Maui

Travel Guide

Maui
Maui
Maui
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Maui

The “Magic Isle” of Hawai‘i is known for its beaches, blue water, abundant marine life, the volcanic Haleakalā National Park, quaint towns and scenic drives.

Nature lovers pick Maui for its wildlife and dramatic landscapes, while active people come here for hiking, golfing and watersports. No matter what your interests are, Hawai‘i’s “Magic Isle” is a dream destination. The 80 or so beaches are inviting, the water is warm, the facilities are excellent and the countryside is lush.

Maui is serviced by Honolulu International Airport, and shortly after landing you can start exploring its capital Wailuku. This quaint commercial center is the gateway to the ‘Iao Valley and home to the Bailey House Museum.

If you visit in winter, travel west to historic Lahaina for whale-watching, or head northwest to Honolua Bay to watch surfers ride big barrel waves. Relax in award-winning resorts, such as Kaanapali Beach, to make the most of the island’s year-round warm weather.

In summer, when the water is calmer, enjoy snorkeling and diving off Kapalua Beach. Head south to Keawakapu to find a family-friendly beach, or spot green turtles at Maluaka and Wailea. Nearby Makena State Park has two distinct beaches and a volcanic crater. Set sail for the crescent-shaped Molokini crater island crater island for bird-watching, snorkeling or scuba diving.

From Makena, travel east and get above the clouds at the Haleakalā Crater (House of the Sun). Visit at dawn for one of the best views in the whole of the U.S. The diverse ecosystem of forest and volcanic rock that unfolds in front of you is where Maui originated. Explore Maui’s east coast and drive along the Hana Highway, an epic coastal journey with hairpin bends and old stone bridges. Stop off at waterfalls and swimming holes and visit the Garden of Eden Botanical Gardens and Arboretum to spot native and exotic plants.

A vacation in Maui can be expensive, but many people feel it is a small price to pay for paradise. Whether you are honeymooners seeking romance, families with energetic kids, couples looking to relax or youthful thrill-seekers, Maui shares its magic with everyone.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do on Maui page.

Where to stay in Maui

Maluaka Beach showing landscape views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Wailea

5/5(1 area review)

A noteworthy feature of Wailea is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Wailea Beach and Shops at Wailea.

Wailea
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Ukumehame Ahupuaa

If you're spending some time in Ukumehame Ahupuaa, Maalaea Bay Beaches and Papalaua Beach Park are top sights worth seeing.

Ukumehame Ahupuaa
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Halama Street

While visiting Halama Street, you might make a stop by sights like Kihei Town Center Shopping Center and Coast Guard Beach.

Halama Street
Lahaina featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and island views

Downtown Lahaina

5/5(5 area reviews)

Notable for its seaside views, live music and theatres, Downtown Lahaina is a sought-after destination for many travellers visiting Lahaina. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Lahaina Pali Trail or Puamana Beach Park.

Downtown Lahaina
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Haiku

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Haiku and surrounding area, you can visit Haiku Park and Hookipa Beach Park.

Haiku
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Wailuku Heights

While Wailuku Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Iao Valley State Park and Maui Tropical Plantation.

Wailuku Heights
Maui Coast Hotel

Maui Coast Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2259 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
The price is €237 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€237
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kihei. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,123 reviews)
"Room very clean and comfortable Major drawback: Lacking good dining Option"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Maui Coast Hotel
Aston Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
The price is €174 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
€174
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,669 reviews)
"Love it will be back forsure thank you"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Aston Kaanapali Shores
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

5 out of 5
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua, HI
The price is €867 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
€867
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kapalua. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Great Stay.
"It was an awesome experience. The service was exceptional."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aston Kaanapali Shores

Aston Kaanapali Shores

3.5 out of 5
3445 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,669 reviews)
"Love it will be back forsure thank you"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Aston Kaanapali Shores
Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

3 out of 5
45 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,442 reviews)
"Very good location and great amenities. Unfortunately, the air conditioning was really undersized for the unit and it would get hot indoors around the afternoon. We had friends over and had to move to another unit."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
Mahana at Kaanapali, Spectacular Oceanfront, Amazing Sunsets & Sea Life Unit1014

Mahana at Kaanapali, Spectacular Oceanfront, Amazing Sunsets & Sea Life Unit1014

Lahaina
Book a stay at this beach condo in Kaanapali. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Kaanapali Beach and Whalers Village are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (198 reviews)
"Check-in was easy. Kitchen was well-stocked"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Mahana at Kaanapali, Spectacular Oceanfront, Amazing Sunsets & Sea Life Unit1014
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do