Maui Activities Guide

The Best Things To Do in Maui

Maui consistently ranks as one of the best islands in the world for a reason — it packs an extraordinary variety of experiences into a relatively compact footprint. You can watch the sunrise from the summit of a 10,000-foot volcanic crater, snorkel among sea turtles and colorful reef fish, drive one of the world's most scenic coastal roads, and enjoy a James Beard Award-winning dinner — all in the same day.

Staying at Wailea puts you within easy reach of all of it. Here's your comprehensive guide to the best activities in and around South Maui.

🌊 Water Activities

Snorkeling Molokini Crater

Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater about 3 miles off the coast of Wailea — and one of the premier snorkeling destinations in all of Hawaii. The sheltered crescent protects calm, ultra-clear water with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. Inside the crater, you'll find over 250 species of tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. Most tours depart from Maalea Harbor or Kihei Boat Ramp, both under 20 minutes from Wailea.

Turtle Town Snorkeling

Located along the rocky lava coastline near Maluaka Beach (a short drive from Wailea), "Turtle Town" is exactly what it sounds like — a snorkeling hotspot famous for encounters with Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). These protected animals are remarkably tolerant of careful snorkelers and often glide right past you. You can snorkel independently from the beach, or join a guided tour that combines Turtle Town with Molokini.

Whale Watching (December – April)

Each winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to the warm shallow waters of the Maui channel — the "Au'Au Channel" between Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i — to breed and give birth. Watching a 40-ton humpback breach from the deck of a boat is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences on earth. Many boats depart from Maalea Harbor, with cruises running 2–3 hours.

Surfing & Stand-Up Paddleboarding

South Maui has several excellent surf breaks suitable for beginners. The gentle rollers at Cove Beach Park in Kihei are ideal for first-timers, while experienced surfers will find more challenging breaks at Hookipa on the North Shore. Stand-up paddleboarding is popular in the calm waters off Wailea Beach — gear is available at several beachside vendors.

🏔️ Land & Adventure Activities

Road to Hana

The Hana Highway (Highway 360) is one of the most celebrated scenic drives in the world. The 52-mile journey from Kahului to Hana unfolds through a landscape of lush rainforest, towering sea cliffs, dozens of one-lane bridges, and roadside waterfalls. Highlights include Twin Falls, Garden of Eden, Wai'anapanapa State Park (famous for its black sand beach), and the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch. Allow a full day — ideally 8–10 hours — and start early.

Haleakalā Sunrise

Rising to 10,023 feet above sea level, Haleakalā ("House of the Sun") is a massive shield volcano that dominates Maui's skyline. Watching the sunrise from the summit crater is a bucket-list experience — as the sky transitions from inky black to rose gold to brilliant blue, you'll find yourself standing above the clouds, surrounded by alien-looking silversword plants. Reservations for the sunrise are required through the National Park Service and fill up weeks in advance.

Hiking in Maui

Maui's trails range from gentle coastal walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Highlights include the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park (2-mile path through bamboo forest to a 400-foot waterfall), the Lahaina Pali Trail (5-mile ridgeline hike with panoramic ocean views), and the Waihee Ridge Trail (excellent views of windward Maui from the West Maui Mountains). Closer to Wailea, the paved Wailea Beach Walk is a pleasant 1.5-mile oceanside stroll.

🏖️ Best Beaches Near Wailea

Wailea and South Maui are home to some of the finest beaches in Hawaii. All beaches in Hawaii are public, though resort hotels may control access to beach chairs and umbrellas.

🍽️ Dining in Wailea & South Maui

Wailea's restaurant scene is genuinely world-class. Whether you're after a casual fish taco lunch at the beach or an elaborate tasting menu overlooking the ocean, you'll find it here. A few standouts:

• Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante (Four Seasons) — Legendary oceanfront Italian dining. Sunsets here are unforgettable. Reserve well in advance.
• Spago (Four Seasons) — Wolfgang Puck's Hawaii outpost. Creative California-meets-Hawaiian cuisine. One of Maui's finest tables.
• Morimoto Maui (Andaz) — Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's oceanfront restaurant. Exceptional sashimi and inventive Japanese-American fusion.
• Lineage (Wailea Gateway) — A love letter to Hawaii's plantation-era food traditions. Chef Sheldon Simeon's (Top Chef alumni) best work. Book early.
• Monkeypod Kitchen (Wailea Gateway) — Lively, fun, wood-fired pizza and fresh fish in a casual atmosphere. Family-friendly. Great cocktails.
• Nalu's South Shore Grill — Local-style plate lunches, fresh poke, and cold drinks in a casual open-air setting. Great value.
• Kō Restaurant (Fairmont Kea Lani) — Celebrates Hawaii's plantation heritage with dishes from Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Chinese influences.