Destination guide
Hawaii/Maui
United States
The island of Maui is one of the islands of Hawaii, a state of the United States of America. It is the second-largest of the eight major islands and the third-most populous.
AI insights
AI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and the video stats on this page
When visiting Ohe'o Gulch, note that the lower, ocean-side pools are the most accessible and crowded; for a quieter experience, take the trail uphill across the highway to reach the rainforest-shaded pools.
If you are planning to visit Tasaka Guri-Guri, remember that it is a cash-only establishment, so bring physical currency if you want to sample their signature pineapple or strawberry sherbet.
For whale watching, aim to schedule your excursion during the peak months of February and March; booking with a conservation-focused operator like the Pacific Whale Foundation ensures your activity supports local marine research while guaranteeing sightings.
When visiting Waianapanapa State Beach, prioritize sightseeing over swimming, as the dangerous currents and jellyfish make the water unsafe for entry despite the beauty of the black sand.
If you are driving around the island, consider stopping at CJ's Deli and Diner to pick up a box lunch with a provided cooler and ice, which helps you stay prepared for a picnic during your travels.
How we vet these picks
Every pick is drawn from real sources — YouTube creators, Wikivoyage, and Wikipedia. We only surface sources that actually exist and that we've checked for authenticity — no filler, no dead-end searches.Watch first
Ranked by views and how well each landed with the people who watched it, judged against the other coverage of this place — plus a local creator where we found one.
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Best time to go
Best window: June–September and November–January
Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.
Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.
Getting around
Public transportation
There are several public bus routes that operate seven days a week including all holidays. More information can be found at the Maui County's bus service webpage. Note that buses do not allow suitcases, so plan ahead while riding.
Major highways
Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) is the road to Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua; it runs between West Maui and Wailuku around majestic cliffs and along white sand beaches.
Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What to see
Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.
Haleakalā National Park
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A dormant volcanic crater famous for sunrise viewing above the clouds.
Vetted sources
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
1 Cameron Way· Free
Completed in 1994, the Arts and Cultural Center is one of the island's best venues for both visual and performing arts. The Schaefer International Gallery is Maui's only museum-quality art gallery, while several performance venues…
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Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
3957 Hansen Rd· Cheap
Indoor and outdoor museum exhibits documenting the history of the former sugar industry in Hawaii. The former sugar mill can be seen across the street from the museum.
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Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
150 Kanaloa Ave
Seven acre site focused on flora of Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaho'olawe.
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Kahana Pond Bird Sanctuary
Haleakala Highway, 0.1 miles west of Hana Highway· Free
143-acre wetland preserve that is home to the Hawaiian Coot (ʻalae) and the Hawaiian stilt (aeʻo).
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Ka`anapali Beachwalk
Takes you on a scenic shoreline walk for about two miles, stretching between Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Whalers Village oceanfront shopping complex is right in the middle of it.
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Pu`u Keka`a
The ancient Hawaiian landmark that dominates Ka`anapali Beach, also known popularly as Black Rock. It is steeped in Hawaiian legends and lore; in fact, there is a historical site marker along the beach boardwalk at the entrance to the…
Vetted sources
What to do
Road to Hana
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A 64-mile coastal drive with roughly 620 curves past waterfalls and black-sand beaches.
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Whale watching with Pacific Whale Foundation
From Lahaina and Maalaea Harbors (Kihei)· Moderate
Thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's warm ocean waters each winter. The majority of the whales are found off the coast of Maui. You can see whales from late November through mid-May, but the peak of the season is in February…
Vetted sources
The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course
1333 Maui Lani Parkway
Clever hole designs and rugged terrain. Golf Digest named the Dunes at Maui Lani one of the four "Best-Kept Secret" golf courses in America when it opened in late 1989.
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Kanaha Beach Park
take Amala Place west to the end, about 1.5 miles from Hobron Ave.· Free
A mile-long stretch of beach located adjacent to the Kahului Airport, this park is also known as Kite Beach for its excellent windsurfing conditions.
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Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
1 Lelepio Pl· Expensive
50- to 90-minute helicopter tours of Maui and Molokai. Higher end packages include landing with refreshments served.
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Ohe'o Gulch
Southwest from Hana, but still accessible from the paved portion of the highway. A noncontinuous part of Haleakala National Park. A trail leads toward the ocean from the parking lot to large sunny pools with small falls cascading between…
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Molokini Crater
is a crescent shaped islet located about 3 miles off Maui's southwestern coast. Access is by boat only, and charter boats operate out of Lahaina, Ma'alaea Harbor and Kihei.
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Waianapanapa State Beach
A black sand beach that can be accessed from the Road to Hana several miles northwest of Hana. The beach faces a deep cove and is surrounded with lush vegetation. There is no swimming because of dangerous currents and dangerous jellyfish.
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What to eat
Mama's Fish House
Worth itAlso recommended by Eater
Fresh-caught local fish served oceanfront near Paia, a Maui institution since 1973.
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Zippy's
15 Ho'okele St
This location has two sides: a quick service counter and a table-service restaurant with a bakery counter in between. Hawaiian and American food are the specialties.
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Acevedo's Hawaicano Cafe
190 Alamaha St
Family-owned eatery in an industrial area near the airport serving Hawaiian food with a Mexican twist.
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Maui Brewing Company
Great beer, good food, and a mellow atmosphere.
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Tasaka Guri-Guri
in Maui Mall
A long-time fixture on Maui, this shop keeps things simple and serves up a classic old-style Hawaii flavor: it sells a classic sherbet in only two flavors, strawberry and pineapple.
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Leilani's
One of several restaurants in the Whalers Village shopping center in the middle of the Kaanapali Beach resort area. Casual downstairs with short menu for lunch or dinner. Fine dining upstairs with longer menu for dinner only.
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CJ's Deli and Diner
On Honoapiilani Highway just outside the Kaanapali Beach resort
Inexpensive (for Maui) casual family restaurant where you order at the counter. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Box lunches with provided coolers and ice to take along for a picnic as you drive around Maui.
Vetted sources
Where to stay
Banyan Tree House
1 mile north on Baldwin Ave from center of Makawao· Expensive
The Banyan Tree House with upcountry cottages and suites offers a central location in a shady, quiet retreat. Close, yet removed from the beachfront crowds.
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Maui Beach Hotel
170 Kaahumanu Ave· Expensive
Pet friendly, in-room internet and WiFi, fitness room. Free airport shuttle. Restaurant on site.
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Maui Tradewinds
4320 Une Pl· Expensive
Private 2-acre honeymoon/vacation retreat. Gets high ratings from many guests.
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Courtyard Maui Airport Hotel
5 minutes from OGG· Expensive
Part of the Marriott chain, just minutes from the airport.
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Westin Maui Resort & Spa
2365 Ka'anapali Parkway
On-site restaurants are Tropica, Ono Bar & Grill, Moonlight Lounge. Also have fun watching Wailele Polynesian Luau or at Heavenly Spa.
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Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
6 Kai Ala Dr
On-site restaurants include Pulehu, Ocean Pool Bar & Grill, Pailolo Bar & Grill and cabana dining. Also, Spa Helani for pampering.
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Travel essentials
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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.