15 Reasons Why Maui Is The Best Hawaiian Island
Why is Maui the best Hawaiian island to visit? Maui is the motherland for stunning sunsets, caramel-colored beaches, and seasonal whale watching. It’s also an island of contrast, where arid volcanic landscapes meet lush rainforests, dazzling resorts meet quaint small towns, and perennially sunny beaches meet cool mountain climates.
Nowhere else in Hawaii is quite like Maui. And while we’ll admit we’re biased (Maui is our home), we think you’ll agree.
If you still need some convincing, here are 15 reasons why Maui is the best Hawaiian Island.
1. The Landscapes.
There’s a postcard-perfect view nearly everywhere you turn on Maui. But it’s not prettiness alone that makes the island stand out – it’s the sheer diversity in its landscapes.
Evergreen valleys. Volcanic deserts. Windswept beaches. Redwood forests (yes, that’s right). What doesn’t Maui have?
From the rolling slopes of Haleakala to the lush rainforests of Hana, Maui truly has something for everyone.
2. The Beaches.
Did you know Maui has over 80 accessible beaches? Many are inviting, honey-colored strips of sand. Among Maui’s beaches, Wailea Beach, Napili Bay, and Kaanapali Beach are certainly favorites. Warm sand, sapphire waters, coral reefs, and nearby restaurants – what more could you ask for? Just another reason why Maui is the best Hawaiian island.
Like Maui’s landscapes, the beaches are just as diverse – ranging from rusty red to glistening black to deep butterscotch. Make the long and winding drive to Hana, where you can admire iron-rich red sand at Koki Beach and visit Waiʻanapanapa State Park’s famous black sand beach.
3. The Whale Watching.
Of the four populous Hawaiian Islands, Maui has the best whale watching.
Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii each winter to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. Maui’s waters have the most ideal conditions for raising young whales, with shallow channels and calm conditions.
Visitors can see whales up close on whale-watching excursions from December to April, but most sightings usually occur in January, February, and early March.
While federal regulations prohibit approaching humpback whales within 100 yards, there are so many whales on Maui that they often come to you. It’s not uncommon for curious whales to approach tour boats, especially on smaller vessels like Redline Rafting.
4. The Road to Hana.
Despite its 600-plus curves and 46 single-lane bridges, driving the road to Hana still ranks as one of the best things to do on Maui. Why?
Well, it could be the allure of swimming in waterfall-fed ponds. Or trekking through dense bamboo forests. Or perhaps it’s the sweeping seascapes, overflowing fruit stands, or feeling of being off-the-beaten-path.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the road to Hana on a guided tour to help alleviate congestion on the narrow road. Many local outfitters offer private, customizable Hana tours.
5. The History and Culture.
Hawaii’s history is laden with tales of mighty monarchs and seafaring voyagers. For travelers who love immersing themselves in history and culture, Hawaii is an excellent place to be.
On Maui, you can explore an extensive collection of pre-contact artifacts at the Bailey House Museum, awe at the largest heiau (temple) in Polynesia at Kahanu Gardens, or visit Fairmont Kea Lani’s newly-opened public cultural center, Hale Kukuna.
And while most Maui luaus aren’t 100 percent authentic (most feature dances from around the Pacific, rather than just Hawaii), they do offer a glimpse into Hawaiian legends, hula, and traditions.
6. The Food.
Dining on Maui does not disappoint – whether you’re a devotee of fine dining or more interested in the Spam musubis at 7-Eleven.
Elegant oceanfront restaurants abound in Wailea and Kaanapali while farm-to-table dining experiences proliferate Upcountry. Some unique eats can only be found on the Valley Isle, like the delights at Tasaka Guri Guri or the stick donuts at Komoda Bakery. Both businesses have a legacy dating back over 100 years.
Keen to eat where the locals eat? Don’t leave Maui without tucking into a bowl of dry mein from Sam Sato’s or a plate of mochiko chicken from Tin Roof by Chef Sheldon Simeon.
7. The Sunrise at Haleakala Crater.
Watching the sunrise over Haleakala Crater is the “sublimest spectacle” you will ever see. At least, that’s what Mark Twain thought when he visited Maui in 1886.
A lot has changed since then. In addition to a road being built (and no longer having to use pack mules to get to the summit), visitors are required to make reservations to watch the sunrise – and securing a ticket takes good timing and a lot of luck.
Booking a sunrise tour is an alternative to the stressful reservation process. Hitch a ride to the summit with a local outfitter like Haleakala EcoTours – no sunrise reservation required. Breakfast in Paia is on them, too.
8. The Diverse Accommodations.
Maui may be known for its palatial resorts, but the island actually has a wide variety of accommodations.
Economically minded visitors can choose from an abundance of affordable condos—like this Napili gem—with full kitchens to help them save on restaurant bills. There are even a few mid-range hotel options, like the Mana Kai or Maui Coast Hotel.
But if you want to go all in on luxury, Wailea is the place to be – with sprawling resort properties home to luxury brands like Fairmont and Waldorf Astoria. And did we mention Wailea’s spas, golf courses, and high-end shopping and dining?
9. The Snorkeling.
All across Maui’s coast, coral reefs bloom from the seafloor like underwater gardens. Snorkeling opportunities are at every turn – primarily on the island’s south and west shores, where the waters are slightly warmer and protected from the tradewinds.
Of course, we can’t mention Maui snorkeling without shouting out Molokini Crater. This offshore islet presents one of the most unique snorkeling opportunities in Hawaii, with hundreds of species of fish and visibility that often reaches over 100 feet. Situated two miles offshore, the only way to reach the crescent-shaped atoll is via a Molokini boat tour.
10. The Adventure.
Interested in ziplining over plunging canyons? Paddling an outrigger canoe in Maalaea Bay? What about parasailing over Kaanapali?
Many people think of Maui as a place of luxe respite. But adventure is everywhere beyond the resorts. Why not try something new and exciting during your island getaway?
For the ultimate seafaring adventure, book a private snorkeling tour with Maui Custom Charters.
11. The Small Towns.
Venture beyond the resorts to Makawao, Paia, or Wailuku. In addition to being full of history (check out the plantation-style architecture), these small towns are hubs for local businesses. Explore locally-owned coffee shops, art galleries, boutiques, and mom-and-pop eateries.
Each of Maui’s small towns has a distinctly different vibe – from business-meets-bohemian Wailuku to Makawao’s new-age country spirit.
(Prior to the wildfires on August 8, 2023, Lahaina was one of the most popular, charming, and historic small towns in Hawaii. We look forward to seeing Lahaina prosper again in the future.)
12. The Hikes.
From treks up steep, evergreen ridgelines to odysseys through lava plains, there is a hike on Maui for everyone.
Serious hikers can explore over 30 miles of trails in Haleakala National Park, ranging from day hikes to the crater floor to multi-day backcountry treks.
The Pipiwai Trail, located in Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District, is one of the most popular trails on the road to Hana. This moderately challenging four-mile round-trip trail travels through dense bamboo forests, past large banyans, and leads to a 400-foot waterfall.
Easy hikes are abundant, too – from the gentle loop at the Ohai Trail to the sloping trails on Helewai EcoTours’ private hiking experience.
13. The Wildlife.
Wildlife sightings are one of the most exciting things about traveling – and Hawaii is full of animals found nowhere else in the world.
On Maui, look for colorful native forest birds at Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park. Or, scour the beaches for Hawaiian green sea turtles – the only green sea turtle species in the world known to “bask” on the beach.
Keep in mind that many of Hawaii’s wild animals are protected by law. Be sure to give them plenty of space and never try to touch or feed them.
14. The Romance.
With its fairy-tale resorts and dreamy natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Maui is regarded as one of Hawaii’s most romantic destinations.
Lovebirds can stroll through fragrant fields of lavender, unwind with a couples massage, or dig into dessert at one of Maui’s many oceanfront restaurants.
But the creme de la creme of romance on Maui? A sunset sail. Cozy up on the Kai Kanani – South Maui’s only beach-loading catamaran – for an idyllic sail around Makena. Raise a glass of complimentary champagne to love – and to the beautiful sunset views off the starboard side.
15. The People.
Maui wouldn’t be Maui without the people. Next time you visit the island, chat with the barista making your morning coffee or the guy selling art at the craft fair. You’ll discover a deep sense of hospitality, pride for the community, and respect for the land among Maui’s residents.
And if you still need more convincing that Maui is the best Hawaiian island… well, you’ll just have to visit and decide for yourself.
