Planning The Best Maui Itinerary: From The West Maui Mountains to Hana... and Everything in Between
Andaz Maui Ocean Beach Views
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Tips for Planning a Trip to Maui, Hawaii
Whether you’re looking for the best area to stay in Maui, exciting Maui activities, or the best places to eat in Maui, these travel tips have got you covered. As always, you’ll also find wheelchair-accessible options and info for travelers with disabilities because we here at Sick Girl Travels believe travel should be for everyone!
Fortunately, there is no best time to visit Maui. The weather is warm and delightful year-round. When traveling to Maui, Hawaii I recommend you spend at least 4-7 days on the island, especially if it’s your first time in Maui. On my first trip, I spent only 3 days in Maui, which wasn’t nearly enough. It was a stressful trip where we desperately tried to cram in everything we wanted to see rather than just relax and appreciate the beauty of the island. On my second trip, I spent 10 days in Maui and had a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience. But I’d recommend planning at least a 4 day Maui itinerary.
When it comes to planning your Hawaiian itinerary, there is no one-size-fits-all option. The best Maui itinerary depends on how much time you have, what your interests are, and what time of year you visit. If you’re seeking the best time to go to Hawaii, you may want to avoid the rainy season (November through March) and be aware that things like whale-watching (December 15 - May 15) are seasonal.
Wondering if Maui is the best Hawaiian Island for you? Check out this awesome guide that helps you choose the right Hawaiian Island for you.
Below I’ll go through some of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for a Maui 5 day itinerary or a 10 day Maui itinerary, you’ll have a jumping-off point to help you plan your travels. Keep in mind there are a few things on this list like The Road to Hana and touring Molokini Crater that will take up most, if not all of your day. Others take only one to four hours. Try not to overschedule yourself. Part of the joy in going to Hawaii is taking it easy and relaxing.
Please note, this guide gives you things to do in Maui during the day. If you’re looking for things to do at night, check out this awesome guide to Maui’s nighttime activities.
How to Get To Maui
Nonstop flights are available to Kahului International Airport, OGG, from many major US cities. If you’re a disabled traveler who needs help arranging accessible travel accommodations, check out the Sick Girl Travels Airline Accessibility Help Desk.
Pro Tip: Wear a hat. Kahului Airport is a large indoor/outdoor space and birds love to perch above baggage claim and poop on unsuspecting travelers. I was blessed twice while waiting for my bags.
Getting Pooped on by Birds at Baggage Claim
Once you arrive in Maui you will want to rent a car. There are a number of beautiful places to see and scenic drives you won’t be able to do without a car. While Lyft and Uber are available, they may be in short supply resulting in long wait times. If you choose to use Uber or Lyft it’s best to schedule your pick up beforehand so you’re not stuck waiting an hour or more.
If you need a taxi from the airport, the best Maui Taxi company is CB Taxi Maui: (808) 243-8294. They’re available for pick up and drop off at all hotels and offer wheelchair-accessible taxis. Again, it’s best to arrange pick up ahead of time to avoid long wait times.
Pro Tip: Since COVID-19 hit car rentals have been in short supply. Do not wait until the last minute to make your reservation. Prices have also skyrocketed since 2020. If you find a decent deal, grab it immediately. Do not wait.
Map of Maui
Where to Stay In Maui
When visiting Maui it’s best to stay on the West Side or South Side of the island. You’ll be close to major attractions, have your pick of great hotels, and be near the best Maui beaches. Most visitors chose to stay in Wailea or Kihei Maui on the South Side or Kaanapali, Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua, or Lahaina on the West Side of Maui. But there are plenty of great areas to stay in Maui.
Below is my list of the best places to stay in Maui. I recommend these hotels because of their prime locations, amenities, and accessibility for disabled travelers.
South Maui:
The Andaz, Wailea Maui -
This beautiful 15-acre property is one of my favorites in Maui. I stayed here on my most recent trip to the island. The Andaz offers Accessible hotel rooms, pool lifts, accessible common areas, and an accessible path down to the beach. (Though word of warning, it’s a long and winding path down to the pools and beach if you don’t/can’t take the stairs. I literally felt like I should be leaving a trail of breadcrumbs to find my way back to the hotel.
The Andaz also offers snorkel gear and kayaks for rent for hotel guests. Best of all, the hotel is located smack dab on one of the best reefs in Maui. I spent the bulk of my 10 day Maui trip floating face down looking at Mokapu’s Reef system. Yes, it’s that cool.
Ocean Sunset View at the Andaz Maui, Hawaii
Four Seasons Wailea -
Featured in the HBO series White Lotus, The Four Seasons Wailea is every bit as luxurious as you imagine. Of course that comes with a price tag that’s every bit as expensive as you imagine. If you’re willing to splurge, you can’t do better than the Four Seasons. Their spacious, accessible rooms feature free wifi, luxurious bath products, and turndown service.
Marriott Wailea -
The Marriott Wailea offers rooms with some of the best oceanfront sunset views on the island. It’s also a great hotel for families. With multiple pools and Maui’s largest waterslide, it’s sure to keep kiddos entertained. Beautiful Koi ponds and Banyan trees are scattered around the sprawling 22-acre property. Mobility-accessible rooms include roll-in showers. The business center, fitness center, pool entrances, restaurants, and lounges are all accessible.
West Maui:
Hyatt Regency Kaanapali -
The Hyatt Regency was the first mega-resort built in Maui back in the late 80s. The hotel boasts 10 restaurants and lounges, an African black-footed penguin habitat, an astronomy club, a top-notch spa, and one of the best luaus on the island. I stayed at the Hyatt on my very first trip to Hawaii back in 2014. The central location, copious amenities, and well-appointed, accessible rooms are still a huge draw after all these years. The prices are generally a bit lower than those in Wailea, but this is Maui, so “less expensive” still means expensive. If you’ve been sitting on some hotel reward points, Maui is the place to use them.
Ocean view from the Hyatt Regency Ka’anapali
Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort -
Located next door to the Hyatt, the Westin is another gorgeous 4-star hotel with a prime oceanfront location and tons of eating options. It’s also one of the best family resorts in Hawaii. The Westin features mobility-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, transfer showers, or bathtubs with grab bars and tub seats. I also noticed that Westin provided beach wheelchairs for rent, something I didn’t see at other resorts.
Beach Wheelchair Rentals at Westin Kaanapali Maui
Top Things To Do On the Island of Maui, Hawaii
First things first, if you’re going to Maui you need a good reef-safe sunblock. You don’t want a painful sunburn keeping you from enjoying your vacation and ruining your photos. Plus, you know, melanoma. I recommend staying away from aerosol sunscreens because applying them outdoors is difficult. You feel like you’re applying a nice heavy coat, but in reality 3/4 of it is blowing away in the wind.
Now on to the fun stuff…
Haleakala National Park
Haleakalā Observatories
Haleakalā National Park is a great place to start your trip to Maui.
Pro Tip: The summit of Halekealā is over 10,000 feet above sea level. This means it’s quite cold and windy at the top. Make sure to dress in layers and wear suitable shoes for your Maui volcano tour. Don’t be like me and show up on a whim wearing a bathing suit, shorts, and a light wrap.
Some of the more popular activities on the island of Maui are the Haleakala Sunrise hike and the Haleakalā sunrise tour. You must purchase tickets ahead of time to see Haleakalā National Park at sunrise. It’s a good idea to go with a tour group if you’d like to see the summit at sunrise because it requires driving up the winding mountain road at night, which can be quite perilous.
For disabled guests, I recommend this Wheelchair-Accessible Haleakalā Sunrise Tour. Or, if you’re a late riser, like me, The Wheelchair Accessible Haleakalā National Park Sunset Tour.
If you’re physically able to bike down the mountain, this incredible Sunrise Haleakalā Downhill Bike Tour is Haleakalā’s top-rated bike tour.
If you’d like to explore this gorgeous dormant volcano on your own, Haleakalā National Park is open 24 hours. Visiting outside of sunrise doesn’t require a reservation. It costs $30 per car to enter. Disabled guests get free entry with a National Parks Access Pass. If you’re permanently disabled, the Access Pass is a must and provides free entry to any US National Park.
Once you’re in the park there are plenty of hiking trails, unfortunately, they’re not wheelchair accessible. My octogenarian travel companions and I aren’t exactly the hiking types so we preferred to just take in the beautiful views from the summit and pass on hiking.
The Headquarters Visitor Center, Haleakalā Visitor Center, and Hosmer Grove picnic area located at the summit are all wheelchair-accessible. The Headquarters Visitor Center also features an accessible exhibit on Hawaiian culture. Park brochures in Braille are also available at the Visitor’s Center.
Kula Lavendar Farm
Kula Lavender Farm
Located in Upcountry Maui, Kula Lavender Farm is open Friday thru Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. General admission is $3 per person making it one of the best things to do in Maui on a budget. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm also supports the Maui Food Bank. If you bring a non-perishable food item, the admission fee is waived.
Kula Lavender Farm is a great spot for picnics or just relaxing amongst the 13.5 acres of lavender, olive trees, hydrangea, succulents, and protea. Because it’s a working farm nestled on the slopes of Haleakalā 4,000 feet above sea level, it’s not entirely wheelchair-accessible. But there are plenty of paved, flat, accessible walkways, as well as accessible restrooms and accessible parking.
Be sure to check out some of the farm-fresh lavender beauty supplies, seasonings, crafts, and treats.
Iao Valley State Park
Iao Needle Hike
Located in the West Maui Forest Reserve, Iao Valley State Park tops my “Things to Do in West Maui” list. Ranked one of the top state parks in the entire nation, Iao Valley is definitely a must-see. It’s a great spot for viewing Hawaii wildlife including many endangered sea and forest birds.
A paved 0.6-mile walk offers a scenic viewpoint of Kuka‘emoku (a.k.a. the ʻIao Needle.) There are also several Iao Valley hike options with trails leading down along the stream below.
Iao Valley is a sacred place most well known for a very bloody battle. In the late 15th century Maui’s ruler, Kaka’e, designated Iao Valley as an ali’i burial ground. The remains were buried in secret places throughout the valley. In 1790 the Battle of Kepaniwai was fought in the valley in an effort to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The battle was said to be so bloody, dead bodies blocked the Iao Stream. The event was termed “Kepaniwai” or “the damming of the waters.”
Pro Tip: Come prepared for rain. Iao Valley weather averages an inch of rain a day., making it one of the wettest places in the world. Fortunately, it didn’t rain for our visit, but as you can see, the skies were quite overcast.
Iao Valley Maui offers accessible parking but it should be noted that many of the trails involve stairs or steep hiking on uneven ground and are not suitable for wheelchair users. Still, the West Maui Mountains and Iao Valley are gorgeous and are a definite must-see.
Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Whale Watching Maui
Molokini Crater Snorkeling
If you love snorkeling or have been waiting to give it a try, Molokini Crater is a MUST. Sure there are plenty of pretty places to snorkel on Maui, but nothing beats Molokini. In fact, snorkeling Molokini should be on every traveler’s Maui bucket list. Molokini was one of my favorite Maui adventures and I cannot recommend it enough.
You will need to purchase a tour to reach Molokini. Molokini Maui day trips depart the mainland at sunrise to reach the crater bright and early when the fishes of Hawaii are the most active. Expect to see a dazzling array of colorful sea life such as Threadfin Butterfly, White Spotted Puffer, Yellow Tang, Achilles Tang, Yellow Trumpet Fish, and the Hawaii State Fish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a or Reef Triggerfish. In Hawaiian, the name means fish with a pig-like nose. There’s even a cute little children’s song to help you remember the name.
Many tours also add on whale watching to their Molokini excursions. It should be noted that whale season in Hawaii is November thru May. The most active time is mid-January through March. But don’t worry, if you’re visiting outside whale season Maui still has plenty of activity under the sea.
Waiting to Board our Molokini Sunrise Tour
Another popular add-on to the Molokini excursion is a stop in Coral Gardens, Maui. Coral Gardens is perhaps even more impressive than Molokini and one of the best spots to view Maui’s sea turtles. Word of warning, it is illegal to touch the turtles. Doing so carries a hefty fine.
There are a few tour companies that offer wheelchair-accessible excursions to Molokini Crater. These trips also offer assistive flotation devices to help disabled travelers get the best possible views of Molokini. I recommend the following tour:
It’s also important to note that many Maui snorkeling excursions do not allow full face masks. They’re known to have issues and are considered too much of a liability by tour companies. If you bring your own snorkel gear please consider a regular mask or panoramic mask like the one below.
My pick for best Wheelchair-Accessible Whale Watching Tour is Calypso’s Whale Watching Cruise from Ma’alaea Harbor. This 2-hour tour takes place aboard a triple decker catamaran providing great views of the many whales breaching the waters.
More Snorkeling Maui
While many people consider Molokini Crater snorkeling to be the crown jewel of Maui snorkeling, there are plenty of other options if you’re not keen on making the early morning boat trip. If you’re looking to do more Maui fish spotting, below are some top snorkeling spots.
Coral Gardens:
As I mentioned earlier, Coral Gardens is often a second stop on many Molokini tours. It’s popular for its expansive reef and many green sea turtles. You can reach Coral Gardens by driving to the cliffs of Pali. However, getting to the water from the cliffs is difficult. If you have trouble walking on steep embankments, it is recommended you access the beach by boat or consider another area.
Black Rock:
Located near the north end of Ka’anapali Beach Black Rock is an easy trip from the area’s high-end resorts, Black Rock also comes alive at sunset when a Hawaiian torch lighting ceremony occurs. Torch lighters light tiki torches along the coastline before reaching the top of the hill and diving into the ocean. It’s a very cool sight to witness.
Honolua Bay:
Honolua Bay is one of the most northern beaches on the island of Maui. You can access the bay by a short drive north on the Honoapi'ilani Highway (31). Warning, to get to the bay by land, you will have to walk through the tropical rainforest to the beach. Another option is to take a kayak tour to Honolua.
La Perouse:
Located on the southern side of the island, La Perouse is unique for its volcanic landscape. To get there, drive south on Makena Road until you reach a dirt parking lot in front of the bay. On top of being home to a wide variety of colorful fish, La Perouse is also known to be a playground for spinner dolphins.
Word of warning, La Perouse is very rocky and jagged. Be careful not to cut yourself on the lava rocks. I recommend some good surf shoes like the ones below for walking on the beach.
Ulua/ Mokapu:
These two connected beaches are great for beginners and easily accessible for many tourists staying in Wailea. The beaches are located between Wailea beach and Keawakapu beach. Since we were staying at the Andaz, this reef was directly in front of our hotel. We were able to see a vast array of octopus and colorful fish including schools of humuhumunukunukuapua a, the Hawaiian state fish.
Most days the visibility was great and the waters were calm. However, with bad weather, the waves can become rough and kick up sand making visibility poor. I learned this the hard way by trying to get into the water after a rainstorm only to be knocked on my butt by a wave and have my bathing suit top pulled down. I may have exposed myself to everyone on the beach, but you know what? I didn’t get tan lines. So there!
There are some beach chairs available to Andaz hotel guests, However, if you’re visiting during the busy season or aren’t a hotel guest, I recommend bringing a sand repellant beach blanket like the one below.
Turtle Town Maui:
You’ll find a lot of disagreement as to the official location of Turtle Town. It seems to change with the migratory patterns of turtles. However, most people will tell you the official location of Turtle Town is directly in front of Makena Beach and Golf Resort. Again, if you’re fortunate enough to swim with sea turtles, make sure to keep your distance. I like to snorkel with the goggles below. They have a mount for your GoPro, so you’re sure to catch some great turtle shots without having to get too close.
Many beaches in Maui claim the title of “Turtle Beach” or “Turtle Town”
Kapalua and Napili Bays:
One of the easier beaches to access, Kapalua and Napili Bays offer a parking lot for visitors. Warning, the lots fill up quickly, so get there early. There’s a wide variety of fish, frequent turtle sightings, and occasional visits from monk seals.
Ahihi Bay:
Just south of Big Beach, aka Makena Beach, is a small cove called Ahihi Bay. This location offers a small parking lot. Guests can enter the water at the northern end of the beach. Warning, only enter at the northern end where you see a concrete slab leading into the water. Ahihi Bay is part of a natural preserve. If you enter through any other location you will risk damaging the coral and receiving a hefty fine.
Maui Chocolate Tasting
Ku'ia Estate Chocolate Factory in Lahaina offers a rooftop sampling of their delicious chocolates. Ku’ia Estates is the largest chocolate factory in the state of Hawaii. Guests are able to sample nine varieties of chocolate while taking in 360-degree panoramic views.
The tasting is wheelchair-accessible. I recommend this Chocolate Tasting Tour of Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory.
Sample a variety of chocolate made in Maui.
Visit The Penguins at the Hyatt Regency Ka’anapali
One of my favorite things to do in Kaanapali is visit the African black footed penguins at the Hyatt Regency. The Hyatt Regency Kaanapali is home to seven of these endangered penguins, as well as cranes, swans, flamingos and parrots.
Daily penguin feedings take place at 9:30am. The resort also offers daily wildlife tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Banyan Tree Lahaina Maui
This 150 year old tree is the oldest Banyan Tree on the island of Maui. It’s located right next to the old court house which now houses the Lahaina Arts Council and the Lahaina Historic Society. There are numerous activities held here throughout the year. If you visit around Christmas you can also see this gorgeous tree decorated with lights. For more information and a schedule of events, check out things to do in Lahaina through the Lahaina Art Council.
The Beauty of the Banyan Tree
East Maui Animal Refuge AKA: The Boo Boo Zoo
East Maui Animal Refuge is a must-see for animal lovers. One of the more unusual things to do in Maui, the zoo is a no-kill, all volunteer-run, nonprofit, rehabilitation sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals. Without the help of the animal refuge, these animals would otherwise die. The zoo cares for approximately 300-400 injured animals at any given time.
Visitors can choose to volunteer and help with cleaning, plumbing, carpentry, building, and other somewhat physically demanding areas. However, younger guests and guests with limited mobility can also volunteer as “cuddlers.” Cuddlers are needed in the cattery to help cuddle the adorable cats and kittens and elsewhere on the property to assist in cuddling birds, sheep, deer, pigs, goats, and more.
If you’re planning a trip to Maui please consider donating some of your time to cuddle adorable baby animals at the East Maui Animal Refuge.
Sheep at East Maui Animal Refuge
Maui Luau Dinner
Have you even been to Hawaii if you haven’t been to a luau? Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s a ton of fun and a great activity if you’re visiting Maui with your family.
Drums of the Pacific Luau, at Hyatt Residence Club Ka’anapali, Maui
I’ve been to a few luaus on Maui and can safely say, some are better than others. My favorites are listed below.
Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Ka’ anapali. This was my first luau in Maui. It’s a massive stage production at one of the best hotels in Maui. It’s also regarded as one of the best fire shows in Maui. So if fire dancing is your thing, look no further.
Wailele Polynesian Luau at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa Ka’anapali. Enjoy live performances in a lush garden setting. This luau offers regular and VIP seating.
Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Resort at Black Rock. This luau offers some of the best views in Maui. It begins with a traditional blow of the conch shell followed by performers diving off the cliffs of Black Rock into the ocean below.
Aha’aina Wailea, A Grand Wailea Luau. Consistently rated one of the best luaus in Maui, this South Maui luau is known for both its incredible food and spectacular performances.
Pom Maui Sunset Luau Cruise. This is the best of both worlds. It’s a luau. It’s a sunset cruise. Maui does it all! Enjoy a delicious dinner and show as you sail Maui on a beautiful, well-appointed catamaran. And bonus, if you visit in the winter months you can even do a little whale watching.
Maui Helicopter Tour
Nothing beats an aerial view of Maui seen from a Maui helicopter tour. While many helicopter tours are not wheelchair-accessible, there are a few companies that provide accessible helicopter tours with wheelchair lifts. My top recommendation is:
Maui Helicopter Tour
Drive the Road to Hana Tour
It’s a good idea to consult a Road to Hana guide. While the distance may look short on a map, the drive to Hana takes a full day. The road is long and winding and can be treacherous. Be prepared to drive slowly and pull over to let the more experienced and zippy locals pass. Maui driving can be scary due to the slick road surfaces and hairpin turns. The stunning scenery is also very distracting. Just take your time and go slow. It’s also important to leave early so you won’t get stuck driving these roads in the dark.
Don’t want to go it yourself? You can always take a Road to Hana Group Tour. Please note, while this tour will be suitable for most travelers, it is not wheelchair accessible. Sadly, I was unable to find any tour companies offering a wheelchair-accessible Road to Hana tour.
Hana tip: Without a map or travel guide it’s easy to miss some of the best stops on the Road to Hana, which can be hidden just off the Hana highway. Below I have identified some of the best stops on the Road to Hana by their mile markers.
One of my favorite stands on the Road to Hana. Pro Tip: Try the coconut ice cream.
Recommended Road to Hana Stops:
Twin Falls Maui- At Mile Marker 2 next to a large fruit stand you’ll find your first stop on the Road to Hana, Twin Falls. The walk to the lower falls is a short and easy walk accessible to most visitors. The walk to the upper falls is longer and more difficult. Be careful when parking your car. The area has become very popular with tourists and thefts sadly do happen. Do not leave anything of value inside your car.
Be sure to grab some fresh fruit for your trip before you hit the road again. This is one of the best fruit stands on the Road to Hana and it offers delicious Maui gold pineapple.
Twin Falls Maui Along the Road to Hana
Garden of Eden Maui Botanical Garden - There are many botanical gardens in Hawaii, but after visiting several, I can safely say The Garden of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Garden is the best of the Maui botanical gardens, and maybe my favorite in the state. Located at mile marker 10.5 on the Hana Highway, these Maui gardens feature exotic birds, trees, flowers, and foliage in a gorgeous island setting with spectacular views of North Shore Maui.
Entrance to the Maui Garden of Eden is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Once inside the Maui arboretum, there is a driveable loop with several parking lots just off the road. There are plenty of parking spaces for disabled visitors available inside the Garden of Eden Hawaii. However, guests with limited mobility should be especially aware of slick surfaces along the 2.5 miles of hiking trails. North Shore Maui gets about 150 inches of rain each year, so it’s important to wear good walking shoes. Save your flip-flops for the beach. I also recommend bringing mosquito repellent. The rainforest attracts swarms of mosquitoes who are happy to eat you alive if given the chance.
Halfway to Hana Stand - At mile marker 17 you’ll some of the best banana bread on the island. Picked from Hawaii’s amazing banana plants and baked fresh daily, it’s the perfect treat to fuel the rest of your drive to Hana. They also offer delicious shave ice, ice cream, shakes, burgers, sandwiches, and more. But seriously, get the banana bread. You won’t be sorry.
Halfway to Hana - The Best Banana Bread and Shave Ice
Black Sand Beach/ Wai’anapanapa State Park - Located at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway Maui, Wai’anapanapa State Park offers a magnificent black sand beach with native Hala forest, religious temple, blowholes, and a sea bird colony. This black sand beach is one of the more unique Maui, Hawaii beaches and a definite must-see. The facilities are ADA compliant and offer scenic views, picnic tables, restrooms, and walking paths.
Pro Tip: Reservations are currently required to visit Wai’anaoanapa State Park and Black Sand beach. You can reserve these up to 14 days ahead of time.
Black Sand Beach Wai’anapanapa State Park
Wailua Falls Maui - At mile marker 42 you’ll find beautiful Wailua Falls. No hiking is necessary. The falls are just off the road and an easy stop to just get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy nature. More adventurous travelers take the plunge into the waters below, but as I’m already awaiting spinal surgery for a herniated disc, I wasn’t about to throw myself off the bridge into depths unknown. Plus, I didn’t want to go the rest of the drive in a soggy bathing suit.
Wailua Falls Maui Along the Road to Hana
Hana, Maui - Congratulations! You’ve made it to Hana! Hopefully without too much screaming at your loved ones. Seriously, driving the Road to Hana can be a real relationship test. But you made it! Wondering what to do once you get there? Check out this exciting guide to Hana for a detailed list of awesome things to do once you arrive in Hana. One of my favorites is Hana Bay Beach Park.
Hana Bay Beach Park - This ADA Accessible Beach is the jewel of Hana. It hosts numerous events throughout the year like the March Taro Festival and April Canoe Regatta. You’ll also find park benches, canoe spots, and multiple BBQ grills. The area is also great for fishing and swimming. For more info, check out Hana Bay Beach Park.
Seven Sacred Pools in Maui
You can choose to turn around and drive the Road to Hana in reverse or complete your circle around the island. If you choose to complete the circle, 12 miles past Hana you’ll reach the 7 Sacred Pools, also known as The Pools of ‘Ohe’o. This is the most popular attraction in East Maui. The cascading waterfalls and crystal clear plunge pools are a favorite with tourists and cliff jumpers. Word of warning, in Maui diving off these cliffs is not permitted. However, people still do it. The law is largely ignored and unenforced, but it doesn't make it safe. Many people have been injured or lost their lives jumping into the sometimes shallow pools. I don’t want to be a buzz kill, but please don’t do it.
Since The Seven Sacred Pools are part of the Haleakala National Park the fee you paid there will allow you entrance here or vice versa. Just hang onto your receipt. $15 gets you 3 days entrance to both areas. And, as always, The National Park Access Pass allows free entrance for disabled guests.
7 Sacred Pools Maui
Bamboo Forest and Pipiwai Trail Maui
Another great stop on the way home from Hana is the Pipiwae Trail and Bamboo Forest, If you’re looking to take some great shots for the gram, look no further than one of Maui’s beautiful bamboo forests. Located on the side of the Hana Highway, across the Kipahulu Ranger Station, the bamboo forest trail is largely on wooden planks, providing better footing for guests. However, due to its bumpiness and occasional steps, the trail may not be suitable for wheelchair users, especially during or just after a big rainstorm.
Bamboo Forest Pipiwai Trail
Little Beach Maui
My final suggestion is for the adventurous types. No, it’s not SCUBA diving, parasailing Maui’s coastline, or zip-lining. It’s a tiny, unassuming beach named Little Beach. It gets its name from being right next door to its much larger neighbor, Big Beach.
Now what’s so special about Little Beach, you’re no doubt thinking. Well, this tiny unassuming beach is clothing-optional. It’s frequented by nudists and other brave souls looking to avoid those pesky tan lines.
It’s situated next to one of the largest cinder cones on Maui: Pu'u Ola'i. To get here, head to the north end of Big Beach, and take the footpath over the rocky remnants of a lava flow from Pu'u Ola'i.
Little Beach is also known as Little Makena Beach. It’s a favorite spot for Maui’s fire dancers and performers to practice their routines on Sunday evenings.
If you’re feeling brave or simply want to check out some cool fire dancers, Head to Makena State Park and Park at Entry 1 for Makena. And please, be respectful. Nudity is not consent to take photos.
Little Beach at Sunset
Mahalo Nui Loa for Reading
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Maui. If you’re looking for more things to do in Hawaii, check out my Guide to the Big Island. Hit me up below in the comments if you have any further questions or want to share some of your own Maui adventures.
Aloha! Until We Meet Again, Maui
