Top 10 Things To Do In Maui

The first stop of your travel itinerary to Maui, should be the beach! You may want to start at one of the most popular and most beautiful beaches across the island – Ka'anapali. The white sandy beach stretches for over 3 miles, making it the perfect spot to spend a sunny day! Besides relaxing and sunbathing, however, visitors can try various water sports activities. From snorkeling to body-boarding, this is a real paradise for the adventure seekers. The 16-feet Black Rock cliff has been signature for the beach, as well, and many enthusiasts have been visiting to take the jump and dive from there!

Those of you looking for a more off-the-beaten-path location, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the beautiful Hawaiian beaches, should head to Paako Cove. Also referred to as the Secret Beach, this remote and secluded spot will allow you to fully experience the tropical paradise of Maui. Nestled between lava rocks and lush greenery, this little cove is a hidden gem worth visiting while exploring the island. As you can guess by its name, the beach is not always so easy to find, however, as you are heading to the Big Beach, you will find a small opening into a stone wall. Keep your eyes open as you can easily miss it.

It is not just the crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches, that visitors can explore on the island. The unique Haleakala National Park is also part of the 10 best things to do in Maui. Covering a territory of over 33,200 acres, the preserved area is home to the island's largest volcano. There are a number of different hiking trails to choose from, the most popular and spectacular of which is climbing on top of the summit. Popular with its stunningly beautiful sunrises, it is worth getting out of bed early in the morning and admiring the jaw-dropping scenery with the first sun rays.

It might be difficult to believe, but Maui presents the unique opportunity to combine hiking with swimming! If you would like to embark on this great adventure, you should certainly visit the Seven Sacred Pools. Surrounded by a deep green bamboo forest, you will find seven natural pools connected through a series of cascades and waterfalls. Regardless if you decide to take a dip into the pools or not, you will be able to enjoy a truly unique, untouched natural landmark and one of the best places to visit in Maui!

Next on our list of the 10 best things to do in Maui, we have a visit to the peaceful paradise of Iao Valley State Park. If you are a hiking enthusiasts and nature lover you should certainly add the preserved area to your travel itinerary when visiting the island. Spreading over 4000 acres, the park offers fantastic hiking trails, leading to unique rock formations, roaring streams and beautiful waterfalls. As you are following the meandering paths through the tropical forests, you will feel like you have found heaven on Earth!

It would be a shame if you have visited Maui, without paying a visit to Turtle Town. Located between Black Sand Beach and Nahuna Point, there is a small beautiful underwater spot, known as Turtle Town. As you can guess by its name, this is the best place on the island, where visitors can snorkel with the fantastic Hawaiian green turtles. As you are exploring the marine life, you will also get to admire stunning coral reef and numerous other colorful tropical fish species.

Immersing into the local culture is one of the best things to do in Maui. For a truly authentic experience, you should head to Old Lahaina Luau. Ones the sun goes down, visitors can book a ticket to the fantastic dance performances, which will take you on a spectacular tour through the Hawaiian traditions. The shows are also a real treat for your taste buds, as you will be able to indulge in some mouth watering authentic local meals.

If you are planning on visiting Maui between November and March, you should definitely book a whale watching cruise. Most boats leave from Lahaina Harbor and take you into the open waters of the blue Pacific Ocean where you can witness the magnificent whales. There are different options, however, it is best to book the 2-hour cruise with a guide, which will tell you more about the incredible animals. Whale watching is not only one of the best things to do in Maui, but also a great family-friendly activity.

No trip to Maui would be complete, if you have not taken the scenic drive along Hana Highway. The winding almost 70-mile road passes over beautiful bridges, narrow gauges and tropical rain forests. Keep in mind that there are countless turns along the way and the driving speed is fairly limited, so you may want to plan an entire day to experience the scenic drive to its fullest. There are also numerous pit stops to choose from along Road to Hana. Waikamoi Nature Trail for an easy hike, Ching's Pond for quick dip and swim or Nahiku Marketplace to grab a few locally made products.

Last but not least, the Maui Ocean Center is one of the best places to visit with your children. The tropical aquarium covers 3 acres and is home to various species, such as sharks, whales, turtles, etc. Your entire family will be able to learn new and unknown facts about the marine life and the different habits of each animal. For the brave ones, there are special packages offering a close encounter and diving with the sharks. Would you dare to get face-to-face with them?

Are you ready for your ultimate Maui holiday? Which one of the above mentioned 10 best things to do in Maui would you like to try first? Swimming with sharks, whale watching or relaxing into the peaceful paradise at Secret Beach?