Have you been dreaming of going to one of the Hawaiian Islands? Choosing which island to visit can be a little difficult. But once you learn that there are so many things to do in Maui, you will quickly discover that it is the perfect island for your next vacation. The best part is there are quite a few things to do in Maui with kids and you can even find free things to do in Maui if you know where to look. While we can’t give you a list of 101 things to do in Maui, we are going to share fifty of the best things to do in Maui. That way you can choose which things to do and see in Maui should be at the top of your list of things to do in Maui when you are there.

50 Best Things to Do in Maui

1. Conquer the Road to Hana

When you decide to vacation in Maui, you will be determined to find the best things to do in Maui. In our opinion, one of the top things to do in Maui is driving the road to Hana. This scenic byway goes along the eastern shore. But in addition to seeing the gorgeous shoreline, you will discover beautiful rainforests and rushing waterfalls.

There are quite a few hairpin turns on the fifty-two-mile drive, so you must use caution and take things slow. You will discover many lookouts and other stops along the way. Therefore, you must plan to take an entire day for this adventure in Maui. The best part is there are so many things to do in Hana, Maui, so you won’t be bored when you reach your destination.

2. Visit the Maui Ocean Center

Yes, you can see an abundance of marine life in the ocean surrounding the island of Maui. But you can easily see the same number of creatures in a shorter amount of time at the Maui Ocean Center. A favorite activity at this aquarium includes walking through the tunnel that goes under the seven hundred fifty-thousand-gallon tank of water that holds the Open Ocean exhibit. There are multiple touch pools, so be prepared to get up close and personal with many of the sea creatures you love. This is one of the perfect things to do in Maui in June or any other time when there are rain showers or storms.

3. Visit Turtle Town

Turtle Town is a place in Maui where a ton of turtles live. You must go snorkeling to see the most turtles during your visit. But you can see a few from land. If you want to go to the true Turtle Town, you must go with a snorkeling tour guide, because they know exactly where it is. You may think that you do, but you may end up snorkeling in an area that has turtles, just not as many as Turtle Town.

4. Relax at Banyan Tree Park

There is so much to love about Banyan Tree Park. But the main draw is the massive banyan tree that was brought over from India back in 1873. This tree is more than sixty feet tall, so there is always shade underneath. Picnic lunches under this tree are amazing.

If you happen to be in this park when Art in the Park is held, you must take the time to wander around to see the works of art. This is one of the best things to do in Maui with kids, because they can run around and play. However, you can also add it to your list of things to do in Maui honeymoon, because it is a romantic area.

5. Watch the Old Lahaina Luau

There are so many cool things to do in Maui, but you must make sure you are doing a few of the more authentic activities when you are vacationing there. The Old Lahaina Luau is a must-see for those who are stepping foot in Maui for the first time. The Lahaina luau is an excellent introduction into the Hawaiian culture. This is not one of the things to do in Maui when you are on a budget. But the price is worth all the music and dancing you will experience, while dining on delectable Hawaiian cuisine.

6. Go Fishing

You can fish just about anywhere in the world, but why not do it where the marine life is plentiful! There are so many tropical species of fish in the waters surrounding the island of Maui. You can grab a fishing pole and head out on your own, but we recommend going out with a skilled fisherman. They will know exactly where to take you, so you are successful and catch a lot of fish.

7. Explore Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley State Park is four thousand acres in size and exploring it is one of the top 5 things to do in Maui. There are so many rock features within this park. But the most popular one is called the Iao Needle. That formation is twelve hundred feet high.

This park is rich in history and you can learn more about it all when you are hiking along the trails. The Iao Needle Lookout Trail and the Ethnobotanical Loop are the two paths that are walked along the most by visitors. This is one of the best things to do in Maui in September.

8. Play a Round of Golf

There is nothing romantic about playing golf and it is not one of the things to do in Maui with kids. But adults will love hitting the greens at the fourteen golf courses on the island. Many of the greens offer views of the ocean, but you will be most interested in the ones that offer sights of the volcanic formations. The most popular golf course is Plantation Course in Kapalua. There is also the Ka’anapali Golf Resort. A visit to that golf course is one of the best things to do in Kaanapali, Maui. You can easily play golf at any time of the year in Maui. However, we recommend adding it to your list of things to do in Maui in May.

9. Attend an Island Art Party

Have you ever wanted to paint a masterpiece? Did you know you can paint one while sitting outside in paradise during a vacation in Maui? It is completely possible when you attend an Island Art Party. Each party has its own Partisita, which is a party artist. They will give you tips to ensure you get the picture you are painting just right. The painting you do will be the perfect souvenir to take back home with you.

10. Visit Waianapanapa State Park

Waianapanapa State Park is another park you will want to explore if you have time when on vacation in Maui. The shoreline is covered in black sand from volcanic sediment.

A walk along the shoreline will have you exploring the freshwater caves and swimming in the pools that are inside them. This is one activity that most people have on their list of things to do in Maui, as they are beginning their journey along the road to Hana.

11. Go Snorkeling

Yes, we know that all the islands in Hawaii are perfect for surfing. But these islands are also amazing for snorkeling. You can venture off the shorelines to snorkel on your own. But we recommend taking one of the many snorkeling tours. On those tours, your guide will take you to exactly where all the best sea creatures are swimming around. This is an amazing activity that must be added to your list of things to do in Maui in July.

12. Visit the 7 Sacred Pools

The 7 Sacred Pools are more commonly known as the Ohe’o Gulch Pools by the locals. These pools are considered part of the top 10 things to do in Maui, Hawaii. They are even part of the top 5 things to do in Maui! This is one of the cheap things to do in Maui, because you only need to pay admission to the park and not the pools. The lower pools are perfect for swimming, because you can reach them easier. We recommend spending time at each pool if you can, so you can see different views and have different experiences.

13. Visit One of the Many Beaches of Maui

There are so many beaches to visit in Maui. You can do a little beach-hopping to see them all or simply stick to the one that is closest to your hotel room. Beach time is one of the top ten things to do in Maui, Hawaii when on vacation.

Many people add beach time to their list of things to do in Maui with toddlers. But it is perfect for those looking for things to do in Maui on a budget. A few of our favorite beaches to visit in Maui include Kaanapali Beach, Napili Beach, Wailea Beach, and Hookipa Beach.

14. Go Whale Watching

Unfortunately, you cannot go whale watching whenever you want in Maui. The whales are only in the waters surrounding the island from late November until the very beginning of April at the latest. We recommend adding whale watching to your list of things to do in Maui in February. This is when the most whales are in the area. As you are watching the whales, you will have the chance to see them breeding and giving birth.

15. Visit the Maui Sunday Market

The Maui Sunday Market is one of the best things to do in Kahului, Maui. This market is held every Sunday in the early afternoon to the early evening. You can spend time with the locals during your visit, while also doing a little shopping and eating some delicious take-out food. You can easily visit this market on any Sunday of the year, but we recommend adding it to your things to do in Maui in March.

16. Eat Traditional Hawaiian Foods

You know you are going to eat when you are vacationing in Maui. However, make sure you take the time to eat many of the traditional Hawaiian foods that are offered at all the restaurants.

A few dishes you must try when you are in Maui include chicken long rice, poi, kalua pork, and lomi lomi salmon. Poke is another must-try dish to add to your list of things to eat in Maui.

17. Take a Bike Ride

One of the best places to take a bike ride in Maui is Haleakala. You can take a tour that will have you biking down to the crater or up to the top to watch the sunrise. Of course, you can easily add bike riding to your list of things to do in Maui in March or any other time of the year wherever you are on the island. Bike riding is considered one of the best things to do with kids in Maui.

18. Watch the Surfers at Jaws Surf Break

You might not be ready to tackle the waves at Jaws Surf Break in Maui. But you can easily hike down to the area to watch the pros in action! This area has the biggest and strongest surf breaks in the entire world. The waves can actually get higher than seventy feet during the winter months. We recommend adding this to your itinerary of things to do in Maui in December or January. Although, the waves will be dependent on whether anyone is out in the water on any given day.

19. Go Ziplining

There are so many different ziplines on the island of Maui. Some of them make it easy to reach the ziplines, while others will have you hiking for a little bit to reach the zipline you want to tackle.

If you are interested in this one of the top 10 things to do in Maui, we recommend checking out Skyline Ziplines or Piiholo Ziplines.

20. Take a Tour of the Maui Gold Pineapple Packing Factory

Do you love eating pineapple? Whether you said yes or no, you must take the time to take a tour of the Maui Gold Pineapple Packing Factory. During your tour, you will learn how pineapples are grown and harvested. This is also the time to learn about all the different varieties and do a few taste-tests. Don’t forget to purchase at least one pineapple to take back to your hotel to eat before you return home.

21. Visit the Animals at the Leilani Farm Sanctuary

All animal lovers will enjoy visiting the animals at the Leilani Animal Sanctuary. This non-profit animal refuge can be found on the northern side of the island. A few of the animals you will see during your visit include tortoises, deer, goats, pigs, and donkeys. This animal sanctuary is considered one of the things to see and do in Maui that should be on your list.

22. Go Parasailing

As you can see, there are numerous thrilling adventures waiting for you in Maui. Parasailing is another one of those adventures and it is the perfect way to see the island from a different vantage point.

We recommend adding this to your list of things to do in Maui in August.

23. Attend the Maui Film Festival

The Maui Film Festival does not offer the flair and extravaganza that other film festivals around the world offer. But it does focus on the true beauty of the art of film and it is the perfect opportunity to see some incredible films. This is one of the things to do in Maui in June, so you must plan your Hawaiian vacation accordingly. When you attend this film festival, you will quickly discover that it is one of the best things to do in Wailea, Maui. There are five days, plus five nights, of screenings and premieres, as well as delicious foods to eat. You won’t want to miss the award ceremonies at the end to see if you agree with the judges’ decisions.

24. Go Horseback Riding

There are so many fun things to do in Maui, Hawaii, but not many of them are as fun as going horseback riding. In fact, horseback riding is one of the best things to do in West Maui. The Ironwood Ranch is an excellent place to start in West Maui, especially if you have not been horseback riding before. Other places to check out on the island include the Mendez Ranch and Piiholo Stables.

25. Practice Yoga

There are so many people who practice yoga living in Maui and you can learn a lot from them when you are on vacation there. You can easily search out classes to take when you are visiting or even join a workshop.

We recommend beginning in Paia Town and then venturing out from there. This is one of the best things to do in Maui at any time of the year. However, we recommend adding it to your list of things to do in Maui in April or October.

26. Have a Spa Day

Time in Hawaii is all about relaxing and rejuvenation. Therefore, you must take the time to have a spa day if you can. While a single treatment is an excellent start, and will do if you are short on time, nothing beats an entire day of pampering. No, this is not one of the things for kids to do in Maui, unless your kids are grown. But if you have someone to watch the kids for you, or you are traveling without them, a spa day is one of the best 10 things to do in Maui. There are so many spas to choose from, but we happen to love the Ritz Carlton Spa over in Kapalua. Make sure your spa day includes a massage, facial, body polish, manicure, and pedicure. Basically, don’t leave anything out during this fabulous experience!

27. Take a Helicopter Tour of the Island

You can see so many things when you are on the ground in Maui, but the views of the island are quite different from above. Helicopter tours are one of the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii. During a helicopter tour, you can see the top of a volcano, rushing waterfalls that cannot be reached via hikes, green valleys, and even the never-ending shorelines. There are multiple tour routes to choose from, so you can see the areas you want to see the most or you can simply choose one at random and still have an incredible time.

28. Go Surfing

You knew we were going to get to surfing in Maui sooner than later! Surfing is one of the top things to do in Maui, Hawaii.

You can easily go to any beach to surf and it is one of the free things to do in Maui if you already have your own surfing equipment. And don’t worry if you have never surfed before, because there are plenty of places in Maui to take surfing lessons. Out of all the 100 things to do in Maui, surfing will always be at the top of your list.

29. Consider a Maui Ocean Vodka Tour

Maui Ocean Vodka is a delicious spirit that is produced right on the island of Maui. The Maui Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery is comprised of eighty acres. You must take your camera with you to capture Mount Haleakala, the West Maui mountains, and the sparkling ocean. During your tour, you will learn about the thirty different Polynesian sugar canes that are grown to produce this vodka. Next will be the harvesting of the sugar cane and at the end you will be able to taste the vodka for yourself. This is something we recommend adding to your list of things to do in Maui in October.

30. Visit Paia Town

You may not think there are too many things to do in Paia, Maui, but once you arrive, you will realize you can spend at least an entire day there. The historic Paia Town is filled with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. There are multiple beaches nearby, as well as multiple scenic areas. A visit to Paia Town is considered one of the 10 best things to do in Maui.

31. Consider a Day Trip to Oahu

We know this is a post on things to do in Maui, Hawaii. But did you know that you can easily take a day trip over to Oahu?

It is as simple as hopping on a plane, exploring the other island, and then returning back to Maui on the plane. The best part is there are so many different things to see on the island of Oahu. A couple of our favorite things to do in Oahu include touring both the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri.

32. Participate in Feast at Lele

When you are looking for things to do in Maui at night, the most obvious choice is going to be the Feast at Lele. This authentic Hawaiian activity offers a traditional luau, Polynesian culture through music and dance, and an incredible menu of cuisine. The Feast at Lele is offered seven nights a week at sunset. It is better to book your table in advance, because they sell out every single night. Once you arrive, you will be led to your table, where you will indulge in a five-course dinner. The performance will be held while you are dining.

33. Visit the Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm

There are so many local things to do in Maui that visitors love to do as well. One of the most popular local things to do in Maui is visiting the Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm. This lavender farm can be found near the slopes of Mount Haleakala. A visit to this farm will have you wandering around the gardens, admiring the breathtaking views, and doing a little shopping in the lavender boutique. You definitely won’t leave without purchasing a few lavender products to return home with.

34. Take a Tour of the Haleakala Crater

If you are looking for unique things to do in Maui, you don’t need to look any further than the Haleakala Crater. There are numerous tours that go towards the crater, so you can check out the amazing views. We love being near the crater early in the morning when the sun is rising in the sky.

The glowing sun and the extreme silence make it one of the best romantic things to do in Maui. After you watch the sunrise, you can hike the trails, picnic in the park, or simply relax and enjoy the solitude.

35. Take a Tour of the Maui Brewing Company

The Maui Brewing Company was the first to brew a craft beer on the island of Maui. You can take a tour of their brewery and then indulge on four different samples of brews. Those four samples will include Bikini Blonde Lager, Pineapple Mana Wheat, Big Swell IPA, and Coconut Hiwa Porter. If you do not have time to take a tour, you can always simply stop by for a beer, cocktail, or a glass of wine. This is considered one of the things to do in Maui with kids, because there are board games and other things for kids to do when you are sipping your beer.

36. Go on a Hawaiian Mermaid Adventure

Have you always wanted to learn how to swim like a mermaid? Well, you can when you are vacationing in Maui! Swimming like a mermaid is one of the fun things to do in Maui. You can learn how to swim like a mermaid in the ocean or in a swimming pool. You will be taught how to put on the mermaid tail and then how to swim with it like a pro. You can even purchase your very own mermaid tail to take home with you, so you can continue to practice your new skills. This can easily be one of the 10 top things to do in Maui. We recommend adding this to your itinerary of things to do in Maui in May.

37. Go Hiking

There are dozens of hiking trails in Maui. There are also many trails that lead through private properties, so you must choose your hiking trails carefully. While you can venture out on your own, a hiking tour company can take you to some of the hidden gems of Maui.

The tour guides seem to know where all the waterfalls, bamboo forests, and saltwater pools are located on the hiking trails. Hiking is one of the things to do in Maui that you can do at any time of the year. But we love to add it to our list of things to do in Maui in November or December when the temperatures are slightly cooler.

38. Venture Out to La Perouse to See the Dolphins

There are so many things to do and see in Maui, but only a few of them are as amazing as watching the dolphins out at La Perouse. This bay area is on the southern side of the island. The bay is filled with spinner dolphins every day and you can spend time there watching them for hours. When you tire of seeing the dolphins, you can wander along the nearby trails. When you are hiking, keep an eye towards the Kiawe trees, because you might see some wild goats running around near the trees.

39. Visit Maui Wine

Maui may not be known for producing thousands of different types of wines, but Maui Wine does produce a few delicious types of wine. You will find this winery over in the Upcountry in Ulupalakua. Their most popular wine is Maui Brut Sparkling, because it tastes like pineapple. However, they also produce Upcountry Gold, Lokelani, and Ulupalakua Red. This is one of the best things to do in Maui in September.

40. Hang Out on Front Street

One of the top things to do in Maui is hanging out on Front Street. You will find Front Street over on the western side of the island in Lahaina Town. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants, boutiques, and art vendors over on Front Street. This is considered the best place to purchase a souvenir on the island of Maui. There are also multiple events held on Front Street and if nothing is really going on, you can still do a little people watching when you are there.

41. Take a Sunset Cocktail Cruise

There are quite a few romantic things to do in Maui, which is why so many people choose to do a Maui honeymoon. One of those romantic things to do in Maui is taking a sunset cocktail cruise. When you take one of these cruises, you will find yourself out on a catamaran, looking out at the water while you sip on the cocktail in your hand.

This is truly one of the best things to do in Maui in August. But if you truly want to make this activity special, you must add it to your list of things to do in Maui in February. That is when the humpback whales are in the area and you can easily watch them from the catamaran during your sunset cocktail cruise.

42. Taste a Ton of Chocolate at Maui Chocolate Tasting

Maui Chocolate Tasting is the new name for Maui Chocolate Tours. You will find this delicious attraction over on the southern shore of Maui. This is the best thing to do in Maui with kids, as long as your kids are ages seven and older. Your tour will have you learning how cacao is grown in Maui, as well as how the chocolate is made. Throughout your tour, you will find yourself tasting all different types of chocolate. This is a popular thing to do in Maui, so we recommend making reservations well in advance. Although, this is one of the things to do in Maui when it rains, so making reservations in advance doesn’t always guarantee you will be visiting on a rainy day.

43. Visit the Historic Iao Theater

The Historic Iao Theater is now called Maui OnStage, but the building still holds the history from many years ago. This theater is where so many plays, performances, and movies were shown since it opened in 1928. A renovation saved the building in the mid-1990s. The building is now used for acting classes, as well as stage performances and plays. It is simple to add the Historic Iao Theater to your list of things to do in Maui when you are exploring Main Street in Wailuku.

44. Visit the Hawaii Nature Center

The Hawaii Nature Center can be found on the island of Maui, as well as the island of Oahu. You will find the Maui one located over near the Iao Valley and Kealia Pond.

The Hawaii Nature Center opened back in 1981 and it is a perfect place for kids, and adults, to learn more about Hawaiian nature. This is one of the best things to do in Maui in July.

45. Get a Sugar Rush without the Sugar at the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum

The Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum can be found over in Puunene, Maui. The museum may appear small at eighteen hundred square feet, but it is packed with sugar history. There are six different exhibit rooms, and they are the Water Room, Geography Room, Plantation Room, Human Resources Room, Mill Room, and Field Work Room. This is one of the more unusual things to do in Maui when you are on vacation, but it may end up being one of your favorites!

46.Take a Tram Tour of Maui Tropical Plantation

Maui Tropical Plantation has only been around for approximately thirty years, but it has grown into a spectacular tourist destination. You will find this plantation in Waikapu Valley. It is best to take their tram tour when you visit, because it guarantees you will see most of the field crops and historical attractions. While you are there, make sure you stop at the farm stand, café, and gift shop.

47. Wander Around the Kula Botanical Gardens

The Kula Botanical Gardens are comprised of eight acres and they are more than three thousand feet above sea level. The gardens are filled with many different types of exotic plants that include bromeliads, fuscia, and orchids. The Hawaiian Nene birds live within the nearby bird sanctuary. Self-guided tours are available and don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch for when you are done. This is one of the perfect things to do in Maui in April.

48. Visit Charles Lindbergh’s Grave

If you are looking for things to do in Kipahulu, Maui, you must take the time to visit Charles Lindbergh’s grave. This grave is located at the Palapala Ho’omau Congregational Church, which was constructed back in 1857.

This is an active church, so you must be respectful when you are visiting the grave of Charles Lindbergh.

49. Schedule a Photo Session

Maui is quite the beautiful destination and that is why so many people choose to schedule a photo session when they are visiting. This is one of the things in Hawaii, Maui that is growing in popularity. A professional photographer will ensure you do not miss the perfect shots of your family, while making sure you are in the pictures as well. You can choose to do simple family portraits, or you can have the photographer follow you around as you sightsee around the island. This is one of the best things to do in Maui at any time of the year, but we love adding it to our list of things to do in Maui in November.

50. Go Out on a Jeep Adventure

There are so many ways you can get around the island of Maui. While you may want to hike or walk quite a bit, we recommend going out on a jeep adventure too. These jeep adventures are some of the best things to do in Maui. We love doing them at any time of the year, but most people will add them to their list of things to do in Maui in January. The jeep adventures seem to be the perfect way to start a new year! These tours are private, so you never need to worry about other people ruining your fun. And with options to tour West Maui, Hana, and Haleakala, you will never lack for places to see and experience.

These are the fifty best things to do in Maui, Hawaii. While we would love to have you fit them all into your itinerary when you are vacationing in Maui, we know that you most likely won’t be able to. Therefore, you will need to decide which things to do in Maui will be at the top of your list and which ones will be considered if you have a little extra time. A word of caution if we may… You won’t find a ton of things to do in Maui for free, but there are still so many ways to explore the island of Maui without breaking your budget!

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