Top Things to do in Maui
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Maui That You Shouldn't Miss
The Hawaiian island of Maui is a destination for true nature lovers. The ethereal bamboo forest and churning waterfalls in Haleakala National Park can be explored via the Waimoku Falls Trail. Stretch out on warm, golden sands or hit the surf for an unforgettable windsurfing or snorkeling session. Driving the scenic road to Hana along the island’s northeastern shore will be among the most spectacular journeys of your life. Time stands still at the Hawaiian village of Keanae, definitely worth a visit.
Restaurants in Maui
1. Leilani Farm Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
Reservations are required. $40 per person tax-deductible donation (for adults and kids). Minimum age for visitors is seven years old. Home to goats, turkeys, rabbits, donkeys, cats, geese, pigs, tortoises, guinea pigs, ducks, deer, chickens, a cow and a dog, Leilani Farm Sanctuary is located on a lush 8-acre farm in Haiku, Maui. It is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization created to provide shelter and care for rescued animals, and humane education to the community. On the outer, most visible level, Leilani Farm Sanctuary lives and breathes upon a unique piece of rolling land, eight volcanic acres on a green Pacific island. But its superb location and jaw-dropping natural beauty are but reflections of its lush inner essence. The sanctuary is truly a paradise for animals and humans alike.
Reviewed By 769christinap - Vancouver, Canada
I came upon this tour by chance. I’m so glad I did! LauraLee is an amazing host and her love and care of the rescued animals shows. Her Sanctuary is a paradise. It’s fun to get up and close with the animals! Make sure to hug the turkey!!
2. Punakea Palms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Coconut Farm Tasting Tour! Come Experience the sights and tastes of an authentic, working coconut farm. Learn the vast usefulness of the coconut tree and how to extract its bounty. Participate in all the stages of coconut cultivation and consumption, all while basking in the natural beauty of our farm. Take home fresh, hand-made coconut products from a truly authentic experience.
Reviewed By DayTrip617979
Located in Lahaina this coconut farm tour was an awesome way to learn about the life of a coconut and explore more of Maui. Our experience started with fresh coconut milk cold brew coffees and from there we walked the farm and eventually settled in to learn more about coconut life stages. Our guide, Kai, cracked open juvenile coconuts so we could drink fresh coconut water and enjoy the coconut meat before moving on to mature coconuts, highlighting the differences between the two. We learned the process of making coconut milk and also tried mature coconut meat. We had the chance to walk the grounds and were able to enjoy all the coconuts our hearts (and stomachs) desired. They did a wonderful job of following safety protocols with Covid and the small group tour made it intimate and amazing! They also have a very cute gift shop and once the café fully opens will be the perfect spot to enjoy fresh coconut themed snacks and beverages among sweeping views of the ocean and the iconic coconut palms. If you are considering an awesome local experience on the island book this tour ASAP! We can't wait to take our friends.
3. Hana Highway - Road to Hana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,634 reviews
A scenic and often dangerous road popular with the more adventurous visitor.
Reviewed By MauiSteve96713 - Hana, United States
Ok, I see a lot of mixed reviews on this Road To Hana, and while some are valid, others are not. A lot of people seem to 'not get it'., so here I am...as a resident reviewing my side of the island. The road to Hana is just that. Nothing more. Hana itself is not the destination. The draw to the attraction IS the road and all it has to offer...NOT what's at the end. Keep an open mind, leave for your drive as early as possible...even sunrise or before...and get a jump on traffic and crowds. Get your gas tank topped off in Paia, and bring a cooler of drinks and some snacks. As far as the nightmares you've heard about the local drivers tailgating, all you need to do is slow down or pull over and motion them to let them pass. We've all seen it, we live here and it's a long drive for us to even go to Walmart. Most of us can drive this road blindfolded since we've done it so many times. We want you to enjoy your drive at your leisure, but we don't appreciate other drivers not allowing us to pass. Wave to us as we pass...we'll wave back! Appreciate your day. If it's raining, it's Maui. Can't have waterfalls without the rain. If it's sunny, then many of the waterfalls may not be flowing. Best time to drive it? The first sunny day after a few days of rain. Sun AND waterfalls! Take it easy and slow. There is no rush. Consider spending the night in Hana. LOTS to do and see along the drive and in Hana and further. Pace yourself. If you make no stops, it's still nearly two hours to Hana from Paia. Consider a CD tour or book that gives you the sights by mile-marker. They are not all there, but enough to know where you are. Some of the best waterfalls are back toward the Nahiku area and Hana. Make the stops and take lots of photos. If you need facilities, there are three along the way at wayside stops, The Half Way to Hana stand, Ka'ahumina wayside, and one between MM 22/23....but you won't be arrested if you need a privacy tree in an emergency. There are plenty of those. The drive has access to plenty of waterfall views and hikes, oceanfront areas in Ka'anae, an arboretum, quaint early 1800's churches, pounding surf, gorgeous views, delicious banana bread, flowers and flower farms, quaint neighborhoods, fruit stands, black-sand beach, caves, BBQ stands, gift shops, coffee shop, Nahiku Tropical flower farm, Glenn's organic and vegan ice cream stand, bamboo hikes, Seven Pools, several absolutely delicious food trucks in Hana, Red Sand Beach, Hana Bay,...the list goes on... Main thing is to come early, take your time and relax in Hawaiian Time like no other...and yes, consider spending the night. Many places don't need reservations, as many folks have bungalows out back you can inquire about. And if you need to pass, just give your horn two little taps. Beep Beep...as you pass. and don't forget to wave! Enjoy!
4. Honolua Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 915 reviews
Reviewed By Shutterbug444
Honolua Bay is a great place to snorkel! There is free parking just off the main road but it's hit and miss getting a spot because it's a popular spot. Getting here early is a good idea. From there, you walk through a beautiful and peaceful rainforest, which is the Honolua Bay access trail, to reach the bay. I had as much fun exploring the rainforest as I did at the bay. There are many chickens and baby chicks running around.
5. Wai'anapanapa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,966 reviews
Waianapanapa State Park is on the road to Hana, Maui.
Reviewed By rhealey007 - Charlotte, United States
Absolutely incredible!! It's a can't miss stop. The drive in from Hana Highway is bumpy but well worth it. Go check out the massive waves at the unique black sand beach... WARNING... the waves will occasionally cover the entire sand part of the beach, so be careful where you store your towels, bags, and shoes. Go up top and see the impressive blow hole... be careful of where you choose to stand or you will get drenched. Then continue passed the blow hole and hike, yes hike, a gorgeous short trail that embodies what you think of when you think about Hawaii... lush greens and bright flowers against lava rock and ocean waves. Upon returning to the beach, don't miss the sea arch and the walk-in cave off to the right, directly on the beach.
6. Hamoa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By Hawkfan2015 - Brush Prairie, United States
Travassa Resort where we were staying shuttles you down to this beach if you want starting at 10am every two hours with the pick up at 4pm. Their attendant will set up a lounge chair and umbrella for you, give you a towel and water and you can enjoy this beautiful soft sandy beach. This is a fun place to watching surfers too! To the right, you will notice their special Norfork Pine trees that are really pretty in the distance.
7. Lahaina Jodo Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Jodo Mission is a delightful stop in Lahaina to see the Buddhist Temple complex comprising of a large Buddha statue, a Pagoda, a Temple, and a large Bell. The temple was closed when we visited, but we toured the rest of the beautiful complex. A family-friendly beach is adjacent to the Mission, but scenery-wise, there are much better ones in Maui. If interested in walking, there is a cemetery next to the Mission. The mission is a worthwhile stop indeed.
8. Little Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 506 reviews
Reviewed By JFilardi - Texas, United States
Our third visit in 5 years. Great experience. Nice to feel liberated and comfortable. Waves were too tall for swimming. We are A fit, conservative, middle age couple who are surprised how much we love visiting this beach- bucket list-check. Wife was totally comfortable there.
9. North Loop Coastline Road Hwy 30
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By M3755XCmaryc - Fairbanks, United States
We weighed our decision to drive all the way around the North Coast vs turning around at the Blowhole and read all the comments pro and con before finally deciding to venture forth past the Blowhole. It was an incredible driving experience and really worth the trouble for the driver. It seems to me that this trip is best enjoyed with an SUV or jeep. It is also important to relax and drive as slow as the speed limit suggests. Be prepared to back up or move on to the side wherever you see a pull-out when approaching an oncoming car. Sharing the road with a single lane was a new experience. We just loved the drive. The next day we drove around Haleakala and that road was even more challenging and also worth it.
10. Nakalele Blowhole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,251 reviews
Reviewed By ToolChick92
Check the waves report every day during your stay. Pick a big swell or windy and wavy day. This will maximize the blowhole activity watching. Wear hiking shoes, take water. If you are not fit enough to climb down slippery and sometimes rocky parts that you will later have to climb back up sometimes pulling yourself up the rocks then watch the blowhole from the top just a short ways from the parking lot. There is an Ohana selling banana bread and coconut water at the parking lot. Park at mile marker 38.5 not 38 ! Much closer more trafficked and apparently safer from the break ins that are common in the area, take your valuables and leave glove compartment open. At mile marker 38 you can park and walk down a short way to see the other side of the rocky structure that has the blow hole for a magnificent view of the water pools and rocky bridge connecting them. It's an amazing feat of nature! Do not get close to it, stay on dry ground, it has massive suction, also a powerful jet of water that sometimes spews rocks, also do not go near the edges by the ocean waves. There have been people know to have fallen in the ocean due to a wave surprising them and tumbling in. There is no rescue here ans no cell service. On the day we went it shot up 60 ft in the air there were a couple of explosions that reached 100 ft. Respect mother nature and keep your eyes on the ocean. Great viewing stops along the way, especially surfer watching at Honolua Bay.
