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25 Things to do in Maui in 2023
Maui is the best known and most visited of the beloved Hawaiian islands.
Dreams of Maui include turquoise and deep blue water, sandy beaches, sacred parks and valleys, thrilling wildlife, and farm-to-table cuisine.
Magnificent sunrises from Haleakala will make you love being a morning person. “The Valley Isle” never disappoints, with its lush green rainforest-filled valley nestled between 2 giant volcanos.
Surrounded by beautiful crystal clear water that varies from calm to big surf, you can enjoy all types of water activities, be it surfing, SUP, scuba diving, kitesurfing… really any water fun!
Whether you choose to look for humpback whales, lounge on either black volcanic or fine white sand beaches, learn more about local culture at sites like Old Lahaina Luau, or get surfing lessons at the Ka’anapali Surf Club, your trip to Maui will be unforgettable.
And there is a good chance that, like many others, you will be returning again and again. Dive in to find out what else Maui has to offer.
Things to do in Maui
Visit Haleakala National Park at sunrise
What’s special about this place?
Home to one of the world’s largest dormant volcanoes and endangered Hawaiian geese, Haleakala National Park occupies 30,000 acres of land on the island. Mount Haleakala rises 10,000 feet above sea level, making it visible from any point on the island.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you want to visit some of the most popular sites in Maui, visiting this park is the way to go. Whether you take a sunrise van tour or decide to explore the area on your own two feet, you’re guaranteed to get the most picturesque views. Birdwatchers are also a prime audience for the Haleakala National Park.
What to do here?
Wear comfortable shoes, bring water with you, and hike up to the top of the mount before going down to the mouth of the volcano. Stop when you’re inside the crater that’s around 20 miles in circumference to get a glimpse of Maui’s sunrise. Once the sun has risen, make your way down to hike the Pipiwai Trail.
Best Time to Visit
You’ll have to wake up at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise from the Haleakala volcano’s crater. Remember to make a reservation and pay a small fee in advance. Although it’s recommended to visit the spot in the summer, you should still put on warm layers — the air up there is thin and chilly.
Get surfing lessons at the Ka’anapali Surf Club
What’s special about this place?
Conveniently located at six resort properties along with West Maui’s signature Ka’anapali Beach, this surf club offers surf, kayak, SUP lessons, and rentals. All the instructors are First Aid and CPR certified, which gives you peace of mind that you’re in the hands of professionals.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Experienced surfers and newbies alike will benefit from taking a few lessons at the Ka’anapali Surf Club. You can even bring your kids if they’ve ever expressed an interest in learning how to surf.
What to do here?
Book a 90-minute private or a group lesson and be ready to widen your horizons in the realm of water sports. The classes include a certified instructor, boards or kayaks, instruction on water safety, rash guards, and protective shoes. Alternatively, you can go on an eco-tour where you will snorkel and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a humpback whale.
Best Time to Visit
You can book a surfing lesson at the Ka’anapali Surf Club at virtually any time of the year when visiting Maui. That said, if you want to try your luck and see humpback whales that make their seasonal migration from Alaska and travel along Maui and neighboring Hawaiian islands, it’s best to come here between December 15 and April 15. Note that children under 8 require a private tour.
Experience local culture at the Old Lahaina Luau
What’s special about this place?
Old Lahaina Luau is a place where you celebrate culture, entertainment, and good food. This beachside eatery offers an intimate and immersive experience in the traditional Hawaiian fashion that draws tourists and locals alike.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If it’s your first time in Maui, you should make an effort to include Old Lahaina Luau in your itinerary. It will serve as a fun introduction to Hawaiian culture where you can learn more about what it’s all about and know what to expect when exploring the islands.
What to do here?
Enjoy a live performance paired with a fresh salad, a marinated chicken, or a fresh catch of Mahi-Mahi. Watch the unveiling of the roasted pork known as Kālua Pua’a while sipping a tropical cocktail and taking in the panoramic ocean views. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the famous Maui sunset too.
Best Time to Visit
The popularity of Old Lahaina Luau made it a busy spot to visit no matter the day of the week. Although the weekends tend to be the most crowded, the weekdays are just as packed after 6 PM. We’d still recommend paying a visit here, even if it means splurging on a single evening and sharing the space with several other people.
Drive the Road to Hana
What’s special about this place?
This 64.4-mile-long stretch of routes (Highway 360) connecting Kahului to Hana is a well-known site and perhaps the most beautiful highway in the world. It twists through the lush rainforest and passes the cascading waterfalls, thus revealing the untouched gems of the island.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re up for a highly rewarding challenge, take a ride on the Road to Hana. It’s full of steep turns and quirky surfaces, but the views are worth the hurdle. It’s best to leave small kids at home since the drive promises to take a whole day.
What to do here?
Take your time and make stops every now and then to admire the rich vegetation, curving coastline, and rustic bridges. If you don’t have a car, you can join the Hana Luxury Tour, designed to comfortably transport up to eight people in the span of nine hours. Don’t forget to charge your phone and camera if you’re planning on taking pictures along the way.
Best Time to Visit
The road is open to the public all year round. The least crowded seasons are spring and fall, which also happen to be the best time to visit Maui. The rest of the year works, too, as long as you’re vigilant on the road that doesn’t always favor beginner drivers.
Practice water sports at Ho’okipa Beach Park
What’s special about this place?
Situated on the Northern end of Kauhako Bay, Ho’okipa Beach Park is a prime touristic spot for windsurfing, surfing, and snorkeling. Although it’s not the place for swimming — the waves are too harsh — it’s an ideal destination for honing your water sports skills or learning some new ones.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Couples, singles, families without children — everyone looking to escape the routine vacation and swap tanning for snorkeling will enjoy making a trip to Ho’okipa Beach Park. If you’re not a water sports enthusiast, you’ll be better off exploring other places in Maui.
What to do here?
Aside from witnessing Hawaiian green sea turtles wandering around the pretty formations of coral reefs, you can also partake in sports events. Red Bull and Aloha Classic surfing competitions are just some of the fun activities you can do at Ho’okipa Beach Park.
Best Time to Visit
Open every day of the week from 7 AM till 7 PM, this park tends to see the largest crowds on the weekends’ afternoons. If you want to escape large gatherings and enjoy the waves all by yourself, come before 12 PM or after 3 PM.
Try shaved ice at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
What’s special about this place?
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is unlike any other shaved ice you’ve tried in America. They serve non-frigid, lightweight, and almost airy shaved ice that comes in over 50 flavors and a variety of toppings. This authentic Maui spot uses cane sugar, local fruit purees, and purified water to achieve the right texture.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Kids are probably the most evident target audience for this shaved ice locale in Maui. But don’t get it twisted — adults are just as likely to enjoy it. Using their own signature recipes to create the most intricate flavors, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll want to come back to this island again just to have a taste of shaved ice.
What to do here?
You are free to choose between different flavors ranging from pineapple, passionfruit, mango, and lime, among others. Our favorite is Sunset Beach which includes mango, guava, passion orange, and fresh mochi. If you’re getting one flavor only, top your shaved ice with coconut cream, and you’re good to go.
Best Time to Visit
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is open every day from 10:30 AM till 6 PM every day. It’s relatively busy Monday through Friday in the afternoon and a lot more crowded on the weekends. No matter when you decide to visit, you’re almost guaranteed to get your desired flavor.
Enjoy a trip through history on the Lahaina Historic Trail
What’s special about this place?
Lahaina has a major historical significance. It was once the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and is now a busy whaling port and a plantation settlement. Following Lahaina Historic Trail or Ala Moolelo O Lahaina, is the most popular way to investigate Lahaina’s past.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re fascinated by Hawaiian history, you should prioritize including the Lahaina Historic Trail in your plans. From the whaling era to the immigrant plantation life. Even if you’re not a history fanatic, you’ll still get to learn a thing or two about Hawaii.
What to do here?
The self-guided tour will take you through the 55 acres of Lahaina, with a large chunk of them designated as National Historic Landmarks. You’ll see the Baldwin Home, which used to be a two-story house of Protestant missionaries in the mid-1830s, and Hale Paahao, the former jail for rowdy sailors in the 1850s, among other things.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lahaina and take the historic trail is between Monday and Friday from 10 AM till 3 PM. The trail takes about an hour, so have other things planned for the day to make the most of your time in Maui.
Bike through the Waianapanapa State Park
What’s special about this place?
Translating from Hawaiian as “glistening waters,” Waianapanapa draws people from across the globe with its jet-black sands. The sand here is composed of volcanic sediment, contrasting with the aqua-blue waters and green jungle.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
There’s hardly anyone who wouldn’t be able to make memories at the Waianapanapa State Park. If you’re a beach person, there’s a breathtaking coastline to admire. If you’re a nature lover, there are trails you can hike. If you’re none of the above, you can just relax on the black sand while reading a book or watching your kids bike around.
What to do here?
Whether you plan on making a quick pit stop here while driving on Highway 360 or want to dedicate half a day to the park, there are plenty of things to do. Discover the freshwater caves on a hike, or take a bike and cruise around the park. Check out burial grounds, sea stacks, and natural blowholes.
Best Time to Visit
Waianapanapa State Park is at its busiest between 10 AM and 2 PM. This is when tourists and locals prefer to take their daily walks and explore the lush flora. The good news is that it rarely ever gets too crowded — there are 122 acres of land the park encompasses.
Sunbathe at the Napili Beach
What’s special about this place?
Unlike some of the other beaches in Maui, Napili Beach has much calmer waters that allow you to swim and paddleboard. It’s where fish and sea turtles are in abundance, making for a great opportunity to put your snorkeling gear on and explore the marine life.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Napili Beach is a good alternative if you’re looking for a beach smaller than Kaanapali or Wailea. Popular with families, it’s appropriate for all ages. Bring your significant other or your elderly mother, and there’s a good chance that they’ll enjoy swimming and sunbathing in a laidback environment.
What to do here?
Bring your snorkeling equipment, a good SPF, and some snacks to Napili Beach. The latter is particularly essential since there are very few eateries at the beach. Once you’re there, have fun snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving to discover the marine species you’ve never seen before.
Best Time to Visit
No matter when you decide to visit Napili Beach, you can count on there being a spot for you. Just like with every other beach out there, this one gets crowded during the weekends. So, if you’re planning on coming here with small children, make sure you have a good beach umbrella and lots of water to keep them happy.
Go wine tasting at Ulupalakua Ranch
What’s special about this place?
Open since 1974, Maui Wines at Ulupalakua Ranch is an immersive wine tasting experience. Using the freshest ingredients like estate-grown raspberries, grapes, and pineapples, this place takes pride in offering some of the best wine, if not in the whole of Hawaii, then at the very least in Maui.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Wine connoisseurs and wine rookies will enjoy paying a visit to Ulupalakua Ranch. Although kids are technically allowed here, only those over 21 are welcome to taste the wines and learn more about the winemaking process.
What to do here?
Take a tour through the estate to see the historic buildings and find out why this spot was favored by Hawaiian royalty back in the day. Taste the grape-based wines but also don’t forget to give pineapple and raspberry wine a try. If feeling hungry, the tasting room offers cheeses, snacks, and bites intended to be paired with wines.
Best Time to Visit
The vineyard is open from 11 AM till 5 PM every day of the week except for Mondays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the busiest here, so it’s best to visit on the weekends when it isn’t as crowded. Make your reservation beforehand to ensure that you don’t end up waiting outside the winery for a long time.
Attend Maui Whale Festival
What’s special about this place?
Maui Whale Festival turns 42 years in 2022. It’s been offering whale education and advocacy for several decades now, making it an event celebrated by everyone from across the globe. The public gets open access to this festival during the peak of the humpback season when the probability of seeing whales is at an all-time high.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Whether you’re a whale person, you’re likely to enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat here in Hawaii. If you have kids, bring them to the festival too. You’ll be helping the Pacific Whale Foundation raise awareness and support conservation efforts by attending the event.
What to do here?
Participate in the Run&Walk for the whales, attend the World Whale Fim Festival, and join the Parade of Whales & World Whale Day. There’s also an artisan craft fair happening that’s designed to build awareness and share the locals’ love for the marine animals and their ocean habitat.
Best Time to Visit
The Maui Whale Festival is typically held each year for two weeks in February. It falls on the third Sunday of February when World Whale Day is celebrated. Be prepared for the festival to have many attendees regardless of the day of the week.
Admire the Iao Valley State Monument
What’s special about this place?
Located in the center of Maui, this 4,000-acre Iao Valley State Park boasts a green landscape along with striking rock features. Iao Needle is one of those rock formations that rise 1,200 feet into the air and serves as a famous portion of the Iao Valley State Monument.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you want to learn more about Maui’s history, visiting the Iao Valley State Park is necessary. Outdoor enthusiasts and those simply looking to spend a day out in the fresh air should prioritize coming here too.
What to do here?
Discover the legend of this place and the history attached to the valley. Wander around the park or take a hike that offers excellent views of the Iao Needle and the monument. You can take the Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop, leading straight to the rock formation and a botanical garden.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Iao Valley is early in the morning, at around 8 AM, before the park opens. Avoid afternoons when the clouds form around the needles and make it difficult to see past the rock formations. You might even catch the sunrise if you come early enough, which will make for breathtaking views and pictures.
Learn more about Hawaiian marine life at the Maui Ocean Center
What’s special about this place?
Designed to educate and entertain guests, Maui Ocean Center offers plenty of ways to get close to the island’s nautical residents. It features touch pools and a tunnel beneath the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit housing hundreds of fish species. The small but charming aquarium draws visitors from all over the country.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you love marine life and are always amazed by the wide variety of species inhabiting our oceans, dedicate a couple of hours to Maui Ocean Center. Kids will definitely have a lot of fun exploring the facility and asking you questions about every aquatic creature they come across.
What to do here?
Learn about the Hawaiian ecosystem through many reef fish, green turtles, corals, and other species that live at the Ocean Center. Walk through the glass tunnel and get a glimpse of the astride rays and sharks. Check out the original Hawaiian art decorating the walls. If feeling adventurous, dive with fish or, at the very least, stop by the touch pool.
Best Time to Visit
Maui Ocean Center tends to get busy between 11 AM and 2 PM. Open every day of the week from 9 AM till 5 PM, it’s the go-to place for tourists no matter what time of the year you arrive. Avoid busy hours if you’re visiting with small children.
Devour island’s cuisine Joey’s Kitchen
What’s special about this place?
Joey’s Kitchen takes pride in using Hawaiian most unique and locally loved ingredients like okra, eggplant, and long beans. This affordable gourmet food concept was inspired by Filipino, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, which is reflected in the menu.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re on the lookout for comfort food, don’t second-guess it and stop by Joey’s Kitchen. This isn’t your typical Hawaiian eatery — you’ll get to sample dishes you’ve never tried before. Foodies and seafood lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of meals this place offers.
What to do here?
Get Pork Lumpia consisting of minced pork, carrots, mushrooms, and sweet and sour sauce for an appetizer or fish tacos made with sriracha aioli. If you’re into noodles, shrimp pancit is a good choice. Joey’s Loco-Moco is a local favorite, and so is Kalua Pork and Cabbage. Leave some room for Halo-Halo Klasiko, a traditional dessert made from fruits, shaved ice, and ice cream.
Best Time to Visit
Joey’s Kitchen is open daily for visitors. You can get breakfast from 8:30 AM till 11 AM, lunch from 11 AM till 2 PM, and dinner from 4 PM till 8 (9 in a different location) PM. Since there are no reservations at the Napili Plaza location, you’ll be better off arriving early.
Take an excursion to the Molokini Island Preserve
What’s special about this place?
Commonly referred to as Molokini Crater, Molokini Island Preserve is an uninhabited island situated in a small land that was once an old volcano. Although it’s not possible to step foot on land, it’s a relatively popular destination for tourists to admire from afar during an excursion.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Tourists and locals alike enjoy snorkeling at Molokini Crater because of the clear waters and protected ocean and birdlife. If you want to see whales and perhaps even scuba dive, making a trip here is mandatory. If you easily get seasick, you should probably avoid taking a day trip to this preserve.
What to do here?
Book your place and get ready for a ride on a canoe, kayak, or boat to Molokini Island Preserve. Bring your snorkeling gear, cameras, and enough SPF to last you the entire trip. You might even get lucky to see whales if you come during the peak humpback season.
Best Time to Visit
Closed on Wednesdays, Molokini Island Preserve gets the biggest inflow of tourists between 8 AM and 9 AM the rest of the week. If you visit Maui in the spring or the fall, chances are you’ll be on an excursion with plenty of others. That said, it’ll never get too crowded since the tours have a limited seat capacity.
Go on a Maui Pineapple Tour
What’s special about this place?
Found in Hali’imaile, Maui Pineapple Tours is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you into the local culture like no other. Featuring a visit to the Maui Gold Plantation, it’s an often overlooked activity that no tourist should miss out on if he’s curious about how pineapples are grown and cultivated.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Bring your kids and enjoy exploring the pineapple plantation together. Your grandparents might also take an interest in learning more about pineapples if it’s one of their favorite fruits. Needless to say, this tour should be on top of your Maui itinerary if Pina Coladas are your go-to alcoholic beverage.
What to do here?
Find out how pineapples are planted, collected, packed, and shipped. You’ll also get to learn all about the techniques used to grow pineapples and even get to taste local pineapples at different stages of growth. Don’t forget to take a pineapple back with you when you leave the plantation.
Best Time to Visit
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays, Maui Pineapple Tour is open from 8 AM till 4 PM the rest of the week. It’s mandatory to book your spot for the 1.5-hour duration of the tour that takes place at 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, and 1:45 PM. Keep in mind that children under three aren’t allowed.
Get an authentic Lomi Lomi massage at Ho’omana Spa
What’s special about this place?
Ho’omana Spa in Maui is an award-winning day spa that offers authentic Hawaiian healing. Lomi Lomi massage incorporates rhythmic movements and long forearm strokes that soothe from light to deep to realign the body, improve circulation and induce overall well-being.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you want to indulge in some self-care, getting a Lomi Lomi massage at Ho’omana Spa is the most luxurious treatment you can get on the island. Whether you’re here on your honeymoon or traveling solo, you can never go wrong with a massage. Although the majority of 5-star resorts offer similar services, locals have a soft spot for this small and inviting spa.
What to do here?
Have a signature Lomi Lomi massage with hot Hawaiian stones and coconut rosemary. Is your partner intrigued too? Book a couples’ massage and nurture your bond with your loved one on a deeper sensual level. You can also get a four-hand Lomi Lomi and a pregnancy massage that supports pre and postnatal mothers.
Best Time to Visit
Open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Ho’omana Spa is particularly busy on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. If you forgot to book your appointment and want to avoid waiting in lines, come on any other day when the place isn’t as crowded.
Take a tour of the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
What’s special about this place?
Growing 45 varieties of lavender, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a unique tourist destination located away from the rest of the island. Situated in Maui’s Upcountry area, it’s an affordable spot that allows you to break away from the quintessential Hawaiian experience.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Those searching for a breathtaking panorama of the gardens and the island will enjoy spending half a day at the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. Although kids might not be the biggest fan of taking the trip to a farm residing at an elevation of roughly 4000 feet, everyone else is more than welcome to get a glimpse of a different side of Hawaii here among the lavender.
What to do here?
Get a general admission ticket or a free self-guided tour to wander through the 13.5 acres of land covered with lavender. You might catch an event like a craft class, a gourmet picnic lunch, and even a lavender treasure hunt. Once you’re done with the tour, pop in the gift shop and treat yourself to some aromatherapy goods.
Best Time to Visit
Open Friday through Monday, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is a cool place to visit no matter when you’re in town. It opens at 10 AM and closes at 4 PM, which gives you plenty of time to explore over 55,000 lavender plants. During the peak season, expect the farm to be somewhat crowded if you’re traveling.
Try Hawaiian fish at the Paia Fish Market
What’s special about this place?
Located in Kīhei Kalama Village, Paia Fish Market is a casual eatery that can help you expand your culinary horizons. Moonstar Greene and Yuri Soledade, the owners of the place, are dedicated to supporting local fishermen and depend on their daily fresh catch. The rest of the produce is grown on the island too.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Seafood lovers should make a pit stop at the Paia Fish Marker when roaming around the island. But even if you’re not typically someone who reaches for fish at a restaurant, this place might change your mind. There are plenty of Hawaiian delicacies on the menu that could sway you over.
What to do here?
Get clam chowder or blackened sashimi for an appetizer and a fresh catch plate or fish tacos for the main. You can also dabble in their charbroiled burgers and salads. Order fish and chips, pasta with butter and cheese, or a cheese quesadilla for your kids.
Best Time to Visit
Paia Fish Market is open from 11 AM till 9 PM every day of the week. It gets relatively busy at lunchtime between 12 PM and 1 PM and then busy again during the dinner hours between 6 PM and 7 PM. We recommend you avoid visiting this seafood restaurant on the weekends when locals are out and about too.
Swim and chill at the Big (Makena) Beach
What’s special about this place?
Also known as Big Beach, Makena Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island. Stretching across 3,000 feet, it’s not your typical commercial beach — there aren’t any shops, hotels, or restaurants nearby. This makes it a perfect secluded spot for those looking to enjoy Hawaiian beaches in peace.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Speaking about peace, couples and solo travelers will enjoy spending some time here at the Big Beach the most. There are lifeguards on duty, so feel free to hone your swimming skills for hours on end. It’ll probably not be your kids’ favorite beach, though, so keep this in mind if you want to bring your children here.
What to do here?
Take a stroll along the shore, go for a dip in the ocean, or just watch the waves crash — whatever you choose to do, this beach will accommodate you. You can also visit Little Beach by crossing the small trail on the volcanic landmass separating it from Big Beach.
Best Time to Visit
The beach is open to the public all year round. Although it’s a relatively isolated piece of land, there are some tourists that come to know about this place from doing their research. So, if you want to check it out in the spring or fall, be ready to share it with small crowds.
Take an O’o Farm Gourmet Lunch and Farm Tour
What’s special about this place?
Here at O’o Farm, you can get a unique island experience where the 8.5-acre natural farm has flourished over the past ten years. Providing fresh local ingredients for restaurants, it sits 3,500 feet high on the slopes of Haleakala, where the guests can get arguably the most gourmet dishes and the best views of Maui.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Foodies, unite — there’s nothing quite like O’o Farm, offering a cool upcountry climate coupled with a gourmet lunch prepared from exclusively fresh produce. If you want to dive deeper into the local culture, getting a taste of the local bounty is essential to understanding and appreciating Maui’s lifestyle and Hawaii’s identity.
What to do here?
Book the tour and learn more about vegetables, leafy greens, herbs, fruits, coffee, and even edible flowers when wandering around the farm. Pick what you want and have it cooked for you on the spot. Dishes can include everything from focaccia to pan-seared chicken and coffee cherry chocolate truffles.
Best Time to Visit
The tour runs Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Make sure to book it in advance if traveling during the peak season. You should have your closed-toe shoes on, a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket. You can also bring your own bottle of wine, beer, or anything else you want.
Explore the island’s biggest artifact collection at the Bailey House Museum & Maui Historical Society
What’s special about this place?
Built into a small rock made from wood and lava, the Bailey House Museum & Maui Historical Society is a key place to visit when on the island. It’s served plenty of purposes throughout its history, including being a private home, a family seminary, a World War II base, and currently a museum.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re tired of beaches and having shaved ice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a visit here will be a breath of fresh air. It’s also the right place to get cultured and learn more about Hawaiian history and tradition. History fanatics will enjoy exploring artifacts at this museum.
What to do here?
Check out the fascinating oil paintings of landscapes, the museum’s collection of preserved photos and letters, artifacts archived from pre-European days, and the upper floor made to look like a regular home built in the 19th century. Stop by the gardens housing a variety of local plants and the gift shop selling handcrafted goods.
Best Time to Visit
Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, Bailey House Museum & Maui Historical Society welcomes visitors from 10 AM till 1 PM. It’s quite small, which means that you won’t need much time to explore it from the inside out. Keep in mind that each hourly appointment slot is limited to 10 people.
Learn more about Bailey House Museum & Maui Historical Society here!
Have a barbecue at the D.T. Fleming Park
What’s special about this place?
More so a beach than a park, D.T. Fleming is an all-inclusive place for surfers, swimmers, and everyone in between. It’s far less touristy than the fellow Ka’anapali Beach, with weather conditions that can get dangerous during high surf due to strong currents and waves.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Families with children searching for a less-known beach that has all the amenities for a fun time are welcome at the D.T. Fleming Park. The clean sand and stable ground for the secure installation of a beach chair are conducive to sunbathing. Or, if you prefer to be in the water, there are lifeguards to keep you safe.
What to do here?
Swim, sunbathe, play frisbee — there’s hardly an activity that isn’t possible to partake in at the D.T. Fleming Park. There are also picnic tables and barbecue grills for you to have a filling lunch if you’re spending an entire day at the beach. If you don’t want to cook yourself, get some quick bites and snacks from local places like Bikini Burger and The Burger Shack.
Best Time to Visit
D.T. Fleming Park is located next to Ritz Carlton and Kapalua resort, which gets crowded. If you want to avoid crowds, come here before 12 PM or after 2 PM when there aren’t that many people around. You can have fun at the beach every day of the week from 7 AM till 8 PM.
Stop by the Lahaina Banyan Court Park
What’s special about this place?
Located at the corner of Front Street and Canal Street in the town of Lahaina, Banyan Court is a public park centered around one of the largest banyan trees in the country. Brought from India in 1873, it rises 60+ feet in the air offering visitors a generous amount of shade.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re tired from the hustle and bustle of the island and need some time for yourself — or are simply looking for a place to read a book on a sunny afternoon, Banyan Court Park is the right place for you. Although it’s not necessarily the biggest part of the island — it’s only 1.94 acres wide — you still get enough space to sit alone with your thoughts.
What to do here?
Apart from chilling at the park on your own or with your family, you can also attend one of the events organized at the park. They are typically held every second and fourth weekend of the month, with local artists selling their crafts. When you’re done with the park, you can drop by Lahaina’s shops and restaurants nearby.
Best Time to Visit
Banyan Court Park tends to get particularly busy after 12 PM. Even though the weekends are the busiest, the rest of the week is just as busy. There’s limited public parking, so keep this in mind if you’re coming here by car.
Check out the Nakalele Blowhole via Acid War Zone Trail
What’s special about this place?
Located on the eastern side of Maui, Nakalele Point is a landmass that means “the leaning”. It’s known for its blowhole, which has become famous for its dangerous conditions when the waves come crashing in. It was formed with lava rock and currently features a heart-shaped hole.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re a nature lover, making a trip to the Nakalele Blowhole via the Acid War Zone trail is necessary. Your mind will be blown by the extent to which this geological formation is both small and powerful. Even if you’re not an outdoorsy type of traveler, you should still take the time to visit it and see what all the hype is about.
What to do here?
Wear the right shoes since you’ll be going down a sloping mountainside when trying to reach the point. Don’t get too close to it so that it doesn’t suddenly pull you in. If you bring your kids here, make sure to keep them as far away from the blowhole as possible since it has unrestricted access.
Best Time to Visit
Nakalele Blowhole is open to the public 24/7. It tends to get particularly busy between 11 AM and 1 PM, so it’s recommended that you visit before or after that if you want to escape crowds. You probably won’t spend more than 45 minutes here, so don’t make it the main touristic site of the day.
Learn more about Acid War Zone here!
There you go! the Best things to do in Maui.
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Frequently asked questions
Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii. It also has one of the world’s largest dormant volcanoes. If you’re someone who likes visiting white sandy beaches and playing golf, Maui should be on your must-visit list. The same applies to those who like spending their vacation scuba diving, snorkeling, and whale watching.
The best months to go to Maui are April through May and September through November. These two seasons offer the most pleasant weather with no huge crowds and high hotel costs. That said, if you want to learn how to surf or are planning on honing your surfing skills, we recommend you visit the island in the winter. For the calmest waters that kids would enjoy.
Generally speaking, Hawaii’s Maui is a safe place to visit. It welcomes almost 3 million visitors each year, with the majority of them coming back just a little sunburnt. But just like with any other tropical island, there are a few things to be cautious about. Beware of strong currents, heavy rains, and slippery rocks. Being somewhat of an untouched environment, Maui can be a dangerous destination for those who aren’t constantly aware of their surroundings.