Top Attractions To See & Experience

Attractions on Maui

Sights, Beaches, Hiking Trails, Gardens, Waterfalls, & more...

If you're looking for things to do in Maui, we guarantee you won't be disappointed. Whether you're exploring the iconic Haleakala, getting in some snorkeling at Molokini, whale watching, or enjoying the island's many waterfalls and gardens, we know you'll love the Valley Isle. And don't feel pressured to explore; you can always kick back and relax on any of Maui's incredible beaches. Either way, we're sure you'll agree that "Maui no ka oi" or "Maui is the best."

Top Attractions on Maui

#11 Sliding Sands Trail - Keoneheehee »
Upcountry Maui & Haleakala Region

If you’re looking for a great Haleakala summit hike- one that just may be the best Haleakala summit hike, in fact- then Sliding Sands Trail is the perfect trek for you.Located inside Haleakala National Park, this trail is definitely not an easy hike, but your efforts will be greatly rewarded. This extremely strenuous trail descends 2,800 ft. in the first 4 miles to the valley floor. The Keoneheehee…

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#10 Hamoa Beach »
Hana Highway Region

Beyond the Hana town limits, on Highway 31, you will soon discover nature’s gem. Please turn to the makai side, and catch a glimpse of Hamoa‘s stunning crescent-shaped beach, with its dark sand and cobalt water. Visitors find the contrast between the lava rock and white coral sand alluring and irresistible. Native Hala trees, palms, and flora highlight the contrast between Hamoa’s dark sand and cobalt water.

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#9 Napili Bay Beach »
Beautiful beach located in Napili Bay with turquoise water

Napili Bay’s Beach is perfect for swimming, sun tanning, and snorkeling. As one of Maui’s most natural secret gems, Napili is a favorite of many. For…

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#8 Wailua Falls »
Hana Highway Region

Just beyond mile marker 45 on the Hana Highway after it turns into Highway 31 you'll reach one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawai'i, Wailua Falls. You will cross a bridge where its stream waters pass under the road. As noted, this falls in on Honolewa Stream and not Wailua stream. There is a parking lot immediately off to the makai side after you pass the falls. Wailua Falls gracefully cascades 80…

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#7 Iao Valley State Park »
Iao Needle (Kukaemoku)

Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor. As of May 1, 2023, a new reservation system is now being implemented to reduce congestion and diffuse parking…

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#6 Pipiwai Trail »
Hana Highway Region

The Pipiwai Trail- with its stunning waterfalls, huge bamboo forest, idyllic stream, and more beauty than you can imagine- is simply one of the best hikes on Maui. Located above the Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip and gains 650 ft. of elevation. It takes anywhere from 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike; depending how much nature loving you do.There are several great…

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#5 Kaanapali Beach »
Ka'anapali Region

Spectacularly beautiful and only a mile long, Ka’anapali Beach commands everyone's attention. This beach hosts the most luxurious hotels in town. Additionally, the beach serves a plate full of activities such as hiking, sailing, swimming, and sunbathing, making it one of Hawai'i's top beaches.Ka'anapali Beach includes soft, golden sand and gorgeous water. Along this stretch of coast, you find many…

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#4 Oheo Gulch Kipahulu »
Hana Highway Region

The Oheo Gulch, part of Haleakala National Park, is located about 15 minutes past Hana town, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Hwy. 31.In 1969, the land where the Oheo Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.Today, the Oheo Gulch is known…

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#3 Big Beach (Oneloa or Makena) »
Kihei & Wailea Region

Big Beach — aka Oneloa or Makena Beach— stands as a destination hotspot for its beauty, located in south Maui, only minutes from Wailea and Kihei. This pristine but raw beach is decorated at the back by sinewy Kiawe trees flourishing in sandy dunes. It's bordered on either end by lava rocks, the largest of which divides it from Little Beach in the North. Molokini can also be seen offshore.The Valley Isle is…

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#2 Haleakala National Park »
Upcountry Maui & Haleakala Region

To say Haleakala National Park is impressive would do it a great injustice. Spanning a huge swath of land across Maui’s southeastern region, Haleakala is home to the highest peak on Maui, at 10,023 feet. If that weren’t enough, it also holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance- a mere 38 miles!And not only is it one of the most popular sights in Hawaii, but…

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#1 Road to Hana »
Hana Highway Tips, Map, & Checklist

Discover our Must See & Do on the Hana HighwayThe scenic Road to Hana on Maui is the undisputed top attraction on the island. We've been researching the attractions on the Hana Highway since 2002 when the highway first made a major and incredibly positive impression on us. We can now offer our visitors over 20 years of expertise on this beautifully scenic drive. From checklists for…Many visitors often ask…

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Our Maui Guides

Maui is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, so stunning attractions are certainly not hard to come by. That said, some are much better than others. That’s why we’ve gathered all the pertinent information on the best and most popular Maui attractions right here. Whether you’re looking for an epic hike, a secluded white sand beach, or a quaint town to shop and explore, Maui has it all.

Maui Beaches »
+ The Top 25+ Beaches on the Hawaiian Island of Maui

Maui has some of the best beaches in all of Hawaii and some of the most diverse. Whether you're looking for a romantic stroll for two, a family-friendly day in the sun, a fascinating black sand beach to explore, or the ideal snorkeling location, Maui has the spot for you. Choose your perfect slice of sand from these great Maui beaches.Of course, snorkeling, swimming, and other water activities are…

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Things to See on Maui »
Points of Interest, Sights, and Things to See on the Hawaiian…

The island of Maui has some of the most diverse scenery and attractions in the world. It's also home to the most scenic road in all of Hawaii- the Hana Highway.This world-famous road is packed full of stops as you make your way to Hana town. Beyond Hana, there is the gorgeous Oheo Gulch (also known as the 7 Sacred Pools). Upcountry, Haleakala awaits you as one of the largest dormant volcanoes in…

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Maui Hikes »
+ The Top 15+ Hiking Trails & Excursions on the Hawaiian…

Maui hiking is a popular activity when visiting the island of Maui. In fact hiking on Maui is a great family activity plus an excellent way to spend the day regardless of whether you're hiking with a group or by yourself.Maui has some absolutely fantastic trails - hikers surely won't be disappointed. Here, we'll cover some of the best hikes you can find on Maui. You can hike a trail leading into a…The…

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Maui Tours & Activities »
Maui Tours, Activities & Services

These are our recommendations for the best the Valley Isle of Maui offers. Here, you'll find an incredible assortment of tours and activities to enjoy: hiking tours, whale watching, Road to Hana tours, ziplining, boat tours, and Molokini snorkel trips are just a few of the many amazing adventures available on Maui. At HawaiiGuide, we know that planning the perfect Maui getaway takes time and…Known as…

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Maui Gardens Guide »
Gardens & Arboretums

When entering a garden on Maui expect to become engulfed in an amazing array of colors. Tropical flowers and trees cover every inch of the ground. Some gardens have a gift shop as well as other buildings that you can visit. A peaceful walk in a garden is an excellent way to experience the unique plant life.

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Maui Dining & Local Food »
The best places to get laulau, poke, malasadas, mixed plate,…

Maui’s breathtaking landscapes and golden beaches are only part of its charm—the island is also a food lover’s paradise. From laid-back food trucks serving local favorites to upscale farm-to-table restaurants, Maui offers a dynamic and flavorful dining scene.Discover where to find the freshest island ingredients, indulge in Hawaiian classics like loco moco and kalua pork, or explore the farmers’…

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Maui Shopping »
Local Gifts & Crafts

Maui offers an enchanting shopping experience, from luxury boutiques to laid-back local markets. Here, you can stroll open-air malls beneath swaying palms, browse vibrant galleries displaying island-inspired art, and pick up handmade treasures that reflect Maui’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Shops at Wailea beckon with upscale, international brands, while outdoor markets and…

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Maui Towns Guide »
Towns & Areas on the Hawaiian Island of Maui

Every town has something to offer whether it’s amazing beaches, or local dinners. Learn about each town using our Towns page, and be sure to visit ones that stand out to your. Spend some time exploring the charming towns on the island of Maui.

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Maui Waterfalls Guide »
Maui's Top and Most Scenic Waterfalls

Maui truly has some of the most beautiful and easily accessible waterfalls in all of Hawaii. No other island provides quite as many opportunities to view falls as Maui does, especially the incredibly popular Road to Hana (Hana Highway) - which is (no pun intended) bursting with waterfalls around every corner.Wailua Falls, located beyond Hana, is probably one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawaii (and…

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Maui Must See and Do »
Best Things to See and Do on Maui

Having a good time on Maui is a given- after all, it IS one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. And with a seemingly overwhelming number of sights, hiking trails, water sports, gardens, and then some, choosing what to experience can be a challenge. That's why we've put the truly stellar and stand-out experiences right here.These are our recommendations for the top…With a vast array of…

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Maui Things to See & Do »
Things to See & Do on the Hawaiian Island of Maui

Maui no ka oi, or "Maui is the best," is a common saying on the island, and for a good reason - many visitors worldwide believe Maui to be the crown jewel of the Hawaiian Islands. We can't say we disagree.Maui is also known as 'the Valley Isle' - named as such because of the broad isthmus that spans between the West Maui Mountains (Pu`u Kukui of Mauna Kahalawai) and Haleakala. The Valley…Explore the…

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