Maui is, along with Oahu, the most touristic island in Hawaii. It is known for being one of the world meccas of wind surfing, Maui holds surprises in the form of beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes that seem from another planet and one of the most beautiful roads in the world full of waterfalls, colorful beaches and unimaginable bamboo forests: Road To Hana.
Best Time To Go To Maui
Maui is another of the wettest spots on the planet, but like the rest of the islands, it has a more or less stable climate throughout the year. We had a little bit of everything, but the rains and the wind were predominant. The good thing would be to avoid the high seasons in order to be able to adjust the price more.
How To Get Around Maui
Here there is no doubt, the best way to get around Maui is by car. Public transportation is very limited, and very infrequent, so the best option is to rent a car.
Where To Stay In Maui
As we mentioned in the previous post of our trip to O'ahu, Hawaii is not cheap at all.
The main areas of the island are: Lahaina, Paia, Kihei (these two closest to the main airport) and Hana. Maui turned out to be the most expensive island of all in terms of lodging, we had a hard time not only deciding but the prices are inflated in an exaggerated way. We booked our stay directly with booking.
What To See And Do In Maui
TRAVEL ALONG THE FAMOUS HANA ROAD
A route around Hana, which will allow you to discover a spectacular landscape. Road to Hana is an 84 km road and has hundreds of curves and more than 50 bridges, some of them one-way, with many tight curves and breathtaking views of the coast, rainforest and several waterfalls and cliffs above sea level.
Here are some of the essential stops on your road trip to Hana:
Huialoha Church
Kīpahulu Visitor Center
Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o
Makahiku Waterfalls
Pipiwai Trail
Waimoku Waterfalls
Garden of Eden
Wailua Falls
Kaihalulu Beach (Red Sand Beach)
Black Sand Beach (Black Sand Beach: you need to make reservations in advance to enter the area: https://www.hawaii-guide.com/maui/sights/waianapanapa-state-park).
Honomanū Bay
Twin Falls
However, we weren't very lucky with the weather and due to heavy rains during the days before most of the waterfalls trails were closed. If you don't have the chance to go to the waterfalls, no worries because there are lots of them along the way. You can easily stop at any of them.
We were still very happy to be doing the route to Hana. Below is where we stopped during the trip:
Garden Of Eden: An interesting stop that almost nobody notices is the Garden of Eden, a kind of private botanical garden. It must be said that the entrance fee seemed a bit expensive: 10 dollars per person. From this botanical garden you can also have the views directly to the impressive Puohokamoa Falls.
Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees
Honomanū Bay
Hamoa Beach
Hana Farms
Pua'a ka'a falls
Waikomei Falls
Red Sand Beach: very close to Hana you'll access to what we consider another of the must-see and must-do things to do in Maui
The only or one of the few options to eat is a food truck just past the middle of the Road to Hana called Hana Harvest Cafe. We recommend taking your food from home.
LAHAINA
Charming little town that should be one of the stops on your trip to Maui. This town is home to one of the largest and oldest tree in the United States.
On Front Street you will find many restaurants and souvenir stores.
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
Haleakala Volcano is the largest dormant volcano in the world and gives its name to this national park.
One of the main attractions of Haleakala is to climb the crater and watch the sunrise or sunset there.
If you want to see the sunrise you have to ask for a permit in advance as only a number of vehicles can enter.
We decided to go up at sunset and the truth is that it was a unique moment to see the sun set over the clouds.
💸Entrance to Haleakala National Park costs $30 and is valid for 3 days.
⏱The National Park is opened 24 hours a day. A sunrise reservation is required for entry between 3am and 7am daily.
PAIA
Paia is an essential town to visit in Maui. It is the typical Hawaiian village but with more charm if possible, full of stores (many of them touristy, but decorated in a charming way) and with some nice murals.
GET LOST IN THE AREA OF WEST MAUI
If you can dedicate a day to enjoy the beaches of South Maui, they are perfect for snorkeling or relaxing in the sun. Here are some of the best.
Makena Beach
Wailea Beach
Mokapu Beach
Restaurant recommendation in this area:
Eskimo Candy Seafood Restaurant - a small place with incredible food. It's a great spot for a quick and affordable lunch. Nice decoration and great stuff. We had a tuna poke bowl and rice bowl with chicken teriyaki. Best poke on the island. It was fresh and delicious. The rice with chicken was very good as well. Definitely a must if you are in Kihei.
KAHEKILI HIGHWAY SCENIC BYWAY (Highway 340)
We took the scenic Kahekili Highway (Highway 340) to travel around the west of the island.
It is a very narrow road, with some dizzying curves and some parts of the road are not paved. We read a lot before driving it and if the day is good, you like driving and you are not in a hurry to get to your destination is an experience that we recommend 100% because the views are beautiful.
The best stops on this route are:
Nakalele Blowhole - the strong waves of the sea crash through the holes in the stones and create a very spectacular blower effect.
Honolua Bay - It is a very popular beach for snorkeling in summer and surfing in winter).
Mokuleia Bay
VISIT THE IAO VALLEY STATE PARK
This sacred valley can be covered in 30 minutes. During the tour you can see the Kuka'emoku mountain, known as the 'Iao needle, which rises more than 350 meters.
💸 Parking is $10
⏱ Open daily from 7am to 6pm.
