Maui

Hawaii's second island: resort sand, wild coast, and a volcano above it.

Wailea and Kāʻanapali are the easy, groomed beaches. Mākena is the undeveloped stretch. The Road to Hāna is the other Maui, and Haleakalā is the cold summit that is not a beach day. Pick two.

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Location

20.80° N, 156.33° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

April–June, September–November

Trip planner

A Maui itinerary

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Field guide

South Maui is the calm, family water. West Maui is the sunset strip. The rest of the island is wind, lava, and roads that take longer than the map.

Beaches

Wailea is polished. Kāʻanapali is busy and swimmable. Mākena State Park is the open sand. Hoʻokipa is for watching windsurfers, not for a mellow swim. Black sand at Waiʻānapanapa is a Hāna-day stop, not a base.

Ocean sense

Hawaiian shore break knocks people over. If the water looks dramatic, it is. Swim at lifeguarded beaches. Honu (turtles) get space; it is the law.

Pack this in your notes

Trade winds pick up in the afternoon. Snorkel in the morning.
Haleakalā sunrise needs a reservation. It is cold.
The Road to Hāna is the journey. Do not treat every turnout as mandatory.
This is a living culture, not a set. Learn a little before you land.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Sofia R.

8/10

The water is the itinerary in Maui

A snorkel at Molokini only if the ocean is actually calm. One non-beach day: Haleakalā or Hāna, not both. In United States the color of the water does more work than any hotel list. Hawaii's second island: resort sand, wild coast, and a volcano above it.

Apr 6, 2025

Pilar V.

10/10

Maui in April–June

Mākena / Big Beach with respect for the shore break. Best window from where I sat: April–June, September–November. I would not trade this coast for a busier island.

Mar 5, 2025

Mia T.

8/10

The water is the itinerary in Maui

Wailea Beach path at a quiet hour. Mākena / Big Beach with respect for the shore break. In United States the color of the water does more work than any hotel list. Hawaii's second island: resort sand, wild coast, and a volcano above it.

Feb 4, 2025