Maui packs a volcano summit at 10,000 feet, rain forest waterfalls, red and black sand beaches and some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling into an island you can cross in an hour. From December to April, thousands of humpback whales come to breed in its channels.
Things to do in Maui
Sunrise at Haleakalā
Watch the sun come up above a sea of clouds from the 10,023-foot summit of a dormant volcano. Sunrise entry (3–7 am) needs a vehicle reservation on recreation.gov plus the park entrance fee. Bring winter clothes: it is near freezing at dawn.
The Road to Hana
52 miles, 600 curves and 50-odd one-lane bridges along the rain forest coast: waterfalls, the black sand beach of Waiʻānapanapa (reservation required), and the Pools of ʻOheʻo beyond Hana. Leave at dawn and stay a night in Hana if you can.
3Snorkeling Molokini
A crescent-shaped volcanic crater off the south coast with clear water and abundant reef fish. Morning boat trips, before the wind picks up.
See tours and tickets partner link4Whale watching
December to April, on boats from Maalaea and Kaanapali, or simply from the beach: spouts and breaches are visible from shore.
See tours and tickets partner link5Beaches
Kaanapali Beach and Black Rock for snorkeling, Wailea’s resort beaches, Makena’s wild Big Beach, Hookipa for watching surfers and turtles.
Visiting Maui respectfully
The August 2023 wildfire destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and killed about 100 people. West Maui has reopened to visitors, and tourism supports the island’s recovery, but the burn zone is not a sightseeing site. Follow local guidance, keep off private land and sacred sites, use reef-safe sunscreen, and keep 10 feet from turtles and 50 feet from monk seals.
Where to stay in Maui
West Maui and South Maui have the beaches and the sun; Upcountry and Hana are quieter.
Our 2 hotel picks in Maui
Photos, facilities and tips →
Luxury$$$$Hotel Wailea
Wailea, on the hillside above the coast
Hawaiʻi’s only Relais & Châteaux hotel: 72 adults-only suites in hillside gardens above Wailea.
Mid-range$$$$Maui Coast Hotel
Kihei, South Maui, across from Kamaole Beach Park I
A Kihei hotel across the road from Kamaole Beach Park I, with a resort-style pool, sushi on site and a free local shuttle.
Kaanapali
$$$$Best for: resorts, snorkeling
A beach lined with resorts on the dry west side.
Hotels in Kaanapali partner linkWailea
$$$$Best for: luxury, calm water
Upscale resorts on crescent beaches, near Molokini boats.
Hotels in Wailea partner linkPaia & Upcountry
$$$$Best for: surf culture, Haleakalā
A surfer town on the north shore, on the way to Hana and the summit.
Hotels in Paia & Upcountry partner linkWeather in Maui by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Maui: your questions
Do you need a reservation for the Haleakalā sunrise?
Yes, a vehicle reservation for entry between 3 and 7 am, released on recreation.gov 60 days ahead and two days ahead.
How long does the Road to Hana take?
About 2 h 30 without stops from Paia to Hana; a full day with stops. Many visitors drive back the same way.
Is it OK to visit Maui after the Lahaina fire?
Yes. Visitors are welcome across the island; respect the closed burn area and support local businesses.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.