Maui's best experiences at a glance
Maui is easy to enjoy, but it takes more planning than it used to. The sunrise at Haleakalā, the black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapā and the walk in ʻĪao Valley all need a reservation, and most non-residents pay a fee at state parks. The list below starts with the places that need a booking, then moves on to the ocean, the beaches and the evenings.
Fees and rules are shown as of October 2026. Storms can close roads and parks at short notice, so check the current status on the day.
Book these first
Five places on land where a missing reservation or a closed road can end your plan.
1. Haleakalā sunrise
Between 3 and 7 am private cars need a $1 reservation from recreation.gov on top of the $30 park entry, which covers the car for 3 days. Slots open 60 days ahead at 7 am Hawaii time, with a smaller release two days before, and they sell out fast. Clouds are no reason for a refund. The summit is at 10,023 feet (3,055 m) and can be below freezing, so bring warm layers.
Haleakalā guide →2. Road to Hāna
About 52 miles (84 km) from Kahului, with 620 curves and 59 bridges. Plan 2 to 4 hours one way without stops, fill up in Pāʻia, park only in marked spots and let oncoming cars cross the one-lane bridges first. Landslides have closed parts of the road in 2026, so check the Maui County road closure notices before you leave.
Road to Hāna →3. Waiʻānapanapā State Park
The black sand beach near Hāna needs a timed reservation for every visitor. Non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. Storms caused a closure here in autumn 2026, so confirm on the state parks website that the park is open before you drive out.
Plan the Hāna day →4. Kīpahulu and the Pools of ʻOheʻo
The Kīpahulu district of Haleakalā National Park lies about 12 miles beyond Hāna and roughly 4 hours from Kahului. Swimming in the pools is not allowed, and you view them from the Kūloa Point Trail. The park has no gas station and no charging point. Your $30 park ticket also covers this district.
Both park districts →5. ʻĪao Valley
A paved path of 0.6 miles leads to the viewpoint for the ʻĪao Needle, which rises 1,200 feet above the valley floor. Non-residents reserve entry and parking online: $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. The monument is open from 7 am to 6 pm and can close for maintenance.
ʻĪao Valley →Our picks: things to do
Snorkeling, ziplining and whales.
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.
Six-line zipline on the slopes of Haleakalā
Six ziplines with a guide and safety gear in Upcountry Maui. Camera hire is extra.
Check availability →Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling cruise
A catamaran with breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snorkel gear. Hotel transfer, parking and towels are not included.
Check availability →
Whale watching by power catamaran from Maʻalaea
Two hours with commentary from the crew, a hydrophone to listen to the whales and soft drinks. Parking is extra.
Check availability →Maui tours and activities
Molokini snorkel cruises, Haleakalā sunrise trips, the Road to Hāna and luaus, with live prices and availability.
In and on the water
Snorkeling, whales and the rules that keep both safe.
6. Molokini snorkeling
The crater has been a marine life conservation district since 1977 and lies about 3 miles off the southwest coast. Boats leave from Maʻalaea and other harbors, and only permitted operators run trips. The islet itself is a seabird sanctuary, so you may not land on it. Many morning trips include snorkel gear and meals.
Snorkeling in Maui →7. Honolua Bay
This bay on the northwest coast is a marine life conservation district. Taking fish, shells, coral, algae or sand is not allowed. Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreen with oxybenzone and octinoxate since 1 January 2021, so check the label or cover up with a rash guard. Snorkel with a partner.
Where to snorkel →8. Kāʻanapali Beach and Black Rock
Three miles of sand about 50 minutes from the airport. Black Rock at the north end is a popular snorkeling spot. The only lifeguard tower here is at Hanakaʻōʻō (Canoe Beach), so read the daily ocean conditions before you swim. A resort lights torches and a diver jumps from the rock at sunset.
Kāʻanapali →9. Whale watching by boat
Tours last 2 to 4 hours. Most sources put the season from December to May, with the most whales between January and March. Boats, swimmers, kayaks and drones must stay at least 100 yards (90 m) away from humpbacks, all year.
Whale watching →10. Whales from the shore
You do not need a boat. Land viewing spots include McGregor Point, Kāʻanapali, Kīhei and Wailea. Bring binoculars and a hat, and keep any drone on the ground.
Best spots →Evenings, beaches and rainy days
The last five entries need less planning but still have rules worth knowing.
11. A luau
Hula, live music and a buffet dinner. Adult tickets for the large resort shows have recently been listed at roughly $200 to $265 (October 2026), and prices differ by show and seating. Popular shows can book out two to three months ahead. Check the total price with the organizer before you book.
Maui luau →12. Maui Ocean Center
The Hawaiian reef aquarium in Maʻalaea is open 365 days from 9 am to 5 pm, last entry 4 pm. Online prices in October 2026: adults $49.95, children 4 to 12 $39.95, seniors 65 and over $44.95, plus tax and fees. Prices can rise on busy days.
Maui Ocean Center →13. Big Beach at Mākena
Oneloa, known as Big Beach, lies in Mākena State Park. Non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. The park is open from 5 am to 7 pm, and until 7:45 pm from May to July. The state has warned of dangerous shorebreak, so stay out of the water when the waves are heavy.
Beaches by coast →14. Kīhei and Wailea beach days
The south coast is the driest part of the island. Kīhei gets about 10.8 inches (275 mm) of rain a year. County lifeguards watch Kamaole I, II and III. The beaches in Wailea have no lifeguard tower, and whales can be seen from shore in season.
Kīhei and Wailea →15. Lahaina, with respect
The fire of 8 August 2023 destroyed most of historic Lahaina. Since 1 August 2026 Front Street is open to cars again, while the courthouse and the banyan tree remain fenced. Visitors are welcome. Respect closed areas and private property, do not photograph fire-affected sites and spend your money with local businesses.
West Maui →Booking and fees at a glance
Non-resident prices as of October 2026. Residents with a Hawaii ID are usually exempt.
| Place | Reservation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Haleakalā sunrise | Required 3 to 7 am, recreation.gov only | $1 per car plus $30 entry |
| Waiʻānapanapā | Required for all visitors, timed | $5 per person, $10 per vehicle |
| ʻĪao Valley | Required, online | $5 per person, $10 per vehicle |
| Mākena State Park | Pay at the kiosk or online | $5 per person, $10 per vehicle |
| Maui Ocean Center | Tickets online or at the door | Adults $49.95, plus tax |
| Molokini | Book a trip with a permitted operator | Varies by boat, see the listings |
Things to do in Maui: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Maui for a first visit?
Most first-time visitors combine the Haleakalā summit, a day on the Road to Hāna, a snorkel trip to Molokini and a beach day in Kāʻanapali or Wailea. Add whale watching from December to May and an evening luau. Reserve the sunrise and Waiʻānapanapā before you travel.
How many days do I need on Maui?
Five to seven days cover the main sights without rushing. The Road to Hāna and the Haleakalā sunrise each take a full day or an early start, and both are easier when you sleep on that side of the island.
Which activities need a reservation?
The Haleakalā sunrise (3 to 7 am), Waiʻānapanapā and ʻĪao Valley need one. Molokini trips are run by permitted operators, so you book a tour. Luaus and the Maui Ocean Center sell tickets in advance and can fill up.
What can I do on Maui when it rains?
Visit the Maui Ocean Center, take a luau in the evening or head to the dry south coast. Kīhei gets about 10.8 inches of rain a year, while Hāna gets about 72 inches.
Is it safe to swim at Maui beaches?
Check the daily ocean conditions first. There are lifeguard towers at Kamaole I to III, Kanaha, H. A. Baldwin, Hoʻokipa and Hanakaʻōʻō, but none at the Wailea beaches. Mākena has dangerous shorebreak at times.