20 Gorgeous Photos of Maui That Will Inspire You to Book a Trip

By Stacey Leasca
September 30, 2019
Tor Johnson/HTA

A visit to Maui is quite simply a visit to paradise. Upon landing in the “Valley Isle,” guests are immediately greeted with some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. From its stunning beaches where visitors can watch the humpback whales swim by, to its gorgeous rolling hills covered in palm trees just begging for guests to come and explore, Maui has something for everyone. Need even more proof that Maui is well-worth the plane ride? Check out these 20 stunning photos of the famed Hawaiian island, then book a cheap flight like these options from Southwest and start planning your visit ASAP.

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Sunset behind Maui mountains

John Hook/HTA

There’s nothing quite like a Maui sunset. To get the best view, head to North Maui where you can watch the sun dip below the mountains before falling into the sea below as the sky lights up in fiery reds, oranges, purples, and pinks.

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Wind turbine Maui coast

Heather Goodman/HTA

To get the most out of a Maui vacation, visitors are encouraged to get out into the sea. Rent a boat or take part in an offshore excursion to go whale watching, snorkeling, or scuba diving. As a bonus, you’ll be able to look back at the island and get this view too.

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Kamaole Beach Park

Vincent Lim/HTA

Looking to catch a glimpse of that famed blue-green water Hawaii is known for? Head to Kamaole Beach Park, where you can walk down to one of three popular beaches on the island. The beaches are well-known for their accessibility and for their wildlife. Bring your snorkel gear for the full effect.

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Spearfisherman off the coast

John Hook/HTA

Anyone hoping to get a bit more adventurous could try to catch their own dinner on a spearfishing tour. Guests will take a boat ride with an expert and learn the ins and outs of catching a fish. Just be prepared to be patient and eat whatever you catch.

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View of west Maui mountains from farm

Dana Edmunds/HTA

Maui is hiding one of the best farm-to-table dining scenes in the nation. Its abundance of fresh produce makes it a foodie dream. If you’re hoping to eat something delicious research its different options and book early to ensure your seat.

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Rows of coffee trees in Maui

Dana Edmunds/HTA

Beyond food, Maui is also home to some of the most delicious coffee on the planet. After drinking a few cups of the good stuff, book a tour to one of its coffee plantations. There, you can see how it’s made and enjoy a taste test.

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Old church of Hana highway

Tor Johnson/HTA

Maui is filled with history. One of the best ways to explore that is by visiting the Congregational Church, or Lanakila Ihihi O lehova O na Kaua. The small stone church, built in 1856, was one of the few structures to remain standing following the 1946 tsumani that nearly decimated the island.

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Wailea Beach

Tor Johnson/HTA

No visit to Maui would be complete without a stop in Wailea. There, visitors can explore one of its many golf courses spanning across 1,500 beautiful acres of oceanfront land.

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Morning on an estate near coffee farm

Dana Edmunds/HTA

Don’t let sunsets get all the glory during your Hawaiin vacation. Spend at least one early morning in Maui getting up to watch the sunrise. You’ll be handsomely rewarded with views like this over an estate coffee farm on the island.

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Kaanapali Resort area

Tor Johnson/HTA

One of the absolute best stretches of sand sits around the Kaanapali Resort. According to the resort, the land comes with a bit of history too. It was reportedly used as a training ground for Hawaiian warriors in ancient times, making it a great spot to visit for a long walk for your own modern-day training.

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Early morning Haleakala Crater

Max Wanger/HTA

The Haleakala Crater is one of the most popular destinations in Maui, and with good reason: It’s simply stunning. The crater, located in Haleakala National Park, extends from the mountains straight to the sea. Guests are more than welcome to hike the crater, but are warned that it can get difficult in some spots.

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Hookipa Beach

Tor Johnson/HTA

Visitors hoping to get in some action on the water can head to Hookipa Beach, world-renowned for its windsurfing conditions. This spot really caters to the professionals, but spectators are welcome to bring a towel and park themselves on the sand to watch the pros take on the massive surf all day long.

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Snorkel Boats at Molokini

Tor Johnson/HTA

While the island of Maui itself is cool, what may be even cooler is the teeny tiny landmass off its coast known as Molokini. The crescent-shaped island is actually a sunken volcanic atoll. It’s also rich in minerals, making it an ideal spot for marine life. Book a tour of the island and make sure to get in the water for a snorkel session.

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View from Paia toward Kahului

Tor Johnson/HTA

Paia is the place to be for anyone looking to fit in a bit of shopping on their vacation. Paia Town, established in 1896, is a relaxed little town filled with local businesses including clothing stores, art boutiques, and a few local restaurants. Behind the stores, it also offers up some of the best coastal views on the island.

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Makena Beach

Tor Johnson/HTA

Also known as "Big Beach" due to its spacious stretch of sand, Makena Beach offers picnic tables and a food truck on land, and great snorkeling spots beneath its crystal-clear waters.

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Waterfall hidden deep in Maui Valley 

Tor Johnson/HTA

One of the best parts about Maui is just how many hidden gems are hiding within the island. On a hike, you may come across one of its beautiful waterfalls like this one. Just be careful walking through the lush green forest and watch your step along the way.

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Couple enjoying Wailua Falls

Tor Johnson/HTA

If you want to get to a waterfall in Maui without having to hike, try visiting Wailua Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls on the island. The waterfall is a staggering 80 feet high and ends in a plunge pool that you can dip your toes into.

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Haleakala Volcano

Tor Johnson/HTA

If you didn’t see a volcano while in Hawaii did you even go to Hawaii? Make sure to check it off your list by visiting Haleakala and taking a tour all the way up to its 10,000-foot summit. Don’t worry, the volcano hasn’t erupted in a few thousand years.

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Mala Warf sea turtle

The Ingalls

In Maui, you’re bound to meet a local or two, and that includes the marine life. The good news is that no matter what time of year you visit you’re bound to run into a sea turtle or two. They frequent both deep and shallow waters and are typically curious. But keep your distance — you’re a visitor in their home.

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Hamoa Beach Maui

Misha Gravenor

Before leaving the island to go back to your regularly scheduled routine visit the absolutely divine Hamoa Beach, known for its soft white sand and consistently perfect surf break.

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