There are many great spots on Maui but here are my favorite spots.
Hawaii is generally safe, with minimal land threats. While tiger sharks in the water are rare, caution is advised. Beware of strong waves and never turn your back to the ocean. Maintain a distance of 10-20 feet from turtles and monk seals to avoid penalties. Respect Hawaii by not taking rocks, sand, or shells due to Pele's curse.
Caution:
1) Avoid the narrow, cliff-side of north road on the west side if you are an inexperienced driver.
2) Avoid driving the south road of east Maui as rental car companies forbid it. Drive at your own risk!
3) Always lock your car and never leave any important belongings in your car.
4) Always wear sun screen and bring bug spray.
5) Respect the land and tips!
West Maui:
1) Blow hole with tough terrain, rocks downhill, beautiful view of cliffs and ocean. Park on street. No restroom. Caution: Stay away from the hole to avoid danger.
2) Visit Honolua Bay on the west side for beautiful rainforest and snorkeling. Convenient portable restrooms are available near the street. Park your car in the designated area.
3) Dragon's teeth near Ironwood beach. Parking is nearby at Ironwood parking. Short hike along the path. Avoid walking on the golf course. No restroom available.
4) Beautiful beaches on west Maui (From north to south):
DT Flemming beach is a big beach. It has public parking lot and restrooms.
Ironwood beach with cliffs and a beach next to it. Windy at times. No restroom, small parking lot. If full, park at Dragon’s teeth lot and walk over.
Kapalua beach features sand, lava rocks, and palm trees, ideal for snorkeling when not too wavy. Public parking and restrooms are available. It's less wind compared to Ironwood beach.
Napili beach is right on the south side of Kapalua beach and similar. It has sand, lava rocks, and palm trees. Many condos and hotels behind the beach. Park your car on the street. No restroom.
Kaanapali beach is one of the famous beaches on Maui and tourist attractions. Most hotels are along this beach. No professional photographers are allowed.
Black rock is at Kaanapali beach near Sheraton hotel and you could park at Sheraton hotel for free parking to access to the beach. You could jump from rocks and snorkeling.
Olowalu beach has darker sand and trees. It's very natural with very little buildings on site. Usually super calm waves and no rest room.
South Maui:
1) Lava field at the end of south Maui. Ideal for hiking for a few miles. Drive south until dead end.
2) Beautiful beaches along south side. Here are my favorites:
Makena Cove, also known as Secret Beach, is a popular spot on Maui for elopements, photo shoots, and tourists. It features lava rocks, sand, and palm trees, and can get crowded during sunset. Located at the south end of Big Beach, it is easily accessible by parking on the street near lava rock walls and entering through an entrance wall. Use Google Maps for navigation.
Big beach is located north of Makena Cove. It is a beautiful large beach with only portable restrooms. Exercise caution due to very strong waves.
Charley Young Park beach features beautiful lava rock formations, palm trees, and a nearby beach. It offers a public parking lot and water for washing feet and showering.
Po’olenalena beach features two large beaches with lava rocks, palm trees, and sand. One is located at the parking lot, while the other can be accessed via a short trail to the north.
Maluaka beach is ideal for snorkeling with nice corals, sand, lava rocks, and palm trees. It can be wavy and small at times. There are two parking areas with separate entrances located north and south of the beach, as well as restrooms available.
Kamaole I, II, III beaches are popular for tourists. Public restrooms and water for washing are available.
North West Mountain:
1) Kepaniwai Park near IAO valley features beautiful mountains, streams, small trails through lush green forest, public parking, and restrooms. Popular spot for locals to swim.
2) IAO Valley, located past Kepaniwai at the end of the road, is famous for the Needle hill and the historic victory of King Kamehameha. Visitors can take a 1/4 mile trail to see the Needle or hike 1-2 miles up the stream to enjoy swimming in the lush green forest.
3) Waihee Ridge Trail on the north side offers a 4-mile round trip with easy walking but many hills. The trail provides beautiful views of the ocean, Maui valley, and Kahului town. A favorite hike for many.
4) 13 crossing hikes with 2 small waterfalls near the end, half a mile past Waihee Ridge Trail. Beautiful waterfalls surrounded by lush green landscapes. Park near the bridge, entrance just before it. Caution: do not leave valuables in your car.
East side (Road to Hana): Not recommended if you are prone to motion sickness. There are over 750 constant curves. Consider taking motion sickness pills.
1) Paia town, Paia secret beach and Baldwin park beach. It's a small town and two nice beaches close by. Paia town is a must visit and walk around.
2) Kaulahoa Beach - A small beach with many turtles and you get to go up close. Make sure always to stay 10ft away.
3) Hookipa beach with many turtles and a small cliff walk at the top parking.
4) Twin falls - about 1 hr drive from Kihei and about 1.5 hr drive from Kaanapali. $10 entry per car. 3 falls about 1 mile walk, 2 miles round trip. First fall is best for swimming and jumping from the fall. 2nd fall not so interesting. 3rd fall is higher and it's like a cave where the water falls over. You can swim there but jumping is not recommended.
5) Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees - it's a great stop to take some photos.
6) Haipua'ena Falls - My favorite waterfalls and ropes swinging. It passes Twin falls about 30 mins. It's hidden but next to the road.
7) There are many other stops between here to black sand beach such as Garden of Eden Arboretum, many other water falls, Hana Lava Tube, etc. It can be easily searching online if interested.
8) Waianapanapa black sand beach, 2 miles from Hana town. You need reservations to access through a website. It's a beautiful pure black sand beach. It has parking lots and restrooms. It has a small cave right before you get down to the sand. You could also hike along the bay area to the next beach.
9) Pipiwai Trail and Ohe’o Gulch pool, passing Hana town. You need to pay parking fee and no reservation needed. Pipiwai trail is 4 miles round trip. You will walk through a beautiful banyan tree, lush green forest, bamboo forest, and crossing a few small water falls. The trail could get muddy if raining. Bring bug's spray.
10) Driving back using south east road. It's not recommended as there are many pot holes and prohibited by rental car companies. Also, this road is normally blocked and for residents only. Drive at your own risk but you will see the beautiful grassland and hills. Anything happens, you will pay for it.
Up the mountain:
The summit of Haleakalā is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Kahului town, taking you above the clouds on top of Maui. The drive is easy with slightly windy roads, but not as windy as the road to Hana. The summit sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. Reservations are required for sunrise visits before 7:00am, but not for sunset visits. An entrance fee is applicable. I strongly suggest visiting during sunset. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire valley of Maui and the western mountains.
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