The “Valley Isle” is well known for its Hana Highway, one of the most scenic highways in the world. Hawaii activities such as zip-line tours over rain forests, hikes that greet the sun above the clouds at the Haleakala Crater, or cruising down the mountain on bicycle tours, make this Hawaiian island only second to Oahu in the Hawaii travel scene.
A top rated family attraction for Hawaii (Zagat survey, U.S. Family Travel Guide), the Maui Ocean Center coupled with Maui’s beaches would alone qualify Maui for a best beach vacations list. Then there’s Haleakala, another one of the many popular Maui attractions. Translated from Hawaiian, the name means “house of the sun,” and this dormant volcano of Haleakala offers amazing sunrise views to those who gather at the summit above the clouds.
No Maui vacation is complete without the “Road to Hana” on your “things to do on Maui” list. The Hana Highway is a step back in time to a slower paced Hawaii. Be prepared to be amazed at the beauty of this stretch of East Maui’s coastline, from its myriad of waterfalls lined with flowering vines to ancient trees and sweeping blue vistas. The Hana Highway will take you to another of the most famous of Maui’s attractions, the Seven Sacred Pools.
As for nightlife, the seaside town of Lahaina offers a variety of entertainment and dining establishments. Cultural activities can be found here as well as many other places on Maui. Even veteran Maui travel enthusiasts find new and exciting things to do on Maui with each visit.
Kaihalulu Maui, Hawaii
If Mars had coastal getaways, it might look like this. That’s right; bright red, sandy beaches. Not easy to get to, off the southern coast of Hana Bay, it should nevertheless, be on your must-see Hawaii list. Talk about a feast for the senses, picture this kaleidoscope of color; rust red sand, black lava sea-shelves, turquoise waters, viridian green ironweed trees and of course a backdrop of azure skies. Plan on sensible boots, the nearby slick rocks and needles from the ironweed trees make the terrain slippery at best and a picnic lunch, but leave the thong at home. You won’t want to take your boogie board out here, the waters are super turbulent and roaring riptides are known to frequent this area.
Maui Beaches
The beautiful island of Maui is blessed with some of the best beaches in Hawaii. Below we have listed some of the best Maui beaches and have grouped them according to their location. Our list of best Maui beaches is divided into East Maui beaches and West Maui Beaches.
West Maui consists of Lahiaina, The Kaanapali Resort Area and Kapalua. East Maui is usually divided into North Maui and the North Shore Beaches and South Maui and the South Shore Beaches.
Maui’s North Shore beaches include the Paia beaches of Baldwin Beach Park and Ho’okipa beach. South Maui beaches include the numerous Maui beaches of Kihei and the Wailea Resorts.
Kaanapali Beach, West Maui
Kaanapali Beach is one of the best Maui Beaches for activities and people watching. Accommodating the Kaanapali Resort, Kaanapali Beach offers many water activities such as surfing, parasailing and kayaking. At the tip of Kaanapali Beach lies the famous “Black Rock.” Nearby you will find people snorkeling, while the more daring test their skill and courage jumping from the Black Rock.
Kahekili Beach, West Maui
Also located within the Kaanapali Resort and separated by Black Rock from Kaanapali Beach is the less crowded Kahekili Beach. Kahekili Beach has fine white sand and usually the surf provides decent swimming, although the close to Black Rock you are the better the swimming.
Kapalua Bay, West Maui
Located north of Kaanapali and Kahekili Beach is Kapalua Bay. This is another of the Maui Beaches with fine white sand and offers a perfect location for snorkeling and swimming. Kapalua Bay is sheltered by lava rock on each end and is a protected marine reserve, which means there is a good chance you will be swimming along with sea turtles and other Hawaiian marine life.
Flemming Beach, West Maui
Another of West Maui’s most beautiful beaches is Flemming Beach. Boasting a long white sandy beach, Flemming Beach is lined with ironwood trees, providing great shady picnicking areas. This is another excellent place for snorkeling and body boarding, but use caution because the steep sloping beach can cause strong currents.
Baldwin Beach, North Shore Maui
Located just outside the quaint surf town of Paia, Baldwin Beach is a lifeguard protected beach from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The beach park has a soccer field with a great view for any one looking for a fun way to pass time on land. If you are looking to get in the water though, swimming and body boarding are excellent options for this beach. Use caution during the winter months as waves are much larger and rip currents are frequent. Baldwin Beach is a long stretch of beach that extends to the well known Baby Beach.
Baby Beach , North Shore Maui
Baby Beach is known for being one of the most family friendly of Maui’s North Shore Beaches. Surrounded by a protective reef just off the coast, Baby Beach rises above sea level which creates shallow tidal pools and shelters it from strong waves, making this a perfect beach for children to safely swim. The area is also known for having excellent kayaking.
Ho’okipa Beach, North Shore Maui
Because the shoreline merges with a rocky reef, Ho’okipa Beach is not your typical swimming beach. Ho’okipa Beach is an active beach where some of the world’s best surfers and windsurfers congregate. However, you will find sunbathing here enjoyable as well as watching surfing, kiteboarding, boogie boarding and world-class windsurfing. Most people come to picnic and/orjust watch the pros.
Kama’ole Beach Park, South Shore Maui
Kama’ole Beach Park is a series of three beaches located in Kihei. Each of these Maui beaches has unique characteristics, but Kama’ole Beach I is our favorite. Kama’ole Beach Park I has great swimming and is guarded from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Snorkeling is especially good toward the end of the beach where it’s rockier.Volleyball nets are permanently set up on the North side of the park.
Keawakapu Beach, South Shore Maui
Located between Kihei and Wailea is one of the best Maui beaches along the south shore, Keawakapu Beach. Featuring fine sand and usually not overly crowded, Keawakapu is one of the less publicized beaches in Maui. Sunbathing, soft white sands and consistently good swimming are some of the reasons we love this beach.
Wailea Beach, South Shore Maui
Wailea Beach is located amongst several Hotels in Wailea. Due to its location, and the fact that it is just about picture perfect, Wailea Beach can get crowded, but the soft sand and popularity of this beach make it a great spot for sunbathing and people watching. This crescent shaped, golden sand covered beach easily makes our list of Best Maui Beaches.
Makena Beach, South Shore Maui
Makena Beach (also known as Big Beach) is one of the widest sandy beaches in Maui. Due to its size, it usually doesn’t get overcrowded. Makena Beach is popular for boogie boarding and body surfing. However, be cautious of strong currents and dangerous shorebreaks. Waves are unpredictable, but there are days, especially in the warmer months, when the water is calm and suitable for swimming. If the waves are too large, you can just sit back and watch the experts “hang ten.” It is also a great beach for picnics. Commercial food stands, featuring fish tacos and shaved ice, add to the charm of this unique Maui South Shore beach.
Maui Snorkeling
Home to the Molokini Crater, a beautiful underwater sanctuary inside a partially sunken volcanic crater just 2.5 miles off the coast, Maui makes for great snorkeling. The crescent shape above the water protects the reef, offering clear views to 150 feet and is home to about 250 species of fish. You can reach this famous Hawaii snorkeling spot via a Maui snorkel tour. Designated as a Hawaii State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District, the Hawaii snorkel tour boats use mooring buoys instead of anchors to protect the reef.
Maui also offers many excellent places to snorkel off the beaches. The Maui snorkel tours will take you to the best spots so you can enjoy what all the Hawaii snorkel talk is all about. The best Hawaii snorkeling beaches on Maui include Kapalua Beach, Black Rock, Kaanapali Beach in front of the Sheraton, the Kihei coastline and along the Wailea coastline.
When making your plans to snorkel in Hawaii, be sure to book a snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater. If you’re planning on island hopping, check out the snorkeling tours on the other islands as well because all of the Hawaiian Islands offer great snorkeling. Molokini snorkeling tours are extremely popular, so be sure to book ahead.
Maui Whale Watching
Hawaii is the best place in the world to view humpbacks on their winter migratory range. Whale watching tours can be taken on all the main islands, however the largest concentrations of humpbacks are found off Maui and its little sister islands of Lanai and Molokai.
More than 1,000 of these gentle and playful giants spend the winter in Hawaii to give birth and mate. Calves are born in January and February, and whale watching tours are traditionally offered January through April, many guaranteeing you’ll see at least one whale.
The best whale watching tours are eco friendly and provide knowledgeable guides, as well as hydrophones so you can listen to the whales’ singing. Two good examples are the Maui whale watching tours offered by Aloha Blue Charters and Pacific Whale Foundation. Whale watching tours such as these include responsible whale watching practices looking out for the whales, an endangered species.
The most popular whale watching trips are out of Lahaina Harbor on Maui. The Maui whale watching tours take you to the waters of Maui or to Lanai or Molokai.
One final tip, when viewing whales from a boat, don’t forget to look down. You just may see one of these gentle giants cruising right under your boat!
Maui Horseback Riding
Horseback riding tours on Maui offer a rich diversity of experiences. Ride through a tropical rainforest, along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, through the moonscapes of Haleakala Crater, up into Hana’s scenic highlands, and through the meadows of Upcountry ranchlands.
As with many of the Hawaii horseback riding tours, most Maui horseback riding tours stop at waterfalls for lunch and swim breaks. Others end with a barbecue for everyone!
Maui, like all of Hawaii, has a rich cowboy culture. If you want to ride the range with some of Maui’s best paniolo (cowboys), check out the horseback riding options in Upcountry Maui. Some of these trail rides go to an open range that offers a splendid view of the Pacific. Bring binoculars if it’s whale-watching season!
Maui Helicopter Tours
The Valley Isle is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and Maui helicopter tours allow you take in spectacular views you’d never see otherwise. While Hawaii’s beaches and coastal areas are stunning, what many visitors don’t realize is that the larger percent of each island’s interior is hidden from most.
Maui helicopter tours will take you soaring above tropical rainforests, isolated valleys, and hundreds of cascading waterfalls.
Flying over the east side of Maui, you can see Haleakala Crater from amazing vantage points and soar above the famous “Road to Hana”, then dropping down into valleys and hovering like a dragonfly in front of waterfalls before soaring over splendid, razorback sea cliffs.
Maui helicopters also have tours that take you over Maui’s beautiful west coast and up to the remote north shore of Maui’s neighbor island Molokai. Here you will soar along the tallest sea cliffs on the planet and down into deep, green valleys where you will view spectacular waterfalls cascading thousands of feet.
Maui Sportfishing
Kona may hold claim to the best overall sport fishing records, but Maui is the only place on Earth that has posted two 1,000-pound Marlin in a single tournament. There are several locations that provide Maui sportfishing, but most Maui fishing charters leave from the Lahaina Harbor.
Maui sportfishing allows several options. You can fish the FADS on the West side of Lanai, troll Marlin Alley along the South shore, or take a Maui deep sea fishing charter up to Molokai island.
On the Maui sport fishing charters, it is common to land marlin, ahi, mahi mahi, and other sport fish. During whale season it is common to see whales while sportfishing in Maui.
Maui Travel Facts
Maui offers more swimmer friendly beaches than any other Hawaiian island.
Approximately 3,000 humpback whales, nearly half the entire world’s population, spend their winters off Maui’s shores, making Maui the whale watching capital of the world.
With 728 square miles, Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands.
Average Temperature at Sea Level: 75 to 85° F.
Maui’s motto is “Maui is no ka oi!” translating to “Maui is best!” Many celebrities who make their homes or second homes here would agree, including best selling inspirational author Wayne Dyer and internationally famous Hawaiian musicians: Keali’i Reichel, Keola Beamer and the group, Hapa. Former Beatle, the late George Harrison also lived on Maui.
Maui County includes the smaller islands of Lanai and Molokai.
Airports: Kahului, Maui’s main airport, services direct flights to and from the United States and Canada.
For the best vacation deals on Maui, book for the off season, and as with any Hawaiian vacation, plan to reserve your spot for special activities and tours well in advance, especially if your Maui vacation will take place during the summer, spring break or over any major holiday.