Maui Bucket List: What Should Be On Your Top Things To Do In Maui...

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1. Road To Hana. The winding road to Hana is not for the timid driver, or for those who get car sick. The road to Hana is a 65-mile road that winds from the adorable surfer town of Pāʻia to Hana, on the island’s far eastern side. The road famously snakes across over 600 curves, crosses 59 bridges, and has more than a few nail-bitingly one-way roads through some of the lushest rainforest landscapes you can imagine. For those who brave it, the lush greenery, waterfalls, hikes, unique beaches, and other wonders await! If you are driving yourself, do yourself a favor and download the Shaka Guide App - Maui.  In order to truly experience Hana, it helps to know more about the history and legends of the area and your adventures getting there. You will want to start early in the morning - we are talking like 5 or 6am. Take your time and enjoy the adventure! Get ready for the best banana bread of your life. Mile Marker details for road to Hana here.
2. Haleakala National Park Sunrise. Yes you have to wake up and leave your condo early, like 2-3am early! And you'll have to dress warm, like bring-your-ski-clothes kind of warm! But this is probably the best sunrise you'll see in your life. Drive all the way to the top of the summit at 10,023 feet (reservations required as of 2025). If you stop at the visitor center at 9,740 feet it is more crowded - still definitely worth it, but if you can grab one of the few spots at the summit why not do it. Plan to arrive while it is still dark, and as a very worthwhile bonus you'll get to see the stars in the sky brighter and more numerous than ever. Some people like equally the sunset up there, but we prefer the sunrise. Also the bike ride down the mountain (starting outside the park) is fun, but we would schedule that on a separate day at some more normal hour like 9ish... take your sunrise day to enjoy the summit and walk around, instead of rushing immediately after it to do biking while all the cars are also driving down the mountain.
3. Whale Tour. If you have your heart set on whale watching, visit Maui during whale season: December to April. Maui is the best place in Hawaii for whale watching. I call it whale soup! During whale season you should be able to see them from various beaches and, if you are lucky, from your lanai. But the best way to see them is up-close by taking a whale tour from Kihei boat ramp, or from Ma'alaea harbor. If you do visit in whale season, go on a whale watch with Kai Kanani. Their service alone makes them one of the best tour boats on Maui. Plus, if you don’t see whales on your tour, you can rebook for free (conditions apply).
4. Snorkeling. This might seem like a basic Maui travel tip. But seriously— don’t miss out on snorkeling! You can snorkel off the beach at places all over the island but some of the best are: Charley Young, Ula, Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Maluaka, and Olowalu. Just be sure to assess conditions and your skill level and always snorkel with a buddy. Check out the Maui Snorkel Report for today’s conditions, recommendations, and ratings for different snorkel spots around Maui. Molokini island is one of the best places to take a boat trip and enjoy the underwater world. For snorkeling, there are many operators (e.g. Blue Water Rafting) that take you to Molokini Crater from Kihei boat ramp, which is only 2 minutes by car from our condo! Another snorkeling boat option is the Kai Kanani, which leaves from Maluaka Beach.
5. Beaches. More than likely the main reason you came to Maui in the first place was the plethora of beautiful beaches.  The beaches of South Maui are some of the best in all of the islands. Kama'ole I II and III are all within walking distance to our vacation condo. Another South Maui beautiful beach is Makena also known as "Big Beach" and considered one of the island's best. Traveling north to Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay, and Kannapali are the West Side famous gorgeous beaches and not to miss!
6. Hike Maui. Experience Maui by Hiking easy trails with these directions. Your hiking list should include Pipiwai Trail, Iao Valley, Kapalua Coast, Twin Falls, and Waihee Ridge.
7. Turtles.  Want to experience epic turtle sightings in Maui? Turtles are often seen grazing on the seagrass beds or resting on the sandy bottom. Imagine gliding over crystal-clear waters, spotting a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle floating beside you, and exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Hawaii is home to the green sea turtle, known locally as "honu." There are many beaches you can view sunbathing honu as well as numerous beaches where you can swim with them. While turtles can be found in many parts of Maui, areas like Turtle Town (referring to much of the reef on the south and west parts of Maui) and Olowalu are known hotspots. 
   1. Tips for Turtle Encounters
      1. Snorkeling with sea turtles or seeing them on the beach is a magical experience. However, it’s vitally important to their health to remember to respect them and their natural habitat. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable encounter:
         
         1. Keep Your Distance: Maintain a respectful distance from the turtles to avoid disturbing them. Touching or harassing turtles is not only harmful but also illegal, and can incur hefty fines.
         2. Exercise the Golden Rule: Treat sea turtles the way you would want to be treated by strangers. Be calm and courteous around them as you might be when encountering a new person. If what you’re doing would freak out a person you don’t know, it definitely freaks out a sea turtle!
         3. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the marine environment by using reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Many traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine life.
         4. Pick Up Trash: Sea turtles suffer greatly from human trash polluting the ocean and beaches. You can make a big difference by being sure to pick up all of your trash and any other stray items you encounter while adventuring.

If you have any recommendations of your own, or if you have feedback on one of ours, please let us know.