Best things to do in Wailea

Wailea Beach offers silky smooth sand, warm water, and turtles swimming through the waves. With shallow water for non-swimmers, and no rocks to hurt your feet, it’s easy to see why this beach is considered one of the most beautiful on Maui. Bathroom and shower facilities are available, and you can rent an umbrella. To see moee of the the coral and fish, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board.

You won't have to worry whether there's enough room for your umbrella at Makena Beach. Also known as Big Beach, it's nearly 1.5 km (1 mi) long and the largest beach in Maui. You can enjoy shade from the large volcanic cliffs, which also offer protection from tradewinds. Book a snorkeling or kayak tour to get an up-close look at some of the sea life. It's a good idea to go out with a guide, because the water can get rough Remember to bring drinking water and sunscreen.

One of the area's most famous highways, Hana Highway - Road to Hana is about the journey rather than the destination. Your 84 km (52 mi) trip between Kahului and Hana will guide you to some of the island's most beautiful sites, many of which are significant in local mythology. You can drive the road yourself or take a tour. The latter is a better option for nervous drivers because the winding road is very narrow. Along the way, you'll see towering waterfalls, miles of coastline, and gardens, and will have several opportunities for hiking or swimming. Food vendors are dotted along the highway, but it's a good idea to bring water and snacks with you. Stop at Halfway to Hana to sample some of its famous banana bread.

Known primarily for its dramatic sunrises and sunsets, Haleakala Crater is the world's largest dormant volcano, forming more than 75 percent of the island of Maui. Over a million years old, the volcano is locally known as the "House of the Sun," its tallest peak rising up to 3,055 m (10,023 ft) above sea level. You can reach the summit, gaze into the crater, or walk across its floor by hiking up a series of rugged trails. Though there's little chance of an eruption, you must be extremely careful on the steep and often treacherous paths. Check the weather before you go and dress appropriately for cold temperatures at the summit.

Nestled between two rocky points, Ulua Beach provides space for swimming, snorkeling, diving, basking in the sun, and--when the surf is up--boogie boarding. Ulua, meaning "adult crevalle fish," offers a bounty of fish and corals to spot while snorkeling and serves as a great place for inexperienced divers to have a few lessons. Watch for manta rays, sea turtles, sea horses, and moray eels here.

Located in a popular beachfront resort, Ka'anapali Beach attracts visitors with its warm sands and shallow waters close to shore. You can board a tour boat right from the beach, or drop by one of many kiosks along the sands to rent snorkeling gear or purchase sunscreen. The beach also features several booths where you can sign up for sailing and surfing lessons, or find out about upcoming luaus and kayaking excursions. Several major hotels and shops surround the beach, along with a shopping complex and a renowned whaling museum. For an ultimate Hawaiian vacation within walking distance of this beach, book a stay at the nearby condominium village.

Get a close-up view of Hawaii’s diverse marine life at Maui Ocean Center. This aquarium has recreated Hawaii’s ocean ecosystem and hosts only animals that naturally occur in the region. Gain a deeper understanding of the islands’ rich underwater world from more than 60 exhibits and information displays. Explore the Open Ocean exhibit, which features a 240-degree-view acrylic tunnel through a 2.8 million l (750,000 gal) tank. You’ll feel like you’re walking the ocean floor as y+F16ou watch sharks, stingrays, and thousands of tropical reef fish. Certified divers can even swim in the massive tank.