Maui

If you rotate a map of Maui 45 degrees clockwise, a clear female bust emerges. Behind her neck lies the island's political and economic center, home to its main airport. Where her eyes and nose would be, you'll find a stunning beach and the historic whaling town of Lahaina, respectively. Maui is second only to the Big Island in area and second only to Oahu in population, making it the most vibrant region outside of Oahu.

Attractions Location: Maui, Hawaii, USA

Transportation:
The flight from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu to Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui takes 30 minutes, and from Honolulu International Airport on Oahu to Kapalua-West Maui Airport (JHM) on Maui also takes 30 minutes. One-way tickets cost around $100 USD.

Time reference: 1 day


Recommended itinerary for Maui tours

1-Day Itinerary: Classic Maui Highlights

Discover some of Maui’s iconic natural and cultural highlights in a day, ideal for a quick introduction to the island.

  • Morning: Visit the famous Ka’anapali Beach for swimming and snorkeling (arrive by rental car or taxi; about 20 minutes from Kahului Airport).
  • Midday: Head to Lahaina Town for lunch and explore art galleries and shops (10-minute drive from Ka’anapali).
  • Afternoon: Drive to the Nakalele Blowhole and nearby heart-shaped rock formation (40 minutes from Lahaina by car).
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Ka’anapali or Lahaina.

Transportation: Rent a car for full flexibility; taxis and ride-shares available but limited outside major towns.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Ka’anapali or Lahaina area. Try local seafood and Hawaiian dishes at eateries like Fleetwood’s or Leilani’s on the Beach.

Souvenirs: Local Hawaiian jewelry, tropical clothing, handmade soaps, and art from Lahaina galleries.


2-Day Itinerary: West Maui & Upcountry

Explore the stunning beaches of West Maui and scenic Upcountry areas for a varied experience.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary.
  • Day 2 Morning: Drive to Iao Valley State Park to see the Iao Needle (20 minutes from Kahului).
  • Midday: Visit a local farm or winery in Upcountry Maui (approx. 30 minutes from Iao Valley).
  • Afternoon: Explore Makawao town, famous for paniolo (cowboy) culture and boutiques.
  • Evening: Dinner in Paia town or return to West Maui.

Transportation: Car rental recommended for entire trip.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in West Maui or Paia. Enjoy farm-to-table meals and local treats like malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts).

Souvenirs: Upcountry honey, local art, Hawaiian coffee, and handcrafted woodwork.


3-Day Itinerary: Road to Hana & Beach Relaxation

Spend a full day on the famous Road to Hana and balance with beach relaxation.

  • Day 1 & 2: Follow the 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Full-day Road to Hana trip (rent a car early morning). Stop at Twin Falls, Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach, and Wailua Falls.
  • Late afternoon: Return to hotel, relax at your resort or nearby beach.

Transportation: Rent a car for Road to Hana; the drive takes about 10 hours round trip with stops.

Accommodation/Food: Book accommodations in West Maui or Paia. Pack snacks or eat at roadside stands and Hana town.

Souvenirs: Locally grown fruit, handmade jewelry, and Maui honey sold along the Road to Hana.


4-Day Itinerary: Lahaina, Upcountry & Haleakalā Sunrise

Combine coastal town charm with an unforgettable sunrise at Haleakalā National Park.

  • Day 1-3: Follow previous 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4 Early Morning: Visit Haleakalā National Park for sunrise (leave early from West Maui, about 1.5-2 hours drive).
  • Midday: Explore nearby Kula town or Makawao.
  • Afternoon/Evening: Relax or enjoy dinner at Lahaina town.

Transportation: Car rental essential due to park’s remote location.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in West Maui or Upcountry. Try local breakfast spots post-sunrise and seafood dinners in Lahaina.

Souvenirs: Haleakalā-themed souvenirs, local coffee, and artisan crafts.


5-Day Itinerary: Beaches, Nature & Culture

Balance beach days, nature hikes, and cultural experiences across Maui.

  • Day 1-4: Follow previous itineraries.
  • Day 5 Morning: Visit Maui Ocean Center Aquarium (near Maalaea, 30 minutes from West Maui).
  • Afternoon: Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail or visit nearby beaches like DT Fleming Beach.
  • Evening: Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau such as Old Lahaina Luau.

Transportation: Car rental recommended for diverse locations.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in West Maui or near Maalaea. Luau includes dinner, otherwise try seafood and Hawaiian fusion dishes.

Souvenirs: Hawaiian quilts, marine-themed gifts, luau memorabilia, and local spices.


6-Day Itinerary: Full Maui Adventure

Explore all corners of Maui—from beaches to mountains, culture, and scenic drives.

  • Day 1-5: Follow previous itineraries.
  • Day 6: Visit Upcountry farms like Surfing Goat Dairy or Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.
  • Afternoon: Explore Wailea area beaches and luxury resorts.
  • Evening: Dine at Wailea or return to Lahaina for nightlife.

Transportation: Car rental for flexibility across Maui.

Accommodation/Food: Consider splitting nights between West Maui and Wailea. Sample diverse cuisine from casual beachside to fine dining.

Souvenirs: Farm products, lavender goods, goat cheese, and luxury resort gift items.


7-Day Itinerary: Ultimate Maui Experience

A full week to savor Maui’s natural beauty, cultural sites, beaches, and local flavors at a relaxed pace.

  • Day 1-6: Follow previous itineraries.
  • Day 7: Take a snorkeling or whale-watching boat tour from Maalaea Harbor or Lahaina Harbor.
  • Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Whalers Village or local markets.
  • Evening: Sunset at Ho’okipa Beach Park and farewell dinner.

Transportation: Rental car for entire stay.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in preferred areas like Lahaina, Ka’anapali, or Wailea. Try local fresh fish and island specialties for farewell dinner.

Souvenirs: Shell jewelry, local art, Hawaiian shirts, coffee, and tropical treats.


User Reviews

By Little Swamp Bunzer |

In my opinion, Maui has three main differences compared to Kauai: first, it has a unique volcanic landform; second, there are more self-driving routes; and third, it is much more modernized, with a relatively mature tourism industry and many luxury resorts.



However, commercialization here does not mean a reduction in natural scenery or a lowered tourist experience. Instead, it means more convenient living, more developed transportation, more complete facilities, and more shopping options. Therefore, tourists of all ages can have a great time on Maui. No wonder Hawaii Magazine has rated it as the best vacation island for several consecutive years.

By Wang Amei |

A very romantic place. It is not as commercialized as Oahu, but the natural scenery by the sea is great.

By Later autumn |

This is where I want to live after retirement. Everything is good here. A must-see when visiting Hawaii.

By Dongfang Min |

Maui is a vibrant, beautiful island. From Lahaina to Kihei, you'll find a variety of hotels, condominiums, and other accommodations, all in varying sizes and qualities.

By Catlin LU🍒 |

Maui is not as prosperous as Oahu. We stayed in Kahului, where there was not even a decent shopping mall. There were very few people eating in the restaurant at night. It was terribly deserted. We returned to the hotel early.

The people here are super extroverted and are often pulled over to chat by strangers.

By Dreaming Ant |

I still like the central area of Maui the most, with a wide view

The western region feels not much different from Oahu because of the obstruction of Mount Pu'u Kukui and the fact that it was commercialized relatively early. The town of Lahaina is not big and the outlet mall is deserted with few people. For the two of us who are not interested in food and shopping, we were basically bored after staying there for two days.

By kakatina |

My first impression of Maui: blue skies, low clouds, and lots of people and cars. The clouds are quite distinctive. I think Maui is actually quite nice, like a beautiful garden.

By Under the Bodhi Tree |

One of the main islands of Hawaii, it has fewer tourists than Honolulu and the Big Island, especially fewer Chinese.

There are many activities on the island, such as driving on the beach, whale watching, and wild boar feast, which is suitable for family outings.

By Happy Zongzi |

The sunset on Maui is different from that on the North Shore of Oahu. The sea is calmer and the white sand beach is more friendly. Stepping on the soft sand, watching the sun's brilliant red on the distant sea level, it is soft but full of passion. It is like a ball of fire burning on the sea. Suddenly, the sea and sky are all on fire. At that time, it is a little difficult to tell where the sea level is. The sky and the sea are all red. The sunset dyes the entire sea, people, and beach into a unified color.

By Shaine |

There are a lot of black sands on Maui. The black beach we went to later had really fine sand, and it was a bit rough on the feet. Walking along the beach, we finally found a piece of yellow sand, which was fine!

By lovingrr |

It's so beautiful. I'm going to go again. The volcano is worth visiting. It's spectacular.

By Qiu—lazy |

It's a very quiet island. We went to Yinshan and Yangshan, which was interesting.

By Yulu |

I love Maui. The ocean is beautiful, and it's a paradise for vacations. It's perfect for self-driving, and driving along the coastline and mountain roads is fantastic.

By Old lens |

Maui is renowned for its numerous beaches and diverse activities, including surfing, diving, and windsurfing. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the hidden treasures of this mysterious island by strolling the 3,000-meter-high Haleakalā volcano. Thanks to its diverse topography, Maui offers breathtaking scenery that will leave you wanting to linger.

By Fly high @talent |

It's worth going, but this time it's not the season to see whales. It's very suitable for surfing, the water is clear and there are few people.

By Fly high @talent |

It's worth going, but this time it's not the season to see whales. It's very suitable for surfing, the water is clear and there are few people.

By Bingying is on the road |

Having visited both Oahu and Maui in Hawaii, Maui left a far greater impression on me. There's beauty everywhere, and the waters are well-preserved, so you can see a wide variety of creatures while snorkeling. We saw over a dozen sea turtles during a week of snorkeling in Maui, which was truly unforgettable.

By Cher |

Hawaii's second-largest island offers volcanic views, vibrant island scenery, and a vibrant nightlife. If you're short on time and can only visit one island at a time, this is the one I recommend.

By JackLee |

The scenery here is very good, and you can also watch whales from December to January every year.

By Little Apple Dad |

Maui is more suitable for taking children because it is less crowded and quiet, so you can enjoy a relatively peaceful vacation.

By Tour guide Xiao Wu |

Don't worry if it's raining all the time. Rain on the island usually comes and goes quickly. The part of Maui near the volcano seems to be covered in dark clouds, but the rest of the island is sunny, and the volcano is above the clouds, so it's clear.

     

By Walking Tintin Cat |

Maui, repeatedly voted the "World's Most Beautiful Island" by travel magazines, is a perfect vacation destination. Besides the renowned Road to Hana, it's also a paradise for golfers and a great spot for whale watching in winter.

By Crystal |

This place is not as developed as Honolulu, so the scenery is naturally better than Honolulu.

By magnolia_88 |

I went to an island I still want to go to, but I don’t know what happened to the hotels in Maui. They are old and expensive, and the more expensive the hotel, the harder it is to book a room.

By magnolia_88 |

There is no other beautiful island I have ever been to! ! ! !

By Watson |

A place worth staying for a few days, a place to enjoy life

By XJ@LA |

Maui, known as the Honeymoon Island, is perfect for a vacation! However, winter is not recommended, as it's rainy season. If you visit during the rainy season, stay on the west coast (such as Lahaina) or the south coast (such as Wailea). Avoid the east or north coasts, as they're prone to constant rain. The famous Road to Hana is located on the northeast side of the island. We encountered a landslide during our visit, and the road was closed for a day. Driving this route during the rainy season can be quite dangerous.



Snorkeling, whale watching, and luaus are all great activities on Maui and highly recommended! We went snorkeling on New Year's Day 2017 and saw sea turtles and two whales! The luau was unique, but the roast pig was not very tasty and was too salty.

By xiaopushao |

The Big Island is rugged, while Maui is delicate and has beautiful scenery. Europeans and Americans like to come here for vacation.

By Cissy |

The most beautiful island in Hawaii is Maui, the Hana Highway, Haleakala National Park, Lahaina Town... Everything has its own characteristics

By koala |

Yesterday, I flew from the Big Island to Maui. My biggest impression was the stark wealth gap in the United States. The Big Island's infrastructure is quite backward, while Maui is packed with convertibles and sailboats. However, our hostess at the American Farmhouse on the Big Island was incredibly kind and welcoming. She made us breakfast, giving us a taste of authentic American rural life. We went whale watching in Lahaina, Maui. The town was truly charming, and we were lucky enough to see two humpback whales leap simultaneously, sending the entire boat roaring with joy.

By Xiao Xinwei |

Maui has better natural scenery, and it feels like a blockbuster everywhere.

By rubbishbear |

It's a great little island, much quieter than Honolulu. You can spend some quiet time there.

By Shang Lian Yue |

Five-star praise for the island, the locals are very friendly, and the scenery is very beautiful. I must go again!

By Huang Huang Tong shoes |

Besides its beautiful scenery, Maui is also a foodie paradise! As a foodie, how could I miss the delicious food when I came to Maui? ~~~ I won't tell you, my foodie boyfriend and I rented a car and spent the whole day eating and drinking in Maui! ***?u=246834

By Live like a summer flower hannah |

From the park, you can see Douli Island in the distance. Locals like to call it Chinese Hat Island, but the official name of the island is Mokolii Island. It is now a bird sanctuary.

By blue sky and white clouds |

Maui has beautiful beaches, and the Highway to Hana and Lehaakala National Park are worth seeing.

By Blood salt |

It is much more beautiful than Oahu, with fewer people on the beach and better scenery.

By Maxy❀ |

It's so quiet here. I like this pace of life~~ I'm really attracted to it, but the food here is not very good, even though I went to a very high-end restaurant.

By TA's some or nothing |

Maui was my favorite island during my trip to Hawaii and I have to recommend it.

By Back to simplicity |

A paradise on earth, the perfect vacation destination! The most scenic island in the Hawaiian Islands!

By greeness |

Highly recommended! We spent five days there. Maui's greatest strength is the sheer variety of scenery and activities, ensuring every day is unique. On the first day, we visited the whaling town on the west side of the island. On the second day, we climbed to the top of a volcano to see the world above the clouds. On the third day, we sunbathed on the beach. Every fourth day, we drove to Hana, enjoying the quintessential rainforest scenery. Every fifth day, we went diving.

By Seven |

Haleakala National Park, Hana Road, Crescent Bay snorkeling, Lahaina whale watching... There are so many beautiful scenery on Maui Island, absolutely recommended!

By pinkrebecca |

Maui's Volcanoes National Park is one of Hawaii's most unforgettable places. The island is relatively pristine, without the heavy commercial atmosphere of Oahu, and there are fewer dining options, but it's still worth visiting for the beautiful views.

By bobomoon |

If you were to rate the Hawaiian islands, Maui would have the most unique scenery. Besides the seaside views, there's also the Casa del Sol, and driving to the top of the mountain will give you a breathtaking, alien-like view.

By Catyuan |

Ranked #2 in the world by Trip Advisor in 2015, this island offers fantastic natural scenery and amenities.

By miniluna |

If you could only visit one island in Hawaii, it would undoubtedly be Maui. Whale watching in Lahaina, the beauty of the Road to Hana, and sea turtles roaming the beaches—nature's vibrant life is unparalleled.

By keepspecia |

Maui is an absolutely fantastic vacation destination, boasting a rich tapestry of unique landscapes. If you don't want to plan a trip or worry about transportation, head to Maui. Beach activities aside, rent a car for the rest of your time, grab a map at your hotel, follow the one-stop route around the island, and use Yelp (like Dianping in China) for dining options. You can go wherever you want. Life is incredibly simple, and the infrastructure is excellent and convenient. In short, it's the perfect vacation destination.

By hill |

Go whale watching in Maui, 🐳 is right next to the ship.

By Pisces |

The hometown of rainbows, a paradise on earth. A must-visit place for a vacation in your lifetime.

By Yiyi Garden |

Maui's natural scenery is really beautiful. Looking down from a small plane, the coastline is really beautiful, as are the mountains. There is a natural beach on the roadside in the town where you can go and explore the sea. Everything in Maui is natural and comfortable.

By Take girls around the world |

I really want to go back to this place. I love it.

By Cheng Babu |

Whether you like beaches, sea of clouds, or long coastlines, this place can satisfy you.

By garyfung |

The second largest island in Hawaii, it has beautiful beaches and volcanoes, making it a great place for self-driving.

By rommor |

Maui was our second destination after the island of Kayak. While Maui may seem more like a resort than a charming and pristine environment, the real draw lies in the scenery along its southeastern coast. Whale watching in winter is even more captivating and engaging.

By Long-eared robot rabbit |

Although it's an island, it's quite large. We stayed near the Westin Hotel, which is quite far from Volcano or Hana. However, there's a small mall next to the hotel where you can shop, with some major brands like Louis Vuitton. There's also a larger mall further away, including a Mac's. I've always found Mac's in the US to be quite good; they're cheap and less crowded.

By North American travel consultant |

Maui, also known as the Big Island, costs $90-100 per person if you join a tour group. Along the way, you can see Zhang Xueliang's tomb, a Japanese temple, Straw Hat Island, a shrimp farm, and a pineapple processing plant. It's a relaxing day trip worth praising.

By Sophie |

I chose Maui in the first place because someone had visited in April and the picture-perfect photos they shared on WeChat intrigued me. I immediately wanted to visit this romantic island with its coconut trees, waves, and white sands. It's so much quieter here than the hustle and bustle of Waikiki! After a dozen hours of flight, it was perfect to quietly recover from jet lag in such beautiful scenery!

Not to mention the Hana Road, which has the most beautiful coastline on the island, and the Volcano Park, which has diverse geology and is perfect for a family vacation.

We spent three days in Maui. On our first night, we stayed at a Maui Seaside hotel near the airport. On our second day, we circled the island along the Road to Hana. The weather was beautiful, and the sights of waterfalls, coastal rainforests, and more were breathtaking. On our second and third nights, we stayed at the Westin, enjoying the coastal sunshine. On our third day, we also took a submarine tour, a coastal luau (a Hawaiian feast featuring roasted whole pigs), and enjoyed a unique Hawaiian performance. It was a truly fulfilling and enriching trip.

By MM_in_DC |

A stark contrast to the bustling Oahu, Sunny Beach is a great place for couples to spend their honeymoon. Hotels are a bit pricey.

By summer |

The overall feeling of Maui is that it is still relatively pristine. There are not as many high-rise buildings as in Oahu, and it is less developed, but you can experience authentic life here.

By Hawaiian Pineapple |

Perfect island, very pristine. Great place to watch whales and snorkelling.

By Minip |

Maui is simply a natural miniature model. On this small island there are mountain towns, plain pastures, jungles, beaches... It can be said that we are amazed by the extraordinary scenery every day on the island.

By wxhawaii |

The shape of Maui Island is particularly like a bust tilted at 90 degrees. The water of Maui Island is very clear. The island is surrounded by sugarcane fields, blue sky and white clouds, green mountains and green waters, which makes people feel very relaxed.

By enthusiastic |

Maui is noticeably less bustling than Oahu. To put it mildly, it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. Just the long coastline and rolling hills intertwine. Maui is relatively laid-back and relaxing. It's nowhere near as crowded as Oahu (after all, Oahu has 6.5 times the population of Maui).

By Xiaoyan |

A very beautiful island where you can escape from the world and worries! Walk quietly, watch quietly, and savor quietly...

By My name is Zao Zao |

Maui feels more lively and refined than the Big Island

By Abandoning the world |

It's much more beautiful than Oahu. Driving along the coastline is wonderful. But eating is a bit of a hassle. It's hard to book a good restaurant during peak season.

By Luo Lian |

Those who love the outdoors are advised to stay longer, surfing, hiking, and various exciting activities are available.

By rice grains |

Beautiful! Comfortable beach, bright sunshine!

By hellobabyJ |

The diving here is not as shallow as in Hanauma Bay, it is very deep. The waves are very big, which is very suitable for surfing. Surfing is so fun. Hahaha!

By Blue Moon |

A must-visit place in Hawaii, so comfortable and beautiful!

By Ruoxi |

Maui is considered the most beautiful island in the Hawaiian Islands. It not only has a beautiful coastline, but also beautiful mountains and lush vegetation.

By moonhyf |

Maui is the most pristine of the islands. It's less crowded and less convenient than the Big Island, so renting a car is the best option if you have a map. We had the best time here and want to return. I heard Kauai is great too, so I've already booked it for my next trip!

By dush1881 |

It's a very beautiful place, quiet with few people and soft sand. dush1881 strongly recommends staying here for a few more days. This is a real leisure beach.

By Little Yellow Chicken |

Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian Islands and the second most popular tourist destination after Oahu. The island is composed of two plates, east and west, connected by a bottleneck of land in the middle. The center of West Maui is the West Maui Mountains, while East Maui is dominated by the extinct volcano Mount Haleakala, which is 10,000 feet above sea level. All roads are located around these two impassable mountains.

By It's the Stars, Not the Orangutans 172 |

Not as noisy as Oahu, more refined than the Big Island, a great resort


The attractions mentioned in the above itinerary