Aloha !
Savvy visitors know there is more to do on Maui than relax by the beach or sip Mai Tais by the pool. The island is home to a number of must-sees, from mystical mountaintops to awe-inspiring aquariums. To make planning your Maui itinerary easier, we've uncovered the best five things to do on the island. Don't miss these bucket list activities!
1. Visit Haleakala Crater π
Towering at 10,000 feet, Haleakala Crater looms large in the eyes of visitors and residents alike. Maui's massive shield volcano is the site of countless Hawaiian legends and sacred ceremonies and serves as a magnetic attraction for over one million Maui visitors each year.
Visitors who make the 20-mile, switchbacking pilgrimage up Haleakala Highway are rewarded with otherworldly views of Haleakala's gaping volcanic crater, large enough to swallow the island of Manhattan. Spend time exploring Haleakala National Park's visitor centers, overlooks, and nature trails to understand the mountain's sacred place in Hawaiian culture and mind-blowing geological history.
Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times to visit Haleakala, but the crater is an awe-inspiring natural wonder at any time of day. Avid hikers will delight in Haleakala's miles of backcountry trails, and sightseers will gush about the crater's Mars-like appearance and birds-eye vistas of Maui's coastline. If you've got your sights set on watching the sunrise here, remember reservations are required to enter the park between 3 am and 7 am.
2. Drive (or tour) The Road To Hana π
The Road to Hana is a sinuous journey, winding through nearly 50 miles of jungle, over 59 bridges, and around 620 turns. But travelers are rewarded with views of lofty waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, and out-of-this-world beaches.
While it's said that the Road to Hana is more about the journey than the destination, there are some pretty epic destinations scattered along the route. Pencil in time for a stop at Keanae Peninsula, where views of the verdant East Maui coastline extend for miles, and visitors line up for some of the best banana bread on the island at Aunty Sandy's. Continue to Waianapanapa State Park (reservations required) to feast your eyes on a glistening black sand beach and explore miles of coastal trails. Here is our Road to Hana driving checklist!
Driving the road can be intimidating for some drivers. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to book a tour. There are many awesome local tour companies on Maui that give you deeper insight into the Hana area. Plus, you'll enjoy more of the Road to Hana's striking views if you're not in the driver's seat.
3. Go Snorkeling π€Ώ
From Kihei to Kaanapali, dazzling snorkeling spots dot the island. You can snorkel from the beach or book a boat charter to a faraway snorkel spot.
Some of the best off-the-beach Maui snorkeling spots include Turtle Town in Makena, Waiala Cove in the Ahihi-Kinau Reserve, Olowalu Beach, and Honolua Bay. Each of these sights has something unique to offer, but you can bank on seeing vibrant yellow corals, tropical fish like parrotfish and triggerfish, and, if you're lucky, honuβ Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Alternatively, snorkel tours can take you to far-flung snorkel sites, like Coral Gardens, Molokini Crater, or Lanai. Snorkel tours are ideal for beginners since snorkel instruction and gear are provided for you. Most snorkel boats have staff in the water with their guests during snorkel sessions. Plus, you'll be treated to a fun day on the water, full of sightseeing, good eats, and meeting other travelers. Learn more about where to snorkel in Maui.
4. Explore the Maui Ocean Center π
The Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea is Hawaii's largest aquarium. Whether you're young or old, it's well worth a visit. Keiki will go crazy over the hands-on exhibits, games, and the aquarium's colorful creatures. Meanwhile, adults will find the Maui Ocean Center is brimming with information, shedding light on the islands' undersea world and Hawaiian culture.
Don't miss the open ocean exhibit, where giant sharks, rays, and trevallies cruise through a 750,000-gallon tank. The exhibit also features a 53 feet long acrylic tunnel, where you can watch as rays and sharks pass overhead.
However, the crown jewel of the aquarium is the Humpbacks of Hawaii exhibit. You'll take a seat in MOC's planetarium-like sphere for a 3D film that brings you eye-to-eye with Hawaii's humpback whales. The footage was shot over three years in Maui's waters and offers insight into the unique lives of humpback whales. The film runs every half hour, and no reservations are required.
5. Take A Stroll Down Front Street ποΈ
There is a ton to be discovered on Front Street in Lahaina, from the largest banyan tree in the United States to rockstar-owned restaurants. Spend a day exploring this mile-long strip, where local shops, eateries, and unique activities abound.
On the southern edge of Front Street, you'll find the famous Lahaina Banyan Tree and Lahaina Harbor, a hub for snorkel tours, whale watches, and dinner cruises. Traveling with a history buff? Lahaina was once the capital of Hawaii and is littered with historic sites, particularly near the harbor.
Work your way north, and you'll have a field day exploring Front Street's art galleries, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores. Stick around after sunset, and you'll find this lively street is the place to be for live music and late-night parties. Stay in West Maui at this oceanfront 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom condo.
What are you most looking forward to doing on Maui this year? Remember, Ali'i Resorts is one of Maui's top resources for vacation rentals. Book a stay near some of your favorite island attractions, and tick off your dream Maui bucket list. We can't wait to see you on the island soon!
Warmest Aloha,
ο»ΏThe Ali'i Resorts Ohana
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