This crescent shaped crater creates a protected refuge and ideal spot for snorkeling with countless species of fish and some of the most impressive coral formations in Hawaii.īoat trips out of South Maui to Molokini (either leaving from Ma’alaea, the Kihei boat ramp, or Maluaka Beach) will usually include also include a stop at Turtle Town…a spot that’s well known for, you guessed it…turtles! Molokini Crater is Maui’s famed snorkeling spot and a short boat ride away from South Maui. If you’re an avid hiker, you’ll want to put hiking down into the crater on your list.Īnd if the extreme weather (and wake up call) for sunrise is a little off putting, it’s still 100% worth going up to Haleakala during the day. Read everything you need to know about sunrise and sunset at Haleakala here.īut there’s more to Haleakala National Park than just the sunrise. You can make reservations 60 days in advance and they cost $1 (plus the $30 park admission/vehicle upon arrival). If you’re making the trek up to Haleakala for sunrise (entering the park between 3AM and 7AM), you’ll need a reservation through the National Park service. You’re unlikely to experience this kind of phenomenon anywhere else in the world. It’s been called magical and that’s all you can really say about it. It’s become a pilgrimage of sorts, with bleary eyed tourists waking up in the middle of the night and donning coats and hats to make the long and windy drive up the mountain to Haleakala’s summit where they stake out spots and wait for a glimpse of those first sights of peachy orange hues peaking through the cloud canopy. There aren’t many places in the world where you can stand on top of a 10,000 ft tall volcano in the middle of the ocean and watch the sun begin to awaken. Where to Stay in Hana Haleakala National Park Should You Drive the “Backside” of the Road to Hana? I’ve written a few posts about the road to Hana: Of all the things to do in Maui, you really shouldn’t miss this one. Your journey past rainbow eucalyptus trees, bamboo forests, black and red sand beaches, 400 foot waterfalls, and Hana town itself will give you a taste of the real Hawaii. Set out early, stopping to grab breakfast in Paia town and see all the sights along the way. Tales of the harrowing drive along narrow and windy roads along cliffs, through jungles, and past waterfalls have only built up the folklore surrounding Hawaii’s most popular drive.Īnd taking part is practically a right of passage when visiting Maui. Maui’s most epic adventure is driving the famed “Road to Hana.” Hana is a tiny town in the Eastern jungles of Maui, but it’s not about Hana itself, it’s about the journey to get there. Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui Drive the Road to Hana Thank you for supporting the brands that make the Lincoln Travel Co possible. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. This is what makes the island unique and hopefully it’ll help you put together an itinerary whether you’re coming for three days or three weeks. So this post is all about things that you can ONLY do on Maui. There are a lot of things that while 100% amazing, you’ll find some version of it on every island. You can go to ANY Hawaiian island and find beautiful beaches and fun adventures like snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, horseback riding, tennis, golf, zipline, etc. I could give you a list of 100 things you absolutely don’t want to miss on Maui (and believe me I have on this blog), but I’m going to keep it short and sweet here.

Must things to do in maui