Maui, also known as the Valley Isle, is a dream destination for travelers seeking stunning coastal drives, lush rainforests, and breathtaking hikes. This guide will help you plan the perfect trip, combining the best road trip routes and hiking adventures for an unforgettable experience.
Getting Started
- Best Time to Visit: Maui is a year-round destination, but the dry season (April–October) offers ideal weather for outdoor adventures.
- Transportation: Renting a car is highly recommended to explore at your own pace. If you are planning to drive the Road to Hana, I would highly, highly suggest getting a small SUV or a car.
- Packing Essentials: Comfortable hiking shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, bug spray, and rain jacket.
Where to Stay
There are a few main hotel areas on Maui, offering different pros and cons.
- Kihei and Wailea: This area is pretty central to all things Maui and offers some more affordable housing options.
- Makena: This is on the southwest tip of Maui and offers some more luxurious hotel options and beautiful beaches.
- Kapalua: This is on the northwest tip of Maui and offers easy access to the West Maui drive. There are also some more luxurious hotel options in this area.
Epic Road Trips
The Legendary Road to Hana
Overview: This world-famous coastal drive features 600+ curves and 59 bridges, leading through waterfalls, rainforests, and scenic ocean vistas.
Must-See Stops:
- Twin Falls (mile marker 2) – First waterfalls of the trip, with swimming pools.
- Wailua Overlook – A stunning view of taro fields and lush valleys.
- Ke‘anae Peninsula – A picturesque village with dramatic waves crashing on black lava rocks.
- Wai‘ānapanapa State Park (black sand beach) – A striking contrast of volcanic sand, turquoise waters, and lush greenery.
- Wailua Falls (mile marker 45) – One of Maui’s most breathtaking waterfalls.
Tips:
- Start early, bring snacks and cash. Start very early if you are planning on doing the whole drive in one day.
- Get a smaller rental car. Many of the curves in the road are very small and even if they say two cars can fit, this can get very tight with full size SUVs.
- I find it best to break up the drive into two days. There are plenty of places to stay in and around the town of Hana. You can even rent a cabin on the beach of Wai‘ānapanapa State Park (these go quickly!)
The West Maui Loop
Overview: A scenic drive around the rugged western coastline, featuring dramatic cliffs, historical towns, and hidden gems. Unless you are very comfortable driving on one-car-at-a-time cliffside roads, I would recommend only driving until the Ohai Trail (when coming from the west cost).
Must-See Stops:
- Nakalele Blowhole – A powerful natural geyser shooting water high into the air
- Honolua Bay – A world-class snorkeling and surfing spot
- Lipoa Ridge – Beautiful panoramic ocean views with cliffs in the distance
- Slaughterhouse Beach – Excellent snorkeling opportunity where you can often see turtles and other fish
Tips:
- Some roads are narrow and winding; drive carefully and check conditions beforehand.
- Lahaina – This historic town was sadly mostly destroyed by a fire. They are still rebuilding much of it, so please don’t drive through unless you absolutely have to.
Haleakalā Summit Drive
Overview: Drive to the summit of Haleakalā Volcano for breathtaking sunrise or sunset views above the clouds.
Must-See Stops:
- Leleiwi Overlook – A unique perspective of the volcanic landscape.
- Kalahaku Overlook – A panoramic view of the crater and surrounding valleys.
- Red Hill Summit – The highest point on Maui at 10,023 feet.
Tips: Dress warmly as temperatures drop significantly at the summit. Reservations are required for sunrise – you can get these at recreation.gov.
Must-Do Hawaii Activities
A Luau
It’s hard to think of Hawaii without thinking of one of their biggest traditions, the luau. This really is an experience you should do at least once in your life! There are many options for them in Maui, some of the best being the Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and the Gilligans’ Island Luau in Kihei.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride
Hawaii is known for it’s helicopter rides offering some of the most scenic views in the world. The reason these are such a big attraction is that many of these views can only be seen by helicopter.
There are a few great options for rides in Maui:
- Doors Off Tour of West Maui and Molokai: I did this tour and absolutely loved it! I would highly recommend if you are a little daring. West Maui and Molokai are filled with super green, super dramatic cliff-type mountains with the longest waterfalls I’ve ever seen. This is also a great, quick way to see West Maui without driving the scary road.
- Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing: This is a great option to see the rainforests around Hana from the air. Also great if you don’t want to drive the Road to Hana.
- Complete Island 60-Minute Helicopter Tour: This tour, as the name suggests, gives you views of the whole island of Maui. A great option if you are looking to see the island from both the land and the air.
Unforgettable Hikes
Pipiwai Trail
- Location: Haleakalā National Park (Kīpahulu District)
- Distance: 4 miles round-trip
- Highlights: Walk through a mystical bamboo forest, cross footbridges, and marvel at the towering 400-ft Waimoku Falls.
Sliding Sands Trail
- Location: Haleakalā National Park
- Distance: Varies (up to 18 miles round-trip)
- Highlights: Experience an otherworldly volcanic landscape with deep red and orange sand dunes.
Twin Falls Trail
- Location: Along the Road to Hana
- Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
- Highlights: A short hike leading to multiple waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
Hana Lava Tube
- Location: Along the Road to Hana
- Time: Takes about 40 minutes
- Highlights: Explore a lava tube formed almost 1,000 years ago. This is a paid self-guided walk and a flashlight is required as there are no lights within the lava tube.
Sea Caves and Black Sand Beach Trail
- Location: In Wai’ānapanapa State Park along the Road to Hana
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Highlights: This is a quick hike but it’s a beautiful view of some volcanic rock sea caves and a unique all black sand beach.
Additional Travel Tips
- Book in Advance: Popular attractions like Haleakalā sunrise and Wai‘ānapanapa State Park require reservations.
- Respect Nature: Stay on marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
- Embrace the Aloha Spirit: Take your time, be respectful to locals, and enjoy the island’s laid-back vibe.
- If you like a good audio tour, I’d recommend downloading the GuideAlong app and purchasing the Maui tour. It’s great to learn about the history and landscape of Hawaii while driving, and it also alerts you to must-see stops along the drive!
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking volcanic craters, or soaking in ocean views, Maui is an adventurer’s paradise. Enjoy your journey!