Why Go to Maui
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Of all the Hawaiian islands, Maui may be the one that gets the balance just right. It's not as big as the Big Island, as busy as Oahu or as quiet as Kauai or tiny Lanai. Instead, it gives you a little of everything Hawaii does best: incredible beaches, wildlife, culture and adventure.
You can learn hula from the experts, tee off on oceanfront golf courses, fly through the trees on a zip line, snorkel with sea turtles or simply relax on some of the most famous sand in the islands. Maui sits between the Big Island and smaller Molokai and is divided into distinct regions. Most visitors stay along the sunny coasts of South Maui, home to beautiful Wailea Beach, or West Maui, home to Kaanapali Beach. But don't stay put. Drive the winding Road to Hana along East Maui's lush coastline, watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala in Upcountry, and walk the lush trails of Iao Valley State Park in Central Maui, once the site of a historic battle. For the ultimate view, see it all from a helicopter.
I'll help you choose the right side of the island for your style, plan the Road to Hana and Haleakala the smart way, and line up the luau and tours worth booking.
BEST FOR
Nature lovers, families, couples and scenic-road travelers
BEST MONTHS
April–May and September–October
EXPLORE
Kahului is the principal airport hub; Wailea has beach resorts; Kāʻanapali is a west-side resort area; Upcountry includes farms and Haleakalā access, while Hāna is reached by winding roads.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Maui
Oceania › Hawaii › USA
Volcanic scenery, ocean vistas and Hawaiian island traditions
Beach & Resort
Surfing
Volcano
Luxury
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Plan separate days for Haleakalā and the Hāna coast. ʻĪao Valley has been subject to storm-related closures; consult the current Hawaiʻi State Parks notice before adding it to your itinerary.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check summit weather, altitude conditions and sunrise reservation requirements.
Haleakalā National Park Summit
Experience the dramatic high-elevation volcanic landscape and far-reaching island views within Haleakalā National Park.
Confirm entry and parking reservation rules and weather-related notices.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Discover black-sand coastal scenery and lava formations near Hāna at a managed state park.
Drive slowly, respect residents and avoid stopping or parking in prohibited areas.
Road to Hāna
A winding scenic drive links rainforest views, coastal overlooks and small communities on East Maui.
Heed shore-break warnings; ocean conditions can be hazardous.
Mākena State Park
Explore South Maui’s rugged shoreline and sweeping beach scenery in a protected coastal setting.
Confirm the current access and businesses operating in the area.
Kāʻanapali Beach
Enjoy a renowned West Maui shoreline with resort-adjacent walks and views toward neighboring islands.
A luxury beachfront resort in south Maui well placed for Wailea’s beach path, golf and resort dining. Best for travelers prioritizing full-service accommodations; confirm room views and any inclusions.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Wailea / Wailea Beach
Beach · Family
An all-suite and villa resort along Polo Beach in Wailea, especially practical for families or guests seeking additional living space. Compare suite and villa configurations and current resort charges.
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Wailea / Polo Beach
Beach · Family
A contemporary beachfront resort on Mokapu Beach, suited to couples and travelers interested in Wailea’s coastal setting. Confirm room location, parking and dining reservations.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Wailea / Mokapu Beach
Beach
A large beachfront resort with landscaped grounds on Wailea Beach, a strong option for guests wanting a full resort experience. Ask about pool access policies, room location and construction notices.
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Wailea / Wailea Beach
Beach · Family
An adults-only luxury retreat in Wailea’s hillside setting, appealing to couples wanting a more intimate atmosphere. The property is not directly beachfront; confirm beach transportation.
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux
Wailea Hillside
Adults-Only · Boutique
Residence-style suites on West Maui's Kapalua Bay, with calm snorkeling and a strong kids' program.
Montage Kapalua Bay
Kapalua
Beach · Family
A lively Ka'anapali resort with a big pool complex and waterslide right on the beach walk.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
Ka'anapali Beach
Beach · Family
A secluded retreat at the end of the Road to Hāna, for travelers who want to slow down in old Hawai'i.
Hāna-Maui Resort
Hāna
Boutique
A friendly, good-value beachfront hotel known for its genuine Hawaiian hospitality and cultural programs.
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
Ka'anapali Beach
Value · Beach
A relaxed, low-rise resort on a sheltered crescent beach, with kitchenettes and great turtle snorkeling.
Napili Kai Beach Resort
Nāpili Bay
Value · Boutique · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Maui
High 84°F · Low 68°F · Rain 2.3 in
Winter swell begins building on exposed shores. Explore beaches, Haleakalā viewpoints and Hawaiian cultural programs. Seasonal highlight: whale watching is generally strongest in winter months. Planning note: ocean safety and continuing community access restrictions.
April–May and September–November often balance pleasant weather with lower crowd pressure than major holiday periods. Winter can bring bigger surf and seasonal whale watching; summer tends to be warmer and drier in leeward resort areas. Check weather and park notices, especially after storms.
Best Times to Visit Maui
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Look for locally grown produce, plate lunches and fresh fish around Kīhei, Wailuku, Pāʻia and other open communities. Support locally owned establishments, and confirm operating hours before traveling long distances.
06
Wildfire Recovery and Local Access
Respect posted community access restrictions, particularly in and near Lahaina. Check current local guidance before using roads or visiting recovering areas.
05
Guided Scenic Tours
Consider an authorized tour for the Road to Hāna or Haleakalā if you prefer not to drive winding roads. Check park reservations and closures.
04
Public Bus
Maui Bus serves selected communities and major corridors, but is not a substitute for all sightseeing trips. Check current routes and baggage rules.
03
Hotel Shuttles
Some resorts provide limited local or airport transfers. Confirm service area, cost and schedule directly with your accommodation.
02
Rental Cars
A vehicle is useful for many beaches and upcountry sites, but parking is limited at popular attractions. Reserve early and comply with local access rules.
01
Kahului Airport
Kahului Airport is the primary commercial gateway. Arrange your rental vehicle or accommodation transfer ahead, especially during high-demand dates.
Kahului Airport is the main gateway. A rental car helps with dispersed sights, though narrow routes and long drives require realistic planning. Haleakalā sunrise access may require reservations, and many Hāna-area stops have rules or limited parking.
Getting Around Maui
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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