The Ultimate Guide for Your First Trip to Maui: Everything You Must Do
What do Just Go With It, The White Lotus and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End all have in common? These fan-favorite flicks were all filmed on the lavish island of Maui. After having visited the island, there is no question in my mind as to why it was chosen as the filming location for these scenic motion pictures. Between its deeply embedded local surf culture, upbeat island vibes, and entrancing scenery, Maui the island was just as impressive to me as the demi-god himself was in the Disney film Moana.
Listed below is my ultimate guide for your first trip to Maui, listing everything you must do on the island according to my own personal experience, as well as where to stay and how to get around the island. I wish you the best as you plan out your travels, and I hope I’ll have played a small role in what made your first encounter with Maui so memorable.
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Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget
After having snagged a mind-boggling deal on our airfare, I was feeling confident that our Hawaii trip would fit into my budget more than I anticipated. But those hopes quickly diminished when I began looking up hotel prices. I wasn’t going to let that stop me from traveling there, however. Although one of the many five-star resorts wouldn’t fit into my budget, I was determined to find a quality hotel at a lower price point. Thankfully, I found not only one but two budget hotels in Maui that we split our time between.
Maui Banyan Basic by AEI
Located across the street from Kama’ole Beach Park, the Maui Banyan Basic by AEI offers budget condos within walking distance from the ocean. Although the condo itself was a little outdated as far as decor goes, it offered impressive amenities like a full kitchen, dining area, living room quarters and a patio with an ocean view. If you’re renting a car in Maui, this property also offers free parking, which was quite a blessing as we were driving to and from the hotel each day on our adventures. Despite its old-fashioned furnishing, I couldn’t have asked for a better budget stay in Maui.
Check out the prices for a similar property here.
Maui Seaside Hotel
Upon first entering the open-concept lobby of Maui Seaside Hotel, if you are not immediately drawn to the hand-painted mural to your left, you’ll be sure to notice the cordial welcome you receive from the staff. Wanting a hotel near the Kahului Airport for our last few nights, we were delighted to stumble upon this chic boutique hotel providing a private swimming pool, lounge chairs facing Maui’s grassy slopes, exclusive beach access, and a conjoining award-winning restaurant. Despite not being located in the tourist hot spot, this hotel came dressed to impress with its newly-painted murals and attention to detail. I could have soaked up the views from the pool for several more days, but we had to bid farewell to the island at some point.
Click here to book your stay at the Maui Seaside Hotel!
Interested in seeing more hotels within your budget in Maui? Use the search tool below to look around!
What is the Best Way to Get Around Maui?
Renting a Car in Maui: I had always dreamed of riding through the lush scenery of Hawaii in a convertible, so we made sure to manifest that dream into reality on this trip. Although rental cars are not the cheapest option for traveling through the island, they win the poll due to their convenience. When comparing prices, the convertible came out to be the most affordable option, although many visitors tend to rent jeeps for the Road to Hana. Small but mighty, our convertible got us around the island in style, traveling through muddy potholes to paved roads running through dormant volcanic craters. Begin your search for car rentals below!
Renting a car is undoubtedly the best way to get around Maui, but there is a much cheaper option for those looking to save some precious dollars.
Using Public Transportation in Maui: On the second leg of our trip, we had forgone our rental car but still had a few locations we wanted to hit. However, with just an eight-minute walk to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center from the Maui Seaside Hotel, we were able to take advantage of the cheap bus fares and ten-plus routes traveling to and from various hubs on the island. At just $4 for a day pass, the Maui Bus turned out to be a godsend for our budget. Although we had to say goodbye to the luxury of our convertible, I enjoyed getting a slice of the public transportation that many of the locals depend on.
For those wondering if it’s possible to explore Maui without a car, these bus routes enable you to travel on a budget, but they do not stretch as far as to take you through the town of Hana or to the summit of Haleakalā National Park. A car or tour company will need to be booked if you choose to include those activities in your itinerary. If the routes complement your itinerary, however, bus transportation is a feasible way to get by on a low budget for a day or two, saving you hundreds of dollars from Maui car rental costs. We were able to take the public bus to Paia Town, Lahaina Harbor, and even Maui Pineapple Farm for our tour there. Check out the bus routes linked above to see if any of the drop-offs fit into your travel plans.
What Should You Not Miss on Your First Trip to Maui?
Rumors of Hana and legends derived from the island’s cultural roots may have brought you to Maui, but its famed beaches and majestic sea turtles might just convince you to extend your trip. Promptly after booking our plane tickets, I dove headfirst into meticulous research, as per usual. Listed below is everything you must do in Maui on your first time on the island.
Visit the Best Beaches on Maui
A trip to Hawaii must encompass the following elements: a Luau (which we experienced in Oahu), a sampling of freshly-grown pineapples, and an encounter with the ocean. From my personal experience, I can confirm that some of the world’s best beaches are headquartered in Maui.
Kapalua Bay Beach: Kapalua Bay Beach, a crescent-shaped beach cove, was the first stop of our trip. Lounging space here is limited, but the foamy sand, rock-face greenery, and inviting patchwork of coral are the top reasons Kapalua Bay is a visited alcove. The nearby parking lot costs $10 per car and is known to fill up quickly each morning.
Honolua Bay: While the most exotic marine life we saw at Kapalua Bay Beach was a pair of Moorish Idol fish, reminding me of Gill in Finding Nemo, we were later welcomed into our first sea turtle encounter at Honolua Bay. After lucking out with a parking spot near the walkway entrance, we wandered through the otherworldly rainforest climate to a bay of rocks. Although not technically a sandy beach, Honolua Bay is a critically-acclaimed snorkeling destination, often welcoming boat tours in its perimeters. If approaching from the rocky surface, you’ll have a long swim to the far right, where you’ll eventually come upon the carefully entangled pieces of coral. After a day of having high hopes, a sea turtle finally crossed our path, floating peacefully along, searching for food. I admired this creature from a respectful distance before hightailing it to the shore upon overhearing a fellow snorkeler excitedly declare that she had seen a shark head. Although this turned out to be more of a farce than anything, I was not taking any chances, no matter its size. However, Honolua Bay remains one of the best Maui beaches to snorkel at, despite its lack of sand.
Ulua Beach: One turtle sighting will only encourage you to journey in search of more. Having heard great things about “Turtle Town” at Maluaka Beach in Makena, I had every intention of stopping here. However, after reading various reviews on Maui beaches with sea turtles, we opted to visit Ulua Beach in its place. I’ll be honest, I was initially drawn to this beach because of its free parking, but I came to love the familial atmosphere and overhanging palm trees. The coral is not as plentiful here, but we did spot one last sea turtle to add to our memory bank. While the aforementioned locations lightly touch upon the favored Maui beaches to visit, there are plenty more weaving in and out of the island’s five-star resorts and various bays.
Road to Hana
As far as touristy activities go, driving the Road to Hana is one that has been crowding the winding roads of the region and creating controversy among the locals who depend on these pathways to travel to work each day. Nevertheless, it remains a dominant tourist attraction on the island, existing as a box to check off a list for many. I can confirm that, after 12+ hours of exploring all that the Road to Hana had to offer, I was never more excited to hop into bed. What began with high adrenaline ended with us carefully treading the twisty turns in the dark, longing for a bite to eat.
Is the Road to Hana Worth It?: I cannot say that I would embark on this excursion again due to its time commitment, but it sufficed as one of those “can’t miss” activities we had to experience for ourselves. Some waterfall sightings were underwhelming, and the day seemed to drag on by the end of it all, but no other excursion would have allowed us to hike through bamboo on the Pipiwai Trail to see the 400-foot Waimoku Falls, approach a Lava Tube Cave, or step foot on a black sand beach. Believe me when I say the underwhelming aspects of the journey made the eye-catching features even more striking.
Should You Do the Road to Hana on Your First Trip to Maui?: The Road to Hana, similar to a new take on a passed-down recipe, should be given a chance by all but judged only on the premise of one’s own opinion, not by someone who sampled it before them. To help you prepare for your personal trip, I’ve written a detailed guide to the Road to Hana, recounting everything from the most impressive stops to the mundane sites to the local digital guide who accompanied us with Hawaiian melodies, driving directions, and ancient legends.
Check out these guided Road to Hana tours.
Watch the Sunset at Haleakalā National Park
A drive up to the summit of Haleakalā National Park will permit you to view the sunset or sunrise from 10,000 feet high, overlooking a blanket of clouds enveloping the land below. As someone who often finds it challenging to pick favorites during my travels, I can say with confidence that the sunset at Haleakalā’s summit is my most treasured memory from the trip, one I would unquestionably relive at a moment’s notice.
How to Plan in Advance for Sunset at Haleakalā National Park: Leading up to our trip, I had planned to book tickets for the sunrise 60 days in advance since this early-morning experience requires reservations due to the crowds it acquires. I was already mentally preparing myself for the early wake-up call. However, I got caught up in the busyness of life and was unable to purchase our tickets this exact day. Upon checking the following day, all reservations were already snagged up. A bit disappointed, we changed our plans, opting for the sunset. Although this was our second choice, it ended up being my preferred method of experiencing the summit’s views. We were able to drive our convertible up the snaking road adjacent to a countryside resembling the likes of Ireland, even following a rainbow closely enough to spot the end of it. Spoiler alert: there was no pot of gold. With daylight left, we stopped over at a lookout over the volcanic crater wasteland before finally ascending to the summit to stake out a spot to watch the golden hour and eventual sunset. Afterward, we began our drive back over the top of the heavenly clouds, dipping into the darkness once the sun’s radiance was out of view. A moment like this certainly calls for my poetic language, and it is an experience I will be preaching about for decades.
Want to secure your spot? Click here to view tours.
Should You Do Sunrise or Sunset at Haleakalā National Park?: If I had the choice between experiencing the sunrise or the sunset from here again, reservations aside, my heart and night owl spirit would definitely choose the latter. Head to my blog post on what to expect for the sunset at Haleakalā National Park in order to plan your travels accordingly!
Open Bar Sunset Sail
Although not initially on my radar for Hawaii, I soon became infatuated with the idea of taking an open bar sunset sail in Maui. What better way to greet the island with a massive “Aloha” than with a drink in hand on a catamaran? We booked this excursion for the evening of our first full day. High in spirits and low on energy, my dad and aunt felt the effects of their drinks to the fullest, myself trailing behind in sobriety. Served with unlimited beverages and hand-picked Hawaiian appetizers, we set sail along the northwest coast of Maui, presented with views of arching rainbows over the island’s mountainous terrain and the neighboring islands of Lanai and Moloka’i. This two-hour outing is a delightful way to kick off your vacation and embrace the island ambiance.
Want to take the exact tour I did? Click here for more details and to book!
Explore Lahaina Harbor
Lahaina Harbor is a popular shopping and dining district accessible by both car and public transportation, given that you take the Maui Bus to the Wharf Cinema Center. Upon arrival, we dined in the open-concept center, taking advantage of the happy hour deals from Down the Hatch. Weave in and out of shops on Front Street, racking up souvenirs for the folks at home. After some exploring, you can return to the center for a serving of shaved ice before departing for your hotel.
2023 Update: Sadly, the beautiful Lahaina was enveloped in flames earlier this year due to the devastating fires raging through Maui, leaving little behind. My hope is that this beautiful community will be able to rebuild, as it was a hotspot for small businesses.
Shop at Kihei Kalama Village
Typical Hawaiian souvenirs include shell necklaces, tiki cups, aloha shirts, and lei necklaces. All these and more can be found at Kihei Kalama Village, a conglomeration of shops selling keepsakes of every shape and size. Browsing these stands makes for a fun half-hour or so, an entertaining precursor to dinner if you choose to walk next door for happy hour at Three’s Bar & Grill.
Explore Paia Town
What is usually an early stop on the way to Hana, Paia Town comprises a few streets lined with shops, shave ice parlors, and low-key restaurants. Having driven through fairly early, we returned later in our trip via public transportation. After disembarking, we indulged in a small brunch by the town’s entrance. As most of the shops were open by 11 am, we then spent the next hour and a half browsing the differing boutiques. Perhaps what was most impressive to me was the wide array of sustainable products I came across, showcasing the residents’ shared desire to lead environmentally-friendly lifestyles and shop locally. As a tourist, it influenced me to pay a higher buck for products, feeling a better peace of mind upon learning what my new household items were made of.
Another stop-worthy shop includes Mele Ukelele, containing a collection of Hawaii’s notorious instruments and inspiration for luau hymns. After showing an interest in the instrument, the shop employee instructed me through a complimentary lesson, strumming the notes to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” If you only briefly drive through these streets on your route to Hana, set aside some time another day to discover all there is to do in Paia Town. Perhaps you’ll be so lucky to receive a mini ukelele session like me.
Take a Pineapple Farm Tour
“Tours are not an authentic way to experience a place,” I used to say with a pompous attitude, thinking that my hours of research could provide me with a more genuine connection with a place than a born-and-bred local would be able to give. Nowadays, my view has shifted slightly. There is an appeal to exploring cities and foreign locations with no timeline and no tour group that gives off an obviously American aura to onlookers. This sort of travel gives hope to the rom-com scenarios we’ve seen in countless films or bumping into a friendly local who shares their hometown’s hidden gems with you. And, although I pride myself on the itineraries I create for my travels, I’ve come to embrace tours more frequently. While I still prefer to explore towns with no strict time constraints and attempt not to stick out like a sore thumb, even though my constant photographing gives me away immediately, I’ve recently grown more in favor of spritzing one or two tours throughout my travels, welcoming the experience with open arms. One such tour you cannot miss on the island of Maui is an excursion with Maui Pineapple Tour.
Click here to view tour prices and details.
As was mentioned multiple times on our tour, as I’m sure was for competitive marketing reasons, the Maui Pineapple Tour far surpasses the appeal of any such experiences on Oahu. Having been told that the mainland receives its pineapples from Oahu, I could detect a noticeable difference in the taste of this sweet fruit, as Maui’s farms produced the most flavorful pineapple plants I’ve snacked on.
Our tour comprised of an informative drive through the pineapple fields receiving insider knowledge and witty jokes from our tour guide, Ken. We were able to sample pineapples at different ages, served off a machete our guide had used to peel the fruit. Our tour concluded with a look at the factory and packaging distribution center, where we were each awarded an airport-approved package of freshly bundled pineapples to share with our friends at home. I recommend taking this tour on your last full day in Maui, as it will ensure that your pineapples stay fresh to enjoy and possibly regrow at home.
Additional: Iao Valley State Park
Nearing the end of my list of everything you must do in Maui, I felt compelled to add one last item. Having seen photos of Iao Needle, I mistakenly thought we’d be able to gain closer hiking access by visiting the Iao Valley State Park. Instead, this excursion required $10 for parking and a $5 entry fee per person, the hike up to the closest lookout point taking only a little more than ten minutes. In spite of this, there were additional paths to hike through, zigzagging through the lower plantation, as well as numerous signs telling of the historical significance of the area. I appreciated learning about the cultural ties to the site, but I wished the actual lookout location had been a bit more worth the drive there. If time is not a matter and you want to check it out for yourself, feel more than free to form your own opinion and pay tribute to the locals with your entry fees.
Fun Places to Eat in Maui
No travel guide would be complete without giving the lowdown on fun places to eat in the area. You can check out my guide on eating on a budget in Maui for a broader overview, or stay on this page for a summary.
Lava Rock Bar & Grill: Leading the pack is Lava Rock Bar & Grill, an award-winning restaurant with ocean views. Visit here between 3 pm and 6 pm for an enticing happy hour.
Coconut Caboose: Coconut Caboose is a small shop and food truck selling specialized treats made out of coconut sourced in Maui. Its menu is an oxymoron waiting to happen: healthy desserts.
Additional Recommendations: Other favorite spots of mine include 808 Deli, Down the Hatch, SURFCLUB Tacos, and Breakwall Shave Ice Co.
As you visit Maui, prepare to be impressed by its laidback surf culture bordering luxury five-star resorts. On this one island, you can fraternize with surfers, lounge in world-renowned spas, attract the company of sea turtles and dodge an abundance of wild chickens on sidewalks. Maui is a welcoming island built for both the easygoing souls and the celebrity complexions spending dollars by the minute. No need to squeeze yourself into one of these categories. Instead, visit the island with an open-mindedness, ready to uncover its medley of magnetism.
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