Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Tori’s VA
There’s so much more to Maui than sitting on the beach and drinking Mai Tai’s, so take my tips for the best active things to do on Maui!
Now let’s be honest. Traveling to Maui is an investment. Most of us will spend 12+ hours just getting there, not to mention getting back. So basically two days of your vacation time is taken just for that. Plus we invest a lot of money. Flights are not typically very cheap to get to the 50th state. And then there’s hotels, food, tours…okay you get the point.
This is not me talking you out of visiting Maui, in fact it’s quite the opposite. All I am saying is that if you are spending all of this time and money then you must make the absolute most of your time here. You can sit on the beach in Florida, or sit by the pool at home.
This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!
Active Things to do on Maui
When you’re on Maui, you need to explore. Hike the incredible jagged mountains, snorkel with turtles, watch the sunrise from the peak of a dormant volcano. And most importantly, ride the jaw dropping coastline along the road to Hana.
There is SO much to do on this island that I refuse to let you sit on the beach for even one second. Okay, I’m kidding, but make sure you fit in as many unique activities as possible while you’re here. Use my list of the best active things to do on Maui to plan your next dream vacation. And, if you’re visiting Oahu too, you’ll love my list of the best things to do on Oahu!
Now that you have started planning your trip, you might be feeling overwhelmed, but don’t be! My guide to planning your perfect vacation walks you through the process step by step and will ease all of your worries.
My Favorite Active Things to do on Maui
Give Back While on Vacation
The absolute best thing that you can do while on vacation is to volunteer. Use a small portion of your travel time and give back to the island. I love encouraging travelers to volunteer no matter the destination. Maui makes it extremely easy to find ways to volunteer for tourists!
There are two ways to volunteer that I think are amazing. The first is through a program that many hotels offer. They will give you a discount or free night for your stay if you participate in their volunteer opportunity. They set up the logistics for you so you just have to show up and help out! It’s so easy AND you get a hotel discount, it’s a major win-win. Here’s more information on the program.
The other awesome active things to do on Maui is to volunteer with the humane society. You get to bring a dog out on an adventure around the island. You can take the dog to the beach, hiking or just hang out with them and give them tons of love! This might be especially fun for people who are missing their pups at home. They do ask for a donation of at least $50, and you must book this far in advance as the slots do fill up. Here’s more information on the Beach Buddies program.
There are many other options for volunteering and you can find the whole list of suggestions here.
Drive the Famous The Road to Hana
The #1 most important thing that you have to do while on the island is the Road to Hana. What is this and why is a road so special? This is a 64-mile stretch of road that connects Kahului in central Maui (where the airport is) to a tiny town called Hana on the east side of the island. The road that connects the two parts of the island is a teeny tiny road, at many points one-way. It hangs along the side of the cliff staring out at the ocean below.
The views from the road are enough reason to drive to Hana. But, that’s not even why thousands and thousands of tourists flock here every year. The draw to ride this famous highway is the numerous stops and sights along the way. Just along the side of the road are waterfalls galore, rainbow eucalyptus trees, and the famous banana bread stands of course. But stop a few times to go on a hike, explore super unique beaches, and wander mesmerizing bamboo forests. Yep, this road literally has it all, not to mention some incredible food.
Driving the Road to Hana
You can take a tour for this, but I strongly discourage it for most people. Everyone likes different things, so having to go only where the tour takes you would really take away some of the magic of this sight. I recommend that you rent a car and drive it yourself. (Yes, a Jeep is always highly recommended while on a Hawaiian island, who cares if you look like a tourist!!) You’ll probably read about how curvy and scary the roads are but they really aren’t bad. And if you drive yourself then you can drive whatever speed you feel comfortable with. Just make sure to ALWAYS pull over for locals when they’re behind you!
All that being said, if you really do not feel comfortable driving, will not be renting a car or just really like taking tours then I would say you should book a tour! Doing a tour of the Road to Hana is 10 times better than not doing the Road to Hana at all.
When driving this on your own, make sure to buy and download the Shaka Guide in advance! It is an audio tour guide all along the road. It will let you know about all of the neat places that you can stop and will teach you tons of history about the area. Also, do not park on the side of the road, only if there is a designated parking area off the road, and follow all of the rules and signs posted. If it says not to enter, don’t enter, if it says not to park, don’t park! Be respectful of the locals who call this place home.
There are a few key items you will need to bring with you on this journey. You’ll want a Turkish towel to use on the beach, to wipe off your feet. Bring your snorkel gear to look for fish and turtles! Of course you’ll want a swim suit for the beaches, and water shoes because the “sand” is very rocky. If you go for a hike (which you should) bring hiking sandals so your feet can get wet and a water bottle!
Stay in Hana
Almost everyone does this trip in one day, driving out to Hana in the morning and back that afternoon. Make sure to always be back before dark! You wouldn’t want to be driving those roads at night. However, looking back I am SO sad that we didn’t split the drive into two days. We felt insanely rushed and felt like we didn’t get to stop at nearly enough places. So I recommend that you make your way slowly to Hana town the first day, stopping at some of the places on the way there. Then, book a room in Hana for one night and make your way back the following day.
I am not one to splurge on hotel rooms if you can get something cheaper nearby. However Hana is such a tiny town that there aren’t many options, and the one that is the best is a total no brainer. Splurge a little tonight and stay at the Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt. I had heard about this resort when doing research on the area. Then we actually happened upon it by accident when we were in town as we searched for a really relaxing spot for lunch and found the Hana Ranch Restaurant.
I think this was our favorite meal in all of Hawaii. Sometimes the vibe, views and memories created affect the way the whole meal tastes. But this precious spot really left a burning memory in our brains. The food was fabulous, just really high quality and carefully made. But we sat right at the railing, watched the waves crash in the distance, listened to the birds and enjoyed this little piece of heaven. I know that’s a little dramatic, but it’s true, the place is a gem.
If you insist on saving money, or really just can’t afford staying there, a great backup is Waiʻānapanapa State Park Cabins. They are going to be bare bones and very simple cabins, but much cheaper. The super annoying thing about these cabins is that you have to bring your own linens…okay have I sold you yet? Stay at the Hana-Maui Resort instead!
Believe it or not, this is my short version about the Road to Hana. I have so so so much more to share and help you plan this awesome excursion. But you’ll have to join my email list and wait until I post the full Road to Hana Guide. If you’re on the email list you’ll find out the second the blog hits the presses. For now, I’ll just tell you two of the best things to do along the road, which are also some of the best active things to do on Maui.
Walk The Black Sand Beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park
It’s a freaking black sand beach!! Need I say more?!? Located in Waiʻānapanapa State Park, you have to make reservations in advance to visit. With the reservation you get a 2-hour time period to hangout here. It will also cost you $10 to park plus $5 per person to enter. It’s worth it, trust me. The reservation system started fairly recently, starting in 2020.
Be sure to look in advance to when the reservations will open up for your date and then mark your calendar to be ready to reserve! They could sell out and you DON’T want that! Seeing a black sand beach was cool enough for me. But they also have lava tubes and a little walking path up on the rocks that run along the ocean. This spot is exactly what you would picture a volcano would leave behind. It is incredibly unique and not to miss on Maui.
While at the beach, you will need a Turkish towel, your snorkel gear, a swim suit, and water shoes.
Hike the Pipiwai Trail
The other “must-do” on the Road to Hana is the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls. You can’t have a list of active things to do on Maui without telling you about some of the amazing hikes this island offers! This is an out and back trail that is a total of 3.8 miles and will take about 2-3 hours. It has a total of 900 feet of elevation gain which is not terrible for a hike of this length, but not incredibly easy either.
There are two huge selling points of this hike. For starters, about half of the hike leads you through a magical bamboo forest that is super unique. Then the hike ends at a massive waterfall unlike any other.
This trail is actually located in Haleakala National Park, but in the lower section. This means that you have to pay $30 per car to enter, but the pass lasts 48 hours. So if you visit the other areas of the park within the next two days, you won’t have to pay again, so make sure to line your plans up accordingly. Make sure you bring hiking sandals and a water bottle!
This hike is really unique and gorgeous, so even if you only do one hike the whole trip, pick this one!!
See Stunning Views on the Waihee Ridge Trail
If you’re looking for another hike to do on Maui, check out the Waihee Ridge Trail. This trail is another out and back trail that is 4 miles in length. But this one is almost double the elevation gain at 1600. This one will definitely be a harder workout but worth it for the stunning valley views you’ll get from the top.
When planning for any hikes be sure to check to download the “All Trails” app. The app not only helps you find amazing trails with thousands of reviews but it also allows you to track your progress throughout the hike. You can see how far you’ve gotten and make sure that you stay on track and don’t take the wrong path. This app is an absolute must for me on any trip I take.
Visit Iao Valley State Monument
This is another great hiking option but it’s located inside of a state monument so you’ll have to pay to get in and there will be set opening and closing times. The entrance fee is five dollars per person and parking is $10 per car.
The special thing to see here is that Iao needle which is basically a super skinny tall mountain structure and it’s surrounded by a botanical garden. This option is especially great for families or people who can’t handle the difficult hike because there’s a paved .6 mile walk that provides a viewpoint of the needle.
Relax on a Sunset Cruise
Second to the Road to Hana, taking a sunset cruise along Maui’s coast is the next best thing you can plan for your vacation on Maui. This is the most relaxing thing that us active travelers can handle, and it’s worth being including on my list of active things to do on Maui. There are a wide variety of cruise options, but I would pick something like this. Look for a smaller boat, free drinks and a 2 hour ride.
You’ll get to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, listen to tropical music, meet new people and have an incredible evening. We did this type of cruise on Oahu and it was the best thing we did the whole time we were there. We almost did a second cruise on Maui, and looking back, we so wish we had! For bonus points, schedule this on your first night if you can! It’s the perfect welcome to island life, and a great thing to do when you’re jet lagged.
Watch the Sunrise at Haleakala
This list wouldn’t be about active things to do on Maui without including some awesome things to do inland, away from all those relaxing beaches! Possibly the most well-known thing to do on Maui is to visit Haleakala National Park. To visit Haleakala you have to go into the national park which costs $30 per car but as I mentioned before if you pair this with a trip to the Pipiwai Trail which is also in the National Park you only have to pay once because the pass is good for 48 hours.
There are so many amazing things to do in Haleakala National Park, but most people recommend that you visit Haleakala at sunrise; this means an extremely early day because you have to get up to the top before the sun rises, which can be as early as 5:30 AM. Depending on where you’re staying, getting to the top of the crater can take up to two hours so you might have to wake up around 2 AM. Keep in mind if you choose to visit at sunrise you will need a reservation so be sure to book this with plenty of time in advance to make sure you get a spot.
The best way to experience sunrise, would be to stay the night at Kula Lodge, so you can be much closer to the park that morning! It will make your wake up call a little later, and less time driving in the dark.
Stay upcountry
The sunrise views definitely make it worth it but there are other ways to do it to you if you prefer to sleep in. You can visit for beautiful views any time of day but the second best option is definitely sunset. Just be sure to get there with plenty of extra time so that you can explore a little bit and see the amazing craters that look like you’re standing on Mars. Note that sunset or any other time of the day does not require reservation.
In the park there are some amazing hikes that you can choose from but you can drive to a lot of the scenic spots as well so you may want to save your heating energy for some of the other options I mentioned already. Whatever you decide to do at Haleakala, be sure to bring warm clothes and or blankets (or a turkish towel to wrap around you!), you will be at 10,000 feet elevation so it gets cold the second the sun goes down.
No matter how you decide to experience Haleakala, you can always choose to see it with a tour guide instead. There are tons of tour options to chose from depending on what experience you are looking for!
Snorkel with Turtles at Kapalua Bay
While you’re in Hawaii you can’t not snorkel with the turtles. I recommend that you visit Kapalua Bay for a really great chance of seeing turtles and other beautiful wildlife. Parking here can be pretty tough so try to get there as early as you can in the morning to secure a spot, otherwise you’ll be fighting for one of the limited street spots. But, there is a paid lot super close by if that’s your only option. Follow the signs in the path down to the beach where you’ll find a super cute little cove.
This is a small fairly residential beach so there will be no access to snorkel gear; you’ll have to bring your own. I highly recommend bringing your own anytime you visit Hawaii anyways because you’ll save so much money that way and can hop in the water anywhere and check out the fish.
This particular beach was the only place we were able to spot turtles. There’s lots of corals so be gentle and mindful to protect it. But you could float around tons of beautiful bright colored fish, and if you’re lucky a turtle or two as well. Always keep your eyes peeled but also listen to the other people in the water. When someone spots a turtle you can usually tell if you’re paying attention.
This beach was just so peaceful and quaint and we wished we had more time to hang out here. Pick up some lunch on your way and spend the day relaxing snorkeling and walking along the coast.
Take a Boat Tour to Molokini Crater
This volcanic crater just off the coast of Maui is almost completely underwater and known for having some of the best snorkeling around. You’ll have to take a boat tour to get out there and depending on the weather the wildlife can be super hit or miss. You can also go scuba diving or snuba diving to get a deeper look at the coral and marine life.
Do a Tasting at Maui Wine
Located in the upcountry of Maui, this adorable winery is a great way to spend your afternoon. Add this to the itinerary while you are on this side of the island and schedule a tasting. Be sure to book in advance or they will likely not be able to seat you!
They offer a wide variety of wines made on property, but the best is the unique pineapple wine. You have to try that while in Hawaii of course!! In addition, they have a small food menu to pair with the drinks!
Eat Cheese and Hangout with Goats at Surfing Goat Dairy
While in the upcountry, book a tour at Surfing Goat Dairy, where you can hang out with the sweet goats, tour the farm and have a sampling of their award-winning goat cheese. I am a massive goat cheese fan so no one had to sell me on this; I was pumped to go! But this is also fun just to meet the goats and learn about the farm! Another really great option for families.
Go Shopping at the Napili Farmers Market
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, on the northwest side of the island, you can find the Napili Farmers Market. This market is obviously a great place to find local food and produce, so if you have a place with a kitchen you can shop here for groceries. Or, at least buy some fruits to snack on, they have some super unique ones that you can’t find at home!
In addition, there are tons of vendors who sell goods, gifts and things to take home with you. It’s a great way to support locals directly!
Stroll the Streets of Lahaina Town
Lahaina is an old town located on the ocean on the west side of the Island. This is one of the two popular areas to stay on Maui. Make sure to spend time exploring this little seaside village, have dinner, shop, enjoy the views and people-watch. There are a ton of tourist shops nowadays, but there’s still plenty of history throughout. The most famous thing to do is to visit the Banyan Tree right in the middle of downtown. This tree was planted in 1873 on the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first American Protestant mission. Today, the tree is massive and takes up an entire city block.
Watch Cliff Divers Jump at Black Rock
Located on the beach in Kaanapali, Black Rock is a large rock formation that juts out into the ocean formed by an old lava flow, creating the perfect spot for cliff divers. Maui’s last ruling chief, King Kahekili, was extremely athletic and was known for jumping off this spot. Today, young cliff divers still use this spot daily. I do not recommend you try it, because it can be extremely dangerous if you are not a professional!
However, you can visit this spot for snorkeling, as it is known to have many turtles hanging out here! Another reason why you will need your own snorkel gear, as you won’t be able to rent any in this area.
The Sheraton Maui Hotel sits right behind the rocks, and offers a nightly torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony. Hang out at the pool bar for a great view of this ceremony. If you’re still looking for a great place to stay on the island, I highly recommend this resort. The rooms are large and have great balconies, the property is large and well manicured and the pools are amazing. We also really enjoyed the food here!
Mama’s Fish House
Many people don’t consider restaurants to fall under the category of active things to do on Maui, but foodies like me will understand how great restaurants can definitely be classified under some of the best things to do. That’s why I am including three of my absolute favorite restaurants on this list. The first up is the incredibly famous Mama’s Fish House.
This seafood restaurant is located on the north side of the island in a town called Paia. The location makes it the perfect place to eat dinner on your way back from the Road to Hana. As you read about places to eat in Maui, you will see this place pop up constantly and there is a really good reason for that. This place is an absolute must!
Be aware, this restaurant is not cheap. For two people you will easily spend $100-200 for dinner, so as long as you can handle that cost, then please be sure to add it to your itinerary. If you do plan to visit, a reservation is required and you must book at least a few months ahead, as they fill up extremely quickly, sometimes even 6 months in advance!
The menu changes daily depending on the fresh catch of the day, but I highly recommend the crab cake appetizer and the stuffed fish if they are available the day you visit. Honestly, anything you order will be incredible, you really can’t go wrong!
Star Noodle
Next up, Star Noodle, located in Lahaina Town on the West side of the island. It used to be located in an industrial park off the beaten path, that’s when it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and the place basically became a tourist attraction, so they moved to an awesome location looking out over the water.
This place will really take you by surprise, and you absolutely must check it out. I read everywhere how amazing this spot was but it just didn’t intrigue me when I was looking at the menus, so I never booked a reservation. One night, we were trying to figure out what to have for dinner and we called to see if they offered take out. We got lucky and they said they just had a cancellation and could accommodate us.
We chose three noodle bowls to share and took them back to the hotel balcony for dinner. Everything was bold and flavorful and amazing. You will not regret eating here, so I recommend you go make a reservation now!!
Garden Terrace Restaurant at Kula Lodge
Last but definitely not least is the Garden Terrace Restaurant at Kula Lodge, located in the upcountry of Maui. This place has it all, delicious fresh food, amazing local service and views. for. days. This restaurant is at a quaint little lodge, and is perched on the side of the mountain. They have huge flower gardens to stroll, and the restaurant features each table under a private gazebo with fountains, streams and waterfalls flowing throughout the 3 level restaurant. It’s such a unique and relaxing experience you don’t want to miss.
The menu features light, farm fresh dishes, everything from soups, salads, and sandwiches to pizza and fish & chips. This is a perfect place for couples, friends and families with kids! At the time of writing this article, they do not accept reservations, however I highly encourage you to double check because that can change at any time.
Spend the Night
Spending a little extra time in the upcountry? Or just want to plan something extra unique while you are on Maui? Definitely plan to spend a few nights at Kula Lodge. It will give you easy access to all of the fun and unique things in this area, and make waking up to see the sunrise at Haleakala SO much easier! Plus, it’s relaxing and beautiful out here!
And that’s my roundup of the best active things to do on Maui! If you have been to Maui before, comment below any of your favorite active things to do on Maui. Are you planning to visit Oahu as well? Check out my guide all about things to do on Oahu, and sign up for my email list for more Hawaii content coming soon!
