10 Adventures in West Maui You Need to Add to Your Bucket List!
- Gabriella Viola
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 4
Pristine beaches, scenic hikes, and bucket list adventures you won’t want to miss! Here are some of the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii.
Just booked a week-long vacation to Maui and wondering how to make the most of your trip? I’ve got you covered, especially if you’re staying in West Maui. After spending a week on the island, I’ve put together a list of my favorite experiences that I highly recommend adding to your itinerary.
West Maui is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and variety of activities. If it’s your first time visiting, West Maui offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, adventure, and convenience. Here are 10 fantastic things to do in and around West Maui.
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Kapalua Bay
Known for its clear, turquoise water and easy snorkeling, Kapalua Bay is a must-visit beach. Not only is it incredibly scenic, but it's also one of the best spots for snorkeling with sea turtles in Maui. The reef starts close to shore, so you don’t have to go far to see colorful fish and sea turtles. Plus, it's great for swimming, and it’s super easy to get to—right off the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Learn more about snorkeling with sea turtles at Kaplua Bay here:
Waihe'e Ridge Trail
If you're looking for one of the best hiking trails in Maui, the Waihe'e Ridge Trail should be at the top of your list. This 4-mile round-trip hike in the West Maui Mountains climbs 1,500 feet through lush forests and open ridges, offering panoramic views of Waihe'e Valley and the coastline. It’s a challenging hike, but the tropical scenery, dramatic cliffs, and ocean views make it well worth the effort.
Watch the video on hiking Waihe'e Ridge here:
Molokini Crater
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater is a must-do activity when visiting Maui. This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater just off the coast is known for its crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life. While I mostly saw colorful fish during my visit, the visibility was incredible.
To get to the crater, you’ll need to book a Molokini Crater tour, and most will also take you to nearby spots like Turtle Town, which, as you can guess, is great for seeing sea turtles (I saw quite a few on my tour).
Since it’s such a popular spot, I recommend booking an early morning tour to avoid the crowds. I went with Redline Rafting because they use smaller boats, making the experience feel a lot more personal compared to the big cruise ships.
Napili Bay
Napili Bay is a small, pristine beach with some of the most turquoise water in Maui. Seriously, the color of the water was incredible! Located just a short distance from Kapalua Bay, it’s a quieter spot that feels like a hidden gem. If I had to pick, it was definitely the prettiest beach I visited in Maui. The soft sand and calm waters make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Ka'anapali Beach
If you’re looking for a great spot to watch the sunset in West Maui, I recommend Ka'anapali Beach. The beach is beautiful during the day too, but it’s a well-known sunset spot on the island. It’s a much longer stretch of beach compared to the other spots on this list, and it’s easy to access, with plenty of parking and nearby resorts and restaurants to check out before or after sunset.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is an easy, paved, 3.5-mile trail with gorgeous ocean views. As one of the best coastal trails in Maui, you can walk right down to several beaches or scenic cliff areas along the way. The trail also passes the Montage Resort, a perfect spot to grab a frozen drink or some lunch.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Maui, especially between December and April when humpback whales migrate to the island’s warm waters. You can often spot these amazing creatures from shore, but if you want a closer look, there are plenty of whale watching tours to choose from.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is another great spot for snorkeling in Maui, but only when the conditions are right. Located on the northwest coast, the bay is part of a marine conservation area, so it’s a great place to see fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Just keep in mind that the water can get murky and turn brown after heavy rain, which isn’t great for snorkeling. It’s a super short hike from the road, so if you get down there and the water’s brown, no big deal—people on the trail will usually let you know if it’s not a good day to snorkel.
Look for Rainbows
Maui (and Hawaii in general) is known for its vibrant, frequent rainbows. I spotted a few during my trip, with the most beautiful one showing up at 7 a.m. as I was boarding my tour boat to Molokini Crater. I also caught a couple in the late afternoon. So, when it’s rainy and sunny at the same time or the skies are looking moody, keep an eye out—you might just catch one!
Try the Banana Bread
If you love banana bread like I do, you’re in for a treat because Maui is famous for it! You’ll find it everywhere—from coffee shops to roadside stands. I think I had banana bread every day I was there, and the best I tried was at Castaway Cafe, just a short walk from Ka'anapali Beach. Oh, and their banana French toast? Sooooo good!
I hope this guide to the best things to do in West Maui helps you plan your trip!
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