The best place around this part of Maui for scenery is Papawai Point, between the 8- and 9-mile markers (which is signposted 'scenic point') and has a good-sized parking lot. Because the point juts into the western edge of Ma'alaea Bay, a favored humpback nursing ground, it's one of the best places on Maui for coastline whale watching.

During the whale-watch season, the Pacific Whale Foundation often has volunteers at the parking lot to share their binoculars and point out the whales. Papawai Point is also a good place to stop and enjoy the sunset any time of the year.