Originally published July 2020. Updated June 2025 to include even more tips & recs because Maui has a way of drawing you back in!
šŗ Note: This post was updated following the August 2023 wildfires that devastated Lahaina. While all of Maui is now open to visitors, Lahaina town remains in the process of rebuilding. Please travel with awareness and respect for the local community, many of whom are still healing and recovering. If you stay in Kaanapali, you will drive through the area that is being rebuilt.
Maui is one of my favorite places on the planet! Keep reading for a complete breakdown on my top Maui travel tips for an amazing Maui vacation!
Fun fact: I dream about snorkeling in Hawaii on a regular basis. Last night I dreamed I was snorkeling in Maui with whales and it was so incredible. I had gone a few weeks without any Hawaii dreams and I was starting to panic that they were going away! Crisis averted.
Five years later, updating this post, and I am ecstatic to report that dreaming about underwater sealife is still my greatest flex.
Iām going to cover my best Maui travel tips:
- Top 5 Favorite Activities
- Top 5 Best Eats
- Top 5 Scenic Views
- Things I still want to do
- Where I recommend staying
- Pro Tips
Take a seat, grab a mango LaCroix and enjoy! (didn’t noticed that rhymed until editing, but I’m keeping it ;))
TOP 5 MAUI TRAVEL ACTIVITIES
1) Snorkeling on your own:
Inexpensive and a total blast. You are basically guaranteed to see multiple sea turtles if you spend enough time in the water! It is also common to hear dolphins whistling and clicking in the distance and whales singing during the winter months! If the budget is tight, you could fill an entire week with snorkeling on your own and other inexpensive activities.Ā
I could never choose a favorite!!
KIDDING. I sure can. Hands-down, Honolua Bay.
Honolua Bay is a short 15 minute drive north of Kaanapali in West Maui. There is a reason I have this at the top of this blog post, friends! Honolua Bay is what dreams are made of. Thousands of colorful fish in crystal clear water. Basically guaranteed sea turtle sightings. One time I saw an octopus! I may never emotionally recover. (Dare I say better than the Molokini crater??! I said what I said.)
Huge disclaimer, please be certain to only go out when conditions are safe. Honolua Bay is also a renowned surfing spot when the surf is rough, most often during Winter. I also highly recommend snorkeling in the morning. The surf tends to pick up early – even as early as 10-11am in the winter. That said, I have only been to Maui in the Winter, so snorkeling here between November-April certainly is doable if you have luck and go on the right day.
I highly recommend signing up for the Snorkel Report the day before you head out to Maui. It will come to your email each morning. Since snorkeling is my jam and I want to do it every day that I’m in Maui, I am always packed up and ready to go, so by the time the snorkel report comes out, we can quickly choose the best and safest location to head to.
Sign up for the snorkel report here. Theyāll send it to you daily via email.Ā
Pro-tips:
If the Snorkel Report shows Honolua Bay as a 7 or higher, run, I repeat ruuuuuun to Honolua Bay.
Park on the side of the road by the fruit stand and porta potties, walk in 0.25 mile along an adorable, mostly flat path through the jungle. I’ve brought a wagon on this path with no issues.
One trip, Honolua Bay had a high rating early in the trip. We had other plans that day, so we didn’t go. I lived to regret that decision – the bay was unsafe to snorkel in the rest of the trip.
Other faves!
Black Rock Beach:
Coming in hot as my number two favorite! Shallow water. Powdery golden sand! Jump off black rock! This is a fave for tourists and locals. Many people will stay all day here.
Parking Tip: There is a very limited amount of underground free parking in the Sheraton’s parking garage. When driving towards the Sheraton, look for a little entrance to the parking garage on the southern corner of the garage. I can’t remember how many spots there are – but less than 20. Get there early! Ideally before 9am. Parking here is a dream compared to having to pay to park at Whalers Village. I have seen the parking and walking situation turn even the happiest of family vacation vibes angsty fast. (You know who you are lol.)
Once you’ve parked, exit the parking garage and take the first path that runs along the side of the parking garage. Don’t take the public path. Walk like you own the place all the way through the Sheraton property. Cannot tell you how many times I have done this, toting people, carrying beach chairs, and pulling a wagon filled to the brim. Do yourself a favor and keep walking all the way through the lawn area, past the bathrooms, past the pools, and allllll of the way to the side of the Sheraton pool that’s by Black Rock and where they rent gear. THEN, walk out to the beach. Save your calves, your sanity, and your relationships. It’s a long beach and the most fun to be had is by the rock.
Jumping off the rock is a total blast! Water shoes and a buddy are helpful, but most do it barefoot.
The best snorkeling is at the tip of black rock. Don’t go around the corner if you’re not a strong swimmer, with a buddy, in good conditions. Rip currents are a real thing, people. That saaaaaaaiiiid, some of my favorite snorkeling memories + photos are from swimming around the tip of black rock and getting close to the rock. Just please don’t get yourself smashed on the rocks. Wow typing that out I really sound like a bad influence!!
Napili Bay: Soft sand, gorgeous spot to watch the sunset, really good snorkeling, easy, free parking on Napili Place. (Which is not always the case in this area of the island.)
Olowalu: Sea turtles! Easy to get to, minimal walking from your car to your beach chair. Ideal for mobility challenges. Fun for a picnic! Arguably the best part: snorkel in the morning + picnic, pie for lunch at Leoda’s across the street for dessert.
Kapalua Bay: They rent kayaks and SUPs here! Soft sand. The Kapalua Coastal Trail goes right by the beach. Here’s the link to the trail on AllTrails.
Kamaole beaches in Kihei: So many sea turtles, close proximity to shave ice!
Never go out in murky/choppy water (common after it rains). I am firmly in the āsharks are niceā camp, but when they canāt see you, they can mistake you for a fish! Weather and water conditions are usually best earlier in the day (but not too early!)
2) Snorkel Tour to the Molokini Crater
Pristine waters, tons of colorful fish. High on the list of where I would put my money. BUT be aware that in unsafe/miserable conditions, they will take you somewhere else. (This can happen when the weather on the shore is calm. You will hear people say “Molokini is on its own weather system” and they’re not wrong.) So when booking you run the risk of paying $ and not even getting to the crater. This has happened to me — it was still an awesome day and I think itās still worth it, but not essential.
Okay guys. June 2025 update. In March 2025 we went on a Molokini snorkel tour through Maui Reef Adventures and it was essentially the best day of my life. Only slightly kidding. They dropped us off the BACK side of the Molokini crater to snorkel, which is uncommon but the water was pristine that day so we got lucky. Then, we cruised around the crater to the front and dolphins came up to our boat along the way! THEN, we snorkeled with so many fish and an octopus in crystal clear water. And ended the day with whale watching on the way home. How will I emotionally recover?! I used to recommend the Pacific Whale Foundation with their massive catamarans for these tours but… live live on the edge. Book the raft!!!! Maui Reef Adventures
3) Whale Watching Tour
On my list of Maui travel tips, my #1 is to book a whale watching tour. There is nothing I love more on Maui than to whale watch! Humpback whale season is December 15th-May 15th.
If youāre there during the season, you will absolutely see whales from the shore! But there is nothing like being on a boat just yards from a humpback whale (or two!) breaching and tail/fin slapping. The most fun Iāve ever had – promise. Just look at this pic I got!!
June 2025 Update: This section does not adequately convey my love for humpback whales. That is all.
4) Soak Up The Sun
Black Rock Beach or Napili Bay (or anywhere!)
5) Luau: Old Lahaina Luau
I like this Luau because it feels more authentic than others. If there is any room in the budget, do not miss a luau! If a luau isn’t in the budget, get dressed up with your fam and take pictures on the beach at sunset! If you’re on Kaanapali beach, music from the hotel luaus will float over and it’s just absolutely dreamy.
TOP 5 MAUI EATS
GUYS. Frida’s went out of business. A tragedy. Where will I get corn cotija and goat cheese quesadillas while watching turtles bob their heads out of the water by the ocean?!
1) Fridaās Mexican Beach House: Hands down the best food Iāve ever had in the most magical setting! Request a table by the edge to watch sunset, order their Corn Cotija with chips and salsa, then enjoy absolute BLISS. I think Iām drooling.
2) Ululaniās Shave Ice: Their website says āAll Shave Ice is Not Created Equalā and I couldnāt agree more! My favorite order: Macadamia nut ice cream topped with shave ice, then mango + guava + strawberry syrup and finally a Snow Cap (sweetened condensed milk mixture). Heeaaaaaven.
Don’t miss this! Go when they open to beat the line if you’re in Maui during peak season.
3) Fish Market Maui: seafood plate lunch! Get the Two Shrimp Taco Plate with rice and mac salad and then enjoy it at a picnic table across the street at Honokowai Beach Park.
Honorable mentions: their macadamia nut crusted fish of the day. Delish.
4) Leodaās Kitchen and Pie Shop: Order your favorite mini pie at the counter. My fav? Chocolate Mac Nut. It is SO good. Make sure to get there early in the day, though because everyone else on the island thinks it’s delicious, too and they will sell out!
5) Juliaās Banana Bread: A Maui classic. Delicious banana bread with stunning views. Her permanent location is in Wailuku, but there is often a stand set up on a pull-off north of Kapalua on the west side. Check out the website for more info.
TOP 5 MAUI SCENIC VIEWS
1) Dragonās Teeth aka Makaluapuna Point:
This is a rocky point that juts out into the ocean, accessed via a walkway near the Ritz-Carlton in West Maui. My mom and I went on a walk that turned into watching the most mesmerizing storm come in at sunset. We watched massive waves crash on the rocks and ended up totally soaked from the rain on the way back to the car. It was one of the most memorable experiences Iāve ever had. Donāt miss this! I think itās fun to go on a slightly stormy day when the waves are angry — just be sure to stay safe! (Had to put that in there for my mom. No backing up while taking selfies on cliffs!!)
2) North Loop Coastline Road Hwy 30
So many gorgeous views on this drive, including the Nakalele blowhole and the heart-shaped hole in a rock.
June 2025 Update: GUYS! I heard the heard-shaped hole in a rock eroded?! So sad. It’s still such a fun stop!
HOWEVER – note that east past the blowhole, the road gets very narrow with sharp drop offs. It can be dangerous, a little scary and often rental car companies specifically state not to go here. If you do go, make sure to allow plenty of time. It will take longer than you think! All that said, I think itās a total blast.
3) Sea Turtles at Hoāokipa Beach Park
North of Paia, this is a great rainy day activity. You are practically guaranteed to see dozens of turtles slowly crawling in and out of the water and lounging on the sand and rocks. It is so cool! Get fish and chips at the Paia Fish Market while youāre at it!
Yep, turtles, not rocks!
4) Watch Sunset at the Lahaina Waterfront
The entire stretch of Lahaina waterfront offers stunning sunset views. You can eat at a restaurant, or just go find a bench or rock to sit on and enjoy.
and Whale Watch from Shore
If you are going to be on Maui during humpback whale season (December 15th-May 15th), be sure to bring a pair of binoculars! You will be able to see them breaching and playing from anywhere you stand on the coast. Did I mention I love whales??
5) Sunrise at Mt. Haleakala
One of the most magnificent sunrises you will ever see, from the highest peak on Maui. You have to get up verrrry early to make the drive up there (and the weather may or may not cooperate for sunrise!) but it’s truly stunning. Don’t forget to get tickets ahead of time (inexpensive)! You can get all the details here.
STILL ON MY LIST
Road to Hana: I did this when I was younger and would love to do it again. This is where you will see waterfalls! The next time I’m in Maui, I want to take my time exploring on the way to Hana and then spend a night there.
Explore the east side of Maui, particularly the Seven Sacred Pools
Visit Mahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve (Makena) and its neighbor Maluaka Beach, AKA Turtle Town
Ferry to Lanaāi (neighboring island): Iāve never done this, but I would love to!
WHERE TO STAY
*Disclaimer: I am an adventurer/explorer and decidedly not a vacationer. I typically spend less money on lodging and more money on activities. I usually donāt prioritize staying in resorts, etc.
I also like to travel often, so I love finding a great deal on a place to stay. Laying out at the pool isnāt at the top of my list (and I donāt have kids, so that influences where Iām willing to stay).
Find an AirBNB:
I love renting an AirBNB when I travel because they are typically less expensive than renting a hotel room and usually come with more space, a kitchen, etc. Having a kitchen can save a lot of money on a place like Maui!
In 2018, my mom and I stayed here and were very happy with it. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean, the kitchen was great and the pool and hot tub were very nice.
Regardless, booking early can give you many more options. Donāt forget to consider things like parking, if they have a washer/dryer in unit, etc.
Iām a big fan and have a few adventures planned this year where AirBNB will be my home base.
MAUI TRAVEL PRO TIPS
Maui Vacation Equipment rental: they rent everything from snorkel gear to camping supplies to baby essentials! Take a look at everything they offer and see if there’s anything you might need. They will even deliver to your hotel or condo before you arrive! We were very happy with our experience with them.
Sign up for the snorkel report here. Theyāll send it to you daily via email.
Bring an underwater camera if you want to bring home memories of snorkeling! (I have the GoPro HERO7 Black and LOVE it.)
Seasickness prevention: See your medical provider for a scopolamine patch prescription before coming to Maui if you get seasick. I don’t get seasick, but multiple of my family members who do swear by these. We didn’t even have anyone get sick on our March 2025 small boat trip to the Molokini crater.
Immerse yourself in the culture! Find a farmerās market to go to or attend a local church.Ā (June 2025 note for my friends who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lahaina building has a service specifically for visitors. Just a heads-up if you walk in expecting locals and instead run into a friend from home! Haha.)
Ask locals for advice! They will always point you in the right direction. Ask for Maui travel tips from the front desk at your condo/hotel or from the checker at a convenience store.
Eat all the mango and macadamia nut ice cream you can find! š
Adventure, relax, enjoy your time in Maui!
Mahalo for hanging out with me for a bit! I hope you found some helpful Maui travel tips for planning your next Maui adventure. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Is there anything youād add to this list?
Next time youāre on Maui, say hello to the whales for me!
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