Unique Maui Experiences to Enjoy Now
Maui is ready to welcome visitors in most parts of the island, and to give you an unforgettable experience! While disaster recovery efforts continue in West Maui and parts of Kula (in Upcountry), you can safely visit and enjoy the beauty of South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena), Central Maui (Kahului, Wailuku), North Shore (Paia, Haiku), East Maui (Hana, Kipahulu), Makawao, Lower Kula, and Ulupalakua.
Below are some unique Maui experiences that you should enjoy right now, while feeling good about putting money back into the local economy.
The islanders look forward to welcoming you with Aloha and open arms!
Paia
Visit Paia, an artsy town with great restaurants, galleries, and surf shops on Maui's North Shore. Before visiting a local yoga studio, grab an epic Acai Bowl from Choice Health Bar. Milagros has the best Li Hing Mui Margarita on the island if you're in the mood for an adult beverage. If fresh fish is top of mind, visit the Paia Fish Market or stop by Mama's Fish House, where you might be able to score that unobtainable reservation.
Ma'alaea
Located at the intersection of the Honoapi'ilani (Hwy 30) and Mokulele Highway (Hwy 310), Ma'alaea is home to restaurants, shops, and the Maui Ocean Center - a 3-acre facility and the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Pali Trail provides a rugged and challenging 5-mile trail from Ma'alae to Ukumehame. This is an out-and-back hike with trailheads on either end with stunning panoramas of the central valley, ocean, and neighboring islands. Maui Tropical Plantation invites you to discover and celebrate Maui's agricultural bounty.
Visit the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk – on the way to Kihei - a beautiful tranquil walkway and bird sanctuary beside Maʻalaea Bay, in the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, on the south edge of Maui's central valley.
Wailuku
There is something to be said about the artistic spirit and burgeoning entrepreneurialism of Wailuku. With an impressive selection of attractions and experiences, this small town can be its own adventure! Hiking the Waihee ridgeline up in the west Maui mountains overlooking the Waihe'e Valley is dramatic and always scenic. ʻIao Valley State Monument is a lush, 4,000-acre valley offering hiking, sightseeing, a nature center, and views of the ʻIao Needle. Stop by SixtyTwo MarcKet, a restaurant featuring seasonal fresh ingredients for an amazing breakfast. If you're looking for a local coffee shop where the hip sip and shop, Wailuku Coffee Co. is perfect. If you want an authentic tropical cocktail bar experience, Esters is calling your name.
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala Crater looms 10,023 feet above the Pacific Ocean, taking up three-quarters of Maui's 727 square miles. Haleakala sunrise is a must (permit needed; bring warm clothes). Its ascent takes trekkers through 6 of the world's 14 climate zones. At the same time, its depression was deemed the quietest place on the planet as acoustic experts found that its ambient sound levels were "near the very threshold of human hearing." The park, which comprises 33,265 acres, holds more endangered species than any other U.S. National Park. For a very unique experience, hike the Switchbacks or Sliding Sand Trail. Hosmer Grove Campground is another great recreational option for camping and hiking. Please note permits for camping are required.
You may encounter fire-damaged areas on your drive to the craters.
Makawao
Makawao is a small historic town famous for its Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo. The region is locally known as Upcountry Maui. Since the late 19th century, horseback-riding paniolo have wrangled cattle in Maui's wide-open upland fields. Makawao Forest Reserve is also one of the best places to mountain bike on Maui. At 2,500 feet above sea level, the air is cool, and the thick canopy provides ample shade – an excellent break from the heat of the beaches below. When venturing into the historic town, stop by T Komoda Bakery - known for its cream puffs, stick donuts, long Johns, and guava malasada.
Kahului
Kahului is a sunny central town located on the north side of Maui. Tin Roof offers excellent local cuisine by Chef Sheldon Simeon, staying true to his Hawaiian and Filipino roots. For exceptional coffee through small batch roasting, Maui Coffee Roasters has been going strong for over 30 years at their facility in downtown Kahului. The biggest open market on Maui is the Maui Swap Meet in Kahului on Saturdays. This is a fantastic way to support local vendors!
Hāna
Hāna is known for its beautiful beaches and landscapes. If the Pipiwai Trail's mystical bamboo forest and scenic waterfalls don't get your heart pumping, the hike's 800-foot elevation gain certainly will! Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hāna. The cascades are located on the grounds of Wailele Farm, a family-owned and operated biodiverse orchard whose name translates to providing, sharing, and ensuring everyone is cared for. Waiʻānapanapa State Park is best known for its volcanic black pebble coast and panoramic coastal views.
After exploring, quick and delicious meal options for all pallets are a plus. Hāna's food truck lots cater to all, from the traditional classics to adventurous gourmet creations; these lots will have something for everyone. 5260 Hana Highway, just south of the only gas station in town, provides various culinary delights, from locally inspired Pan-Pacific flavors to more exotic delights from southeast Asia, Mexico, and beyond.
Kula
Another Upcountry Maui town, Kula, is known for its farms and botanical gardens. The fertile fields of Kula are an ideal place to enjoy nature's bounty, which includes two wonderful farms. MauiWine Vineyard is known for estate-grown, traditional method sparkling and pineapple wines. Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery is situated on 80 acres of breathtaking views from the slopes of Haleakala. If you feel motivated to move, one of the most spectacular walks you can take on Maui is not through a forest or a beach; rather, it's on a secluded road in the foothills of Haleakala - The Thompson Road Walk. The views will absolutely take your breath away. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? About ten miles from Kula, up the slope of Haleakalā, you will find Polipoli State Park. It covers about 10 acres of the 21,000-acre Kula Forest Reserve.
You may encounter fire-damaged areas in this area.
Kihei
The south region of Maui offers plenty of relaxation and stunning beaches. The Kamaole Beach Park consists of three distinct sections (Kam 1, Kam 2, & Kam 3), and are considered the best beaches in Kihei. Each of these beaches is comprised of soft golden sand that runs straight into the beautiful blue water of the Pacific Ocean and are favorites for family beach picnics. There are plenty of restaurants to satiate your appetite. For a taste of health-conscious Hawaiian comfort food in a cool, offbeat space head to Nalu's South Shore Grill. Isana is a popular fisherman-owned restaurant serving the freshest island fish available in a combination of bold and adventurous flavors (think world-class sushi) and an ocean view second to none. If you are looking for something a bit more casual 808 Deli is a contemporary delicatessen known for take-out specialty sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items. And Taco Tuesday cant be missed at Fred's Mexican Cafe. It has a great atmosphere and is the perfect location to watch the sunset and enjoy your TT festivities.
Haiku
Haiku is another small town on Maui's North Shore. Haiku is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, where you will find yourself in the company of kind locals at a relaxed pace. Be sure to visit Maui Kombucha, the original and largest Kombucha Brewery on Maui, where they also serve raw vegan fusion eats.