Maui locals are often asked if they ever get “island fever.” After all — living full time on a tropical island must eventually get boring, right?
As it turns out, there are so many things to do in Maui it isn’t really a problem. From the moment the sun rises above Haleakala Crater, to when it sets off Ka‘anapali Beach, the island is rich in outdoor adventure and opportunities to explore.
Just take a look at the ocean activities found all across the island. Many of the best things to do on Maui are either out— or under — the waves, and between surfing, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, bodysurfing, kitesurfing, or fishing, there’s always an activity to match the wind and wave conditions for that day.
On shore, waterfall hunters and swimming hole seekers can travel the Road to Hana — one of the top 10 things to do on Maui for visitors and locals alike. Take a dip beneath Twin Falls or explore Wai‘anapanapa Caves, and a sunrise soak at the Pools of Ohe‘o is the ultimate Hana escape. Read more
Or, while it might seem like a lost art in an increasingly fast-pace world, one of the best things to do on Maui is to simply go out for a drive. If it gets too hot by the beach in summer, grab a jacket and head Upcountry for a drive through rolling green pastures. Stop at Grandma’s Coffee House and relax on the covered front porch, before heading out to Ulupalakua for elk burgers and Maui-made wine. Or, take a drive around Mauna Kahalawai to the village of Kahakuloa, stopping en route at Nakalele Blowhole and hiking the trails on the coast. And, while many claim the cost of visiting or living in Maui is expensive, there are dozens of free things to do in Maui to help keep expenses at bay. Besides hiking, strolling down the beach, bodysurfing, or watching the sunset, there are festivals, markets, shows, and events that are completely free of charge. Once a month, on the Baldwin House lawn along Lahaina’s famous Front Street, a free Hawaiian Music concert is held at 6pm. There are free hula shows at the Cannery Mall, opportunities to volunteer, and free music on Wednesday nights in the courtyard of Shops at Wailea.
Finally, for some visitors (and even locals), one of the top things to do in Maui is simply spend a day shopping, in which case Pai‘a, Makawao, and Lahaina are the island’s best spots for gifts.
