Maui 2026: When to visit, where to stay, and what to do
Maui 2026: When to visit, where to stay, and what to do
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Maui 2026: When to visit, where to stay, and what to do

🕒︎ 2025-10-21

Copyright National Geographic

Maui 2026: When to visit, where to stay, and what to do

In 2023, wildfires devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui, destroying much of the historic town of Lāhainā along with parts of the island's "upcountry." But now, over two years later, Maui is calling visitors back with gusto. For some time after the fires, tourism—Maui’s largest economy driver—dwindled, first from pausing entirely, and later, as a result of tourists who shied away either out of an overabundance of sensitivity, or due to misinformation. But locals want travelers to know that Maui is open and that taking a trip here isn’t just a vacation, it’s an investment in the island’s future. Ordering locally caught ahi from a family-run restaurant helps sustain operations. Planning a snorkeling tour with a beachfront vendor supports a small business. Booking a stay at a resort keeps thousands of locals employed. Every dollar spent aids Maui’s long-term rebuilding, and in 2026, there are more reasons than ever to make the trip. Many beloved businesses impacted by the fires have reopened, some of the island’s best resorts just completed major renovations and "voluntourism" programs offer hands-on ways to assist recovery efforts. While each Hawaiian island offers its own magnificent feast for the senses, prioritizing Maui is an act of kōkua—support—and simply showing up is what matters most. (See all 25 destinations that made our list of the best places to visit in 2026.) Head to Hana: A scenic 52-mile drive along Hana Highway leads visitors around Maui’s eastern end to the town of Hana. The route is a destination in itself, though it can be strenuous with hairpin turns and single-lane bridges. It’s also greatly rewarding with ample pit stops to admire thick rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and stunning landscapes. Go to the beach: Maui's 120 miles of coastline boasts some of the best beaches in the country, if not the world. Kāʻanapali is a pristine three-mile stretch of white sand on Maui’s west coast, Hoʻokipa on the North Shore is renowned for surfing, and Wai'anapanapa State Park has rugged black sand beaches. Visit a farm: Maui has more than 800 farms, many of which open their doors to visitors who wish to see how everything from cacao to lavender to where the famous Maui Gold Pineapples are grown. Besides being a fun way to explore the upcountry, these tours also support working farms and local agriculture, which is Maui’s second-largest industry after tourism. Give back: While just visiting Maui is one of the best ways to show support, it can be incredibly meaningful to donate time or resources. Mālama Maui Nui organizes volunteer opportunities for travelers, and some hotels—like the Grand Wailea or the Four Seasons—facilitate their own programs or offer resort credit to guests who join these efforts. When to go While Maui experiences pleasant weather throughout the year (average temperatures are often between 75°F and 85°F), some times are better than others to visit. Summer is typically peak season when the island swells with crowds, and while winter is generally cooler, many visitors come in droves for the island’s whale watching season, which runs from December to May, or to see the year’s biggest waves crash on the North Shore. For fewer crowds, better prices, and equally great weather, look to shoulder periods such as spring (April to May) or fall (September to November). Where to eat Many Lāhainā businesses were destroyed in the 2023 wildfires, but a handful have reopened, including Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate, Lahaina Cannery, Lahaina Gateway, Mala Ocean Tavern, Old Lāhainā Lūʻau, Star Noodle, and Coco Deck Lahaina. Maui Brewing Company: Maui Brewing Company is the largest craft brewery in Hawaii and its headquarters in Kīhei has a tasting room, restaurant, and beer garden with 36 craft and specialty beers on tap. The indoor-outdoor space often hosts live music, trivia, and weekend tours. There’s also a second location in Kāʻanapali. Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa: Facing a beachfront lagoon inside the Grand Wailea, this indoor-outdoor restaurant was recently reimagined. Grab a seat at the circular aquarium bar, where live fish swim directly underneath well-crafted tiki cocktails, before dining on sustainably caught seafood. Miso Phat: This family-owned sushi favorite in Kīhei serves fiercely fresh rolls, nigiri and sashimi with casual dine-in or takeout options. If It's too busy, a new, second location joined the scene in summer of 2025 at Maui Coast Hotel. Monkeypod Kitchen: With locations in Wailea and Kāʻanapali, Monkeypod’s menu lists everything from hand-tossed pizza to Saimin noodles. But one signature fixture is their whimsical take on a Mai Tai, topped with a dreamy and decadent honey-Lilikoi foam. Lineage: Revered family recipes and a deep respect for Hawaiian traditions merge at this Asian-American restaurant where guests learn about the roots of their meal, all of which utilize local ingredients. Where to stay The Four Seasons Maui Resort: Nestled on the shores of Wailea Beach, this 383-room resort is renowned for immaculate service, pristine grounds, and a starring role as the location of the original White Lotus. Rooms are spacious, perks for families are plentiful, there are three saltwater pools (including an adults-only haven), and a sushi restaurant. Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui: Spanning 22 acres amid the golden sands of two crescent beaches, this resort has five pools, as well as the longest hotel water slide in Hawaii. Much of the resort was recently refreshed, plus there's the addition of an adults-only pool with daily wellness perks and in-water chaises. Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort: Set on 40 acres of tropical landscaping, all standard rooms start at an oversized 640 square feet. Much of the property has been recently updated, including the opening of Kilolani Spa, which is the largest spa in Hawaii, and new restaurants, including Maui’s first Nobu. Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows: In the immediate aftermath of the wildfires, this resort closed for 10 months to host displaced residents and support the local community. It has since reopened, and there is a new oceanfront restaurant and poolside bar, plus updates to the lobby, pool, and bungalow rooms. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa: Facing Ka’anapali Beach, the Hyatt Regency has been a mainstay on Maui since the 1980s. The hotel completed a major renovation in time for its 45th anniversary, including remodeled guest rooms, the primary pool, and expanded its Japanese restaurant. Getting around Kahului Airport is Maui’s main point of entry, and major airlines service the airport, either from the mainland U.S., or via inter-island flights. There are also two smaller airports—Kapalua Airport and Hana Airport—however, these are limited to regional and commuter flights. Once on the island, a car is required to reach most places and visitors may rent a car through major rental companies or local suppliers. For those who don’t wish to drive, there are public buses, or taxis, shuttles, and private transfers may be arranged, though they should be scheduled in advance when visiting remote areas. For those who do drive, keep in mind a few local customs. Please refrain from honking the horn, as it’s considered rude, and always drive with aloha, which means don’t tailgate, use signals, and wave a “thank you” when merging. Emily Hochberg is a travel writer based in California. She has covered hotels, luxury, destinations, family travel, transportation, and lifestyle for over 15 years and her work has also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Fodor's Travel, Business Insider, The Points Guy, and Thrillist, among others. Follow her on Instagram to keep up with her latest adventures.

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