Yes, it’s OK to Skip These 3 Super Popular Maui Experiences (Here’s Why)
While some of Maui’s most famous experiences are truly iconic, they might not live up to the hype for you.
The lush Hawaiian island of Maui is full of incredible sights and activities. But not every “must-do” is as magical as it looks on your in-room visitor channel.
In fact, some of the island’s most hyped experiences can be exhausting, overly crowded, or just not worth the time and money.
As regular Maui visitors from our home on Oahu, my husband and I have tackled all of the island’s popular tours and experiences.
Some we loved, some we didn’t (and one my husband swore he would never do again).
Here’s a closer look at three of Maui’s most famous activities, the realities behind them, and tips for making them more enjoyable if you decide to go for it.
1. The Road to Hana
Why It’s Famous
The Road to Hana is Maui’s iconic scenic drive. With over 600 hairpin turns, 50+ narrow bridges, and countless stops for waterfalls, beaches, and jungle views, it’s often billed as the ultimate Hawaiian road trip.
For many, it’s about the journey, not the destination, with stops like Twin Falls, the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park (considered one of the best beaches in Hawaii), and Hamoa Beach stealing the spotlight.
Read More: 5 Unforgettable Maui Beaches (Don’t Leave Hawaii Without Seeing #3)
The Reality Check
While the drive is undeniably beautiful, it’s also long, stressful, and even dangerous if you’re not careful.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
The roads are narrow, traffic builds up quickly, and the constant twists can cause motion sickness. You might find yourself spending more time focusing on the road than soaking up the views.
Parking at popular stops is limited, and by midday, some of the most famous spots feel more like theme park attractions than tranquil escapes.
Also, don’t forget you now need a reservation for the most popular stop on the Road to Hana, Wai’anapanapa State Park’s black sand beach. And you have to choose a 3-hour time frame for that reservation which can be hard to predict.
Read More: Headed to Maui? Here are 3 Reservations You Need to Make Now 🌺📆💻
Full disclosure, this is the one my husband swore he would never do again. As a former military guy, he’s big on safety and he found this drive to be ripe with opportunities for disaster.
From sharp curves with sheer dropoffs to exasperated local drivers zipping around slower-moving tourist vehicles, a lot can go wrong on this famous long and winding road.
For example, we once met a family at the airport who had a minor fender-bender on the Road to Hana and it took 6 hours for help to arrive (causing them to miss their scheduled flight home).
Read More: Maui’s Road to Hana: Iconic Adventure 🌈 or Risky Road Trip? ⚠️
How to Enjoy the Experience
- Let someone else do the driving: Book a small-group guided tour like the highly-rated Road to Hana Small Group Adventure Tour. Not only will an experienced local guide handle the tricky roads, but they’ll also know the best spots to visit at the right times.
- Don’t overdo it: Pick a handful of must-see stops and skip the urge to pull over at every waterfall. Focus on quality, not quantity, to keep the day manageable.
- Start early: If you drive yourself, beat the traffic and have popular spots to yourself by hitting the road before sunrise. And be sure to download the Shaka Guide Road to Hana Tour (it’s a lifesaver for a self-drive trip).
The Shaka Guide App
If you’re a DIY kind of traveler like I am, this is the perfect app to download for your Hawaii vacation. These GPS-guided audio tours are fun, easy to follow, and a super affordable way to explore the islands. I bought the whole Hawaii package when we moved here but you can also purchase individual tours.
Next, let’s talk about how early you want to get up on your Maui vacation…
2. Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park
Why It’s Famous
Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala, Maui’s towering dormant volcano, is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And it surely is.
At over 10,000 feet above sea level, early risers are treated to a dazzling panoramic view of the horizon as the sun slowly lights up the crater and surrounding islands. It’s a spiritual moment for many and a bucket-list item for most visitors to Maui.
The Reality Check
What you might not realize is that to experience that spiritual moment, you’ll need to wake up around 2 a.m. and drive a steep, winding road in the dark.
Temperatures at the summit often hover near freezing, which can be a shock to the system when you’ve spent the past few days lounging on Maui’s sunny beaches. Many visitors forget to pack warm enough clothing to make the sunrise experience enjoyable.
Adding to the fun, Haleakala National Park now requires a reservation for sunrise, and the viewing areas can get uncomfortably crowded.
Sunrise reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance here: Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservations.
Reservations open promptly at 7:00am HST and often sell out in minutes. 50 additional tickets for each day are released 48 hours in advance at 7:00am HST but they go in the blink of an eye as well.
Tip: If you can’t score a reservation, book the Haleakala Sunrise Spectacular Tour which includes your park reservation, transportation, and breakfast. Just be ready for a 2:30am hotel pickup!
If you’re not an early riser, the sleep deprivation might make the experience feel more draining than awe-inspiring. And if you’re traveling with the whole family, consider how much fun it will be to get the kids up at 2:00am.
How to Enjoy the Experience
- Book your reservation early: Sunrise slots sell out in minutes so be ready to book exactly 60 days in advance. And try to book for the 1st full day of your trip when you’ll likely awake super early anyway.
- Dress warmly: Bring layers, including gloves and a hat, to stay comfortable in the cold.
- Consider sunset instead: The views are just as stunning, it’s much warmer, and there’s no need for an alarm clock. Bonus: no reservation is required for sunset!
Tip: There’s so much more to explore in Maui’s charming rural Upcountry – You Haven’t Really Seen Maui Until You’ve Explored This Stunning Sky-High Region🌿
3. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
Why It’s Famous
This crescent-shaped volcanic atoll is one of Maui’s most famous snorkeling destinations.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, it’s often hyped as one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Many tours promise sightings of tropical fish, vibrant coral reefs, and even sea turtles.
The Reality Check
Molokini’s beauty is undeniable, but the experience can feel like a tourist conveyor belt. Boats often arrive en masse, crowding the area and making the shoulder-to-shoulder experience feel anything but serene.
Case in point…
On our last trip to Maui, my husband and I booked the hugely popular Molokini Snorkeling Adventure Aboard Calypso. And while I will admit that the families with kids on the trip seemed to enjoy it immensely (and the crew was wonderful), it was way too many people for us.
Plus, marine life at Molokini can be hit-or-miss. While you may see colorful fish, the underwater scenery may be underwhelming compared to the hype.
Sadly, the reef here is not as healthy as it once was. And there are far more likely places to see turtles on Maui that don’t involve an expensive tour.
Add in choppy waters or seasickness, and you might wonder if the hefty price tag was worth it.
The bottom line? In my opinion, the snorkeling experience at Oahu’s Hanauma Bay is far superior to Molokini Crater.
Read More: The Foolproof Guide to Hanauma Bay for Snorkeling
How to Enjoy the Experience
- Pick a smaller tour operator: Avoid the big catamarans and opt for a smaller boat to enjoy a more intimate experience. The Small Group Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei is a good choice. Not only is it a much smaller group, but it’s a fast boat that gets you to Molokini before the bigger boats arrive.
- Go early: Morning tours often have calmer seas and fewer crowds.
- Skip it and snorkel closer to shore: Maui has incredible snorkeling at places like Honolua Bay and Kapalua Bay, which are free and don’t require a boat trip. You’ll even see plenty of marine life right off busy Ka’anapali Beach.
Read More: 5 Unforgettable Maui Beaches (Don’t Leave Hawaii Without Seeing #3)
To go or not to go?
Yes, Maui is a stunning island with plenty of awesome experiences to enjoy. But even its most famous experiences aren’t perfect for everyone.
The Road to Hana, sunrise at Haleakala, and snorkeling at Molokini Crater are iconic for a reason, but they also come with challenges that might leave you questioning the hype.
The good news?
With the right planning and mindset, you can make these experiences more enjoyable—or choose alternatives that might be a better fit for your family or vacation style.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, skip the Road to Hana.
If you hate setting an alarm on vacation, visit Haleakala for sunset instead of sunrise.
And if you want great snorkeling, there’s more than one place on Maui to find it (and you don’t even need a tour).
So while all three of the above Maui experiences can be spectacular, they might not be the best choice for you. And sometimes, skipping the “must-dos” can lead to discovering your own hidden gems and favorite experiences on Maui.
And if you’re looking for more great things to do while visiting Maui, I’ve got you covered:
