Other than all the beaches in Maui, which are free to the public, exploring the Banyan Court Park and spotting the turtles at the Kaulahao Beach are a few things to do in Maui for free.
Maui is an island located in the Central Pacific, Hawaiian archipelago. Some of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii lie right before the eyes, like the beaches, the night sky, the hiking trails, and sunset points. While the others are a little concealed and can be unlocked by any adventure seeker.
A few such activities on this Hawaiian island are snorkeling to see the corals and exploring the picturesque points like the Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees on the road to Hana.
I have mentioned many such unique spots and free things to do in Maui that I explored with my family (P.S., most of them on foot!). Keep reading to find those insider tips to elevate your trip to Maui.
Table of Contents:
What is the Best Thing to Do in Maui?
The most recommended and popular thing to do in Maui is to explore Haleakalā National Park and watch sunrise and sunset there. The captivating place is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui and covers 33,265 acres of area.
A List of 10 Best Things to Do in Maui Hawaii
Here’s a list of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii, after an elaborate trip of trying out activities across the island:
- Sunrise & Sunsets at the Haleakalā National Park
- Visit Maui Tropical Plantation
- Spot Humpback Whales at Wailea Beach
- Take a Trip to the Whaler’s Village!
- Amazing Stops on the Road to Hana
- A Night at Kihei
- Explore the Pipiwai Trail in the Bamboo Forest
- Enchanted Banyan Trees at the Lahaina Banyan Court Park
- Snorkeling at Makena Beach
- Watch the Sea Turtles Hatch at Kaulahao Beach
Hop, skip, and jump to the next section, as I’ve mentioned all the details about the things we tried and how to find free things to do in Maui with family.
1. Sunrise & Sunsets at the Haleakalā National Park
Hiking up to one of the peaks is so rewarding and provides a unique aerial view of Maui, other than the shores and the trees that line the roadside. I’ve recently started taking an interest in doing sporty activities together as a family so that my kids learn to chase dopamine from the right sources, and my older one surely seemed to have a lot of fun.
This is one of the best things to do in Maui as a family, as my kids still ask me to find similar hikes now that we’re back home!
Address: Hawaii 96790, United States.
Additional Note: Do not miss the Haleakala Visitor Center, Kalahaku Overlook, and the Halemau’u Trailhead, which are the most picturesque points in the national park.
2. Visit Maui Tropical Plantation
My husband and I came to the Maui Tropical Plantation to stroll in the markets
and enjoy its raw scenic beauty. However, once we saw the abundance of activities like ziplining, the tram tour, and the corn husking demonstration, we knew we had to take a second trip here with the girls!
These were paid experiences, which allowed a tram tour of 40 minutes and the corn husking demonstration that lasted for 10-15 minutes. The kids were so excited about having learned new things, while we hung out enjoying cocktails at the Mill House. It is worth visiting here, as it has the best things to do in Maui for adults as well as kids!
Address: 1670 HI-30, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States.
Additional Note: Do not miss the heavenly coffee, and if you’re open to new experiences, trust me, and ask for a coffee made with coconut milk!
3. Spot Humpback Whales at Wailea Beach
Since the temperature around the Hawaiian coast remains warm even during winter, pods of humpback whales can be spotted mating, birthing, and nurturing their young. It is magical to witness a fragile moment in nature, but it is equally important to maintain your distance.
At one point, we felt strong vibrations on the boat, which turned out to be the pulsed calls that the whales make. We were lucky to be there in April when the whales are still visible. If you’re enthused by whale watching, November to April is the best time to witness it.
Address: Wailea-Makena, HI 96753, United States.
Additional Note: Follow the guidelines underscored by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to avoid harming the whales in any way.
4. Take a Trip to the Whalers Village!
Entering Whalers Village was like experiencing the world of Moana. What I find a little funny is that we did come up with the plan to visit Maui after watching Moana. The resemblance extends to the various community events that you can plan and participate in throughout the year.
Some activities that I’d recommend are Hula Dancing, Coconut Frond Weaving, Summer Vibes Movie Night, and Island Beats and Good Eats. This handful of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii, is going to make a home in your head as the fondest memories!
Address: 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States.
Additional Note: Check the events calendar to participate in your favorite activities.
5. Amazing Stops on the Road to Hana
I don’t know about Havana, but Hana is surely breathtaking. The road to Hana is the epitome of a journey just as good as the destination, with some of the best things to do in Maui for everyone. If you’re with adults only, do not miss the Hana Lava Tubes.
We took a stop for a short hike to the waterfall and the chocolate tour. The next stops were at Coconut Glen’s and Black Sand Beach. Lastly, we stopped to click some pictures with the enchanting Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees! Since we were running out of time, we couldn’t take more stops, but every last one of them would make you want to hit the brakes!
Address: Hana, Hawaii 96713, USA.
Additional Note: Listen to the locals and take the shorter road that goes through the other side if you have your vehicle or if your car rental allows. Otherwise, it is better to go back the way you came.
6. A Night at Kihei
Kihei Beach is like the classic palm-lined beach and extremely calm, where the waves bring back coconut shells, branches, and charming little sea creatures that decorate the shore. It is a very refreshing sight, as the popular beaches in most countries have waves bringing back pollutants (plastic), which is saddening to watch.
Seeing the sunset here is just a preview of how awe-striking the clear, starry nights are! The moonlight reflecting off the waves colors the entire atmosphere into hues of a radiant blue, which is one of the best free things to do in Maui.
Address: Kihei Beach, Maui, Hawaii 96713.
Additional Note: Check the Hawaiian Astronomical Society for celestial events (meteor showers, comet observations, and spotting constellations) during your stay in Maui, and spend the night at the beach to observe them with the naked eye!
7. Explore the Pipiwai Trail in the Bamboo Forest
All my fellow millennials who grew up in the era of games like Temple Run and Rail Rush will feel like they’ve entered another world from one of those games in the Bamboo Forest.
I couldn’t help but visualize it, as the paved way is so defined, with bamboo lined up on both sides and a dramatic, cave-like entrance. It is one of the best things to do in Maui for free, and the treks are easier than those in Haleakala National Park.
Address: Kipahulu Visitor Center, Hawaii 96713, United States.
Additional Note: Take the trek early morning or at sunset to get some comfort from the heat.
8. Enchanted Banyan Trees at the Lahaina Banyan Court Park
The focal point of this park is the 150-year-old Banyan Tree, with branches extending like the locks of Medusa! There are benches around the tree to sit, relax, and take pictures.
It is a nice picnic spot to hang out before or after visiting the Haleakala National Park. Explore Front St. for restaurants and shops near the iconic banyan tree, which has survived the wildfires and is slowly making its recovery.
Address: 671 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States.
Additional Note: $30 parking fee can be waived for those who have the Annual National Park Pass and for those visiting within 3 days of going to the Haleakala National Park.
9. Snorkeling at Makena Beach
Makena State Park and Beach are quite popular among tourists and are also an endearing spot for the locals. The main reason for this popularity is the opportunity for various fun activities, like snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
Snorkeling here is one of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii. However, due to the strong currents, beginners and children shouldn’t try it here. If your children are slightly taller and want to try it, go to the Baby Beach instead.
Address: 6600 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, United States.
Additional Note: The most famed snorkeling point here is Turtle Town.
10. Watch the Sea Turtles Hatch at Kaulahao Beach
Since the turtles are actively spotted on the beaches of Maui all year round, there’s a high possibility of you witnessing them! I specifically remember a chapter called “A True Story of Sea Turtles” from my English textbook from 9th grade, which was meant to make us aware of the current state of the sea turtles.
Read it if you have 15 minutes to spare to learn about what is the best time to watch the turtle egg hatching (May–December) and how to maintain your distance. I taught this lesson to my girls before we left for the beach, and they were eternally grateful for witnessing the hatching!
Address: Paia, HI 96779, United States.
Additional Note: As much as you would want to touch the baby turtles or assist them to the sea, it is crucial to their safety that you maintain a safe distance.
Now that plenty of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii have been covered, get some assistance with deciding upon an ideal time for your trip in the next section.
Also Read: 45 Best Family Things to Do Near Me in USA: A Quintessential List
Maui Location & Best Time to Visit!
Maui is the second-biggest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, located in the Pacific Ocean between the Australian and American continents. Here’s the exact location of Maui for better visualization:
What is the Best Time to Visit Maui in Hawaii?
The best time to visit Maui in Hawaii is the month of April since this is one slim slot wherein turtle spotting, whale spotting, and ideal weather overlap. Here are a few things to consider before figuring out what the ideal time is for you to visit the island:
- Whale Watching: January to March is the time when the whales show the highest activity.
- Sea Turtle Hatching Season: May to December is the period when the sea turtles hatch and leave the sand to move towards the sea.
- Best Weather: Maui experiences the best weather between April and May, which is the best time to visit the island.
- Shoulder Season: The second-best time slot to take a trip to Maui is between September and October, as it is dry, has fewer crowds, and offers cheaper tickets.
- Low Season/Least Ideal: September to October is also the time when the Hawaiian Islands are most prone to hurricanes. Hence, it is safer to avoid traveling here during this time, especially when with family.
Winding up all that there was to know in theory about the island, let’s move to my favorite section, where we steal a glance at the beautiful pictures of Maui.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in the USA in 2025: Top Destinations for Every Traveler
Maui in a Nutshell
Due to the advantage of its location away from the major continents, it attracts various types of biodiversity (birds, corals, sea creatures, etc.). Small efforts by the tourists can help preserve the magnetism of the sights mentioned in the list so that our succeeding generations can experience it as well!
With that in mind, you can explore the neon reefs by snorkeling at the beaches of Maui, gaze at the night sky, trek the beautiful trails, and watch the sea turtles and whales!
FAQs
What are the things to do in Maui for free?
What are the things to do in Maui for couples?
Couples can go snorkeling together, gaze at the beautiful night sky studded with stars, and hike the Pipiwai Trail to witness one of the best sunsets Maui has to offer.
Which is the best luau in Maui?
Luau is the grand cultural celebration of the Hawaiian culture, and the best one in Maui is the Old Lahaina Luau because of its delectable food and authentic cultural experience.
What is the one thing not to miss on Maui?
Do not miss a drive down the road to Hana when in Maui, since it is one of the most scenic things to see in Maui and has some really amazing stops for food and activities.
What is Maui best known for?
Maui is known for its lush green forests, serene beaches, volcanoes, hilltops with the best sunset views, and biodiversity.
