The island of Maui is nothing short of paradise, with pristine beaches, lush tropical mountains, and a laidback lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, marine wildlife, or ultimate relaxation, Maui has something for everyone.
West Maui is one of the more popular areas to visit, as it boasts several of the island’s best beaches and is swimming with a wide range of activities. West Maui is just an hour from the airport and comprises the towns of Kapalua, Napili, Kaanapali, and Lahaina.
Having traveled to West Maui over 30 times, I’ve developed a deep appreciation and familiarity with this majestic side of the island. Inside this West Maui travel guide, discover the best activities and attractions so you can have an incredible Hawaiian getaway.
Top 25 Things To Do In West Maui
From beautiful beaches to outdoor adventures, and delicious places to eat, these 25 activities will help you experience the very best of Maui’s west side.
1. Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach was named Trip Advisor’s number one beach in the U.S. for 2023. Plus, it’s regularly ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. Need we say more? Kaanapali Beach stretches for three miles across white sand and warm waters that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
2. Explore Front Street
Strolling Front Street in Lahaina is a must when visiting West Maui. This historic street is lined with dozens of great shops, art galleries, and restaurants that run parallel to the ocean. You can also find ticket offices for day tours and attractions that depart from the area. 
3. Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay’s calm waters and rocky inlets make it the perfect place for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and swimming. There’s a spot right on the beach where you can rent gear such as kayaks and paddle boards so you don’t have to worry about bringing it with you. Also, it’s likely you’ll spot some turtles at Kapalua Bay, either swimming in the water or relaxing on shore with fellow sunbathers.
4. Attend a Luau
Going to a luau while in Hawaii is an excellent way to appreciate and learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions. West Maui hosts several great luaus with traditional Hawaiian cuisine and scenic settings. If you’ve never been to a luau before, I highly recommend attending one.
5. Napili Bay
Napili Bay is another beach that made Trip Advisor’s best beaches for 2023. Tucked away in the small town of Napili, this bay is great for swimming and snorkeling. It’s located in between two of the best restaurants in West Maui, The Gazebo and Sea House, so take a dip and grab a bite to eat afterwards.
6. Lahaina Banyan Court
Head to Lahaina Banyan Court on Front Street to marvel at the oldest Banyan Tree in the country. The tree is more than 150 years old and towers over 60 feet high. It’s one of Maui’s historic landmarks and is truly incredible to walk around.
7. Whaler’s Village
If you’re looking for fantastic retail shopping, head to Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali. The village sits above Kaanapali Beach and is lined with local boutiques, as well as more mainstream shops like Billabong and Lululemon. Whaler’s Village also has great coffee shops and restaurants for grabbing a bite to eat.
8. Plantation Golf Course
If you’re craving a round of scenic golf or interested in seeing where the PGA Tour takes place, head to the Plantation Golf Course. This golf course is one of the most beautiful in the world, with sweeping views of Maui and the ocean. Eat at The Plantation House restaurant up top for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
9. Spa Montage Kapalua Bay
A vacation is not complete without some meaningful R&R. And if you’re in need of pampering, look no further than the Spa Montage Kapalua Bay. It’s one of the most luxurious you’ll find on the island, offering ocean-inspired treatments and a private pool for added relaxation.
10. Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is where you’ll find some of the island’s best surfers in their element. Bring your surfboard to catch a wave or your camera to capture the action. Honolua Bay also has a cove that’s great for snorkeling, so be sure to bring gear with you when headed here.
11. D.T. Fleming Beach
Nestled in the trees of Kapalua is D.T. Fleming Beach. The waves can get a bit choppy in the afternoon, so try going in the morning. Hang out in the sand or up above at the Burger Shack for delicious burgers and fantastic views.
Must Do Outdoor Adventure
You can’t travel to Maui without embarking on some outdoor adventures. Fortunately, West Maui is full of exciting activities that will immerse you into the island’s natural beauty.
12. Snorkeling Tour
Maui is home to incredible marine life and offers numerous snorkeling tours to help you experience it. While you can always snorkel at a local beach, a tour gets you out on the water and takes you to the best areas for snorkeling on the island.
13. Kapalua Coastal Trail
One of the easiest yet most beautiful trails in West Maui is the Kapalua Coastal Trail. It’s right on the water and features incredible views with volcanic rock and crashing waves. Start at the top of Oneloa Beach and end at the Montage Hotel. Cool off by hopping in Kapalua Bay afterwards or grab a bite to eat at Cane and Canoe restaurant.
14. Whale Watching
From December to April, you can spot whales in Hawaii as part of their southern migration. If you’re visiting the island during this time, you should absolutely go on a whale watching tour to experience seeing these magnificent creatures. West Maui offers several great tours that depart from Lahaina harbor.
Browse whale watching tours here
15. Helicopter Tour
One of the best ways to see West Maui with an unparalleled view is by helicopter. Helicopter tours are one of the most popular activities in Maui and for good reason. Embark on an epic adventure in the skies and marvel at the island’s lush landscapes.
16. Learn to Surf
Maui is home to some of the best waves in the world and attracts professional surfers every year. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf, West Maui is full of experienced instructors who will have you catching waves in no time. Sign up for a private or group lesson from one of the many surf schools in the area.
17. Nakalele Blowhole
One of the more unique outdoor activities in West Maui is visiting the Nakalele Blowhole. Expect a short hike to get there so wear sturdy shoes as you head to see this natural attraction. The drive to get there is beautiful as well, so make sure to bring your camera!
18. ‘Iao Valley State Park
The ‘Iao Valley is one of the most lush areas in West Maui that features towering mountains, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Hike to the ‘Iao Needle, which is the main attraction in the park. You can spend one to two hours here, basking in greenery at one of Maui’s sacred sites.
19. Waihee Ridge Trail
One of the most popular yet more demanding hikes is the Waihee Ridge Trail. The hike spans about five miles and features panoramic views of Maui’s dramatic landscapes. There are several uphill climbs, so bring plenty of water and snacks to help power you through.
Best Local Cuisine
West Maui has no shortage of amazing food options. Below are some of the top-rated restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert of course.
20. The Gazebo
The Gazebo is one of the most popular restaurants on the island that’s open for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy a delicious meal in a refurbished gazebo that overlooks the ocean. Expect to wait in line, but the food and views are worth it!
21. The Sea House
The Sea House restaurant sits atop Napili Bay and has amazing views and ambience. Dine here for brunch or dinner, both menus are fantastic. Dinner reservations fill up quickly so try booking in advance to enjoy a meal at sunset.
22. Fleetwood’s on Front St.
Fleetwood’s on Front St is owned by rock and roll legend Mick Fleetwood. The restaurant features rooftop seating, live music, and an art gallery that pays tribute to music history. The energy and musical performances are always top notch here.
23. Sansei
For some of the best sushi and seafood in West Maui, head to Sansei in Kapalua. Make a reservation in advance or go right when they open to put your name down. The sushi is worth the wait!
24. Kaanapali Food Trucks
West Maui has tons of food trucks that serve delicious meals from local vendors. Some of the top-rated ones are inside Honoapiilani Food Truck Park, located in Kaanapali. Head there for a casual dinner between their hours of operation from 5pm – 9pm.
25. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
Arguably the best shave ice in Hawaii is Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. You can add toppings like ice cream, mochi, and their specialty, Snow Cap, which is sweetened condensed milk. Ululani’s typically has a line, but it’s always the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Visiting Western Maui: FAQs
Traveling around Maui is incredible, but the planning portion (as for any trip) can feel daunting. Below are answers to some FAQs about West Maui to help make your planning smooth sailing.
How would you spend a day in West Maui?
With so many ways to spend a day in West Maui, below is a suggested itinerary so you can maximize your experiences while on the west side of the island.
8am: Head to Iao Valley to hike around for 2 hours
10:30am: Eat breakfast at Plantation House or The Gazebo
Noon: Head to Kapalua Bay or Kaanapali Beach to swim, paddle board, and relax
2:30pm: Stroll Lahaina Front Street to shop, grab a late lunch, and get Ululani’s Shave Ice or a Dole Whip Soft Serve
4:30pm: Walk Kapalua Coastal Trail
5:30pm: Head back to the hotel to relax/freshen up for dinner
7:30pm: Dinner at Sansei, Sea House, or Fleetwoods on Front St.
How long does it take to drive the West Maui Loop?
The West Maui Loop drive is a great way to see the western side of the island. The loop spans 65 miles and could take roughly two hours to drive or the entire day, depending on your stops along the way. Stops include several activities covered earlier in this post, like the Kapalua Coastal Trail and Nakelele Blowhole.
What is one thing not to miss on Maui?
If you have time to explore outside of West Maui, you should not miss the Road to Hana. The Road to Hana is one of the most famous and scenic drives in the world and is absolutely worth experiencing. It features waterfalls, deserted beaches, and so much breathtaking beauty.
Where To Stay
With how touristy Maui has become, there’s tons of options for accommodation. Here are a few hotels that are highly rated by travelers.
Montage Kapalua Bay (luxury)
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali (mid-range)
Hololani Resort, Kahana (budget)
Conclusion: Best West Maui Activities
Hopefully, after reading this you have a better idea of what to do in West Maui. There really are so many activities that can make any traveler happy, from beaches to hiking to outdoor adventures.
Staying in West Maui is a great place to call home base while visiting the island since there’s so much to do in the area. You should however explore as much of the island as you can, and renting a car to do so is highly recommended. Browse car rentals here.
Make sure to book ahead for dinners and activities so you can enjoy all that Maui has to offer. Enjoy your trip to West Maui!
