Yes, it’s the motherland of over-ocean rainbows, playful whales, golf courses, and sprawling beach resorts, but if you go a little off script, you’ll find it’s also home to a thriving Upcountry cowboy culture, epic hiking, hippy surf towns, and one of the most robust farm-to-fork movements in the country.
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Maui Travel Guide
Plan Your Maui Trip
Which Hawaiian Island Is Right for You?
How to plan your next vacation, whether you're a first- or 15th-timer to the Aloha State.
By Mark Ellwood
Planning a Hawaii Trip? Here's What to Know Before You Go
It's become easier to visit the islands—but there are still county-specific restrictions, testing requirements, and local reactions to consider before making the trip.
By Kris Fordham
Featured
The Women at the Bottom of the Ocean
Female free divers spend their time exploring parts of the ocean most of us never see. Now, they're fighting to save it.
By Lale Arikoglu
Why We Should All Care About Southwest Flying to Hawaii
New (cheaper) flights may make the Aloha State more accessible than ever.
By Cynthia Drescher
Hawaii's Hotels and Airlines Have Joined the Fight to Save its Reefs
The islands are promoting conservation by way of education, eco-friendly updates, and safe exploration.
By Cassie Shortsleeve
Editor Recommendations
- Montage Kapalua Bay$$ | United States, Maui, 1 Bay Dr.When you arrive, you're met with a dramatic, triangular roof meant to resemble a traditional Hawaiian canoe house.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
Powered By: Skylark - Hotel Wailea$$ | United States, Maui, 555 Kaukahi St.If you want an outstanding experience on Maui, this hotel doesn't disappoint in any department.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui$ | United States, Maui, 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr.What first greets you here is a grand lanai that’s mostly outdoors—one with killer views of the Pacific Ocean.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Marriott - Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea$$$ | United States, Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr.The resort occupies 15 acres at the southern end of Maui’s Wailea beach—so, yes, those Instagram-perfect views are inescapable.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Skylark - Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa$$ | United States, Maui, 200 Nohea Kai Dr.Situated on 40 acres along Ka'anapali Beach, the Hyatt Regency Maui is within easy reach of famous snorkeling around Black Rock.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Fairmont Kea Lani$$$ | United States, Maui, 4100 Wailea Alanui DrThe best thing about the rooms at the Fairmont is their size: suites that start at 860 square feet.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali$$ | United States, Maui, 2365 Kaanapali Pkwy
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Marriott - Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort$$$ | United States, Maui, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr.This is no small resort, with 780 guest rooms, a 50,000-square-foot spa, a massive pool, several shops, and a chapel.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Hilton - Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort$$ | United States, Maui, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr.Andaz is one of the most modern resorts on Maui, one that feels like a rich relative’s cool beach house.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Skylark - The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua$$$ | United States, Maui, 1 Ritz Carlton Dr.If you’re aiming for seclusion and relaxation rather than sunny beach days, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is just the spot.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Skylark - Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Hotel$ | United States, Maui, 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy.Low-key, family-friendly property is right on the beach, with plenty of ocean-focused fun.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Plantation Inn$$ | United States, Lahaina, 174 Lahainaluna RdWith a plantation-style look, complete with porches on both stories of the building, this inn lives up to its name.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Hāna-Maui Resort$$$ | United States, Hāna, 5031 Hana Hwy.Hana Maui Resort offers an off-the-grid escape where the only thing not to miss are the colorful sunrises.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Honua Kai Resort & Spa$$$Most of the rooms are luxury condos that range from studios to three bedrooms, with kitchens, washer and dryers, and lanais.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia
The Best Things to Do in Maui
- 10 Best Beaches in MauiOur picks for where to catch the sun, the surf, and everything in between.By Kris Fordham
- 13 Best Things to Do in MauiGolfers, shoppers, hikers, and expert drivers, here is your paradise.By Todd Plummer
- 14 Fun Things to Do in Maui With KidsFor a dose of adventure, exploration, and yes—beach time—you can't do better than a family trip to Maui.By Juliana Shallcross
Editor Recommendations
- Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria ResortUnited States, Maui, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, WaileaThe largest wellness center in HawaiiRead full reviewPowered By: Expedia
- D.T. Fleming ParkUnited States, Lahaina, Lower Honoapiilani RdWith food, amenities, soft sand, and approachable waves, this is the perfect beach for families.Read full review
- Bailey House MuseumUnited States, Wailuku, 2375 Main St AMaui's largest collection of Hawaiian artifacts, but doable in an hour.Read full review
- Wailea Golf ClubUnited States, Wailea, 100 Wailea Golf Club DriveOne of the world's great golf destinations.Read full review
- Pipiwai TrailUnited States, Hāna, 42222 Hana HwyListen to the sounds of bamboo trees clicking against each other in the wind.Read full review
- Makena CoveUnited States, Kihei, 6468 Makena AlanuiAlthough most visitors are familiar with Makena Beach, very few visit this outcrop, where volcanic rock meets the sea.Read full review
- Kula Botanical GardenUnited States, Kula, 638 Kekaulike AveSee the beauty of Maui's native flora.Read full review
- Feast at LeleUnited States, Lahaina, 505 Front StForget plastic leis, screaming children, and sad buffet food; this is quintessential Maui luau without the cheesiness.Read full review
- Haleakalā National ParkUnited States, Kula, Haleakala HwyHaleakalā Crater provides epic, sweeping views of the island from an elevation of just over 10,000 feet.Read full review
- Road to HanaUnited States, Hana,The 52-mile road harks back to a Hawaii before the shopping malls and crowds, with 59 bridges to cross.Read full review
- Kapalua Bay BeachThis locally beloved beach is small, and its great snorkeling makes it a perfect spot for families.Read full review
- HST Windsurfing and KitesurfingThis is a long-running provider of windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons on Maui, and it's great for novices and experts alike.Read full review
- Sail Trilogy: MolokiniUnited States, Wailuku, 11 Ma’alaea Harbor RoadIf you glance at the horizon from your hotel, you might see one of Trilogy’s catamarans cutting through the water.Read full review
- Ali'i Kula Lavender FarmStop and smell the lavender at this 13.5-acre working farm, where you'll find 55,000 lavender plants and nearly 45 varieties of lavender, plus olive trees, hydrangeas, and succulents.Read full review
11 Best Beaches in Hawaii, From Maui to Molokai
The state has a stunning slice of shoreline for every visitor.
By Kris Fordham
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Maui
- 19 Best Restaurants in MauiFresh-caught seafood, locally grown taro cakes, and homemade desserts for every sweet tooth; because when it comes to food, this island doesn't play.By Kris Fordham and Juliana Shallcross
- 14 Best Bars in MauiYes, there are toes-in-the-sand tiki bars—but there are also rooftop sunset cocktails and genuinely local dives.By Kris Fordham
- The Best Luaus in Maui That Everyone Should Know AboutA trip to Hawaii isn't complete without one.By Kris Fordham
Editor Recommendations
- Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante$$ | United States, Kihei, 3900 Wailea Alanui DrDuring sunset, the candlelit tables by the ocean are so impossibly picture-perfect you'll feel like you're starring in a rom-com.
- Ka'Ana Kitchen$$$ | United States, Wailea, 3550 Wailea Alanui DrA super-chill vibe belies this restaurant's seriously good food.
- Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop$ | United States, Lahaina, 820 Olowalu Village RdThis place's atmosphere is cute enough, but it's the pies, fresh bread, and pastries that draw the perpetually long lines.
- Star Noodle$$ | United States, Lahaina, 1285 Front StCome here to feast on flavorful—and shareable—Asian dishes with friends and family.
- The Plantation House$$$ | United States, Lahaina, 2000 Plantation Club DrFancy but not stuffy, with stunning views and decadent food, this is the kind of restaurant you'd take your rich aunt.
- Hali'imaile General Store$$ | United States, Makawao, 900 Haliimaile RdLed by one of Hawaii's most heralded chefs, this decades-old Maui mainstay was serving up farm-to-table cuisine before it was even a thing.
- Taverna$$ | United States, Lahaina, 2000 Village RdThe bar is buzzy—many come just for happy hour—but the rest of the restaurant remains relaxed and low-key.
- Merriman's Maui$$$ | United States, Lahaina, 1 Bay Club PlWith its vaulted ceilings, candlelit tables, and panoramic ocean views, Merriman's is one of Maui's most elegant and romantic restaurants.
- Honu Oceanside$$$ | United States, Lahaina, 1295 Front StA longtime Maui institution for seafood and big plates with a built-in local fanbase.
- Kitoko Maui$ | United States, Kihei, 35 Auhana RdAn upscale bento-box food truck permanently located in South Maui Gardens.
- Lineage$$ | United States, Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui DrMaui chef Sheldon Simeon's singular vision of serving inventive yet wildly satisfying dishes.
- The Bamboo Hale at Hāna Farms$$ | Hana, 2910 Hana HighwayA roadside fruit and vegetable stand turned pizza spot along the legendary Road to Hana.
5 Best Hotels in Maui
From resorts to inns, we've got all the spots you'll want to try.
By Juliana Shallcross
More from Maui
Places to Stay
11 Maui Airbnbs You’ll Dream About
Hot tubs, oceanside views, and boardwalk strolls await—plus, the perfect pitstop for your Road to Hana road trip.
By Sunny Fitzgerald
Destinations
One Year After Maui's Wildfires, Meet the Locals Ensuring Travel Helps the Island Heal
Maui's locals want travelers back—as long as they're willing to put the health of the island first.
By John Wogan
News & Advice
As West Maui Reopens, the Island Asks Travelers for ‘Patience and Grace’
The Valley Isle desperately needs tourists' dollars—but only respectful behavior will be tolerated. Here's what to expect, and how to visit responsibly.
By Jessica Puckett
News & Advice
Maui Wildfires Leave Restaurant Workers Devastated—And Grappling With Tourism
Five local hospitality workers recount the harrowing days following the crisis and the eeriness of watching the visitors crucial to their economy sip mai tais at resorts.
By Ali Francis
News & Advice
As Maui Begins to Recover, Travelers Must Help Rebuild
If you have visited Maui in the past, or plan to travel there, know that you too have a responsibility, writes Dr. Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua.
By Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua
Inspiration
An Insider's Guide to Maui
Local-first advocate Amanda Robson takes us on a tour of the island's upcountry towns.
By Jen Murphy
Places to Stay
Wish You Were Here: Maui's Remote Eastern Shore
A dispatch from a grateful guest.
By Alexander Maksik
More Destinations
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- Miami Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Chicago Travel GuideSecond City? Not by our count.
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- Los Angeles Travel GuideWelcome to the West Coast's cultural epicenter
- Yellowstone National Park at 150Wonderland: The early nickname of America’s first national park is as apt today as when Yellowstone was founded, in March of 1872. On its sesquicentennial, we celebrate this miraculous place—while exploring a history that has too often excluded its original stewards—and consider how to ensure its survival for generations to come.
- Boston Travel GuideCharming and legitimately historic
- San Francisco Travel GuideDon't forget to pack an extra layer
- Dallas Travel GuideHard to crack. Easy to love.
- Washington, D.C. Travel GuideIt all starts at the Capitol.
- Seattle Travel GuideOysters and craft beer so good you won’t notice it’s drizzling
- Savannah Travel GuideFamous for its ghosts, but plenty full of life
- Portland, Oregon Travel GuideBeverly Cleary, Matt Groening, and James Beard are all from here. Enough said.