Top 10 List
Top 10 Things to Do in Maui
The experiences actually worth your time and money in Maui — ranked, with honest tips on when to go and how to book.
No. 1
Watch Sunrise at Haleakalā
- Best for
- Early risers and photographers
- What makes it special
- Stand above the clouds at the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā National Park as the sun lights up the crater.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Sunrise entry requires an advance reservation, and the summit is near freezing — bring warm layers.
- Don't Miss
- The changing colors across the crater as the sun rises above the clouds.
No. 2
Drive the Road to Hāna
- Best for
- Road-trip lovers
- What makes it special
- Around 600 curves and 50-plus bridges past waterfalls, rainforest and black-sand beaches on Maui's wild east side.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Start early, drive slowly and respect private property and closed trails.
- Must Do
- Leave time for waterfalls, rainforest viewpoints and roadside stops instead of rushing to Hāna.
No. 3
Snorkel Molokini Crater
- Best for
- First-time snorkelers
- What makes it special
- A half-sunken volcanic crater with clear, sheltered water and plenty of reef fish, reached by morning boat tour.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Book the earliest departure for the calmest water and best visibility.
- Top Pick
- The exceptionally clear water and colorful reef life inside the crater.
No. 4
Go Whale Watching
- Best for
- Winter visitors
- What makes it special
- Humpback whales gather in Maui's waters each winter, and breaches are often visible from boats and even the shore.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Peak season is roughly January through March.
- Seasonal
- Seeing humpback whales breach, tail-slap and surface during Maui's winter whale season.
No. 5
Snorkel With Sea Turtles
- Best for
- Families and beginners
- What makes it special
- Shallow reefs along South and West Maui are home to green sea turtles and colorful reef fish.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Keep at least 10 feet from turtles and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Don't Miss
- Watching Hawaiian green sea turtles glide through the water while giving them plenty of space.
No. 6
Spend a Day at the Beach
- Best for
- Everyone
- What makes it special
- From Wailea's calm crescents to long Kāʻanapali sand, Maui has a beach for swimming, sunning or sunset walks.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Check surf conditions and swim near lifeguards when you can.
- Don't Miss
- A Maui sunset from the sand after a relaxed afternoon by the water.
No. 7
Attend a Traditional Lūʻau
- Best for
- Couples and families
- What makes it special
- An evening of Hawaiian food, music and hula storytelling, usually on an oceanfront lawn at sunset.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Popular lūʻau sell out weeks ahead in peak season.
- Don't Miss
- The combination of Hawaiian and Polynesian music, dance, storytelling and food.
No. 8
Walk ʻĪao Valley State Monument
- Best for
- Nature and history
- What makes it special
- A short, easy walk to views of the green ʻĪao Needle, a site of deep cultural and historical importance.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Reservations may be required; go in the morning before clouds roll in.
- Don't Miss
- The view of the ʻĪao Needle surrounded by the lush West Maui Mountains.
No. 9
Explore Upcountry Maui
- Best for
- Slow travelers and food lovers
- What makes it special
- Cool slopes of Haleakalā with farms, lavender fields, small towns and wide views down to the coast.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Pair it with your Haleakalā visit to save driving time.
- Don't Miss
- The cooler mountain scenery, farms, small towns and a completely different side of Maui.
No. 10
Browse a Historic Harbor Town
- Best for
- Shopping and dining
- What makes it special
- Stroll waterfront streets, local shops and harbor views in Maui's small towns, and support local businesses.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Check current access and visitor guidance, as some areas are still recovering and rebuilding.
- Don't Miss
- A relaxed walk through the waterfront area, local shops and restaurants that are currently open to visitors.
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