When I first landed in Maui, I knew it would be beautiful. But I didn’t expect the kind of jaw-dropping, soul-hugging beauty that makes you stop mid-sentence. From lush rainforests to red-sand beaches, Maui isn’t just a destination—it’s a collection of wildly different moods and landscapes, all rolled into one island.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to go in Maui, I’ve rounded up the most memorable places I visited (and a few I wish I had more time for). Whether you’re road-tripping the Road to Hana, chasing waterfalls, or just craving a laid-back beach town, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive into the best places to visit in Maui—plus what makes each spot special.
🌄 1. Haleakalā National Park
Watch the sunrise above the clouds at Maui’s volcanic peak.
If you only have time for one epic view in Maui, make it Haleakalā. I woke up at 3 AM to drive up the switchbacks—and it was worth every yawn. The sunrise here feels otherworldly, with clouds swirling below and the crater glowing red.
Tip: Reserve a sunrise spot in advance—it’s required!
🌴 2. Lahaina Town (West Maui)
Charming streets, art galleries, and historic vibes.
Before the 2023 wildfires, Lahaina was one of my favorite places to walk around, shop, and eat by the ocean. While the town is currently closed to visitors for recovery, it’s still a place that holds a lot of Maui’s spirit. Keep it on your radar for future trips.
🌺 3. Road to Hana
Waterfalls, bamboo forests, and hairpin turns galore.
Driving the Road to Hana is an experience in itself. I took the full-day journey, stopping at fruit stands, waterfalls, and viewpoints that made me want to move here. If you love scenic drives and hidden trails, this is your jam.
🐢 4. Turtle Town (Mākena Landing)
Snorkeling with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters.
This was one of the most peaceful snorkeling spots I found. The water is calm, and the turtles felt totally unbothered by my clumsy flippers. Early morning is best if you want fewer crowds.
🏖️ 5. Wailea Beach
Luxury meets chill beach day.
Lined with upscale resorts but totally public, Wailea Beach was perfect for a mid-trip slow-down. I read, swam, and people-watched. Bonus: The sunset here? Chef’s kiss.
🌊 6. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Surfer central with a chance to see wild turtles.
I stopped here on the way to Paia and ended up staying for hours. Watch pro windsurfers do their thing—or head to the far end of the beach, where sea turtles nap on the sand around sunset.
🧘♀️ 7. Iao Valley State Monument
A lush, spiritual valley with towering cliffs.
This spot was a quiet, green contrast to Maui’s beaches. Easy trails, historical significance, and views of the Iao Needle made this one of my favorite morning hikes.
🧡 8. Paia Town
Boho boutiques and colorful streets.
Paia is one of those places where you instantly feel cooler. It’s small, artsy, and filled with great coffee shops and vintage stores. I also grabbed some amazing vegan food here.
🧗 9. Waihee Ridge Trail
One of the best hikes on the island.
If you’re up for a workout with rewards, this is it. The trail winds through cloud forests and delivers sweeping views of valleys and coastline. Wear good shoes—it gets muddy.
🧡 10. Upcountry Maui
Rolling farms, lavender fields, and paniolo charm.
I didn’t expect Maui’s countryside to look like this—green pastures, small wineries, and cool breezes. It’s a quieter side of the island, perfect for a day away from the beach.
🌋 11. La Perouse Bay
A lava field hike with a rugged coastal vibe.
The trail starts through a surreal lava field and leads to untouched coastal views. Not much shade, but it felt like discovering another planet.
🍍 12. Maui Tropical Plantation
A fun stop for food, views, and gift shopping.
I stopped here for lunch and ended up staying for a train ride and a macadamia nut tasting. It’s a nice place for families or anyone needing a break from hiking.
🛍️ 13. Shops at Wailea
Upscale shopping and sunset strolls.
Even if you’re not a shopper, the open-air setup here is gorgeous. I treated myself to gelato and browsed some galleries—worth a stop after the beach.
🌈 14. Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees (Ke’anae Arboretum)
Stripes of color on living trees.
This is a quick, free stop on the Road to Hana—but so worth it. The trees look like they were painted by hand, and the path through the forest is short and magical.
🌳 15. Twin Falls
Easy-access waterfalls for a quick swim.
Located at the start of the Hana Highway, these falls are a great intro to what’s ahead. Bring cash for the fruit stand—and water shoes for the muddy trail.
🌅 16. Makena Cove (Secret Beach)
Tiny beach, huge vibes.
Tucked behind a rock wall, this spot felt like a private paradise. It’s small, so get there early, but the lava rocks and palm-framed views were unforgettable.
🐋 17. Maalaea Harbor
Your launch point for whale-watching and snorkeling tours.
I left for Molokini Crater from here and also saw whales breaching in the distance. Grab a coffee before you board—it’s a long ride back!
🏄♀️ 18. Kihei
Chill beach town with great food trucks.
I based myself here for part of the trip—it’s more affordable than Wailea but just as scenic. The sunsets were insane, and I could walk to dinner every night.
🍹 19. Kula
Cool climate, lavender farms, and wine tastings.
I wandered through Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm one afternoon and sipped pineapple wine while watching the clouds roll over the hills. A total vibe shift from the coast.
🌴 20. Ka’anapali Beach
Golden sands and resort-style luxury.
This beach is classic Maui—wide, walkable, and lined with shops and restaurants. I recommend the beach path stroll at golden hour.
🏝️ 21. Molokini Crater
A partially submerged volcanic crater perfect for snorkeling.
I saw more fish here than anywhere else. Crystal-clear water, tons of marine life, and the boat ride was half the fun.
Final Thoughts
Maui truly has a little bit of everything—jungle trails, beach towns, volcano views, and underwater adventures. Each place gave me something different, and I’d go back in a heartbeat (probably with more time in Upcountry!).
If you’re heading to Maui soon, start with a few of these and see where the island takes you.
🧭 Planning a Trip to Maui?
Check out my full [Maui Travel Guide], or browse my favorite [luxury hotels in Hawaii] to find your perfect stay.
FAQs
What are the must-visit places in Maui for first-timers?
Start with Haleakalā, Road to Hana, Wailea Beach, and Iao Valley. They offer a great intro to Maui’s diversity.
Is the Road to Hana worth it?
Absolutely—but go slow and stop often. It’s more about the journey than the destination.
What side of Maui is best to stay on?
West and South Maui are popular (Ka’anapali, Wailea, Kihei), but Upcountry offers a peaceful, scenic vibe.
When is the best time to visit Maui?
April–June and September–November have great weather and fewer crowds than peak summer and holidays.