Explore Maui: Snorkeling, Sunrise Views, Hidden Beaches & Local Food

There’s a reason Maui is one of the most beloved islands in Hawaii. Golden beaches, crystal-clear water, lush mountains, world-class snorkeling, and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in the islands. After exploring Maui many times, we’ve put together a guide filled with our favorite beaches, fun outdoor activities, and must-try restaurants to help you plan the perfect trip. Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on soft-sand shorelines, paddling over vibrant reefs, hiking through tropical forests, or tasting the freshest seafood on the island, this guide highlights everything that makes Maui unforgettable. Keep reading for our top recommendations on how to explore Maui by region, plus helpful tips to make the most of your time in paradise.

Things to Know Before You Go

Best time to Visit

Maui is warm and sunny year-round, but the best times to visit are April to June and September to November. These months offer great weather, fewer crowds, and better prices on flights and accommodations. Winter (December to March) brings larger crowds and higher rates, but it’s also the best time for whale watching. Summer is a popular time for families, so expect beaches and parking lots to fill quickly.

How to Get Around

The easiest way to explore is by rental car. Maui’s sights and beaches are spread out, and many of the best spots, like Makena Beach, Upcountry, or West Maui aren’t easily reached by public transportation. If you plan a Haleakalā sunrise, you’ll need a reservation and a car with good headlights for the early morning drive. Book your rental car early, especially during holidays (spring break) or peak months. Also to note, there’s limited parking at the more popular beaches we share below.

Pro Tip: Once you arrive, especially if you’re staying in a condo or Airbnb, it’s best to stop at the Costco. It is conveniently located near the airport, which makes this a no-brainer. We always make it a habit to stop and grab snacks, wine, beach towels and sunscreen. We always look for the Reef safe options & would recommend you do the same. Also, stop here to fill up on gas before you return your rental car, or if you’re heading to Hana.

Maui’s Regions

Maui is easy to navigate once you know the feel of each area:

South Maui (Kihei & Wailea) — Sunny, beachy, and relaxed. This is where we like to stay, and its home to soft-sand beaches like Makena, Po‘Olenalena, and Ulua for snorkeling. Great for swimming, paddleboarding, and easy-access sunsets.
West Maui (Lahaina, Ka‘anapali, Kapalua) — A mix of resorts, shopping, and beautiful beaches like Ka‘anapali’s Black Rock and Kapalua Bay. Expect more crowds and busier roads, especially during peak travel seasons.
North Shore / Paia — Laid-back and artsy with strong surf, cool boutiques, and local food spots. Baldwin Beach and Ho‘okipa are great for watching surfers and turtles.
Upcountry Maui (Kula, Makawao, Haleakalā) — Cooler temperatures, rolling farms, and the gateway to Haleakalā National Park. Perfect for sunrise views, farm tours, and a change of scenery from the beach.
East Maui (Road to Hana) — Lush and scenic with waterfalls, bamboo forests, and windy roads. Beautiful but remote. The Road to Hana is only worth doing if you’re ready to spend the entire day driving with occasional stops. It’s long, slow-moving, and not ideal for quick sightseeing.

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What to Pack

Packing for Maui is all about keeping things light, comfortable, and beach ready. Here are the swimsuits, cover-ups, beach bags, and other essentials we always bring on our Hawaii vacations.

Beach Essentials

Swimsuits — Her – Monday Swimwear bikinis (sorrento top & byron bottom or palma top & seychelles bottom) / Him – Amazon Essentials 7in Swim Trunks.
Cover-ups — Her – sarong or white linen shirt / Him – men’s Madewell tank top or Vuori t-shirt.
Beach bag — the Aloha Collection tote bag is perfect, its splash-proof, durable, cleans up easily and lies flat for easy storage in your suitcase.
Reef-safe sunscreen — we typically buy this in Hawaii at the Costco or at one of the many ABC Stores.
Sandals — Her – Birkenstocks / Him – Indosole.
Water bottle — Yeti 36oz insulated water bottles, we pack them full of ice and water. Perfect for staying hydrated and keeping your water cool all day.
Sunglasses — Ray Ban Sunglasses (Hers) /(His).

Clothing & Extras

Lightweight jacket for Haleakalā sunrise — Her – Lululemon Pack It Down Jacket / Him – Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket.
Work out or hiking gear — Her – Vuori Tank & Shorts + Nike Shoes / Him – Lululemon Shirt & Short + Allbird Shoes
Out to dinner outfits — Her – Beyond Yoga Font Twist Dress, Linen Shorts & Tank / Him – Madwell Johnny-Collar Polo & Linen Shorts.
Light layers for breezy nights — Her – Levi’s Denim Jacket / Him – Lululemon Long Sleeve.

Hers: Sunglasses, Sarong, Nike Shoes, Birkenstocks, Bikini Top / Bottom, Hair Clip

His: Sunglasses, Tank, Swim Trunks, Allbird Shoes, Sandals

Extras: Small Pouch, Tote Bag, Yeti 36oz, Face Sunscreen, Reef Safe Sunscreen

With the basics covered, it’s time to explore Maui’s real highlight: its beaches. Here are our favorite places to swim, snorkel, and relax across the island.

Favorite Local Beaches in Maui

Makena Beach — one of our favorite beaches, it’s a long beautiful and spacious beach. The perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, volleyball or enjoying a picnic. Note: this beach is located within the Makena State Park, so parking is limited and you do have to pay. However, there is street parking available if you prefer.
Po‘Olenalena Beach — a secluded local beach that feels a little more hidden and private than your typical Kihei beaches. It’s great for swimming, awesome waves at times which are great for boogie boarding. We’ve spotted turtles here before, swimming past us without a care.
Ulua Beach — well know and perfect for swimming and snorkeling, you’ll see a variety of really cool fish and if you’re lucky hopefully some turtles or an octopus.
Lipoa Street Beach — a local recommendation. It’s said to be great for watching the sunset and you can usually find turtles resting on the shore.
Ho‘okipa Beach — located up north near Paia, there’s a lookout and beach park. A great spot for seeing lots of turtles resting on the beach, you’ll also typically see quite a few surfers, depending on the season.
Black Sand Beach — on the road to Hana, located within the Waiʻānapanapa State Park. This black sand beach features a lava tube and the contrast between the black sand and aqua blue water surrounded by palm trees is unlike any other. You need reservations for a specific date and time, so make sure to book in advance.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach — if you’ve made your way to Hana then this is a must stop, especially if you didn’t get the chance to stop at the black sand beach. It’s a light ‘hike’ or steep walk to get to the alcove but definitely worth it. The red sand surrounded by gorgeous turquoise blue water is stunning and something you must experience for yourself. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Ka‘anapali Black Rock Beach — located in northern Lahaina. A long stretch of beach leading up to the black rock area, lined with hotels (Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, etc.) so it’s a bit more touristy. Parking is limited and unless you’re staying at one of these hotels, it’s only really available at Whaler’s Village so expect to pay. The water is fairly tame here, making it a great place for swimming and snorkeling. The black rocks are iconic for people watching as many kids, teens and parents-alike are all jumping from them.

When you’re ready to trade beach time for a little more adventure, Maui has plenty to offer. Here are the top activities worth adding to your itinerary.

Island Adventures Beyond the Beach

Haleakalā National Park — we came for sunrise our first morning. It works out great since you haven’t quite acclimated to the time change yet. We left our hotel in the Kihei area around 3:30am to arrive in time. Note: there are tourist buses and they only sell so many tickets for sunrise, so you definitely want to book in advance. We would love to come back for a sunset and experience that on our next trip.
Snorkeling — you can rent gear from any Snorkel Bob’s location. They offer rentals for the day or for a full week. Definitely check out Ulua Beach – the waters here are calm making it easy to get in-and-out of the water.
Stand Up Paddleboarding — a fun way to spend the morning. We went with a guide who took us to a great spot, thankfully the water was calm the morning we went out. We were able to see turtles, fish, and he shared his knowledge with us about local plants, animals, bugs, etc.
Horseback Riding — we went with Circle M Ranch, the ocean views while riding were incredible, but it felt a bit shorter than I’d hoped. It was a fun way to spend a couple of hours. I’d love to go again, but perhaps somewhere new to try out a different experience.
Ziplining — ziplining in Maui is special because you get lush tropical scenery, elevated views, and a mix of jungle canopy and open ridgelines that you won’t find on many other islands.
Hiking — there are tons of places to hike on Maui, if you’ve made the road to Hana then you can’t miss the Pipiwai Trail for a walk through the bamboo forests and waterfall views. I haven’t been but next time I’d love to check out ʻĪao Valley State Monument, there are supposed to be some good trails and all-around gorgeous views. Waiheʻe Ridge Trail Summit is another popular hiking area, known for breathtaking views, we’ve heard that people encounter rain and a cloud cover at the peak, so you’ll want to come prepared.

Once you’ve wrapped up a day of adventures, it’s time to enjoy one of the best parts of visiting Maui—the food.

Where to Eat in Maui: Our Favorite Restaurants by Area

Lahaina

Star Noodle — this has quickly become one of our favorite places to grab dinner in the Lahaina area. Family style Asian inspired dishes and so many options that you can try something new each time you go.

North Shore / Paia

Mama’s Fish House — this place has quite the following, and for good reason. Fun cocktails, fresh seafood and view that can’t be beat. Parking is limited and valet only, so you definitely need a reservation. Make sure to book a few weeks in advance for this one. If you want to try something a bit unique and delicious opt for the crispy fish collars, and their Hawaiian kanpachi with crab and lobster in a macadamia nut crust. Yum!
Paia Bay Coffee & Bar — apparently this place is a bar with karaoke at night. I’ve only been during lunch and both times it was great. They serve brunch loco moco, kimchi fried rice plates and have a banh mi burger that’s incredible.
Roselani Scoop Shop — you’ll likely see this ice cream featured on menus or in grocery stores throughout the island. It’s locally sourced and made in Maui, they have a lot of fun flavors, and we always enjoy supporting local companies whenever we can. Plus, it’s really good!
Maui’s Specialty Chocolates — handcrafted family-run chocolate shop with a variety of milk and dark chocolate options. You can also find freshly made mochi, featuring flavors like peanut butter milk chocolate. These make for great treats to enjoy throughout your trip or as a nice souvenir for friends or family.

Kihei Area

Da Kitchen — offering casual local Hawaiian plate style meals, you definitely want to come hungry. Known for their large portions of shrimp tempura, chicken teriyaki or katsu, this place has you covered.
Pho Noodle Bar — A family-owned restaurant originating in Lahaina but relocated to Kihei after the fires. If you’re looking for something other than your typically Hawaiian or sushi restaurant, then head to this Vietnamese spot.
Miso Phat Sushi — a casual sushi spot offering a variety of fresh rolls, sashimi, nigiri or poke bowls for whatever mood you’re in. This place always seems to be busy with takeout orders and a line for dine in.
Paia Fish Market South Side — we love the outdoor seating picnic benches, the fresh fish tacos and laid-back vibes. Make sure to grab lunch here on your way to the beach.
Burger Boys Hawaii — located in the Kihei food truck area, serving up farm-to-table locally sourced Wagyu and locally baked buns, along with Hawaiian fruits and produce. The smash burgers are an awesome quick and easy lunch or dinner if you want a more casual laid-back meal.
South Maui Fish Company — a great spot for food truck poke bowls, you can eat at their outdoor picnic tables or take it on the go but definitely don’t miss this spot.
Kihei Caffe — two locations within the Kihei area, both with outdoor patio seating options serving some of the best local breakfast favorites — think Loco Moco, pork fried rice with eggs, or an acai bowl if you’d prefer something lighter.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice — a somewhat famously know shave ice spot. They have a few fan-favorite combos, or you can pick from any of the flavors listed on their menu and make up your own. We typically split a small (kiki) size of the ‘No Ka Oi’ (mango, coconut, passion fruit) and add on the ice cream. It’s a great afternoon treat or way to beat the heat after a long day at the pool or beach.
Sugar Beach Bake Shop — a local favorite, if you have something specific in mind, make sure to arrive early as they sell out quickly. The Malasadas are a must try, with so many fun and unique flavors. Alternatively, they have anything from sweet breads to cinnamon rolls, muffins or quiches and it’s all equally delicious!
Maui Bread Company — featuring two fusion bread options, the Hawaiian Artisan Bread and the German Artisan bread. Additionally, you can find gluten free and vegan friendly options along with a selection of sweet and savory breakfast treats.
Cinnamon Roll Place — a specialty bakery, don’t let the name fool you they serve more than just cinnamon rolls and it’s worth checking out.
Foodland — a great grocery store featuring tons of local Hawaiian foods and snacks. You can’t really go wrong here, we love to grab fresh Poke, musubi, & fruit before we hit the beaches in Wailea. Perfect place to grab a variety of snacks for an afternoon picnic, don’t forget a cooler especially if you pick up poke and beverages.

Wailea Area

Lineage — craving a casual family style meal, this restaurant features Filipino & Hawaiian family recipes. It has quickly become one of our favorites — be sure to try the Korean fried chicken and the Cantonese lobster noodles, we also loved their fish from local waters and crispy cauliflower if you prefer something lighter.
Gather on Maui — located at the Wailea Golf Course, serving upscale Hawaiian food, amazing outdoor seating, make sure to grab reservations during sunset.
Morimoto Maui — an incredible beach front Japanese restaurant located within the Andaz Maui Wailea Resort. They serve sushi (try the omakase) and have plenty of other options if that’s more your style.
Tikehau Lounge — a fun tiki style cocktail bar with some great Hawaiian food options.
Monkeypod kitchen by Merriman – Wailea — a laid-back farm-to-table restaurant and bar serving everything from Hawaiian food to hand-tossed pizzas. Also, a great spot to stop in for cocktails between shopping or adventuring.
Island Vintage Coffee Wailea — great for a quick on-the-go snack, love their acai bowls and breakfast bagels.

Places We Want to Try Next Time

Nobu Grand Wailea — located at the Grand Wailea. If it’s anything like their other locations, then the food is incredible with views to match.
DUO Steak & Seafood — located within Four Seasons Resort in Wailea, this is a high-end steakhouse. Who doesn’t love a good surf & turf option?!
KOAST — award winning chef creating thoughtful dishes honoring Hawaii’s cuisine, praised for their ambiance and attention to detail.
Oao – Sushi Bar & Grill at Wailea — a casual local recommendation, serving fresh sushi.
Maui Matcha — located within the Wailea upscale outdoor shopping area serving creative and fun matcha flavor combinations.
Cafe O’Lei Kihei — a local recommended this place, it’s a casual restaurant that serves up Hawaiian food. Was recommended the seared Ahi sandwich, so that will definitely be on our list for the next visit.
Nylos Restaurant — a family run, fine dining restaurant only offering a 6-course, pre-fixe tasting menu. This restaurant has received an incredible amount or recognition and awards. Reservations are required because of its intimate setting.
Hali’imaile General Store — known for featuring Hawaiian cuisine and its pineapple plantation-styled setting.
Mala Ocean Tavern — known for beach front views and fresh fish with a Mediterranean twist.
Japengo — located within the Hyatt Regency in Lahaina, with an incredible outdoor patio. The menu definitely leans more Asian inspired and I’m excited to check it out — the pork belly bao buns, Korean seafood pancake and seared Hawaiian Kajaki carpaccio, all caught my eye.