When island time sounds like the perfect pace for your next getaway, grab your flip-flops and hop on a plane to Maui. This Hawaiian island marries urban adventure with scenic outdoor beauty, making it the ideal destination for just about any type of traveler. Whether you want to trek through a bamboo forest or take a spearfishing tour on the water, you can find things to do in Maui that speak to your personal brand of the aloha spirit.
Areas & Neighborhoods
While Maui is universally stunning, it is also divided into several distinct areas. Some cities on the island are tucked away, while others are bustling and right in the thick of the culture and action. No matter the nature of your trip, you can find a part of Maui where you feel right at home.
- Central Maui — If you fly into Kahului Airport, the largest airport on the island, you will begin your vacation in Central Maui. There are plenty of attractions and activities here, from the Kanaha Beach County Park to the small shops in Waikulu.
- Upcountry Maui — Travelers seeking an off the beaten path experience will appreciate a trip to the upcountry part of Maui. In the rolling hills and stunning mountains of this region, activities include tours of local farms and slow wanders through botanical gardens.
- West Maui — Staying on the west side of the island used to be reserved for royalty and other well-to-do travelers. Today, anyone can enjoy the impressive resorts. Some of the best water activities in Maui are also found here—take advantage by snorkeling out beyond the shores of Kapalua Beach.
- East Maui — The most popular spot in east Maui is Hana, for which the 52-mile Hana Highway is named. Expect lush forestry and national parkland on this side of the island.
Things to See in Maui
While Maui activities may seem to be calling your name, there are some things worth seeing on the island that are a bit less adventurous than diving beneath the sea or hiking a rainforest. For instance, the museums and art galleries in Maui offer intriguing exhibits. Learn something new as you walk through sites like Hana Coast Gallery or Whalers Village Museum. Take in a ‘Ulalena show that only Hawaii could put on at the Maui Theater or a classic magic show at Warren and Annabelle’s.
Things to Do & Attractions in Maui
The best things to do in Maui are difficult to nail down, simply because there are so many activities to choose from. Snorkel, scuba dive, or learn to windsurf while you’re feeling the Hawaiian spirit. Maui excursions include hikes in Hana that lead to rushing waterfalls and Kihei paddle boat adventures that might just put you face to face with a sea turtle. Maui tours may also put you atop a volcano or speeding along a zipline as you make your way from one side of the island to the other.
