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Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, formed by two volcanoes joined by a central isthmus. Haleakala, the massive dormant volcano, dominates the east, while the West Maui Mountains are cut by deep, green valleys. The island combines beach resorts with upcountry farming communities and a rugged, rainy eastern coast.
Visitors drive to Haleakala's summit for sunrise or sunset above the clouds, with reservations required for sunrise, and the Sliding Sands Trail descends into the vast crater. On the volcano's lower slopes, the upcountry towns of Makawao and Kula offer ranching heritage, farms and cool air. In West Maui, Iao Valley State Monument shelters a steep, green pinnacle with deep cultural significance. The Hana Highway winds past waterfalls and the Keanae Peninsula toward Waianapanapa State Park, known for its black sand beach, which requires reservations. Beyond Hana, the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park holds the Pipiwai Trail through a bamboo forest to a tall waterfall. Snorkeling tours visit Molokini Crater, and Makena State Park includes Big Beach. In Kaanapali, Black Rock is a popular snorkeling spot.
Maui suits honeymooners, families and active travelers. The 2023 wildfire devastated Lahaina, and visitors are asked to travel respectfully as the community rebuilds. Winter brings humpback whales to offshore waters, and the weather is pleasant year-round.
WiserMap travel guideMaui Hawaii Haleakala Sunrise and the Road to HanaA respectful Maui guide: Haleakala sunrise, the Road to Hana, Iao Valley, Molokini, Kaanapali and Makena beaches, plus reservations, seasons and food.Read the guide
The 10,023-foot summit of the dormant volcano in Haleakala National Park, with views into the vast crater of red cinder cones. Sunrise above the clouds is the classic visit. Tip: a sunrise reservation is required for cars, and it is near freezing at dawn, so bring warm layers.
The main trail into Haleakala crater, starting near the summit visitor center and descending through cinder slopes and colorful cones. Most people hike a few miles in and turn back. Tip: the climb back up at high altitude is much harder than going down, so turn around early.
The coastal section of Haleakala National Park past Hana, with the Pools of Oheo and the Pipiwai Trail. The 4-mile round-trip trail passes a giant banyan and a dense bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Tip: park entry is paid here, and the trail can be very muddy.
Upcountry towns on the slopes of Haleakala. Makawao is an old cowboy town with galleries, boutiques and a bakery known for cream puffs, while Kula has farms, lavender fields, gardens and a winery nearby. Tip: the cooler air and views make it a good break from the beaches.
Paia is a relaxed former plantation town with surf shops, cafes and fish markets. Just east, Hookipa Beach Park is famous for windsurfers and big winter surf, and sea turtles haul out on the sand in the afternoon. Tip: keep a respectful distance from resting turtles.
The winding road to Hana crosses dozens of one-lane bridges past waterfalls, rainforest and sea cliffs. At Keanae Peninsula, lava rock shoreline meets taro patches and a stone church, and roadside stands sell banana bread. Tip: start early and pull over to let locals pass.
A coastal park near Hana known for its black sand beach, sea caves, lava tubes and blowholes. A coastal trail follows the rugged shore past native hala trees. Tip: reservations for entry and parking are required in advance for out-of-state visitors, and the waves can be strong.
A lush valley in the West Maui Mountains above Wailuku, best known for Iao Needle, a green rock pinnacle rising about 1,200 feet from the valley floor. A short paved path leads to a viewpoint and stream. Tip: non-resident visitors must reserve entry online in advance.
Home to Big Beach, a long and wide golden sand beach on the south shore, and the smaller Little Beach over the rocks. There is little development, so it feels wild. Tip: the shore break can be powerful and has caused injuries, so swim only on calm days and bring shade.
A resort beach stretching about three miles on the west shore, with a paved beach walk past hotels and restaurants. At its north end, Black Rock is a lava headland with good snorkeling and a nightly torch-lighting and cliff dive ritual. Tip: snorkel in the calm morning.
Honolua Bay is a marine life conservation district with clear water and coral reefs for snorkeling in summer and famous surf in winter. Nearby Kapalua has quiet crescent beaches and a coastal trail. Tip: there is no beach here, so enter over rocks with water shoes.
A crescent-shaped, partly sunken volcanic crater off the south coast, protected as a marine reserve. Its clear waters hold coral and hundreds of fish species. Visits are by boat tours from Maalaea or Kihei. Tip: morning trips get the calmest water and the best visibility.
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