Wailua Falls
Maui Best Things to See
Maui Top Sights Guide (45+ Attractions)
The island of Maui has some of the most diverse scenery and attractions in the world. It's also home to the most scenic road in all of Hawaii- the Hana Highway.
This world-famous road is packed full of stops as you make your way to Hana town. Beyond Hana, there is the gorgeous Oheo Gulch (also known as the 7 Sacred Pools). Upcountry, Haleakala awaits you as one of the largest dormant volcanoes in the world. In West Maui, there is the mysterious Iao Valley nestled among the rugged West Maui Mountains.
A tour around Maui can take you from the chilly summit of Haleakala at 10,023 ft. to the warm tropical waters of Molokini island off the South Shore of Maui. Our list below covers all the best Maui sights, including all attractions categorized by region, to help you navigate the island geographically.
This entry includes resources for Maui's Top Things to See, including tips, advice, rankings, maps, and more.
- Browse every sight side-by-side with our interactive Maui sights map
- The 10 Best Things to See on Maui - ranked based on several important visitor criteria
- Discover all of the Maui's Sights, categorized by region
- Explore our hand-picked Maui Sightseeing Tours
Explore Maui's Sights on the Map
Every Maui sight we cover, side by side with the map. Tap a filter to narrow the list — the pins follow along.
Haleakala National Park
Plan Haleakala National Park on Maui: sunrise reservations, summit vs. Kipahulu, entrance fees, drive timing, weather, hikes, and whether sunset is...
Fees / permits
Nakalele Point and Blowhole
The North West drive from Kapalu around Nakalele Point and on to Wailuku is amazingly beautiful - if the road doesn't scare you off. If you are com...
Twin Falls
Just beyond mile marker 2 on the Hana Highway a bridge crosses the Ho'olawa nui stream and here you'll find Twin Falls.Some folks call it Hoolawa F...
Wai'anapanapa State Park
Visit Waianapanapa State Park on Maui's Road to Hana. Black sand beach, sea caves, blowhole, reservations, parking, and tips for 2026.
Fees / permits
Garden of Eden Botanical Arboretum
The Garden of Eden Botanical Arboretum is a stunning must-see location along Maui's famed Road to Hana or Hana Highway.
Fees / permits
Makena Landing Park
Makena Landing on south Maui — shore launch for the famous Turtle Town snorkel zone. Free, no lifeguard, rocky entry. Boat ramp + shore-snorkel acc...
Hana Highway Lookouts
Between mile markers 14 and 16 on the Hana Highway there are several dirt and/or broken pavement pullouts on the makai side of the road that will p...
Wailua Falls
Just beyond mile marker 45 on the Hana Highway after it turns into Highway 31 you'll reach one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawai'i, Wailua...
Kula Botanical Gardens
About half a mile beyond mile marker 8 you'll find our next stop on the mauka side of the road, Kula Botanical Gardens. Kula Botanical Gardens is h...
Fees / permits
MauiWine
MauiWine at Rose Ranch puts a smile on everyone's face. Historically significant, Rose Ranch is a huge part of Hawaiian history.It has produced pot...
Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park
Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park on Maui's Hana Highway features freshwater swimming pools and a waterfall. Get visitor info, parking, and facilities ...
'Ohe'o Gulch (Kipahulu)
Seven Sacred Pools at 'Ohe'o Gulch in Kipahulu, Maui. Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls, entry fees, hours, swimming status, and how to get there from...
Fees / permits
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum takes visitors step by step through the history of sugar, how it was made and how it shaped the Island of Maui...
Dragon's Teeth
Dragon's Teeth is a fascinating rock formation from one of Maui's last big lava flows and is a West Maui must see.
Upper Hanawi Falls
Upper Hanawi Falls is located at mile marker 24 on the Hana Highway. This is one of many falls that the Hanawi Stream creates in its nine-mile path...
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park is a small roadside park in Keokea (makai) between mile markers 18 and 19. It is about 2,400 feet above the south Maui co...
Kalahaku Overlook
The Kalahaku Overlook in Haleakala National Park is one of the must-see Haleakala sights when visiting the Hawaiian Island of Maui.
Wailua Valley State Wayside Park
A little over half-mile past mile marker 18, mauka, on the Hana Highway you'll come to Wailua Valley State Wayside Park.Most visitors breeze right ...
Ke'anae Arboretum
Around half-mile beyond mile marker 16 on the Hana Highway you'll see a sign on the mauka side of the road marking the entrance to Ke'anae Arboretu...
Bailey House Museum (Hale Hoʻikeʻike)
Hale Hoʻikeʻike at the Bailey House — the missionary-era home that's now Maui's main historical museum, sitting at the foot of Iao Valley Road in W...
Honomanu Bay Lookout
Right beyond Kaumahina State Wayside Park you'll find a pullout that gives a good view of Honomanu Bay.From this vantage point you can get another ...
Molokini Crater
Molokini is home to the best snorkeling adventures you will ever find, snorkel at the Molokini Crater.
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
Just past mile marker 12 on the Hana Highway you'll find Kaumahina State Wayside Park. This 7.8 acre forested rest stop offers scenic views of the ...
Kahanu Garden
The Kahanu Garden is located on 'Ula'ino Road, are about a half-mile beyond mile marker 31 makai on the Hana Highway. Just after a mile, the road g...
Fees / permits
Pi'ilanihale Heiau
This is Hawaii's largest, ancient place of worship that is still intact. The heiau was constructed completely out of lava rock in the 14th century ...
Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls is found at the end of the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools on the Road to Hana. The hike to Waimoku Falls passes Makahiku Falls…
Makapipi Falls
As you take the bridge over Makapipi stream near mile marker 25 on the Hana Highway be sure to stop to check out the falls under the bridge. Here y...
La Perouse Bay
Visit La Perouse Bay on Maui's south coast. Snorkeling, spinner dolphins, lava rock hiking, and tips for exploring Maui's last volcanic eruption site.
Polipoli Springs State Recreational Area
Right before mile marker 9 on Highway 377, mauka side, you'll see the turn off for Waipoli Road. Waipoli Road includes several switch backs up the ...
Makamaka'ole Falls
Makamaka`ole Falls is a large waterfall on Makamaka`ole Stream. It is visible along the Waihee Ridge trail. The best view is approximately at the o...
Makahiku Falls
Makahiku Falls is along the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools as it heads toward the majestic Waimoku Falls in the Kipahulu District of Halea...
Ke'anae Peninsula
Immediately after leaving Ke'anae Arboretum look for and turn onto the road that splits off the Hana Highway makai with a sign labeled Ke'anae Peni...
Paihi Falls
This lovely 50-ft waterfall can be seen from the Hana Highway right before you get to the very popular Wailua Falls. Near mile marker 45 you'll com...
Leleiwi Overlook
Leleiwi Overlook is found in Haleakala National Park and is one of the top Haleakala sights. It's a must-do when visiting the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Haleakala Pu'u 'Ula'ula Summit (Red Hill)
Haleakala's Puu Ulaula Summit- also known as Red Hill- is Haleakala's highest peak and is a Maui must do on your trip to the Hawaiian islands.
Road to Hana
The complete Road to Hana guide for Maui. Every stop worth making by mile marker, a free GPS audio tour, live road conditions, driving tips, and wh...
Experience the Incredible Road to Hana with an Audio Tour from Shaka Guide
-- Click the Phone for More Information --
Embark on an unforgettable journey along Maui's iconic Road to Hana with Shaka Guide's comprehensive GPS-guided tour. This immersive adventure takes you through one of Maui's most scenic drives, unveiling the island's must-see stops and breathtaking landscapes.
Tour Highlights:
- Stunning Waterfalls: Discover the island's most beautiful waterfalls, including the majestic Wailua Falls and the enchanting Twin Falls. Each stop is accompanied by fascinating stories and legends, bringing the landscape to life.
- Lush Rainforests: Drive through lush rainforests and witness Maui's incredible biodiversity. Shaka Guide will guide you to the best viewpoints and hiking spots, ensuring you don't miss any natural beauty.
- Pristine Beaches: Relax on Maui's secluded beaches, such as Hamoa Beach and the striking black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. Each beach offers unique experiences, from sunbathing to exploring sea caves.
- Historic Sites: Learn about the rich history and culture of the Hawaiian people as you visit ancient Hawaiian temples (heiaus) and historic towns. Their narration provides deep insights into the island's past and cultural significance.
- Local Flavors: Enjoy recommendations for the best local food stops along the way, from fresh tropical fruits to mouthwatering Hawaiian cuisine. Savor the authentic flavors of Maui as you journey through this tropical paradise.
Maui Sights Map
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
HawaiiGuide's Best Sights & Attractions on Maui
Our editorial ranking of the must-see sights and attractions on Maui — chosen by our team, not crowdsourced.
Ranked by John Derrick · covering Hawaiʻi since 2002
The numbered sights listed below are our absolute favorites on the island of Maui. When ranking sights & things to see for visitors, we consider several variables - accessibility, scenery quality, location history, costs (if admission required), type of path (if walking/hiking is necessary), and general safety. Here are our top picks for Maui.
Hana Highway - 'Road to Hana'
East Maui
#1 Rated Sight on Maui
The scenic Road to Hana on Maui is the undisputed top attraction on the island. When it comes to driving the Hana Highway on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction.
There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Alaskan coastline.
Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, a multitude of trails, and beautiful gardens and you've discovered the highway to heaven itself.
Haleakala National Park
Upcountry & East Maui
#2 Rated Sight on Maui
To say Haleakala National Park is impressive would do it a great injustice. Spanning a huge swath of land across Maui’s southeastern region, Haleakala is home to the highest peak on Maui, at 10,023 feet. If that weren’t enough, it also holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance- a mere 38 miles!
And not only is it one of the most popular sights in Hawaii, but it’s also home to five distinctly different climate zones, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, stunning views, otherworldly landscapes, and flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world.
If youʻre driving up for the famous sunrise, youʻll need an advance reservation through recreation.gov — released 60 days out and they go fast.
Iao Valley & Needle
Central (Wailuku)
#3 Rated Sight on Maui
Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor.
The name 'Iao is pronounced, "EE-ow." The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants. Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history. In 1790 King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army here in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands.
As of May 1, 2023, a new reservation system is now being implemented to reduce congestion and diffuse parking and crowding issues.
Waianapanapa State Park
Hāna
#4 Rated Sight on Maui
Wai'anapanapa (Why-Ah-naa-paa-naa-paa) features sculpted lava rocks, a black sand beach, wind twisted foliage, a sea arch, lava caves, and tubes, and even a blowhole in the lava rocks near the shoreline.
Technically, this attraction is along the Road to Hāna (our #1 pick), but it earns its own spot here for sheer uniqueness. Note that Waiʻānapanapa now requires advance reservations for non-resident day visitors — book a parking-and-entry slot online before you go, as walk-ins are turned away.
The area around the park is also fascinating to hike through. There are a few wet caves and lava tubes with fresh water running through them. More hiking is available to the southeast, where you could technically hike all the way to Hana town along the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail.
Oheo Gulch at Kipahulu
Hāna (Kīpahulu)
#5 Rated Sight on Maui
The Oheo Gulch, technically part of Haleakala National Parkʻs coastal Kīpahulu district, is located about 15 minutes past Hana town, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Hwy. 31.
We've split this attraction off from Haleakala National Park because of its geographic location and separation from the Summit portion of the park; what visitors typically think of when they hear 'Haleakala NP.' The Oheo Gulch side, also known as the Kipahulu Area, and can be accessed via Hwy. 360, the Hana Highway or Road to Hana.
The Oheo Gulch region is home to lush green landscapes, waterfalls, pools, and more - it's well worth a visit.
Molokini Island
Off South Maui
#6 Rated Sight on Maui
A sunken crescent of volcanic crater poking out of the sea a few miles off South Maui, Molokini is one of Hawaiʻi's most famous snorkel and dive sites — one of only a handful of volcanic calderas in the world you can swim inside.
The crescent shelters crystal-clear water (often 100+ feet of visibility) full of reef fish, turtles, and the occasional reef shark. It's boat-access only from Māʻalaea or Kihei, so it's a morning half-day tour rather than a drive-up stop — go early, before the wind and crowds build.
Keʻanae Peninsula
Hāna Highway
#7 Rated Sight on Maui
A flat finger of jagged black lava jutting into the ocean off the Road to Hāna, Keʻanae is one of the drive's most striking stops — ancient Haleakalā flows meeting pounding surf, framed by hala trees and a small, deeply traditional Hawaiian village.
The 1860 lava-rock Keʻanae Congregational Church still stands and the taro patches around it are still farmed. Pull off, walk to the rocky point to watch the waves explode, and grab banana bread from Aunty Sandy's stand — then get back on the road.
Waimoku Falls
Hāna (Kīpahulu)
#8 Rated Sight on Maui
You'll have to do a bit of hiking to see this beauty, but it's an adventure well worth taking. Waimoku Falls is found at the end of the Pipiwai Trail, above the Oheo Gulch Pools (ʻOheʻo is #5 on this list) on the Road to Hāna (our #1 pick).
The hike to Waimoku Falls passes the 185-foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful) at about half a mile into the trail. The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is one of the best hikes on Maui. It is four miles round-trip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do.
The final destination is the fantastic Waimoku Falls. This gigantic waterfall drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool; this is one of the tallest falls on Maui.
La Perouse Bay
South Maui (Mākena)
#9 Rated Sight on Maui
Haleakala's last display can be seen on Maui's southeast shore at La Perouse Bay. Scientists estimate that in 1790 Haleakala erupted to form the jagged lava rock coastline. Now there is a monument and ruins of Hawaiian natives who made their home on the sharp a'a lava rock.
La Perouse is the end of the road, literally, in south Maui. It is located at mile marker 7 at the very end of Makena Alanui Road.
At La Perouse Bay, visitors can walk through the lava and explore the sea estuaries. This is a favorite place for dolphins and local fishermen.
Nakalele Blowhole
Northwest Maui
#10 Rated Sight on Maui
On the wild, winding northwest tip of Maui past Kapalua, the Nakalele Blowhole fires seawater dozens of feet into the air through a hole in the lava bench when the swell is right — one of the island's most dramatic coastal spectacles.
It's a short but rocky downhill scramble from the highway pullout (sturdy shoes help), and the surrounding shelf hides the photogenic ‘Acid War Zone’ and a heart-shaped hole. Stay well back from the blowhole itself — the rogue surge here has killed people.
Wailua Falls
Hāna Highway
#11 Rated Sight on Maui
Technically this stop, like a few others, is also on the Hana Highway (which is later on this list). But, in our opinion, it's too good not to include on its own. Just beyond mile marker 45 on the Hana Highway after it turns into Highway 31 you'll reach one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawai'i, Wailua Falls.
Wailua Falls gracefully cascades 80 feet through a lush setting in the surrounding vegetation just feet from the road. There is a short path to the base of the falls, but it can be tricky so use caution.
The water flow varies but is usually pretty at any rate throughout the year.
Twin Falls
Hāna Highway (MM2)
#12 Rated Sight on Maui
Just past mile marker 2, Twin Falls is the first waterfall stop on the Road to Hāna — an easy, popular introduction to the drive's lush side, with a couple of small falls and swimming pools a short walk from the highway.
It's modest compared with what's ahead, but the accessibility, the fruit stand at the entrance, and the early-in-the-drive timing make it a near-universal first stop. Go early; by mid-morning the small lot overflows.
Maui Garden of Eden
Hāna Highway (MM10)
#13 Rated Sight on Maui
Half a mile past mile marker 10 on the Road to Hāna, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is one of the drive's standout stops — 26 hillside acres of labeled tropical plants, a waterfall view, and the iconic Keʻanae overlook seen in the opening of ‘Jurassic Park.’
It's privately run and ticketed, but the manicured trails, picnic spots, and big coastal views earn the stop — a good leg-stretch and bathroom break roughly a third of the way to Hāna.
Kahanu Garden & Piʻilanihale Heiau
Hāna
#14 Rated Sight on Maui
Off a side road near Hāna, Kahanu Garden holds the largest collection of breadfruit varieties in the world — and Piʻilanihale Heiau, the biggest ancient temple platform in all of Hawaiʻi, a staggering stacked-stone structure centuries old.
It's a quiet, deeply cultural stop most Hāna visitors miss. The garden is reached via a stream ford (don't cross if water's over the markers), and a guided tour brings the heiau and the Hawaiian plant collections to life.
Dragonʻs Teeth
West Maui (Kapalua)
#15 Rated Sight on Maui
At Makaluapuna Point in Kapalua, ‘Dragon's Teeth’ is a jagged ridge of black lava that wind and waves bent upward into rows of sharp points as it cooled — an otherworldly, easy-to-reach geological oddity beside a golf course.
A short walk across the grass and out onto the point brings you to the formation and a labyrinth walking path. Watch the surf, which surges hard over the rocks, and tread respectfully — the point sits beside a Hawaiian burial ground.
Keʻanae Arboretum
Hāna Highway (MM16)
#16 Rated Sight on Maui
Just past mile marker 16 on the Road to Hāna, the free Keʻanae Arboretum is a peaceful, shady stop along the Piʻinaʻau Stream — rainbow eucalyptus, taro terraces farmed for generations, and a wilder trail beyond into the rainforest.
It's an easy, uncrowded leg-stretch with a paved lot — a fine antidote to the busier waterfall stops. The first stretch is flat and stroller-friendly; the back trail gets muddy and overgrown.
Kula Botanical Garden
Upcountry (Kula)
#17 Rated Sight on Maui
Up in cool, misty Kula on Haleakalā's western slope, this eight-acre garden has grown into a lush showcase of nearly 2,000 plant species — with the showy protea, which thrives in the upcountry climate, as its signature bloom.
Shaded paths wind past a koi pond, an aviary, a covered bridge, and a small collection of native birds, with sweeping views down to the central isthmus. A calm, easy stop that pairs well with an Upcountry or Haleakalā day.
Honomanu Bay Lookout
Hāna Highway
#18 Rated Sight on Maui
About a third of the way along the Road to Hāna, a pullout opens onto Honomanu Bay — a deep, jungle-walled valley and rocky black-sand bay carved into the windward coast, one of the drive's most dramatic single views.
It's a quick stop for the photo; the nearby Kaumahina State Wayside, just up the road, has an even higher vantage plus restrooms. The bay itself has a rough black-sand beach used mostly by local surfers.
Bailey House Museum
Central (Wailuku)
#19 Rated Sight on Maui
On Main Street in Wailuku, on the way to ʻĪao Valley, the Bailey House is the oldest Western-style building on Maui still on its original foundation — an 1830s mission home now run as the island's main museum of Hawaiian and missionary-era history.
Inside are Hawaiian artifacts, missionary-era furnishings, and Edward Bailey's own paintings of 19th-century Maui; outside, a garden of native and canoe plants. A quick, substantive stop that pairs naturally with ʻĪao Valley up the road.
MauiWine (Ulupalakua)
Upcountry (Ulupalakua)
#20 Rated Sight on Maui
On the historic Rose Ranch in remote Ulupalakua, high on Haleakalā's southern flank, MauiWine pours tastings in an 1870s cottage built for a royal visit from King Kalākaua — the island's only winery, and a scenic reward at the end of the Upcountry drive.
The ranch has grown potatoes for the Gold Rush, sugar, and cattle over the centuries; today it's grapes and a well-known pineapple wine. The grounds, giant camphor trees, and cool elevation make it a relaxed stop — pair it with the back road to Hāna.
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All Top 45+ Maui Sights & Attractions
Categorized by Region
Need Help? Check out our Maui Regions Guide →
West Maui Sights
West Maui Sights
- Whalers Village Museum
- Nakalele Point and Blowhole
- Dragon's Teeth
- Waihee Ridge Trail - Excellent, top-rated hike!
- Makamaka'ole Falls
Hana Highway Sights
Hana Highway Sights
- Road to Hana - #1 Best in Sights on Maui
- Oheo Gulch at Kipahulu - #5 Best in Sights on Maui
- Keanae Peninsula
- Waimoku Falls - #8 Best in Sights on Maui
- Garden of Eden Botanical Arboretum
- Wailua Falls - #11 Best in Sights on Maui
- Waikamoi Forest Ridge Trail
- Waianapanapa State Park - #4 Best in Sights on Maui
- Kaumahina State Wayside Park
- Twin Falls
- Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park
- Honomanu Bay Lookout
- Wailua Valley Wayside Park
- Hana Highway Lookouts
- Ke'anae Arboretum
- Hana Town
- Pa'ia Town
Upcountry & Haleakala Sights
Upcountry & Haleakala Sights
- Haleakala National Park - #2 Best in Sights on Maui
- Kula Botanical Gardens
- Haleakala National Park Summit Area - Guide/Overview for the summit of Haleakala NP.
- Kalahaku Overlook - Popular Overlook in Haleakala NP!
- Leleiwi Overlook - Scenic Overlook in Haleakala NP!
- Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park
- Haleakala Puu Ulaula Summit Hill
- Maui Wine
- Polipoli Springs State Recreational Area
Kaanapali Sights
Kaanapali Sights
Kihei & Wailea Sights
Kihei & Wailea Sights
South Maui Things to See
Central Maui Sights
Central Maui Sights
- Iao Valley State Park - #3 Best in Sights on Maui
- Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
- Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Maui Ocean Center
Maui Sightseeing Tours
Taking a tour on Maui means taking a tour of heaven itself. Lace up your boots and hike some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii. Sit back and relax and tour the Road to Hana in style. Dive into pristine waters and snorkel and explore an underwater paradise. Or hop from island to island and see everything from volcanoes to Pearl Harbor in one glorious day. No matter what you’re up for, the Valley Isle will surely impress you.
Check out our handpicked Maui Tours and book your adventure today.
