Volcano sunrises, whales and golden beaches
Maui is Hawaii's second largest island, loved for beaches, the Road to Hana and Haleakala sunrise. This guide is based in Kahului, where the airport sits, and covers the whole island plus Molokini; most visitors stay in Kaanapali, Wailea or Kihei. Lahaina was devastated by the 2023 wildfire, and visitors should respect the community's recovery. Whale season is winter.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
A dormant volcano whose summit crater looks almost lunar, rising above 3,000 meters. Sunrise from the top is famous, and requires a reservation.
2026: entrance USD 15 to 30 depending on vehicle; sunrise reservation USD 1 extra.
A winding coastal road with dozens of one lane bridges, waterfalls and rainforest. Most people drive it as a full day trip.
A lush valley with the Iao Needle, a green rock spire, and short walking paths. It is a site of a major 1790 battle.
Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.
A long golden beach lined with resorts, with snorkeling at Black Rock. It is great for sunsets.
A laid back surf town on the north shore with cafes and boutiques. It is the gateway to the Road to Hana.
A crescent shaped volcanic crater off the south coast, with clear water and lots of fish. Boats leave from Maalaea.
Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.
A black sand beach with sea caves and lava rock coast on the Road to Hana. Entry requires a reservation.
Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.
Humpback whales visit Maui's waters from about December to April. Boat trips get close to them.
Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.
An aquarium focused on Hawaiian marine life, with a walk through tunnel. It is good for a rainy day.
Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.
A calm sandy beach fronting resorts in south Maui. It is good for swimming and snorkeling.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one Haleakala, day two Road to Hana, day three snorkel and beaches.
Quiet island.
9 mi · Ferry, about 45 minutes
Rural island.
25 mi · Flight or ferry, about 1.5 hours
Best: April to May and September to November. Good weather and lower prices.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
December to April
Humpback whales visible from shore.
As a US destination it has no State Department travel advisory level; low crime, but ocean currents, flash floods and car break-ins are real risks.
Island needs a car.
Limited Maui Bus routes.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: families
Resort beach.
Best for: luxury
Upscale resorts.
Best for: budget
Condos.
Best for: couples
Surf town.
| Main airport | Kahului Airport (OGG), 3 mi from the center |
| To the center | Rental car; resort areas are 30 to 60 minutes away. |
| Around town | Rent a car. |
| Ride apps | Uber, Lyft |
Raw fish salad.
Hawaiian dessert.
Rice, mac salad and meat.
| Plugs | Type A and B, 120 V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping | Tip 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and a few dollars per drink. |
| Payments | Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere. |
| Etiquette | Be friendly and patient; smoking is banned in most indoor places. |
Polynesian voyagers settled Maui over a thousand years ago, and chief Kahekili ruled the island in the late 1700s. Kamehameha I brought it into the Kingdom of Hawaii, and Lahaina served as the kingdom's capital in the early 1800s and later as a busy whaling port. Sugar and pineapple plantations shaped the economy until tourism took over. In August 2023 a wildfire destroyed most of Lahaina, and rebuilding is ongoing.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.