Maui Travel Guide 2025

Maui, known as the Valley Isle, is the gem of Hawai'i with tropical scenery, beaches with pristine white sand to exotic red and black shorelines and incredible activities from zip-lining and horseback rides to snorkeling and windsurfing adventures. Natural beauty abounds on Maui with plunging waterfalls, verdant rainforests and glimmering natural pools that make it a top romantic destination.

With no passport needed for U.S. citizens, it can make for a great place to get away from it all and enjoy island bliss. Our travel guide to Maui explores everything you need to know to explore and experience this warm weather paradise, from getting around the island, to the top things to do, the best hotels and top restaurants to visit on your trip.

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Rental cars, buses, taxis and rideshare services, passenger ferries and shuttles can help you get around Maui. It’s the second largest Hawai’ian island and you’ll likely be traveling to different cities and regions while you’re visiting. Cars are the easiest mode of transportation and give you the most freedom to explore.

Maui’s scenic highways and extensive road network combined with limited public transportation options makes traveling by car the best choice. You’ll be able to reach the island’s most interesting destinations, beaches, shops and restaurants by car. Most travelers rent a car at Kahului Airport (OGG) or the smaller Kapalua (JHM) and Hana (HNM) airports used for inter-island flights.

Drivers under 25 can rent cars here by paying a young driver fee. Note that Hawai'i is a no-fault state, so any accident claims will have to be filed with your own insurance company. For this reason, we recommend paying for collision insurance through your rental car service if your own auto insurance doesn’t cover it.

Maui offers bus service with 12 routes across the island. Most of the bus routes operate from Kahului (where the main airport is located) and can get you close to popular destinations but may require a short walk.

This affordable form of transportation is typically a low-cost way to get around, however, residents and past visitors report that bus service can be unreliable. The latest routes end at 10:30 p.m., so they may not be ideal options for transportation to and from Maui’s nightlife.

Maui features taxi and rideshare services to get you around the island, but taxis are most popularly used for airport transportation and are less common elsewhere on the island. You can use rideshare services, like Lyft and Uber, on Maui for transportation to the island’s different attractions.

Ferry service from Maui to nearby islands, including Lāna'i and Molokaʻi, can be a great way to island-hop during your trip to Maui and see more of the Hawai'ian islands. Between November and May, you may spot whales from your ferry.

Maui-Lāna'i ferry: Runs 3x/day from Lahaina Harbor, Maui to Mānele Harbor, Lāna'i; $66 round-trip with 70-minute trip

Hotel shuttles are offered by many of the resorts and hotels on Maui, but this is a limited mode of transportation that can’t be used to generally get around Maui. Instead, hotel shuttles can be used for airport transportation or to reach beaches, shopping centers and attractions near resorts and accommodations in Maui’s tourist areas. Check with your hotel to find out if they offer a shuttle and how much it costs, with some locations offering free ones.

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The best time to visit Maui is between April and early June and again from September to November. These are the best times to visit Hawai'i in general, but on Maui, the shoulder seasons are truly magical. These months are mild, dry and feature less-crowded times to visit with perfect weather for swimming, surfing, whale watching and exploring Maui’s natural beauty.

April and May are ideal for blooming, fragrant flowers, whale watching and smaller crowds after the winter travel season ends in March and ahead of the late June to August summer season. You’ll avoid the hottest temperatures (July and August) during either of these periods and exciting events like these:

Rain is more common during the fall months, but much less so than in December through March. Lower prices on hotels and flights are common in spring and early summer, but September is the cheapest time to visit overall.

Hawaii Tourism Authority / Joe West

When visiting a location as well-regarded and packed full of activities as Maui, some may wonder where to start. From adventurous water sports and hitting iconic beaches to tropical trails and scenic drives on the Road to Hana, there’s an incredible amount of things to see and do. Make the most of your trip to Maui by adding these fun ideas to your itinerary.

Maui’s island allure can be captured with water sports and whale watching, from exhilarating surfing lessons and windsurfing outings to snorkeling and scuba diving excursions just off the coast. Take a guided scuba diving introductory lesson from Lahaina to swim past colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Not looking to go deep? Go on a Maui Snorkel & Slide Tour and don your snorkel with a boat and water slide to entertain you during your trip.

Thrill-seekers will get a kick out of visiting Waves Hawai’i Surf School in Kihei, Maui. If you’re looking for something truly unique, try the Water Bike Tour in Maui on double-catamaran “bikes” that let you effortlessly glide across the water to take in the scenery without worrying about keeping your balance.

If you’re visiting between December and April, go on a Whale Watching Tour from Ma’alaea Harbor with a guide to watch majestic humpbacks spout water and splash in the ocean as they migrate into the warm water.

Traveling to Maui calls for a visit to the Maui Ocean Center, a famous aquarium that brings the fascinating marine life of the area together where you can admire the creatures and learn about their natural habitats. Get a close-up look at sharks, fish, stingrays and marine plants that make Maui such an incredible place to spend time in the water.

An aquarium tunnel where sharks and sea turtles swim, cultural exhibits, a thrilling Shark Dive, the 3D Humpbacks of Hawai’i Exhibit Sphere and the chance to view coral reefs or take a behind-the-scenes tour make this one of the most unforgettable things to do in Maui. There’s even an onsite restaurant.

As one of the top-rated beaches in the U.S., Kaʻanapali Beach is the ultimate spot for sand and sun on Maui. Relax, stroll or play on miles of sugary-soft white sand and dip your toes into the water or enjoy a swim as rows of Maui’s best oceanfront resorts rise behind you on this glittering shore.

Stroll the paved promenade, check out dining hotspots or swim with green sea turtles and watch colorful fish dart about. Eyes on the horizon, you might see humpback whales breaching the water. Head to the northern end of the beach to Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) for the best snorkeling around and to watch the daily cliff diving ceremony and reenactment.

Maui’s lush natural beauty makes it the perfect place to spend plenty of time outdoors, especially on hiking trails that carry you deep into the jungle, rainforest and volcanic areas that offer sweeping panoramic views of the island.

Visit Haleakalā National Park (we recommend doing a Haleakalā Maui Sunset Dinner Twilight Tour) to witness Maui’s tallest point at the breathtaking Haleakalā Volcano. You’ll hike past otherworldly landscapes carved and transformed by lava and ancient eruptions on the way. Waiʻānapanapa State Park features miles of forested trails to explore Hawai'ian landscapes.

Another great location is Waihe'e Ridge Trail, a 4-mile trail with plenty of challenges for willing hikers who want to enjoy one of the island’s most popular routes. Amazing views over the ridge look down into green-blanketed valleys and lush rainforests below in the West Maui Forest Reserve. Or, join a Maui Jungle Waterfall Adventure to jump off cliffs into crystal-clear pools and explore lush jungle trails.

The Road to Hana is famous as one of the world’s most scenic highways, leading through a more rural side of Maui on the western side. Pristine, unspoiled landscapes line the highway on both sides as you approach the coast with unique rock formations, beaches, natural pools, rainforests and places of cultural significance along the way. Take the Road to Hana Tour from Kahului to experience this scenic drive with a knowledgeable guide.

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Maui is home to incredible hotels, resorts and charming accommodations that perfectly showcase the spirit of aloha the Hawai’ian islands are known for in stylish, luxurious settings. If you’re looking for the best hotels on Maui, you can’t go wrong when you choose one of the resorts below.

Wailea Beach Resort Marriott is an award-winning resort sitting on 22 oceanfront acres of manicured tropical gardens and top-notch facilities. From the heated outdoor pool with water slides and private beach to cabanas and hot tubs, relaxation in paradise is always within reach. Launch a provided boat from the dock, go for a stroll along the garden paths and fall into a comfortable bed in a luxurious room at the end of the day.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua feels like a spa with its calming atmosphere, neutral color scheme and plush, welcoming rooms. Recreation is never far away with tennis, pickleball and basketball courts on the grounds and the gleaming Pacific Ocean just steps away. With an award-winning multi-tiered pool, lounge in a cabana or daybed while you sip fruity cocktails and take in ocean views. Posh rooms are outfitted with balconies and sophisticated decor to encourage you to treat yourself in Maui.

Come as a couple, group or bring the whole crew to Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort for a family-friendly getaway with just the right level of high-end amenities to make it something special. The tropical grounds feature ponds, waterfalls, gardens and a mini water park on 40 acres by the ocean. Evening luaus provide classic entertainment and food with plenty of activities for kids and adults to enjoy.

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is in one of the best locations on Maui, close to the historic Black Rock site with ceremonial cliff-diving traditions performed nightly at sunset. On the northern end of Ka’anapali Beach, the hotel feels exclusive and luxurious with a private beach area, pools, hot tubs and cabanas to enjoy the ocean breeze. With onsite dining and recreation like snorkeling and tennis, bring the family to this Maui paradise.

Overlooking Mokapu Beach the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is on the southern end of Maui and is one of the top-rated hotels on the island with an upscale atmosphere for an opulent vacation. Upgrade to a private villa or enjoy a plush room overlooking the beach with tiered infinity pools sharing the view. Recreation rentals are available, while onsite restaurants, a sauna and steam room help you unwind in true sophistication in the heart of Maui’s upscale sector.

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Maui’s range of restaurants make it a foodie paradise with abundant options hailing from Hawai’ian traditions and global cuisines. Discover the best dining spots around the island, from the best restaurants in Ka’anapali to Wailea. These are the top 5 places to eat on Maui.

A taste of Hawai’i with modern twists and fusion ingredients makes Gather a must-visit when traveling to Maui. Outdoor and indoor dining options provide views of the nearby golf course, best enjoyed over a plate of freshly grilled meats and seafood or poke bowls with innovative sauces and local ingredients, like coconut and ginger. Dessert is highly-regarded at Gather and live music provides excellent entertainment for a special night out.

Located in the Ritz-Carlton, Banyan Tree is hailed as one of the top dining destinations on Maui with a fine dining atmosphere and innovative dishes created with hyper-local ingredients. The restaurant’s garden supplies fresh vegetables and fruit, while the upscale ambiance ensures a memorable dining experience that’s even better with panoramic ocean views.

Andaz Maui’s most renowned restaurant, Ka'ana Kitchen, prioritizes the Hawai’ian way by focusing on farm-to-table offerings and a culture of sharing (the name means “to share”). From its open kitchen to its revolving-door seasonal menu with the freshest local ingredients, you’ll find the atmosphere welcoming with delectable seafood, grilled meats and salads to fill your belly with all things good.

Leilani's on the Beach is a trendy eatery serving classic Maui dishes, including fresh seafood offerings and fare “From the ‘Āina” (land). Upscale enough to impress the most distinguished guest but relaxed enough to be a special treat after a day at the beach, the ocean views and modern decor lend Leilani’s an edge among the vast array of Lahaina dining spots.

Situated on the Pacific with a commitment to farm-to-table organic ingredients, Merriman's Kapalua is an award-winning fine dining destination with highly-anticipated nightly specials and an incredible raw bar. Chef Peter pioneered the farm-to-table concept and hand-selects locally caught and grown ingredients for the highest quality. The setting at Kapalua Resort is elegant and excellent for special occasions.

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It’s no secret that Maui is one of the best places in the world to snap incredible photos, but the best photography spots are worth seeking out. From iconic beach shots to historic locations that beg to be captured, you’ll be able to take great photos from these locations.

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As the second-largest island in the Hawai’ian archipelago, Maui’s impressive size makes it possible to take day trips on and off-island. Venture to nearby Lāna'i, O’ahu or stay on Maui to tour a tropical plantation spanning over 1,800 acres.

Nearby Lāna'i Island is a short 1-hour and 10-minute ferry ride away from Maui and its unspoiled lands still dedicated to sugar plantations and 4WD trails makes it an ideal spot for a day trip. With some of the best snorkeling and diving in Hawai’i, come swim with dolphins, whale watch and explore colorful coral reefs. Tour Keahiakawelo, the otherworldly Garden of the Gods and enjoy food from small-but-charming eateries on the island before returning to Maui.

For history buffs and anyone who wants to explore a little of neighboring O’ahu when traveling to Maui, the best option is a Day Trip from Maui to O'ahu and Pearl Harbor. Board an inter-island flight out of Kahului to reach O’ahu’s capital, Honolulu, for a comprehensive Pearl Harbor WWII tour. Tour the site of the infamous attack, visit the USS Battleship Missouri and view the somber Arizona Memorial. The tour includes a portion in downtown Honolulu for food and shopping.

Even if agriculture doesn’t interest you, Maui Tropical Plantation is an excellent place to spend a day in the lush beauty of West Maui amid dozens of plantations, fruit crops and adventurous activities. From full plantation tours aboard the Tropical Express to zip-lining through the mountains, you’ll see where pineapples, coconuts, mangoes, papaya, coffee and macadamia nuts are grown in the rich, volcanic soils of Maui. Live demonstrations and farmer’s market shopping make this the perfect way to spend a day off the beach.

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Visiting Maui might seem like an unavoidable splurge, but you can easily do it on a budget when you know a few money-saving tips and tricks.

Here are a few ways to cut costs without sacrificing fun on your trip:

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Maui trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.