Top Beaches, Hikes, and Secret Spots in Maui, Hawaii

Welcome back, fellow adventurers!

If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, Maui is an absolute dream. Affectionately known as “The Valley Isle,” this island offers the perfect balance of relaxing shorelines and lush, adventurous trails.

It’s easy to get caught up in the crowded tourist traps, but you know our motto: Travel smarter, not harder. We’ve explored this island from top to bottom to find the most authentic experiences.

Here is a sneak peek at our absolute favorite beaches, hikes, and hidden gems on Maui!

Finding the Perfect Stretch of Sand

Not all beaches are created equal, and depending on whether you want to snorkel, swim, or just lay out with a good book, you need to know exactly where to go.

Baldwin Beach Park: Located just past the main town of Kahului, this is a big, scenic beach. It is absolutely gorgeous and the perfect spot to spend a relaxing beach day if you aren’t rushing down the highway.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach): You simply cannot visit Maui without seeing the famous black sand beach! The park also features dramatic sea cliffs, an ocean cave, a lava tube, and a blowhole.
- Pro Tip: Advanced online reservations are required for Waiʻānapanapa, and the last entry is at 4 PM! We made it here late in the day and really wished we had more time to explore, so do not cut yourself short.
Be Smart About Jaws Beach: Famous for big wave surfing in the winter, this beach is a bit hard to get to. You have to pay $10 to park and walk a mile down to the sand. Pro Tip: Certainly skip this one if you are short on time!

See Baldwin Beach in detail in our Maui Travel Guide

Hikes That Are Worth the Sweat

If you’re an empty nester who loves staying active like we do, you have to get off the sand and explore Maui’s incredible trails.

Twin Falls: One of the most accessible waterfalls on Maui. It requires just a short hike, making it a great stop for the entire family, and you can even swim at the base of a couple of the waterfalls.
Pīpīwai Trail & Waimoku Falls: Located 10 miles past Hana at the back entrance of Haleakalā National Park, this area has a completely different feeling than the main crater and is an absolute must-do.
- Travel Chick Pro Tip: Haleakalā National Park requires an advance reservation online, but your ticket is good for 3 consecutive days! You can use it for both the main summit entrance and the back entrance near Hana, so plan accordingly.

Twin Falls hiking tips and exact directions in our Maui Travel Guide

Our Favorite Hidden Gems & Local Eats

We always skip the overpriced tourist restaurants and hunt down where the locals go. Here is where you should treat yourself:

Roadside Banana Bread & Shave Ice: While driving the Road to Hana, skip the fancy sit-down meals. Grab a fresh fruit smoothie or banana bread at the roadside stand near Twin Falls, or hold out for the famous “Half Way To Hana” rest stop for banana bread and shave ice.
Ching’s Pond: Looking for a secret spot? This little-known swimming hole features a cliff jump and is located almost directly below the road on the Hana Highway.
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm: If you take a drive Up-Country, check out this incredible 45-acre farm. It has a wonderful gift shop and admission is only $5.

There’s more where that came from!

This is just a small taste of what the island has to offer. Trying to route your days to avoid backtracking across the island can be incredibly frustrating. We plan hard so you don’t have to!

Start your adventure with our travel guide, featuring a journey along the stunning Road to Hana! Grab our Maui Travel Guide, filled with maps, hotel recommendations, and insider tips.