Maui Travelers Recommend

Spring in Maui is a magical time, when the weather is gorgeous and the crowds thin. Travelers visiting between March and May will find plenty of outdoor activities, including whale watching. Here’s how to best enjoy the island this spring.

• Join a whale watching cruise through April to look for migrating humpback whales.
• Travel the Road to Hana to chase waterfalls and rainbows along the scenic drive.
• Go snorkeling and scuba diving at Molokini, Turtle Town, or on the Atlantis Submarine.
• Take a hike and look for blooming jacarandas, plumerias, lilies, and hydrangeas.
• Soar over the island on a helicopter tour.
• Explore Haleakala National Park, and watch a sunrise or sunset.
• Go ziplining over lush rainforests, waterfalls, and valleys.
• Experience local culture and cuisine at a traditional luau.

With plenty of sunshine and more than 30 miles (50 kilometers) of white, black, and red sand beaches, Maui is a great place to spend spring break. Whether you’re looking to relax, go on an adventure, or spot wildlife, Maui has a range of activities for families, groups, and solo travelers. Here are some of the best spring break activities on the Valley Isle.

• Catch the tail end of whale watching season and look for migrating humpback whales frolicking offshore on a boat tour.
• Go on an epic road trip via the Road to Hana, and chase waterfalls and rainbows along the way—tours let someone else drive so that you can enjoy the scenery.
• Hang ten and catch some waves by learning to surf. For a more relaxed experience, try standup paddleboarding.
• Get out on the water and go snorkeling and scuba diving at Molokini, Turtle Town, or on the Atlantis Submarine.
• Explore Haleakala National Park and watch a sunrise or sunset on a trekking tour.
• Go on an adventure tour and hike, zipline, drive an ATV, or ride horses through the jungle.
• Experience local culture and cuisine plus performances involving knives and fire, at a traditional luau.

Once the sun goes down, Maui offers a range of ways to celebrate Hawaii’s island culture. Whether you want to watch sunset from the water or dance the night away, here’s how to have a memorable night on Maui.

Traditional Luaus

A traditional luau is a great way to experience local culture and cuisine. Sample delicacies such as Kalua pig, which is roasted in an underground oven called an imu ; lomi-lomi salmon; and poi (taro root paste), and watch a performance that combines music, hula, and knife-fire dancing. Luaus can be found all over the island, and many places put their own unique twist on the experience.

Sunset Cruises

Sip cocktails as you watch the sun set over Maui, Molokai, Lanai, or Kahoolawe on a cruise. Some cruises include snacks, dinner, and live entertainment, so you can hit the dance floor as you sail beneath the stars. Boats depart from all around the island, including Ma’alaea Harbor, Lahaina Harbor, and Ka’anapali Beach.

Bar Hopping and Live Music

The majority of Maui bars come in the form of laid-back tiki lounges and beachside bars, many of which offer live music and entertainment; there are also a few nightclubs with DJs and dance floors on the island. Find the largest concentration of bars in Kihei, Lahaina, and Paia.

Arts and Culture After Dark

Enjoy an evening show at the Maui Theater or the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. On Friday nights, get cultured and browse art at Friday Night Art Light in Lahaina. The Maui Friday Town Parties also occur every Friday, and are held in a different town each week; here, you can sample local delicacies while you shop for arts and crafts, and enjoy live music.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Maui, with cooler and more pleasant weather. Students are back in school, so the island and its most popular attractions are less crowded. Here are a few ways to make the most of the Valley Isle this season.

• Go parasailing before December, when humpback whale season begins.
• Watch a sunrise from Haleakala before temperatures get too cold.
• Head onto the water on an outrigger canoe or rafting tour.
• Take advantage of the cooler weather, and go hiking along Maui’s many miles of trails.
• Learn to surf as the swells pick up, but before they get too big for beginner’s to handle.
• Get a bird’s-eye view of the island on a helicopter tour.
• Travel the iconic Road to Hana with fewer people on the road.
• Enjoy one of the many festivals and festive events during this season, such as the Festivals of Aloha, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Made in Maui Festival.
• Experience local culture and cuisine at a traditional luau.

With three activity-packed days on the island of Maui, you’ll experience sun, sand, and sea with a healthy dose of outdoor activities, island exploration, and even the chance for a day trip to see the highlights of Honolulu on neighboring Oahu. Here are some ideas for making the most of your 72 hours on Hawaii’s Valley Isle.

Day 1: Outdoor Adventure

Today is all about Maui’s abundant natural attractions—its postcard-perfect beaches, lush valleys, and volcanic peaks. Spend your morning with an outdoor adventure on land: take a guided bike tour to the summit of Haleakala at sunrise; go ziplining through the West Maui mountains; hike to a waterfall in the rain forests of East Maui; or head out on an oceanfront horseback ride. In the afternoon, explore Maui on the water between bouts of lazing on the beach: take a surfing lesson or go parasailing high above the sea; hop aboard a sailboat for a few hours of snorkeling or whale watching; or discover Maui beneath the surface with a journey aboard the Atlantis Submarine. End the day with a romantic sunset dinner cruise.

Day 2: Epic Road Trip

No trip to Maui would be complete without a journey along its legendary road, the Hana Highway. Let someone else take the wheel as you embark on a guided day tour, soaking up the views along the scenic route’s 64 miles (104 kilometers) of beaches, waterfalls, lush bamboo jungle, and sleepy beach towns. Each twist and turn—there are more than 600 of them—reveals something new. Highlights along the way include the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo, Twin Falls, Ho‘okipa Lookout, Honomanu Bay, Hana Lava Tube, numerous white- and black-sand beaches, and, for a touch of history, Palapala Ho‘omau Church, where aviator Charles Lindbergh is interred. Finish off your day on the island with a quintessential Hawaiian tradition: a beachfront luau.

Day 3: Island-Hopping

Now that you’ve experienced the best of Maui, it’s time to head farther afield to one of its neighboring islands. One of the most popular options is Oahu, where you can spend the day paying your respects at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument—home of USS Arizona Memorial—at Pearl Harbor, touring the USS Missouri, strolling downtown Honolulu, and spending some time on iconic Waikiki Beach. You might even have time for a quick hike to the summit of Diamond Head. Alternatively, head to Molokai, one of Hawaii’s less-visited visitable islands. Fly across the Pailolo Channel and take a guided tour of the Friendly Isle, stopping at the Molokai Museum, Kaunakakai Town, Purdy Macadamia Nut Farm, and a coconut grove along the way. End your day with a quick return flight to Maui in time for a farewell dinner.

With sunny beaches and lush jungles, Maui makes an ideal spot for a summer vacation. You can enjoy hikes through the rainforest, snorkeling in crystal-clear bays, and sea kayaking along the impressive shorelines—without worrying about the rain storms that often threaten in winter. Here are Maui’s must-do summer experiences.

• Start your day with a sunrise tour to the top of Haleakala.
• Sunbathe on the popular Big Beach or escape the crowds at Palauea Beach.
• Snorkel around Molokini and marvel at the vibrant underwater world that surrounds the crater.
• Indulge in all-you-can-eat fresh fruit and seafood on a sunset dinner cruise.
• Cool off in nature’s showers on a tour of East Maui’s waterfalls.
• Get a different perspective on a scenic helicopter tour.
• Swim with sea turtles at the Turtle Town reef.
• Take in the sights while someone else does the driving on a guided tour of the Road to Hana.
• Embrace Hawaiian culture at a traditional Old Lahaina Luau.
• Learn to surf in a beginner surf school or up your skills with private surf lessons.

The tropical island paradise of Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, so it’s got plenty to keep visitors occupied. From miles and miles of white, black, and red sand beaches, to lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, natural attractions are in abundance. Plus, Maui has a rich cultural, culinary, and historical heritage. With so much to do and see, the best way to enjoy your time on Maui is to plan ahead. Whether you want to navigate the iconic Road to Hana or simply eat your fill of Hawaiian food, here are a few of the top tours and experiences that you shouldn’t miss while on the island. 

With warm weather year-round, Maui is a great place to soak up the sun, even in winter. While winter is technically the rainy season on the island, the south side of Maui—which is home to the popular resort town of Wailea—remains relatively dry. Here are a few ways to make the most of your winter escape to Maui.

• Get a bird’s-eye view of the Haleakala crater on a scenic helicopter flight.
• Spot migrating whales from November through April on a whale-watching cruise.
• Take a cruise to Molokini and snorkel in the underwater crater.
• Embrace the twists, turns, and epic views on a tour of the Road to Hana.
• Watch hula dancing and enjoy traditional Hawaiian food during a luau in Lahaina.
• Go sea kayaking along Maui’s south shore.
• Snorkel through Turtle Town, a reef frequented by sea turtles.
• Hike through the tropical forests on the west side of the island to discover hidden waterfalls; take a hike on the east side if you want to avoid the rain.
• Try out surfing by taking a private or small-group lesson—both welcome beginners.
• Enjoy the white-sand beaches of Maui’s south shore.

With two days in Maui, you’ll have plenty of time to explore all the island has to offer, including the scenic Road to Hana, expansive sandy beaches, charming island towns, and the spectacular outdoor attractions that lie inland. Here are some suggestions for an unforgettable 48 hours in Maui.

Day 1: The Road to Hana

**Morning:**The 64.4-mile (103.6-kilometer) Hana Highway is considered one of the prettiest drives in the United States. Get an early start as you leave the driving to someone else on a guided tour of this epically scenic stretch of road, with 59 bridges and some 600 curves along the way. 

**Afternoon:**Along the Road to Hana, stop for photo ops at some of Maui’s most picturesque waterfalls. Learn about traditional agricultural traditions of growing taro and breadfruit or hunting pigs at a local village, and go for a swim at Maui’s famous Black Sand Beach before reaching Hana.

**Night:**After a day of sightseeing on Maui’s famous highway, kick back and relax this evening on a sunset dinner cruise. Most cruise packages include live music, drinks, and a multicourse menu featuring favorites like lobster or fresh local seafood.

Day 2: Sun and Sea

**Morning:**Rise before the sun for an early-morning tour to the summit of Haleakala for panoramic views over Maui as day breaks. Bike back down to the beach or continue your exploration of Central Maui with a visit to the Iao Needle inside Iao Valley State Park. 

**Afternoon:**If you’re not on a full-day island tour, now is your chance to hit the beach—nearly any will do, as they’re all lovely—and soak up the Hawaiian sun. Simply spread out a towel and laze away the day, or keep the action coming with a surfing lesson or sailboat snorkeling excursion.

**Night:**Wrap up your 48 hours in Maui with a must-have Hawaiian experience: a luau. These toes-in-the-sand parties often involve watching the sunset on the beach; live hula, music, and fire-dancing performances; and a local buffet featuring traditional dishes like kalua pork and poi. 

With only one day on Maui, it might be tempting to park yourself on the beach and never leave. But the natural and cultural attractions of the Hawaiian island also beckon, and there are several ways to explore them with sun-soaked time to spare. Here are our favorite ways to fill 24 glorious hours on Maui.

Morning: Outdoor Adventure

Maui was made for outdoor fun, so spend your morning enjoying the great outdoors. Get up early—as in, 4:30am—to take in the sunrise from atop Haleakala, Maui’s highest peak, before riding a bicycle back down to the beach. Alternatively, head into the mountains of West Maui to take a zipline tour through the ravines, with spectacular views of the coastline along the way. Both are morning tours, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend the afternoon at your leisure. Take a moment to pick up a picnic lunch replete with fresh local poke (raw seafood salad).

Afternoon: Beach Time

You can’t visit Maui and not spend a bit of time on one of the island’s spectacular beaches. Spend this afternoon relaxing, unwinding, and lunching on the golden sands, occasionally dipping into the cool waters. If you’re game for more activity, opt for a sailing and snorkeling excursion to commune with sea turtles, or sign up for a surfing lesson and learn to catch one of the island’s famous waves. If you’d prefer to stay dry, book a ticket on the Maui Atlantis Submarine to search for reef sharks and tropical fish beneath the waves.

Night: Luau

A luau is a quintessential Hawaiian experience—and the perfect end to a busy day on the island of Maui. There are several shows to choose from: enjoy live drumming, fire twirling, and knife-juggling thrills accompanied by a beachfront buffet, or head to Old Lahaina for a laidback luau with Hawaiian dancing and island crafts. No matter what option you choose, you’ll enjoy sunset views and local fare such as kalua pig, poi, pineapple, and fresh seafood (plus, at many luau, tropical cocktails). If you can’t get enough of the water, set sail on a romantic sunset dinner cruise instead.

While Maui is at the top of many vacationers’ lists of places to visit, budget travelers tend to steer clear of the notoriously expensive Valley Isle. However, if you utilize some of the strategies outlined below, it is possible to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Maui without running out of cash in the process. Here’s how.

Book a Combo Tour

Booking multiple activities in one tour can be a convenient and affordable way to squeeze in two Maui adventures. Combine a cruise around the rugged Molokini Crater with snorkeling in the Turtle Arches reef, or enjoy a kayaking and snorkeling adventure and a hike through the rain forest.

Choose an Experience that Comes with a Meal

Many of Maui’s top tours, such as whale-watching cruises or sunrise hikes at the Haleakala crater, also include a buffet meal of fresh fruit, seafood, and Hawaiian specialties. You can also enjoy a traditional Hawaiian experience by booking tickets to an Old Lahaina Luau, which includes an all-you-can-eat meal of traditional dishes, such as kalua pork and poi.

Take a Tour that Includes Transportation

Many of Maui’s top attractions are in locations that are difficult to reach by public transportation, and the views along the way mean you might not want to drive yourself. Luckily, it is easy to book a tour that transports you to spectacular destinations such as the Hana coast with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Share the Experience

While activities such as surf lessons or sailing excursions can get expensive if you book a private lesson or tour, these types of experiences become surprisingly affordable if you join a group. Plus, by hopping on a group tour, you get to meet new people and take on an adventure with other newbies at your side.

Maui may be most popular among couples and honeymooners, but there are still plenty of family-friendly activities on the Valley Isle. Here are some of the top things to do with kids on Maui.

• Experience local culture and cuisine at a traditional luau (Hawaiian feast).
• Soak up the sun at one of the many beaches on the island, learn to surf, or head out on the water in an outrigger canoe.
• Look for animals while snorkeling, on the Atlantis Submarine or a during a whale watching Cruise (in season), or at the Maui Ocean Center, Lahaina Animal Farm, or Leilani Farm Sanctuary.
• Take to the skies on a helicopter, ziplining, or parasailing adventure.
• Go hiking through lush rainforests in search of waterfalls and pools to swim in.
• Explore Healeakalā National Park, where kids can become junior rangers, on a day trip.

Maui’s most popular attractions and activities—taking the winding Road to Hana, enjoying a sunrise from Haleakala, snorkeling at Molokini—are well known. But it’s worth going off the beaten path to find the island’s hidden gems. Here are some alternative attractions and activities on the Valley Isle.

Nakalele Blowhole

Located just of Poelua Bay and Highway 30 is Nakalele Blowhole, a spectacular natural geyser that shoots seawater up to 100 feet (30 meters) in the air. The blowhole can be viewed from a distance, or you can hike down the jagged black lava rock terrain for a closer look. Also nearby are Nakalele Point Lighthouse and Olivine Pools.

Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

Perched on the slopes of Haleakala, the Ali’i Kua Lavender Farm covers 13.5 acres (5.5 hectares) and is home to more than 50,000 lavender plants, in addition to a variety of native Hawaiian plants. Enjoy garden tours, take classes on using lavender, eat lavender-infused food and drinks, and purchase a wide variety of goods from the gift shop.

Lahaina Jodo Mission

Tucked away from Lahaina’s bustling waterfront, the Lahaina Jodo Mission was constructed in honor of Japanese immigrants and modeled after a Japanese Buddhist temple. The peaceful locale is a unique combination of Japanese culture and Hawaiian history, and it includes one of the largest Buddha statues outside of Asia.

South of Hana

Many people drive to the town of Hana and then turn back around, but there are plenty of attractions south of the town that are worth the journey, particularly within the first 10 miles. Hike through a bamboo forest to get to the Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), or take the scenic Pipiwai Trail. You can also continue on to the remote Pilani Highway, or turn around to make the drive back.

Learn about Maui's Cowboy Culture

Head upcountry to get a taste of Maui’s cowboy (paniolo) culture in and around the rustic town of Makawao where there are still active ranches. Come here to go horseback riding, attend a rodeo or country fair, or spend an afternoon browsing the town’s eclectic mix of art galleries and small boutiques.

From luxury resorts lining white sand beaches to cabins tucked away in lush forests, Maui has a spot for every type of tropical vacation seeker. To find an area with the scenery, weather, and activities you prefer, read on to learn more about the top vacation towns on the Valley Isle. 

Lahaina

A historic whaling village on Maui’s sunny west coast, Lahaina’s quaint downtown sits right on the harbor and provides the perfect getaway for beachgoers, artists, and history buffs. Plus, numerous adventures such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale watching depart from Lahaina. The town’s rich history also makes it the ideal spot to attend a traditional luau. 

Kaanapali

Known for having one of the best beaches in Maui, Kaanapali is also home to some of the island’s top oceanside restaurants and resorts. Located a 10-minute drive up the west coast from Lahaina, Ka’anapali is a great jumping-off point for those seeking adventures on land or sea. For a unique view of the coastline, thrill-seekers can zipline over the picturesque white-sand shores and lush valleys. 

Hana

A remote island paradise far from the shopping and resorts of Maui’s bustling tourist hubs, Hana is a small village at the end of the famous Hana Highway. Set on the rugged east coast, Hana is the place to go if you are looking for solitude, black sand beaches, and waterfalls. To avoid navigating the narrow, arduous highway to reach Hana, book a tour that lets you take in the scenery while someone else does the driving.

Wailea

For luxury resorts, beaches, and golf courses along Maui’s south coast, head to Wailea. South Maui is known for being dry and sunny and offers all of the modern-day comforts alongside nearby outdoor adventures. While staying in Wailea you can explore the surrounding area on kayaking and snorkeling tours that take in the vibrant marine life both above and below the surface.

Kula

Perched on the slopes of Haleakala Crater, Kula is set in Maui’s upcountry and provides a rural, mountain vacation. It's surrounded by farms and conveniently located close to the many adventures within Haleakala National Park. Among its activities are coffee plantation tours, mountain biking down Haleakala, and watching the sunrise from the top of the volcano. Kula is perfect for coffee lovers, thrill seekers, and those looking for something off the beaten path.

Maui’s culinary heritage is rich and diverse; it draws its influence from Polynesia, Portugal, the Philippines, China, Japan, and Korea. A fusion of flavors and traditions, tropical fruit and fresh seafood are staples of Hawaiian cuisine. Here are a few culinary experiences that you can’t miss in Maui.

Must-Try Dishes

Kalua pork is one of Maui’s best-known dishes; it’s slow-roasted in an imu (underground oven), and served with side dishes such as poi (taro root paste). Try it at during a luau (traditional Hawaiian feast) or as part of a loco moco, which comprises your choice of protein, two scoops of rice, and one scoop of macaroni salad. For something lighter, opt for poke, made from fresh fish chopped and marinated with soy sauce and served with add-ons such as seaweed, onions, and avocados. For the ultimate local comfort food, try some Japanese-inspired spam musubi (fried spam is wrapped in rice and Japanese seaweed), or a bowl of saimin, a noodle dish with south Asian roots and a unique Hawaiian twist.

For dessert, popular options include malasadas, deep fried Portuguese doughnuts rolled in sugar and served with dipping sauces such as lilikoi (passion fruit) butter; shave ice, served with syrup, and sometimes ice cream and condensed milk; haupia, a coconut milk pudding served in squares; or even just some fresh fruit, such as pineapple, lilikoi, or mango.

Must-Do Experiences

• To truly experience the culture of the islands, be sure to attend a luau and sample staples such as kalua pork.
• Join a food tour to experience the diversity of local favorites, including locally-brewed beer.
• Tour a farm or plantation to try fresh produce, fruit, coffee, or wine.
• Board a sunset dinner cruise and enjoy a multi-course feast as you watch a magical sunset.

With its mix of busy, developed beach resorts and off-the-beaten path coastal parks, Maui has something for everyone. Whether you want to surf, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun, here are some of the best Maui beaches.

Kaanapali Beach

Conveniently close to the resort of Lahaina, Kaanapali is a popular beach area with good swimming and snorkeling. Every evening around sunset, cliff divers jump into the sea from Puu Kekaa (Black Rock).

Olowalu Beach

If you want to snorkel, Olowalu Beach is your best bet. Sometimes referred to as Turtle Reef, the reef off this beach is full of ancient coral heads and diverse marine life that spans sea turtles to manta rays.

Papalaua Beach

Although it's situated right off of a major highway, the narrow beach of Papalaua Wayside Park draws fewer crowds than most of Maui’s best-known beaches. Here you'll find plenty of surfers and body boarders, but not many parking spaces, which tends to keep the crowds at bay. Camping is allowed here with a permit, except on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Wailea Beach

On the southern part of the island, this well-maintained beach is good for swimming and snorkeling and features all sorts of water sports activities. It's a popular spot for sunbathers, with plenty of shaded lounge chairs flanking its shores, and the excellent facilities encompass a paved walkway, showers, and bathrooms.

While most people associate Maui with lazy beach days and endless evening cocktails, the island offers plenty for culture lovers too. Here are a few ways to get your culture fix during your next trip to Maui.

Attend a Luau

For a glimpse of traditional Hawaiian culture, attend a luau, a restaurant that combines live entertainment with traditional food. Expect to see hulu and fire dancing performances set to music while you dine on traditional food such as poi (taro paste) and roasted Kalua pig. 

Check out Local Museums

Maui has a number of small museums, many of which are housed in historic buildings. Highlights include archaeological artifacts and memorabilia-filled exhibits that showcase life on the islands in the 19th and early-20th centuries.

Set Sail on a Traditional Outrigger Canoe

Used by Polynesians since ancient times, outrigger canoes were instrumental in migration during the Austronesian period. To experience how ancient people sailed the seas, take a boat trip out in a modern incarnation of these sea canoes.

Take an Art Class

With its beautiful scenery and laid-back vibes, Maui has long been popular among artists; many have set up shop on the island and now make a living creating and teaching art. If you’re the crafty type, consider taking an art class; options range from glass blowing classes to paint-and-sip parties.

Couples from around the world flock to Maui to enjoy a Hawaiian honeymoon, to celebrate anniversaries, or just for an amorous getaway. From seaside candlelit dinners and couples massages to swimming under hidden waterfalls and watching the sunrise, here are some of Maui’s most romantic activities.

Highlights

• Feast on delicious, fresh seafood during a sunset dinner cruise aboard a luxurious yacht or catamaran, enjoying dancing and live music, mai tais, views of the West Maui Mountains, the spectacular Maui sunset, and stargazing along the way

• Drive the winding jungle Road to Hana and swim in the blue-green freshwater pool below Twin Falls

• Take a snorkeling tour to see colorful reef fish inside a collapsed underwater volcano at Molokini Crater

• Start the day together by witnessing the colorful panoramic views of a Haleakala sunrise

• Book a traditional Hawaiian lomilomi couples massage in an ocean-view cabana

• Visit various local businesses to sip Maui-made wine, taste delicious Maui goat cheese, and stroll rolling purple lavender fields

• Fly over Maui’s mountains and waterfalls on a scenic helicopter tour

• Look for large marine life like dolphins and visiting humpbacks on a whale-watching tour departing from Wailea or Lahaina

Maui has long been known as a surfing destination, though it’s an equally great place to kayak or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, a water sport that’s gained popularity over the past few years. Here are some of your options.

Surfing

With surfing conditions suited to all abilities—and a surf school on almost every beach—Maui is a great place to hit the waves, whether you’re a novice or a professional. For an introduction to surfing basics, sign up for a beginner class or enhance existing skills during a multi-day workshop.

Paddleboarding

With calm waters ideal for paddleboarding, Hawaii is the perfect place to try your hand at this popular new watersport. To maximize your time in Maui, sign up for a tour that combines paddleboarding with multiple snorkel stops. 

Kayaking

Sea kayaking has long been a favorite Hawaiian pastime, and for good reason; it's a great way to achieve unobstructed views of the coastline and increase your chances of spotting whales and dolphins. Some kayaking tours offer the option to paddle out to remote beaches or stop at the reef for world-class snorkeling.

Staying on Maui but want to day trip to another Hawaiian Island? With easy interisland tours, you can experience it all—no need to restrict yourself to just one Hawaiian paradise. From Oahu to the Big Island, here are the top things to see and do when you’re island-hopping from Maui.

Oahu Day Trips from Maui

With sights like Pearl Harbor and Waikiki, a trip to Oahu is both memorable and historic. Day-trippers can visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, take a scenic tour of downtown Honolulu, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the moment that propelled the United States into World War II. A Pearl Harbor excursion takes you from the site of the Japanese attack on Oahu to the signing of the armistice aboard the USS Missouri. Some day tours include a stop along the iconic North Shore of Oahu, known for its world-class surfing.

Big Island Day Trips from Maui

The Big Island of Hawaii is the only Hawaiian isle to have active volcanoes. Needless to say these are some of the Big Island’s most popular attractions, and they are most amazing and beautiful when seen from the air. For this reason, scenic helicopter tours from Maui are a great way for adventurous travelers not only to see Maui’s coast, inland waterfalls, and Haleakala Crater from above, but also to witness the majestic volcanoes of Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Kilauea—the world’s most active volcano. On-land tours also include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, lava tubes, Hilo, and Rainbow Falls.

Things to Know

• Interisland tours include roundtrip airfare, on-ground transportation, meals, and any entry tickets needed.

• All interisland tours require air travel, but don't worry—most flights are under one hour.

• Full-day tours run from eight to 14 hours, while helicopter sightseeing tours from Maui are typically only two to three hours long.

The majority of Maui’s history-focused museums are housed in well-preserved historic buildings. If you’re interested in learning about what life in Maui used to be like, check out some of these must-see museums. 

Baldwin Home Museum

Located in a historic house, the Baldwin Home Museum in Lahaina offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century Maui. The collection exhibits memorabilia from the original owner—a physician by the name of Reverend Dwight Baldwin—and intricate period furnishings.

Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House

Run by the Maui Historical Society, Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House boasts the largest collection of Hawaiian artefacts in the country. Exhibits showcase ancient fishing and cooking tools alongside Missionary and Plantation Era artefacts, and royal memorabilia.

Hana Cultural Center and Museum

If you're interested in Maui’s customs and traditions, don't miss this museum. Here, you'll find a large collection of items used in daily life and worship; a replica of a chief's compound from pre-contact times; and a historic courthouse that's still in use. 

Makawao History Museum

Dedicated to preserving the history of the little town of Makawao, the lilliputian Makawao History Museum has an everchanging programme of exhibits. Past exhibits have focused on everything from plantation life to locally-made stick horses.

Wo Hing Museum

Once a community center for Chinese workers on the island, the restored Wo Hing Museum reveals what life was like on the island a century ago. There’s a temple and an old cookhouse, and a community kitchen that doubles as a cinema that shows films about Hawaiian life.

With its unusual mix of Polynesian traditions and international influences, you won’t find Hawaii's cuisine anywhere else. From poke and pao to loco moco, here are a few dishes to sample on your next trip to Maui.

Ahi Poke: Currently the most popular Hawaiian dish on the mainland, poke combines raw, diced fish with salty soy sauce. The popular ahi version is made with yellowfin tuna.

Loco Moco: Best saved for a cheat day, loco moco is a rich concoction of rice, meat (usually ground beef, pork, or Hawaii's beloved Spam) that’s topped with rich gravy and a fried egg.

Manapua: Hailing from Southern China, where it's known as bao, manapua is a prime example of the Cantonese influence on Hawaiian cuisine. The larger, Hawaiian version of the fluffy buns are usually stuffed with marinated pork (though chicken and yam versions are also popular) and either steamed or baked.

Poi: The staple food of the Hawaiian Islands for generations, poi is a paste made from taro that's pounded into a porridge-like consistency. It's traditionally cooked underground and sometimes left to ferment to achieve a subtle sour taste.

Shave Ice: The Hawaiian version of the snowcone, shave ice is a saccharine dessert in which ice is shaved off a large block and drenched with sweet syrup. Ask for Japanese-style if you want yours topped with condensed milk.