The Snorkel Store on our first day and got a week rental and amazing tips. They have a daily snorkel report and we tried out several beaches based on their recommendations. We got to swim with turtles everyday! We also saw sharks, eels, manta rays, humuhumunukunukuapua, and several other fish. It was our favorite thing to do every day. Beaches we loved: Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay, Kā’anapali Beach, Airport Beach (Kahekili), and Honolua Bay.

Explore Iao Valley State Park: Iao Valley is a lush, green valley with dramatic peaks and easy hiking trails. The Iao Needle, a sharp rock formation, is a popular photo spot. This area is rich in Hawaiian history and offers a peaceful escape into nature.

Attend a traditional luau: Experience Hawaiian culture through music, dance, and food at a luau. Many resorts and local venues host these events, where you can enjoy dishes like kalua pig and poi while watching hula performances.

Surf or paddleboard at Kaanapali Beach: Kaanapali Beach is ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Paddleboarding is also popular here, with calm waters in the morning perfect for gliding over the ocean.

Visit the Maui Ocean Center: This aquarium showcases Hawaii’s marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. It’s educational and family-friendly, offering a closer look at the ocean’s ecosystem without getting wet.

Hike the Pipiwai Trail: Located in Haleakalā National Park, this trail leads through bamboo forests to the impressive Waimoku Falls. The hike is about four miles round trip and offers stunning views of waterfalls and native plants.

Explore Upcountry Maui: Upcountry offers a different side of Maui with farms, botanical gardens, and panoramic views. Visit places like the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm or the Surfing Goat Dairy for unique experiences.

Relax at Wailea Beach: Wailea Beach is known for its soft sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Nearby resorts offer luxury amenities, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of adventure.

Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate: Farm-to-bar experience. They are one of the few chocolate makers growing their own cacao in Hawaii, allowing for a true “tree-to-bar” journey you can learn about on their tours. They have a cafe on the second floor that overlooks the ocean. Indulge in sweet treats, beer/wine chocolate pairings, and the best coconut milkshake around!

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: A visit to Maui isn’t complete without trying shave ice. Ululani’s offers a variety of tropical flavors and toppings, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop: Leoda’s is famous for its savory and sweet pies, sandwiches, and salads. It’s a great spot for a casual lunch or picnic with fresh, local ingredients. They are small single serving pies, so everyone can pick a flavor they like.

Monkeypod Kitchen: Known for its craft cocktails and farm-to-table dishes, Monkeypod Kitchen is a lively spot in Wailea. The wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood are crowd favorites. Great happy hour and you must have the lilikoi mai tai!

Paia Fish Market: A casual eatery in Paia town, this place serves generous portions of fresh fish and seafood. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal after exploring the Road to Hāna.

Grandma’s Coffee House: Legendary, locally grown organic coffee, incredible homemade breakfasts (especially the Kalua Pork Eggs Benedict on corn waffles!), cozy plantation-era vibe, and stunning Upcountry views, offering a genuine taste of Maui away from tourist traps, though expect a line and cooler temps. We stopped here after sunrise at Mount Haleakalā.

Japengo: Japengo has a stunning oceanfront setting on Ka’anapali Beach, offering incredible sunset views from its open-air deck, and its acclaimed Asian-Pacific fusion cuisine featuring fresh seafood, inventive sushi, and bold flavors inspired by local ingredients and Pacific Rim traditions. It’s known for exceptional sushi, flavorful cocktails, and a vibrant, modern island ambiance, making it a top spot for both casual dining and special occasions. We made a reservation right before sunset and it was the most romantic dinner with amazing sushi, sashimi, and more!