Maui > Activities > Top 25
Top 25 Things To Do On Maui
Below we’ve listed our favorite top 25 things to do on Maui for fun and relaxation on your next vacation.
#1 Molokini Snorkeling
There are plenty of great spots to snorkel and scuba dive around Maui, and we like to suggest Molokini because it offers a whole package of fun in one trip. You’ll cruise on the water and see Maui from a different perspective, You may see dolphins or whales while in season. You can dive Molokini Crater at many spots within the crater as well as on the backside, which drops straight down 300+ feet.
#2 Luaus
We love Maui luaus. Maui is home to around a dozen different luaus that all have different personalities. Some are built for families with kids, some for romantic couples, and others for pure authenticity. Some of the reasons why it’s a MUST DO for anyone visiting Maui: sunrise over the ocean, great drinks, epic feast, authentic music, hula dancing, local crafts, and fire dancing. Again, a MUST DO! Check out which are recognized as the best Maui luaus.
#3 Restaurants
Maui has always attracted gifted chefs and big-name restaurant owners. In the last 15+ years, Maui has had an additional blast of culinary brilliance with the emergence of true talent via the Maui Culinary Academy. We’re very lucky to enjoy food from the best of the best, and many of our Maui restaurants reflect this in every bite. Check out some personal Maui restaurant reviews to see the best of the best and what they’re up to as of recent. Definitely worth checking out!
#4 Bike Haleakala
For the adventurous, riding a bike down a volcano sounds like a great start to the day. Luckily, many Maui bike companies offer van tours for those looking to see the crater in complete comfort. Either way, viewing the sunrise from on top of the World is something you’ll never forget. It’s a blissful moment that can only be matched by many effortless miles downhill on a bike. Visit Haleakala Bike Company to learn more.
#5 Zipline
Wherever you are on the island, there’s a zipline near you. This adventure is so much fun, and it allows for some unexpected pluses along the way: You’ll have great views, some fun hiking, and informational guides that will tell you about the foliage and animal/birdlife you’ll likely encounter. It’s a perfect mix of beauty and excitement. Like Kapalua Ziplines and Maui Zipline Company. You can also check out this Maui zipline FAQ.
#6 Maui Alpaca
Ah, Maui. Golden beaches, spilling waterfalls, and…alpacas? That’s right. Maui Alpaca is one of the most alluring agrotourism attractions on the island. Situated in Upcountry, Maui Alpaca invites visitors to meet the six resident female alpacas and a clique of fuzzy angora bunnies. Feed the alpacas, snuggle with the bunnies, and learn more about these unique animals in a beautiful setting.
#7 Sunset Cocktail Cruise
When we think about a true place of serenity, we think about sitting on the bow of a sailing catamaran with a cocktail in hand, enjoying warm winds blowing over us with island music humming in the distance. Nothing beats a sunset cruise on Maui unless, of course, it happens to also be whale season at the time.
#8 Rafting
Be it a snorkel trip to Molokini Crater or a whale watch adventure, rafting offers a unique ocean experience, unlike the bigger boats. With a smaller group, you never feel crowded when snorkeling. When whale watching, you can be closer to humpbacks than any other boat thanks to your proximity to the surface of the water at any given time. AND, it’s an absolute thrill speeding across the ocean on these Molokini snorkeling tours.
#9 The Maui Cookie Lady
If there’s ever a time to indulge, it’s while you’re on vacation. Make a special trip to the Upcountry town of Makawao to The Maui Cookie Lady, home to the most famous cookies on Maui. The Maui Cookie Lady has been making waves with her extravagant cookie creations, attracting attention from celebrities like The Rock (who called Maui Cookie Lady one of his “fav cookie spots in the world”) and outlets like ABC and Good Morning America. Plus, The Maui Cookie Lady storefront on Baldwin Avenue is an adorable must-visit.
#10 Fishing
Maui waters are abundant with tropical fish of many kinds. There are plenty of boats that can take you out, but in our opinion, only a handful know the best waters from day to day for fishing. Take advantage of seasoned, skilled fishermen captains when choosing the right vessel for your Maui fishing trip.
#11 Road to Hana
We can’t say enough about doing the Road to Hana. Driving this road and enjoying the sights, smells, and people along the way is something you’ll never forget. Waterfalls, coastal cliff lines, black sand beaches, and lush jungle will make you think you’ve gone to heaven (if that’s your sort of thing.)
#12 Hiking
Maui has so many amazing hikes, that it’s hard to know where to start. It’s important to choose a hike that’s not on private property (unless you have permission), and while there are many options, the safest way to experience these is during a Maui hike. Let a local, professional hiking guide show you the best, hidden sites, including waterfalls, freshwater streams, bamboo forests, and saltwater pools on Maui’s north shore!
#13 Charter a Sailboat
Charter-ready for sailing around the renowned waters of Maʻalaea, S/V Nova, our 42’ Catalina MKII, is the perfect boat for small private groups to escape from the crowds. Or, for the ultimate luxury experience, hop aboard our S/V Artemis, a 47′ Leopard sailing catamaran. Whether you want to snorkel, watch the sunset, enjoy some cocktails, learn to sail, celebrate a special occasion, or just lay back and relax, Maui Custom Charters can customize the perfect trip to make your dreams come true.
NEW: Kapalua Guide
#14 Visit Haleakala Crater
There are few jaw-dropping sights on this planet as impressive as watching Haleakala Sunrise. Watching the sun come up past the ocean and through the clouds in one of the world’s quietest places can be life-altering. If you don’t do a tour, make sure to book your driving reservation well in advance. You can learn about the park, trails, sunrise, and more at visitor centers or on a Haleakala Crater tour.
#15 Fly Maui
With miles of unexplored terrain, countless lush valleys, and towering waterfalls few have laid eyes on, it’s no surprise that air activities are so popular on Maui. However, the only thing more memorable than taking a scenic flight around the island is piloting the plane itself! With Fly Maui, visitors will not only behold striking views of the Valley Isle but receive their first lesson in flight school with a guided flight around the island.
#16 Go House Hunting
If that little voice in your head telling you to move to Maui just won’t shut up, you’re not alone. So why not indulge yourself, just a little – or a lot – and go house hunting. If you’re still in the dabbling stages, browse Maui real estate listings, or read about how to purchase a rental property on the site’s blog. If you’re more serious about pulling the trigger, check out some prime Maui real estate listings on our site.
#17 Photo Session
It’s usually not the first thing on people’s minds, and that’s why we suggest booking a Maui family portrait ahead of time. This way you can enjoy your trip, then take a quick hour capturing some amazing sunset moments with the ones you love. Taking your own photos will be a lot of fun, but having a pro photographer with you will be high and above anything you could do on your own with a timer. Worth every dime!
#18 Ultimate Air Trampoline Park
One of Maui’s most highly recommended land activities for families or friends looking for offbeat fun on The Valley Isle, Ultimate Air Trampoline Park in Wailuku provides 25,000 square feet of trampoline fun, including onsite events, foam pits, basketball, dodgeball, and even massage chairs for those in need of a break. Put your jumping skills to the test at this family-friendly Maui must-do, and reserve your spot online to ensure you have the best trampoline experience possible.
#19 Mystery Maui
For those of you seeking a different kind of excitement on Maui, Wailuku’s newest Mystery Maui escape room offers families, friends, and couples the chance to participate in one of two ultra-fun scenarios. Use the given clues to solve the mystery and escape from the room in 60 minutes or less, or enlist the help of your game marshal for extra assistance. This is an excellent way to spend a rainy day on Maui, or escape the heat for an hour while having tons of fun!
#20 Maui Helicopter Flights
Maui helicopter tours offer exciting hands-on experiences. Receive a lesson in flight school and take an actual helicopter for a spin with the help of one of Go Fly Maui’s certified flight instructors. Or, opt for a flight in a doors-off chopper, where guests can customize their itinerary, get aerial photography pointers from the crew, and of course, snap a few stunning images of their own. Learn more about Maui helicopter flights.
#21 Snorkel Turtle Town or Lanai
Turtle Town is one of those elusive places that exist in a few areas of Maui. There are spots that are well-known for having many turtles every day. There are also spots that captains have recorded as having had an unusually large amount of turtles recently. Either way, it’s best to have professionals show you exactly where to snorkel if you want to see the most turtles in one snorkel session. Quicksilver will take you to both Turtle Town as well as trips to the island of Lanai.
Also, Lanaʻi is often overlooked as a snorkeling destination despite the island’s thriving reefs and dolphin population. Island Star has been showing visitors around Lanaʻi’s waters for over three decades and continues to offer an assortment of private and per-person Lanaʻi excursions aboard a fun and luxurious private yacht. The half-day tour is a great choice for those on a tight schedule.
And for the adventurous, taking an ultra-fast and stable raft to Lanai’s best snorkeling spots is best achieved with Maui Adventure Cruises.
#22 Beach Time
Most visitors stay on the south or west side for our beautiful Maui beaches. Take advantage of the pristine quality of our sandy stretches of beach with some sun tanning, BBQ, games, snorkeling, swimming, and even sunset. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunblock because the sun can kick you when you least expect it!
#23 Surfing
If you’ve always wanted to surf but have never tried, this is a great place to learn. Take Maui surf lessons, and stand up on the same day. Or learn to kite or windsurf! If you want to see some serious surfing in big waves, we have some brave enthusiasts you can watch as well (and leave it to local professionals.)
#24 Oahu Day Trip
While we love exploring the many natural wonders of Maui, we recognize the appeal of exploring more than one Hawaiian Island on your next trip to the Aloha State. Pearl Harbor Tours offers an array of convenient guided and self-guided day trips from Maui to Oahu, all of which include round-trip airfare and car transportation around Oahu. Whether you want to brush up on your history with a tour of the Battleship Missouri and USS Arizona Memorial or take a driving tour to Oahu’s most spectacular natural landmarks, there’s plenty to look forward to on an inter-island day trip to Hawaii’s most visited island.
#25 Get a Tarot Reading at Ace of Cups
Dive into divination at Ace of Cups in Haiku. This magical shop offers tarot, oracle, astrology, and akashic readings by some of Maui’s most adept readers. If you’re in a spendthrift mood, browse the shop’s collection of tarot and oracle decks, books, pillar candles, crystals, pendulums, and other mystic products. @ace.of.cups.maui on Instagram.
BONUS! Because there’s so much more to do on Maui than just 25 things!
#26 Maui Massage
Everyone loves a great massage, and Maui’s Best Massage not only offers exceptional massages, but they are also a massage outcall service and will come to you! From a relaxing massage to the ancient art of the Lomi Lomi massage, their expert massage therapist will take you from “ow” to “wow” in no time!
#27 Visit Maui Farms
Visiting the shops at the tourist centers is fun, but there are really only so many knick-knacks you can bring home. Maui is experiencing a renaissance in agriculture, where our farms are putting out the highest quality products in the world. From fresh lavender to delicious goat cheese, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t visited these farms sooner! Learn more about Hawaii’s agricultural renaissance. One farm, in particular, worth checking out is the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.
#28 Yoga
If you’re into yoga or a curious beginner, Maui is THE place for working with other enlightened individuals who practice regularly. There are many classes as well as group workshops going on regularly. Your best bet is to start in Paia Town for the lucid and limber.
#29 Maui Tropical Plantation
Established over thirty years ago with the aim of showcasing Maui’s most captivating flowers, fruits, herbs, and veggies, Maui Tropical Plantation has grown into a working plantation and leading tourist destination. Situated in the heart of Waikapū Valley and framed by views of the majestic West Maui Mountains, Maui Tropical Plantation offers tram tours of its field crops, ziplines suitable for the whole family, a farm stand brimming with fresh produce, and historical displays of the rich, legendary region. A duck pond, serene lagoon, coffee roaster and café, gift shops, and The Mill House Restaurant await!
#30 Pineapple Tour
Enjoy scenic views while visiting pineapple fields, tour the Maui Gold Pineapple Packing Factory, taste different varieties of the freshest pineapple you’ve ever had, and take a pineapple home with you! This is a really fun tour where you learn about the history of Maui. You can opt to eat at the Haliʻimaile General Store after the tour for a small amount more.
#31 Iao Valley
Visiting Iao Valley feels like you’ve stepped directly into a scene from Jurassic Park. Incredibly lush, towering cliffs surround you, and in the center is the famous Iao Needle. The land here is rich with history, and the water sacred to Hawaiians.
#32 Parasail
Want to see Maui from a different vantage point? Get your adrenaline going while soaring hundreds of feet above the water while parasailing! Not only do you get great views, but the excitement of take-off and landing will give you another reason to have a mai tai when on dry land.
#33 Maui Ocean Center
We love our aquarium at Maʻalaea Harbor. Not only can you touch starfish and baby turtles, but you can also completely surround yourself in a glass tunnel below tons of ocean water filled with tiger sharks, manta rays, and all kinds of sea life. Our favorite tank at the Maui Ocean Center has to be the one with the jellyfish in the massive cylinder tank.
#34 Golf
Not only does Maui have some top-notch, world-class golf courses, but we’ve got the views to match. There are very few complaints that come from golfing on Maui: distraction from whale breaches in the distance and time away from swimming in the ocean. Fortunately, you can still get a bunch of beach time on a golf day here.
#35 Scuba
From the Cathedrals of Lanai to the backside wall-dive of Molokini Crater, scuba diving in Maui waters is exceptional. We’re lucky to have rich tropical reefs, abundant sea life, and unique sites to dive. Try diving a shipwreck, or better yet, try diving a World War II tank wreck! Bet you’ve never done that before!
#36 Maui Events
Every year, Maui is home to some unforgettable and unmatched celebrations and events. Our Hawaii Halloween is one of the biggest on all the islands. Our Maui Film Festival attracts visitors, locals, and celebrities of every kind in droves (and has some of the best parties ever!) And our theaters bring some of the most talented artists from around the world (and at our smaller venues!)
