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This black volcanic-pebble beach fringed with green beach vines and palms will remain in your memory long after your visit. Swimming here is both relaxing and invigorating. Strong currents bump smooth stones up against your ankles, while seabirds flit above a black, jagged sea arch, and fingers of white foam rush onto the beach. There are picnic tables and grills. At the edge of the parking lot, a sign tells you the sad story of a doomed Hawaiian princess. Stairs lead through a tunnel of interlocking Polynesian hau (a native tree) branches to an icy cave pool—the secret hiding place of the ancient princess (you can swim in this pool, but beware of mosquitoes). In the other direction a dramatic 3-mile coastal path continues past sea arches, blowholes, cultural sites, and even a ramshackle fishermen's shelter, all the way to Hana town. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
Hana Hwy., Hana, Hawaii, 96713, USA
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Once you've made it past Hana town, you're rewarded with views of what many consider to be the most beautiful and most photographed waterfall in Maui. The best part is that you don't even have to get off of the highway to see the stunning 80-foot falls that end in a gorgeous pool. Look for local food and gift vendors in the parking area.
Piilani Hwy., Hana, Hawaii, 96713, USA
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If you enjoy hiking, go up the stream from the Pools of Oheo on the 2-mile hike to Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail. The trail crosses a spectacular gorge, then turns into a boardwalk that takes you through an amazing bamboo forest. The hike also includes a giant banyan tree, views of Makahiku Falls, and forests of tropical plant life. After returning from your hike you can pitch a tent in the grassy campground down by the sea if you've made reservations in advance.
Piilani Hwy., Hana, Hawaii, 96713, USA
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $15 per person on foot, $30 per vehicle
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Immortalized in James Michener's Hawaii, the original church from the early 1800s was destroyed once by fire and twice by fierce windstorms. Repositioned and rebuilt in 1954, the church was renamed Waiola ("water of life") and has been standing proudly ever since. The adjacent cemetery was the region's first Christian cemetery and is the final resting place of many of Hawaii's most important monarchs, including Kamehameha the Great's wife, Queen Keopuolani, who was baptized during her final illness.
535 Wainee St., Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761, USA
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free
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Smack-dab in the center of Front Street, this eye-catching Chinese temple reflects the importance of early Chinese immigrants to Lahaina. Built by the Wo Hing Society in 1912, the museum contains beautiful artifacts, historic photo displays of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and a Taoist altar. Don't miss the films playing in the rustic cookhouse next door—some of Thomas Edison's first films, shot in Hawaii circa 1898, show Hawaiian wranglers herding steer onto ships. Ask the docent for some star fruit from the tree outside, for an offering or for yourself. If you're in town in late January or early February, this museum hosts a nice Chinese New Year festival.
858 Front St., Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761, USA
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $7
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Up Kokomo Road in Haiku you'll find a large puu (volcanic cinder cone) capped with a grove of columnar pines and the 4th Marine Division Memorial Park. During World War II, American GIs trained here for battles on Iwo Jima and Saipan. Locals nicknamed the cinder cone "Giggle Hill" because it was a popular hangout for Maui women and their favorite servicemen. The park includes an impressive playground, picnic tables, and lots of wide-open space.
Mile 2, Kokomo Rd., Haiku-Pauwela, Hawaii, 96708, USA
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As the name suggests, the specialty is "oceanfront." With rental units in more than 25 condominium complexes on the South Shore from the northernmost reaches of Kihei all the way to Wailea, there's something for everyone at rates that run $90–$450 a night.
1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, Hawaii, 96753, USA
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South of Makena State Park, the road fades away into a vast territory of black-lava flows, the result of Haleakala's last eruption and now a place for exploration. The road passes through the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, an excellent place for morning snorkel adventures. All wildlife, vegetation, coral, lava rock formations, and archaeological sites are highly protected under state law, which means that removing or disturbing items is prohibited, as is fishing. Two miles of coastline and the interior of the reserve are closed so that endangered species have an undisturbed area. You can visit one mile of the reserve's coastline for a ½-mile hike or snorkeling, from 5:30 am to 7:30 pm. To snorkel Ahihi Bay, park at the reserve's main lot and follow signage. Be sure to wear mineral sunblocks instead of chemical sunscreens, which kill corals—other sunscreens are now banned in Hawaii. Adjacent to Ahihi-Kinau is the Keoneoio archaeological district, where the start of the Hoapili Trail can be found. Limited cell phone service exists at the reserve.
Just before end of Makena Alanui Rd., Wailea, Hawaii, 96753, USA
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Maui's largest landowner, A&B was one of the "Big Five" companies that spearheaded the planting, harvesting, and processing of sugarcane. At this museum, historic photos, artifacts, and documents explain the introduction of sugarcane to Hawaii. Exhibits reveal how plantations brought in laborers from other countries, forever changing the Islands' ethnic mix. Although sugarcane is no longer being grown on Maui, the crop was for many years the mainstay of the local economy. You can find the museum in a small, restored plantation manager's house across the street from the post office and the still-operating sugar refinery, where smoke billows up when the cane is being processed. Their gift shop sells plantation-themed memorabilia, coffee, and a selection of history books.
3957 Hansen Rd., Puunene, Hawaii, 96784, USA
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $7, Closed Fri., Sat., Sun.
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Created by Alii Chang, master horticulturist and visionary, Alii Kula Lavender farm has a falcon's view: it's the relaxing remedy for those suffering from too much sun, shopping, or golf. You can explore on your own or reserve a spot for the 30–40 minute tour that winds through paths of therapeutic lavender varieties, protea, and succulents. The gift shop has many locally made lavender products, such as honey, moisturizing lotions, and scone mixes.
1100 Waipoli Rd., Kula, Hawaii, 96790, USA
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $3, walking tours $12 (reservations recommended), Closed Tues. to Thurs.
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A local favorite, this approximately 1-mile stretch of golden sand is a good place to stretch out, jog, or swim, although the waves can sometimes be choppy and the undertow strong. Don't be alarmed by those big brown blobs floating beneath the surface; they're just pieces of seaweed awash in the surf. You can find shade along the beach beneath the ironwood trees. Though there is a pavilion, it’s not the safest place to hang out. Instead, take your picnics to the tree line and enjoy visits from friendly birds and dogs. Because this is a beach park there are picnic tables, grills, and a large playing field, as well.
The long, shallow pool at the Kahului end of the beach is known as Baby Beach. Separated from the surf by a flat reef wall, this is where ocean-loving families bring their kids (and sometimes puppies) to practice a few laps. Take a relaxing stroll along the water's edge from one end of Baldwin Beach to Baby Beach and enjoy the scenery. The view of the West Maui Mountains is hauntingly beautiful. Amenities: lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
Hana Hwy., Paia, Hawaii, 96732, USA
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If you want some insight into 19th-century life in Hawaii, this informative museum is an excellent place to start. Begun in 1834 and completed the following year, the coral-and-stone house was originally home to missionary Dr. Dwight Baldwin and his family. The building has been carefully restored to reflect the period, and many of the original furnishings remain: you can view the family's grand piano, carved four-poster bed, and most interestingly, Dr. Baldwin's dispensary. Also on display is the "thunderpot"—learn how the doctor single-handedly inoculated 10,000 Maui residents against smallpox. Self-guided tours run Tues.–Sun. from 10 am–4 pm, or come Friday at dusk for a special candlelight tour every half hour from 5–8 pm.
120 Dickenson St., Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761, USA
Sight Details
Rate Includes: $7, Closed Mon.
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These real-estate experts have a full range of vacation rentals in 20 South Shore condominium complexes. They also have gorgeous houses for rent. Condos start at around $100 per night (most are $200 or less); houses will run you up to $1,700 a night.
95 E. Lipoa, Kihei, Hawaii, 96753, USA
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This secluded 3-acre park sits off the main drag in a residential area. The sand is soft and smooth, with a gentle slope into the ocean. A cloister of lava rocks shelters the beach from heavy afternoon winds, creating a mellow spot in which to laze around. The usually gentle waves make for good swimming, and you can find interesting snorkeling along the rocks on the north end. From South Kihei Road, turn onto Kaiau Street, just north of Kamaole I. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
2200 South Kihei Rd, Kihei, Hawaii, 96753, USA
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Family-owned and -operated, this is the largest property management company in West Maui, with the largest selection of rentals, from studios to three bedrooms. Rentals are everywhere from Lahaina town to Kapalua. Rates run about $100–$1,500 per night. The company has been in business since 1980, and is good at what it does.
118 Kupuohi St., Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761, USA
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Go to the Cove if you want to learn to surf or stand-up paddle. All the surf schools are here in the morning, pushing longboard beginners onto the bunny-slope waves. For spectators there's a grassy area with some shade—and a tiny blink of a beach. If you aren't here to learn to surf, don't bother. The shallow water is sketchy at best and plenty of other beaches are better. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: stand-up paddling; surfing.
S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, Hawaii, 96753, USA
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Because the current can be quite strong, this charming, mile-long sandy cove is better for sunbathing than for swimming or water sports. Still, it's one of the Island's most popular beaches. It's a perfect spot to watch the spectacular Maui sunsets, and there are picnic tables and grills. Part of the beach runs along the front of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua—a good place to grab a cocktail and enjoy the view. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; walking.
Rte. 30, Kapalua, Hawaii, 96761, USA
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If it's the South Shore luxury of Wailea and Makena you seek, look no further. This company has hundreds of condominiums and villas ranging in size from studios to five bedrooms, and in price from $189 per night for a studio at Wailea Grand Champions Villas, to more than $4,000 (yes, per night) for the splashy Wailea Beach Villas. The company offers excellent personalized service (including a $155 restaurant/spa credit and a Tesla shuttle service—all included in the price) and is known for particularly fine housekeeping services. Check-in for all properties is at the company's well-appointed office in Wailea Gateway.
34 Wailea Gateway Pl., Wailea, Hawaii, 96753, USA
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From pineapples to papayas, the produce at this West Maui market is local and flavorful. Prices are good, too. The deli offers hot and cold food items, and colorful tropical flowers and handcrafted items are also available.
3636 Honoapiilani Hwy., Honokowai, Hawaii, 96761, USA
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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Tropical flowers, tempting produce, massive avocados, and locally made preserves, banana bread, and crafts are among the bargains at this South Shore market in the west end of Kihei, next to the ABC Store.
61 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, Hawaii, 96753, USA
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Sat., Sun.
