Best Views on Maui
This subject is challenging due to the immense range of subject matter available. Maui’s stunning vistas are easy to come by and hard to beat, making it a matter of perspective when declaring ‘the best of the best’. With activities catering to a wide range of personalities and exploring natural landscapes that span 10 of the 14 or so (depending on who you ask) climate zones on earth, breathtaking views are what make the ‘valley isle’ oh so special. To fully appreciate Maui’s beauty, explore our curated list of the finest Maui views.
Haleakala Crater
An obvious choice when considering the best views on Maui, this location is an undisputed favorite among residents and seasoned visitors alike. The drive alone offers stunning bi-coastal scenery, and winds through picturesque countryside before entering Haleakala National Park.
Entrance to the park comes with a small fee, and if you plan to witness the sunrise, a reservation is a must. Better yet, join a Haleakala tour and leave the driving to a professional so you can really immerse yourself in the journey to the summit (or catch up on your zzzz’s only to awake on the moon). Gazing into the largest dormant volcano on earth provides other-worldly views that are difficult to compare. A peak over the rim can elevate you above the clouds or offer vistas as far as the Big Island on clear days.
Don’t forget to bring a jacket; the peak, towering at 10,000 feet, can get so cold that it’s been known to snow.
Valley Views
Sometimes the most rewarding views on Maui come to those who put in a little effort. The dramatic peaks and valleys shaping the Hawaiian Islands hold an air of mystery due to the abundance of inaccessible landscape that still exists.
The best glimpse into lush valleys is going to come from ridge-line hikes and helicopter tours (for those who prefer a sweat-free approach). Iao Valley is an excellent option for a family friendly hike with scenic valley views as well as handrails and interpretive signage.
Views from the Air
Back to that helicopter tour…. because there really is no better way to swiftly discover the finest views on Maui. Consider elevating your best views bucket list by including the world’s tallest sea cliffs in Molokai. Mountains, volcano, ocean and otherwise impossible to reach rainforest views are all attainable with an Air Maui helicopter tour.
Sea Views
Being on an island means that many of the most spectacular views on Maui are going to involve the sparkling expanse of the surrounding ocean. From November to May, these waters become the residence of thousands of humpback whales, and one of the prime locations for spotting these majestic creatures is the Pali lookout.
Easily accessible from Honoapi’ilani Hwy, the Pali lookout serves as a refreshing break on the drive from Central to West Maui. We recommend this vantage point not only because it offers a unique perspective of the coastline but also for your safety, as breaching whales are notorious for causing traffic jams along this stretch of roadway.
Under the Sea Views
Beneath the ocean’s surface lies a distinct yet equally remarkable realm of Maui’s finest views. Crystal clear waters are home to an abundance of marine life that flourishes in Hawaiian waters.
Various ways exist to witness the underwater world but keeping with our theme, the perspective from a Maui submarine tour is hard to beat. A truly unique experience awaits 100 feet offering pristine ocean views without even getting your hair wet.
Sunset Views
A subject that merits a dedicated blog (stay tuned), let’s keep it simple and say you cannot go wrong watching the sunset from West Maui. Whether you opt for oceanfront or rooftop dining on Front Street, with a happy hour Mai Tai in hand, you just may have died and gone to best view heaven.
There you have it, a solid launching pad for exploring the best views on Maui. However, this list is far from a complete list and deliberately lacks numbering, as the very best is just about impossible to select. Your own viewpoint might unveil an entirely different perspective that beats out the rest. Maybe your assessment will change day by day as you discover yet another mind-blowing view just around the next curve in the road.
