The places, most named first
From the 9 guides that rank for "best places to visit in maui"
Named by 5 of 91. Haleakala National ParkSunrise at the summit needs a reservation, booked well ahead.The summit sits above 10,000 feet and is cold.
Named by 5 of 92. Iao ValleyThe Iao Needle, a volcanic spire, is the main sight.A reservation is needed to visit the state monument.
Named by 4 of 93. Hana and the Road to HanaThe drive itself matters less than the stops along it.Stops include waterfalls, swimming holes, lookouts and a black sand beach.
Named by 3 of 94. Molokini CraterIts shape shelters it from waves, so visibility stays good.The earliest snorkel tour gives the best conditions.
Named by 3 of 95. KaanapaliA nightly cliff diving ceremony happens at Black Rock.The ceremony starts at sunset with a conch shell call.
Named by 3 of 96. Makena and Big BeachOften called the most beautiful beach on Maui.Good for swimming, and surfers use it when the sea is rough.
Named by 3 of 97. Waianapanapa State ParkThe black sand beach needs advance reservations.A blowhole is a stop on the Road to Hana.
Named by 3 of 98. WaileaSnorkeling is good at the south end when the sea is calm.A beach path runs along the shore.
Named by 3 of 99. PaiaThe Road to Hana starts at Paia.
Named by 2 of 910. KiheiA south-shore town for swimming, snorkeling and surfing.South Maui has the most reliable sunshine.
Named by 2 of 911. KapaluaA quiet community with golf and beaches, including Kapalua Bay.The Kapalua Coastal Trail is nearby for a hike.
Named by 2 of 912. LahainaSandy beaches line the coast from Kapalua to Lahaina.Banyan Tree Park is free to see.
Named by 2 of 913. Upcountry (Makawao, Pukalani, Kula)The three towns lie on the way to the Haleakala summit.One writer compares the cooler forest to the Pacific Northwest.Named by 2 of 914. KahuluiMaui's largest town and home to its main airport.The author landed here before driving south to Kihei.
Named by 2 of 915. Hamoa BeachA white sand beach with clear water in a bay near Hana.
Named by 2 of 916. Oneloa BeachA long, often empty stretch of sand for walking.
17. Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area ReserveA top snorkeling spot, a short drive south of Kihei.Arriving before 10am helps with parking and water clarity.
18. Waihee Ridge TrailA 2.2-mile hike with waterfall and coastline views.Expect slippery rocks and mud.
19. WailukuThe historic commercial hub of the island.
20. MaalaeaA seaside village with a harbor and maritime history.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name April to May and September to October as the best time to visit Maui.
Questions people ask
- How many days is best to spend in Maui?
- One guide says to plan at least three days to see the main attractions, or longer for a slower pace.
- What is the best month to go to Maui?
- One guide says Maui has no clear seasons: rain and temperatures stay about the same all year, around 25 C.
- Where is the best part of Maui?
- South Maui has the most reliable sunshine, according to one guide, and its beaches sit in the drier areas.
- What should you not miss on Maui?
- One guide lists the Haleakala summit sunrise, which needs a reservation made well in advance.
- What are some fun things to do in Maui in December?
- Whale watching in the winter months, by kayak or boat, is one suggestion.
