From a volcanic summit above the clouds to a sacred valley of ancient battles, Maui's landmarks trace both the island's geology and its deep Hawaiian history.
Haleakala ("House of the Sun") rises 10,023 feet above sea level, its vast reddish-brown crater resembling a lunar landscape above the cloud line. Sunrise here is one of Hawaii's most iconic experiences, drawing crowds who bundle up against near-freezing summit temperatures to watch the sky ignite over the crater rim. The park also protects the rare, silver-leafed silversword plant, found almost nowhere else on Earth. Sunset visits and daytime hikes into the crater are equally spectacular and far less crowded.
A lush, rain-soaked valley in West Maui's mountains, Iao Valley is dominated by the Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot emerald-green basalt pinnacle rising from the valley floor. The site was the location of the decisive 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha I's forces conquered Maui as part of unifying the Hawaiian Islands. A short paved loop trail offers easy access to needle viewpoints, streamside paths, and native Hawaiian plant displays, making it one of Maui's most accessible natural landmarks.
Planted in 1873, Lahaina's massive banyan tree once spread its aerial roots across nearly two-thirds of an acre, sheltering the town square with the largest banyan in the United States. The August 2023 wildfire that devastated historic Lahaina scorched the tree severely, but arborists' efforts helped it resprout new growth, and it now stands as a powerful symbol of the town's resilience. Check current access conditions before visiting, as surrounding Front Street continues its long-term rebuilding.
This historic 18,000-acre Upcountry cattle ranch sits on the cool southwestern slopes of Haleakala, blending paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage with rolling pastureland and sweeping ocean views. The ranch grounds include the general store, a small history room, and MauiWine, Hawaii's only estate winery, known for pineapple wine produced from the surrounding fields. It's a favorite stop on Upcountry drives, offering a quieter, agricultural side of Maui far from the beach resorts.