Hawaiian vacations are meant to be relaxing, but there are so many different attractions in Maui that visiting can seem overwhelming. After all, how are you supposed to snorkel Molokini, drive the Road to Hana, watch sunrise at Haleakalā — and still lie out by the pool?
This is one of the reasons that visitors return to Maui time and again; to experience the different Maui attractions they didn’t see the first time around. Since trying to cram them all into one trip can easily sap the enjoyment, consider choosing a few Maui attractions and simply focusing on those.
For example, if outdoor adventure is the top priority, some of the best places to visit in Maui are snorkeling spots like Honolua Bay or scuba diving Molokini Crater. Start the day ziplining in Kapalua before driving to Nakalele Blowhole, and spend a day hiking and swimming beneath waterfalls while driving the Road to Hana. Read more
Beaches, of course, are some of the most popular Maui attractions, and with dozens of sandy stretches of shoreline, Maui is a place where you could spend every day of vacation at a different beach. In fact, four of Maui’s most popular beaches — Ka‘anapali, Wailea, D.T. Fleming, and Kapalua — have been awarded the title of “Best Beach in America” in the rankings by Dr. Beach. Other beaches, like Hamoa Beach in Hana, consistently make the top 10, or you could always find a hidden beach that’s well off the beaten path. For shopping, dining, and entertainment, nowhere has a higher concentration of shops than famous Front Street in Lahaina. Watch the sunset while eating mahimahi on the oceanfront deck at Kimo’s, or shop for paintings, carvings, and crafts at the weekend Banyan Tree market. In the past few years, Paʻia has started to rival Lahaina for artwork and fashionable boutiques, as has the Upcountry town of Makawao for jewelry and women’s fashion.
Finally, Haleakalā Crater is undoubtedly one of Maui’s top attractions, but there are other ways to visit the crater than waking up early for sunrise. Make the drive during the middle of the day and enjoy some afternoon hiking, or finish the perfect Maui day with a Haleakalā sunset. Just because sunrise is one of the most popular Maui tourist attractions, doesn’t mean it’s the only time to find magic up on the mountain.
