Maui is probably the most popular Hawaiian island for good reason — it has so much to offer, from the lush green tropical vibes of Iao Valley to the stunning waterfall-lined drive of Road to Hana, and a rugged, untouched coastline that most visitors never reach. We've visited twice — once in November and again in December — and this guide covers everything we'd tell a close friend.
Best Season to Visit Maui
Jan–Mar
Whale watching season. Some rain. Higher prices.
Apr–Jun ★
Best pricing — shoulder season. Warm, least rainfall.
Jul–Sep
Busiest period. Very warm. Prices sky-rocket.
Sep–Nov ★
Good value shoulder season. Still warm.
Nov–Jan
Wet season but peak crowds. Waterfalls are spectacular after rain.
Where to Stay in Maui
🏠 Kihei
Best for budget travelers and outdoor-focused visitors. Lively area with restaurants, bars, and reasonable Airbnbs and hotels. Close to south beaches.
🏨 Wailea
Luxury resort territory — dry, sunny weather. Best if you want a relaxed, stay-in-one-place vacation with world-class amenities.
✈️ Kahului
Budget-friendly, closest to the airport. Good base if planning to leave early for Road to Hana or Haleakalā sunrise.
🌿 Hana
Highly recommended for at least one night — lets you experience the town without rushing. Very limited accommodation; book months in advance.
🌴 Kapalua / Lahaina
Premier upscale resorts on the northwest coast. More secluded and quiet than Wailea. Good base for exploring west Maui and Kahekili Highway.
This popular scenic drive lives up to its hype. Hana is about 50 miles from Kahului Airport but the drive takes a full day due to the winding road and the sheer number of stops. Every stop is worth it.
Kaulahao Beach (Turtle Beach)
Just before entering Paia at the end of the road — an impressive number of sea turtles come ashore here for nap time. A delightful surprise.
Ho'okipa Lookout & Beach
A surfer's sanctuary in winter. You could spend hours watching world-class surfers from the lookout above.
Twin Falls
The first of a long list of waterfalls. Quick out-and-back to a pair of falls — especially worth it after heavy rain.
Bamboo Forest Falls
Easy to miss but increasingly popular. A short hike through a dense bamboo forest to a series of waterfalls. Three more falls further on an unmaintained trail for the adventurous.
Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread
A mandatory stop. Freshly baked banana bread with ocean views — tastes incredible after a morning of waterfalls. Sells out before 2pm. Call ahead to reserve a loaf.
Ke'Anae Peninsula
Beyond mile marker 13 — a rugged volcanic lava rock coastline unlike anything else on the drive. Waves crash dramatically against the black rock shore.
Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bear Falls)
Viewable from the bridge. Also possible to hike to the base — muddy and slippery but worth it if the water is high.
Hana Town
Hana is the opposite of commercial — more local Hawaiians than tourists. We highly recommend staying at least one night. Accommodation is very limited; book months ahead.
Wai'anapanapa State Park
Reservations required (up to a month in advance). Black sand beach, lava tube you can walk inside at low tide, blowhole best at high tide, and dramatic sea arches along the coastal trail. One of the most unique spots on Maui.
Hamoa Beach
A quiet, secluded beach in Hana with lush cliffs and palm trees. Worth an evening if you're spending the night in Hana.
Haleakalā has two distinct sections. The Coastal/Kīpahulu District in the east is lush green with waterfalls. The Summit is a barren, lunar volcanic landscape at over 10,000ft — completely different and equally extraordinary.
Coastal Section — Kīpahulu District
Pipiwai Trail
One of the best hikes on the island. Crosses streams on boulders, passes a massive banyan tree, walks through a dense bamboo forest, and ends at the base of the spectacular Waimoku Falls.
Seven Sacred Pools — 'Ohe'o Gulch
A short but very rewarding hike. Tiered waterfalls flow into a series of pools that cascade into the ocean — lush green and absolutely beautiful.
Summit Section
A 37-mile winding road climbs over 10,000ft to the summit. Weather is highly unpredictable — it can change from cold and windy to warm and clear in minutes. Always wear layers.
Sunrise at the Summit
Watching the sun rise from above the clouds is the most popular activity in the park. Book reservations up to 60 days in advance — they sell out fast.
Sliding Sands Trail — Keonehe'ehe'e
Gets you to the base of the crater with endless Mars-like views — cinder cones in shades of red and black. Do it as an out-and-back from the summit or point-to-point to Halemau'u Trailhead.
Wailea Beach Walk
A paved path along the shoreline linking Wailea's string of beautiful beaches. Ocean on one side, luxury resorts on the other. Apply sunscreen — it's fully exposed with no shade.
Secret Cove Beach
Probably the least crowded beach in Wailea and one of our personal favourites. Hard to spot from the road. A perfect sunset spot.
Lahaina Historic District
Artsy beach town with galleries, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Get shave ice from Ululani's and eat it under the massive Big Banyan Tree — imported from India and one of the largest in the US.
Nakalele Blowhole
Watch ocean waves enter a lava tube and shoot water several feet into the air. Best during high tide. The surrounding coastal scenery is beautiful.
Waihee Ridge Trail
Fog-covered ridgelines overlooking the blue Pacific. We hiked this in winter when low clouds made for an incredibly moody, atmospheric experience.
Iao Valley State Park
A lush green tropical rainforest surrounded by fog-covered peaks. Take the short 0.6-mile hike to the Iao Needle. If this sounds remotely interesting to you, don't skip it.
Best Bars & Food in Maui
🍹 Kihei & Wailea
Most variety for dining and nightlife — restaurants, rooftop bars, and casual beach eats all within easy reach.
🍌 Road to Hana
Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread (mile 16) is non-negotiable. Also grab lunch at the Halfway to Hana stand. Pack your own snacks for the full day.
🌊 Lahaina
Walk Front Street for the full range — casual to upscale. Great sunset dining options along the waterfront.
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