Island Guide
Maui
The Valley Isle
Haleakala at dawn. The Road to Hana. Humpback whales breaching in the channel. Maui is Hawaii at its most dramatic.
Island Nickname
The Valley Isle
Main Town
Kahului / Lahaina
Best For
Nature, Romance, Adventure
Airport
OGG — Kahului Airport
Maui
Top 10 Things
To Do on Maui
Drive the Road to Hana
The Hana Highway is one of the great road trips of the world — 64 miles of hairpin turns, one-lane bridges, and a procession of waterfalls, black sand beaches, and bamboo forests. Start early, stop often, and do not rush. The journey is the destination.
Watch Sunrise from Haleakala
Haleakala volcano rises 10,023 feet above sea level. Arriving before dawn to watch the sun emerge above a sea of clouds is a transcendent experience that visitors describe as life-changing. Reserve your sunrise permit months in advance — they sell out fast.
Snorkel Molokini Crater
Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater three miles off the Maui coast, forming a crescent-shaped sanctuary for over 250 species of marine life. The visibility can exceed 150 feet. Morning boat tours depart from Maalaea Harbor — book a reputable operator.
Walk the Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa
The jet-black volcanic sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, framed by jagged lava cliffs and sea arches, is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Hawaii. Reservations are required for entry. Arrive early for the best light and the fewest crowds.
Explore Lahaina Town
Lahaina was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and later a center of the whaling trade. The historic Front Street district is lined with galleries, restaurants, and the famous 150-year-old banyan tree that spreads across an entire city block.
Whale Watching (December–April)
More than 10,000 North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Maui's warm waters each winter to breed and give birth. The channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai is one of the most important humpback habitats on earth. Boat tours offer extraordinary close encounters.
Hike the Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park leads through a towering bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. The two-mile trail is one of the finest hikes in Hawaii — the bamboo grove alone, with its cathedral-like canopy and eerie creaking, is worth the drive to Kipahulu.
Kayak or Paddleboard at Makena
The calm, clear waters off Makena Beach are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Rent equipment from a local outfitter and paddle along the coastline, where sea turtles are a common sight and the underwater visibility is exceptional.
Visit the Maui Ocean Center
The finest aquarium in Hawaii, the Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea offers an immersive look at the marine life of the Pacific — from the open ocean tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays to the living reef exhibits and the Hawaiian green sea turtle sanctuary.
Dine at Mama's Fish House
Reservations at Mama's Fish House in Paia are among the most coveted in the state. The menu changes daily based on what local fishermen bring in — and the menu tells you the fisherman's name and where they caught your fish. Reserve weeks, ideally months, in advance.
Where to Stay
Maui Hotels
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
LuxuryWailea
The benchmark of luxury on Maui. Three pools, a world-class spa, and a stretch of Wailea Beach that feels like a private retreat.
Check RatesHotel Wailea
Boutique LuxuryWailea
Adults-only and intimate, with sweeping ocean views, exceptional service, and a romantic atmosphere that sets it apart from the larger resorts.
Check RatesTravaasa Hana
Eco-LuxuryHana
At the end of the Road to Hana, this secluded resort offers a genuine escape — farm-to-table dining, cultural activities, and Hana's wild, unspoiled coastline at your doorstep.
Check RatesWhere to Eat
Maui Restaurants
Mama's Fish House
SeafoodPaia
The most celebrated restaurant in Hawaii. Daily-changing menus built around what local fishermen catch that morning. Reserve far in advance.
Reserve a TableMerriman's Maui
Hawaii RegionalKapalua
Peter Merriman's Kapalua restaurant pairs locally sourced ingredients with sweeping ocean views. The sunset dinner is one of Maui's finest experiences.
Reserve a TableTin Roof
Local HawaiianKahului
Chef Sheldon Simeon's beloved lunch spot serves creative local plates — mochiko chicken, garlic noodles, and daily specials that draw long lines and loyal regulars.
Reserve a Table