Best Things to Do in Maui Hawaii (Our Top Experiences)

Why Maui Is Perfect for Adult Travelers

Maui is the perfect Hawaiian destination for couples and adult travelers.  Maui’s western destinations have spectacular sunsets. Many of Maui’s resorts offer spas, beachfront dining, and relaxation.  There are plenty of scenic drives, cultural experiences, and dining options.  If you read my review of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, you know that I do not recommend that resort for couples.  In contrast, many of Maui’s resorts and condos are on relaxing beaches that offer quite a different vibe than Waikiki and Ko Olina on Oahu.  This post will focus on the best things to do in Maui Hawaii, specifically geared towards couples and adult travelers exploring the island.      

Romantic Island Vibes

Maui is a popular honeymoon destination for a reason.  It has beautiful, accessible beaches.  Although it is a popular tourist destination, it doesn’t feel crowded.  It has a small town, laid-back feel that is quite a change from the island of Oahu. 

Maui also has incredible resorts right on the beach.  Spas, shopping, and dining are easy to do right next to your hotel.  Although it does require planning, it is also possible to stay on more of a budget.  There are plenty of condos overlooking the beach, allowing couples to prepare their own meals and enjoy the view from their lanai.  

Ideal Trips for Couples and Adults

Maui is an ideal destination for couples and adults looking for a balance of relaxation, natural beauty, and memorable experiences. The island’s laid-back pace, stunning beaches, scenic drives, and incredible dining make it perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, and adult-only getaways. Rather than kid-focused attractions, Maui shines when it comes to outdoor adventures, sunset cruises, spa days, and experiences that allow couples to slow down and truly enjoy the island together. This guide focuses on the best things to do in Maui Hawaii, for travelers who want meaningful, adult-friendly experiences.     

Best Things to Do in Maui Hawaii

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or romantic escape, these are the best things to do in Maui Hawaii, for couples looking to experience the island at its best.

Drive the Road to Hana

I wrote all about the Road to Hana in detail on another blog post here.  The Road to Hana is a scenic 64-mile drive from Kahului to Hana.  It is known for having over 600 curves as well as narrow bridges, waterfalls, rainforests, a black sand beach, and plenty of coastal views. 

The Road to Hana is often cited as a must-do activity for first-time visitors to Maui.  There are plenty of options based on your travel style and activity level.  The full route takes a full day and requires an early morning departure.  Many people also opt for driving only part of the route, driving the full route to Hana and staying overnight, or taking a small van tour.  

Visit Haleakala

Haleakala National Park, or “House of the Sun”, is a massive dormant volcano on Maui.  Haleakala is an extremely popular place to visit at sunrise and sunset.  The former requires advance tickets for entry.  Reservations for sunrise need to be booked 60 days in advance.  Also, keep in mind that if you are visiting during the holiday season, that is one of the busiest times on Maui, and reservations like this will book up early.

An easier option is visiting during the day whenever you decide to get there.  Travel time from popular spots on Maui to the summit takes anywhere from 2 to 3.5 hours.  You can take in a few short hikes, visit the visitor center, walk around at the summit, and make it back to your hotel or condo for happy hour.    

We have gone during the day and have had a wonderful time hiking the Sliding Sands Trail.  There are also some unique vantage points above the clouds to view during the day.  Personally, I would not want to be driving up or down the road to the summit in the dark, so keep that in mind as well.  

Relax on Maui’s Best Beaches

Maui has an abundance of beautiful beaches, so no matter where you stay, there will be plenty of options. 

The first three beaches: Kaanapali Beach, Kapalua Bay, and Napili Bay are located in West Maui.

Kaanapali Beach is renowned for its expansive sandy beach, lined with numerous resorts and restaurants. There is a paved path along the beach that is perfect for walking and jogging.  At the end of the beach at Black Rock, there is a popular snorkeling spot.  Black Rock is also a cliff diving spot for those who dare.  

Kapalua Bay is a protected, crescent-shaped bay.  It is located on Maui’s northwest coast.  Kapalua Bay has been awarded “America’s Best Beach” numerous times.  Because of Kapalua Bay’s clear, calm waters, it is also an excellent spot for snorkeling. There are often sea turtles in the water here, along with abundant marine life.      

Napili Bay is another popular beach known for its calm waters and laid-back vibe.  It can be challenging to find parking here if you are not staying in a condo and do not have parking available, so it is best to arrive early. 

Makena Beach and Wailea Beach are both located in South Maui.  

Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, is an undeveloped beach in Makena State Park.  it is 1.5 miles long and nearly 100 feet wide.  At times, there is strong shorebreak her,e so swimming should only be done on calm days.  There is a paid parking lot here as well as food trucks and portable toilets.  Also, be aware that there is very little shade on the beach here. 

Wailea Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach in South Maui.  Wailea is where luxury resorts such as Four Seasons and Marriott are located.  There is another beachfront path here, similar to Kaanapali Beach, as well as high-end shopping and dining nearby.  Wailea Beach is generally calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.   

In East Maui, along the Road to Hana, is the popular stop Waianapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach), which requires reservations.  Swimming is generally discouraged here because of dangerous shorebreak and undertows.  Black Sand Beach is a stunning stop along the Road to Hana with sea caves, blow holes, hikes, and of course, black sand.   

There are many other beaches besides those mentioned above, but this list offers options near popular spots. The beaches named in this article are some of the most stunning beaches on Maui, in my humble opinion.

  

Snorkeling & Boat Cruises   

Catamaran trips and snorkeling tours are popular activities on Maui.  Off of Maui’s west coast is Molokini Crater.  Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic islet.  Its protected waters mean you can experience some of the best snorkeling with a variety of fish species, coral, and marine life.  It is common to see colorful fish, turtles, manta rays, and even reef sharks here. 

Catamaran tours are also popular.  Sometimes they even pick you up right on the beach.  Catamarans are larger boats and tend to be more casual tours, where you never get off the boat.  Some popular catamaran tours are whale watching and sunset cruises with drinks.  

Explore West Maui

It is important to be a respectful visitor to Maui.  As you probably know, Lahaina was hit by devastating fires back in 2023.  The town is still in recovery and rebuild mode.  Before you go, find out what local businesses have reopened and need support, and be respectful of the locals. 

Kaanapali is also a popular spot on West Maui.  There is plenty of shopping and dining at Whaler’s Village.  Kaanapali Beach is a wonderful beach with soft golden sand.  It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling at Black Rock. 

Iao Valley State Monument is another spot to visit on West Maui.  The park is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm.  Reservations are required for non-residents.  The fees are for parking and per person.  The parking fee is $10 per vehicle, and the entry fee is $5 per person.  Iao Valley is a paved .6 mile walk that provides a scenic viewpoint of the Iao Needle.  The site is also historically significant as it is where Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army back in 1790.  

If you are staying in a condo or vacation rental with a kitchen, be sure to check out this popular fish market in Honokowai, Maui.  Although I am a vegetarian, my husband and parents enjoyed the delicious seafood they got here and cooked at our rental in Kaanapali.    

Whale Watching (Seasonal)

I talked more about our whale watching experience in this post.  It was my absolute all-time favorite Maui activity.  Whale watching is seasonal, so if you are lucky enough to be visiting from December through May, whale watching should definitely be on your itinerary. 

I highly recommend the raft tours with Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel out of Lahaina, Maui.  The tours are all small group tours, and being in a raft so close to the water was an amazing experience.  The whales were so close we could have touched them (but you absolutely should not do that!).  They guarantee sightings on their tours.  We saw so many whales and actually had so many close encounters with whales that are so curious and swim right up to the boat.     

Attend a Traditional Hawaiian Luau

Another fun cultural experience is a traditional Hawaiian luau.  I can recommend two luaus on Maui since I had first-hand experience with both: the Old Lahaina Luau and the Maui Nui Luau.  Both luaus feature a dinner followed by a show telling a story through traditional Polynesian hula dance.  It is a fabulous experience to immerse yourself in another culture and learn more about Hawaiian history.  You can read more about these two luaus in this article.         

Romantic Experiences in Maui

Sunset Beach Walks

Watching the sunset over the ocean is one of my favorite slow activities.  Staying in Kaanapali, we had the opportunity to watch the sunset every evening.  We could even see whales breaching and jumping right from our lanai.  These beachfront destinations offer an opportunity to take a walk along the beach every evening.  It is a time when things slow down, there are fewer people on the beach, and it is a calming, relaxing vibe.  I highly recommend you do this while on Maui.  

Couples Spa Experiences

Spa Montage at Kapalua Bay offers spa treatments for couples.  It has a serene oceanfront setting with views of the West Maui mountains. 

Heavenly Spa by Westin offers oceanfront cabana massages for couples.  They offer a full range of spa treatments in an oceanfront setting. 

Zensations Spa is a cozy day spa on Maui.  They also offer a variety of spa and couples treatments.  

Oceanfront Dining

There are plenty of choices for oceanfront dining on Maui.  There are many casual restaurants as well as pricier dining options.  There is something about the open-air breezes while dining outside on your vacation.  

The Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai offers Pacific Rim cuisine in a casual setting right on the beach.  Reservations are recommended.

Duke’s Beach House in Kaanapali is a fun place with surfer decor and tiki torches.  There are a lot of options here for dinner.  Also, the hula pie is delicious and was big enough for 4 people to share!

Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali has a seasonal menu focusing on organic ingredients.  They have salads, pizzas, fish, and island delights.  They also make a very good Mai Tai here.    

Ferraro’s at the Four Seasons features oceanfront Italian cuisine.  It is the only oceanfront open-air restaurant in Wailea.  This is more of an upscale restaurant.

Also at the Four Seasons is Wolfgang Puck’s Spago.  This restaurant is a Hawaiian – Californian fusion restaurant.  Also on the pricier side.  

Kapa Bar and Grill is more casual.  It is located in the Marriott Wailea.  There is a drink menu, salads, entrees, and a kids’ menu here. 

Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi is Hawaiian-inspired fare.  It is more of a mid-range option in Wailea.  There are lots of vegetarian options here as well. 

The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is a romantic spot with stunning ocean views.  It is another pricier option in Wailea.  They have only limited vegetarian options here.  

This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the oceanfront spots at the two most popular locations: Kaanapali and Wailea.  There are of course, many other spots that are quality dining that may not be oceanfront.  

Where to Stay in Maui for Couples  

Wailea

Wailea is by far the luxury spot on Maui.  It is also going to be the priciest so keep that in mind depending on your budget.  There are hotel chains here such as Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons as well as luxury condos.  The beach here is long and wide and is excellent for swimming and snorkeling.    

Kaanapali

Kaanapali is another popular destination on West Maui.  It is mostly condos which provide some options for dining in for breakfast and lunch.  The beach here is golden soft sand and the ocean can have a bit of waves at times and shorebreak.  Towards the end of the beach is Black Rock, a popular snorkeling spot.  

Kihei

Kihei is another popular destination that is a bit more affordable than Kaanapali.  There are many affordable condo options in Kihei as well.  If you are traveling on a budget, Kihei is the place to look first.  

Tips for Visiting Maui as a Couple

Best Time to Visit Maui

The best time to visit Maui depends on your needs, wishlist, and budget.  The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) tend to be the most affordable times, both with flight costs and accomodations.  The weather is great and there are fewer crowds everywhere, although I wouldn’t exactly call Maui a crowded island. 

Winter can be busy.  The holiday season around Christmas is a popular time for people to visit but places like the Haleakala summit can get crowded.    

High season is considered June, July, and August.  This tends to be the time when more families will visit during their summer vacations.  It will be dry and sunny on Maui but also can have higher prices and more people.  

If whale watching is on your bucket list, the best times to visit are the months of January, February, and March during peak whale watching season.  

Getting Around the Island

A car is necessary to get around on Maui.  The island is small but there is limited bus service.  It is better to rent a car for the week when you arrive and have it for whatever is on your itinerary.  Usually condos will have parking available included in your stay. 

What to Pack

Maui generally has mild weather year round.  It is best to have light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection, sneakers and/or hiking shoes, and a light jacket for cooler nights.  Rain gear may be necessary if you are planning a lot of outdoor activities as well. 

Check with your rental property, but there are usually beach chairs or umbrellas included if you are staying in a condo.  Unless you are staying in an ultra luxurious place, attire is generally island casual.  Men can wear aloha shirts and shorts or long pants with sandals.  Women can wear sundresses and sandals.  

There are plenty of stores on the island if you need to buy something that you omitted.  As a chronic overpacker myself, I don’t think you will need as much as you think.  

Traveling Responsibly in Hawaii

As visitors, I think we have to learn and respect Hawaiian culture and history.  There are many sacred places on Maui (and all the Hawaiian Islands for that matter) that should be respected.  

Maui compliant sunscreens that are reef safe (think mineral sunscreens) should be used in the ocean to avoid harming reefs.  Other environmental stewardship such as staying on trails and leaving no trace should be practiced.

I always try to find local businesses to support wherever I go.  This could mean finding local restaurants, tour companies, or visiting a farmer’s market and purchasing souvenirs and produce from locals.  

After visiting Maui, I also donated to the Maui United Way to help Lahaina recovery efforts.  

Final Thoughts

Is Maui Worth It for Couples?

Maui is an excellent location for couples.  It has a small-town, laid-back vibe, which is quite different from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.  There are plenty of beachfront hotels and condos offering options for couples for swimming and dining out.  There is also a range of outdoor activities for adults, like hiking and water sports. 

Maui is easy to get around and offers scenic drives like the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park.  For adults who want to travel a bit more slowly, there is a good variety of adventurous and relaxing activities.  

Although Maui is known to be expensive, there are options for every budget.  There are luxurious hotels and budget condos that can accommodate every budget.  

Our Favorite Maui Experiences

Maui offers something for everyone.  The best things to do in Maui depend on your vacation style and hobbies.  My favorite experience in the winter was a whale watching raft tour.  I have also loved doing the drive the Road to Hana.  Staying in Kaanapali, it was also amazing to sit on the lanai and watch the whales frolicking in the water every day.  I am looking forward to going back and hitting some new spots next time.  Maui is not a place that you will get sick of visiting.