Beach-lovers will be in their element on a holiday to Maui, as this exotic isle boasts over 30 miles of powder-soft beaches, ranging from sleepy bays dotted with sun loungers, to lively stretches made for surfing and watersports.
In South Maui, Makena Beach is one of the best on the island. Known simply as ‘Big Beach’, the unspoiled white sands are sandwiched between two headlands, meaning it’s lovely and sheltered for sunbathing. Prefer to go swimming? Head to Wailea Beach, where you can snorkel among rocky outcrops, or go body-boarding on the gentle waves.

Elsewhere, the rolling waves off the coast of West Maui serve up all sorts of adventures. Once named the best beach in the USA, Kaanapali Beach boasts a three-mile ribbon of sand and great snorkelling opportunities. And nearby Hanakaoo Beach Park is a popular surfing spot, which also has canoes and paddle-boards for hire.

You’ll find all sorts of things to do on your Maui holiday, thanks to the island’s varied landscape. If you’re eager to explore the lush greenery, you can walk along gentle trails in Iao Valley State Park, or tackle more challenging hikes in Haleakala National Park. The latter also offers exciting activities, such as horse-riding tours and zip-lining.

On the coast, meanwhile, you’ll find everything from surfing and scuba diving, to parasailing and whale-watching. You’re almost guaranteed to see humpback whales between December and May, when these majestic creatures migrate to Maui’s waters to breed and raise their calves.

If you’re a keen golfer, you can take your pick from 14 courses, where you can tee off surrounded by nodding palm trees and age-old lava flows. Fancy some downtime? Enjoy a wine-tasting session at a vineyard in Kula, or embark on a sunset cruise for picturesque views of the island

To make the most of your Maui holiday, why not hire a car and take a road trip along the 64-mile Hana Highway? Rolling over 50 bridges and weaving past dozens of tumbling waterfalls, this scenic coastal road eventually reaches Maui’s easternmost town, Hana. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to stop along the way. You could grab a refreshing treat from one of the roadside pineapple stalls, stretch your legs with a short walk through the forest, or simply pull over to snap photos of the dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean.

If you want to see more of Hawaii, that’s easy too. You could extend your trip with a few days on the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s surfing hub. Or hop over to Big Island to see steaming volcanoes, bright orange lava and luscious forests.

Like the other Hawaiian islands, Maui has a tropical climate. The temperatures remain toasty all year round, hovering between 22°C and 28°C. Just remember that the mountainous areas – like Haleakala National Park – are always a few degrees cooler than the sun-soaked beaches.
June to August is the driest time of year but, as this is peak holiday season, it’s also when Maui is busiest. If you’d prefer to explore the island when it’s a little quieter, consider planning your trip for May, September or October. Temperatures will still be in the mid-twenties at this time of year, so you can make the most of the activities and beaches.

Bear in mind, though, that surfing conditions are best from November to March. And, if you’re keen to see humpback whales, you’ll need to visit between December and May, when their Pacific migration occurs.