Originally Posted May 2019, Updated April 2026
With so many activities available, from free hikes and pristine snorkeling spots to top-rated tours and one-of-a-kind experiences, plus excellent dining and shopping, it can be hard to choose what to do with your precious time. Don’t stress. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites from Kapalua, Ka’anapali, and Lahaina. Read on for an epic vacation.
Kapalua
1. Coastal Hiking in Kapalua
Set against a rugged coastline and the beautiful West Maui Mountains on the northern tip of Maui’s West Coast, Kapalua is home to some incredible outdoor activities. The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a scenic two-mile hike that begins at Kapalua Beach and ends at Oneola Beach. Along the trail are beautiful views of Molokai. Hikers report spotting turtles and whales (in season), too. A few minutes north is the Dragon's Teeth Trail. This four-mile round-trip hike takes you out to a breathtaking point with jagged lava formations (hence the name dragons' teeth). At the end of the trail, you will find the Kapalua Labyrinth.
2. Tee Off on a World-Class Course
If you love golf, a stop at the gorgeous Kapalua Golf Course is a must. Their award-winning Plantation Course is rated #1 in Hawaii and ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the United States. Improve your game with one of their expert instructors at the Kapalua Golf Academy or play a few rounds on one of their two courses.
3. Adventure Through the West Maui Mountains
Experience the beautiful West Maui Mountains with two awesome local tour companies, Kapalua Ziplines and Maui Off Road Adventures. Kapalua Ziplines has Maui’s largest dual-line zipline course. Set on private land in the West Maui Mountains, this tour gives you exclusive access to stunning views and adrenaline-pumping fun. Their zipline course takes you over lush forested valleys and over a suspension bridge. During the summer season, they offer full moon ziplining. In partnership with Pu’u Kukui Watershed, Maui Off Road Adventures offers one-of-a-kind trail rides that provide educational opportunities for guests to learn about the preserve and the unique animal and plant species that call it home.
Kaʻanapali
4. Grab a Cold One at Maui Brewing Company
Stop off at the Maui Brewing Company after a day of outdoor exploring in Kapalua. They have family-friendly dining and delicious brews like their Coconut Porter and famous Bikini Blonde Lager. Another cool thing about Maui Brewing is its commitment to sustainability. The company is currently 80% solar-powered and actively working towards becoming totally grid-independent.
5. Treat Yourself at Whalers Village
Go ahead and indulge in some retail therapy at Whalers Village, a high-end shopping zone with top brands and plenty of tasty spots to eat. More than just a typical shopping mall, Whalers offers a slew of ongoing cultural activities, classes, and performances throughout the week, including lei-making and movie nights on the lawn. See their website for a full schedule of regular events. Some of our favorite spots to grind at Whalers include Choice Health Bar, Joey’s Kitchen, and Ono Gelato. Monkey Pod Kitchen is famous for its Mai Tai.
6. Beach and Snorkel at Ka’anapali’s Black Rock
Maui’s original resort destination for visitors from around the world, Ka’anapali boasts some of the island’s most beautiful sun-drenched beaches just north of Lahaina town. One of the highlights of this area is Ka’anapali Beach, a three-mile white sand beach with amazing snorkeling at Black Rock or Pu’u Keka’a Beach on its northern edge. Some of the colorful sea life you can spot in the aquamarine waters include butterfly fish, parrot fish, tang, wrasse, triggerfish, goatfish, snapper, porcupine fish, hawk fish, jacks, mackerel, cornet fish, turtles, and more. You can cliff jump off the rock if you dare!
7. Go on a Whale Watch or Fishing Charter
Between West Maui and its neighboring islands, the Pacific creates one of the most important whale habitats in Hawaii. The ʻAuʻau Channel, located between Maui and Lanai, is relatively shallow compared to the open ocean, reaching depths of around 252 feet (77 meters). These calm, protected, and warmer waters provide the ideal environment for humpback whales to give birth and nurse their calves. Just to the north, the Pailolo Channel between Maui and Molokai reaches deeper waters of up to approximately 846 feet (258 meters), adding to the diverse marine landscape that supports whale activity throughout the region.
To a humpback whale, often as large as a city bus, this area feels like a perfectly suited sanctuary, which is why West Maui consistently offers some of the best whale watching in the Hawaiian Islands. Much of this activity takes place within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, located just offshore.
There are several excellent companies offering private charters and guided tours. One of our favorites is Makai Adventures, a family-run company known for its personalized experiences. They offer private sailboat charters out of Ka’anapali and powerboat tours. Currently, Lahaina Harbor has only partially reopened, with operations limited to Sail Maui and Trilogy Excursions. In the meantime, Makai Adventures has shifted its temporary launch location to Mala Harbor.
During the summer months, when the whales migrate north, Makai Adventures also offers fishing charters, making them a great option year-round for getting out on the water.
8. Watch an Epic Sunset and Cliff Diving Ceremony
The Sheraton Resort, which overlooks Black Rock, puts on a free show every evening before sunset. A performer lights torches along the cliff and then leaps off in a breathtaking finale. Cliff diving or lele kawa has historical significance here. The Sheraton has live music before and after the ceremony with guided historical narration. You can read more about it in Hawaii Magazine.
Lahaina
9. Maui Chocolate Tour at Ku’ia Estates
Experience an interactive, educational, and sweet tour through the largest chocolate factory in the state of Hawaii. Walk among the cacao trees and learn hands-on fruit harvesting techniques. This professional and friendly guided tour leads you from “farm to bar,” finishing with an exclusive 9-piece tasting of their award-winning chocolate. There’s also (for an additional charge) a wonderful tasting opportunity for those who wish to tickle their palate by pairing chocolate with wine. This unique top-rated Maui experience is something special, and we promise you’ll be more than satisfied!
10. Catch a Free Hula Performance or Take a Free Hula Lesson
Lahaina town’s Cannery Mall offers free hula performances on Sundays from 1 pm to 2 pm and hula lessons on Thursdays from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Times may shift, so be sure to view their calendar of events for a full schedule. While you’re at the Cannery Mall, enjoy some tasty food at one of the indoor food trucks, and check out their shops for great island and surf wear, jewellery, and an ABC Store that has a wonderful array of souvenirs and gifts to take home. There’s also an amazing toy store!
What’s your favorite thing to do in West Maui? Drop us a line and share it with us!
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