Aloha! If you’re into sunsets, beaches, hikes, waterfalls, sea turtles, mai tais… Maui’s island life has it all and then some.

Maui has a very special place in my heart. I traveled there on family vacations as a kid, and the Hawaiian culture had a major influence on my childhood. My mom’s godfather lived in Hawaii and spoke the language fluently—he brought aloha back to the mainland by teaching the family ukelele and hula dancing. Maui is also the first destination my husband and I visited together, and of course where we got married in 2024.

Getting to Maui

The main airport on the island of Maui is Kahului Airport (OGG). You can fly direct from many US cities including SFO, LAX, YVR, EWR, ATL. You may also fly to Honolulu Airport (HNL) on the island of Oahu, and take an island hopper to Maui — Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines offer cheap connections.

From the airport, you can either rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-share service to get to your destination. Uber and Lyft are options on the island, but the availability of drivers varies widely, with early and late hours having few options.

Renting a car is your best bet. Depending on where you are traveling or exploring, having a rental car is the best option for getting around the island. A four-day rental is nearly the same price as a round-trip shuttle to/from the airport. Maui’s roads are pretty straightforward, and this way you’ll have the freedom to see what you want, when you want to see it.

📍Quick tips — For a delicious, well-priced meal near the airport, check out the food trucks across from Costco. Oh, and in case you’re a Costco member, stop there for the cheapest gas on the island and to stock up on necessities for your trip.

Where to Stay

Maui has it all. With so many incredible places to stay—luxurious resorts, cozy beachfront bungalows, and secluded jungle retreats—choosing the right spot can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for adventure, stay a few nights in Hana. For relaxation, Wailea is our go-to.

Depending upon the type of trip you’d like to take, we’ve found that staying in an Airbnb or Vrbo tends to be cheaper. That said, some of the nicest resorts in the world can be found on Maui. Our favorites are Marriott’s Wailea Beach Resort (great for families, we stayed here during our wedding and one-year anniversary) and Hyatt’s Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort (perfect for a romantic getaway, we stayed 14 nights here during the pandemic).

Island Activities

In Hawai’i, there’s a saying “mauka to makai”—mauka meaning mountain and makai meaning ocean. Therefore, a good way to experience the island is to do things in both mauka and makai.

Sunrise & Sunset

Chasing the sun is one of our favorite activities. Papawai Scenic Lookout is a wonderful place to watch the whales as the sun dips below the horizon. We also love walking the Wailea Beach Path — pro tip: the hotels have free valet if you get the ticket validated at a bar/restaurant. Secret Cove Beach is a secluded and truly beautiful spot. For an epic experience, Haleakalā Volcano Summit (reservations required for sunrise) is worth the drive for a breathtaking high-up view.

Beaches

With its golden shores, turquoise waters, and dramatic landscapes, Maui is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for calm waters to swim, epic waves to surf, or secluded coves to unwind, there’s a perfect beach waiting for you. These are our faves…

Slaughterhouse (Kapalua)
Makena (Wailea)
Secret Cove (Wailea)
Ho’okipa (Pā’ia)
Hamoa (Hana)

Road to Hana

This 64.4-mile-long drive* on the east coast is well worth it! The lush, winding road passes by waterfalls, stunning views, and unique adventures. Maui Revealed has a helpful section with mile markers for stops along the way. Make sure to save time for Waimoku Falls — the Pīpīwai trail leads you past a banyan tree through a stunning bamboo forest to a huge waterfall! If you are looking for a tour, this Road to Hana tour will pick you up, drop you off and includes a guide as well! NOTE: this adventure requires a full day to drive there and back, so leave early in the morning to avoid a pitch-black return.

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park is home to Maui’s highest peak at 10,000 ft! This is an active shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. From the lush rain forests, to the rocky coastline, or the majestic overlooks of a volcanic landscape above the clouds, it’s a must-see. Visiting at sunrise or sunset is very popular, and sunset at the summit requires a reservation—dress warmly as it gets colder than you may expect! Here are the National Park Service’s top 10 tips for visiting the park.

Whale Watching

During January through April each year, the warm waters attract over 12,000 humpback whales (or koholā) to nurse their young — keep your eyes on the horizon for some incredible sights! Though you’ll be able to see whales wherever there’s an ocean view, we recommend Papawai Scenic Lookout (especially at sunset), Wailea Beach Path, McGregor Point Lookout, and Kā’anapali Beach Walking Path. To get up close and learn about these amazing creatures, take a boat tour with Pacific Whale Foundation or a sunset sail with Trilogy.

Sea Turtles

The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (or honu) can be spotted year round swimming just offshore or sunning themselves on the beach. If you see them, make sure to leave them be. Some of the best spots to find them are Ho’okipa Beach (a.k.a. Turtle Beach), Kū’au Beach Park, Black Rock Beach, Slaughterhouse Beach, Five Graves Path, Maluaka Beach, Makena Landing Park, and if all else fails, visit the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium to see turtles and other sea creatures.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Maui. Nakalele Blowhole (1 mi), Magical Enchanted Forest (.6 mi), ‘Iao Valley State Monument (1.5-1.8 mi), Twin Falls (1.5-2 mi), Waihou Spring Trail (1-2.4 mi), Hosmer Grove Trail (2-6 mi), Pipiwai Trail-Ohea Gulch (4 mi), Waihee Ridge Trail (5 mi), La Perouse Hoapili Trail (5.5 mi), Haleakalā Sliding Sands Trail (10 mi), Halemauu Trail (10 mi) and bonus: Kings Gardens Maui* (includes chocolate making).

Pineapples

Pineapple fan? You’ve come to the right place! Discover how they’re harvested on a Maui Pineapple Farm Tour. Savor our friend Thomas’ shave ice (truly incredible natural flavors) at his shop Waikomo in Paia. Try a Rum Cannonball at Tikehau Lounge in Wailea. Throw back a Lava Flow at South Shore Tiki Lounge in Kihei. Sip a Mai Tai at Monkeypod Kitchen in Ka’anapali or Wailea. Taste the pineapple wines at MauiWine in Kula.

Water Activities

Maui is a paradise for ocean lovers. Whether you’re snorkeling alongside sea turtles, surfing legendary waves, or sailing into the sunset. These are some of the best places to rent gear for surfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, etc.

Snorkel Bob’s
Maui Ocean Sports
Maui Surf Boards
Maui SUP Rental
Auntie Snorkel Rental
Boss Frog’s Snorkel, Bike & Beach

Tour Companies

Maui is packed with incredible experiences—but the right tour company can make all the difference.

Pacific Whale Foundation
Trilogy Sailing — amazing crew, we hosted a sunset cruise for our rehearsal dinner 
Hang Gliding Maui — view my post about our flight 
Maui Zipline
Skyline Hawaii
Flyin Hawaiian Zipline
Kapalua Ziplines
Jungle Zipline
Air Maui Helicopters
Valley Isle Excursions
Haleakala Tours
Maui Snorkeling Lani Kai
Redline Rafting Co.

Luaus

Many resorts host their own luaus, so it’s worth checking with your resort before booking. Here are our recommendations:

Old Lāhainā Lūʻau
Te Au Moana (Wailea Beach Resort)
Feast at Mokapu (Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort)
 ʻAhaʻaina Luau (Grand Wailea)
South Maui Gardens

Miscellaneous Fun

There is truly something for everyone on Maui, we love these unique experiences.

Kula Country Farms
Goat Yoga
Surfing Goat Dairy
Maui Pineapple Farm Tour
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
MauiWine
Food Trucks
Maui Ocean Center

Dining & Attractions by Region

Kīhei & Wailea (South)

The beachy southwest shore is the sunniest, driest end of the island. Kihei is more chill and easygoing, while Wailea is where the majority of the resorts are located — a beautiful walk along the coastal path during sunset is worth your while, especially if you’re in the area visiting Makena Beach State Park.

Pāʻia (North)

A town of colorful and rustic storefronts filled with local art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and restaurants. Drive over to Ho’okipa Beach nearby to see some of the world’s largest wave breaks and incredible surfing.

Kula, Haiku & Makawao (Upcountry)

Golden beaches give way to rolling hills and misty mountains as you ascend these higher elevations surrounding Maui’s highest peak, Haleakalā. Try goat yoga, walk through a lavender farm, and visit the Haleakalā National Park (advanced reservations are required for sunrise). Makawao has a lovely shopping street with local vendors.

Hāna (East)

Hāna is the most isolated of all towns in the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re here, you’ve driven the road to Hana (good for you!), a full-day trip mentioned above. There is limited cell service in certain areas, so we suggest you bookmark these points on your map prior to the drive.

Lāhainā & Olowalu (West)

The majority of Lāhāina town is no longer standing due to the wildfires in August 2023 (more on this below). Lāhāina was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. As a whaling village during the mid-1800s, over 1,500 sailors took leave, including Herman Melville, who immortalized the era in his classic novel Moby Dick. When you pass by the town during your travels, please do so in love and respect for this incredible place. While the community continues to heal, the island welcomes tourists to support its economy and people.

Kāʻanapali, Kapalua & Napili (West)

With three miles of white sand and crystal clear water, it’s no wonder why Kāʻanapali Beach was once named America’s Best Beach. There are many hotel options, most with excellent pools if that floats your boat. Head up a bit further north to check out the Nakalele Blowhole.

Visiting Maui After the Wildfires

Tragically, on August 8, 2023, Maui experienced wildfires that killed more than 100 people and destroyed more than 2,200 structures—including significant historical and cultural sites. Tourism to the island has been a long-debated subject, with inhabitants trying to find the most sustainable way to preserve the land while also welcoming visitors to support the economy.

The most important things to remember when visiting Maui and its neighboring islands are to educate yourself on the culture, respect the land and its people, and spend your money wisely by supporting local businesses. After our time spent on Maui, we recommend supporting the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, Maui Food Bank, and Maui United Way.

Many people are still confused as to whether Maui is closed. The best way to help is to share the news that Maui is open and welcoming visitors (especially West Maui). Several businesses have begun opening back up in Lāhāina, which is very encouraging. They all need our support—and the best way to rebuild is to keep people employed by having a strong economy. We were honored to collaborate with our incredible local vendors for our wedding in January 2024, and we will continue to love and sustain the island in any way we can.

Maui Travel Tips:

❗️Stay up-to-date with Hawaii’s Travel Requirements
🧴 Maui has a strict rule on sunscreen: Mineral only (view guidelines)
🏨 Book accommodations ASAP, you’d be amazed how quickly things get booked up
✈️ Book an evening return flight to enjoy a full day at the end of your trip
🗺️ Download Google Maps offline (for areas without cell service, especially the Road to Hana)
💵  The island has limited bank options (American Savings, First Hawaiian, Bank of Hawaii)
✍️ Have a pen in your carry-on to fill out the in-flight declaration form

Packing list:

• Mineral sunscreen
• Maui Revealed (our favorite guidebook)
• Rain jacket (in case of unexpected weather)
• Warm clothing (in case you visit Haleakala)
• Reusable water bottle
• Flip-flops
• Bathing suit
• Hat & sunglasses

Recommendations in this guide are up to date as of March 2025.