The Best Things to Do on Maui
During the Shoulder Seasons

It is a must-see even if you aren’t visiting during National Park Week! Head up to the top of this massive volcano to take in an incredible daybreak view from the highest point on Maui at sunrise. Enjoy the orange and red-colored dawn of a new day set amidst the clouds. The sublime beauty of this sight has inspired so many people, including the great Mark Twain.

The magical Maui sunrise at the 10,023-foot-high Mt. Haleakala Crater greets many bleary-eyed visitors who are willing to wake up as early as 3 am to make the trek to experience it. If you crave a breathtaking view without all of the company, consider taking a stroll up before sunset. Pack a picnic dinner and some beverages, and toast to a stunning display of color as the sun descends into the clouds. Maui is no ka oi (the best) for good reason!

No matter which time of year you drive it, the road to Hana is beautiful, but the drive can be tricky. Most tour companies will pick you up at your accommodations and make stops for treats and photos. Be sure you make time to stop at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread on the Ke’anae Peninsula. Since 2003, Aunty Sandy’s has become a must-stop destination for their hot, fresh-baked banana bread. They have been featured in numerous magazines and publications, and most recently on Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted.

Kaanapali Beach is a scenic surf break in Kaanapali. It can be found just outside the Kaanapali Alii Resort and to the right of the Marriott. This beach is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s also a top place to learn to surf on the island.

A fun thing to do during the evening here is the nighttime labyrinth walk. Each full moon, Eve Hogan, Labyrinth Facilitator and author of Way of the Winding Path, offers a presentation on the labyrinth and how to get the most out of walking it. This is followed by the walk of either one or both of the 11-circuit and 7-circuit labyrinths and a discussion.

The most popular walk is the Iao Needle Lookout, a trail that leads hikers to a breathtaking view of the Iao Needle. This 1,200-foot natural rock pinnacle is covered in lush tropical foliage and extends out over the valley and up above the clouds. There’s also a trail that follows a winding stream, looping through a botanical garden full of native Hawaiian plants.

You will find informative signs along the way that share information about the history and ecology of this area. Keep in mind that this is one of the wettest parts in all of Maui, so bring your rain gear just in case.

Molokini Crater is a designated marine sanctuary that sits just off Maui’s coast. It is one of only a few partially-submerged volcanic cones of its type found in the world. Here you will experience some of the best snorkeling that Maui has to offer! Its calm waters and incredible visibility will allow you to view hundreds of species of fish and corals that call Molokini home.

Once you’ve explored Molokini Crater, Pride of Maui will take you on a quick ride out to the coastal area known as Turtle Town. Turtle Town is home to hundreds of colorful fish and a large population of Hawaiian green sea turtles. The water here is calm, and you can swim among unique lava formations while you enjoy the company of curious turtles. Overall, it’s a delightful place to snorkel and take pictures. Hawaiian sea turtles, or honu, are a protected species, so never attempt to feed them and make sure to give nesting or basking turtles plenty of space and peace and quiet.

Most people have heard of the significance of taro in Hawaiian culture, but you can learn all there is to know about it at the East Maui Taro Festival. This festival is held yearly in April and celebrates the importance of this staple food of Hawaii. There are many food vendors, and you can participate in poi pounding and lauhala weaving demonstrations while you enjoy some delicious taro dishes.

In October, you can head to the Maui Steel Guitar Festival in Kahului. This two-day festival celebrates the Hawaiian Steel Guitar as a unique music genre. They even hold workshops where you can learn to play. This festival is free to the public and has multiple live performances for you to enjoy.

Bask in luxury at Spa Montage, or channel your inner goddess at the Marilyn Monroe Spa at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Ka’anapali. There are so many choices, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect way to relax on your Maui vacation.

Another tour that’s sure to please is a Pineapple Farm Tour. The tour offered by the Haliʻimaile Distilling Company is an excellent activity for the whole family. On their tour, you will learn all about the cultivation and harvesting of this “Maui Gold.” You’ll have the chance to taste the sweet fruit, and you will receive an “airport-ready” fresh pineapple of your own to take home!

The Humpbacks of Hawaii 3D Sphere Exhibit brings you eye-to-eye with Maui’s humpback whales in their kingdom in the deep blue sea. Explore their world and discover the vibrant life of these intelligent and spiritual creatures, their journeys, and their social bonds in this first-of-its-kind 3D Sphere, only at Maui Ocean Center.

Love sea turtles? The Sea Turtle Lagoon allows you to meet the Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu. They are the largest breed of hard-shelled sea turtles in the world and they are native to the Islands. The Maui Ocean Center proudly designates this unique area for you to view these graceful animals in an interactive display.