There’s so much to do on Maui that most visitors don’t know where to start. This Maui bucket list brings our original four-part series into one place, with ideas for beach days, guided outings, local food and slower discoveries.
Pick the experiences that fit your group, leave time between plans and use the detailed guides when you’re ready to book. Some older entries are retained as memories with clear updates, so they aren’t mistaken for current offers.
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Maui Bucket List: Island Favorites
1. The Road to Hana
Without a doubt, driving along the Road to Hana is one of the best things to do in Maui. With endless waterfalls, hiking trails, ocean cliffs, and gorgeous scenery, this is a road trip you’ll never forget. Really, the best way to experience all that Hana has to offer is by staying in Hana for a few days. If this isn’t an option, the day trip is still wonderful.
We recommend that those who get car sick not drive all the way to Hana Town. The Road to Hana is about the gorgeous views and waterfalls along the way (check out Twin Falls). Drive till you feel 1/2 content, and turn around. Driving the entire road there and back will take over 5 hours without stopping. Make sure to get a comfortable rental car. Or, if you want to truly relax and enjoy the trip to the fullest, take advantage of knowledgeable guides and spacious, air-conditioned vans with a Road To Hana Tour.
2. Rent a Classic Car or Harley
Anyone can cruise the island in a new convertible, but some choose a classic-looking car or motorcycle for the drive itself. Maui Roadsters offers 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster reproductions. These are manual-transmission, two-seat cars. Check driver, insurance and route restrictions before reserving; the original suggestions of Hāna and other remote routes must not override the rental agreement.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Roadsters.
3. Snorkeling
Snorkeling can be a memorable way to see Maui’s marine life. Compare a shore outing with a boat trip, choose conditions suited to your ability and ask about swimming requirements. Our original list highlighted Trilogy, Kai Kanani, Quicksilver, Maui Snorkel Charters and Makena Coast Charters. Compare their current routes, departure points, meals and participation requirements instead of assuming all trips include the same stops. Never touch coral or approach wildlife for a photo.
Related resources from our original list: Deluxe Snorkel Rental · Maui snorkel Map · Molokini Crater · Trilogy · Kai Kanani · Quicksilver · Maui Snorkel Charters · Makena Coast Charters.
4. Hike Haleakala Crater
For a memorable land activity, consider hiking in Haleakalā National Park. The high elevation, loose ground and changing weather deserve preparation. Choose a route suited to your fitness, carry water and layers, and check park conditions. If you prefer a guide, ask the operator about distance, elevation, ages and the actual itinerary. The old seven-hour package description isn’t a current booking promise.
Related resources from our original list: volcano hiking.
5. Maui Luau Feast and Show
Maui’s luaus range from intimate oceanfront evenings to larger resort productions. Compare the food, seating, storytelling and performance style. Hula and Hawaiian history are part of many evenings, while some shows also present dances from elsewhere in Polynesia. Fire-knife dancing isn’t part of every luau, and it shouldn’t be described as a universal Hawaiian tradition. Choose the experience your group will enjoy, then read the current inclusions.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Luaus.
6. Solve a Mystery
Head to Wailuku Town for a clue-filled experience at Mystery Maui. Gather friends or family who enjoy solving puzzles together and choose a room that suits the group. Check the current room choices, ages, group size and time limit when reserving. This is an established business rather than a brand-new attraction; allow time to explore Wailuku before or afterward.
Related resources from our original list: Mystery Maui.
7. Maui Zipline
With locations on the slopes of Haleakala, Kaanapali’s West Maui Mountains, and over/through the Maui Tropical Plantation, ziplining is a fun way to experience the diverse landscapes and views of Maui.
8. Maui Cookie Lady
For a taste of whimsy, and island-inspired decadence, head to The Maui Cookie Lady in Makawao. This dreamy shop feels like a bakery you might stumble upon in a Bavarian fairytale or Middle Earth, the magic is tangible, and the cookies are downright delightful. In addition to The Maui Cookie Lady’s signature cookies, a heap of other confections are on offer, from candied apples and lollipops to Maui-made caramels. This wondrous storefront is great for souvenir shopping or just treating the kids to a sweet. And if you missed out on The Maui Cookie Lady’s epic cookies while on Maui, don’t worry. Their online store is well-stocked and ready to ship just about anywhere!
9. Take a Photo Hike
Maui has no shortage of photo-worthy landscapes worth exploring beyond the lens. ʻĪao Valley, with its greenery and iconic Kūkaʻemoku, offers memorable views. Check entry reservations, current access and weather before setting out. A guided Central Maui or Upcountry outing can add context; confirm the actual stops, transport and meals rather than relying on an old package description.
Related resources from our original list: Iao Valley · Haleakala Tour.
10. Go House Shopping
Thinking of buying property on Maui? Start with the location, budget and the kind of professional help you need. Our original resources included Maui Real Estate Team and Aliʻi Resorts. Check each business’s current role and services rather than assuming every linked company provides the same real-estate representation. A vacation view is only one part of a property decision.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Real Estate Team · Ali’i Resorts.
11. Ocean Rafting
An exciting way to see the coast is on an ocean raft, with snorkeling and seasonal whale watching available on some trips. Raft outings have different physical demands from larger boats, so read the participation rules before booking. Stay within wildlife-viewing distances and follow the crew. The original story’s near-touching whale anecdote is a memory, not something visitors should seek or repeat.
Related resources from our original list: Molokini snorkeling tours.
12. Get Married
Maui’s scenery makes it a special place for a wedding, whether you want a small ceremony or a larger celebration. A planner can help coordinate the details, but a beach location doesn’t mean permission to hold any event there. Confirm permits, authorized locations, the marriage-license process and vendor arrangements before setting a date.
Related resources from our original list: wedding planner for a Maui wedding.
13. Jump Up, Jump Up & Get Down
Ultimate Air Trampoline Park in Wailuku gives families an indoor change of pace. Choose the current session and check age, supervision, waiver and sock requirements before arriving. The old 2018 unlimited-pass price is no longer a planning figure. Read the current booking options rather than assuming every ticket or activity remains the same.
Related resources from our original list: Ultimate Air Trampoline Park.
14. Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing is one way to spend a morning with a small group on the water. Our original list recommended Maui Fun Charters. Ask which vessel and harbor your booking uses, how long you’ll be out, and what tackle, food and catch arrangements are included. Compare the total quote rather than relying on an old claim that one operator has the best price.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Bottom fishing.
15. Find Your Optimum Health and Wellness
Build a slower day around a massage, a guided nature walk or a farm-sanctuary visit. Our earlier list highlighted Maui’s Best Massage, HeleWai Eco-Tours and Leilani Farm Sanctuary. Ask about current locations, appointment availability and physical requirements. Enjoy these experiences for relaxation, learning and time outdoors without treating a vacation activity as medical treatment.
Related resources from our original list: Maui’s Best Massage · HeleWai Eco-Tours’ Honolua Ridgeline Hike · Leilani Farm Sanctuary.
16. Bike Down the Volcano
A downhill bike outing can bring broad Upcountry views, cool air and a different pace to the day. Don’t assume a bike tour starts at Haleakalā’s summit or rides through the national park. Ask where the ride actually begins, which roads it uses, how the group is guided and what riding skills are required. Choose transportation you can control confidently.
Related resources from our original list: Maui bike tours.
17. Take a Flying Lesson
If you’re curious about learning to fly, ask Fly Maui about its introductory instruction. A discovery flight with a certified instructor is different from a passenger sightseeing tour. Confirm the lesson format, aircraft, participant requirements and weather policy directly. Book an experience offered for the purpose you want, rather than assuming you can request any route or passenger arrangement.
18. Go Sailing
Sailing offers a lovely view of Maui’s coast. Our original list included Four Winds Maui, Trilogy Excursions and Maui Custom Charters. Compare snorkeling, sunset and seasonal whale-watch itineraries, since they aren’t interchangeable. For a private outing, ask about Artemis or Nova and the six-guest limit on each sailboat, including children. Confirm the boat, departure point and complete charter quote.
Related resources from our original list: Four Winds Maui · Trilogy Excursions · Maui Custom Charters.
19. Portraits
You’re not likely going to find any better location to take a photo of your family and friends than on a beach in Maui. Get that perfect Christmas card photo of your kids, a fun beach shot of your friends, or a romantic photo of you and your significant other during a spectacular Maui Sunset.
20. Visit Glass Artists
Watching glassblowing is mesmerizing, especially when making island-inspired artwork. See their large sculptures, beautiful bowls, and jewelry and get a chance to speak to the artists at Hot Island Glass in the heart of Makawao Town.
Scenery, Sailing and Other Island Experiences
21. Visit the Lavender Farm
The lavender farm brings Upcountry views and a garden setting to a day on Haleakalā’s slopes. Aliʻi Kula Lavender has also offered lavender products and visitor experiences. Check current opening days, admission and available activities before driving out. Plant counts, specific guided tours and picnic packages from older descriptions shouldn’t be treated as guaranteed inclusions.
Related resources from our original list: Maui farm tours.
22. Take a Helicopter Tour
Helicopter tours are easily one of the most memorable activities you can do while on Maui. Only so much of the Valley Isle can be explored by foot or car, and taking to the skies allows visitors to feast their eyes on untouched, inaccessible locales. Whether you’re dreaming of soaring through emerald canyons in the West Maui Mountains, cruising past some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world on Molokai, or flying along the rim of Haleakala Crater, there is a myriad of excursions to choose from. Book a helicopter tour from the renowned Hawaii tour and travel agency Helicopter Tours.
23. Kapalua Coastal Walk
The Kapalua Coastal Trail offers beautiful West Maui views along part of the shoreline. Walk the section that suits your group and conditions. Surfaces, steps and exposure vary; don’t assume every part is an easy paved path. Respect marked access and closures, and stay back from cliff edges and rough water.
24. Visit Lanai
Lānaʻi makes a different kind of day trip from Maui. Choose between a guided boat excursion and the Expeditions passenger ferry from Māʻalaea to Mānele. A ferry ticket doesn’t arrange transport around Lānaʻi for you, so plan ground travel before leaving. Read your current confirmation carefully instead of using the old Lahaina Harbor departure in this list.
Related resources from our original list: Lanai.
25. Whale Watching
Humpback whale watching is one of Maui’s most memorable seasonal experiences. Winter is the main time to plan a trip, with timing and sightings varying through the migration. You can watch from shore or join a responsible boat operator. Follow viewing rules; a cruise is never a promise of a close encounter or a particular sighting.
Related resources from our original list: Maui whale watch cruise.
26. Learn How To Surf
A surf lesson can be a rewarding first experience with Maui’s ocean. South and West Maui have schools offering instruction, with locations chosen around conditions. Ask about swimming ability, ages, group size and equipment. Progress varies, so don’t rely on the original promise that everyone will ride a wave on the first day.
Related resources from our original list: Maui surf schools.
27. Go Restaurant Hopping
Restaurant hopping is one of the best ways to taste test the best ono grinds on Maui! Some of our favorites include:
Learn more at Maui Dining for recommendations on everything from food trucks to fine dining restaurants.
28. Sunrise from Haleakala Crater
Sunrise at Haleakalā can be breathtaking, but plan for an early start, cold weather and changing visibility. Private vehicles need an advance reservation for Summit District entry between 3 and 7 a.m., in addition to park admission. A commercial tour has its own arrangements, so confirm what is included. Sunset and daytime visits are different plans; a sunrise reservation isn’t required for every hour of the day.
Related resources from our original list: Haleakala tours.
29. Visit Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is on Oʻahu, so a visit from Maui requires interisland travel. Compare the exact sites and reservations in a guided package, including whether flights and ground transportation are included. The USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri are separate experiences. Leave enough time around flights and check the current itinerary before treating an old package as an all-inclusive day trip.
Related resources from our original list: Pearl Harbor Tours.
30. Lanaʻi Snorkel Tour
A Lānaʻi snorkel trip can combine sailing, coastal scenery and time in the water when conditions allow. Choose the actual itinerary rather than assuming every Lānaʻi excursion includes a beach visit. Spinner dolphins sometimes appear, but don’t swim toward them or position a kayak or boat to intercept them. Watching wildlife responsibly is part of enjoying the crossing.
31. Parasail
Parasailing gives you a different view of the West Maui coast during the operator’s permitted season. Ask about current departures, ages, weight limits, tandem options and weather cancellations before reserving. Don’t assume the old Lahaina departure or one fixed season applies to every listing. Choose a currently operating provider and follow the crew’s directions.
32. Explore Upcountry
The paniolo side of Maui has some of the best views on the island. Makawao and Kula are fun places to browse shops, gardens and local food. Our original stops included T. Komoda’s Bakery, Casanova, MauiWine and Grandma’s Coffee House. Check opening hours and reservations before building the day around them. Wine tasting isn’t necessarily complimentary, and a sober driver belongs in the plan.
Related resources from our original list: Upcountry Maui.
33. Visit a Black Sand Beach
Waiʻānapanapa State Park’s black sand, ocean arches and coastal scenery make a memorable Hāna stop. Out-of-state visitors need advance entry and parking reservations. Stay on established routes, follow signs and assess conditions instead of treating a photograph as proof that swimming is suitable. The R2H audio-tour resource from our original page can help with background, but current park rules control access.
Related resources from our original list: Waianapanapa State Park · The R2H.
34. Learn to Hula Dance
Learn about hula with a knowledgeable instructor or watch a scheduled performance. Ask a host or cultural venue what is offered during your visit and participate respectfully. The old Lahaina Cannery show times in this list aren’t a current event calendar. Confirm the day, location and whether a lesson is open to visitors before going.
Related resources from our original list: Maui luau.
35. Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise
Dinner or pūpū on the water can make sunset feel like a special occasion. Some cruises offer a seated meal, while others focus on drinks and light food. Our original recommendation included Kai Kanani. Read the current menu, boat, boarding arrangements and weather terms so the booking fits your group. A green flash is a possible natural sight, not a promised part of the trip.
Related resources from our original list: Kai Kanani.
36. Drive an ATV or Dune Buggy
A guided ATV outing can offer access to a working property and a different perspective on Maui’s landscape. Ride only on the operator’s authorized route. Check minimum ages, driver rules, protective equipment and the physical demands before booking. The old list’s waterfall and swimming descriptions aren’t a guarantee that every tour includes those stops.
37. Listen to Local Musicians
Live music can turn a meal or evening out into a memorable Maui experience. Our earlier list mentioned Mulligans on the Blue, Charley’s, Casanova and the former Mill House, along with musicians Andrew Corradini and Barefoot Minded. Treat those as earlier recommendations, then use current venue calendars to find a performance. Old venue names and recurring schedules aren’t reliable proof of an event tonight.
Related resources from our original list: Maui wedding musicians.
38. Watch the Sunrise in Hana
The sun rises on the East side of the island with dramatic colors. Hana is so peaceful in the morning and can offer a calming awakening that will start your day right. The Hana Maui Resort is the first resort on the island to greet the sunrise, or there are plenty of condos and camping spots that make for an equally beautiful and relaxing experience. Listen to the sound of rolling waves (and roosters, most likely) and watch the sky change colors in Maui’s most remote town.
39. Go Shopping
Look for Maui-made products, local artwork and small shops that fit your interests. The original page highlighted Maui Ocean Treasures at Maui Ocean Center as one place to browse. Ask where an item was made rather than assuming every souvenir is local. Choosing a few useful things can be more rewarding than filling a suitcase with gifts you don’t need.
Related resources from our original list: Maui products.
40. Wine Tasting
The Maui Winery, located in Upcountry Maui, is a fun spot to stop and sample some of Maui’s own wine. Experiencing the wine and the views are worth the journey. Visit Maui Wine for wine tasting, then do lunch at Ulapalakua Ranch Store, and enjoy panoramic views, cool breezes, and a relaxing afternoon on the slopes of Haleakala.
Local Events, Coastal Views and Time Outdoors
41. Find a Currently Announced Halloween Event
Our original list celebrated Halloween on Lahaina’s Front Street. That describes the earlier event, not a current annual celebration or an invitation to visit recovery areas. Look for currently announced community events and follow organizer guidance. Support open businesses, respect restricted areas and keep residents’ privacy out of holiday sightseeing.
Related resources from our original list: Lahaina Halloween.
42. Have a Beach BBQ
A cheap and fun way to do dinner or lunch is at a bbq on one of Maui’s best beaches. Not only will this save you money for other fun experiences, but it’s a great way to spend a day at the beach, meet people, and experience the views of Maui’s coast. Maui is dotted with several beach parks with grills already set up for you. Some of our favorite places for beach BBQs include Kamaole Beach Park III in Kihei, D.T. Flemings Beach Park in Kapalua, and Wahikuli State Park in Lahaina.
43. Choose a Scheduled Fire-Dance Performance
If fire-knife dancing interests you, choose a scheduled performance at a venue that offers it. Not every luau includes the same dance traditions. Our old suggestion of arriving at Little Beach after dark for an informal Sunday gathering shouldn’t guide your plans. Follow the park’s current hours and rules instead.
Related resources from our original list: Little Beach.
44. Enjoy the Lava Coast Without Rock Graffiti
Enjoy the lava coast without moving coral or rocks to make letters, pictures or stacks. The original rock-graffiti recommendation was poor advice. Leave natural and cultural features where they are, stay on established routes and take a photograph instead. A place can be memorable without adding your name to it.
45. Enjoy Tropical Fresh Fruit
Our island is plentiful with fresh fruit. If you aren’t staying somewhere with fruit trees, stop at a fruit stand and sample some of the great fruits we have on Maui.
Many of these stands also have unbelievably good banana bread and homemade coconut candy. The Twin Falls Farm Stand is a great spot to try these delicious tropical delicacies.
46. Observe Coastal Marine Life Safely
Coastal pools can hold interesting marine life, but waves can sweep people off rocks even when the water inside looks calm. Observe from an appropriate safe place and never handle animals. The earlier Olivine Pools swimming recommendation should not be used as a day-trip plan. Choose a lifeguarded beach and ask lifeguards about conditions if swimming is your goal.
47. Scuba Diving
Maui offers memorable scuba settings, from shore dives to guided boat trips when conditions allow. Choose a dive that fits your certification and recent experience, and ask the operator about health requirements, equipment and the route. Certification takes training and practice; it isn’t automatically faster here than elsewhere. A clear-water photograph doesn’t tell you the conditions you’ll have on your date.
Related resources from our original list: Maui scuba diving.
48. Go Frisbee Golfing
Disc golf can combine a walk, a little friendly competition and time outdoors. Check which courses are currently open to visitors, whether permission or fees apply, and what equipment you need. Don’t assume the older Polipoli course reference guarantees free access. Respect other users and any land-management restrictions.
49. Kiteboarding and Windsurfing
Maui’s North Shore is famous for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Watching from a legal public area can be worthwhile even if you don’t ride. Wind and swell vary, and learning requires instruction in a suitable place. Don’t enter an active launch area or assume warm water and trade winds make the sport easy or safe for a beginner.
Related resources from our original list: Maui kite surfers · wind surfing.
50. Try Snuba Diving
Snuba is a guided underwater option to compare if you’re interested in more than surface snorkeling. It still has swimming, health and participation requirements. Ask the provider about ages, depth, time in the water and what happens if someone wants to stop. The original depth and duration figures shouldn’t be read as a guarantee for every outing.
Related resources from our original list: scuba dive.
51. Watch Giant Waves
Watching winter surf from a safe public viewpoint can be unforgettable. Hoʻokipa and other North Shore areas offer views when conditions cooperate. Stay behind barriers and well back from cliffs and wave wash. A rough track or map pin isn’t permission to drive through private land, including access toward Peʻahi. Skip a viewpoint when legal, safe access isn’t clear.
Related resources from our original list: huge Maui waves.
52. Visit a Bamboo Forest
A bamboo forest can be an impressive part of a hike. The Pīpīwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park’s Kīpahulu District is one established option to research. Check park conditions, distance and footwear before leaving. Don’t use the old mile-marker bamboo-forest reference as permission to enter private property or follow an unmarked social trail.
Related resources from our original list: Road to Hana.
53. Visit Mākena Within Park Rules
Little Beach is known for its undeveloped setting, but don’t plan from old descriptions of after-hours gatherings. Follow current Mākena State Park hours, posted rules and lawful access. Ocean conditions can be dangerous, and the path beyond Big Beach isn’t suitable for every visitor. Choose a beach that fits your group and the conditions.
54. Volunteer
Volunteering on vacation is becoming a widely practiced activity on the islands. Those that decide to make the trip to Kahoolawe to replant trees and shrubs are looked upon by locals with great respect. This is also a wonderful way to build lasting relationships with visitors and residents alike. No matter what your interests are, from beach cleanups, removing invasive plant species, or helping to protect local animal species, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved on Maui.
55. Swim around a Waterfall
A guided rainforest visit or legal waterfall viewpoint can be memorable without swimming beneath falling water. Twin Falls is a privately owned farm with limited, paid parking and visitor rules. Check access before going and respect staff decisions about closures. Flash flooding, slippery ground and falling debris can be dangerous even when the weather where you’re standing looks pleasant.
Related resources from our original list: Wailele Farm.
56. Browse Pāʻia Town
Pāʻia is a community of artists, surfers, small businesses and people going about their day. Browse shops, choose a local meal and leave room to enjoy the town without reducing residents to a stereotype. The old Charley’s live-music reference is historical; check current venues. Ask lifeguards about conditions before turning a nearby beach stop into a swim.
57. Go Dancing
Choose a currently scheduled dance night or lesson rather than relying on a list of old bars. Casanova and Ambrosia appeared in the original article, but names, programs and venues can change. Check the organizer’s current details, age policy and transport options. Leave yourself a safe way back to your accommodation.
58. Go Sightseeing
Maui’s history deserves more than a quick photo stop. Museums, cultural sites and guided interpretation can help explain the places you’re seeing. Our old references included the Sugar Museum and a Lahaina walking route. Check current museum hours and lawful access; do not follow a pre-fire Front Street itinerary into restricted areas. The Bailey House museum is in Wailuku, separate from Maui Tropical Plantation.
59. Peruse the Art Galleries
Maui’s galleries show everything from ocean scenes to contemporary and abstract work. Browse current spaces in places such as Wailea, Makawao, Pāʻia and Hāna, and support artists whose work speaks to you. Our original page highlighted Hana Coast Gallery. Check current hours and location rather than assuming every older Lahaina gallery listing is still operating in the same place.
Related resources from our original list: Hana Coast Gallery.
60. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding can give you a different view of Maui’s coast. If you’re new, choose instruction and conditions suited to a beginner rather than heading into surf. Wind can change the effort needed to return to shore. Ask the instructor about swimming ability, equipment, the launch location and how they decide whether an outing should go ahead.
Related resources from our original list: · .
Camping, Family Outings and Island Memories
61. Go Camping
Camping can be a wonderful way to spend time outdoors, but it requires legal campsites and advance planning. County, state and national-park sites have different reservation systems and rules. Confirm your permit, arrival arrangements, water and facilities before leaving. Camping is not permission to sleep on any beach or treat an unmarked roadside as a campsite.
Related resources from our original list: Maui campgrounds.
62. Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding can be a lovely way to see a ranch landscape with a guide. Check which operators and routes are currently offered, and ask about riding experience, ages, weight limits and time in the saddle. The old list’s Mākena and West Maui references aren’t proof that every earlier route remains available. Ride only on the provider’s authorized land.
Related resources from our original list: horseback tours on Maui.
63. Watch Dolphins Responsibly
Spinner dolphins may be seen around Maui and Lānaʻi, but resting animals need space. Watch without pursuing, feeding, swimming toward them or blocking their path. Federal rules prohibit approaching Hawaiian spinner dolphins within 50 yards. A dolphin-viewing plan should never depend on entering a resting bay to seek a close encounter.
64. Visit Molokai
Molokaʻi offers a different pace and its own strong community. Arrange flights, accommodation and local transport before going; don’t rely on the old Maui to Molokaʻi ferry or mule-ride listings. Kalaupapa has strict access requirements and needs current National Park Service guidance. Respect private land and local routines rather than treating the island as an undiscovered attraction.
Related resources from our original list: Molokai.
65. Take a Picnic
A picnic can be one of the nicest parts of a Maui day. Pick up food from a local shop or farm stand and choose a legal public picnic area. Don’t enter a meadow, working farm or residential land because it has a view. Pack out everything you bring and keep food away from wildlife.
66. Take a Photo Safari
Grab your cameras and set out in any direction. You’re bound to find brilliant landscapes to capture as well as unique plant and animal life. Check out this list of the Top 10 Places for Awesome Pictures on Maui, including some of our favorite spots like Iao Valley, Hana’s Wai’anapanapa State Park, Makena Cove aka “Secret Beach”, Molokini Crater, Haleakala Crater and scenic views through the bamboo forest along Pipiwai Trail.
67. Go Skim Boarding
Big Beach has a talented skimboarding scene, but its powerful shorebreak is not a beginner playground. Enjoy watching from safely on shore and ask lifeguards about current conditions. Small-looking waves can still cause serious injuries. If you want to learn, seek suitable instruction and a location matched to your ability.
Related resources from our original list: Maui skimboarders.
68. Remember the Sugar Cane Train
The Sugar Cane Train was a favorite in the original list, including holiday rides between Lahaina and Kāʻanapali. Keep this as a historical memory rather than a currently bookable promise. Don’t make family plans around an old Christmas schedule; check an official current announcement before assuming rides are offered.
69. Maui Golf Courses
Maui and its neighboring islands have courses with memorable ocean and mountain views. Compare public tee times, resort access and private-club restrictions before making plans. A course appearing in an older list doesn’t mean it accepts every visitor. Confirm the course, equipment rental, dress requirements and total booking price for your date.
Related resources from our original list: best Maui Golf courses.
70. Enjoy Cliff Views From Safe Public Areas
Our old list suggested cliff diving at Black Rock and other sites. We no longer recommend jumping from cliffs as a casual visitor activity. Water depth, submerged rocks, waves and land access can be difficult to judge, and seeing someone else jump doesn’t make it suitable. Enjoy coastal views from a safe public place instead.
71. Kayaking
Kayaking can combine exercise with a different perspective on the coast. A guide can help choose an outing that fits your group’s paddling and swimming abilities. Ask about wind, the launch, time on the water and cancellation decisions before booking. Marine life may be seen, but it should never be promised or pursued.
Related resources from our original list: Kayaking in Maui.
72. Go Body Surfing
Bodysurfing requires swimming ability and conditions suited to the person entering the water. A sandy beach doesn’t make shorebreak harmless, and Hāmoa isn’t automatically a safe alternative to Big Beach. Choose a lifeguarded beach, ask about conditions and stay out when uncertain. A beach day can be enjoyable without a swim.
73. Look for a Current Magic or Comedy Show
Our earlier writers loved the comedy and magic at Warren & Annabelle’s and also listed Kupanaha. Those are memories of earlier shows, not evidence of a current performance schedule. Look for a currently operating venue and confirm the show, location and ticket details before reserving an evening around it.
Related resources from our original list: Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Show.
74. Go to a New Church
Maui has churches with distinctive histories and active congregations. If visiting for worship or architecture, check public access and service arrangements and behave as a guest. Palapala Hoʻomau Church in Kīpahulu is known as Charles Lindbergh’s resting place. Respect cemetery rules, private areas and people using the church.
75. Explore Lava Tubes
Tours run regularly to check out the caverns and tubes that lava flows have left here on Maui. This is an activity you’ll experience in very few other places. To explore these Hana lava tubes on your own, make sure to stop at Wai’anapanapa State Park on your journey along the Road to Hana, where you can walk inside a large one that sits directly on a black sand beach and offers views of crashing waves, sea cliffs, and ocean arches.
76. Visit The Maui Tropical Plantation
Maui Tropical Plantation brings grounds, farm-related activities, food and shopping together in Waikapū. Choose the current Tropical Express tour, a meal or a slower look around. The former Mill House is part of the property’s earlier story; today’s restaurant and businesses have their own names and hours. The Bailey House museum is in Wailuku, not on the plantation grounds.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Tropical Plantation.
77. Research a Guided Fishing Experience
If a fishing experience interests you, choose a qualified provider and understand the applicable species, area, equipment and licensing rules before going. Spearfishing isn’t a casual extension of a first snorkel trip. The personal Maui spearfishing story linked from our original list is a dated account, not a substitute for current rules or instruction.
Related resources from our original list: Maui spearfishing experiences.
78. Miniature Golf & Bumper Boats
Miniature golf and other family games can make a useful change from a full beach day. Our original list featured Maui Golf & Sports Park near Māʻalaea. Check current operating hours, attractions, ages and pricing before visiting. An older list of climbing, bumper boats and trampoline activities doesn’t mean every attraction is still included or open.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Golf & Sports Park.
79. Revisit the Submarine Tour Memory
Atlantis Submarine appeared in the original series as a way to see marine life without snorkeling. Treat the older Maui itinerary and depth description as historical. Confirm whether a Maui departure is currently offered before making plans. Maui Ocean Center can be another experience to compare when someone prefers to stay out of the ocean.
Related resources from our original list: Atlantis Submarine.
80. Chill by a Resort Pool
A resort pool can be a lovely place to slow down if your accommodation or an authorized day pass includes access. Our original examples included Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea and Four Seasons Resort Maui. Compare current guest and pass rules, pool restrictions and included facilities. Don’t assume buying a drink grants pool access.
Culture, Creativity and More Maui Ideas
81. Visit Historic Lahaina Town & Banyan Tree Park
Lahaina’s history is an important part of Maui’s story, including its role as the Hawaiian Kingdom’s capital and its later whaling era. The 2023 wildfire changed access to many familiar places. Visit open businesses and currently authorized public areas, follow signs, and avoid photographing recovery sites or residents’ property. A pre-fire Banyan Tree Park description isn’t a current walking route.
Related resources from our original list: Lahaina · Banyan Tree Park.
82. Research a Lawful Guided Hunting Outing
Axis deer affect Maui’s landscape and farms, but the original population figures and blanket hunting claims shouldn’t guide a trip. Hunting requires the applicable license, permission, lawful methods and current area or season rules. Use a qualified local provider and check Hawaiʻi DLNR guidance before considering an outing. Don’t assume private land is open or that there is no limit.
Related resources from our original list: Maui invasive species.
83. Botanical Gardens
Maui offers many different botanical gardens all around the island. We have some of the most unique and beautiful flowers on Earth. We love visiting the Garden of Eden along the Road to Hana. Sometimes we spend the whole day there.
84. Glass Bottom Boat Tours
A glass-bottom boat can appeal to people who prefer to stay dry while watching marine life. Confirm a currently operating Maui departure, the boat’s viewing setup, boarding access and conditions policy. The old list’s description of divers performing below the boat isn’t a promised feature of every tour. Compare the experience with an aquarium visit if motion or access is a concern.
85. Practice Archery
Lānaʻi has offered archery as a resort activity. Ask the provider about current availability, guest-access rules, ages, transport and instruction. It is a different plan from a spontaneous Maui beach stop and may require a longer island visit. Don’t assume a ferry day trip leaves time for every resort activity.
86. Check Current Film and Cultural Events
The Maui Film Festival was a favorite in our older list, especially the outdoor cinema experience. Venue names, solar-power claims and a past annual program aren’t a current schedule. Check the organizer’s latest announcement before planning a trip around a festival. For a dated account, our archived festival article preserves an earlier preview.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Film Festival.
87. Photograph Shells and Leave Them in Place
Enjoy shells and other natural objects where you find them. A beach photograph or locally made piece of art makes a better souvenir habit than collecting from the shore. Follow the rules of each park or protected area, and never take coral, sand or living marine animals. Buying a keepsake is different from removing material from a beach.
88. Take an Airplane Tour
An airplane experience can give a different perspective on Maui’s coast and mountain scenery. Choose a service specifically offered as a sightseeing flight if that’s your goal. Introductory flight instruction is a different activity. Confirm the aircraft, route, participant requirements and weather policy before booking.
89. Explore a Lava Field
South Maui’s lava coast offers a striking landscape, especially around ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu and Keoneʻōʻio. Haleakalā is not extinct, and the old 1790 eruption date isn’t the best account of its most recent activity. Stay on designated routes, respect reserve closures and don’t disturb rocks or cultural features. Keep wildlife viewing separate from any plan to approach resting dolphins.
90. Enjoy a Perfect Maui Sunset
The best sunsets on the planet are found in Maui. The South and West shores offer the most spectacular views over the ocean. As the sun dips into the sea, you may see a green flash of light.
91. Paint With Friends
A guided painting session can be a fun way to spend time with friends and bring home something you made. Island Art Party was the recommendation in our original series. Confirm the current venue, class schedule, age policy and what’s included. You don’t need to arrive as an expert, just ready to follow the instructor and enjoy making something.
Related resources from our original list: Island Art Party.
92. Enjoy Live Music at the MACC
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center hosts music, performances, exhibitions and community programs. Check the current calendar for your dates instead of assuming a particular recurring movie night. Compare the venue, ticket requirements, start time and parking arrangements before going. A scheduled performance can be a wonderful reason to build an evening around Central Maui.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
93. Maui Ocean Center
Maui Ocean Center in Māʻalaea offers a way to learn about Hawaiʻi’s marine environment without entering the ocean. Compare current exhibits, presentations and ticket options before visiting. Don’t assume an older description of touching animals remains part of the experience. Follow staff guidance and leave time to enjoy the exhibits rather than rushing through between bookings.
Related resources from our original list: Maui Ocean Center.
94. Choose a Safer Swimming Plan
The old recommendation to swim at Olivine Pools has been retired. Waves can sweep people from coastal rocks even when a pool looks inviting. A photo or video doesn’t show the full risk. For a swimming day, choose a lifeguarded beach, ask lifeguards about conditions and stay out when uncertain. You don’t need to enter a natural pool to enjoy Maui’s coast.
95. Go Mountain Biking
Makawao Forest Reserve offers a wooded setting for hiking and mountain biking above town. Use the current trail map and closures to choose a permitted route suited to your skills. Our original list mentioned Krank Cycles as a bike-rental resource. Ask about equipment, protective gear and local riding conditions; jumps and technical downhill sections aren’t a casual beginner ride.
96. Go to the Beach
A beach visit can be one of the nicest parts of a Maui day. Choose a legal access point, respect signs and ask lifeguards about ocean conditions. Free shoreline access doesn’t mean every parking area, park entry or reservation is free. Check the particular location before going and give yourself the option to enjoy the view from shore.
Related resources from our original list: Maui’s best beaches.
97. Try some Maui Grown Coffee
Though most of the glory is stolen by the Big Island’s Kona coffee, the Valley Isle grows delicious coffee as well. Our Maui coffee farms are small and offer very personal and unique flavors. Get some for your trip and take some home!
98. Go Paragliding
Paragliding or powered flight instruction can interest travelers who enjoy heights, but availability, operating areas and requirements vary. Ask a currently operating provider about the exact experience, weather decisions and participation rules. Don’t treat an old East Maui or Haleakalā listing as a guarantee that a particular flight is offered today.
99. Drop in at a Skate Park
A skate park can be a fun outing for experienced skaters traveling with their own gear. Kalama Park in Kīhei and other public facilities have their own hours and rules. Check current conditions and access for the park you plan to use, wear appropriate protection and respect other riders. An older Lahaina listing isn’t proof of present access.
100. Yoga
A yoga class can give the trip a slower rhythm. Choose a teacher and class that fit your experience, and check the current studio, hotel or retreat schedule. The older Travaasa Hāna reference belongs to the resort’s previous name. Practice in an appropriate place, avoid cliff edges and don’t treat a class as a promise to resolve a health problem.
Birds, Music and One More New Skill
101. Bird Watching
Bird watching can add another layer to a Maui walk. Learn which species and habitats you may encounter, use established public viewing areas and keep your distance. At Haleakalā, watch for nēnē without approaching or feeding them. Drive slowly around birds near roads and follow closures that protect nesting habitat.
102. Learn to Salsa Dance
A salsa lesson can be a fun way to learn something with a partner or meet people through a shared interest. Find a currently scheduled class or dance night, then confirm the venue, ages and any cover charge. The old list of bars is a historical reference, not proof of a present Latin-music program. Arrange a safe ride back before the evening starts.
Plan Your Maui Bucket List Around Your Group
For help comparing activity demands, see our Maui activity planner. For a smaller budget, start with our activity-cost guide. Check your chosen operator’s current schedule, restrictions and total price before paying.
Reserve private-vehicle sunrise entry at Haleakalā in advance, and check Waiʻānapanapa and ʻĪao Valley reservation arrangements. Respect posted closures, private land and wildlife. If ocean conditions aren’t suitable, choose a shore activity instead.
Photography equipment resource from our original list: Hawaii Camera rentals.
