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As a born and raised Hawaii resident, navigating the beauty of Maui has been both a privilege and a joy.
While serving as a tour guide for loved ones who’ve visited, I’ve crafted a list of must-see attractions and identified spots that don’t live up to the hype or, in some cases, may even pose risks.
So, consider this list a local perspective on the best ways to appreciate Maui’s wonders — and which places or activities might be worth skipping.
Experience an authentic luau in Lahaina
A luau provides a glimpse into Polynesian culture through traditional cuisine, music, dance, and insightful education on history and cultural practices.
The award-winning Old Lahaina Luau has always been a personal favorite. Although the property sustained fire damage, it has since reopened and continues to welcome guests with its renowned spirit of aloha.
Let the luau staff and performers — many of whom are longtime Lahaina residents — transport the audience back in time to ancient Hawaii with the Pacific Ocean as a serene backdrop.
The evening includes a captivating performance paired with a multicourse meal with dishes like locally sourced ʻulu (breadfruit) hummus, kalua pork cooked in an imu (traditional Hawaiian underground oven), and fresh-caught fish.
Explore rare landscapes and vegetation at Haleakala National Park
One of my favorite activities while growing up on Maui was spontaneously driving up to Haleakala National Park (home to the island’s dormant volcano) to watch the sunrise.
The park is a great spot for a sunset or a daytime hike, whether you want to try a short walk to a viewpoint or a full-day hike into the crater.
Drink in the sunset and cocktails at Ocean Organic Vodka
Nestled on the slopes of Haleakala is an 80-acre organic farm and distillery that produces Ocean Organic Vodka and other liquor, including my personal favorite, Kula Rum.
Guests can take a guided tour of the farm and distillery that’s followed by a tasting.
Alternatively, head straight to the al fresco Cafe at The Point to enjoy dishes like poke nachos, teriyaki chicken sandwich, and an array of cocktails. With its panoramic views of the Maui landscape, this is the perfect place to catch a sunset.
Connect with the local community at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is a venue for education and entertainment, including performances of Hawaiian music and dance as well as cultural programs and gallery exhibitions.
Some standout events include the annual Slack Key Guitar Festival, with live music, and the Maui Brewers Festival, with beer and food tastings.
Plus, there are shows by renowned musicians, comedians, and much more all year round.
Have family-friendly fun at the Twin Falls
This leisurely hike through Wailele Farm includes various waterfalls and fresh-water pools that are fun for all ages to swim in.
The path to the upper falls is only about a mile roundtrip and is an ideal place to immerse yourself in some of Hawaii’s natural wonders.
The family-owned-and-operated farm also grows more than 350 species of tropical plants. Try a taste of fresh produce like mangoes, lilikoi (passion fruit), coconuts, and more — all of which are available for purchase at the on-property Wailele Farm Stand.
Be sure to check trail conditions before heading out, as there can be closures due to flooding.
On the other hand, don’t play in the waves at Makena State Park
Makena State Park, also known as Big Beach, is a popular spot for experienced surfers, but I don’t recommend coming here if you want to float around or go for a swim.
The shorebreak can be dangerous, and the powerful waves frequently create hazardous conditions. Although there are sometimes lifeguards on duty, even experienced swimmers can struggle to keep up in the waters here.
The waves may look fun to play in, but the risk simply isn’t worth the potential reward.
Be discerning about driving on the Road to Hana
Hana is my favorite place on Earth, but the road to get there is treacherous, with dozens of one-lane bridges and hundreds of curves, many of which are on the edge of a cliff.
This journey is not recommended for novice drivers or those who are prone to getting carsick. Parking is also an issue, as the narrow roads don’t provide much room to pull over.
Instead of driving yourself, consider booking an official tour with a professional guide if you want to visit the Road to Hana.
It’s better to view the Nakalele Blowhole from a distance
The Nakalele Blowhole is a natural wonder that’s caused by ocean waves shooting through an underwater lava tube to create a geyser-like spout.
It’s certainly a sight to behold, but witnessing it up close requires hiking across rocky terrain. This can be dangerous if you have children or other curious souls who could venture too close and slip on the rocks or (worst case scenario) get sucked in.
Instead, consider just enjoying the sprays of water from a distance.
A hike on Waihee Ridge Trail can be great, but only in the right conditions
The Waihee Ridge Trail is stunning but fickle. The trail typically has one of two extremes: It’s either hot and sunny with minimal shade or covered in slippery mud on a steep slope with no views from the top due to thick clouds.
Even my friend who’s an avid hiker wasn’t inclined to hit the Waihee Ridge Trail when they visited.
It’s really only worth going on this hike if you go early in the morning on a day with great weather. Otherwise, your trek may be a lot more taxing than it might be worth in the end.
Leave jumping off Black Rock to professional cliff divers
At the north end of Kaanapali Beach stands Black Rock, which is a popular cliff-jumping spot about a dozen feet (or more in some places) above the water.
It’s frequented by locals as well as hotel employees who light torches along the rocks before diving into the water at sunset most evenings.
However, cliff diving can be extremely dangerous, especially when done without proper precautions, supervision, or prep.
Even if you don’t get seriously hurt, it’s still painful if you hit the water wrong, and you’re sure to hear commiserating cries from onlookers — something I know from personal experience.
There are also strong currents around Black Rock, so please carefully consider entering the water.
