Maui, a Hawaii gem, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, both terrestrial and aquatic. My journey to this magnificent island began with a memorable win from Travelocity’s Roam with the Gnome contest, marking my first significant victory and igniting my excitement for this travel adventure.

The contest provided flights to Maui and accommodations for four nights at the Marriott in Wailea. However, we opted to extend our vacation by reserving additional nights in Lahaina and renting a car to explore the island’s hidden treasures. This decision proved invaluable, as discovering Maui beyond the resort was essential to experiencing its true essence.

**Note:** I visited Maui prior to the recent devastation; therefore, some attractions may currently differ. It is advisable to stay updated with the latest news regarding open sites during your visit.

The ideal time to explore Maui is year-round, given its consistent weather, making it a particularly appealing winter escape. While there are numerous activities, I have curated a list of the foremost attractions, excluding traditional luaus or whale-watching excursions to observe migrating humpback whales.

Lahaina

Lahaina, a historic whaling village, was once a departure point for sailors, including notable figures like Herman Melville, the author of Moby Dick. Today, it is a charming artistic hub adorned with sprawling banyan trees, including Maui’s oldest banyan tree, which has shown signs of rejuvenation. Visitors can enjoy the sight of small geckos, browse through various gift shops, and savor local delicacies such as Kona coffee and ahi poke from area supermarkets, along with fresh mangos.

Exploring Lahaina reveals a rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture. A notable site is the Lahaina Jodo Mission, a tranquil Japanese Buddhist temple. Here, visitors can wander the sandy grounds and admire the impressive 12-foot bronze Buddha statue, inaugurated in 1968 to honor the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Hawai’i. Admission is free, with donation options available.

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala, the volcano that comprises approximately 75% of Maui, translates to “house of the sun.” According to local legend, it served as the dwelling of Maui’s grandmother, who assisted him in capturing the sun to prolong daylight hours.

Visitors to Haleakala have diverse options for exploration. Activities include horseback riding, hiking, or biking across various trails, including short hikes or lengthy backcountry excursions. Sunrise and sunset hikes require a reservation, yet all options deliver an extraordinary experience amidst the breathtaking hues of the summit.

Iao Valley and Iao Needle

A scenic trail meanders by a river and through gardens framed by views of the Iao Needle, an iconic volcanic remnant surrounded by the Pu’u Kukui Crater. This site holds historical significance, having been the battlefield for a confrontation in 1790 between King Kamehameha I and Maui’s warriors, marking his quest to unify the Hawaiian Islands.

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is an essential journey when visiting Maui. Spanning 64.4 miles, this curvy road features over 600 turns, connecting the northern region of East Maui, near Paia town, to South Maui. This scenic drive is a delightful way to immerse oneself in the island’s beauty throughout the day.

Although the road can be narrow and winding, it is manageable with cautious driving. We successfully navigated it in our compact rental car, making several stops at breathtaking viewpoints along the route. Here are a few of the highlights.

Hana Lava Tubes

The Hana Lava Tubes comprise a series of caverns formed by flowing lava beneath the earth’s surface. As the lava descended towards the ocean, it created a crust while continuing to flow underneath, resulting in a colossal tunnel once the lava receded. It is recognized as the largest lava tube in Maui and ranks as the 18th largest in the world.

Each segment of the lava tubes showcases distinct features, with informative signage elaborating on the geological wonders. My favorite section, known as the chocolate corridor, was adorned with stalactites that resembled oozing chocolate kisses, even inciting a bit of hunger.

Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach in Waianapanapa State Park

Located just off the Hana Highway, Wai’anapanapa Beach is a breathtaking destination with sweeping 360-degree views. I consider it one of the finest beaches on the island. A short trail leading from the beach winds through lush greenery and offers glimpses of stunning blue pools filled with cold water. As you explore, various vistas of the black sand and the unique rock formations that extend into the ocean come into view.

This mesmerizing beach is situated within the 120-acre Wai’anapanapa State Park, characterized by black lava cliffs shaped by historic lava flows. During my visit, I experienced an amusing mishap while admiring the crashing waves, attempting to hop from rock to rock to avoid getting wet. As I leapt back onto the sandy shore, my foot sank into the sand, and my flip-flop snapped, leaving me momentarily shoe-less as I laughed at the incident.

Hiking Trails

The Hana Highway is dotted with several hiking trails, one of which is the Bamboo Forest on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail. This tranquil trail feels like a tropical oasis, surrounded by towering bamboo trees.

The Pipiwai Trail extends for one mile before reaching the enchanting Bamboo Forest, and although we couldn’t complete the entire hike due to time constraints, the experience was truly delightful, as several beautiful waterfalls await along the trail.

Food and Drink

It is essential not to overlook the local culinary offerings while on Maui. We discovered various interesting spots, including a fruit stand where I savored my very first coconut, captivated by the excitement of tasting fresh mangos, mangosteens, and coconut.

Furthermore, we visited an open-air food market featuring multiple food trucks, where I experienced swordfish for the first time and sampled incredible coconut chips. The friendly locals and delectable food created a memorable encounter. For additional food inspirations and attractions in Maui, consider this post by Cultural Foodies.

Wailea embodies a resort town atmosphere, where our accommodations at the Marriott featured luxurious infinity pools, hot tubs, and stunning ocean views, along with proximity to some of the finest snorkeling experiences. Although meals were not included, signing up for the Marriott rewards card offered valuable discounts on the breakfast buffet, which was exceptional.

Each morning at approximately 6 AM, we indulged in a fresh mango before heading out to snorkel around the nearby rocky outcrop, enjoying calm waters during this time. The snorkeling experience was remarkable; we encountered turtles, eels, and a diverse array of tropical fish and corals throughout our time there.

After our invigorating snorkeling sessions, we relished the breakfast buffet, which allowed us to forgo lunch and save on expenses. Our afternoons were spent lounging at the beach, relaxing by the pool, or strolling along picturesque paths where sunbathing lizards could often be spotted.

Maui provides abundant opportunities for water sports enthusiasts, its vibrant marine life creating ideal environments to spot sea turtles. Alternatively, adventurous visitors may partake in trips to Molokini Crater to dive into this remarkable underwater ecosystem, renowned for its diverse species of fish, sharks, and turtles.

Concluding Thoughts

Maui is replete with activities and sights; we didn’t even have the chance to experience a luau. Following the recent fires, many changes have occurred, and the area is in the process of continuous rebuilding. It is crucial for visitors to approach the recovery efforts with sensitivity and respect towards the challenges faced by the local communities.

This island is the perfect destination to appreciate remarkable marine wildlife while also offering serene environments conducive to slowing down and connecting with nature. For those seeking an alternate lush destination similar in essence, consider exploring this hiking guide to Flores in the Azores.