20 Reasons Maui Is the Best Hawaiian Island

Watch the sunrise above clouds

One thing you should know before booking a Hawaiian vacation is that there is an active volcano on Maui. Reaching 10,000 feet into the stratosphere, the dormant Haleakala Volcano is the center of the national park that bears its name and is the ultimate place to watch the sun rise up through a halo of clouds (Haleakala means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian). Pack a jacket—it’s cold up here!

Bike down a volcano

Sign up for a bike ride for an adrenaline-filled addition to your Maui vacation. You’ll cruise 37 miles down Haleakala’s steep slopes and take in all the volcanic rock formations and deep green vegetation in the crisp cool air.

Snorkel in a volcanic cone

Can’t get enough of volcanoes? Maui is the home of one of just three volcanic atolls in the world, Molokini Crater. A snorkel trip to this watery wonderland will reveal a rainbow of coral and bountiful schools of tropical fish all within the crystal clear crater’s waters.

Relax on jaw-dropping beaches

It’s not all volcanoes on Maui; some of the best beaches in the world are located here too. In fact, Wailea Beach on the south coast is one of the top beaches in the United States. Conde Nast Traveler’s number one choice in their 20 Best Beaches in the World last year was Maui’s black volcanic sand Honokalani Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park, a must-stop option on the Road to Hana.

Enjoy three amazing islands

Here’s another highlight that makes Maui unique: It’s actually comprised of three islands, not one. Romantic Lanai and uncrowded Molokai are also part of Maui, which is officially known as Maui Nui. From Maui island, you can sail to Lanai on a scenic 45-minute Expeditions ferry or hop a 25-minute view-filled flight to Molokai.

Stay on the world’s largest private island

Although part of Maui Nui, Lanai is also the largest private island in the world since it’s 98 percent owned by Oracle’s Larry Ellison. However, unlike other private islands, you’re free to visit at any time. You can spend the night to truly feel like you’ve escaped to a plush private island getaway.

See ancient petroglyphs

As you explore the secluded island, you’ll find evidence of thousands of years of visitors, including Ki’i pohaku (petroglyphs). These will take a little hiking to reach, but the effort is well worth it: The images depict a wide range of forms, including those that were only known to Hawaiians before western contact. You can see the petroglyphs near Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach), along the Polihua Trail and at Kaunolu.

Gaze over the edge of the world’s tallest sea cliffs

Rugged Molokai is known for its great horseback riding, lack of crowds and amazing topography, including the towering sea cliffs in remote Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the north side of the island.

Drive the iconic road to Hana

Ask any travel expert “What is Maui known for?” and they’ll surely say the 50 miles of twisting, turning, one-lane highway known as the Road to Hana. You’ll navigate through dense forest, trickling streams and gorgeous waterfalls that make the drive one of the most stunning in the world. Leave yourself plenty of time to hike along nature trails, take in the panoramic views, stop at tropical snack stands (especially Coconut Glen’s ice cream) and take a dip in natural pools.

Watch whales

National Geographic recommends Maui as the best place to catch a glimpse of the 10,000 humpback whales that migrate from Alaska every year to the warm Pacific waters to mate, give birth and nurse their young. You can often catch a glimpse of the massive whales right from the shore during peak whale season, December through April. But to get a close-up look, plus in-depth knowledge, head out to sea on a viewing expedition with the experts at the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Chill out in Paia

A funky beach town at the start of the road to Hana, Paia is where surfers, beachgoers and windsurfers from nearby Hoʻokipa Beach go to relax after hitting the waves. The former sugarcane enclave is now the coolest town in Hawaii, where you’ll find colorful independent boutiques, laid-back coffee shops and plenty of ono (tasty) spots to enjoy a relaxed bite to eat.

Cool off under an ancient banyan tree

There’s always shade under one of the largest banyan trees in the United States. Imported from India and planted in front of the Lahaina Courthouse in 1873, it was only eight feet when it was planted. Now, this massive tree on Front Street is the size of an entire city block and stands more than 60 feet high. The legendary tree was seriously damaged in the devastating wildfires of 2023, but according to locals, it is recovering.

Enjoy a real luau

If you’ve ever been curious about Hawaiian culture, the Old Lahaina Luau is one of the best places in all of Hawaii to discover the beauty of the hula, the ancient art of traditional dance, and the abundance of tastes on a luau buffet, including kalua pork cooked in a banana leaf-lined pit. This is a traditional Hawaiian night, and you’ll want to arrive early to see how crafts, such as carved wood, are created. Plus, you’ll also have time to sip a Mai Tai while watching the sunset over the Pacific before the show begins.

Check in with sharks at Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center, the largest aquarium in Hawaii, is home to all the aquatic wonders of the Pacific and beyond. You’ll be able to see anything you may have missed on your snorkeling adventures, including colorful corals, tropical fish and sea turtles. Even better, you can get up close to a sea creature you wouldn’t want to encounter in the open ocean: Sharks. Walk right under the 750,000-gallon tank to view tiger, gray and white-tip sharks. Feel the need to get closer? Certified SCUBA divers can sign up for a shark dive into the tank!

Stop and smell the lavender

On the slopes of Haleakala is Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, a garden oasis filled with acres of fragrant lavender, flowers, fruit trees and serene spots. Even better, from this vantage point—4,000 feet up the side of the mountain—you’ll get wonderful views. Don’t miss out on the lavender-flavored scones, tea and honey—all served on a scenic patio.

Visit Hawaiian cowboy haunts

Explore Makawao Town located in Upcountry Maui to experience a totally different aspect of Maui: ranches, horses and Hawaiian cowboys known as paniolo. Since the late 19th century, horseback-riding paniolo have wrangled cattle in Maui’s wide-open upland fields. The cool air and great artist outposts here make it a great day trip from the beaches.

Enjoy flavors from a Top Chef

If you’re a total foodie into designing trips around eating, there are a few restaurants not to miss on Maui. Sheldon Simeon, a Top Chef competitor (season 10) and fan favorite, is the talent behind some of the most innovative and popular restaurants on the island, not to mention affordable and accessible. He opened Star Noodles in Lahaina, a can’t-miss Asian noodle palace, as well as Migrant in Wailea. Simeon is the owner of the perennially popular Tinroof in Kahului, which offers a modern spin on traditional Hawaiian home cooking. Plan to eat early, or you’ll spend time waiting in line with the rest of Simeon’s loyal fans.

See the Garden of Eden

Who says you can’t visit the Garden of Eden? In Maui, it marks the beginning of the road to Hana (at Mile Marker 10). More than 750 species of plants surround you at this idyllic oasis; must-sees include a century-old mango tree and a grove of rainbow eucalyptus with a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of neon-colored bark. Check out the views of Upper Puohokamoa Waterfalls and Keopuka Rock (made famous by its Jurassic Park cameo) while you’re here too.

Experience surfing goats

OK, maybe the goats at Surfing Goat Dairy don’t actually surf—after all, they’re perched on the slopes of Haleakala. But they’ve certainly got a surfer spirit, thanks to their laid-back attitude and their home created out of recycled boards. On a visit, you’ll have the chance to mingle and even milk the goats; you can also sample some of the outstanding cheese and ice cream.

Find space to spread out

Maui offers a range of spacious accommodations, such as the Westin Nanea in northern Kaanapali Beach. Even the smallest rooms are suites, and you can book multi-bedroom units that feel like chic apartments. Put the fully-outfitted kitchen to use and chop up Maui Gold pineapples and your other fresh buys from the local farmstands around the island.

Luxury travelers will appreciate Montage Kapalua Bay, perched on 24 acres along West Maui’s Namalu Bay. The intimate cliffside retreat features 70 residential-style accommodations, each well-appointed with expansive living rooms, fully equipped kitchens and private lanais. Resort amenities include a multi-tiered lagoon pool, 40,000 sq. ft. Spa Montage, waterfront dining and a range of cultural experiences.

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Sources

• National Park Service: “Haleakala”
• Molokini Crater
• Pacific Whale Foundation
• Smithsonian Magazine: “One Year After a Devastating Fire, Lahaina’s 151-Year-Old Banyan Tree Is Healing”
• Old Lahaina Luau
• Maui Ocean Center
• Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
• Star Noodle
• Tinroof