Maui Attractions and Sights
Sightseeing in Maui
Maui attractions include many beautiful and interesting sights, which are each discussed in detail on the following linked pages of things to do in Maui. Photos are included. Most of these sightseeing attractions are free or low-cost.
They are listed in order of my recommendation, so if you don’t have time to see all these attractions, then try to fit in as many as you can from the top half of the list. At least click the link to each of those on the top half and read about them to see which Maui attractions interest you the most.
(Please keep in mind that Lahaina is still rebuilding after the August 2023 wildfires. Front Street and Lahaina Harbor have reopened, and some businesses are welcoming visitors, while several historic sites remain closed or fenced off.)
- Haleakala Crater The top of the 10,023-foot volcano
- Molokini Crater One of the best spots to snorkel at in the WORLD!
- Maui Alpaca Farm Tours with 2 breeds of alpaca and angora rabbits on 8 acres Upcountry
- The Maui Cookie Lady creates some of the most beautiful and delicious treats you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting.
- Leilani Animal Rescue Farm – Meet rescued animals and take a guided tour of this beautiful nearly eight-acre sanctuary in Haʻikū.
- Road to Hana – Driving yourself or on a tour van, this is probably the most famous of all Maui attractions.
- Halfway To Hana & Garden of Eden – Enjoy an in-depth garden tour from a knowledgeable guide, see the Keanae peninsula, and more.
- Lavender farm Gardens and beautiful views
- Iao Valley Including the Iao Needle
- Lobbies Grounds Pools Art at Maui’s top resort hotels, one of the Maui attractions not listed in most guidebooks
- Private Sailing Adventures with Maui Custom Charters on your own yacht or catamaran out of Maalaea Harbor
- Aquarium Maui Ocean Center
- Upcountry Gardens, farms, towns, and restaurants on the slope of Haleakala
- Ace of Cups – A magical shop that offers a variety of divination tools, tarot and oracle cards, rare decks, and live readings.
- Banyan Tree – Lahaina’s historic Banyan Tree survived the 2023 wildfire, but Banyan Tree Park remains closed to the public during recovery.
- Last Lava Flow & La Perouse Bay Drive over Maui’s most recent lava
- Makawao Old cowboy town with boutiques
- Paia – Hippie surfer town with unique shops
- Kula Botanical Garden Interesting and unusual plants and flowers in an Upcountry garden
- Garden of Eden Maui – Large arboretum and botanical garden along the Road to Hana
- Turtles Where to see Maui’s honu (turtles) in the ocean or on the beach
- Maui Tropical Plantation Scenery, farm tour, shopping, restaurants
- Hiking in Maui Recommended hikes from a couple of experienced Maui hikers
- MauiWine – Enjoy seated wine tastings, food pairings and guided experiences at this historic ʻUlupalakua property.
- Kealia Coastal Boardwalk Walk along wetlands and bird sanctuary by Maalaea Bay
- Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge Birdwatching and educational exhibits, one of the least known Maui attractions
- Giant Buddha in Lahaina – The Amida Buddha survived the 2023 fire, but Lahaina Jodo Mission remains closed and inaccessible to visitors.
- Hookipa Watch the big waves and the surfers on the north shore
- Surfing Goat Dairy Working Dairy Farm and goat cheese production in Upcountry
- Maui Arts & Cultural Center MACC live shows in Kahului
- Friday Town Parties – Kīhei Fourth Friday is currently the only regularly operating Maui Friday Town Party; Wailuku, Lahaina, Makawao and Lānaʻi parties remain on hold.
- Honolua Bay Hidden snorkeling bay and forest walk
- Kula Country Farms – Upcountry farm stand with local produce, seasonal strawberry U-pick, beautiful views and an annual fall pumpkin patch.
- Sacred Garden Quiet peaceful indoor garden with plant sales and labyrinths
- Dragon’s Teeth Unusual rock formations
- Slaughterhouse Beach Hidden small scenic beach in northwest Maui
- Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center Maui’s art education studios
- National Marine Sanctuary Visitors center exhibits & talks about humpback whales
- Kepaniwai Heritage Park Gardens depicts the cultures that contributed to modern Maui
- Whale-watching lookout Papawai McGregor point Pull off from the Honoapiilani Highway with great views of Maalaea Bay
- Sugar Museum History of sugar growing on Maui
- Maui Glass Glassblowing and glass art galleries:
Hot Island Glass, Makai Glass, Worcester Glass, Moana Glass
- Bailey House Museum – Maui Historical Society museum in Wailuku featuring Hawaiian artifacts and exhibits exploring Maui’s history.
- Mystery Maui Escape Room Game located in Wailuku
- Printing Museum – Historic printing museum at Lahainaluna High School that survived the Lahaina wildfire but is currently closed to the public.
- Sun Yat Sen Park Small Upcountry park with statues and views, one of the Maui attractions that very few know about
- Kihei Town with beaches and condos
- Dragon Fruit Farm Tour a farm growing dragon fruit and other Maui fruits. Aquaball and Zipline activities are also available
- Lahaina Pali Trail Strenuous hike over the West Maui Mountains
- Hidden Gems of Maui Some sights that most tourists don’t find
- Moonset into the Ocean How where and when to see a Maui Moonset
- Ocean Vodka Maui Farm with Tour See their factory and farm in Upcountry
- Lion Dance for Chinese New Year Where and when to see it, including photos
- Christmas on Maui Videos of Hawaiian Christmas
Click on any of the above links for lots more information and photos.
For Maui golf courses, beaches, kids & family fun, events calendar, Hawaii cruises, and more, see Maui Things To Do.
You Need A Car
People often ask me whether they need a rental car for their whole time on Maui. My answer is definitely YES. Without a car, you will miss Maui’s most beautiful sights and attractions, you won’t be able to get to most fun activities, you won’t try Maui’s many wonderful restaurants, and you will miss out on the great variety of beaches all over the island.
Tips on how to get the best deal on a Maui rental car are at this link.
If you haven’t yet chosen a hotel or condo to stay at, see this link.
