Maui, Hawaii is one of the most enchanting places on the planet. The smell of the blooming Plumeria and other flowers create an intoxicating smell as soon as you disembark the plane and enter the airport. The island boasts rainforests, barren volcanic summits, black sand beaches, crashing surf on golden sands, and tropical plantations. I am sharing the most Instagrammable places on Maui to help you create your bucket list!
We recently visited the island for the third time and we always leave feeling fulfilled, exhausted, but with a list of activities and sights we did not have time to see. Maui will be on my bucket list always! Here are our favorites!
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#1: The Maui Tropical Plantation
The Maui Tropical Plantation located at 1670 Honoapiʻilani Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793 shows off the island’s agricultural bounty. The plantation is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, offering the Mill House restaurant for lunch, a train ride through the plantation to learn about the produce of the island, and a zipline. The gift shop offers unique finds and local goods.
All the beauty may make you hungry! The Mill House, located on the grounds of the plantation, offers farm to table menu options. Check out my review of the Mill House here!
The flora of Maui is enchanting. Plumeria are my favorite, the blooms are so unique and the smell is intoxicating! The plantation has gorgeous gardens for you to explore.
#2: The Bamboo Forest
Maui’s Bamboo Forest located on the Pipiwai Trail is a truly unique experience. Transport yourself into a magical forest. Hike the Bamboo forest trail on the Road to Hana in Maui. The hike is a bit challenging and not for little kids. We first hiked the forest to the waterfall when we visited Maui for the second time. Swimming in a pool beneath the waterfall was a treat after the hike. The trail now costs $25, but if you do this the same day as your visit to Haleakala your entrance is included. My favorite part was the musical sound of the wind knocking the bamboo against one another, Mother Nature’s windchimes.
#3: Wai’anapanapa State Park
Wai’anapanapa State Park is located at Mile Marker 32 on the Road to Hana. This State Park is absolutely breathtaking and a perfect spot for lunch. There are many roadside vendors on the Road to Hana to stop for lunch, but I would recommend packing a lunch to picnic at Wai’anapanapa. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop will pack you an amazing lunch that you can take with you. Check out my review of this restaurant here.
This park has the most amazing combination of colors, with black sand and lava rocks, the deep blue of the ocean and sky, and emerald greens of the foliage. There will be no need for a filter on your instagram posts!
#4: The ‘Iao Needle
The ‘Iao Needle located in Maui’s ‘Iao Valley is a can’t miss when visiting Maui. This beautiful State Monument is among the rainest in the world, receiving an inch of rain a day. The ‘Iao needle stands at 1200 feet. Many Hawaiian Chiefs are buried here to protect the Mana, the spiritual energy and power that resides in the bones.
The park costs only $5 per carload and although it is small, well worth a hike on the walking trails and the observation area to check out the Needle. We were fortunate that the weather was good when we visited and the sun was peeking out. It is much cooler here then the rest of the island, so a perfect activity when you want to get out of the heat for a bit.
#5: Makena Beach State Park- Big Beach
Big Beach is one of my favorite spots on the island…perhaps anywhere! This beach is gorgeous! Gorgeous golden sand, huge waves (maybe giving it the name Big Beach). The water is the most gorgeous turquoise. You have a great view of the Molokini Crater as well.
There are typically surfers at one end of the beach. While this is a gorgeous beach, the surf can be very impressive and may not be the best beach for little ones.
#6: Haleakala
Haleakala, the House of the Sun is a volcanic summit on Maui. The volcano has been considered dormant as the last eruption was sometime around 1790. It stands at 10,023 feet in elevation and makes up 75% of the island of Maui. Folklore tells it as the home of the grandmother of the demigod Maui. It is the home to several endangered species, including the Silversword or ʻāhinahina. Visitors find a peaceful yet foreign landscape, and if you can find a quiet spot from all the tourists, you will hear only the wind.
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The Silversword or ‘ahinahina is found only atop the volcanic summit. This endangered species lives between 3 and 90 years and flower only once. They are beautiful and delicate! Climate change threatens their existence and researchers at the University of Hawaii are working with the Park to ensure the presence of these plants for the future.
#7: The Banyan Tree- Lahaina
The Lahaina Banyan Tree located in the center of downtown Lahaina, Maui is so cool! This gorgeous tree is the largest in the United States and was planted in 1873. It stands at 60 feet tall and has 16 major trunks. The circumference of the tree is a quarter of a mile. Enjoying an afternoon in its shade must be on your Maui bucket list!
#8: The Beaches of Maui
Maui is host to so many amazing beaches. There is no way to see them all! There are coves that offer wonderful snorkeling, expansive beaches for sunbathing and boogie boarding, and beaches frequented by locals where you can watch the surfers.
The Lei is a physical symbol of the spirit of Aloha. It symbolizes love, friendship, celebration, or greeting. The Lei is one of the few ancient Hawaiian traditions that have survived. It is customary to return the lei to the earth when you are done with it, as disposing of it in the garbage is disrespectful. Many leave the lei somewhere that has meaning to them. Often it is customary to throw the flowers into the surf. My hope is that it is a promise I can one day return to the magical Hawaiian islands.
Are you convinced? I hope these Instagrammable spots have sold you on the beauty and diversity of the island of Maui. Bucket list worthy for certain!
Wander well…