Top 5 Things to do in Maui, Hawaii 🌴

In November 2025, my husband and I took a trip to Maui — and honestly, it was the perfect time to visit. It’s right at the start of the busy season, so you get the best of both worlds: great weather and fewer crowds compared to peak months. The weather was exactly how you’d want a Hawaiian vacation to feel — not too hot, just perfectly warm with a refreshing breeze. 

We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb for 7 days, and the highlight? Waking up every morning to a stunning ocean view right from our balcony. Those peaceful mornings with coffee and the sound of waves are something I’ll never forget.

Now, let’s get into what you’re really here for…

## Top 5 Things to Do in Maui

1. Whalers Village 🛍

This place was just 10 minutes away from our Airbnb in Kahana, so we found ourselves coming here almost every day — and honestly, it never got boring.

Whalers Village has the perfect mix of relaxation and energy. During the day, you can unwind at the beautiful beach right next to it — the water is stunning and perfect for just sitting back and enjoying the view. By evening, the whole place transforms with lively vibes, great shopping options, and a fun atmosphere that makes it ideal for a casual stroll. They have some amazing food with free live music at Hula Grill restaurant.

Pro Tip: You can find free parking if you visit during less busy hours — around 3 PM worked well for us. Look for free beach parking nearby to save on parking fees!

2. Whale Watching 🐳

We did a sunrise coffee sail with Teralani Sailing Adventures in Kaanapali. It starts at 7:30 AM and includes tea, coffee, and light breakfast.

We didn’t spot any whales, but the experience was still amazing since there were very few people — it almost felt private. They also had a professional photographer onboard who clicked our beautiful couple pictures and shared our photos in a couple of days via email.

Pro Tip: Carry binoculars for better chances of spotting whales.

3. Road to Hana 🛣

This 65-mile drive is packed with over 600 curves, stunning ocean views, and countless waterfalls—definitely worth setting aside a full day.

We started early from Paia and made a quick stop at Ho’okipa Beach Lookout for beautiful coastal views. On the way, we grabbed a veggie sprouts breakfast sandwich from Hana Picnic Lunch Co., a perfect start to the day.

Our next stop was Twin Falls, an easy 10-minute hike to the lower falls (parking is $10). It’s a quick but rewarding stop surrounded by lush greenery.

Pro tip: Wear good shoes and bring swimwear—it’s hard to resist a refreshing dip under the waterfall!

Next, we visited the Black Sand Beach. Parking is $10 and entry is $5 per person, so we booked our spot nearly two weeks in advance—tickets can be hard to get closer to the date.

It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot, perfect for photos. The striking black sand makes it truly unique—you won’t find anything quite like it elsewhere.

Pro tip: Reservations are mandatory for non-residents, so plan ahead!

We ended up skipping Hana town since we were running late—but if you have extra time, it’s definitely worth exploring Hana for its laid-back vibe and scenic beauty.

Next, we visited Garden of Eden Arboretum—it closes early, so make sure to reach before 3 PM to have enough time to explore. The botanical garden has a beautiful collection of trees, and the viewpoints offer stunning mountain views. You’ll also spot plenty of peacocks around the property, which are fun to watch and add to the charm of the place.

Then we made a final stop at Papawai Point to catch the sunset on our way back—it was the perfect, peaceful way to end the day.

4. Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park 🌄

Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā National Park was a truly surreal experience. Reservations are required and spots are very limited (around 50), so they fill up extremely fast—we booked exactly 48 hours in advance at 7:00 AM, and they sold out within minutes. The reservation fee is just $1.

Pro tip: Start driving around 2 AM so you reach in time for sunrise and can grab a good viewing spot—aim to arrive at least an hour early. And don’t forget to carry a heavy jacket, because it gets really cold at the top of the mountain.

5. Shopping at Kihei Kamala Village 🛍

Then we headed south to enjoy some delicious and affordable Indian food at Indian Grill and Curry. After that, we explored Kihei Kalama Village nearby, where we discovered a fun little spot called Ninja Sketch - Kiko. She created a hilarious caricature for us—such a fun and memorable keepsake from the trip!

This area is also perfect if you’re looking to shop—there’s everything from handcrafted jewelry and local art to vintage.

For a full video overview, check out our trip highlights here: Watch Video 🎥🌴✨

If you enjoyed this post, I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time… see yaa!! 👋✨