Maui is a dream destination for many thanks to its gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes and an endless amount of unique experiences on offer. If you’re currently planning your Maui itinerary and wondering what should be included on your Maui bucket list, this post is for you!
Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, the island of Maui has no shortage of exciting activities to choose from. It’s likely that you won’t have time to tick off all 35 of these fun things to do in Maui but one thing is certain: your Hawaiian holiday will be far from boring.
Just imagine yourself swimming with sea turtles, spotting humpback whales breaching before your eyes, strolling through the white sands of a gorgeous palm-lined beach and watching the sunset from the top of a volcano – all in the space of a day. These are just a few of the amazing things that deserve a place on your Maui bucket list!
So keep reading to uncover all of the bucket list worthy activities that Maui has to offer, learn some insider tips about each one and start planning your dream Hawaiian escape!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Maui Bucket List – 35 Iconic Things to do in Maui
Swimming with sea turtles in Maui is a real bucket list moment!
Adventurous Outdoor Bucket List Activities
Cycle Down a Volcano
Cycling down Haleakala at sunrise has gained massive popularity for those who love unique adventurous activities. Where else will you get the chance to ride down the side of a 10,023 ft volcano while watching the sun emerge over the horizon?!
Making your way to the summit of the volcano by car in the early hours of the morning, you will stay to watch as the sun makes its first appearance. Once the sun begins to rise and illuminate the crater in a magical glow, you’ll begin the epic bike ride to the base of the volcano.
The most convenient way to have this experience is to book a tour that includes everything from hotel pick up/drop off to bike rental and a professional guide.
Just don’t forget to include a warm jacket on your Maui packing list, it’s freezing up there during sunrise/sunset!
→Find prices and availability for the Haleakala Sunrise Downhill Bike Tour←
Beautiful views at the summit of Haleakala
Go Ziplining
Ziplining is a fun activity for the whole family and there are several locations on Maui where ziplining is offered. North Shore Zipline is located in Haiku on Maui’s North Shore and is considered one of the island’s top rated spots.
North Shore Zipline combines a bit of Maui’s, amazing scenery and an adrenaline rush to give you a thrilling experience you’ll never forget. Taking a zipline tour will have you soaring through the treetops of a lush tropical valley while enjoying panoramic views of the jungle and ocean.
This popular zipline tour features a series of 7 ziplines, suspension bridges and viewing platforms. The tour takes place on a historic property which once served as a Marine training base during WWII.
Taking a ziplining tour is one of the best things to do in Maui for people of all ages who are seeking a memorable adventure while surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the island.
→Find more info about prices and book your Maui Zip Line Tour here!←
Fly over the treetops on a zipline tour in Maui
Hike the Lahaina Pali Trail
This challenging hiking trail boasts sweeping views over central Maui and has a history that goes back over 200 years. Follow this scenic route that leads you up a steep trail toward the Kaheawa Wind Farm before descending down the other side of the hill. If you complete the full trail, you will end at a different location than where you started.
Instead of completing the entire hike which covers around 10 miles and takes most of the day, most people hike up to the wind farm and return to the same trailhead. I started from the eastern trailhead (near Maalaea), hiked up to the wind farm to watch the sunset and then hiked back down in the dark. It took around 3 hours to complete.
Why does the Lahaina Pali Trail deserve a place on your Maui bucket list? The scenery on this hike from start to finish is truly breathtaking, especially if you do it during sunset! Just don’t forget to bring a head torch, you’ll really need it to navigate the way back in the dark.
This was my favourite hike during my time on Maui. While it’s not an easy trail, it is 100% worth it if you’re up for a challenge. Find more info about planning this hike at the AllTrails website.
Hiking under a rainbow on the Lahaina Pali Trail
Made it to the top for sunset!
Hike the Pipiwai Trail
Located in the eastern part of Maui, the Pipiwai Trail winds through a tropical rainforest passing by impressive waterfalls, enchanting bamboo forests, and lush vegetation. The hike is considered moderate-difficult and takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
The best part of this hike is reaching Waimoku Falls at the end of the trail, a stunning 400 ft (122 meters) waterfall that plunges into a pool below. The sight of the waterfall is awe-inspiring and makes for a rewarding endpoint of the hike.
If you’re planning to drive the Road to Hana, you’ll find the trailhead along the Hana Highway about 15 minutes past the town of Hana. Due to the outstanding natural scenery, this hiking trail has become quite popular and is known to get busy.
Make an early start if you hope to have a crowd-free experience on the Pipiwai Trail. Entry fees apply due to the trail’s location within Haleakala National Park.
The jaw-dropping Waimoku Falls is a must-see on your Maui bucket list
Hike the Sliding Sands Trail
The Sliding Sands Trail in Haleakala National Park offers a hiking experience like no other, leading you into the volcano’s crater while passing by cinder cones and colourful volcanic rocks.
Beginning at the visitor center at the volcano’s summit, the trail zig zags through an otherworldly landscape and descends to the crater floor. This is one of Maui’s most beautiful hiking trails that is certain to leave a lasting memory.
The Sliding Sands Trail is considered a difficult out-and-back hike that covers 11.5 miles and takes around 7 hours to complete. There is the option to camp inside one of the cabins in the crater however this needs to be booked far ahead of time (up to 6 months in advance).
Instead of completing the entire hike when I visited Maui, I simply followed the trail for around 30 minutes to get a closer view of the cinder cones and admire the stunning scenery before returning to the visitor center in time to watch the sunset from Haleakala’s summit.
Hiking the Sliding Sands Trail will give you spectacular views into the volcano’s crater
Hike to the 3 Waterfalls at Twin Falls
The Twin Falls Hike in Maui follows an easy trail that leads you through a lush rainforest to a series of gorgeous cascading waterfalls and pools. Seeing as this hike is located along the Road to Hana, you could either include it as a stop on your drive or visit it on a separate occasion.
The hike itself is not long or difficult which makes this trail perfect for all ages and abilities. Along the hike, you will encounter three separate waterfalls. The first one is known as “Twin Falls,” which is a relatively small cascade.
Continue walking to come across a second and finally third waterfall at the end of the trail. The third waterfall, also known as Caveman Falls, is particularly scenic and features a perfect natural swimming pool which is great to hop in and cool down on a hot day.
The parking lot costs $10 and fills up very quickly so it’s best to get there early to secure a spot. There is also a food stand in the parking lot selling refreshing smoothies, fresh juices, coconuts and baked goods. Allow around 1 hour to see the three waterfalls and complete the walk.
Hop in for a swim at the stunning Caveman Falls
Food & Cultural Experiences for your Maui Bucket List
Attend a Luau
No trip to Maui is complete without attending an authentic Hawaiian luau. It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Hawaiian traditions and enjoy a night of fun, food, and entertainment.
A sunset luau on the beach is truly a magical cultural experience that everyone should have during their holiday in Maui. Throughout the evening you will enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast accompanied by exotic dancing and fire twirling performances as the sun sinks below the horizon.
One of the island’s top rated luau’s takes place on the oceanfront in Kaanapali, just 10 minutes north of Lahaina. It is a very popular event and tends to sell out, especially during high season in Maui. Be sure to book your luau tickets well in advance to secure your evening of choice and avoid disappointment.
→Find prices and availability for the Kaanapali Sunset Luau here←
Enjoy your feast with a thrilling performance at the sunset luau
Learn History at the Sugar Museum
Take a step back in time through Maui’s rich history in the sugar industry. The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is located in what used to be the largest sugarcane factory in Hawaii, the Puunene Mill. This former mill now houses the museum, offering a historical setting that adds to the immersive experience.
Visiting the Maui Sugar Museum is a must for first-time visitors to the island. It allows you to learn all about the history and significance of the sugar making industry while providing a fascinating insight into how it shaped the island. Inside the museum you will find historical artefacts, documents, pictures and even a scale model of a sugar cane crushing machine.
You can find this museum just 10 minutes from the Kahului Airport and you should allow around 45 minutes – 1 hour for a self-guided tour. A visit to the Sugar Museum is one of the best things to do in Maui and a great activity if you get stuck with a rainy day on the island.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 2pm (closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Admission: $7/adults, $5/seniors, and $2/children 6-12
Maui Sugar Museum
Taste Pineapple Wine at MauiWine
MauiWine is situated on a historic property on the slopes of Haleakala, which creates a unique microclimate that is ideal for growing grapes. The drive to the winery is very scenic boasting epic views over the rest of island, you’ll want to allow some time to stop and take it all in.
MauiWine gives visitors an opportunity to experience a wine tasting journey that showcases the local wines crafted from Maui-grown grapes. Take a seat on their outdoor patio and order a flight of wine to get a sample of each variety. If you’ve never heard of pineapple wine before, this is your chance to give it a try!
This is the perfect place to pick up a few bottles to take home so you can sip a glass of Hawaiian wine and reminisce of your time on Maui. Be sure to make a reservation online before you go to avoid waiting in a queue for a table.
The peaceful setting of MauiWine
Wine paired with snacks
Try Hawaiian Shave Ice
During your time in Maui, you’re bound to come across many shops selling Hawaiian shave ice. Stopping to indulge in shave ice is an iconic Maui experience that you really can’t miss out on.
What is shave ice, you might be wondering? Well, it’s not the same thing as a snow cone. Hawaiian shave ice is made from finely shaved ice, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. It is then generously drizzled with a variety of tropical fruit syrups, such as pineapple, coconut, passion fruit, mango etc.
With several locations throughout Maui, Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is one of the island’s most popular chains where you’ll find high-quality shave ice made from natural fruit syrups and pure cane sugar.