Maui in a nutshell
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island and splits into four areas visitors use to plan: West Maui with Kāʻanapali and Kapalua, South Maui with Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena, Upcountry on the slopes of Haleakalā, and East Maui along the Road to Hāna. Most flights land at Kahului Airport (OGG) in the isthmus between them.
Several of the best-known places now need a booking or charge non-residents. This independent guide shows the rules as of October 2026. It is not the official Hawaii tourism website.
Book before you go
The places where older guides will leave you stuck at the gate.
Haleakalā sunrise
Between 3 and 7 am private cars only get to the summit with a $1 reservation from recreation.gov, on top of the $30 park entry. Slots open 60 days ahead at 7 am Hawaii time, with a smaller release two days before.
Haleakalā guide →Waiʻānapanapā
The black sand beach on the Road to Hāna needs a timed reservation for every visitor. Non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 for parking. Book it before you set out for Hāna.
Road to Hāna →ʻĪao Valley
Non-residents reserve entry and parking online: $5 per person and $10 per car. The paved walk to the viewpoint of the ʻĪao Needle is 0.6 miles. The monument is open from 7 am to 6 pm.
ʻĪao Valley →Molokini
The crater is a marine conservation district and the islet itself is a seabird sanctuary you may not land on. Boats leave from Maʻalaea and other harbours; only permitted operators run trips there.
Snorkeling →Our picks: Maui tours
Hāna by helicopter, Molokini by catamaran and a sunrise with pick-up.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Helicopter to Hāna with a rainforest landing
75 minutes in total, including a 35-minute landing in the Hāna rainforest, with commentary in flight. Passengers over 275 lb need an extra seat, and the flight runs with at least four passengers.
Check availability →
Haleakalā sunrise tour with hotel pick-up
Pick-up from your hotel or condo, a guided sunrise at the summit and breakfast. Confirm the pick-up time 72 hours before.
Check availability →
Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling cruise
A catamaran with breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snorkel gear. Parking is not included.
Check availability →Maui tours and activities
Molokini snorkel cruises, Haleakalā sunrise trips, the Road to Hāna and luaus, with live prices and availability.
Plan your trip
The big days out and the practical details.
Things to do in Maui
Fifteen experiences from the summit of Haleakalā to the reefs of South Maui.
Road to Hāna
About 52 miles from Kahului, 620 curves and 59 bridges, and the stops worth your time.
Snorkeling in Maui
Molokini, Honolua Bay and Black Rock, plus the distances to keep from turtles.
Weather and best time
Month by month for Kahului and the summit, and the hurricane season.
Where to stay
West, South, Upcountry or Hāna: which area suits your trip.
Tours compared
When a guided trip beats driving yourself, and what is included.
Whale season and ocean manners
Humpback whales spend the winter in Hawaiian waters. Most sources put the season from December to May, with the most whales between January and March. Boats, swimmers, kayaks and drones have to stay at least 100 yards away, all year.
The same respect applies on the beach. Keep at least 10 feet from green sea turtles and 50 feet from monk seals. Many popular beaches in Wailea and Kāʻanapali have no lifeguard tower, so check the daily ocean conditions before you swim.
Places on Maui
Where people base themselves and what they come to see.
Haleakalā National Park
The summit at 10,023 feet, sunrise rules and the Kīpahulu side near Hāna.
Kāʻanapali Beach
Three miles of sand, Black Rock and the resorts north of Lahaina.
Kīhei and Wailea
The dry, sunny south coast with beach parks and resorts.
ʻĪao Valley
A short walk to the ʻĪao Needle, with reservations for non-residents.
Maui Ocean Center
Hawaiian reef life in Maʻalaea, open every day of the year.
Maui luau
How the shows differ and what to expect from an evening luau.
Lahaina in 2026
The fire of 8 August 2023 destroyed most of historic Lahaina. Rebuilding is under way and several hundred homes have been rebuilt or are under construction. Since 1 August 2026 Front Street is open to traffic again, while some streets, the courthouse and the banyan tree remain fenced.
Visitors are welcome in West Maui. Respect closed areas and private property, do not photograph fire-affected sites, and spend your money with local businesses.
More independent Hawaii island guides
Separate guides from the same team, one for each island.
Maui: frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for sunrise at Haleakalā?
Yes. Private cars entering the summit district between 3 and 7 am need a $1 reservation from recreation.gov, plus the $30 park entrance fee per car. None are sold at the gate. After 7 am you can drive up without one.
How long is the Road to Hāna?
About 52 miles from Kahului to Hāna on Highway 360, with 620 curves and 59 bridges. Plan 2 to 4 hours one way without stops, and fill up in Pāʻia, the last gas station before Hāna.
When is whale season in Maui?
Humpback whales visit roughly from December to May, with the most sightings between January and March. A few arrive earlier in some years.
Which airport do I fly into for Maui?
Kahului Airport (OGG) handles most flights. The rental car centre is linked to the terminal by an electric tram, and Maui Bus routes stop in front of the terminal.
Is visitmauiisland.com the official tourism site?
No. This is an independent travel guide. The official Hawaii tourism website is run by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.