Maui Visitor Information

The second largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui has earned many travel industry awards as Best Island in the World. With countless beaches, dining options, and excursion opportunities, it's no wonder. The lush road to Hana, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the Haleakala volcano are just a few of the beautiful sites that keeps visitors coming back year after year. Here’s what we recommend doing while you’re there.

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Beaches and Parks | Seaside Activities | Other Attractions | Dining

maui
 

 Beaches and Parks

 

 Haleakala National Park

Southeast Maui

Haleakala National Park

Located on Maui's southeastern coast, this national park is known as the "house of the sun" and is home to the dormant volcano Haleakal?. Covering over 30,000 acres, it contains a wide variety of natural environments from tropical to desert, with three visitor centers to help you find your way. You can hike above the clouds across Maui's highest peaks, go horseback riding, see beautiful waterfalls and streams, camp out amidst the splendor of nature, and watch the sunrise from Haleakal?'s summit—an unforgettable experience many have returned to see over and over again.

 Iao Valley State Park

Central Maui

Iao Valley State Park

Located just west of Wailuku in central Maui, this historic park spans across 4,000 acres and is home to the 1,200 foot Iao Needle. The Iao Valley was once the site of one of the most pivotal battles in Hawaiian history. Now, however, it is a peaceful expanse of tropical life. A great location for easy hiking on paved paths amidst breathtaking scenery.

 

 Kaanapali Beach

Northwest Maui

Three miles of white sand and sparkling water forms west Maui's signature beach. Here you will find the open air Whaler's Village, a shopping center with shops and restaurants of all kinds, as well as a whaling museum. Or you can visit one of the area's two championship golf courses. Don't forget about the beach's famous cliff diving ceremony, held every evening at sunset.

 Kanaha

North Shore

A large, beach park containing several smaller beaches and a variety of environments from forests and wetlands to surf beaches and open seas, Kanaha is home to many animal and plant species, some of which are unique to Maui. You can go camping or cycle along its many bicycle paths. Kanaha also offers windsurfing, fishing, swimming, surfing, diving, outrigger canoeing and more! What's more, Kanaha is considered to be the birthplace of kiteboarding.

 

 Makena Beach State Park

South Maui

One of Maui's biggest beaches, Makena is a great place for everything from picnics to sunbathing. More secluded and therefore less crowded than some of Maui's other beaches, Makena is also protected from trade winds by black, lava stone outcroppings, making it peaceful and a great place to relax. In addition, this beach is preserved from development, leaving it wild and unmarred. You can see endless stretches of sea and sand without a building anywhere.

 

 Seaside Activities

The waters around Maui are crystal clear and warm almost all year round, making it ideal for a wide range of seaside activities.

 Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

 

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

With its many reefs and clear water, Maui is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Some of the island's most famous snorkeling and diving spots include the cathedrals off the coast of Lanai and Kaanapali Beach and Molokini Crater, but almost every beach offers the option of snorkeling. See a variety of fish, sea turtles, and other ocean life. You also have the choice of joining a snorkeling tour such as the ones offered by the Pride of Maui or Maui Adventure Group which will show you some of the island's most beautiful sites.

 Surfing

 

Surfing

Maui has an abundance of surf schools at locations such as Kaanapali, Lahaina and Kihei who will teach you how to surf or rent you a board so you can do it yourself. Many surf spots are crowded so bring your patience and study up on which spots are best for your skill level. The gentle breaks on the south and west sides of the island are great for beginners and longboarding while the north shore has surf spots like Hookipa, Peahi, and Honolulu Bay to challenge even the most experienced.

 

 Fishing

 

The waters of Maui are home to a wide variety of game fish including Mahi, Ono, Ahi, Spearfish, Marlin, and more. Go to Maalaea Harbor for deep sea fishing or take a sports fishing tour. You can also fish from the shore at jetties and on the rocks. Some areas such as Waiehu Beach, Oneuli Beach, and La Perouse Bay are particularly popular with fishermen. No license is needed for fishing from the sea in Maui, though you will need one if you wish to fish in fresh water.

 Windsurfing and Kiteboarding

 

Maui is famous for being an ideal location for windsurfing. It is also known to be the birthplace of the more recent sport of kiteboarding. Strong, northeast trade winds make the north shore ideal for both windsurfing and kiteboarding from Hookipa Beach to Kanaha. You can bring your own gear or rent from one of the many windsurfing equipment providers like the Maui Windsurf Company.

 
 

 Other Attractions

 

 Hana Highway

East Maui

Hana Highway

Running 68 miles (109 km) along Maui's east coast, this highway winds its way past black sand beaches, mountains, and waterfalls. Get a guidebook for details about where to stop along the highway and make sure to leave early- the drive from South Maui is about 3 hours.

 Lahaina

West Maui

Lahaina

Home to an long street of shops and restaurants, Lahaina is one of Maui's main attractions. Lahaina was once a whaling village and you can still see reminders of its history along the Lahaina Historic Trail. From the wharf you can set out on sunset cruises or go parasailing or whale watching. See the award-winning show "Ulalena" at the Maui Theatre or enjoy a seaside luau while watching traditional, Polynesian dances.

 

 MauiGrown Coffee

West Maui

500 acres of coffee farm with variations to suit a variety of tastes Sample a range of both green and roasted coffee. You can also take a tour of the farm and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

 

 Dining

 

 Lahaina Grill

127 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

Lahaina Grill

A high-end restaurant in Lahaina with great food and good service. The portions are generous and the selection unique and diverse. Try the maui onion and sesame seed crusted seared ahi- a diners' favorite. As a fine dining venue, it can be pricey, but it's well worth trying.

 Paia Fish Market

2 Baldwin Ave, Suite A, Paia, HI 96779

Paia Fish Market

If you're staying on the North Shore or going for the day, Paia Fish Market is a great place to stop. The specialize in seafood, but also serve up some delicious chicken fajitas, cheeseburgers, and a few other non-seafood dishes. However, the highlight of the menu is the ono burger. Visitors give this juicy fish burger rave reviews.

 

 Kimo's

845 Front Street, Suite A, Lahaina , HI

Located in the popular town of Lahaina, Kimo's is a seafood steak house complete with a bar. You can choose from a variety of dishes from assorted Hawaiian fish to prime ribs and more. Don't forget to try the Hula Pie for dessert! It can be crowded here, but it offers a spectacular view of the ocean and the food is worth the wait.

 Pineapple Grill

200 Kapalua Dr, Island of Maui, Kapalua, HI 96761

If you're looking for fine dining options, here is a great restaurant to try. Rated by the staff of Honolulu Magazine as one of Maui's best restaurants, the pineapple grill offers a variety of pacific cuisine. Don't miss their signature pineapple upside-down cake—rich, moist, and topped with macadamia ice cream, caramel sauce, and toasted coconut. Here you'll find good service and food with a golf course atmosphere.

 

 Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice

790 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761

Large portions, good prices, and good service make this one of the best shaved ice places you can find anywhere. The ice is soft and fluffy and they use real sugar cane syrup and fruit purees. Delicious flavors and generous service, what more could you ask for?