Maui Musts

Must DO’s

The first excursion I would recommend is watching the sunrise above the clouds and Volcanic mountains at the top of Mount Haleakala. Pack warm clothes and possibly a blanket as it gets cold on the top. You need to make reservations on recreation.gov seven days in advance. Haleakala is a limited capacity viewing and one you don't want to miss. I recommend doing it towards the end of the trip, so your body has adjusted to the time change. I had to leave by 4 AM to make it to the sunrise.  It is a sacred ceremony to Hawaiians, and singing and chanting accompany the rise. It is the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen and well worth the trek/getting tickets.

The Road to Hana is another don't miss. I would be prepared for swimming and hiking (bring towels and a change of clothes) because the Road to Hana is full of adventures. If you are prone to car sickness, bring medication, and get ready for one-lane bridges (59 to be exact), tight curves, and some scary driving. Fifty-two miles will take you the whole day if you do it right. You will pass black sand beaches, curve around mountains, and pass enormous waterfalls. I downloaded an app called The Road to Hana to listen to while I drove. It was incredibly helpful when I had no service and gives you history and info on all the things you will pass. Stop and try the local coffee, fruit stands and cute, quirky souvenirs shops and food trucks. 

My favorite hike in Hawaii starts right near the beginning of the Road to Hana at mile marker 6.5. PRE-WARNING this hike is dangerous. Do at your own risk! You will notice an entrance into the bamboo opposite the last Conifer tree across the street. Here you will follow the trail until you cross the first river. Watch for the slippery rocks. This hike, if you complete it, will take you across three beautiful ponds and waterfalls. It will also take you pulling yourself up a rock with a rope and climbing a latter connected to the side of a cliff. There is a place near the second waterfall where you can cliff jump, but all the ponds were swimmer friendly. When you have made it past the latter, continue, and you will be met with one last river and waterfall.  

Highly recommend stopping at mile 32 and taking the short trail down to the beachfront to explore a black sand beach!

There is a national park with hikes at the end of the route in Hana. I always find it about sunset by the time I make it to Hana, though. The National Park is beautiful but a tad more strict on exploring.

If you want to learn to surf, Maui is the perfect place to try it. Its waves are small enough that they aren't overwhelming, and the surf instructors are fantastic teachers. If you go with a company, they will even take pics of you on the board. Ka'anapali Beach is a great place to try this.

Whale watching is also a fun adventure and day on the water from November to March. The time I went, we saw multiple whales and dolphins. The cruises are usually two hours and take off from Lahaina, a fun little town to explore.

Must eat:

Mama's fish house (reservations recommended)

Shave Ice at Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice

Maui Brewing Company- the food and the beer are fantastic.