Maui is a magical place for many people. Some even consider it to be Oahu’s polar opposite: Waikiki is all about fast-paced (or as fast-paced as Hawaii allows) excitement and experiences, whereas Maui is all about slowing down and taking it easy.
And, despite being much smaller than Oahu, there is plenty to do on the island. Maui offers a variety of experiences that highlight its uniqueness and beauty, from its highest peak to its beaches and beyond.
If you only have a few days to spend on Maui, here’s our list of the top things to do while you’re there to make the most of what the island has to offer. Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list. It’s not intended to be, but these activities are well worth your time and effort, especially if you want to see the entire island (or as much of it as possible).
1. Molokini Snorkel
In a nutshell, Molokini is one of Hawaii’s most popular snorkelling destinations, and for good reason: it’s a protected marine conservation area, and its proximity to Maui’s closest shoreline means that this underwater paradise has been spared the usual damage caused by beachgoers. This crescent-shaped strip of land serves as a marker for what lies beneath, which includes an abundance of marine life such as colourful fish, amazing coral formations, and, on rare occasions, sea turtles.
2. Visit Haleakala
If you want something completely unique and different for your Instagram feed, a trip to Haleakala would be ideal.
To say that visiting Haleakala National Park is like visiting an alien world is an understatement. This place looks like something out of a science fiction film, with Mars-like terrain and, to some extent, alien flora. Being above the clouds also contributes to the surreal setting. The landscape is painted in reds, browns, and blues, with greens strewn about the craggy rocks, which contrast with varying degrees of greys and whites. It’s no surprise that this location is known as “The House of the Sun” in Hawaiian legend.
” This is also the home of demi-god Maui’s grandmother, and it’s where he roped the sun to slow it down, resulting in longer days.”
If that isn’t enough, Haleakala is also the best place to see the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
3. Take the Road to Hana
You’ve seen the blue waters and orange-tinged skies of Maui. It’s time to discover Maui’s lush side. The Road to Hana is known for its dense forests, spectacular waterfalls, and breathtaking coastlines. This winding road runs the length of the island’s eastern side, which is mostly made up of protected parks. You’ll also see volcanic rock formations and lava tubes, which are remnants of the island’s geologic past.
4. Visit ‘Iao Valley State Park
Now that you’ve seen the eastern part of the island (which, by the way, is the largest part of Maui), it’s time to check out the west side, and ‘Iao Valley State Park is one of the most popular visitor attractions on this side of the island.
‘Iao Valley State Park is known as one of the wettest places in Hawaii (and possibly the world), receiving about an inch of rain per day on average. This has contributed to the park’s lush vegetation, with the majority of the plants serving as living historical depictions of pre-contact Hawaii. Given that the valley once supported tens of thousands of Hawaiians who relied on it for agricultural purposes, it’s one of the most fascinating aspects of Maui island culture you’ll ever see.
To explore more of the park, there are several paved and well-marked trails in the valley. We recommend that you take these trails, but please stay within the marked areas because locals, particularly those who are well-versed in Hawaiian history and culture, regard the entire valley as sacred ground.
‘Iao Needle (also known as Kuka’emoku) is perhaps the most well-known feature of Iao Valley State Park. It’s essentially a narrow jutting out of the valley’s landscape that points skywards. Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the sea, is associated with this natural formation. The ‘Iao Needle can be seen from various vantage points throughout the main park area, but there is also an observation deck where visitors can see it and take photos.
5. Spend the Day in Lahaina
With the exception of West Maui, we’ve seen a lot of Maui. It’s the only part of Maui we haven’t visited, and the epicentre of West Maui’s activities is in the town of Lahaina.
Lahaina is brimming with fascinating points of interest that have contributed to Hawaii’s rich history. It was once a busy whaling port-of-call and the seat of royal Hawaiian power at one point in Hawaii’s history. The town is dotted with historical sites, museums, and old cannons that provide a glimpse into life in 19th-century Maui. Hale Pa’ahao Prison, Hale Aloha, the Baldwin Home Museum, The King’s Taro Patch, and Hauola Stone are among these sites. Don’t miss the Lahaina Banyan Court, which houses the largest banyan tree in the United States.
Front Street is lined with charming shops and excellent restaurants. Lahaina also has a high concentration of art galleries, possibly the highest concentration of any town in the state.