If you’re looking for the perfect tropical paradise that offers fantastic outdoor activities and relaxing places, then Maui is an island you should visit. When hearing the word tropical, some may think about Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and Southeast Asia.

However, in the North Pacific Ocean, there is the tropical paradise of Hawaii, and Maui is explicitly the best island to visit, offering everything that can create wonderful vacation memories. The islands in Hawaii are also warm year-round, making it an ideal location to visit any time.

1. Beaches

Maui has a reputation for having some of the best beaches in the world, with sand in all different types, such as red, white, and black. Some beaches are more open, such as ones at resorts. If you want to escape crowded beaches, Makena is a great place to snorkel, relax on the sand, and go bodysurfing. If you want to explore a less-known beach, we suggest you visit Wai’anapanapa State Park, which has beautiful black-sand beaches.

2. Whale Watching

Every winter, many humpback whales migrate to the ocean waters around Hawaii. These whales spend their summers in Alaska, and once it gets too cold, they migrate to the warmer waters of Maui.

Many of these whales can be spotted off the Maui Coastline. The best time for whale watching is from late November to late April, while the middle months of the season are often the best times to see whales. You can watch the whales from land or go on whale-watching tours.

3. Turtles

Multiple species of sea turtles can be found in Hawaii, but Maui is home to the Green Sea, Hawkbill, Olive Ridleys, leatherback, and loggerhead turtle species. There are many different beaches where you can go and see the turtles, such as the Ho’pkipa beach, where you can see them enter the shore. Right before the sunset, you can see turtles resting on the shore to avoid getting eaten by predators.

4. Volcanoes

The creation of Maui resulted in a combination of multiple volcanoes within close range that merged into an island because of the lava flow. A must-see volcano is Haleakala, responsible for forming most of Maui. This volcano is known as the largest potentially active volcano and is a terrific place to go for a drive. There is also a lot of biodiversity and unique species found here, while there are viewpoints to see the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

5. Snorkeling

One of the most popular activities in Maui is snorkelling, and some shops offer gear that can be rented if you do not bring your own. There are many marine species you will run into, such as fish, sea turtles, and sharks. We strongly recommend visiting Honolua Bay, Ka’anapali Beach, Big Beach, Ulua Beach Park, and Molokini Crater. This crater is a famous location for snorkelling and can be found 3 km off the shore of Maui.

6. Helicopter Trips

Taking a helicopter trip means encountering fantastic views of valleys, tall cliffs in the mountains and the ocean, and waterfalls. This trip can offer a tremendous view of areas that cannot be accessed by foot or road, making this tour a spectacular adventure. For example, the helicopter trips let you see close views of waterfalls, making it the perfect picture for photographers. The tour agencies behind the trips will answer your questions, ensure the flying conditions are safe, and guarantee a memorable trip.

7. Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is a must-visit attraction. Along this drive, you will see black sand beaches, bamboo forests, the Hana Lava tube, and many more attractions. Several waterfalls are excellent for swimming, and doing that on a hot day would be perfect. The waters at these falls are also refreshing and crystal clear. Nature lovers are guaranteed to enjoy this road because of the gorgeous natural wonders it offers in a single drive.

8. Hiking

Maui offers several hiking locations, like the Lao Valley State Park near Wailuku. Lao Valley is one of Maui’s most recognizable places, filled with rainforests and cliffs. If you’re into history, this valley had many battles between Hawaiian Indigenous groups, such as the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790. Visitors can learn all about the valley’s history and cultural significance. Additionally, the hiking scenery has the reputation of offering fantastic views, and these trails have difficulty ranges for all levels of hikers. The most iconic point is the Lao Needlepoint, which is 366 metres high and a famous photography site known as one of the most sacred places only Hawaiian royals could visit.

With all these activities and natural wonders in Hawaii, you must see them in your lifetime. While there are many images and videos about these places on the internet, seeing them in person is so much better and shows you how gorgeous the island is in person.

Travel Insurance

If the hotel or tickets that you reserved are nonrefundable, there is always a chance something will go wrong. You may not get your money back, so it is crucial to buy travel insurance to cover different situations. Most importantly, you should buy emergency travel medical insurance if you are a foreigner visiting Hawaii, as your domestic medical plan might not cover you abroad.

While Maui is an idyllic place to visit, medical claims for accidents or illnesses can easily run into the tens or hundreds of thousands, so plan ahead and buy travel medical coverage. This type of insurance can even assist in medical emergencies, saving you a lot of money.

About Author

Written by Mark Tompkins

Mark is an avid traveler and has visited Maui and other Hawaiian islands many times over the years. Mark is also a student studying History in Canada.