Travel Guide • Maui, Hawaiʻi
A responsible, experience‑driven guide to Maui's beaches, hikes, culture, and once‑in‑a‑lifetime views.
Last updated
Written by Kalisa Martin
Travel Expert and Experience Curator specializing in Immersive, place-respectful travel and experience design, with content reviewed against official tourism and park resources.
Fact‑checking focuses on opening hours, reservation requirements, safety guidance, and current travel updates.
This article is informational only and not a substitute for checking real‑time conditions, closures, or regulations on linked official websites before you travel.
Highly-rated experiences across the island
Journey through Maui's legendary coastal drive with an expert guide. Discover hidden waterfalls, black sand beaches, and pristine rainforests with hotel pickup and lunch included.
Get eye-level with humpback whales or dolphins on an eco-friendly raft adventure departing from Lahaina. Small groups ensure an intimate wildlife experience.
Visit a working pineapple farm in Upcountry Maui to learn about sustainable agriculture, taste fresh pineapple varieties, and explore the fields with local guides.
Maui, often called "The Valley Isle", sits between two massive volcanoes and cradles a fertile central plain. Within a single day you can watch sunrise above the clouds, swim with sea turtles, walk through bamboo forests, and end your evening with live music by the ocean.
In recent years, Maui has also faced profound challenges, including the 2023 Lāhainā wildfires and ongoing efforts to balance tourism with local quality of life. Choosing where you stay, how you spend, and which activities you book has a direct impact on island communities. Think of this guide as a starting point for planning a trip that is both unforgettable and respectful.
Yes—Maui continues to welcome visitors, especially to areas like South Maui, Upcountry, Central Maui, and parts of West Maui outside the core wildfire‑affected zones. At the same time, some areas remain in long‑term recovery. Before you finalize plans, review the latest updates from Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's Maui Recovery information for visitors and the County of Maui's Maui Recovers site.
Below you'll find a curated list of top things to do across Maui, followed by practical tips and links to authoritative resources. Use the official sites linked near the end of this page to double‑check reservation requirements, park alerts, and community guidance right before you travel.
Handpicked activities, cultural experiences, and adventures curated by local experts and loved by travelers worldwide
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater, a protected marine sanctuary teeming with tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs.
Experience the famous Road to Hana in comfort aboard a Mercedes van. Stop at stunning waterfalls, tropical gardens, and scenic overlooks with lunch included.
Watch the sun rise above the clouds at 10,000 feet atop Haleakala volcano. Includes hotel pickup, warm beverages, and expert guide commentary.
Stand at the edge of a massive volcanic crater that looks like the surface of the moon. One of Maui's most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Explore over 30,000 acres of volcanic landscapes, rare wildlife, and sacred Hawaiian sites from summit to sea at this stunning national park.
Hike through a magical bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls on this iconic 4-mile roundtrip trail in the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park.
Relax on one of Maui's most famous beaches with golden sand, calm waters for swimming, and spectacular sunset views along the West Maui coast.
Watch world-class windsurfers and surfers ride powerful waves, or spot sea turtles resting on the shore at this iconic North Shore beach.
Tour a working cacao farm in West Maui, learn about bean-to-bar chocolate making, and taste freshly crafted Hawaiian chocolate in a beautiful tropical setting.
From iconic adventures to hidden gems, here are our carefully curated recommendations for making the most of your Maui journey
Embark on one of the world's most scenic drives with 600+ curves and 50+ one-lane bridges. Stop only in designated areas, respect private property, and follow local safety guidelines to protect East Maui's communities and fragile ecosystems.
Wake up before dawn to witness an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park. At over 10,000 feet, the crater landscape feels otherworldly. A sunrise vehicle reservation is required between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., so book early.
Take a permitted boat tour to this crescent-shaped volcanic crater. Snorkel in clear waters teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs while following reef-safe practices and using mineral-based sunscreen.
Enjoy golden sand, calm waters, and excellent swimming conditions on one of South Maui's signature beaches. Ideal for families, honeymooners, and anyone seeking a luxurious but relaxed beach day.
Walk through lush tropical vegetation to view the iconic ʻĪao Needle and learn about the valley's deep cultural and historical significance in Hawaiian history. Stay on marked trails to help protect native plants and sacred sites.
Learn about Hawaiian and wider Polynesian traditions through food, music, and storytelling. Look for luaus that prioritize cultural accuracy and local ownership, and always check current operating status and community guidance before booking.
This marine life conservation district is known for excellent snorkeling in calm summer months and powerful surf in winter. Enter only at designated access points and avoid standing on coral or disturbing marine life.
Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a historic whaling port. After the devastating 2023 wildfires, much of the town is in long-term recovery. Check official recovery resources before planning any visit and follow all closures, detours, and community guidance with utmost respect.
Paddle along Maui's south coast with a certified guide and snorkel with honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) in their natural habitat. Keep a respectful distance, as sea turtles are protected under U.S. and Hawaiʻi law.
In the Kīpahulu section of Haleakalā National Park, this 4-mile roundtrip trail takes you through bamboo forests to 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Pack proper footwear, water, and check park alerts for weather or trail closures.
From roughly December to April, humpback whales migrate to Maui's warm waters. Join a responsible whale-watching tour that follows federal viewing distance guidelines and supports local conservation efforts.
Explore Wailuku's local shops and art, then head Upcountry to visit farms, botanical gardens, and scenic lookouts over the central valley. These areas offer a quieter, everyday glimpse of island life beyond the resort zones.
Everything you need to know before planning your Maui adventure
The best time to visit Maui is during the shoulder seasons: April–May and September–November. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more availability at hotels and vacation rentals without peak-season pricing.
If you want to see humpback whales, plan for December–April. Summer (June–August) brings the best snorkeling conditions but also the highest prices and largest crowds.
Yes, renting a car is highly recommended for most Maui visitors. Public transportation is limited, and many of the island's best experiences—like the Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, and hidden beaches—require your own vehicle.
Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as availability can be limited and prices increase closer to your travel dates.
We recommend at least 5-7 days to experience Maui's highlights without feeling rushed. This gives you time for the Road to Hana, Haleakalā sunrise, snorkeling, beach days, and cultural experiences.
If you have 10+ days, you can explore at a slower pace, visit Upcountry farms, take multiple water excursions, and truly unwind into island time.
Yes, but only if you approach it respectfully. The Road to Hana is a stunning coastal drive with 600+ curves and access to waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rainforests. However, it passes through East Maui communities that deal with heavy traffic and visitor impact.
Stop only in designated areas, respect private property, follow all posted signs, and consider booking a small-group tour with an experienced local guide who can share cultural context and minimize your impact.
Yes, a sunrise vehicle reservation is required if you want to enter Haleakalā National Park between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Reservations are available up to 60 days in advance at Recreation.gov and sell out quickly during peak seasons.
You will also need to pay the regular park entrance fee separately. Plan to arrive early and dress warmly—it can be 30-40°F colder at the summit than at sea level.
Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen (required by law), a reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for higher elevations.
For sunrise at Haleakalā, bring warm layers—it can be 30-40°F colder at the summit than at sea level. Don't forget swimwear, a hat, and sunglasses for beach days.
Yes, Maui is one of the more expensive Hawaiian islands. Expect to pay premium prices for accommodations, dining, rental cars, and activities.
To save money, consider staying in shoulder season, booking vacation rentals with kitchens, shopping at local markets like Foodland or Down to Earth, and choosing some free activities like beach days and scenic drives.
Yes, you can swim year-round, though conditions vary by season and location. Water temperatures typically range from 75-80°F (24-27°C).
Summer months (May–September) offer the calmest conditions and best visibility for snorkeling, while winter brings bigger waves that are great for experienced surfers but can make some beaches unsafe for swimming.
A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping you safe, protecting Maui's ecosystems, and honoring local communities.
Before driving the Road to Hana or heading to Haleakalā National Park, review current conditions, closures, and reservation rules on official websites. This is especially important after storms, heavy rain, or high fire risk days.
Sunrise at Haleakalā requires a separate vehicle reservation during sunrise hours, in addition to the park entry fee. Many small‑group tours, snorkel charters, and cultural experiences also sell out weeks in advance in busy seasons.
Never turn your back on the ocean, avoid swimming alone, and only hike trails that match your fitness level with proper footwear and water. When in doubt, talk with lifeguards or local guides first.
Choose locally owned restaurants, tours, and shops when possible. If you book vacation rentals, ensure they're properly licensed and located in areas designated for visitor accommodations.
Some areas, particularly around Lāhainā, are places of deep grief and ongoing recovery. Respect all closures, signage, and community requests, and avoid disaster zones unless explicitly invited by an official program or host.
This page is written for travelers who want to experience Maui thoughtfully: enjoying its beaches and trails while respecting residents, culture, and ongoing recovery work. Content is periodically reviewed against official tourism, park, and county resources as linked above.
Runaway Experience focuses on slow, place‑respectful travel, with special attention to communities balancing tourism and local life.
We prioritize official sites like GoHawaii, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, County of Maui, and U.S. National Park Service.
Park reservations, recovery updates, and seasonal patterns are re‑checked regularly with official sources.
Disclaimer: If you spot outdated information, please contact our editorial team so we can review and update this guide. Always confirm critical details directly with official sources before finalizing your travel plans.