When we travel, we don’t waste our week just hanging out at the resort doing nothing.
We can do that at home for free.
Maui has so many scenic drives (including a national park), history, and unique experiences that you have to get out and explore while you’re here.
Below are the best things to do when you visit Maui.
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Best Things To Do On Maui For Couples
All of these can be done in as little as 5 days, but I recommend planning at least a 7 day trip if you can.
1. Whale Watching
One of the absolute best things we did on Maui was whale watching.
We were there in February, which is peak whale watching season.
It was my 3rd time on a whale watching excursion, but the 1st time I actually saw any whales!
I personally recommend booking the PacWhale Eco Adventures Whale Watching Tour from Ma’alaea Harbor.
We did their Deluxe Whale Watching Tour which included lunch and drinks.
2. Cacao Farm Tour + Chocolate Tasting
This is probably not something you would’ve guessed would be on the list because it’s still pretty new.
Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate has the largest chocolate factory in all of Hawai’i.
They have a great guided cacao farm tour where they show you the process of harvesting cacao and turning it into delicious chocolate.
Then you get to go up in a treehouse overlooking the neighboring islands and taste 9 different pieces of chocolate.
This was one of the biggest highlights of our trip and our favorite photo together came from this experience.
Click Here To Book Your Cacao Farm Tour and Chocolate Tasting Today!
3. Road to Hana Full Loop Drive
The Road to Hana drive is the best way to see the highlights of Maui all in one day: black sand beaches, red sand beaches, waterfalls, secret lava caves, and perfectly homemade banana nut bread.
You need to start around 7 am if you want to do this to beat the crowds, and be mindful of the weather.
When we did this drive, we didn’t get back to our resort until about 8 pm, so it’s really a full day itinerary.
Most people only go to Hana and back, but if the weather permits, plan to do the full loop drive.
The best way to do it is to download the self-guided audio driving tour on the Shake Guide app, which connects to your GPS and tells you everywhere you need to go, while also telling you everything about the area along the way.
Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Road To Hana Full Loop Tour Today!
4. Haleakala National Park Summit Drive
We love visiting National Parks everywhere we go.
In the past few years, JP and I have visited over 25 national parks in the US, so of course we had to visit the one on Maui.
Haleakala is most known for its sunrise tours, which is what we had originally booked during our trip, but due to weather conditions, it was cancelled last minute.
It was February, so I think there was a mix of snow and fog.
So instead, we did a self-guided audio driving tour during sunset on the last night of our trip.
Click Here To Book Your Haleakala National Park Sunrise Tour Today!
5. West Maui Coastline Drive
This is another self-guided driving tour using the Shaka Guide app.
It leads you to some amazing places like Kapalua, Honolua Bay, Iao Valley State Park, Petroglyphs, and the Nakalele Blowhole.
It’s basically like driving the Road to Hana, but just on the other side of the island and doesn’t take nearly as long.
Click Here To Download Your West Maui Coastline Self-Guided Driving Tour!
6. Sunset Dinner Cruise
Even though a sunset dinner cruise is something you could do anywhere, this is especially unique to do while visiting Maui.
You’re able to see the neighboring islands and tons of whales.
Ours was set up for us through our resort, but I’ve compiled a list of the top sunset dinner cruises on Maui where you can decide which one is best for your budget and tastes.
7. Authentic Hawaiian Luau
You can’t go to Maui without going to a luau!
We were treated to a private luau in Lahaina due to a mix up with our original luau reservations from our resort.
But I put together a list of the top luaus where you can compare the costs, menus, and experiences to find the perfect luau for your trip.
I also have a post with some inspiration for what to wear to a luau.
8. Explore Front Street
Front Street is like the downtown of Lahaina.
This is where the best restaurants and gift shops are.
I got my dress and flower hair clip that I wore to our luau from one of the shops downtown.
We highly recommend restaurants here like Paia Fish Market, Down the Hatch, and Star Noodle.
You can also get Pineapple Dole Whip in the Lahaina shops too.
Front Street is also where the Lahaina Harbor is, so if you’re going whale watching or on a dinner cruise, you’ll most likely be leaving from here.
9. Mini Golf at Maui Golf & Sports Park
This is the only mini golf course in all of Maui!
It’s conveniently located at the same harbor where many of the whale watching tours and sunset dinner cruises go in and out of, so it’s an easy activity to add onto your itinerary.
10. Beach Day at Napili Bay
This is a nice little alcove that’s great for snorkeling, laying out on the beach, going for a walk, or just people watching.
During our trip, we worked a little bit on a volunteer project for the Pacific Whale Foundation to clean up trash and this beach was pristine!
We couldn’t find any trash to clean up.
Best Places To Eat On Maui
There are a ton of great restaurants all throughout Maui.
We did a ton of research to decide which places to go to during our week-long stay.
Check out our post on the best restaurants on Maui.
Pictured below is the lobster and crab grilled cheese from Down the Hatch in Lahaina.
Where To Stay On Maui
Ka’anapali Beach Club is a timeshare resort that is open to the public.
It’s on the beach, offers full kitchens, and is centrally located for everything you’ll want to do on Maui.
Click Here To Book Your Stay At Ka’anapali Beach Club Today!
One Week Maui Itinerary
There are so many fun things to do during a trip to Maui that are way more fun than lounging around your resort.
Hopefully these ideas give you a great start for planning your perfect couples getaway.
We have a 6 day, 5 night itinerary that pieces together all of these activities and restaurants we mentioned above, which can help you plan out your trip.
