Maui's coastline and interior deliver some of Hawaii's most photographed scenery, from calm swimming beaches to thundering waterfalls and a submerged volcanic crater.
A 3-mile stretch of golden sand fronting West Maui's original resort corridor, Kaanapali Beach is consistently ranked among America's best beaches. Calm, clear water makes it excellent for swimming and snorkeling near Black Rock (Puu Kekaa), where sea turtles are frequently spotted. A paved beach walk connects the resorts, shops, and restaurants along its length, and sunset here, often accompanied by a torch-lighting ceremony, is a nightly ritual.
Fronting South Maui's most upscale resort district, Wailea Beach offers a wide crescent of soft white sand and some of the calmest, clearest water on the island, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and easy snorkeling. A scenic 1.5-mile coastal path connects it to neighboring beaches like Ulua and Polo, passing manicured resort grounds and volcanic outcroppings, and this dry, sunny coast rarely sees rain.
In the remote Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park, this 4-mile round-trip trail climbs past a giant banyan tree, through a dense bamboo forest that clatters in the wind, to the base of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Several smaller waterfalls and swimming holes line the route, though flash-flood risk means checking conditions before entering any pools. It's one of Maui's most rewarding hikes, best done as part of a Road to Hana day trip.
A partially submerged volcanic crater rising as a crescent-shaped islet 3 miles off Maui's south shore, Molokini is a protected marine sanctuary with exceptional visibility, often exceeding 100 feet. Its curved reef wall shelters over 250 species of fish and pristine coral, making it one of Hawaii's premier snorkeling and diving sites, accessible only by permitted boat tours departing from Maalaea or Lahaina harbors.
A crescent-shaped cove ringed by low-rise condos rather than large resorts, Napili Bay feels quieter and more local than nearby Kaanapali. Calm, protected water and a gently sloping sandy bottom make it one of the safest spots on the island for families and casual snorkelers, with green sea turtles commonly gliding just offshore. Sunset views over Molokai and Lanai are exceptional.