Maui is a photographer’s dream if you love gorgeous tropical flowers and cascading waterfalls! Find out some of the most beautiful places in Maui that will make you fall in love with Hawaii!
This post on the most beautiful places in Maui was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Maui is one of the islands that make up the magnificent state of Hawaii. The most beautiful places in Maui make it a go-to for people who want to visit any of the Hawaiian islands.
This island offers glorious beaches, rich and colorful coral reefs, awesome spots for surfing, and hundreds of adventurous activities to do. You’ll find the best views in Maui, whether you’re on a mountain trail or relaxing on the beach.
Many Maui scenic spots are worth exploring, from manmade attractions to the rugged West Maui Mountains that offer breathtaking natural beauty. These beautiful places in Maui will make you feel like you are staring at a magical painting.
Whether you crave a great hike with a stunning view at the end of a trail or looking for some Instagrammable spots, every Maui scenery has something for everyone.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Most Beautiful Places in Maui Worth a Stop
1. Road to Hana
If you love driving around in a new place and discovering spots on your own, the Road to Hana is one of the fun and cheap things to do on this island that leads to the best places in Maui.
It’s a 64.4-mile-long road trip adventure that follows Hawaii Route 36, then straight to Route 360. The trip starts in Kahului (Central Maui) and ends in Hana (East Maui)as the final destination.
The funny thing is that visitors don’t stay in Hana town proper. They explore the surrounding areas for hiking, beaches, and picnic spots.
One of the most popular spots is Wa’anapanapa State Park, a beach area filled with black sand beach and met with tidal caves while surrounded by plants native to Hawaii.
The blue water is clear and very refreshing; a nice place to dip after hiking through a bamboo forest, exploring the Hana Lava Tube, or visiting Kahanu Garden.
Head to the Sea Arch, where you can have an amazing view and take really cool photos.
2. ‘Ohai Trail – Olivine Pools – Pu’u Koa’e
This is a perfect trail for those who love to make multiple stops along the hike and explore some areas.
The hike starts at ‘Ohai Trail, a stunning cliff that overviews the Pacific Ocean matched with miles and miles of pristine shoreline. It’s one of the Maui scenic spots offering breathtaking ocean views.
A bit over halfway, the hike takes you to Olivine Pools, where a strong current hits a group of rocks. The water would land on these “rock pools.” Although it is scenic, visitors can’t enjoy the natural pools due to strong waves and safety reasons.
The trail finishes at Pu’u Koa’e, a beautiful place to admire fantastic rock formations. You can also take a dip at Kahakuloa Beach or walk around the small town, where you can get shaved ice or some other snacks.
The entire trail is about 4.5 miles long and takes an hour and a half to walk. Plan to spend about 2.5 hours, including some time discovering Olivine Pools and towards the finish line at Pu’u Koa’e.
Although it is a beautiful adventure, you don’t need to hike this trail. It’s perfectly fine to drive up your car, but be mindful of how windy and narrow some parts of the road are.
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3. Keanae Lookout
Keanae Lookout offers an “out of this world” scene with incredible lava rock formations. This rugged, beautiful coastline is not for swimming but is a perfect spot to take magnificent photos and one of the things that makes Maui beautiful.
Watching the waves land on the rocks is quite soothing. If you come when it’s cloudy and the tides are higher, the view gets more intense and powerful.
If you plan to walk on the rocks, wear proper shoes, as they are slippery and sharp.
There is a tiny parking spot, but most visitors will park on the road. There is a public restroom nearby, and you can stop at Aunty Sandy’s for the famous banana bread.
4. Waihee Ridge Trail
This picturesque trail leads to a viewpoint of Waihee Ridge, an incredible valley view of the northwest of Maui. The trail is steep and challenging; if you plan to hike, make sure you bring a good pair of shoes.
There is also a slight elevation gain, so remember to pace yourself.
You will be rewarded once you reach the top, which offers a beautiful sight of the rugged West Maui mountains, gorges, and forest.
You will also see helicopter tours exploring the Waihee, which is pretty cool to witness. You can book a tour if you don’t want to hike the trail but still enjoy the scenic view.
5. La Perouse Bay/Lava Fields
The bodies of water in Maui are so incredible and unique. Being a volcanic region, you can see a sandy beach in the morning and then explore a shoreline with lava rocks in the afternoon.
La Perouse Bay is one of Maui’s scenic spots, where the coastline is filled with lava rock formations and Maui ocean scenery.
You must park your car on the main road or near Makena Beach, then hike the small trail to the water. Not too far from the bay is the stunning Hanamanioa Light.
The hike is easy but very rocky. It’s highly recommended that you wear proper hiking boots to protect your ankle. Finish your hike with a quick dip at Makena Beach to cool down.
6. Makena Beach and Cove
Makena Beach is one of the most popular Maui tourist spots, and there’s a reason for that. It’s a spacious beach that stretches 0.66 miles (1 km) and is 100 feet wide.
Makena Beach is an excellent spot for snorkeling and swimming and for people who just like to enjoy the sun while reading a book.
On the beach’s south is the magical Makena Cove, a hidden area filled with fine white sand and lined with palm trees matched with clear waters.
This is the place to get a nice view of the sunset, it’s also a famous location to take wedding photos.
7. Hana Lava Tube
On East Maui, you will find the most excellent spot – the Hana Lava Tube. It is a rocky tube created by underground lava rivers and is one of the most fascinating Maui tourist spots for those interested in geology.
Along the cave trail, there are plaques imprinted with educational information to help you understand this formation and why it’s a unique and beautiful place in Maui.
There is no need to bring a flashlight with you because the information desk will give you a headlamp or heavy-duty flashlight.
Using the light is vital because you can easily get hurt if you can’t see where you’re going. It’s a down and back walk, so you’ll also be navigating through people in the opposite direction..
If you get claustrophobic easily, you might want to skip this attraction, however, the surrounding is still stunning and worth a visit. There is a parking area near the entrance as well.
8. Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is located off the coast southwest of Maui. It is recommended that you book a tour to get to the crater.
Visitors cannot climb or contact the crater because it is a submerged volcanic crater and a protected area.
Instead, you can book a boat tour where you can enjoy snorkeling and diving around it. The water is super clear, the corals are well looked after, and there is so much incredible marine life, including tropical fish and even the occasional Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Molokini Crater is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Maui if you love ocean adventures. Plan to spend an entire day on this because, after all the sun and salt water, you will definitely feel tired and just want to relax and drink a nice cold cocktail.
9. Haleakala National Park and Crater
The main attraction of this national park is the Haleakala Volcano, which features the Haleakala Crater, a 10,023-foot dormant volcano known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
You want to get on top of the crater, which lets you experience being above the sea of clouds. Imagine that it is matched with a colorful sunrise and sunset.
This park is one of the best places in Maui to witness the island’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic rock formations to lush valleys.
You’ll want to get to the top of the crater to experience being above sea level, where you can see a sea of clouds stretching beneath you. Imagine that view matched with a colorful sunrise or sunset—it’s an unforgettable experience!
You can even bring your car, but hiking to different spots of the national park where you can discover waterfalls is highly recommended.
Expect to spend about 2-3 hours. This spot is best to visit during a road trip, as you will stop and explore other locations that only require a few hours.
10. Baldwin Beach
If you are looking for a beautiful place in Maui where you can bring a book, lay down a sarong to lie on, and enjoy the sun and water – Baldwin Beach is a great spot for that.
This beach is lined with trees, offering plenty of shade when the sun is too hot. It is also only a 15-minute walk to a small town where you can find snacks and drinks.
If the season is right, you can walk up the cover, where you will find sea turtles enjoying the beach.
Once in a while, especially during the sunset, you might also see a drum circle and fire spinning show – a traditional and wonderful Hawaiian vibe.
11. Kapalua Bay Beach
Kapalua Bay Beach is a prominent location where you can enjoy the fine sand, cove, and crystal clear water.
A massive coral reef is not too far from the shoreline, making it an amazing place to snorkel without paying for a boat trip. You can even find Hawaiian green sea turtles, eels, and other tropical fish.
If you want to be somewhere a little more tranquil, walk down south until you reach Napili Beach.
While heading north, you will reach Kapalua Cliff House, an event venue, but next to it, there are cliffs perfect for jumping and snorkeling.
12. Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Many people didn’t know that lavender came from the Mediterranean. This means that it thrives best in a warm and dry climate. Although Hawaii is often humid, lavender still finds its way to enjoy the Hawaiian soil.
Visit Ali’i Kula Lavender where you can see many lavender varieties. The best season for this beautiful flowering shrub is from spring to summer.
Take stunning and dramatic photos while surrounded by the sea of lavender. But before you head out, stop by the gift shop where you can buy scented products. Around 1-2 hours is plenty of time to spend on the farm.
13. I’ao Valley State Park
When in Maui, you will never run out of trails to hike. Pack your bag and put on your hiking shoes. I’ao Valley is next to a marvelous lush mountain with a 1,200-foot peak.
Hiking through the ravines means seeing massive rocks along the rivers, exotic plants, and many spots to take breathtaking photos.
I’ao Valley is in West Maui. Go to Wailuku, then head to Kepaniwai Park, where you can leave your car and start your hike.
Remember to bring plenty of water with you. The trail is not too long, and you don’t need any snacks. Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour here.
Advance reservations to enter the I’ao Valley State Monument are now available online. The parking fee is $10 per vehicle. The additional non-resident entrance fee is $5 per person, and there is no charge for children under three years old.
14. Twin Falls
When you go on a hike, you can’t deny that you wish an end destination is a place where you can cool down – like a waterfall. Well, this next trail will give just that.
After a nice hike on the northern part of Koolau Forest Reserve, you will reach Twin Falls, a spectacular location where you can do cliff jumps and swim in nature.
If you want to learn more about this forest reserve and which plants and animals thrive in this region, you can also book a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Although doing it on your own is not a problem at all.
Places to go in Maui FAQs
Maui is famous for the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park. But there’s also the Maui Ocean Center, Maui Tropical Plantation, I’ao Valley State Park, Ho’okipa Beach Park, Big Beach, and plenty of other Maui tourist spots. Visitors also love exploring Maui scenic spots, such as the rugged West Maui Mountains and breathtaking coastal lookouts.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, the best areas of Maui include Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Wailea, and Kihei. However, it’s worth heading to Hana either for the day or overnight.
Not sure how many days to stay in Maui? If it’s your final destination, I suggest 7-10 days. If you’re island-hopping across the Hawaiian islands, 5-7 days is perfect. This gives you enough time to experience the best places to visit in Maui, from its gorgeous beaches to its famous volcanoes.
Most Beautiful Places in Maui Wrap-Up
Maui has so much to offer, from Maui scenic spots to historical sites and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you want to explore the Maui Ocean Center, take in the best views in Maui, or witness the sunrise at Haleakala National Park, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences.
Aside from fantastic nature-made locations, Maui is also less crowded than Oahu. It is a perfect destination for those who love hiking, water activities, and even learning about Hawaiian history through cultural experiences and historic landmarks.
There are so many beautiful places in Maui. Whether you are looking for an Instagrammable spot in Maui, a spot to take your Maui family photos, or locations to learn about volcanoes and lava rocks, Maui has all that.