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Header image courtesy of Karl Fredrickson (via Unsplash)
When travelling to Maui, it’s easy to settle with hanging around the beaches next to your resort with a book and a piña colada, but if you are more eager to see as much of the island as possible (and also take some insta-worthy pictures) then follow this guide through Maui and discover some amazing spots to show off your amazing vacation.
Makena is known as one of the largest, undeveloped beaches in Maui. With white sands for over two-thirds of a mile long, this beach is neatly placed between two black lava formations and provides views of the island of Molokini. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and simply enjoy mother natures creation at this breathtaking beach. If you are down for a five-minute walk to a 660-foot stretch of sand, go visit the “Little Beach” of Pu’u Olai Beach where drummers and fire dancers come alive on Sunday afternoons. Beware for the nudists though—this is one of the only beaches in Hawaii where you can sunbathe in your birthday suit.
6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, United States
This beautiful 15 acres of land near Maalaea was planted as a replacement crop for sugar cane, with the intention of being used for biofuel. If this proves to work well, then many more acres of sunflowers will be planted across Maui. Bring your friends and family to this field of yellow and enjoy taking some amazing photos, all for a prettier and more sustainable planet.
Waikapu, 1670 Honoapiilani Highway, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States
Located in Haleakala national park, this crater is the perfect place to visit during sunset (honestly any time in the day is good). This national park covers the summit area of the two volcanic mountains that create Maui. Keep in mind if you do want to take this picturesque photo, you need to reserve a spot at least a day before—which will allow you to enter from 3:00 am to 7:00 am to view the sunrise.
Haleakalā, Hawaii 96790, United States
Home to over 55,000 lavender plants of 20 different varieties, this farm is the perfect spot to not only see some beautiful nature but also support a local business. Even though lavender is not native to Maui, it has beautifully acclimated with the land and blooms year-round due to its Mediterranean climate. So pay the US$3 admission and enjoy wandering through the gorgeous gardens.
1100 Waipoli Road, Kula, HI 96790, United States
Pipiwail is considered to be the easiest and most accessible trail, as you are able to see all of the best streams and waterfalls in the East of Maui along the way. The trail is 1.8 miles long and walks you through seven different pools and waterfalls (known as the Seven Sacred Pools).
Pipiwai Trail, Hawaii 96713, USA
The road to Hana is one of the toughest and most strenuous drives to go on in Hawaii. With the trip taking over five hours just one way, this is one of those activities that take all day. Before deciding on taking this road-trip, definitely consider all the pros and cons of going and who you are going with. If you don’t want to drive, you can also join a tour group.
One of the most underrated spots in the road to Hana is the Twin Falls (which is actually the first easily accessible string of pools.) If you are okay with walking a mile into the “left fork” aka the Ho’olawa li’ili’i falls, you will be able to take some of the coolest photos of you either standing or swinging.
6300 Hana Highway, Haiku, HI 96708, United States
Ranked as one of the best beaches in Maui, Hamoa is surrounded by cliffs and is a perfect spot to take some Instagram-worthy pictures. If you are more a photographer then model, go ahead and come to this beach to take some sick shots of surfers riding some amazingly powerful waves. So come here and enjoy some beautiful views on a beach that is also great to walk through.
Hāmoa Beach, Hawaii 96713, United States
Iao Valley State Park is one of the most talked-about spots on basically any Maui guide for good reason—not only is it easily accessible for all ages but it is also extremely scenic. The main spot to check out is the Iao needle (Kuka’emoku) which is the high peak created by erosion. Not only was this place a sacred spot for the Kapu, it also holds historical relevance as the spot of an important battle in Hawaiian history.
54 S High Street, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States
This spot is rather underrated but is definitely worth coming to during sunset—the lighthouse was the first one to be built in Hawaii and has turned into one of the most popular spots in West Maui to enjoy ocean activities like whale watching, sailing, parasailing, and much more.
37 Canal Street, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States
Being the prime attraction at Nakalele Point, its important to be cautious when viewing this amazing natural wonder. Keep your distance from the “blast zone” and make sure to check for the tide forecast and also other safety precautions. While you are at Nakalele, you can also check out the Light Beacon, Tidepools, and Acid War zone for other amazing spots for some killer photos.
Poelua Bay, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States
Growing up in Hong Kong, Rosamond is a recent high school graduate who is in the middle of her gap year. She has always been interested in capturing little moments and stories in the places she goes to. Whether it’s her love for film photography or her obsession with making playlists, you will always see Roz with a camera around her neck and lo-fi bops playing on her headphones. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
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