"Maui is Hawaii at its most complete — beaches, volcanoes, whales, and the finest resorts in the Pacific."
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island and the most visited — a fact that reflects its extraordinary range of experiences. The Road to Hana is one of the world's great drives; Haleakalā is one of the world's great volcanoes; and the whale-watching season from December through April is unmatched anywhere in the world. The resort corridor at Wailea and Kā\'anapali has the finest concentration of luxury hotels in the Pacific, anchored by the Four Seasons — consistently ranked among the best hotels in the world.
"Haleakalā at sunrise — the crater vast and otherworldly, the clouds below turning pink and gold."
TastesOf Editorial
At a Glance
What Not to Miss
The Road to Hana
A 64-mile highway along the northeastern coast of Maui — with 620 curves, 59 bridges, and some of the most extraordinary tropical scenery in the world. The black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park, the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch, and the bamboo forest at Pipiwai Trail are the highlights. Allow a full day.
Haleakalā Sunrise
Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā — a 10,023-foot dormant volcano — is one of the great travel experiences in the United States. The crater is vast and otherworldly; the sunrise, when the clouds below turn pink and gold, is unforgettable. Reserve a sunrise permit well in advance.
Whale Watching (December–April)
Maui is the winter home of the North Pacific humpback whale — and the waters of the Maui Nui Basin, between Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i, are the finest whale-watching waters in the world. From December through April, the whales are everywhere — breaching, tail-slapping, and singing.
Kā'anapali Beach
Three miles of golden sand on the West Maui coast — the finest beach on the island, with calm, clear water and a lineup of luxury resorts. The cliff dive at Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a) at sunset is a Maui institution.
Snorkelling at Molokini Crater
A partially submerged volcanic crater three miles off the Maui coast — with visibility up to 150 feet and an extraordinary concentration of tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. The morning boat trip from Mā'alaea Harbour is the finest snorkelling experience in Hawaii.
Lahaina Town
Maui's historic whaling town — now a walkable district of galleries, restaurants, and boutiques along Front Street. The Banyan Tree Park, with its single tree covering two-thirds of an acre, is one of the most extraordinary natural landmarks in Hawaii.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Ultra-LuxuryThe finest resort in Hawaii — on Wailea Beach, with three pools, multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, and service that sets the standard for the entire state. The most coveted address in Maui.
Montage Kapalua Bay
LuxuryA beautifully designed resort on the northwestern tip of Maui — with private residences, a stunning pool, and access to the finest snorkelling on the island at Kapalua Bay.
Travaasa Hana
Remote RetreatThe only resort in Hana — at the end of the Road to Hana, on the remote eastern coast. A true retreat, with no TVs, no distractions, and a pace of life that is entirely its own.
The Verdict
Hawaii's most complete island — drive the Hana Highway, watch the whales, and stay at the Four Seasons.