Maui isn’t Hawaii’s best-kept secret—it’s quite the opposite. The destination delivers a picturesque, diverse landscape that attracts enough visitors to make it popular, but not enough to feel overrun. You can still find a quiet stretch of beach to watch whales, dolphins, and stingrays against the backdrop of a Technicolor sunset.
Each of Hawaii’s islands has its specialty, and Maui’s is arguably hospitality. The people are gracious, the customer service is top-notch, and the activities are seemingly endless. You can find the perfect balance of low-key beach days, high-end shopping, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, resulting in a custom vacation that suits your style. Read on for just a taste of what the Valley Isle has to offer.
Stay.
If it’s your first trip to Maui, select a resort with on-site restaurants and activities or a hotel or condo rental that’s within walking distance of beaches and town. Kihei and Wailea are located in South Maui and offer easy access to miles of beautiful white-sand beaches. In West Maui, Kapalua and Kaanapali (north of Lahaina town) have rockier shorelines, but greater access to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, so there is plenty to do for the whole family.
Play.
Although you can find evening entertainment, Maui is made for daytime activities. Once the sun sets (between approximately 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. year round), the island gets dark.Very dark. So, take advantage of the sunrises and hit the beach. Water activities abound, and you can schedule a lesson or rent equipment for snorkeling, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, or outrigger canoeing. Hit the links or just relax and bask in the sun on the thirty miles of Maui beaches.
Adventure.
The Road to Hana, which features 600 curves and fifty-four bridges, is touted as one of the most scenic drives in the world. While it’s not ideal for those prone to motion sickness, the views and experiences along the way are worth the drive. If you stop for nature walks, you’ll be rewarded with waterfalls, groves of rainbow eucalyptus, and a black-sand beach.
Another once-in-a-lifetime experience on Maui is sunrise on Haleakala. The national park is home to Maui’s highest peak, where you can watch the sunrise and sunset above the clouds. You can hike or bike it, too. On the way back down the mountain, stop at one of the more leisurely attractions. Visit the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm for soaps and scents, Surfing Goat Dairy for soaps and cheeses, or one of the several wineries that specialize in island-style pineapple wine.
When to Visit & Top Tips
Although dramatic changes in weather don’t come with the seasons on Maui, different times of the year bring different experiences. Winter brings a welcome escape for those who live in chilly climes and the holidays are oh so charming; it’s also especially windy, which limits water excursions. Summer sees a bit more heat than the rest of the year, and it’s when many families visit. Autumn is that shoulder-season sweet spot when things are a bit sleepier.
There are plenty of eateries with island-style ambience. But if you have access to a kitchen, consider making some of your meals at your residence. Shop Foodland or Costco to save money and time when you’d rather be on the road or at the beach than waiting in a restaurant.
Yellow Hibiscus
On Maui, tropical blooms are present year round; fragrant flowers are part of the island’s sensory experience. Although you’ll find plenty of ornamental hibiscus across Hawaii, only one can claim the state’s top spot: the yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei). The official state flower is endangered in its natural habitats and only found in Hawaii.
