Maui is one of my favorite places in the world. From its stunning natural beauty to the incredible food and warm, welcoming people, it truly is paradise. This guide combines recommendations from my trips to Maui in over the years, so you’ll get the best spots for accommodations, restaurants, activities, and more!

Accommodations

Kihei Airbnbs - Staying near the beach in Kihei is ideal for being front row for beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and having easy access to restaurants and shops. Staying in an Airbnb here makes it easy to enjoy the island at your own pace. We’ve stayed at several Airbnbs in the Kihei area and loved them all!

Luxury Options:

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua - The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is truly luxurious - you feel like royalty from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. The rooms, restaurants, and service are all five-star and make your stay feel extra special. While its location on the northwest corner of Maui can sometimes mean a bit more rain than other parts of the island, it’s nothing to stress about. The resort is within walking distance of several beautiful beaches just to the south, where you can still snorkel, relax, and soak up plenty of sunshine.
Four Seasons Resort Maui - Even if you’re not staying here, the property is worth visiting. Gorgeous views, beautiful grounds, and several fantastic restaurants. Also an added bonus - the first season of The White Lotus was filmed at this resort so you’ll see lots of familiar spots!

Best Restaurants & Bars

Monkeypod Kitchen: There are a couple of these on Maui and for good reason - the food and drinks are excellent! We went to the location in Kaanapali twice and ordered the Monkeypod Mai Tai both times - the honey-lilikoi foam on top is to die for! They also do a great happy hour each day.
Mama’s Fish House: This is by far the most iconic restaurant on Maui. It’s beautiful, classic, and serves up some of the freshest fish dishes on the island. The service and ambiance are incredible. Travel tip: If you are having trouble finding a table reservation, you can always do a walk-in. We were seated almost immediately at the bar overlooking the gorgeous grounds and ocean!
Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop: Be sure to stop here if you have a chance! The pies are delicious and a great snack while driving around the island. I highly recommend the guava chiffon and coconut cream pies.
Duke's Beach House: Named after the father of modern-day surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s is a casual, fun restaurant located right on Kaanapali Beach. It’s the perfect spot for an oceanfront meal - we went for breakfast and enjoyed a delicious meal with a stunning view of the water (we even spotted dolphins swimming in the distance!).
Duo (Four Seasons): We ate at Duo two times during our trip - once for breakfast and once for dinner. Both were incredible, but I’d highly recommend the breakfast buffet! For just above $50 per person, you get fresh tropical juices, coffee, pastries, meats, cheeses, and made-to-order omelets and waffles. We spent an entire morning eating, drinking fresh juices, and enjoying the views!
Merriman’s Kapalua: We had one of the best meals we’ve ever eaten at Merriman’s! We ordered Mai Tais, fresh sashimi, Tako a l’escargot, Kalua pork quesadillas, fish dishes, and chocolate purse for dessert. Book a table around sunset - the views and atmosphere are truly magic at during that time.
The Plantation House: This beautiful restaurant is set atop a golf course with absolutely stunning views. We had soup, lobster ravioli, catch of the day, and pineapple upside-down cake. The fresh fish was some of the best we’ve ever had!

Other Favorites:

Coconut’s Fish Cafe - Best fish tacos ever.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice - A Hawaiian classic! Colorful, delicious and a must-do for dessert lovers.
Geste Shrimp Truck - Fresh, flavorful, and iconic Hawaiian food on the go!

Things to Do & See

Beaches & Snorkeling

Kaanapali Beach - Crystal-clear turquoise water and colorful fish just feet from the shore. The perfect place for a full day of snorkeling!
Kapalua Beach - Calm, shallow, and ideal for snorkelers who prefer easy conditions. (This is my favorite place to snorkel on Maui!)
Ho’okipa Beach - This gorgeous North Shore beach is the perfect place to watch surfers and one of the best places on the island to see sea turtles. Travel tip: Grab a takeout pizza from the nearby Flatbread Company and have a picnic on the beach! (Their Mopsy’s Kalua Pork Pie is to die for!)

Road to Hana

One of Maui’s most breathtaking drives. Key stops:

Rainbow Trees
Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
Hana Town
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
Pipiwai Trail
Lava tubes and fruit stands

Travel tip: Start early, pack snacks, water, sunscreen, and choose a few must-see stops - you can’t do it all in one day!

Snorkeling Tours

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour - This early morning tour is one of the coolest things you can do during a trip to Maui. Clear water for miles, tons of fish, dolphins, flying fish and whales are all things that we experienced on this tour. We also did this during whale season, and could hear them singing underwater!

Luau & Local Culture

Old Lahaina Luau - Pricier than some other luaus on the island, but absolutely worth it for the delicious food, drinks, and show.

Other Activities

ʻĪao Valley State Monument - Gorgeous mountains, short hikes, and amazing photo ops!
Paia - Cute town with many charming shops, great cafes, and a laidback, local feel.