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Plan Your Trip to Maui: Best of Maui Tourism

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This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
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Maui, Hawaii

Lush rainforests, black-sand beaches, waterfalls cascading into deep-blue lagoons—Maui is a place where nature really shows off. Wake up early to catch the sunrise on Haleakalā, then stay to explore hiking trails and otherworldly volcanic formations at Haleakalā National Park. Take a drive on the winding Road to Hana to discover untouched beaches (with unbelievable coastal views along the way), or hop on a boat and go whale-watching or snorkelling. If you’re looking for something more low-key, pick up a plate lunch or some fish tacos and spend a do-nothing day at Ka'anapali Beach, then check out the cliff-diving ceremony at sunset. Go big on adventure, or kick back on a quiet shore—it’s up to you, and we’ve got more recs below.
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Essential Maui

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Properties ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, and number of page views.

Travel Advice

How to do Maui in 3 days

Beaches, ziplines, volcanoes, and waterfalls
Read on

How to soak in all the arts and culture in Maui

We know you come to Maui for the beaches, but you can't leave without checking out the island's vibrant arts and culture scene. "Aunty Wendy" Tuivaioge, a native Hawaiian and Director of Hawaiian Programmes for the Four Seasons at Wailea, gave us the inside scoop on the best spots and events to soak in authentic Hawaiian art, artifacts, and history.
Jo Piazza, Philadelphia, PA
  • Hale Hoʻikeʻike at the Bailey House
    155
    This museum in Wailuku looks like an ordinary house, but inside, it contains one of the most extensive collections of art and artifacts on the islands. "I love this museum for pre-contact Hawaiian Artifacts and the abundance of Maui historical pieces on display," Wendy says. Artifacts include utensils, tools, and weapons used by native people, including a wooden statue of the Hawaiian demi-god, Kamapua'a, the only one to survive the 19th-century purge of religious items.
  • Maui Arts & Cultural Center
    183
    According to Wendy, this spot is the "ideal choice for locally inspired shows, concerts, and arts." Several weekly shows feature world-famous acts, but half of the programming includes local musicians, dancers, and actors. The website is regularly updated with new listings. Many of the programmes are free, including the Starry Night Cinema "walk-in" films for families on a giant outdoor screen and ArT=Mixx interactive social events that bring together artists and the audience for interactive shows.
  • Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center
    66
    This professional gallery space located on a gorgeous estate of botanical gardens showcases both emerging and established local artists. It also offers art workshops led by locals. You can easily take a self-guided tour (there is a guidebook available for purchase for $6) of the grounds during business hours from 9 am-4 pm, and you won't want to miss their gift shop for truly unique souvenirs made by Maui artists.
  • Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
    6,896
    This is hula like you never imagined. This programme invites guests for a sneak peek into one of the state's top competitive hula groups, Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua. Led by Kumu Hula (Hula Teacher) Kamaka Kūkona, the hālau's (hula school) practice offers a unique opportunity to experience this particular facet of Hawaiian culture as they practice for the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world's largest hula gathering and most prestigious competition.
  • Hana Cultural Center
    33
    This humble building on the Road to Hana is part museum, part cultural archive where Hana residents can make appointments to go through local records and discover their history, and visitors can view ancient artifacts, including quilts, poi boards, fishing instruments, and stone tools. The onsite old Hana courthouse is still in use today. Call ahead to make sure they are open. The museum closed during COVID-19 and now keeps intermittent hours.
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Maui travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Popular Spots

According to forum posts, popular snorkeling spots in Maui include Kapalua Bay, Kahekili Beach, and Ulua Beach. These locations are praised for their clear waters and abundant marine life.

Less Crowded Options

For those seeking less crowded areas, some travelers recommend The Dumps in Ahihi Bay. It is noted for its visibility and variety of fish, although it has a rocky entry and is less known among tourists.

Additional Recommendations

Travelers have called out Honolua Bay and Makena Landing as excellent snorkeling locations under the right conditions. Both spots require good swimming skills and are best visited when the water is calm.

Snorkeling Tips

Many users suggest checking daily snorkeling conditions and starting early in the morning for the best experience. Safety precautions such as being aware of water conditions and avoiding overcrowded areas are also advised.

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Outdoor Adventures

According to forum posts, Maui offers a variety of outdoor activities that appeal to nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Pipiwai Trail and the Waihee Ridge Trail are recommended for hiking enthusiasts. For a unique experience, the Mahana Ridge Trail offers a challenging hike that spans 17.5 miles, although many opt for shorter sections.

Water Activities

Some travelers suggested exploring Maui's waters, with snorkeling and whale watching being highly popular. The West Maui area, particularly around Kaanapali, is noted for excellent snorkeling opportunities where turtles are often spotted. Whale watching tours are also a favorite, with the best sightings reported between December and April.

Family-Friendly Options

For families, forum users recommended the Maui Ocean Center for an educational day out learning about marine life. Additionally, zip-lining at the Maui Tropical Plantation offers an exciting adventure that is suitable for both adults and children.

Cultural Experiences

The Old Lahaina Luau is frequently mentioned as a must-do for visitors seeking to experience Hawaiian culture and cuisine. This event provides an immersive experience with traditional dances, music, and food.

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Volunteer Opportunities

According to forum posts, visitors to Maui can engage in various volunteer activities that contribute positively to the local community. Some travelers have suggested participating in environmental conservation projects such as beach clean-ups and invasive species removal at places like Honokowai Valley and Olowalu. These activities often involve physical labor and provide an opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna.

Animal Welfare Contributions

For animal lovers, the Maui Humane Society is a popular option for volunteering, as highlighted by some users. Visitors can help with tasks such as feeding, cleaning, or participating in programs like Beach Buddies, where volunteers can spend a day with a dog from the shelter. This not only assists the organization but also provides socialization for the animals.

Support Through Donations

In addition to hands-on volunteering, visitors can also support local organizations through donations. Forum contributors have mentioned that bringing supplies like towels and pet food can be very helpful, especially since these items are often cheaper on the mainland and can be brought over as part of luggage.

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Reliable Taxi Services

According to forum posts, Maui Pleasant Taxi is highly recommended by travelers for reliable service. They have been especially praised for their dependability during busy periods like New Year's Eve when other services were unavailable.

Ride-Sharing and Shuttles

Some travelers have mentioned that Uber is an option, with approximate costs around $85 plus tip from Kahului Airport to nearby destinations, but it can be unreliable at times, especially from less populated areas back to the airport. Shared shuttle services like Roberts and Speedi are available, though the cost savings are minimal compared to private taxis.

Bus and Car Rentals

Posts also discuss bus services, which are not recommended if carrying more than a small carry-on due to restrictions and potential delays. Car rentals are frequently suggested despite higher costs, as they provide flexibility for exploring the island, with some travelers noting high overnight parking fees at some resorts.

Resort Recommendations

Travelers have advised checking with resorts for transportation recommendations. Some resorts may offer their own services or have partnerships with local transportation providers.

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Accommodation Variety and Budget

According to forum posts, Maui offers a range of accommodation options suited for different budgets and preferences. For those seeking luxury, the Wailea Marriott and Fairmont Kea Lani are frequently mentioned, with the former praised for its proximity to snorkeling spots and the latter for its exceptional service and facilities. For mid-range budgets, Honua Kai and the Westin Villas are recommended, offering good amenities and beach access.

Location Preferences

Travelers have called out West Maui, particularly the areas of Kaanapali and Napili, as desirable locations for their accommodations because of the direct beach access and availability of shops and restaurants nearby. Kihei is also favored for its sunny weather and variety of dining options, making it a good choice for those preferring a more bustling environment.

Special Considerations

Some travelers said that staying at properties like Honua Kai around Christmas can be very crowded and suggested considering less busy periods for a more relaxed experience. Additionally, for those traveling in groups, condos often offer better value and space, with places like Maui Kaanapali Villas and Papakea Resort highlighted for their good balance of cost and convenience.

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Special Occasion Dining Recommendations

According to forum posts, for special occasions in Maui, travelers have recommended PacificO and Merrimans for their scenic views and special ambiance. Merrimans offers specific seating times for large groups, which might suit those planning events like anniversaries.

Private Dining Experiences

Some users have suggested private dining options such as having a meal at Humus at the Grand Wailea, which offers a semi-private, open-air room overlooking a fish pond. This setting provides both privacy and a unique dining experience.

Alternative Dining Options

For those looking for less expensive options, travelers have called out Haliimaile General Store and Cafe O Lei at the Dunes as good choices for a special meal without the extravagant cost associated with many resort dining experiences.

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Popular Choices

According to forum posts, several travelers recommend Star Noodle for its unique offerings, and Honu for its seafood. Additionally, Lahaina Grill is frequently mentioned as a favorite for fine dining.

Local Favorites

For a more local or casual dining experience, Down the Hatch and Frida’s are popular among visitors. Travelers have called out Down the Hatch for its lively atmosphere and Frida’s for authentic flavors.

Unique Dining Options

Some users suggested specific dishes at local restaurants, like the fish tacos at Kimos, which are highly praised for their flavor. The Pioneer Inn is also recommended for its proximity to local attractions and its good food.

Takeout Suggestions

For travelers interested in takeout options, the Fish Market Maui is highly recommended for its fresh seafood, with the shrimp burrito and fish tacos being particular favorites.

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Popular Choices

According to forum posts, Monkeypod is frequently recommended for its happy hour offerings, with locations in both Kihei and Kaanapali, featuring half-price appetizers, $10 pizzas, and cocktails at $5 off. Sea House in Napili is also favored for its great Mai Tais and appetizers.

Additional Recommendations

Some travelers mentioned Mala Ocean Tavern, which has recently added a happy hour, and Fleetwoods in Lahaina as good spots for happy hour. The Beach House at Kahana was suggested as a better option than Sea House, offering an appealing happy hour experience.

User-Friendly Resources

For a comprehensive list of happy hours across Maui, travelers have called out the usefulness of the website and app Maui Happy Hours. This resource is praised for helping users find local happy hour specials, though it's advised to confirm with the venues directly as offerings can change.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.