The isle of Maui is magical destination that is worthy of a spot on your bucket list. The perfect combination of adventure, romance, and gorgeous vistas; there is something to feed everyone’s soul. Planning your dream vacation can be exciting, but a little overwhelming. Of course you want to maximize your time on the island and pick the best activities. Here is a summary of the best Maui has to offer to inform your Maui bucket list!
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1. Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a hair-raising 64 mile ride through the back country of Maui. The road twists and turns over 600 times with more than 50 bridges, most of which are only one lane! The drive will take more than 2.5 hours, longer with the stops you make along the way. The views are well worth the trip. Do your research and pick the stops you wish to see. Tops picks are the Twin Falls at mile marker #2, Honomanu Bay at marker #14, Ke’anae Arboretum at marker #16 (rainbow eucalyptus trees!), Wai’anapanapa State Park at #32, and the Seven Sacred Pools at ‘Ohe’o Gulch at Marker #42. Pack a picnic lunch and eat ocean side at Wai’anapanapa.
2. Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Waiʻānapanapa State Park is an absolutely breathtaking experience. The black lava rock contrasted against the green foliage and blue ocean waters is picture worthy. The black sand beach leads to a chilly swim, but is one of the most popular things to check out in the park. There are sea caves, a natural lava rock bridge, and an occasional brave soul jumping off the huge rock formations. Located on the Road to Hana, stopping off at this park will not disappoint. Plan a hike and a picnic lunch here, or be adventurous and camp out under the stars.
3. The Maui Tropical Plantation
The Maui Tropical Plantation is bucket list worthy! Tour a working plantation and have lunch at the Mill House. Tram tours take you through tropical vegetation and learn how to husk a coconut! The vistas are breathtaking and the flora is everything Maui. The Plantation makes for a relaxing day.
4. ‘Iao Valley
A short drive from the Maui Tropical Plantation is the ‘Iao Valley, home to the ‘Iao Needle. 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.
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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. 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. Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park will take you to the landscape of a seemingly alien planet! 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.
Plan to get to the summit early, as the clouds build throughout the day as the island heats up. Two bucket-list worthy activities include watching the sunrise on the peak (you must purchase advanced reservations) or, for the very brave of heart, rocketing down the volcano on a bike tour. There are more than 35 miles of hiking trails, however be prepared. It is typically 20 degrees colder at the summit and quite windy.
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Standing above the clouds is a centering experience. Find a quiet place away from the crowds to sit and reflect in this breath-taking environment!
6. Hike 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. Enjoy a hike in the forest to the waterfall and swim in a pool beneath is 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. The musical sound of the wind knocking the bamboo against one another is magical, Mother Nature’s wind chimes.
7. Snorkel in Molokini
Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic crater that is home to more than 250 species of fish. Cruises out to the crater typically offer lunch and drinks. The island is a marine sanctuary, so you are guaranteed to see plenty of fish. An hour boat ride to the crater offers plenty of views of the surrounding islands. The second stop on the cruise is the Turtle Arches or Turtle Town. Underwater Lava arches lends shelter to green sea turtles, offering you a great opportunity to see turtles close up.
8. Atlantis Submarine
A water based excursion is a necessity for your Maui bucket list. There are so many options, such as sunset sails and snorkeling cruises however the Atlantis Submarine Dive offers a unique perspective. The Atlantis submarine is perfect for those who do not wish to snorkel, bit wish to see a reef. A short boat ride out to the submarine provides great views of the island of Maui, Moloka’i and Lanai. Once aboard the submarine, 48 passengers dive to depths of over 120 feet to view both natural and artificial reefs. A magical Maui experience!
You can also purchase combination tickets, such as the submarine and a Luau, or a snorkel cruise with the sub tour. Check it out on their website!
9. Makena State Park- Big Beach
Makena State Park, also known as Big Beach offers one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. Located near Wailea, Big Beach has gorgeous golden sand, huge waves, with the most gorgeous turquoise. waters 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.
10. A Luau
All the big luaus in Lahaina are a great Hawaiian experience. There are several to choose from including the Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Regency and the Myths of Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort, both of which offer a spectacular fire dance. The best Lahaina luau overall is the Old Lahaina Luau, for the best tasting food, most authentic experience, and an attractive, Hawaiian venue. Located on Front Street in downtown Lahaina town, getting to and from the venue is easy if staying right in town. Be certain to pick one that offers a Imu Ceremony, the unearthing of the Kalua pig from the underground oven.
11. Dinner at Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House is quintessential Maui and a dining opportunity you can not miss! Dining reservations are necessary, as it is a full house all day. You can book your table online here. They book up quickly, so try to book your table before you arrive. Don’t fret if you did not make reservations, there is limited seating at the bar, so you may get lucky!
The food at Mama’s is amazing! Fresh catches of the day are brought directly by the fisherman and are served within 24 hours of being caught. The menus include the name of the fisherman who caught the meal! Can not get much fresher than that! Favorites on the menu are Mama’s Stuffed Fish and the Uku with ginger and Asian vegetables. Grab a classic Mai Tai for a taste of the island.
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12. Cool off in the Shade of the Banyan Tree
The Banyan tree at the center of Lahaina Town is the centerpiece of the town. 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.
13. Roam Around Lahaina Town
Lahaina town is a charming and historical whaling village transformed into a tourist mecca. Wandering around Lahaina for a day is a day well spent! Once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, Lahaina gives travelers a taste of Maui’s history. There are plenty of historical museums throughout the town to learn about the whaling history of the village. Coupled with tons of souvenir shops, eateries and watering holes, you will find plenty to fill your day.
Grab a quick breakfast before you cruise at Aloha Mixed Plate. Perfectly set on the beach in Lahaina, you will enjoy gorgeous views while you much on delicious Eggs Benedict. The coffee is the great, while the views top off your meal perfectly.
Need a travel itinerary? Check out the perfect Maui vacation 6 day itinerary here.
14. Take a Ferry to Lana’i
Catch a ferry from Lahaina to Lanai Island, a neighboring Hawaiian Island. The fare is relatively inexpensive, costing only $30. You can just hang at Hulopo‘e Beach, just a short walk from the harbor to spend the day snorkeling and sunbathing. Another option is to rent a Jeep from Dollar Rentals to explore the whole island. So put Lan’ai on your bucket list!
15. Have Breakfast at Leoda’s
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop is a must on your Maui bucket list for the most delicious food! The seared Ahi Tuna Eggs Benedict is to die for…a glorious combination of farm fresh eggs, seared Ahi tuna, avocado and basil…you will not be disappointed with this breakfast. It is worth a trip back to the island for!
They offer plenty of options for breakfast and lunch, as well as plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Want to learn more about this delicious dining option? Check out this review.
16. Zipline Through the Maui Landscape
When checking out the Maui Tropical Plantation, plan a ziplining activity through the Maui landscape with the Maui Zipline Company. A birds-eye view is certain to impress, witnessing Haleakala off in the distance and gorgeous flora of the island. Kids as young as 5 can enjoy the zipline, making it fun for the whole family.
There are other ziplining options as well, such as the Pi’iholo Ranch Adventures in Makawao. Find the option that best suits your needs.
Traveling with kids? Check out the 6 best activities on Maui to do with kids here!
17. Take a Helicopter Tour
If money is no object, a helicopter tour is an amazing way to see the island. There are several tours to choose from, including a full island tour. Maui Helicopters cites that 80% of the island can only be seen from the air, thus you will find yourself seeing Maui from a unique perspective.
18. Sunbathe on Kaanapali Beach
Located on the western shores of Maui, the Ka’anapali and Napili-Honokowai beaches are family friendly and ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing in the hot Hawaiian sun, boogie-boarding, swimming, and snorkeling on these world-renown beaches Brave cliff divers plunge into the water from Black Rock beach and there is plenty of fish to see in the waters. Ka’anapali is located in front of 7 major resorts and has a heavy tourist feel. Great for water sports and beach rentals.
19. Visit Ali’ikula Lavender Farm
The Lavender Farm is a 13.5-acre farm that sits 4000 ft. elevation and is home to approximately 25 different varieties of lavender. Fields of Lavender, Olive trees, Hydrangea, and many other plants can be found on the farm, making for a magical experience in the high country of Maui.
20. West Maui Circle Drive
Less popular than the road to Hana, the West Maui Circle Drive is a must for your Maui travel plans. The scenery is unparalleled and it is easy to spend your day hiking through the landscape. There are many amazing sights to see on this drive and some will have you exploring alien terrain of volcanic flows, tidal pools and blow holes. If you plan your stops wisely, you will ensure you have time to see all the best West Maui has to offer. Amazing stops include Honolua Bay, a great place to snorkel, the Olivine Pools, and Ohai Overlook, a gorgeous one mile hike for coastal sights.
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Planning your Maui bucket list prior to your trip will help your vacation live up to your dreams! Wander well…