Maui is an island of white sand beaches, towering volcanoes, and lush vegetation. It is also the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, known as “The Valley Isle.” Thus, Maui is a destination where romance and family adventure harmoniously coexist.
To help you quickly grasp things to do in Maui, we’ll cover everything from must-see attractions to dining and lodging, ensuring your trip is truly spectacular. Whether planning a honeymoon, romantic getaway, or family vacation, you’ll find everything you need here.
Table of Contents
What Month Is the Best Weather in Maui?
Things to Do in Maui for Couples
Things to Do in Maui with Family
Travel Tips for Maui
What Month Is the Best Weather in Maui?
If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy exceptional weather, you can choose these times:
Maui enjoys pleasant weather year-round, but the most ideal times to visit are typically April through May and September through October. These periods are considered the low season, with average temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18.3°C to 19.4°C) during April and May. Average temperatures from September to October range from 70°F to 88°F (21.1°C to 31.1°C).
The peak season for Maui runs from November to April, coinciding with the humpback whale migration. However, occasional rainfall occurs, particularly on the North Shore. Average temperatures during this period range from 67 °F to 83 °F (19.4 °C to 28.3 °C). The next peak season is June through August, which features sunny weather and the highest volume of family travelers. Average temperatures range from 68°F to 88°F (20.0°C to 31.1°C).
Things to Do in Maui for Couples
On Maui, whether you’re seeking adventure or a relaxing getaway, there are plenty of activities for couples to create intimate moments and memorable experiences.
1. Witness the Haleakalā Sunrise or Sunset
This is a must-see highlight of any trip to Maui. Rising over 10,000 feet, Haleakalā offers breathtaking views as the sun illuminates the crater floor. Online reservations are required to enter the park for sunrise viewing between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM. No reservation is needed for sunset viewing. The Summit Visitor Center provides the best viewing location.
2. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
This crescent-shaped volcanic cone boasts water visibility exceeding 150 feet. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities here, allowing you to admire coral reef fish and sea turtles. You can also take a boat tour around the crater.
Usually departing from Ma’alaea Harbor or from the South Maui coast, like Kihei.
3. Go to the Kapalua Coastal Trail
This 3.5-mile trail is the perfect choice for a peaceful stroll. You’ll take in views of the coastline and three beautiful bays: Kapalua Bay, Oneloa Bay, and Fleming Beach. On the sandy shores, you may even spot sea turtles and eels.
4. Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise
Maui offers numerous providers for sunset cruises featuring dinner, drinks, and authentic Hawaiian hula dancing. It’s the perfect date night on the water.
5. Enjoy a Massage
Treat yourself and your partner to a spa treatment, with the sound of waves providing the soundtrack to your relaxation. Many resorts offer this service.
6. Sip Pineapple Wine in Maui
Head to Ulupalakua Ranch in Upcountry Maui for a unique Hawaiian wine-tasting experience. Their signature wines are made from pineapples, not grapes. This is one of the lovely ways couples can spend an afternoon together.
7. Exploring the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most famous scenic drives, connecting Kahului to the eastern town of Hana. Along the way, you’ll navigate over 600 curves and cross more than 50 bridges. Stop at Twin Falls for a dip in the water. Then pause at the Garden of Eden Arboretum to take in panoramic views of waterfalls and coastline from the overlook.
🏨 Where to Stay on Maui for Couples
The most important aspect of a romantic getaway is uninterrupted privacy, so choosing accommodations that offer both excellent seclusion and stunning scenery is essential.
- Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux: Maui’s only adults-only resort. Perched on a hillside, it offers incredible panoramic views, private service, and a truly tranquil atmosphere.
- Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: Experience luxury at its finest with Maui’s most spacious accommodations and breathtaking ocean views. While family-friendly, the property features an adults-only infinity pool. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site activities, including surfing, snorkeling, and massages.
- The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua: Located in the quieter, more scenic area of West Maui. It offers beautiful cliff-side views, championship golf, and a sophisticated, less-crowded experience. Here you can also experience traditional Hawaiian spa treatments, along with a variety of fitness classes and concerts.
- Paia Inn Hotel: This charming and intimate boutique hotel offers an affordable option on Maui’s North Shore, conveniently located near beaches and the airport. It’s perfect for couples who prefer non-resort accommodations and want easy access to the artsy town of Paia and the start of the Road to Hana.
🍽️ Recommended Restaurants for Couples
- Mama’s Fish House: Considered one of Maui’s finest restaurants, advance reservations are required. Located right on the beach, it offers spectacular views.
- Merriman’s Kapalua: This is the perfect spot for a romantic sunset dinner, featuring a cozy outdoor setting and oceanfront views. Fresh seafood is also available.
- NICKS FISHMARKET: Another popular seafood restaurant offering beautiful garden views.
- Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar: Located within the Four Seasons Hotel, this open-air seaside Italian restaurant serves delicious, authentic cuisine. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset dinner, featuring live music and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Things to Do in Maui with Family
Maui is also one of the top destinations for family vacations. If you’re deciding on things to do in Maui with kids, you can combine beach days, cultural education, and outdoor adventures.
1. Visit the Maui Ocean Center
This is one of the top Maui attractions and an absolute must for families. It is the only aquarium in the world dedicated exclusively to Hawaiian marine life. Kids will love the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit with its acrylic walk-through tunnel, where sharks and stingrays swim overhead. Don’t forget to visit the Turtle Lagoon to see the Hawaiian green sea turtles!
2. Turtle Spotting at Maluaka Beach
This beach is part of Maui’s renowned Turtle Town area in the south, one of the best spots to encounter honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtle. Its calm, clear waters also make it ideal for family snorkeling. Remember to give the turtles plenty of space, as the law requires maintaining a minimum distance of 10 feet.
3. Whale Watching
Maui is one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations, where thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii each year between November and April to breed. The most popular whale-watching location is Lahaina, offering numerous cruise options. For family trips, you can choose tours led by marine ecology experts to learn about whale behavior and conservation knowledge.
4. Learn to Surf
Introduce children to this essential Hawaiian activity at Kamaole Beaches, featuring soft sand, ample space, well-equipped facilities, and gentle waves perfect for beginners. All ages can enjoy a fun-filled time here.
5. Attend a Luau
A luau is a quintessential Hawaiian cultural experience and easily one of the best things to do in Maui with family. The evening typically includes a delicious feast, traditional music, hula dancing, and thrilling fire knife performances that captivate all ages.
6. Horseback Riding
In Maui’s Upcountry, enjoy family-friendly horseback riding experiences on local farms, taking in sweeping mountain and ocean views while getting up close to Hawaii’s pristine countryside.
7. Try Zipline Adventure
For families with teenagers, these mildly thrilling activities are ideal. For instance, Kapalua Ziplines offers the island’s only full- dual zipline experience, allowing you to take in Maui’s mountains and coastline.
🏨 Where to Stay on Maui for Family
For family trips, it’s best to look for accommodations with ample space and dedicated children’s activity areas.
- Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: Home to the famous Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, which features nine connecting pools, a ‘Tarzan rope’ swing, water slides, a lazy river, and a sand-entry beach. Throughout the entire vacation, children will never find themselves bored here.
- The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali: Just steps from the beach, the resort’s most captivating feature is its aquatic playground, which includes an interactive splash zone and our signature 270-foot water slide.
- OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa: Offering spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, it’s perfect for budget-conscious families. It also boasts a great pool and is close to beautiful beaches.
- Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa: The resort features a 150-foot water slide and interactive children’s wading pool, along with African penguin shows and various Hawaiian cultural activities.
🍽️ Recommended Restaurants for Family
- Duke’s Beach House Maui: A seafood restaurant featuring rustic wooden exteriors, live music, and views of Ka’anapali Beach. The menu offers flexible options, including great casual choices and a dedicated children’s menu.
- Slappy Cakes: A themed restaurant featuring self-serve pancakes. You can make your own pancakes on the built-in griddle at your table. This makes breakfast a lot of fun for kids.
- Castaway Cafe: A very cozy spot surrounded by grassy areas where kids can run around, featuring a children’s menu.
- Nalu’s South Shore Grill: The restaurant features a stage for live music performances, along with a children’s menu and outdoor seating.
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Travel Tips for Maui
Now that you know what there is to do in Maui, let’s look at some practical tips to help you plan your trip.
Getting Around Maui
Maui is a large island, so you’ll need to consider your transportation options.
Renting a Car: This is the most recommended way to get around, as Maui’s public transportation is limited. You won’t be able to reach Haleakalā or the Road to Hana, and renting a car is essential for exploring the island in depth. Be sure to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak season. And always look for public beach parking lots to get free options.
Maui Bus: Covers major towns such as Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Lahaina, and Makawao. However, service is infrequent, making it suitable for exploring within towns or traveling to major beaches.
Taxis: Uber and taxis are available in major towns and airports, but they are relatively expensive.
How to Save Money
- Cooking for Yourself: Staying in an apartment or villa with a kitchen allows you to prepare breakfast, pack lunches, and even cook dinner. This is the best way to save money, as restaurants on Maui aren’t cheap, and eating out for all three meals would add up to a significant expense.
- Eating at Food Trucks: Maui has many food trucks that are cheaper than restaurants and serve delicious food.
- Join Happy Hour: Many restaurants offer discounted drinks and appetizers during Happy Hour, allowing you to sample their menu at lower prices.
- Book in Advance: Online reservations for boat tours or whale watching activities are typically cheaper than on-site sign up.
- Package Deals: Many sightseeing activities offer combo packages including lunch or transportation, which are more cost-effective.
- Bring Water and Snacks: Minimize purchasing snacks and drinks in popular tourist areas.
What to Pack
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Hawaii law mandates the use of mineral-based sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate to protect the coral reefs. Please buy and use only reef-safe sunscreen.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. Water refill stations are common at resorts and parks.
- Sturdy Water Shoes: Perfect for walking on rocky beaches, exploring tide pools, and navigating stream crossings on the Road to Hana.
- Cash: Food trucks and small shops on Maui typically accept cash, so bring some just in case.
- Protective Gear: Bring personal medications and insect repellent.
FAQ
What is Maui best known for?
Maui has a variety of appealing attractions, the most famous being Haleakalā National Park, a massive dormant volcano where visitors can witness the most breathtaking sunrises. Beyond that, Maui boasts world-renowned beaches such as Wailea and Ka’anapali. It is also one of the best locations for humpback whale watching.
Is Maui, Hawaii, expensive?
Yes, Maui is considered one of the most expensive destinations in the United States. Whether it’s lodging, dining, or water activities. Overall, the cost of living in Hawaii is high because nearly everything is imported.
What language do they speak in Maui?
The two official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian. English is the primary language throughout Maui. Of course, many locals also speak Hawaiian Pidgin, a linguistic hybrid.
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