You’ve booked your dream vacation to the beautiful island of Maui! You’re filled with excitement for sun, sand, and adventure, but may also be wondering how to maximize your time on the island. Luckily, Maui offers limitless experiences for the whole family or an intimate getaway for two. Here’s a bucket list of the top things to do in Maui in October 2023 for an unforgettable trip.
1. Marvel at Haleakala Crater
No trip to Maui is complete without visiting the dormant Haleakala Crater, which stands over 10,000 feet high. And, this is one of the romantic things to do in Maui for couples. Prepare to wake up very early to catch the sunrise from the summit for breathtaking volcanic views. The roads twist and turn on your drive up the massive crater. Bundle up because it gets cold at the top – you may even see frost or snow! Watch in awe as the sunlight changes the landscape colors. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
2. Road Trip Along Hana Highway
Get ready for the drive of a lifetime along the scenic Hana Highway. This epic road trip on Maui’s northeastern coast takes you past cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches, scenic viewpoints, and lush rainforests. Pull over often for photo ops, short hikes to waterfalls, or swimming in crystal clear pools. Make a full day of this unforgettable drive. Pack snacks and drinks because while beautiful, the narrow road is winding and long. Take it slow and relish the journey. This is one of Things To Do In Maui.
3. Go Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
One of Maui’s top attractions for snorkelers is Molokini Crater. Accessible by boat tour, this crescent moon-shaped crater is famous for its calm, clear waters perfect for spotting tropical fish and sea turtles. Go on a snorkeling tour to Molokini for an incredible opportunity to admire coral reefs and marine life up close. Float weightlessly taking in the island’s incredible underwater world, camera in hand. The boat ride out itself is beautiful as you watch Maui shrink behind you.
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4. Spend a Day in Lahaina Town
History buffs and shoppers alike will love exploring the 19th-century whaling village of Lahaina Town. Walk along the iconic Front Street lined with art galleries, gift shops, and restaurants set in historic buildings. Check out banyan trees planted over a century ago in this now lively tourist area. Visit sights like the old Lahaina Courthouse or the Waiola Church. Lahaina offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s past while still buzzing with charm and energy.
5. Drive the Road to Hana
One of the top things to do in Maui with kids is driving the Road to Hana. This stunning drive showcases waterfalls, beaches, hikes, and Hawaii’s natural beauty. Stop often to let the kids burn off energy hiking and swimming. Pack a picnic, and have lunch at one of the roadside parks. Take the drive slowly, both to allow time to see the sights and for safety on the winding road. The kids will love waterfall splash pads, throwing rocks into streams, and seeing sea turtles!
6. Surf at Honolua Bay
If you or your kids want to learn how to surf, head to Honolua Bay north of Lahaina for an excellent spot to catch waves. The bay’s shelf makes it beginner-friendly. Sign up your family for a group surfing lesson, where expert instructors will have even the littles hanging ten on their boards in no time! It’s an amazing skill to learn together. Surfing is hard work but incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it.
7. Spend a Day at Kaanapali Beach
For ultimate relaxation, plan a day at Kaanapali Beach. This stunning stretch of soft sand and crystal waters offers 3 miles to spread out on. Let the kids build epic sandcastles and splash in the calm waves while you sunbathe and read a book. Walk from one end to the other, passing resorts, beach bars, and volcanic rock formations. End the day watching the gorgeous sunset with a cocktail or shaving ice in hand.
8. Hike Through a Lush Valley on the Waihee Ridge Trail
For an immersive, family-friendly hike, trek the Waihee Ridge Trail. Pass through wooded valleys, across hillsides, and get panoramic views from steep cliffs. This 5-mile loop has some challenging parts but is doable for kids over 5. Pack snacks and water and take it slow. Your family will remember this spectacular walk through the lush west Maui mountains. The sweeping vistas of the island make it all worthwhile!
9. Watch the Sun Rise from Haleakala
You’ll be bleary-eyed, but witnessing a Maui sunrise from 10,000 feet up at Haleakala Crater is incredible, especially with kids. Bundle up in the pre-dawn cold and watch the sky light up in stunning colors. The Mars-like landscape takes on an otherworldly beauty at sunrise. Your jaw will drop at the enormous crater sprawling around you. Let the kids run around while you take it all in. They’ll always remember watching the sun wake up from such heights.
10. Treat Yourself to a Couples Massage
Parents know vacation is never truly relaxing with the kiddos around. One of the top things to do in Maui for couples is booking a massage for two. Most resorts offer couples massages in romantic outdoor cabana settings overlooking the ocean. Sink into bliss as the sounds of the surf and skilled therapists’ hands melt your stress away. A couple’s massage in paradise is heavenly. You’ll leave walking on the air and ready to continue your tropical adventures together.
11. Savor a Farm-to-Table Meal in Upcountry Maui
Foodies will love an excursion to Upcountry Things To Do In Maui for farm-fresh dining. This fertile volcanic region is covered in farms growing everything from coffee to lavender. Tour the farms before sitting down to an incredible locavore meal on a picturesque hillside estate. The kids will have fun meeting farm animals before indulging in Hawaii’s bounty. For couples, it’s a romantic chance to dine al fresco under the stars and connect over Maui’s standout cuisine.
