Haleakala National Park

This park is located on the slope of the inactive 10,023-foot Haleakala Volcano, which covers areas from the summit to the ocean. Visitors can look into the dormant crater, and from the summit there are incredible views over the entire island. This is a popular spot where many people come to see the sunrise. While the top of the mountain is what draws most people, the drive up is also impressive. Some of the sites along the way worth visiting include the Seven Sacred Pools of the Oheo Ravine and the Makahika and Waimoku Waterfalls. Birders will enjoy the short trail at Hosmer Grove, where some of the original species of Hawaiian birds are seen.

Iao Valley State Monument

Iao Valley lies west of Wailuku. Traditionally, Hawaiians would undertake pilgrimages to such places in honor of their gods. Today, several well-maintained paths lead from the parking area to this beautiful valley. It is a popular place for excursions, however tourists should be aware that parts of the park may be closed due to flooding and other weather-related hazards.

In the middle of the valley stands Iao Needle, a pointed lump of basalt, reaching 2,215 feet above sea level. This unique overgrown rock was apparently used as an altar in prehistoric times. A legend surrounds Iao Needle’s origin. It is said that the demi-god Maui took captive an unwanted suitor, the water sprite Puukamoua, of his beautiful daughter, Iao, and wanted to kill him. But Pele, the fire goddess, ordered Maui to turn him to stone. Hence the needle. The valley is said to be full of the ghosts of Hawaiian gods, known as manas. On the left-hand side of the path to Iao Needle is Pali Ele’ele, a dark black cliff.

Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center houses a collection of Hawaiian reef fish, corals, green turtles, and stingrays in a series of well-designed aquariums. One highlight is a glass tunnel through a shark and ray tank, allowing visitors to sit and contemplate the varied life around them. Other displays explain the life cycles of the humpback whales, which migrate to Hawaii from December to March and how the Polynesians who settled Hawaii used the sea.

The center also displays many pieces of original art. The store on the grounds sells a range of gifts, including original works of art of exceptional quality for the serious collector.

Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach

The three-mile-long Kaanapali Beach is Maui’s finest beach. It lies in western Maui and is part of the town of Lahaina. One of the most popular things to do at Kaanapali Beach is to watch the daily cliff-diving ceremony from Black Rock, traditionally known as Puu Kekaa. This is also where some of the island’s best hotels and resorts can be found. As a result, the area is full of activities and things to see and do, including world-class golf; a variety of restaurants; tons of shopping; and a zipline course, which affords great views of the coastline. Whalers Village is a prominent open-air shopping center with a good variety of stores and dining options. Other attractions include a whaling museum and traditional Hawaiian entertainment.

Hana and the Hana Road

Hana is a remote village in one of the most thinly-populated districts in the entire state of Hawaii. Its isolated position has enabled the town to maintain an image of the Hawaii that existed before the invasion of mass tourism. It is idyllic, with lush fields and gardens, thanks to the plentiful rains characteristic of the east coasts of all the Hawaiian Islands.

One of the main attractions for visitors coming to Hana is the drive to the village. The Hana Road on the eastern Windward side of Maui starts at the town of Pa’ia and traverses’ rainforest with waterfalls, making it a stark contrast to the almost desert conditions found everywhere else on the coasts. While the distance between Pa’ia and Hana is roughly 40 miles, the fact that the road follows a scenic curving coastline with single lane bridges means that a round trip takes at least four hours of driving.

SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling

Off the shores of Maui are some of the most remarkable reefs and marine habitats, making this island a top destination for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Tourists can find equipment rental shops near most of the top beaches, and there are several places that offer SCUBA lessons for those who would like to try it for the first time. As always, those venturing into the water should be aware of current conditions.

The Marine Life Conservation District of Honolua Bay, located on the northwestern end of the island, is one of the top snorkeling and diving spots. The bay, which is isolated by rocky cliffs, has calm, quiet water and is home to a wide variety of reef fish, including parrot fish, surgeon fish, wrasse, and Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (also known as the Rectangular Triggerfish). Tourists should note that there are no facilities or lifeguards at this location.

Waianapanapa State Park

Waianapanapa State Park is a remote area on the Hana Coast with beaches, rugged coastline, hiking, camping facilities, and lodging options. This is a good spot to simply enjoy nature. The black lava beach at Paiola Bay in the park is worth visiting, however those unfamiliar with the surf conditions should refrain from swimming in the strong waves. Hiking trails can be challenging but rewarding, and the Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail is one of the most popular for its views of Haleakala and the Hana Coast. Other highlights include natural stone formations like arches and sea stacks, blow holes, caves, and heiau, an old temple.

Wailea

In southern Maui, the coastal area of Wailea has become a top tourist destination and resort area thanks to its five gorgeous beaches and wide range of things to do. Wailea Beach is the best known and home to some of the more exclusive resorts, while Polo Beach is popular with swimmers and snorkelers and Ulua Beach Park is the perfect place for a romantic sunset walk. Wailea is also known for its championship golf courses, consisting of the Wailea Gold, Wailea Blue, and Wailea Emerald. Another top attraction is the Shops at Wailea, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, which will keep tourists occupied indefinitely. Wailea is also known for hosting the Maui Film Festival and Whale Week festivities each February, as well as its wide selection of spas. Nearby natural attractions include the lava fields of Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, an area also known for its snorkeling, and La Perouse Bay, which is home to the scenic Hoapili Trail.

Makena Beach

Makena Beach, also known simply as “Big Beach,” is one of the longest undeveloped beaches on the island. It sits south of Kihei in the village of Makena, a great alternative to the more crowded Wailea beaches. Tourists should be aware of beach warnings, as this beach is known for having rougher conditions at times, and should never swim here when the lifeguards are off-duty. This is an excellent spot for a romantic stroll, and the shore affords lovely views of Kahoolawe and Molokini islands. For an even more secluded spot, couples can venture to the park’s much smaller “Little Beach,” which does not have lifeguards or facilities.