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 Puamana Beach Park or Lahaina Pali Trail.

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
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

5 out of 5
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua, HI
The price is €967 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
€967
15 Aug - 16 Aug
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! (1,002 reviews)
"A great place to relax."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Maui Coast Hotel

Maui Coast Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2259 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI
The price is €221 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€221
3 Sept - 4 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! (2,107 reviews)
"It’s my first time to stay here in Maui Coast and I just love it. The hotel is well kept in and out. What struck me most was the staff from check in to check out. Their smile and positive vibes made me feel welcome.I felt at home with my stay. Mahalo!"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Maui Coast Hotel
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

4 out of 5
2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina, HI
The price is €286 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€286
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Kaanapali. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,393 reviews)
"Lots of aloha and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
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! (3,654 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 7 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! (2,436 reviews)
Great little condo hotel right on the beach
"Great condo hotel on Maui right on Kaanapali Beach. First time here and we liked the spacious comfort of the unit we got, ocean view but no lanai or balcony that was large enough to sit out on. Would book again, maybe ocean front unit with a lanai or balcony. Fairly close to Whalers Village, close ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach

4 out of 5
2481 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kaanapali. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (215 reviews)
"Friendly staff!"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

The Whaler Resort Kaanapali Beach
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