Few places balance adventure and serenity quite like Hawai‘i.
Across the islands of Maui and Kaua‘i, volcanic landscapes give way to lush valleys, golden beaches and sunsets so vivid they feel almost unreal. Maui stirs the spirit with world-class surf, sweeping coastlines and the otherworldly summit of Haleakalā, while Kaua‘i – the aptly named “Garden Isle” – offers rainforest rivers, dramatic cliffs and a slower, soulful rhythm that invites you to unwind.
Despite recent challenges, Maui’s resilience shines through, and travelling here mindfully supports a community rebuilding with strength and heart. Kaua‘i, meanwhile, feels timeless: turtles resting on Poipu Beach, riverboats gliding toward fern-draped grottos, and ocean adventures that reveal a world of colour beneath the surface.
Luxury here isn’t about excess – it’s about connection. To the landscape, to the culture, and to the simple joy of being present in a place that feels wonderfully far from ordinary.
Below are the Top 11 things to do across Maui and Kaua‘i – the experiences that capture the islands at their most unforgettable.
Learn to Surf on Kihei’s Gentle Waves (Maui)
If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing Hawai‘i properly, but aren’t a pro, then the north shore of both O’ahu and Maui are out in the wintertime due to huge, pounding swells. Kihei in southwest Maui is the perfect place to try. Warm, rolling waves and patient instructors mean you won’t just wobble around – you’ll feel like you’ve actually surfed. (Mike at Maui Surf Pros was an expert guide – mauisurfpros.com)
Experience the Old Lahaina Lū‘au (Maui)
Traditional food cooked in an imu oven, graceful hula, and storytelling that honours the first Polynesian settlers – all centred around a stunning oceanside location – mean that this is one of Maui’s most authentic cultural evenings. As Lahaina rebuilds after the 2023 fires, visiting mindfully feels especially meaningful. (oldlahainaluau.com)
Fly Over the Hāna Rainforest with Maverick Helicopters (Maui)
A 75-minute flight from Maui Heliport with Maverick Helicopters sweeps you over remote waterfalls, misty ridgelines and some of the island’s most untouched valleys. Touching down in a tropical clearing with a glass of champagne (and fresh passion fruit from the surrounding trees if in season) feels gloriously surreal – a real pinch me moment. (maverickhelicopter.com)
Wander Through Paia & Makawao for a Taste of Local Life (Maui)
Paia’s surf-town charm and Makawao’s paniolo heritage make them perfect stops for boutique browsing, great coffee and getting a feel for everyday island life. Both towns pair beautifully with an Upcountry drive to Haleakalā. Top tip: Paia’s local beach – Baldwin Beach Park – was the most stunning beach I experienced on my whole visit.
Watch the Sun Set Above the Clouds at Haleakalā (Maui)
Reaching the summit – after a drive containing 32 switchbacks – feels like arriving on another planet. After the sun sinks into a sea of clouds, most people leave, not realising that the blue hour is the best part. Pack layers; it’s cold, but unforgettable.
Spend a Morning at the Olakino Wellness Sanctuary (Maui)
Wailea Beach Resort’s newly refurbished adults-only sanctuary is serenity defined. Float in its infinity pool, graze on a spa breakfast (the acai bowl is the standout), and let the warm therapy pools ease every ache.
Swim, Snorkel & Turtle-Spot at Poipu Beach (Kaua‘i)
Ko‘a Kea Resort sits steps from one of Kaua‘i’s calmest beaches, where protected sea turtles and monk seals regularly rest on the sand. Whether you’re snorkelling in clear water or strolling at sunrise, Poipu embodies effortless Hawaiian beach living.
Rent Surf Gear From Hoka Surf & Sports (Kaua‘i)
Right beside the Ko‘a Kea Resort pool, Hoka Surf & Sports make surf rentals refreshingly simple. They’ll tell you exactly where to go (and where not to), meaning even hesitant surfers can enjoy Kaua‘i’s friendlier breaks with confidence.
Cruise the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto (Kaua‘i)
Smith’s Boat Tours guides you along a serene, jade-green river valley accompanied by Hawaiian songs and stories from 3 generations of the Smith family. The Fern Grotto – a natural amphitheatre draped in lush greenery – is a lush oasis in the rainforest.
Cruise the Nā Pali Coast & Snorkel Off the Boat (Kaua‘i)
Five hours on a catamaran along the Nā Pali Coast reveals why it’s one of the world’s most spectacular shorelines. Think towering emerald cliffs, spinner dolphins dancing around the bow, and snorkelling straight off the back of the boat. It’s pure Hawaiian theatre.
Visit Waimea Canyon & End the Day in Hanapēpē (Kaua‘i)
Waimea Canyon – the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” – delivers panoramic viewpoints that shift with every mile, prompting you to get out of the car and explore on foot. Later, wander through Hanapēpē’s Friday Night Market, where food stalls, art, live music and small-town charm create one of Kaua‘i’s warmest, most genuine evenings. Top tip: Pilina Coffee serves the best flat whites I found in Kaua’I and Japanese Grandma’s Café does incredible Sushi.
Both Maui and Kaua’i, Hawai’i, offer a rare mix of adventure and calm. Calmer and more laid back than the larger islands of O’ahu and The Island of Hawai’i (often referred to as the Big Island), it’s impossible not to feel enchanted by these islands. These 11 experiences capture the essence of Maui and Kaua‘i: warm, wild, welcoming and steeped in stories from its rich cultural past.