Maui is a pretty big island, and since some roads are long and winding, it can be a long drive from one Maui sightseeing destination to another. From gorgeous beaches to stunning landscapes, let us help you pinpoint locations for the best sightseeing in Maui you’d enjoy! Any of these areas offers a full day’s activities.
The Road to Hana
This is the ultimate must-see for travelers who enjoy road trips: a coastal highway winding through lush jungle, with stops at waterfalls and local fruit stands along the way. It’s a full day trip, and maybe two if you want to spend the night in the picturesque little town of Hana at the end of the road. Yes, it can get pretty crowded, but there’s a definite reason everyone heads out this way for sightseeing in Maui: it really is THAT beautiful!
Kaʻanapali Coast
This resort area is built along the beautiful 3-mile stretch of Kaʻanapali Beach, which is a great place for all manner of beach activities, including great snorkeling and open-air beach bars (for that sunset mai tai). The towns surrounding Kaʻanapali also have their own charms, so if you’re in the area, consider some upscale dining at Kapalua, or an art stroll in historic downtown Lahaina.
Haleakalā and Kula
Haleakalā, the island’s highest peak, offers a stunning moon-like landscape at 11,000-feet elevation. There’s a variety of outdoor activities to do here, including super-adventurous ones like multi-day hikes through the craters and downhill bicycle tours. But it’s not a boring drive to this amazing place; stop along the way in historic Kula district towns like Pukalani and Makawao to visit farmers’ markets, art galleries, and local eateries. Make a day of it!
North Shore
It’s a well-known fact by now: Maui’s north side is a mecca for windsurfing and big-wave surfing. This has drawn a lot of interesting new residents over the years, and you’ll find evidence of them in the fascinating town of Pāʻia, where many have settled, bringing with them the popularity of health food, yoga, European cuisine, and arts of all kinds. Spend a day marveling at the skill of windsurfers at Hoʻokipa Beach Park or Spreckelsville, and have a great dinner at one of Pāʻia’s many diverse restaurants.
South Shore
If you’ve been wanting to get out on a boat during your trip, look no further than Maui’s south shore. From Kīhei, you can head out on any number of boat tours, including whale watches and snorkel boats to Molokini. It’s also a great place to learn to stand-up paddle, or join in a sunrise beach yoga session. For those who prefer learning about the ocean without actually getting in it (or maybe for a family rainy day), check out the Maui Ocean Center in Maʻalaea, an excellent aquarium full of fishes and fun. And guess what? South Maui actually has some nightlife, so if you make it a full day in Kīhei, don’t forget to check out the Barmuda Triangle, an area packed with bars and nightclubs.
