Each of the Hawaiian islands has its own special charms but visiting Maui is always a joy. Its remarkable beauty includes idyllic beaches ranging from white and golden to black sands, fronted by clear turquoise water and backed by soaring emerald mountains. And the whales… it’s the best island for whale watching.
Maui is also home to numerous waterfalls, epic attractions like Haleakala Crater, and one of the world’s most breathtaking drives, the Road to Hana. But the only reason I visited Maui the first time was for the whales. Researchers say 80 percent of the humpbacks that migrate to Hawaii from Alaska come to the waters of the Au’Au Channel, between the islands of Maui and Lanai. That’s a figure I don’t dispute. If you look out at the water during the wintertime, you’ll almost always see at least a few spouts. And often, a breach or two.
Much of my time is spent on the water or on a balcony watching the whales when visiting Maui. But you’ll find plenty of things to do in every season.
Lahaina update
It’s important to be aware that the town of Lahaina is still off-limits following the devastating fire in August 2023. Other parts of West Maui are open, however, including Kapalua, Kaanapali, and Napili. By visiting Maui, your dollars will help to support the rebuilding efforts. Just be sure to do it respectfully which means never posing in front of a burned building. Spend your money at local businesses whenever possible. You can find out more, including other ways to offer support at Maui Nui Strong.
Things to Do in Maui
Discover Some of Hawaii’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Maui boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii. Makena Beach (or Big Beach) may be the best of them all. It boasts long stretches of soft, powdery sands edged by crystal-clear aquamarine water. It’s worth arriving early to catch a sunrise. The sky often looks like an artist’s palette as the sun comes up, blending spectacular hues of pink, purple, yellow, and orange.
On a calm day, swimming is possible but stay out of the water when the surf is rough and simply enjoy strolls on the sand or relaxing with the view. Even on a dark, rainy day, it feels great to leap in and roll with the gentle waves. There’s also a very good chance of spotting whales right from the shore during the winter – I lost count on my recent visit in late February (2024).
The Kamaole Beaches in South Kihei, a series of beaches, offer some of the best swimming, particularly Kam 1 and Kam 2. Some of the top spots for snorkeling with sea turtles in West Maui include Honolua Bay, Olowalu, Napili Bay, and Pu’u Keka’a.
Ho’okipa State Beach Park is renowned for its massive waves and wind during the winter. Located in East Maui on the way to the Road to Hana, it’s worth a stop just to watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers who come from across the globe to take advantage of the conditions. This is for the pros only- if you think you have the skills and experience, only go out with a local. Those who want to sit on the sidelines to see the action will want to keep an eye out for the monk seals and sea turtles that often grace the beach.
Drive The Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is often ranked among the world’s most scenic drives. If you can spare a full day when visiting Maui, it’s sure to be worth your time. While it spans just over 64 miles, it takes a day to cover as the narrow road winds around 600 curves with the speed limit as low as 15 mph. As there’s something to see or do around practically every bend, it’s worth taking your time. By downloading the Shaka Guide’s Classic Road to Hana Tour you can do it as a self-guided audio tour, which includes locals’ favorite stops and the history of the area along the way.
Some of the highlights include multiple waterfalls, a black sand beach, a lava tube, the Garden of Eden and Botanical Arboretum featured in “Jurassic Park,” hiking trails, and more. If you really want to make the most of it, you might spend the night in or around the tiny town of Hana near the road’s end and make your return the next day. Otherwise, plan to leave early to make your return before sunset as you don’t want to drive the windiest part of the road in the dark.
Snorkel
If you’re visiting Maui in the winter, in many spots the water is likely to be too rough for snorkeling, but there are snorkeling tours that will bring you to Molokini Crater, renowned for its abundant marine life, including over 250 fish species, and more than100-foot visibility.
On a nice day, Kapalua Bay is a great place to be in and out of the water. It sits in a protected cove with lots of fish and coral just offshore. Sea turtles regularly make an appearance too. I also like Napili Bay, just south which is mostly protected by a reef, with the exception of days with high surf. At the north end of Ka’anapali Beach with its three miles of soft sands, is Black Rock, an easy place to snorkel with all sorts of fish and frequently, sea turtles.
East Maui isn’t the best side of the island for snorkeling but Hana Bay can be decent when the water is calm, particularly around the pier to the right of the beach.
Explore Iao Valley State Park
Just a 20-minute drive from the airport in the West Maui Mountains, Iao Valley State Park is a stunning vision with soaring emerald peaks that overlook a brilliant green valley. It’s also considered a sacred place, with Hawaiian royalty buried here.
There are numerous Instagrammable spots, including The Lookout which offers a 360-degree view of the valley and out to Wailuku. The crown jewel is the iconic ʻĪao Needle, a former lookout for Hawaiian warriors and the site of one of the most important battles in the island’s history.
Sunrises, Sunsets, and Stargazing at Haleakala Crater
It takes a couple of hours to reach the top of Haleakala Crater, the star of Haleakala National Park, located at more than 10,000 feet above sea level. From here, you’ll enjoy the best sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing on the island.
To view the sunrise, you’ll need to rise very early and make a reservation ahead of time. Be aware that before dawn and just after dusk, the weather is typically wet, windy, and below freezing. Tours are available through several approved companies if you don’t want to drive yourself.
There are no reservations required to enter the park for sunset viewing, but you’ll still want to dress warmly as the summit can be significantly colder than the beaches at sea level. If you come at this time, stick around to enjoy the incredible dark skies. At this high elevation, light pollution is minimal and the atmosphere is typically clearer, providing stellar conditions for stargazing.
Watch the Whales
One of the best places to see humpback whales in the world, the majority arriving to the Hawaiian Islands during the annual migration spend time in the channel between Maui and Lanai. If you’re visiting Maui from around mid-December through early April, you’re likely to see multiple spouts and even a breach or two right from the shore. For a better look, join a whale-watching tour.
There are multiple operators, with everything from trips on Zodiac boats to large cruisers. Some of the most highly rated include PacWhale Eco-Adventures and Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel. Private excursions are available through Maui Pacific Divers, ideal if you’re traveling with a larger group or want to splurge on an extra-special experience.
Where to Stay
Maui is Hawaii’s second-largest island in Hawaii. The leeward side refers to the south and west, which is drier. The wetter windward side is the north and east. The vast majority of visitors stay in West Maui or South Maui, which is where most of the resorts are, but there are some accommodations in East Maui and the tiny town of Hana as well as the cooler Upcountry and Central Maui.
Hotels, resorts, vacation rentals?
When visiting Maui you’ll have an endless array of options for where to stay, including a long list of luxury resorts. A resort or hotel is best for those who:
- Don’t plan on spending a lot of time exploring the island, preferring to stay in one spot to relax.
- Want to lounge around the pool and enjoy easy access to restaurants and other facilities like spas and fitness centers.
- Prefer daily housekeeping and access to concierge services.
Some of the top picks include OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort and Montage Kapalua Bay in West Maui, and the Four Seasons Resort and Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort in South Maui. Couples looking for a romantic stay might want to check out my article on Trips To Discover featuring some of the best options on the island. For family-friendly accommodation, you’ll find recommendations here.
I prefer to stay in a vacation rental with a kitchen so I can make some of my own meals. Dining in Maui can really add up. While groceries are expensive, it’s usually cheaper than going out to eat. Many have washers/dryers so you can pack lighter too. While I’ve stayed in several different rentals, to date I’ve found none better than Aloha Hideaway. This studio rental has a huge balcony overlooking the ocean, perfectly situated for watching whales. It was where the video below was captured by my friend Marci Dahms.
It’s small, accommodating no more than two, but it has everything you need. The host is fantastic and it’s a great value overall, especially when comparing Maui hotels and other vacation rentals. (No, I don’t receive a commission for bookings)
If you do stay, be sure to watch for the sea turtles that often swim below the balcony.
For those who plan to drive the Road to Hana and spend the night before returning, consider Hana-Maui Resort. It’s a splurge but it is very nice, with oceanfront bungalows and a spectacular pool.
Weather and the Best Time to Visit Maui
The weather in Maui can vary significantly depending on where you are. You can be at the beach enjoying the sun and temperatures in the mid-80s and then head to the summit of Haleakala to find snow. Typically, the weather is tropical. There are two seasons, the dry season runs from April through October with the average temperature around 85 degrees. The wet season runs from November through March, with temperatures averaging in the 70s.
Warm weather clothing is a given any time, but don’t forget a jacket or sweater
You mostly want clothing for warm weather. You’ll want the obvious, such as a bathing suit, lightweight clothing, and flip-flops or other sandals. Bring sturdier shoes like hiking boots if you plan to hike, and items for sun protection. If you’ll be visiting Haleakala, don’t forget a sweater or jacket. As noted, it can be very cold, windy, and wet at the top.
Come for the whales in the winter and calmer sea conditions in the summer
The best time to visit Maui depends on the kind of experience you hope to enjoy, including activities such as snorkeling and whale watching. Winter is the time for whale watching, with January through mid-March the peak of the season. But if you come during this time, the water is often too rough for snorkeling. The waves can be powerful, drawing expert surfers, windsurfers, and kite surfers – something that can be fun to watch if you don’t have the experience yourself. Summer brings the warmest weather and the calmest sea conditions for activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming. The spring and fall, particularly April, May, and September through November tend to see the smallest crowds.
Finally, when visiting Maui, always keep Aloha in mind. It’s an attitude of thinking and emoting good feelings to all. It can significantly enhance your time on the island.
Feeling anxious about flying or traveling in general? Be sure to check out my tips on easing pre-travel anxiety here.
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