Maui is a county in the US state of Hawaii. Famously known as “`The Valley Isle,” it has many places, including beaches, scenic roads, restaurants, nightlife scenes, and parks. The place is one of the most desired places for tourists worldwide. Apart from experiencing all of the breathtaking places, you will also be able to see a culture that is so well-known and interesting. The place is well structured and contains around 50-mile-long golden beaches, forests, and mountains, with plenty of relaxing travel spots and entertainment centers. Maui can be a soul-satisfying place if you want to travel with your beloved family, close friends, or even solo. In this blog, we will discover some must-visit places that, as a traveller, you need to set your foot on. The place is inspiring and, indeed, has a lot to offer.
Must Visit Places in Maui, Hawaii:
1. Haleakalā National Park: The House of the Sun
Haleakalā is a national park situated in Maui. Named after a volcano called “Haleakala,” the place contains a massive area of around 33,265 acres. Almost 90% of this place is wilderness. The name Haleakalā in Hawaiian means “The House of Sun.” The place is popular for hiking, camping, and sunrise and sunset views. Placed at 10,023 feet above sea level, the Haleakalā Visitor Center is one of the best places to experience some jaw-dropping scenarios of sunrise. Tourists often drive early in the morning to enjoy the moments. You can also stay overnight at small camps to experience the sunset. Midday, you will see the sunlight, creating stunning scenarios by playing with the clouds. You can reserve a place or camp beforehand to enjoy the spectacular sunrise and sunset from the national park service. Apart from that, there are also plenty of hiking trails that provide stunning experiences. For trails, you can choose Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai, Sliding Sands (Keonehe’ehe’e), Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch), or Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail to have a fantastic experience of hiking. There will be a lot of tour guides to show you the proper trajectory, and you can even experience a ride on horseback to enjoy the natural beauty of Haleakalā Park.
2. Road to Hana: A Journey Through Paradise
Imagine yourself sitting close to a car window. You have your friends or family with you, and you are going 20 mph on curvy roads surrounded by greenery, waterfalls, isles, restaurants, shops, and many unexplainable natural beauties. Sounds fascinating? This is just a brief of what the Road to Hana feels like. If you have never experienced beauty, imagining how exciting the journey can be is almost impossible. Once started, you will realize why sometimes people say, “It’s the journey, not the destination.” The journey can be thrilling and memorable.
The 64-mile road might seem “not a big deal” to you unless you realize that the road is one-way with 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges with countless sports where you will feel like “I need to stop here to take some photos.”. With an average 25-mph speed limit, it is almost impossible to complete the journey unless you are a superman who can fly! The drive will start from Kaluhui and end in Hana, east Maui. Throughout the journey, you will need a good driver if you are driving by yourself, an excellent camera to capture panoramic views, food not to lose your mind in hunger, and patience like a soldier to complete the journey. Throughout the long but exciting journey, you will meet curvy roads with green trees, waterfalls, jewellery made by the locals, aromatic flowers, fresh foods like pineapple and banana bread, and a few Hawaiian traditional delights available at the roadside shops. Places like waterfalls at almost every turn surrounded by vigorous tropical rainforest, Keanae Peninsula for local fruits, and Wai’anapanapa Park for the black sand beaches will surely make you stop there and have a deep glance.
Learn to take good photos unless you want to regret your way back home. Before getting your backpack ready for the Hana Highways, do not forget to bring essentials like a water bottle, food or snacks, sunscreen, bug repellent, rain gear, extra clothes, etc.
3. Waianapanapa State Park: Black Sand Beach Wonder
You might feel happy at the end of your Hana Highway journey, as the thought of completing a long drive will dance in your head. Yet, just a bit far awaits another breath-taking spot that can offer relaxation and calmness to your mind and body. In case you’ve never heard, the wild, volcanic coastline offers solitude in urban life with Waianapanapa State Park. In the local language, the Waianapanapa means “glistening fresh water.”. The place is especially famous for its black sand beach and remarkable coastal views. Having a blue sky over your head and clean water with black sand that is surrounded by lush green and soul-refreshing wind will surely make your sadness go away in no time. At dawn, you will experience a completely different scenario. As the sun goes lower, the colour of the sky will start to change, and the beach will be darker. With a coffee in hand and your beloved sitting beside you, it is just a matter of time before you will call it one of the best moments of your life. To enjoy the scenic place as a non-native, you need to book an appointment for camping. Apart from the black sand beach, you can enjoy multiple features, like seabird colonies, anchialine pools, native hala (Pandanus tectorius), coastal mesic forests, lava tubes, heiau (temples), a natural arch, sea stacks, and blowholes.
The park opens from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and requires a $5 entry ticket per person. Camping costs around $100, and parking your car can cost $30-$90, depending on the size of the vehicle. The cost is lower for Hawaii residents.
4. Iao Valley State Park: A Historical and Natural Gem
Located at the heart of west Maui, the Iao Valley Park is more than just a travel spot. Apart from eye-catching scenarios, lush green trees, and other attractive spots, the place is a part of history and legend. Conquered by the Maui army, this was a place of battlefield. The 1200-foot-tall “Iao Needle” is one of its most important tourist spots. Emerging from a gigantic volcano, the needle-like rock rises above the cloud. From there, you can enjoy some of the most staggering views of your life. Early morning will give you the best view of the valley from the top. Just remember to stay alert for the falling rock if it happens. Also, you cannot enter the place with pets, beverages, or cigarettes. So, be aware of it. The nearby freshwater streams and botanical garden visit will enlighten your mind and knowledge. The cost of the valley park will be almost similar to Waianapanapa Park.
5. Volcanoes National Park: A place for live volcanoes
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most spectacular places to set foot. The park is where two of the most live volcanoes in the world are located. One is “Kīlauea,” one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and another is “Mauna Loa,” the world’s largest shield volcano. Waking past the lava field, getting a closer look around the ancient rainforest to see rare plants and animals, and enjoying the astonishing lava tube, if you are feeling excited already, remember that the place is worth a visit. Most of the park is designated wilderness and offers unusual hiking and camping opportunities. You will need to drive around 5 minutes from the park’s entrance to reach the volcanic village if you plan to stay for the night to experience other activities like day hikes, the volcano art centre, the sulfur banks, and the journey to Mauna Loa Road. Thousands of visitors come here daily to visit this fantastic place in Hawaii.
6. Lahaina: the historic whale town
Located in the town of Lahaina on the island of Maui, the village is the second most visited place in Hawaii after the beaches. Maui is the place for innumerable whales, especially in the winter season. In old times, the place was a hotspot for whales. Once it was the busiest whaling port in the Pacific Ocean. Now, there is no whaling in the port, but you can enjoy some of the best whales from this village. Each year, thousands of whales journey through this whaling port. Most houses in the town now have boutique shops or restaurants. You can visit the Whalers Village Museum in Ka’anapali. The museum has preserved some whale ships, valuable ornaments, whale artifacts, and other historical collections. To enter the museum is almost free, or it might cost you a few bucks, but the place is worth a visit not just because of its historical presence but also for its natural beauty.
Hawaii, USA, is one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. The place has natural beauty and historical significance, making it an ideal travel spot. You can learn about different cultures, traditions, and histories by visiting this marvelous place. Apart from the 5-6 places mentioned, there are a few stunning places, too, if you have time. You can visit Honolua Bay, Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o Gulch), Nature’s Water Wonderland, Ho’okipa Beach Park, Upcountry Maui, Pearl Harbor Memorial, and Makena Beach. These places are also scenic and refreshing to visit.
Essential Things to Consider Before Visiting Hawaii:
1. Ideal Time to Visit:
Selecting the right time to visit can be a huge factor in your tour.
- Peak Season: December – April (a bit higher prices and more tourists)
- Off-Peak Season: April – June & September – November (good deals and less crowd)
- Whale Watching: December – April (Lahaina, Maui is the best place)
- Surfing: Winter (for professionals-North Shores), Summer (for beginners)
2. Selecting the Right Island:
Hawaii has six main islands, each providing a distinctive experience:
- Oahu: Ideal for first-time tourists, city life, and famous places. (ex: Waikiki, Pearl Harbor)
- Maui: Good for beaches, romantic locations, and the Road to Hana.
- Big Island (Hawai’i): Place for volcanoes, various landscapes, and stargazing
- Kauai: Famously known as the “Garden Isle,” ideal for nature and adventure lovers.
- Molokai & Lanai: Fewer tourists, providing a more private and native Hawaiian experience
3. Flights & Transportation:
Taking early preparation can save you loads of cash.
- Book early flights to have the best prices.
- Select inter-island flights if you plan to experience multiple islands.
- Renting a car is chiefly preferred for places like Maui, Big Island, and Kauai (public transport is hard to find).
- Shuttles & ride-shares (Uber, Lyft) are available but can be costly.
4. Accommodation Options:
Proper accommodation is also necessary for a good tour.
- Luxury Resorts: Located mainly in Waikiki (Oahu), Ka’anapali (Maui), and Kohala Coast (Big Island).
- Budget-friendly ideas: camping or selecting local accommodations.
5. Packing Essentials:
Some must-haves before a tour can save you a lot of trouble.
- Thin and breathable clothing (Hawaii is mostly warm).
- Sunscreen (products not harmful to coral reefs and marine life): Hawaii has banned certain sunscreens that are damaging to marine life and coral reefs.
- Bring a few swimsuits, water shoes, and flip-flops for the beach.
- Hiking gear (shoes, water bottle, or hat) if visiting trails.
- Rain Jacket (for rainforest walk).
Food & Dining Tips:
When visiting a place, make sure to taste at least a few of its traditional dishes to enrich your experience.
- Try native Hawaiian foods: poke, loco moco, kalua, shaved ice, and fresh seafood. These dishes are available at places like Cafe 100 (Hilo, Big Island) and Rainbow Drive-In (Oahu).
- Taste the amazing “Spam Musubi.” This dish combines Hawaiian and Japanese flavors. It consists of a slice of grilled spam on top of rice wrapped in a strip of nor. It is a perfect on-the-go dish. You can find it at 7-Eleven restaurants, local food trucks, and cafes.
- Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) is one of the most popular dessert-like dishes in Hawaii. It is usually served as a topping on Haupia Pie.
- Huli Huli Chicken. This teriyaki-style grilled chicken, immersed in a sweet and smoky sauce and roasted over a fire, is more than delicious.
- Food trucks can be a good way to enjoy tasty Hawaiian cuisine.
- Tap water is safe to drink. You can bring a refillable water bottle as well.
FAQ’s about Hawaii:
1. What is so famous about Hawaii?
Answer: Hawaii is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. The main attractions are rainforests, beaches, active volcanoes, craters, and local foods.
2. When did Hawaii become a state?
Answer: On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the USA. Due to its thriving economy and popularity, it became a popular travel destination worldwide.
3. Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?
Answer: If you are a US citizen, you won’t need a passport to visit Hawaii. However, a valid passport is a must for non-citizens.
4. What is Hawaii’s largest island?
Answer: The Big Island, also known as the Island of Hawaii, is the largest in Hawaii.
5. What are the most popular islands in Hawaii to fly to?
Answer: Many tourists fly to places like Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island for travel.
6. What are the most famous islands in Hawaii?
Answer: Islands such as Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaii are the most popular travel destinations in the USA.
