Maui Ocean Center is one of the most popular attractions on the island. You may be thinking: 'but I have the real ocean all around me?' Trust us, it’s worth it. You can get up close and personal with tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and even sharks. In fact, this spot was named one of the top 15 aquariums in the nation by TripAdvisor. While you’re there, you’ll see ocean creatures not found anywhere else in the world. The best part? You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the relationship between Hawaiian culture and pacific marine life. Depending on your schedule, you may wish to visit another day when you can spend more time at the center. There is an entrance fee for Maui Ocean Center.

Advance reservations are required, tickets are available on their website.

The Nakalele Blowhole can shoot water as high as 50 feet into the air. Here, you can take a mini hike down towards the blowhole. Be careful though, you don’t want to get too close. When you’re there you might feel the ground shake beneath your feet as the waves crash towards the blowhole, shooting water into the sky. Near the blowhole is a rock formation called the “heart shaped rock” which is actually a rock with a heart shaped hole in it - have a look out for it while you’re there. Some people have reported the heart shaped rock has been broken and no longer there.

Located near the Kapalua resort area, this half-mile hike follows the rocky shoreline and offers beautiful views of the bay. It is named Dragon’s Tooth Trail after the jagged rocks near the shoreline that, from a distance, look like the teeth of a dragon. Near the end of the trail, there is also a prayer labyrinth that you can walk through.

Alltrails

WARNING: This trail is on private property. Please head somewhere else unless you've been invited by the owners.

The Ohai Trail is a 30-minute loop walk where you can see an endangered native plant called the Ohai plant, giving the trail it’s name. Besides this endangered plant, the trail also has some nice ocean views, and interesting rock formations.

Alltrails

NOTE: Park is currently closed. Will re-open April 15, 2023.

Iao Valley State Park is a lush valley in the central highlands of Western Maui. The valley lies 750 miles above sea level and stretches for 10 miles, making it nearly 4,000 acres. Clouds rising from the valley shroud the top of the iconic 2250-foot rock pinnacle known as the Iao Needle. Iao Valley is a great place for a dip in the stream, a stroll through its botanical gardens, or even have a picnic with its lush green valley backdrop. 

A $5 entry fee (per person) and a $10 parking fee is required for non-residents.

A nice country-style cafe that serves delicious sandwiches, salads, and burgers in addition to their famous homemade sweet and savory pies. Try local flavors like coconut cream or macadamia nut with pineapple!

Set 12 miles north of Kapalua—and 4 past Nakalele Blowhole—Olivine Pools is a rugged spot where waves thunder on volcanic rock and gather in natural tide pools. Imagine lying flat on your back and floating in a natural pool, the rays of sunlight warm on your face, and the sound of the ocean crashing on rocks just a couple of salty feet away.

Kaanapali Beach is touted as one of Maui’s best beaches, and is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Kaanapali’s shores stretch 3 miles and feature a resort, a shopping centre, lots of restaurants, and a scenic boardwalk. Visitors and locals like to jump off rock and the end of the beach called Black Rock Beach. Be sure to check the ocean tide depth before jumping.

This seaside town is home to cute shops, local restaurants and museums. Before it was the bustling community it is today, it was the home to the high chiefs of Maui - and later, the center of the state’s whaling industry. Hop out of your car and take a walk around the town. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, shop for souvenirs, or just stretch your legs. Oh, and lookout for the giant banyan tree in the middle of town!

There are a couple food options here in the little town of Kahakuloa. If you’re craving a smoothie, oftentimes the Bruddah Chic food stand is open. It’s a great local spot with a killer view of Kahakuloa Head, the town, and the bay.

A little further down the road, you can also check out Julia’s, with her legendary banana bread. You also don’t want to pass up Lorainne’s Shave Ice either! This is a nice place for a refreshing pit stop and a snack. This is a quick grab-and-go spot, you won’t find any sit down spots or restrooms.