13 Unique Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii: A Local’s Guide
This post is all about unique things to do in Maui, Hawaii.
Aloha! Are you planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands and looking for some fun and unique things to do in Maui, Hawaii? Look no further! This post will help you discover hidden gems in Maui only locals know about!
Planning a trip to Maui can be stressful – planning flights, hotels, activities, restaurants, and so much more! It can feel a little overwhelming because you probably want to make the most of your trip! But, where do you start?
In this blog post, I help you identify the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii – and even better, this list is curated by a former Maui local! That’s right, I lived in Maui for an entire summer in 2019, and it was the best summer of my life. I’m so excited to share with you the best Maui beaches, Maui hikes, restaurants, bars in Maui, and so much more! Number 12 is a local’s secret spot to discover sea turtles!
These 13 unique things to do in Maui, Hawaii will help you easily plan your activities in Maui!
Fun Things to Do in Maui Hawaii
Planning your Maui vacation activities has never been easier! Below are the top 13 unique and fun things to do in Maui, Hawaii from a former local. 🙂
1. Visit Haleakalā National Park
Sunsets, hikes, pools, waterfalls – you name it! Haleakalā National Park has it. This National Park is home to the Haleakalā Volcano with the MOST beautiful sunrises and sunsets above the clouds! Ideally, the best time to visit Haleakalā is at sunrise, but it does cost to visit at sunrise, and tickets sell out FAST. But that’s okay, visiting at sunset is beautiful too (and less crowded)! To access Haleakalā National Park, you’ll need a car. It’s about an hour’s drive to the top of the volcano for sunset – oh, and make sure you have a full tank of gas too! There are no gas stations on your drive to the top. If driving isn’t your thing, don’t worry, there’s bike access to bike to the top of the volcano!
Haleakalā National Park consists of rugged hikes throughout the entire park overlooking the crater. With over 30 miles and 19 different hiking trails, these hikes can range from a quick 10-minute hike-to-overnight-to-multi-day trip – some hikes even look like you’re on Mars! With many different hiking trails, it’s important to understand what you want to get out of the hike – do you want a quick hike? An overnight hike? Waterfall plunge pools? Wildlife? With so much to do and see, it’s important to research to see what the best fit is for you and your guests.
2. Hike and Swim at Īao Valley State Monument
Īao Valley is a family-friendly place for mountain and waterfall scenery. The State Monument allows for light-brisk walks along an artificial boarded trail. However, Īao does offer a steep incline hike for experienced hikers, roughly 5.5 miles. The Waikuku River streams throughout Īao Valley creating small waterfalls and plunge pools – yes, you can swim in the plunge pools! You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery while taking a refreshing dip in the clear, fresh mountain water.
3. Drive the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a 64-mile stretch along the coast of Maui. The drive is strenuous and steep and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. However, there’s lots to do – hike, shop, swim, camp – so expect your trip to take much longer depending on the things you want to do and see, which I recommend!
Below are the top tourist spots to stop at on your Road to Hana journey:
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a family-friendly park with lodging, camping, picnicking, shore fishing, and family hiking along the coastal trail. The park has one of the few unique Black Sand Beaches and scattered blow holes.
Kaihalulu Beach (Red Sand Beach)
CAUTION: The red sand beach is located in a cove requiring a strenuous hike to access the beach. This is an extremely dangerous hike along the cliff’s edge with slipper trails. Recommend if you are an experienced hiker.
Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls
Pipiwai Trail is another family-friendly trail with artificial trails, bamboo forests, and the largest waterfall in Maui at the end of the trail. The hike is 3.4 miles and is doable for inexperienced hikes, but it does have some strenuous trails. The hike takes about 2 hours to complete.
4. Relax at Mckenna State Park (aka Big Beach)
Big Beach is a hot spot for locals and water sports. If you want to see some of the largest Hawaiian waves, Big Beach is the spot. The waves are 3 – 6 feet in height and are known as some of the roughest currents. If you want to watch some local surfers or bodyboarders, chill out on your towel in the sand, or experience the waves for yourself – be sure to stop by Big Beach.
5. Try Local Food at Upcountry Farmers Market
Upcountry Farmers Market is located in a cute little town called Makawao producing foods like bananas, coconuts, potatoes, salad greens, fruits, nuts, and more! All foods are locally grown on Maui from farmers in the area. The farmers market sells cute Maui gems such as jewelry and other handmade items. A cute area to grab your groceries and snag a cute Maui souvenir.
6. Eat Fresh Fish at Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House serves a local Hawaiian menu with Polynesian decor overlooking the ocean. This 5-star restaurant features locally caught Hawaiian fish prepared and served within 24 hours after being caught from the ocean by local fishermen. If you’re looking for the freshest fish and a fancy night out, be sure to book a reservation in advance!
7. Go Cliff Jumping at Kapalua Maui Cliff House
The island of Maui is a very popular destination for cliff jumping, and Maui Cliff House is one of those locations. Maui Cliff House is an easily accessible location for all levels of skill sets – even if you’ve never jumped off a cliff. Maui Cliff House has small 8-foot jumps to large 18-foot jumps – which is why it is well-suited for every skill set. This could be the place to face any cliff-jumping fears!
8. Hike Maui’s Waihee Ridge Trail
Waihee Ridge Trail is a unique trail with views everywhere you look – lash rainforest valley, Makamakaole Falls, and ocean views. The trail is steep but offers benches and picnic tables along the way to sit and enjoy some of the views. The hike is 4 miles roundtrip, ascends to 1,500 feet, and can take roughly 3 hours to complete. The hike is beautiful and worth every step to the top.
Tip: The hike is steep, and can be slippery and muddy after a rainstorm.
9. Hike and Swim at Twin Falls Maui Waterfall
Twin Falls is a family-friendly leveled 2.5-mile round trip hike with popular plunge pools located along the Hana Highway. It is a great spot to swim in a river and underneath waterfalls. It is an extremely popular hike and swimming area due to the family-friendly environment and shallow waters.
10. Try Delicious Acai Bowls at Paia Bowls on Maui’s North Shore
Hawaii is known to have some of the freshest Acai bowls. Paia Bowls is a cafe located in the trendy town of Paia on Maui’s North Shore. Stop by to grab yourself one of Hawaii’s best Acai bowls! And while you’re in the town, Paia is a cute little town with lots of local and small-business shopping!
11. Hike the Lahaina Pali Trail
The Pali Trail is a rugged and strenuous 5-mile hike from Maalaea to Ukumehame. The entire trail is in the blistering sun (if you go on a hot day) with no trees to shade. The hike has an out-and-back hike with trailheads on either end. The hike starts at sea level on both sides and increases up to 1600 feet. The trail is rocky, and the uphill portions can be strenuous and slow-going. The hike feels like you are in the desert overlooking the ocean and Lahaina town – and what’s interesting, you’ll find windmills throughout the hike!
12. See Sea Turtles at Kanaha Beach Park at Sunset (a local’s secret spot!)
Turtles, turtles, and more turtles! I’m not even kidding. Kanaha Beach Park is a secret local beach to spot dozens (I mean, DOZENS) of sea turtles that come out of the ocean at sunset – AND ONLY SUNSET. You won’t find them at any other time of the day. Be sure you don’t touch the sea turtles though!
13. Try some delicious Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade is probably some of the best lemonade I’ve ever had. The lemonade stands are scattered throughout the island on Maui, so you can easily grab yourself a delicious refresher after spending the day at the beach!
These are the top 13 things to do in Maui, Hawaii. I hope this list helps you plan your Maui vacation! What, if anything, from the list, would be at the top of your Maui itinerary? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
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