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If you are wondering what are the best Maui attractions, rest assured, they abound. If you thought Maui is all about beaches - think again!
Take a look at this Maui map to locate the most popular Maui Hawaii attractions and Maui island activities:
Maui Attractions - Haleakala
Haleakala - "house of the sun" - is the largest dormant volcano in the world and forms 75% of the island. Not yet extinct, it is expected to erupt sometime in the next 200 years after its last eruption in 1790.
You can enjoy a long scenic drive and many overlooks in Haleakala National Park - one of the most magnificent attractions on the island. One of the park’s tourist attractions is Hosmer Grove, a unique forest of foreign trees. Here you will see the Australian eucalyptus, the Japanese sugi and the Himalayan deodar - among other exotic species.
If you can get up at 3 am, drive up 10,000 ft to the Haleakala summit to witness a spectacular sunrise. Come early for a spot above the clouds.
Take a look at a traditional sunrise celebration on Mt. Haleakala, one of the most unique of the Maui attractions! Hawaiian chants and hula are sacred offering of mana to the sun - click the arrow to play the movie:
In summer, the sun rises around 5:38 AM, in the winter as late as 6:55 AM. Dress warmly and in layers as at this elevation, the temperature is 30°F lower than at sea level. Also, bring your own water and food.
Stay an extra 10-20 minutes after the sunrise and you will be treated to the extravaganza of dawn’s changing colors.
Then, head over to the Waimoku Falls for one of the best Maui island activities: hiking.
Start at the Haleakala National Park on the Pipiwai Trail, near the Seven Sacred Pools. On this trek, which can take between 3-5 hours, you pass numerous pools and waterfalls, flaming orange tulip tree blooms, a towering bamboo forest after crossing two streams. You end at the incredible, 400 ft. Waimoku Falls, which gushes down a sheer black lava rock cliff.
Maui Attractions - Lahaina
If you like history, one of the top attractions is to walk the Lahaina Historic Trail. Even though it’s now buzzing with art galleries and fun shops, Lahaina is steeped in historical significance. It was once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, then a busy whaling port and a plantation settlement.
Are you an art lover?
Then you should know that every second and fourth weekend of the month, an arts festival takes place under the shade of a huge, spreading banyan tree in Lahaina. This 200-years old tree, the size of an entire city block, was imported from India and planted in 1873!
Enjoy the "Art Night" every Friday and watch unique shows in the 40 art galleries, chat with the artists and taste the yummy refreshments, mmmm....
Oh, an don’t miss Ulalena!
A 75-minute magical musical playing at the 684-seat Maui Theater, it is one of the hottest shows on the island.
A Cirque-du-Soleil-like performance incorporating Hawaiian mythology, chanting, dance and striking costumes, Ulalena is a remarkable theatrical performance that will leave you mesmerized... A true feast for your senses!
Want to walk on the wild side?
Every Halloween, join 30,000 party goers at "Halloween in Lahaina", a Mardi-Gras style event which features a children’s costume parade, food booths, games, crafts, live music and dancing - this is one of the most loved Maui attractions of all :)
Other Popular Maui Hawaii Attractions
Kapalua Wine & Food Seminar: If you love a party, you must head to this gourmet festival, now in its 27th year. Every summer, thousands of food and wine lovers like you head to the Kapalua resort for this 4-day event.
Take a look on the Maui map at the top of the page to locate Kapalua on the North-west coast.
Here you will taste wine from more than 150 wineries, sample seafood like you have never tasted before, and enjoy the Winemaker dinners
in various restaurants on the island.
Iao Valley State Park: Discover Maui’s ancient past and walk luxuriant tropical areas full of waterfalls and streams...
Located in Central Maui, this lushly green peaceful park is home to the 2,250 ft Iao Needle, once used as a stone altar.
The ridge-top lookout is a great spot from which you will snap incredible photos of the valley to take back home with you.
Humpback Whales: Watch these magnificent creatures as from November to May - as many as 3,000 humpback whales visit Maui.
Did you know that native Hawaiians believe these gentle giants are aumakua, or family guardians? Perhaps that’s why they treat them with such great respect.
Make sure you don't miss the hugely popular
Maui Whale Watching Tours! You will have an up-close encounter with the Humpback whales in the company of certified marine naturalists who explain the social behavior of the whales. Watch them spy-hop and breach, see how the mothers play with the calves and how males compete for the females.
You can even listen to their songs through the underwater hydrophone! This is one of the most unique Maui attractions you can experience, beyond the other exciting adventures and activities in Maui.
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