The island of Maui is one of the best islands under the sun. If you’re planning a trip to this island, some of the best places to visit in Maui should be at the top of your bucket list.
Best Places to Visit in Maui
Here are four of the best places to visit in Maui:
1. Haleakala National Park
The famous Haleakala National Park is one of the best places to visit in Maui. If you really want to see what a dormant volcano looks like, here’s your chance! The Haleakala Park sits on the slope of the dormant 10,023-foot Haleakala Volcano, which spreads across areas from the summit down to the ocean. Tourists get the chance to see the dormant crater, and right from the top, you can see gorgeous views of various sceneries across the island. You also get the chance to watch the sunrise when you visit this spot.
Although the top of the mountain seems to be the most attractive spot, the ride up there is also full of sights to see. Several worthy spots you’ll see on your way up the mountain include Makahika and Waimoku Waterfalls, Seven Sacred Pools of the Oheo Ravine, and the Hosmer Grove.
2. Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach
The island of Maui is one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. The Lahaina and Kaanapali beach is one of the many reasons for that. The three-mile-long beach spreads across western Maui, and it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The beach also houses some of Maui’s best resorts and hotels. This is one of the reasons this beach is thriving with tons of activities.
The best part is there’s never a dull moment on this beach – you can do tons of things to have fun. You can sit back and watch the daily cliff-diving ceremony from Puu Kekaa, also known as Black Rock. Other sights include traditional Hawaiian entertainment and a whaling museum.
You can enjoy tasty foods from various restaurants, take part in world-class golf, go shopping, and visit Whalers Village, well-known for its open-air shopping center with several stores and dining options. You can add this beach to the list of things to do on a Maui family vacation.
3. Iao Valley State Monument
If you’re curious to see how Hawaiians undertake the pilgrimage to honor their gods, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the Iao Valley. You can navigate several paths from the parking area to this gorgeous valley that lies west of Wailuku. Though this is a well-known spot for tourists, some parts of it could be temporarily closed as a result of flooding and other weather-related concerns.
Once you’re in this valley, it’s easy to spot the lao Needle – it’s a pointed rock that’s 2,215 feet above sea level. Legend has it that this rock was once an altar in a prehistoric era. No doubt, the Iao Valley State Monument is a popular place to visit while in Maui.
4. Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is one of the best places to visit on the island. This attractive spot is home to a wide collection of Hawaiian reef fish, stingrays, green turtles, and corals in a series of beautifully designed aquariums. One of the most attractive spots in the Maui Ocean Center is a glass tunnel that runs through a shark and ray tank, which allows visitors to watch and admire the beautiful aquatic creatures that surround them.
Other things on display include the life cycle of the humpback whales – known for migrating to Hawaii from December to March. Also, visitors get the chance to see how the Polynesians, who once settled in Hawaii, made the most of the ocean. If you love artworks, the Maui Ocean Center has several original arts on display.