Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Maui County, HI

  • Published 2022/12/20

For the ultimate tropical vacation, take a trip around Maui County, Hawaii!

Maui County is one of the biggest counties in Hawaii and boasts jaw-dropping scenery and many other extraordinary natural wonders.

This is why it’s no surprise to anyone that the top economic sector of the region is its tourist industry.

Maui County is considered an individual county because it features three islands that offer an unparalleled experience.

Whether you are interested in seeing all the breathtaking views or exploring luscious landscapes, you’ll find something to excite you in this county.

Maui County also houses about 210 miles of coastline, offering its visitors unlimited opportunities for fun water recreational activities like surfing and swimming.

Whatever your interests are, you’ll discover fun and memorable activities when you visit this region, especially if you love nature and the outdoors!

Don’t stress out about finding the best areas to visit because here are the best things to do in Maui County, Hawaii.

Bask in the Sunshine at Ho’okipa Beach Park

Sunny day at Ho’okipa Beach Park

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Enjoy the welcoming warmth of the sun as you lie on the pristine sands of Ho’okipa Beach Park.

Nestled along Hana Highway in Paia, Ho’okipa Beach Park is one of the best spots for recreation in the county.

Surfers from all over the world consider this their “mecca” since it features some of the top surfing waves in the area.

Windsurfing at Ho’okipa Beach Park

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If you prefer to relax during your visit to the area, this beach park is also perfect for lounging around under the sun.

With its stunning white sand, you’ll bask in the sunshine all day at this beach!

This Ho’okipa Beach Park also features picnic areas where you can sit down and have a meal with your loved ones while gazing at the scenic view of the waters.

Turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park

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See an Amazing Sunrise at Haleakalā Visitor Center

Exterior of Haleakalā Visitor Center

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Get the best view of the sunrise at Haleakalā Visitor Center.

Haleakalā National Park features three visitor centers, but this one is right on the edge of a volcanic valley, making it the best place to watch a sunrise!

You can reach this visitor center through Haleakala Highway in Kula.

Many tourists frequent this destination because of the beautiful park scenery that it offers guests.

Building sign of Haleakalā Visitor Center

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Some even try to visit the area as early as possible to watch the sunrise in the morning.

Visit the Haleakala Visitor Center and set your sights on incredible views of the area and the sunrise!

You could also ask the staff for more details about the nearby mountain and its history.

There’s also a store where you can purchase souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones.

Trail leading to Haleakalā Visitor Center

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See the Marine Creatures at Maui Ocean Center

When you visit Maui Ocean Center, you will see majestic humpback whales, sharks, and many other incredible marine creatures.

Maui Ocean Center is on Maalaea Road in Wailuku and offers its guests the unique opportunity to discover more about the creatures in the deep sea near the region.

Here, you’ll also discover more about the history and culture prevalent in some of the first Hawaiian Villages.

Whether you are a fan of history or aquatic animals, this is the best destination!

Explore this center and feast your eyes on different creatures swimming about in the massive aquarium.

You can also join some presentations and increase your knowledge of enormous sea creatures, like the humpback whale.

Visiting the Maui Ocean Center will leave you in awe of all the fantastic creatures in the ocean.

See the Iconic Geysers at Nakalele Blowhole

Aerial view of Nakalele Blowhole

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Watch a unique natural phenomenon at Nakalele Blowhole!

Nakalele Blowhole is in Poelua Bay in Wailuku and is one of the most visited destinations in the county.

This destination features holes with a diameter of about three feet where ocean spray shoots upwards and reaches a height of almost 50 feet.

The waters of Nakalele Blowhole

Dennis.clayton, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s said that this happens when the water pressure caused by the waves that crash on the nearby rock formations forces water to spray through the holes.

Take pictures of this unique attraction as you set your sights on the stunning rock formations against the ocean scenery!

When you visit this destination, avoid lava benches around the blowhole itself, as these are dangerous.

Snap Photos of Majestic Banyan Trees at Lāhainā Banyan Court Park

Daytime view of Lāhainā Banyan Court Park

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Pose with some of the biggest and oldest trees in the region when you roam around Lāhainā Banyan Court Park.

This park on Front Street in Lahaina features incredibly massive trees, some of which span 1.94 acres and rise over 60 feet into the air!

With their height and width, these banyan trees are the biggest in the state and the whole country.

View under a banyan tree at Lāhainā Banyan Court Park

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Explore the Lahaina Banyan Court Park and snap photos with these tall and majestic trees.

These beautiful trees will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world because of their ethereal looks.

If you visit during the holidays, you may even get a better sight of these trees since lights are strung around their branches!

Enjoy the View of the Ocean at Kapalua Golf

Are you tired of the typical landscape scenery you see whenever you play golf?

If you are, you must visit Kapalua Golf!

Located along Plantation Club Drive in Lahaina, Kapalua Golf features two of the most stunning and majestic courses you can find in the world.

If you want to hit the links on a course that has hosted numerous professional tournaments, play on their Bay Course.

This course will surely bring out your inner golf expert as it offers more challenges to an average golf player.

For an incredibly scenic golf match, play on the Plantation Course and take in the picturesque sight of the ocean as you swing your club!

With its unique location along the slopes of the beautiful West Maui Mountains, this course will surely give you some of the best sights in the area.

Don’t get too distracted by the stunning view so you can still achieve a hole-in-one!

Explore an Underground Lavascape at Hana Lava Tube

Entrance to Hana Lava Tube

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Check out fantastic rock formations formed by lava in an underground destination at Hana Lava Tube.

Hana Lava Tube is accessible through Ulaino Road in Hana, known to locals as Ka’Eleku Cavern.

Despite being underground, this lavascape is safe to explore for guests of all ages.

Trail leading down Hana Lava Tube

dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy roaming this destination and seeing all the extraordinary rock formations as you walk through this underground trail.

You’ll have a great time exploring this natural wonder and taking pictures of all the fantastic sights inside this cave.

You can bring along your kids and have a fun adventure with your whole family as long as everyone is physically fit!

Go Cliff Diving at Black Rock Beach

People cliff-diving at Black Rock Beach

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Jump off massive rock formations into the pristine waters at Black Rock Beach!

Located on Ka’anapali Parkway in Lahaina, Black Rock Beach is named after the gigantic lava rock perched on the shore near the waters at this destination.

It’s believed that warriors who wanted to meet their ancestors leaped from this rock.

At this beach, you can go snorkeling and swim next to the various fish in the area.

You might even see adorable turtles and many other unique species if you’re lucky.

More thrill-seeking adventurers can also jump cliffs at nearby rock formations.

Have a day of adventure when you visit Black Rock Beach!

Stroll around Kula Botanical Gardens

Gazebo at Kula Botanical Gardens

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Feast your eyes on unusual tropical plants and luscious greenery at Kula Botanical Gardens.

Nestled along Kekaulike Avenue in Kula, this destination will allow you to enter a paradise filled with colorful plants and many more natural wonders.

Since this garden is based along the scenic slopes of Haleakala, you can find unique greeneries, stunning rock formations, and even majestic waterfalls when you roam around.

Tiki sculptures at Kula Botanical Gardens

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Take a stroll in this beautiful destination and see all the local and international flowers on display.

You’ll also want to take pictures of the stunning pond and unique birds at the in-house aviary.

Kids will also enjoy the Kula Botanical Gardens as it features a one-of-a-kind Jackson Chameleon display and many free ducks to roam around.

Flora at Kula Botanical Gardens

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Check Out Captivating Artworks at Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center

If you are an art enthusiast, there’s something for you in Maui County.

Visit Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center to gaze at stunning works of art!

Located along Baldwin Avenue in Makawao, this center features artwork showing more about the area’s history.

You’ll also get the chance to watch artists craft captivating works before your eyes!

There is also a gift shop where you can purchase unique handcrafted items perfect for taking home or giving as gifts to your loved ones.

Explore the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center and get inspired by all the stunning artworks you can find and the incredibly talented artists you’ll meet.

Admire the Breathtaking Landscape at Keahiakawelo

Rocky landscape of Keahiakawelo

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Feast your eyes on the stunning scenery at Keahiakawelo!

Keahiakawelo is a sprawling rock garden in Lanai City.

Its name means “The Fire of Kawelo” and boasts an extraordinary topography that attracts many visitors!

Here, you can spot unique rock towers, beautiful formations, and majestic spires formed after centuries of extreme erosion.

Rocks at Keahiakawelo

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If you visit at dusk, the view is even more enchanting since the setting sun illuminates the rocks with an orange glow.

You’ll see the rocks give out purple and red hues, which provides a memorable sight!

Bring your cameras when you visit this destination.

See the Whales at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

A whale at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

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Enhance your knowledge of humpback whales local to the region at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Many humpback whales visit the waters around Hawaii regularly, and this sanctuary offers its visitors a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat!

This sanctuary can be found on Kihei Road, Kihei.

Here, you’ll learn the good practices in protecting humpback whales and the little things you can do to preserve their habitat.

Humpback whale at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

National Marine Sanctuaries, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll also discover so much more about the culture of Hawaiian natives and how effective ocean stewardship is in their daily lives.

Aside from these, you’ll also enjoy different water recreational activities, like kayaking and snorkeling, which the sanctuary encourages.

Have fun while learning about marine environments and humpback whales at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary!

Swimming whales at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

National Marine Sanctuaries, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Spot Fish and Turtles at Kahekili Beach Park

If you want more time underwater, head to Kahekili Beach Park.

Kahekili Beach Park is along Kai Ala Drive in Lahaina, frequented by visitors who want to take a closer look at all the creatures under the sea!

Although it features picnic benches, pristine white sands, and many other amenities perfect for recreational activities on land, this destination is famous as a snorkeling spot.

When you snorkel here, you’ll get up close and personal with colorful fish and unique turtles!

You’ll also spot vibrant corals as this beach park features a reef that has healthy corals!

Add snorkeling at Kahekili Beach Park to your itinerary if you’re touring Maui County.

Swim at the Wailua Falls

Scenic view of Wailua Falls

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Take a quick dip in the cold yet incredibly refreshing waters of Wailua Falls!

Wailua Falls is a majestic waterfall you can see from the road when you head to Hana Highway in Hana.

This destination is the southern end of the scenic Wailua River and is a sight to behold!

This spot has appeared in numerous films and shows, including the credits and opening of Fantasy Island.

A person admiring Wailua Falls

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Although you can swim in the waters around the falls, it’s advisable to stay away from the waterfall because the impact of the falling waters may be too strong.

Nonetheless, the view of Wailua Falls is still spectacular, even from far away.

Take pictures of the scenery at this destination!

Aerial view of Wailua Falls

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Enter a Paradise of Tropical Plants at the Garden of Eden Arboretum

Lush greenery at Garden of Eden Arboretum

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See all the beautiful and captivating tropical plants at the Garden of Eden Arboretum.

Situated along Hana Highway in Haiku, this arboretum boasts stunning plants and greeneries that you won’t find anywhere else.

This wonderland is incredibly scenic, and you’ll enjoy exploring and seeing all the enchanting flora and foliage around it.

Entrance to Garden of Eden Arboretum

Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 US, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll behold the area’s natural beauty as you roam this luscious garden.

Deepen your appreciation for nature and even feel the peacefulness of the region.

Explore all the trails across the 26-acre Garden of Eden Arboretum and enjoy the unusual plants’ view and aroma.

Final Thoughts

Whether you like the arts or outdoor activities, there is much to enjoy when you visit Maui County.

Add these best things to do in Maui County, Hawaii, to your itinerary and make the most out of your visit.

Plan your trip to this tropical paradise today!

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