10 Towns, Resorts, and Villages to Visit in Maui

Kihei is a lovely community to visit on Maui if you're interested in stunning beaches and a calm atmosphere. White sands stretch for miles along the shore here, and you can go for a swim or a dive in its welcoming waters. 

This town is also home to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, so whale watching is easy as the massive mammals often breach off the shore here. Additionally, you can embark on an eco-tour in a boat to see Kihei from a different angle.

About a century ago, Wailuku was the most popular destination for travelers in all of Maui. As massive resort towns like Kaanapali have grown, however, Wailuku has taken a back seat to their offerings. Fortunately, that means Wailuku is the perfect spot for travelers looking to enjoy some of the best attractions and activities without having to deal with crowds. 

In this town, you'll find the picturesque Iao Valley and the vibrant Tropical Gardens of Maui. There are even 2 ancient temples nearby that you can visit.

The small town of Makawao lies at the foot of Haleakala, a large, dormant volcano in Maui. If you're looking to bring back something memorable from your trip, this town is the best place to get a souvenir. Not only will you find unique offerings compared with the rest of Maui, but you'll find many different offerings in the town itself. 

The arts scene here is notably diverse, and Makawao is ranked as one of the best art spots in the entire United States. Additionally, the town sports a Wild West feel and embraces it with weekly rodeo and barrel racing events.

Paia is the place to be if you're looking for a seaside getaway in Maui. It's one of the best towns for this in the entire country thanks to its tranquil shore and laid-back atmosphere. The community has a distinct hippy vibe, so relaxation is easy. 

Plus, Paia is located conveniently next to Ho'okipa Beach Park, which is one of the best spots anywhere on Earth for windsurfing. That means you can enjoy thrilling adventures and laid-back relaxation all in the same area.

Hana is a small village that's relatively isolated in eastern Maui. In fact, most people tend to know about the famous Hana Highway rather than Hana itself. With its isolation comes a sense of peace and tranquility that brings travelers from all over the world to visit. 

Within the village, you'll find quite a few historic sites and natural features that are truly a sight to behold. You don't even have to find them yourself, as the local adventure tour takes you to all the best spots easily.

Lahaina is the capital of Maui where you'll find plenty of culinary pleasures. A lot of travelers to Hawaii visit for the beaches, but the food is a major draw as well. With malasada and other treats available, it's no wonder foodies from all over the world are drawn here. If you visit the town of Lahaina, you can taste some of the best local food in the state. 

Plus, most of the local restaurants here offer signature cocktails as well. Additionally, you'll find several boutiques offering custom crafts, clothing, and accessories that you can take home with you.

Kaanapali is, by far, one of the most popular destinations in all of Maui. This town is where you'll find the iconic Sugar Cane Train and the Whalers Village shopping center where you'll find a wide variety of items available that the whole family can enjoy. 

Plus, the beaches here are especially pristine, with much to offer to children needing calm waters and surfers looking for waves. If you ever want to get away from the hustle and bustle of this town, Lahaina is little more than 10 minutes away by car.

Head to Kula if you're looking to get a taste of what the simple life is like in Maui. This community mostly thrives off farming and other handmade products, and you can take a tour of some of the local farms for yourself. They'll even include some fresh produce and other creations for you to enjoy. 

You'll find historic sites here as well, and it's easy to explore it all considering just how laid back this town is and the distinct lack of crowds.

The Kaupo area is the best place to visit in Maui if you're looking to trek through ancient Hawaiian history. It's remote and consists of basalt rock and withered grasslands. 

If you do plan to venture on this rewarding path, traveling too far past Kaupo village will be met with a road that's increasingly difficult to navigate. A lot of local car rentals won't let you travel this path, as there are rough roads and too many potholes. The ranch lands are also quite scenic and relaxing, and you'll feel like you're in cowboy country.