Visiting Maui for the First Time? Here's What To See and Do

Situated on the island's eastern shore, Waiʻānapanapa State Park is an expansive park home to sea arches, tide pools, ancient trails, sacred temples, and Maui's very own black-sand shore, Pa'iloa Beach. A result of volcanic lava broken down by the ocean over time, these fine, black sands offer a dramatic setting for Instagram-worthy pictures, plus the ideal spot to enjoy Maui's coastline. Don't forget to explore the lava tube cave adjacent to the beach, which opens up directly to the ocean at low tide.

Related: Top 4 Beaches on Maui

The legendary Road to Hana is an experience in and of itself, with its hairpin turns, precipitous overlooks, narrow lanes, and precarious bridges. Brave adventurers will be rewarded with scenic views of waterfalls and rain forests along the way, though a professional-led group tour is advised for first-time visitors. Can't-miss stops along the route include Maui's acclaimed banana bread stand and the Garden of Eden Arboretum, where Jurassic Park fans can glimpse the Keōpuka Rock from one of the garden's outlooks.

From the crescent-shaped islet of Molokini to the abundant coral reefs of Honolua Bay, there's no shortage of snorkeling sites on Maui. However, for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with Hawaii's honu (green sea turtles), take an eco-friendly kayaking tour to the island's southern coast. Your final destination is Turtle Town, home to some of Maui's clearest waters and a mecca for these endangered reptiles. You can look, but do not touch or chase the turtles, and keep an eye out for other marine life such as dolphins, butterfly fish, and moray eels.

Related: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Hawaii: Tips for Keeping Honu Safe

A helicopter ride over Maui offers a new perspective on the island's verdant landscape, as well as an answer to how it earned its nickname of the Valley Isle. It’s also the only way to see much of the island’s untouched landscape, including hidden waterfalls and secret valleys. Before you know it, you'll be heading west towards Molokaʻi Island, where staggering sea cliffs plunge 3,000 feet (900 meters) into the ocean below.

Much like the rest of Hawaii, there’s more to Maui than just beaches and outdoor adventures. This fertile island is also home to over 800 farms that grow everything from pineapples and papaya to macadamia nuts and heirloom tomatoes. Head to the Upcountry Farmers Market in Makawao—the island's oldest—for a taste of fresh produce, including Maui-grown coffee, raw honey, and freshly made jars of lilikoi (passion fruit) butter.

Red cinder cones, stretches of dense rain forest, and a dormant volcano make Haleakalā National Park an otherworldly attraction. Begin with an early morning tour to see the epic sunrise 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level, booking well in advance to avoid on-the-day disappointment, then dedicate the rest of your day to exploring the 30,183-acre (12,215-hectare) outdoor playground as a birdwatcher, hiker, or biker.

Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting Haleakala at Sunrise

Like the ancient Polynesians, the waves, wind, and stars will be your guide as you hop on an outrigger canoe tour to learn the ancient art of wayfinding. Views of Maui's coastline serve as an added bonus as you traverse the Pacific Ocean's calm, clear waters—and if you’re lucky, you might even see a whale.

Maui is crisscrossed by incredible hiking trails and paths, each leading to a world unlike the next. You’ve likely already wandered the beach, and maybe you’ve even scouted out the slopes of a volcano. Now, head somewhere like the Pipiwai Trail, in Haleakala National Park. You don’t even need pro hiking boots: This 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) round-trip trek takes you through the rain forest to the base of Makahiku and Waimoku Falls, largely on a bamboo boardwalk.

Kaʻanapali Beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in America—clear waters lap against 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of white sand. You could spend your entire trip here, what with the plethora of oceanfront restaurants, strollable boardwalk, and resorts of Ka’anapali (the town of the same name) your easy-access backdrop. With one look, it’ll be no wonder why this West Maui spot was once a favored destination for Hawaiian royalty.

You might know of Paia as a destination for surfers—this is basecamp for the North Shore’s phenomenal, world-record surf breaks—but for casual visitors, there’s also a major draw: the vibe, which hints at 1960s California. Beyond watching the daring ride those waves at Ho'okipa Beach, you’ll get to partake in that small-town surfer lifestyle via homey burger stands, fresh markets, and locally run shops and art galleries. (If nothing else, don’t miss Mana Foods and Paia Fish Market.) Bonus: It’s an easy stop on the Road to Hana.

This article features additional content written by Jacqueline Kehoe.