West Maui

Plan on spending at least half a day exploring this area. It’s a beautiful drive, but you can expect traffic in the late afternoon when people who’ve just arrived are heading to their resorts. Your best bet is to visit the area early in the day.
 
Click the underlined links for more information. Highlight stops are listed coming from Kihei.

Depending on the time of day you go and where you are, it can be very difficult to make a left turn onto the highway. We recommend visiting the beaches and scenic overlooks when you are heading back to Lahaina so you can make a right turn from the parking lots.
 
Papawai Scenic Lookout: This is a fantastic place to whale watch during the winter and to watch sunsets. We recommend stopping on your way back to avoid making the tricky left turn back onto the highway.
 
Lahaina Pali Trailhead: This challenging hike up to the windmills you see on the West Maui Mountains rewards you with the most amazing views. Not for small children. Start early in the morning and bring lots of water and sunblock.
 
Olowalu Town: About halfway to Lahaina. The only place to stop with restrooms or to get something to eat on this side of the highway. Leodas is known for its famous pies, but it also has great sandwiches and other goodies.

There is also a general store and farmers market where you can get snacks, smoothies, fresh fruits, and even coconuts to drink from. There are tables and seating behind the farmer’s market.

If you have kids or just love butterflies, check out the Butterfly Farm right next to the farmers market. Be sure to make reservations because it does sell out. On the way out you will pass through the Tunnel of Monkeypod Trees which makes for a unique video or photo.
 
Launiupoko Beach Park: This is a beautiful shaded grassy beach park that is a great place for kids to relax and play. It’s also an excellent beginner-to-intermediate surf and SUP spot, and the enclosed lagoon is perfect for small children to swim. You could spend a few hours or an entire day here.
 
Submarine Adventures: Explore the ocean floor and see sharks, fish, and even a shipwreck in a real submarine. Be aware that weather and surf affect visibility. And since this is in a submarine, it isn’t for those who don’t do well in tight quarters or are claustrophobic. Another option is the Reefdancer Semi-sub Boat Tour which never entirely goes underwater, so you can take a “breather” on deck if you need to.
 
Kaanapali: This is a very touristy area where most of the big oceanfront resorts are. But there are lots of fun things to do here, like renting wave runners, parasailing, snorkeling, skimboarding, bodyboarding, and cliff jumping at the famous Black Rock. For restaurants, the Hula Grill, Leilani’s on the Beach, and Monkeypod are all located in Whaler’s Village and have great views. A sunset cruise off the calm shore here is the perfect way to end your day.
 
Napili Bay: This beautiful little beach is worth a stop and is right next to the Gazebo, one of our favorite breakfast spots on the island.
 
Napili Off-Road Adventure Tour: ATV Adventures has super fun side-by-side 4 seaters so the whole family can go together. Book here.
 
Kapalua: Beautiful drive and beaches. Kapalua Bay Beach, the Kapalua Coastal Trail, Dragon’s Teeth Point, and the Kapalua Labyrinth are all worth a stop if you have time. Honolua Bay is a world-class surf spot in the winter and has incredible snorkeling when the water is calm. The Burger Shack is a fun place to grab a burger and some beers right on the beach. Merriman’s offers fine dining with stunning sunset views.
 
Ziplining Adventure in Kapalua: If you’re looking for even more adventure, try the Half Day Small Group Ziplining Adventure in Kapalua. It includes an ATV rainforest ride and a trek over Hawaii’s longest suspension bridge. Book here.
 
West Maui Backside Drive: If you are adventurous and enjoy one-lane cliff-hugging roads, this drive offers incredible scenery very few visitors get to see. You can take the road all the way back to Wailuku or turn around at the Nakalele Blow Hole before the road becomes more challenging.
 
Nakalele Blow Hole: Once you pass Kapalua, the highway is very scenic, with dramatic views and stops along the way. Not recommended for smaller children, plus it’s a long drive.
 
Olivine Pools: Beautiful rugged coastline and scenery. Swimmable tide pools. NOT FOR KIDS!!! These pools can be extremely dangerous if the tide and surf are high.
 
Kahakuloa Village: This is an old remote picturesque Hawaiian village nestled along the shoreline. Braddah Chic’s Stop offers an incredible place to soak in the views and grab a snack. Many people claim Julia’s Banana Bread is the best on the island, and Karen Lei’s Gallery is a popular stop for art lovers as well.
 
If you really want to learn the history of all the places you’ll be visiting, we recommend taking a guided tour. The Shaka Guide West Maui Coastline Tour takes you through all the best spots with all the local information.