12 must-visit tourist spots on Maui that are highly praised by Hawaiians

Maui is a tourist destination in the Hawaiian Islands, nicknamed the Valley Island and the Magic Island. Not only can you enjoy dormant volcanoes, mysterious valleys, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but the island is also famous for its power spots that are a hot topic among tourists. There are also plenty of restaurants, shopping spots, and optional tours.

1. Haleakala Volcano (Haleakala National Park)

It's no exaggeration to say that Haleakalā is a must-visit sightseeing spot on Maui. Known as House of the Sun in Hawaiian, it is the highest peak on Maui and an extinct volcano. Its enormous caldera is one of the largest in the world and has been the filming location for numerous science fiction movies, including 2001: A Space Odyssey. You can witness mystical landscapes that make you wonder, Is this space?

Haleakalā is also known as a power spot, where you can feel as though you're receiving energy just by being there. Near the summit, you can see the rare silversword plant growing in various places.

Due to its high elevation, you can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets above the cloud sea. Even though it’s Maui, the summit at 3,000 meters can be colder than you might expect, so be sure to bring warm clothing. Additionally, tours to view the starry sky after watching the sunset and mountain biking down after witnessing the sunrise are very popular among tourists.

2. Hana Highway

To reach the heavenly town of Hana on the eastern tip of Maui, you must drive along the Hana Highway. This approximately 84 km journey features 617 curves and 59 bridges, 46 of which are narrow enough for only one vehicle to pass. However, this road is incredibly appealing to tourists. With tropical rainforests, numerous waterfalls, and dramatic ocean views, there are plenty of sights that will make you want to stop and explore.

The drive takes about three hours one way, so it’s best to start early. For those who aren’t comfortable driving, tours are available from major hotels on Maui. If you get hungry before reaching Hana, there is a food village called Nahiku Marketplace along the highway where you can grab a bite to eat. After that, it’s just about 10 km until you arrive in the heavenly town of Hana.

3. Maui Tropical Fruit Farm

One of the must-visit tourist spots in Maui is the Maui Tropical Plantation. This agricultural park showcases the island's signature crops, including pineapples, sugarcane, macadamia nuts, and coffee, as well as tropical fruits such as coconuts, papayas, guavas, and mangoes.

Spanning a vast area, the plantation also features vibrant tropical flowers like proteas and anthuriums, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the island's tropical atmosphere.

Within the plantation, there is a tram that takes tourists on a 40-minute loop. You can also join a paid Tram Tour to explore the grounds. Along the way, you can disembark from the tram to walk along the hillside or participate in attractions like coconut cracking, making for an enjoyable experience. The plantation also has souvenir shops and a popular restaurant that features dishes made with fresh fruits harvested on-site.

4. Iao Valley State Park

Located just west of Wailuku in central Maui, the tranquil Iao Valley State Park is a popular natural park. With its towering emerald peaks, lush valley floor, and the Iao River flowing beside protruding rocks, the scenery is breathtaking, making it a favored destination for many tourists seeking easy hiking trails.

Covering approximately 16 square kilometers, the park features Maui's most famous landmark, the approximately 370-meter tall Iao Needle. The Iao Valley is not only known for its tropical natural beauty but also as the site of a historic battlefield that changed the course of Hawaiian history. In recent years, it has become a power spot attracting visitors from around the world.

The view of the valley from the lookout point is magnificent. Clouds often rest atop the needle, and visiting early in the day increases your chances of seeing it clearly. Additionally, the park offers various activities for tourists and families, including rainforest walks and the Iao Valley Natural Center.

5. Maalaea Harbor

When it comes to activities in Maui, whale watching is incredibly popular. Of the approximately 7,000 to 8,000 humpback whales that inhabit the Earth, about 3,000 of them winter in the waters off Maui, which has led to the designation of the area as a whale sanctuary. As a result, Maui has become known as a mecca for whale watching. From December to May, various whale-watching tours depart from Maalaea Harbor and are highly acclaimed.

Experienced guides will take you to the best spots to see the whales as they gracefully surface, slap the water with their tails, and spout jets of mist. While observing these magnificent creatures, you can also enjoy the beautiful ocean and stunning views of Maui. Additionally, it's easy to spot whales from hotels and highways in the resort areas along the west coast, so be sure to check it out.

6. Molokini Island

Molokini Island is a small uninhabited island located about 5 km off the southwestern coast of Maui, accessible by boat in about an hour. Originally formed from the submerged half of a volcanic caldera, the visible part of the island has a unique crescent shape. The caldera side has calm tides, making it an easy spot for beginners and tourists to visit.

The surrounding waters are home to a kaleidoscope of coral reefs and over 250 species of tropical fish. With a visibility of up to 50 meters, it is renowned as a popular snorkeling and diving spot in Maui. Additionally, you may encounter sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and, if you're lucky, whale sharks. Tourists who love marine sports will be amazed by the richness of Maui's waters.

You can access Molokini Island through tours from Maalaea Harbor or Lahaina Harbor on the western side of Maui. The best time to enter this untouched marine reserve is early in the morning when the waves and winds are calm.

7. Kula Plateau

Kula located in the interior of Maui, is a rustic plateau area situated on the slopes of Haleakalā Volcano. It can be a great stop during your tour of the volcano. This region offers a contrast to the tropical Hawaiian image, featuring pastures where you can see horses and cows grazing, as well as vast fields, creating a tranquil atmosphere. It is also a viewpoint where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Maui and the Pacific Ocean.

Additionally, Kula is famous for being a hub that supports Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, which has brought a fresh wave to Hawaiian cooking. Unique agricultural products grown in the rich volcanic soil are used in some of the island's finest restaurants, delighting tourists.

There are also numerous must-see tourist spots, such as farms growing Kula's signature flower, protea, lavender fields, and the Kula Botanical Garden, which showcases around 1,000 native Hawaiian plant species. If you get hungry, how about trying the onion soup made with Kula's famous Maui onions at a cozy mountain cabin-style restaurant with stunning views?

8. Lahaina

The town of Lahaina, bathed in the romantic hues of sunset, is a popular tourist destination on Maui, where cruise ships from around the world dock. This nostalgic harbor town flourished as a whaling base since the 1800s and was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Today, Lahaina is designated as a historic preservation district, allowing tourists to enjoy strolling through streets that retain the charm of Old Hawaii. You can explore a variety of captivating buildings, including churches, hotels, shops, and museums.

The Banyan Tree, over 120 years old, is a symbol of Lahaina. Remarkably, one tree spreads over a 100-meter area, creating a park-like setting. Additionally, indulge in fresh Hawaiian regional cuisine made from Maui's local ingredients at gourmet restaurants. At seaside luaus, you can enjoy meals and drinks while watching traditional Polynesian dance performances.

9. Kaanapali Beach

Ka'anapali Beach was once hailed as the best beach in America. With its 4.8 km stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, it was formerly the royal retreat of the Maui royalty. Today, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination, lined with hotels and resorts that attract visitors from around the world.

Ka'anapali was also the first planned resort in Hawaii, serving as a model for resorts globally. The beach features resort hotels and condominium villages, and it's home to Whalers Village, the most upscale shopping center on Maui.

One of the popular attractions at this beach is the Cliff Diving that takes place daily at the northernmost cliff. Divers dressed as ancient Hawaiians light torches and leap from the cliff against the backdrop of the sunset, creating a stunning spectacle that leaves a lasting impression on tourists.

10. Kihei

Kihei, a town on the southwest coast of Maui, is a perfect area for enjoying the beach, with many sunny days. The beach stretches for 10 km, with clear views of Molokai, Lanai, and the mountains of western Maui. It is a great tourist destination for beach activities such as swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Maalaea Bay, located north of Kihei, is where boats depart for whale watching, fishing, and snorkeling tours to Molokini Island, and there is also the Maui Ocean Center , an aquarium that families can enjoy nearby.

There are also affordable condominiums and small hotels lined up along the main street, so you will not have any trouble finding a place to stay. There are also shopping malls bustling with local residents and tourists, Maui's most lively farmers' market, and a rich nightlife with clubs and sports bars. Kihei is a recommended tourist destination where you can enjoy the whole day.

11. Hana

As you near the end of the Hana Highway and catch sight of St. Sophia Church, you will finally arrive at the eastern tip of Maui, the Hana District. Hana is a small town where the number of cattle on Hana Ranch exceeds the population. It is characterized by its untouched natural beauty, free from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and high-rise hotels. This town is home to the legendary luxury hotel, Travaasa Hana, frequented by famous personalities from around the world.

You can find unique Maui souvenirs at the Hasegawa General Store, run by Japanese Americans, and at the Hana Ranch Store. Notable attractions in the area include the beautiful black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park, the red sand Kaihalulu Beach a bit further away, and the **Kahanu National Tropical Botanical Garden.

If you venture a little further south from Hana, you'll reach the hidden gem of Maui, the Kipahulu District. A popular attraction here is the Ohe'o Gulch, where waterfalls flow into tiered pools that lead to the ocean. It’s a great spot for a swim in the tranquil natural pools or for a picnic.

12. Wailea

Wailea was developed in the 1970s with the goal of becoming the premier luxury resort area in Maui. It features luxurious hotels, condominiums, championship golf courses, and shopping malls, all perfectly embodying the word "gorgeous."

At Wailea Beach, selected as "America's Best Beach" in 1999, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and walking or jogging during the early morning and at sunset. Despite being three times the size of the bustling Waikiki, Wailea offers an atmosphere filled with privacy, tranquility, and freedom.

Wailea also hosts the popular Maui Film Festival, attracting many tourists. Additionally, it boasts the island's finest shopping mall, The Shops at Wailea, and award-winning restaurants offering Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, delighting gourmet visitors.

Summary

Maui, a tourist paradise, attracts a steady stream of repeat visitors. With its beautiful seas, sci-fi-like volcanoes, mystical valleys, refreshing highlands, and thrilling drives to remote towns, Maui offers unique attractions. The dining experiences at its highlighted restaurants are also plentiful. With its charm, sights, and a variety of fun activities, Maui is full of tourist spots just waiting for you to explore.