The entire island of Maui is like a profusion of color and natural bounty.
When you visit Maui, you will have lots to explore, do and see. In fact, almost every nook and corner of this beautiful place has something special to offer. So, when you are in Maui for a short period, you need to pick the best of the best places to visit.
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1. Experience the Traditional Luau
Luau is the traditional celebration of Hawaiian culture, complete with authentic cuisine, music, a display of ethnic crafts and cultural dances.
Visit the Old Lahaina Luau at the locals’ private grounds and enjoy the endearing hospitality of the traditional Hawaiians.
2. Go Underwater
A trip to Maui without experiencing the rich water world is like eating pizza without cheese – incomplete! You can explore the underwater world by indulging in scuba diving and snorkeling.
Maui has several reputed dive sports operators who organize safe trips. Also plan to go on a sailing trip in the ocean. Some of the best places for sailing in Maui include Moloka’i and Lana’i. Go to Honolua Bay and Lana’i Cathedrals at Lana’i to see the most beautiful underwater world.
If you are a non-swimmer, take the glass bottom boats or a submarine to explore the world under water.
3. Drive to Hana
Rent a car and take a drive on the beautiful Road to Hana.
Driving is the ideal way of drinking in the natural beauty of Maui. The Road to Hana, which has been cut into the mountain bordering the sea, is considered the most picturesque, complete with 54 bridges.
Some other good options include the Honoapiilani Highway and the Piilani Highway.
4. Haleakala
Known as one of the most beautiful places globally, Haleakala is a dormant volcano that was once open only for the priests (kahuna) and their students (haumana). However, the place is now open to tourists.
Visiting this place is like entering another universe, completely cut off from the rest of the world. With the clouds flowing past you and the most glorious sunset in the distance, Halekala presents a vision that will remain in your mind forever.
5. Beaches
Maui has 120 miles of coastline and 80 beaches. Every beach offers a different experience. The colors of sands vary from gold, black, red and green to pure snowy shimmery white.
Five beaches that you should visit in Maui are the Fleming Beach Park, Ka’anapali Beach, Kapalua Bay Beach, Ho’okipa Beach Park and Wailea Beach.
6. Seven Sacred Pools
The Seven Sacred Pools, known as the Ohe’o Gulch Pools, is a natural wonder and one of Maui’s best places. This place consists of a series of seven pools and waterfalls that form a string from the East Maui Mountain valleys to the Pacific Ocean, creating stunning sceneries all along the route.
7. Iao Valley State Park
The Iao Valley State Park sprawls over 4000 acres and stretches over 10 miles in length. It is rich with verdant landscape and beautiful natural rock formations. The most prominent feature in the park is the Iao Needle, a solid rock that rises 1,200 feet into the sky. With numerous hiking trails, rich fauna and glorious surroundings, this park is a must-visit in Maui.
Maui won’t disappoint you. So, go on and explore!