things to do in Maui Archives

If you’re looking for a break that includes sun, warmth, and plenty of fun, you’ll want to make sure you consider Maui for your 2026 vacation. When you sit down to plan the ultimate Maui vacation this year, you’ll want to consider things like places to go, things to do, where to stay, and every other little detail you can think of before you go. No matter where you go in the Aloha State, there are some tips and tricks to having the vacation of a lifetime.

When You Go

Your need for a fun and relaxing getaway can come at any time of year, but there are some prime times to make that getaway to Maui. Many people choose the Hawaiian Islands for popular school break times – spring, summer, and winter holidays. It’s a great place to spend time when the weather back home is less than perfect. Keep in mind, though, that every other vacationer is thinking of these prime times, too. You’ll run into high prices on everything from airfare to lodging and activities. Choose off times and monitor prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Getting Here

Maui is Hawaii’s second biggest island! With over 700 square miles of land, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Maui has three airports: Kahului, Kapalua, and Hana. You’ll likely be arriving at Kahului since it’s the only airport that allows jet planes. You’ll have the address and all other information necessary to access your rental, some of which may be a bit of a drive from the airport. If you plan on doing any air-based island-hopping, your flight may take off from Kapalua or Hana.

Getting Around

Pick up your rental vehicle at the airport and head out on a Maui adventure of a lifetime. You’ll have access to it whenever you need, so you can pack up your crew and head out on your own schedule. Uber, Lyft, and taxi services are also available, but like many other things on the island, they can get expensive.

Have Cash

While most travelers don’t think to carry cash, either for safety or the declining need for it, you’ll want some on-hand. Tips for drivers, valets, activity guides, other servicepeople are appreciated. These people don’t have the ability to swipe a credit or debit card, unlike servers and desk agents with computers and card readers.

Book Popular Activities in Advance

The island itself is an attraction! With so much to see and do just walking outside, you won’t be short on things to do and see. For popular excursions like snorkeling and SCUBA, marine life spotting tours, and other water activities, you’ll want to book before you arrive. Another must-do, an authentic Hawaiian lu’au, also need to be booked ahead of time. There are many scattered across the island, hosted by hotel resorts as well as private businesses, but they sell out fast. Even guided tours of the Road to Hana fill up fast, so advanced reservations for your most sought-after activities are a must.

Weather

No matter what time of year you visit Maui you’ll experience sun and warmer temperatures. Winter highs are in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s. Summer turns up the heat a little with highs in the high 80s and lows in the 70s. With less than an inch of rain on average in the wettest months, you can be rest assured to have good weather during your Maui adventure.

Packing

This usually goes hand-in-hand with weather. You want to pack your favorite clothes, weather-appropriate outdoor gear, toiletries, and other essentials. Keep in mind each vacation rental provided by My Perfect Stays includes bedroom and bathroom linens, and a welcome kit that includes a starter pack of laundry detergent. In-unit laundry means you can pack just your favorites and have the ability to wash and dry them throughout your trip.

Culture

The Hawaiian Islands are a blend of Hawaiian, Polynesian, and other cultures, and you can experience each on your visit. Attend a lu’au, or visit the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Learn about area culture and customs or take in a show presented by various performers like the Hawai’i Youth Symphony, or nationally-recognized artists like UB40, Old Dominion, and Wayne Newton.

Island Time

You’ll also learn about the unspoken aspect of Hawaiian culture: Island Time. Things move a little slower on the island, and while reservations require you to show up at a certain time, it may take a few minutes to get going. Apply it to your own activities that don’t run on a schedule. Take your time loading up the rental car and heading out to explore and take all the time you want when you come across a place or thing that interests you.

Top Tip: Stay with Us!

The best tip of all we can give you is awesome accommodations! Take it from us that there’s no better place to stay during your Maui vacation than a relaxing home away from home in a vacation rental provided by My Perfect Stays. Book a cozy studio-style unit for a solo or sweetheart island retreat, all the way up to a 3-bedroom home. No matter which home you choose, enjoy expansive living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen and more.

No matter what time of year you need a break, the Hawaiian Islands have a wide array of things for you to do and see. Set your sites on the beautiful beaches and fun you’ll find on Maui and create an island getaway that’s unique to you and your loved ones. The island alone is a reason to visit, but there are plenty more highlights, must-do, or must-see attractions and activities that will make the decision to visit Maui a no-brainer.

Weather

No matter what time of year you visit Maui you’ll experience sun and warmer temperatures. Winter highs are in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s. Summer turns up the heat a little with highs in the high 80s and lows in the 70s. With less than an inch of rain on average in the wettest months, you can be rest assured to have good weather during your Maui adventure.

Culture

The Hawaiian Islands are a blend of Hawaiian, Polynesian, and other cultures. You can experience each on your visit. Attend a lu’au or visit the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. You’ll learn about area culture and customs or take in a show presented by various performers like the Hawai’i Youth Symphony, or nationally recognized artists like UB40, Old Dominion, and Wayne Newton.

Beaches

An island escape means time on the beach, and in Maui that activity is year-round. Spend plenty of time on the beaches of Maui while you lay out in the sun and sunbathe, get your exercise with a walk or run on the sand, or grab a beach blanket and pack a basket for a beach picnic.

Water Activities

In addition to the many beach activities on land that attracted you and your traveling companions to Maui, there are a myriad of fun water sports to add to your Maui itinerary, too. If you‘re looking for an adrenaline boost or feel the need for speed on the water, take off on a jet ski. For a unique and memorable water experience, learn to “hang 10” and take surfing or windsurfing lessons with certified instructors. Take a dip in the ocean or take some time to explore the underwater world on a SCUBA or snorkeling trip.

Road to Hana

It’s a road trip not to be missed on a visit to Maui. Pack up the rental car and go on a must-do sightseeing excursion on land. While the Road to Hana is “only” 64 miles, it’s full of hairpin turns, one-lane bridges, and an array of blind spots to negotiate. You may set out on the journey thinking the 25-mile-an-hour speed limit is a bit slow, but you’ll be thankful for it as you negotiate your way through the twists and turns. The road to Hana isn’t just driving! Pull off to the side with the many other vehicles and hike to beautiful waterfalls, lava tubes and rocks, black sand beaches, and historic sites that include Charles Lindbergh’s grave site.

Brave the road on your own and make your own stops or join a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to many of the best landmarks and hiking spots along the way, meaning you won’t miss a thing. However you navigate the famous Maui path, make sure to pack plenty of drinks, snacks, and your camera.

Wildlife Watching

Charter a boat that seeks out some of Hawaii’s sea life. Several charters in the marinas of Maui will take you out in search of dolphins, whales, and other ocean life. Bring your camera for pictures of whales breaching, or dolphins coming up for a little air. You might even win their companionship as they race alongside the vessel.

Come Stay with Us!

These are just a few reasons you need to make Maui your next vacation destination. There are plenty more, including a relaxing home away from home in a vacation rental provided by My Perfect Stays. Book a cozy studio-style unit for a solo or sweetheart island retreat, all the way up to a 3-bedroom home. No matter which home you choose, enjoy expansive living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and more.

Call us today to discuss reasons why you should start planning a fun-filled visit to Maui!