Why You Should Visit Maui: The Ultimate Guide to the Valley Isle
Wailea-Makena’s Golden Sand Beach
Maui is a dream destination that blends adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty into one unforgettable experience. Known as the Valley Isle, Maui offers diverse landscapes ranging from golden, black, and red sand beaches to lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic craters. Whether you're snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater, driving the scenic Road to Hana, or hiking to the summit of Haleakalā for a breathtaking sunrise, every moment on Maui feels like paradise. The island's laid-back yet vibrant vibe makes it perfect for those looking to reset, explore, and immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture. With world-class snorkeling, scenic hikes, unforgettable sunsets, and the best pineapple of all of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Maui continues to be one of our favorite places to visit. One of the main reasons we keep going back isn’t just for the amazing scenery but because each visit to Maui offers you a different type of experience. We hope you take the opportunity to experience the diverse Valley Isle of Maui.
Why Visit Maui?
Maui is best for:
Relaxation – With soft, sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, Maui is perfect for unwinding.
Scenic Drives – The Road to Hana is a must-do experience filled with waterfalls, lush greenery, and incredible coastal views.
Adventure – Hike Haleakalā for a breathtaking sunrise, snorkel at Molokini Crater & Turtle Town, or explore the island’s lava formations.
Wildlife Encounters – Spot sea turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park, watch humpback whales from Wailea-Makena, and snorkel with tropical fish at Kapalua Bay Beach.
Incredible Food – Try the best pineapple of the Hawaiian islands, fresh seafood, and local favorites like poke and BBQ.
Both High End Luxury and Budget Conscious Travelers — You can stay at some of the most amazing 5 star resorts or camp out along the beach (with a permit!) in a tent as the waves gently lap at the shore.
Best Time to Visit Maui
April to May & September to November – These months are shoulder season for Maui. Ideal for smaller crowds, lower prices, and pleasant weather. You can also spot whales in Maui from November to May.
December to March – Best months for whale watching but expect higher prices during Christmas and New Years. These months can be a little cooler and wetter. Winter storms can bring rougher water for swimming. Our personal favorite is going in March where you can watch the whales breaching during migration.
June to August – Peak summer season and hottest time of the year. These months are great for families for summer break but with more visitors come higher prices.
Renting a Car in Maui
Having a rental car is essential for exploring Maui at your own pace. Many of the island’s top attractions, such as the Road to Hana, Haleakalā*, and hidden beaches, are best accessed with a vehicle. Be sure to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
*Haleakalā - if you are planning on hiking or driving up the volcano to watch the sunrise, make sure to leave by 3 AM unless you’re staying closer to the park in areas like Hana.
Things to Know Before You Go
Reservations Required – Popular attractions, such as watching the sunrise at Haleakalā ($15 state park fee) and visits to Waiʻānapanapa State Park, require reservations in advance.
Respect Nature & Wildlife – Do not touch or disturb sea turtles or other marine life -the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu) is a protected species. Please do not litter and if you see trash blowing, try your best to grab it and throw it away. We are always on the look out for trash that may have blown away. Help keep the beaches and oceans clean and safe for you and generations to come. Hawaii is a special place and we hope you will help preserve its beauty and leave no trace.
Weather Variability – Maui has multiple micro-climates, so be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring warm clothing and a jacket if you plan on heading to Haleakalā for sunrise. Temperatures can be in the 40s-50s Fahrenheit on the mountain at this time.
Road Conditions – Some roads, particularly the Road to Hana, can be narrow and very windy, so drive carefully. We recommend driving back from the road to Hana before dark. It was a white knuckle experience at night with some rain and the blackest night sky we have ever seen.
Drive with Aloha! Remember that even if the mileage looks “short” it will take a long time to drive most places. Be patient, be prepared for cars pulling out from side streets, and enjoy the journey and the views!
We recommend visiting Maui for 4 days for a quick relaxing trip and visiting part of the island or doing 1-2 excursions. Even better, visit for 5-6 days to be able to explore and enjoy all that Maui has to offer!
Where to Stay in Maui: Best Areas & Accommodations
West Maui (Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kapalua)
Aston Ka’anapali Shores
Vibe: Lively, tourist-friendly, great for first-timers.
Best for: Beach lovers, families, and honeymooners.
Accommodations:
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa – Luxury resort on Ka’anapali Beach.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa – Oceanfront with great amenities.
Aston Ka’anapali Shores — We stayed here the first time we visited Maui. We really enjoyed the pools, outdoor space, and beach access.
Napili Kai Beach Resort – A more relaxed beachfront resort.
Great Restaurants:
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop – Famous for their delicious pies and sandwiches.
Star Noodle – Asian-inspired dishes with fresh island flavors. If you like sake cocktails you will want to check this place out!
Aloha Mixed Plate — Open air patio serving large Hawaiian platters (fish, coconut shrimp, moco loco, and of course mai tais)
South Maui (Wailea-Makena, Kihei)
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Overlooking the Andaz pool and the Pacific in our welcome leis - this was a great spot for whale watching from the resort.
Vibe: Upscale, luxurious, lots of sunshine. Golden sand beaches, golfing, snorkeling with sea turtles (honu), outdoor shopping malls.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, whale watching, some of the best beaches.
Accommodations:
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – High-end luxury resort featuring a spa, yoga, and beach access.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – Boutique-style luxury. We absolutely loved this hotel and is one of our all-time favorites. The resort offers multiple infinity pools, a huge children’s pool, quick access to a beach with beach chairs provided by the Andaz. The restaurants and views are fantastic and one of our favorite memories is watching the whales breaching and swimming by while soaking in the infinity pools. Absolutely awesome.
AC Marriott Hotel — We stayed here previously and loved the pool, outdoor bar, and views of the island and ocean. A very short walk (5-10 mins) to shopping, dining, and the beach.
Maui Coast Hotel – More budget-friendly in Kihei with good amenities like hot tubs, pool, and pool bar. Quick walk to the beach.
Great Restaurants:
Matteo’s Osteria - Trattoria offering delicious Italian dishes and a large wine selection.
Nick’s Fishmarket – A fine-dining seafood restaurant with a great wine selection.
The Pint & Cork - Tavern with a pub menu, craft beer, and cocktails.
Maui Brewing Company - Huge microbrewery with sweeping views of the island and great beers. Try the blonde ale!
East Maui (Hana)
Vibe: Remote, lush, amazing natural beauty with different color sand beaches and ample hiking trails with waterfalls.
Best for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, Road to Hana travelers.
Accommodations:
Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt– Luxury retreat surrounded by nature.
Heavenly Hana Paradise – A cozy and peaceful getaway.
Great Restaurants:
Hana Farms Road side stand - Great for baked goods.
Thai Food by Pranee - Small outpost for Thai food in the tropical scenery.
Braddah Hutts BBQ Grill – A local favorite for delicious Hawaiian BBQ.
There are a bunch of tasty food trucks to check out in this area!
North Shore (Pa’ia)
Vibe: Laid back, hippie vibe. Less developed, colorful small towns. Has wonderful natural beauty with dramatic cliffs, and this area receives more rain so yields very tropical landscapes.
Best for: Surfing and wind surfing and those looking for a laid-back, authentic Hawaiian experience.
Accommodations:
Paia Inn Hotel - Convenient location in Pa’ia town, charming hotel, short walk down to the beach
Quaint Paia Beach House - VRBO great for the family
Great Restaurants:
Mama’s Fish House - A must-visit for fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
Flatbread Company - Wood-fired Pizzas with fresh, organic ingredients
Upcountry Maui (Kula, Makawao)
Vibe: Quiet, scenic, cooler temperatures due to the higher elevation on the slopes of Maui’s volcano, Haleakalā.
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers, great for those visiting Haleakalā for adventure seeking or stargazing, & watching the sunrise.
Accommodations:
Hawaiian Dream Temple – A charming rustic retreat near Haleakalā.
Lumeria Maui – A tranquil wellness retreat.
Banyan Tree B&B Retreat- B&B offering great beautiful scenic views in the mountains.
Great Restaurants:
Marlow - Italian restaurant with sourdough pizzas and pasta dishes.
Mahalo Aleworks - Great views with tasty food trucks and live music.
The Colorful Beaches of Maui
Golden Sand Beaches – Found throughout the island, including Ka’anapali, Wailea, and Makena Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Black Sand Beaches
Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach – Located along the Road to Hana in the state park, this stunning beach features jet-black volcanic sand and a sea arch. Reservations required.
Oneuli Beach - Small secluded beach that has a salt and pepper look, popular local spot. Recommended for beach lounging or taking a stroll on this unique beach. Take care if going for a dip or putting your feet in the water - there are lots of rocks and hidden spiny sea urchins. Water shoes highly recommended!
Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach, Hana) – A hidden gem with deep red sand, surrounded by rugged cliffs, offering a secluded experience. You’ll take a short, narrow trail to get there but the views are worth it!
Top Things to Do in Maui
Explore the Road to Hana
Ke'anae Arboretum – See the mesmerizing Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees. Nice place to walk around with good shade and exotic trees and plants. Comes up quickly on a hairpin turn with limited signage but thankfully the parking are is just past it. Free parking on opposite side of street
Waiʻānapanapa State Park – Visit the famous Black Sand Beach and sea arch. Click here for reservations.
Hana Lava Tube – Discover underground lava formations. Currently $15 paid on arrival, lots of signage with educational information, and flashlights provided.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach – A secluded red sand beach with stunning views.
Wailua Falls – A breathtaking waterfall worth stopping for. Hike through the bamboo forest and go for a dip to cool off!
If you would rather more of a peaceful journey to take in all of the waterfalls and scenery vs paying attention to the sharp bends in the road and narrow lanes, consider booking a tour to Hana!
Snorkeling & Sailing Adventures
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town – It is said that the crater was once a beautiful woman turned to stone by the goddess of fire and volcanoes. What we see today are the remnants of a violent volcanic eruption from over 230,000 years ago - it features crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, abundant marine life, and a sanctuary to sea birds. Come here for one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. You will leave on a boat from Maalaea Harbor and sail for about an hour until you reach Molokini. Afterwards, many tours will stop at Turtle Town where you can see Honu feeding in the water. Be sure to book your tour and enjoy this amazing snorkel area!
Kapalua Bay Beach – This golden sand beach features warm, calm, and clear waters great for swimming, paddle boarding, snorkeling with colorful fish and turtles. This is a great beach for families - it has the calmest waters on the island year-round. There is also the easy Kapalua Coast Trail which offers wonderful views of the beaches, coastal cliffs, and whales from November - May.
Teralani Sailing Adventures – Enjoy a scenic sailing tour from Lahaina. They offer snorkel tours, dolphin sails, and sunset cocktail and dinner catamarans. The first time we visited Maui, we won a raffle at our hotel for a sunset sail and it was truly a peaceful experience.
For your ocean explorations, consider bringing the following:
Snorkel mask – While tours provide snorkel gear, bringing your own ensures a better fit and more comfort for longer sessions or if you are planning to discover snorkeling spots on your own.
GoPro or waterproof camera – Essential for capturing underwater moments like the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (honu) and dolphins. We recommend a GoPro (with a waterproof handle) for high quality resolution. Other waterproof cameras are fine as well, just make sure to find one with high resolution to capture those epic underwater moments.
Dry bag – You’ll want a good dry back, especially if you are planning on hiking to beaches and taking boat tours. These will keep your valuables safe from water damage during boat rides and wet beach walks.
Water Shoes! - Volcanic islands can have plenty of sharp lava rocks in the water. These will keep your feet protected from the rocks, hot sand, and act as a barrier in case of sea urchins lurking below the surface (you may find them attached to shores with rocky bottoms).
Hiking & Nature
Haleakalā – Hike to the summit for an unforgettable sunrise. Be sure to book reservations in advance for the sunrise experience. Click here for permits and reservations for the National Park. You can also do ziplining across canyons while reaching speeds of 45 mph! The ziplining is located a few miles outside of the national park. If you plan on going for the sunrise, it is a long drive to the summit (2 plus hours through winding roads). We would recommend booking a tour unless you are a morning person and have your coffee ready to go!
Nakalele Blowhole & Heart-Shaped Rock – A unique natural wonder with dramatic rocky shores and ocean views. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear - you’ll be walking on jagged lava rock.
Ho'okipa Beach Park – Watch sea turtles basking on the shore and windsurfers in action.
Wailea Beach Path - 3 mile coastal path with great beach and island views. Picturesque sunrise and sunset walk. Takes you past multiple beaches, resorts, and restaurants. The starting/end points are the Fairmont Kea Lani and the Andez Maui.
Cultural Events and Landmarks
Attend a Luau that reflects Hawaiian culture the best. The Old Lahaina Luau for example, focuses on authentic Hawaiian history, food, music, and Hawaiian dance vs incorporating other Polynesian cultures.
Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock) - Ancient Hawaiians believed this was the place where their spirits would jump off to join their ancestors. Today, it is used as a cliff jumping area and for snorkeling and diving (please note that strong currents can occur here). During each sunset, there is a torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony here to honor King Kahekii - one of his favorite place to cliff jump. You can grab a bite to eat at the Cliff Dive Grill and watch!
Maui Historical Society - View a historical home containing Hawaiian artifacts.
Many resorts and tours offer Hawaiian cultural classes led by skilled native Hawaiians including ‘ukulele classes, lei making, lauhala weaving, and kukui nut bracelet making. The classes usually are accompanied by “talk story” or sharing stories to pass down knowledge and wisdom — this way you’ll learn about the history of the activity.
How to give back:
Lahaina town is still rebuilding in areas from the fire of August 2023. Give back to the local communities affected by the drop in tourism to Lahaina and other West Maui areas. You can show your support by visiting and considering the following:
Maui Pineapple Tour - Take a tour of the pineapple farm and try the best Hawaiian pineapples (Maui Gold)!
The Maui Chocolate Factory Experience - On Sundays, they offer a Factory experience and donate 100% of the ticket sales to rotating local Maui nonprofits.
Visit local shops like Native Intelligence - Boutique store championing Native Hawaiian craftsmanship. Jewelry, Koa wood creations, apparel, and other locally made products/gifts can be found here.
Please consider voluntourism opportunities and be a part of the Maui recovery efforts. Find out more here!
Final Thoughts
Maui is a true paradise, offering a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and stunning landscapes. Whether you want to snorkel with sea turtles, go for the whale watching, experience the sunrise over Haleakalā, take a hike to a towering waterfall, or unwind on golden beaches, Maui has it all. Pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of the Valley Isle!
Considering a trip to Kauai as well? Check out our Kauai Blog!