Maui is a traveler’s paradise. The second largest island in Hawaii, Maui is packed with stunning views and beautiful landscapes. The island is visited by over two million visitors a year, who come for the mildly temperate year-round weather. With the climate and the scenery, Maui is a perfect spot for travelers to visit any time of year.
LeafCanoer, sociakathy, recently visited Maui, and shared her experiences visiting the island in her leaf entitled, “Maui’s Must See List.” Taking a cue from sociokathy’s leaf, here are six things you must do when you visit Maui.
Buy Local
Hawaiian culture is very different from the culture of the mainland, and nowhere can you see it more than in the local arts and foods. Maui is a great place to buy local Hawaiian crafts and goods. Small towns, like Paia, have a number of boutiques and shops selling local artisan goods, and are a great place to experience local arts scene.
Take in a Sunrise
Being an island, Maui has several great places to take in a sunrise. A popular place to observe the sunrise is Haleakala Crater. At its peak, there is an enclosed gazebo that offers a stunning view of the sunrise. There are plenty of options to get to the peak: whether on foot, by car, or by bike. Any way you choose, the outcome is something that is both breathtaking and memorable.
Ride the Waves
Maui, like the rest of Hawaii, is known for its surfing. There are plenty excellent surf spots around the island. One of which is near the small town of Haiku, which boasts some amazing surfing, as well as great beaches to hang out at. If you’re more interested in observing surfing, rather than engaging in it, you can go to Honolua Bay, one of the more popular surf spots on the island, to check out local and visiting surfers in action.
Explore the Local Flora
Hawaii is home to a diverse array of local plants and flowers. A common place to observe local flora is to visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. Situated in the uplands of Maui, the Lavender Farm offers a hidden gem, an oasis of flowers and plants. If you’re in the mood for exploration, and interested in learning more about the local environment, this is a great place to start.
Go on a Hike
The great thing about Hawaii is its abundance of outdoor activities. There are a number of national and state parks in Maui that offers plenty of trails for hiking. One of the most popular parks in Hawaii for hiking is ‘Iao State Park. Another popular trail for hiking is Twin Falls, which offers views of waterfalls, as well as several swimming holes. Leafcanoer, sociokathy, recommends Haleakala National Park, which includes a peaceful and secluded bamboo forest.
Take a Scenic Drive
Maui doesn’t have many major roads, but the roads that are there offer some fantastic views of the ocean and the scenery. A popular scenic drive is along Hana Highway, which winds past waterfalls, beaches, ocean views, and panoramic vistas. Another popular drive is along Kahekili Highway. This road takes you along hairpin turns, past roadside fruit stalls and along awe-inspiring vistas. It’s worth taking a day to drive along one of these roads to enjoy the scenery.
Maui is a wonderful place to visit, with its beautiful natural landscape and abundance of outdoor activities. For the nature enthusiast, Maui is a virtual playground of things to do. Or even if you just enjoy relaxing on the beach, Maui offers plenty of relaxing beaches and surf spots. This list is just a start for your next visit to Maui.
For more ideas of what to do when you visit Maui, check out more of sociokathy’s leaf. Or you can download the LeafCanoe app to explore other places to visit around the world.