12 Best Things To Do In Maui For First Timers

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If you’ve never been to Maui in Hawaii before, you are about to be dazzled! Maui is one of the best islands in Hawaii to visit for your first time in Hawaii because it offers everything that Hawaii is known for – volcanoes, jungles, beaches, wildlife in abundance, and that aloha spirit that can only be found in Polynesian culture.

Needless to say, there’s a plethora of things to do in Maui to get you familiar with Hawaiian culture, learn about its history, and witness its unspoiled beauty. You won’t want to miss any of them.

If you’re about to embark on your first trip to Maui but not sure what to do, here are some activities and attractions you cannot miss to have the full Maui experience.

1. Go snorkeling

Maui is one of the best places to go snorkeling in all the Hawaiian islands.

There are several places where you might like to go snorkelling on the island, such as the marine conservation district of Molokini Crater where reef fish rule the waters, or the coastal areas of Turtle Town, Honolua Bay, and Coral Gardens, where you can enjoy the clear warm waters teeming with colorful coral and Hawaiian green sea turtles.

If you’re basing yourself in Kaanapi Beach, in the West Maui Mountains, or Wailuku in South Maui, then you can opt for a snorkeling tour which offer trips to popular snorkel spots via a boat cruise. This is a great way to snorkel for families, seniors, and those on a short visit.

Snorkeling tours on Maui typically include breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and even an open bar.

2. Drive the road to Hana

The drive to Hana is a popular scenic drive which takes you from the South to North on the Valley Isle.

The drive takes a full day, and takes you down narrow one-lane roads, past cliff-hugging scenic beauty, through tropical rainforests, and to get a glimpse of a parade of dazzling waterfalls.

The drive is over 50 miles and has 600 curves and 59 bridges (if you get car sick, be sure to prepare for this).

However, the scenery along the way is awe-inspiring. Discover a terraformed peninsula, black sand beaches, lava tubes, and so much more.

When hiring a rental car, consider getting a jeep wrangler or 4X4 as there are some unsealed roads you can take as a detour. They also look so cool with the road to Hana scenery.

Read our complete guide on driving the Road to Hana for more tips.

3. Surf, kayak, outrigger canoe, or SUP

Hawaii is all about hanging at the beach. These beach-launched ocean activities are some of the easiest things to do while in Maui.

One can rent and learn on the whim in places like Ka’anapali, Kihei, and Kapalua Bay.

Nothing is more ego-boosting and enjoyable than getting out on the ocean and learning a new skill, or applying skills to a new locale. Those who prefer to take formal lessons or guided tours can certainly book in advance.

Hawaiian Paddle Sports is a one-stop-shop for all of these activities.

4. Attend an Old Lahaina Luau on Maui

A Luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast, paired with dancing, entertainment, and music. They are a way for residents to celebrate and come together.

No one denies that this experience is far from the traditional backyard feasts that locals enjoy for birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other family gatherings.

However, the Luau ritual is a unique part of Hawaiian culture, and you can always find one happening, especially for tourists.

It’s a way to gather for an evening of good food, drink, and entertainment that ranges from sweet and slow to fierce and flaming.

There are many ways to Luau, and they range in price, so pick one that meets your needs and desires.

Laua’s at resorts are popular with those who don’t want to wander far for the evening’s entertainment and can offer anything from the simple to extravagant. While the more traditional ones offer a special locale for a night out.

All offer a glorious evening under the stars with a gorgeous sunset backdrop and a balmy breeze along with the roasted pork and poi.

Yes, once in a lifetime might be enough, but that one time is certainly not to be missed.

5. Eat the local food in Maui

The variety of cultures and cuisines in Hawaii make it a foodie paradise. Tasting your way around the island is one of the more interesting and enjoyable pursuits on Maui, and can range from the quick eating snacks and inexpensive to the opulent and romantic.

However, there are many unique tastes on Maui that should not be passed up.

Try these different Maui dishes for a culinary trip into Maui culture:

• Poke – spiced and seasoned raw tuna.
• Guri Guri – milky frozen sherbet perfect for after the beach.
• Okazuya – all SPAM musubi is okazuya but not all okazuya is SPAM musubi
• Manju – little pastry pies with sweet fillings.
• Saimin – noodles in clear broth topped with green onions, sweet and sour pork and more.
• Shave ice – a desert of shaved ice with fruit, flavored syrups, and other toppings which originated from Japan.

Visit some of Maui’s top restaurants to savor the fresh seafood cuisine or hit our favorite local spots for an everyday take on these interesting dishes.

Mama’s Fish House gets a mention because it’s a world famous restaurant serving fresh seafood bought from the fishermen each day.

Why not try a Maui food tasting tour? This is a great way to experience the real taste of Maui through culture and history with a local expert. They tend to visit 7 local restaurants in the heart of Wailuku, and give you a chance to sample 17 authentic Hawaiian dishes and local specialities as you taste locally brewed beers.

6. Experience a Maui Halloween

Out of all of Maui’s festivals and celebrations occurring on the beautiful island of Maui each year, the best and by far the most raucous is Halloween.

People gather along Front Street in Lahaina for an evening of kiddie parades, costume watching, and bar hopping along with lots of frivolity every October 31st.

It’s a grass roots celebration that has been growing like a juggernaut by word of mouth for over 25 years. Today it has become more of a family affair with adults lingering later into the evening.

Some of the more frequent events include Wailuku’s First Friday event every month that includes restaurants, galleries, arts and crafts along with entertainment.

Obon Festival runs through summer along with the Outrigger Canoe Regatta season. All are worth consideration for those who love culture.

7. Windsurf at Ho’okipa Beach Park

This is something you can do on the route to Hana! Ho’okipa Beach Park is considered one of the best windsurfing beaches in the world.

It’s not the most beautiful beach, but it’s a good place to wind surf or look out for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.

8. Hike the Haleakala Summit, Haleakalā National Park

Hike up to see the summit of Haleakala, a dormant volcano in Haleakala National Park and explore its massive crater with old lava flows and views of the Iao Valley.

If you don’t feel like hiking, you can drive, but be mindful that it’s 10,023 feet above sea level so drive slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

The park is also a sacred site for the people.

In case you didn’t know, Maui was named after the mythological demigod of Polynesia, who is said to have raised the heavens, snared the sun and discovered fire, the island of Maui is the second most populated and the second largest island in the Hawaiian Island Chain.

It is said that Maui once stood at the top of the volcano and lassoed the sun from the sky. This is possibly one of the reasons why sunrise is so breathtaking here!

The park is also home to some rare species of endangered animals which are cared for by the park rangers.

Head up for sunrise for a memorable sight – see incredible vistas awash in pinks and oranges as the morning sun casts its warm glow on the landscape.

9. Look for dolphins on the Forbidden Coast

The Forbidden Coast extends from Kihei to Wailea and is known to be a dolphin hot spot.

For adventure enthusiasts, take a raft to find dolphins along this stretch of coast, or drive along the road and see if you can spot them from the shore.

10. Black Sand Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park

Wai’anapanapa State Park is famous Pai’iloa Beach, a small but strikingly beautiful beach with the black sand, surrounded by verdant green plant life, and turquoise waters.

The black sand is the result of volcanic lava flow which cooled, hardened, and has been broken into pieces by the waves over thousands of years.

The translation for Wai’anapanapa means “glistening water” or “water flashing rainbow hues”, both of which are accurate!

You can find more in-depth information and make a reservation for Wai’napanapa State Park here.

There are loop hiking trails to take you to sea arches, blowholes, caves, lava tubes and stunning view to the East Maui coastline within the park.

11. Hike to The Seven Sacred Pools

The Ohe’o Gulch, which translates to “Something Special” is located within the Haleakala National Park.

This area is known for its seven sacred pools, which many are open for swimming.

You can find the pools on the Waimoku Falls trail off the Pipiwai Trail.

A proper map and guide would be essential as there is no signage whatsoever saying how close you were to the pools.

12. Hike from Hana to the Bamboo Forests

The bamboo forest is a unique natural landscape not far from Hana town in a verdant valley.

It’s accessible via the Pipiwai Trail, where you can turn into the bamboo forest from mile marker 7.

The trail also passes several stunning waterfalls, the highlight of which is the 200 foot Makahiku Falls which has an “Infinity Pool” at the top, though it’s not recommended to swim in it.

Find the trail map here.

Before You Go

This island paradise is at least a 5-hour jaunt from anywhere other than the other Hawaiian islands, so if you’re going to make the trip to Maui, you need to do it right.

For many travelers, the Valley Isle is a destination of dreamy proportions. Those who are lucky to have a few glorious days on this magical island should put together an itinerary that embraces all of the sights and activities possible.

Before you go, consider the best time to visit Maui before booking. The best time is between mid-May and mid-June and after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving. At this time, the prices are more affordable, the crowds are thin, the bargains are bountiful and special events and festivals are an added bonus.

Some other tips for visiting Maui are:

• Plan to arrive on the island in the early afternoon so you can drive in the day light. Maui’s roads are two-lane, coastal, and unlighted.
• Book as many things in advance as possible as tours do often get booked up.
• island time should be relaxation time, plan for some days of nothing as well!
• Never put your swimsuit in checked luggage. If they lose your bags at least you can still go to the beach.
• Put an inexpensive cooler in your rental car. Keep it filled with drinks/water.
• You’ll need a car to get around Maui. Hire a rental car here.

Popular Tours in Maui

More Hawaii Travel Tips

Planning a bigger vacation to Hawaii? Here are some other helpful guides to help you plan your trip.

• Ultimate Guide: Driving The Road to Hana, Maui
• Things To Do On The Big Island of Hawaii
• Amazing Places to visit in Hawaii on a family vacation
• Tips for Planning a Trip to Hawaii with Kids
• Fun Things to do in Hawaii with Kids
• The Best Things to do in Waikiki with Kids

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