Location: Maalaea
Top Things to do in Maalaea
What to do and see in Maalaea, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Māʻalaea is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maui County, Hawaiʻi, United States. The population was 352 at the 2010 census. Māʻalaea is the site of a small boat harbor, as well as the Maui Ocean Center.
Restaurants in Maalaea
1. Alii Nui
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
The Alii Nui is a custom built, one of a kind, luxury sailing catamaran with a reputation for providing the ultimate in service and amenities. We limit the number of passengers to provide plenty of room to relax and enjoy. Our covered cabin is equipped with ample seating. We also have easy access into the water from the bow and stern with our expert crew helping you every step of the way. Experience the comfort and ease of our complimentary transportation service available from resort areas on the south and west sides of Maui. The Alii Nui offers Morning Snorkel Sails, Afternoon Turtle Snorkels, Whale Watch Excursions, Sunset Sails, Royal Feast Dinner Sails and Wedding Sails. Measuring an impressive 65' from stem to stern and 36' port to starboard, she is truly the premiere sailing catamaran on Maui!
Reviewed By drmnorman
From the moment we were picked up at our hotel until we were dropped off after the sunset cruise this trip was the best. The boat was beautiful and the staff was so very attentive and accommodating. The food was declicious! My wife and I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you Marceo for making the evening even more special!
2. Maui Craft Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Drink | Eat | Tour | Repeat! Explore the best food, drinks and farms on Maui as we introduce you to our Culinary Craft Community: Mill House Roasting Co., The Mill House Restaurant, MauiWine, Maui Brewing Co., Ocean Vodka, Hali'imaile Distilling, Surfing Goat Dairy, Maui Pineapple Tours and MORE! Focused on island-inspired foods and beverages, Maui Craft Tours delivers an authentic taste of Hawaiian paradise. From handcrafted beer and wine to locally sourced meals, you’ll sample a carefully curated collection of Maui’s best island flavors. Taste paradise on our once-in-a-lifetime Maui tasting tour!
Reviewed By s2mclauchlin
Great time with "Moose" touring Maui with an eye on local food and spirits. Beautiful views, great conversation and of course, great opportunities to discover new wines, beers, foods and spirits in Maui. I highly recommend this company and this activity for someone who wants a different experience, away from the crowds. Thanks!
3. Pacific Whale Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Cruise with the experts at Pacific Whale Foundation on Maui's top-rated ocean ecotours based on more than 38 years of marine research and sustainable ecotourism experience. PacWhale has cruises for every style of adventure, including whale and dolphin watch ecotours, snorkel trips, sunset cocktail and sunset dinner cruises, holiday cruises, stargazing ecotours, and more. You'll cruise on ultra-stable, eco-friendly vessels with knowledgeable, friendly certified Marine Naturalists. Choose PacWhale Eco-Adventures and make a difference: all profits support research, education and conservation programs to protect marine wildlife and the ocean environment. Cruises depart from Ma'alaea & Lahaina Harbors.
Reviewed By OceanloverBC - Vancouver B
Did the 2-4 pm whale watch tour today. Very nice vessel, friendly staff. On the brand new Ocean Voyager vessel. I chose this company to book our whale watch excursion because their mandate is the protection and preservation of whales. They are a non-profit and...MoreAloha. We love to hear that you enjoyed your whalewatching ecotour with us. Our mission is to provide scientific education about the marine life and how we can all pitch in to preserve and protect our oceans. Mahalo for your review.
4. Saint Theresa Roman Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By IrishFan-80 - Lancaster, PA
We always attend Saint Theresa's when here but this time attended the Vigil Mass. Just like Sunday mornings it was SRO and very inspiring liturgy including the Choir. Love attending Mass here! Keep The Faith!
5. Maui Ocean Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Discover, experience, and explore Hawaii's underwater world at Maui Ocean Center. Named Top 25 Best Aquariums in the U.S. by TripAdvisor, the Aquarium features over 60 exhibits with sharks, turtles, stingrays and thousands of vibrant tropical fish. The Aquarium is home to the world's largest collection of live Pacific corals, faithfully replicating thriving marine ecosystems in every exhibit. Journey from the shallow reef to the open ocean and encounter marine life found nowhere else in the world. A mix of indoor-outdoor exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive presentations allow guests to conveniently discover Hawaii's marine life in a single day that would otherwise take a lifetime of exploration to see. Explore the diversity of Hawaii's marine world without ever getting wet in breathtaking exhibits like the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean Exhibit featuring a 54ft walkthrough tunnel. Amply named The Aquarium of Hawaii, Maui Ocean Center is dedicated to perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and the relationship that exists between the Hawaiian people and the sea. Enhance your experience with Maui's only shark diving activity, dining at Seascape Restaurant, shopping at Maui Ocean Treasures, or book a special event at Maui's most unique venue. Enjoy a distinctively Maui experience at Hawaii's premier Aquarium. Open daily 9am-5pm (including all holidays) with final admission at 4:30pm.
Reviewed By Wise_Eagle - Kula, Hawaii
Eleven year old granddaughter enjoyed the Maui Ocean Center immensely. She enjoyed touching the sea creators where allowed, viewing the undersea life up close, interacting with the diver and staff, watching the feeding and the childrens' interactive activities.
The historical and informational displays provided lots of interesting information about Hawaii and life in the water surrounding the islands.
This is a smaller aquarium than Monterey Bay or Sea World. Worth the price, especially if you can get discount tickets (available on line and at various retail shops), qualify for senior pricing, are in the military or a Hawaii resident. Even though it was raining, this was a great activity. Most exhibits are enclosed, protected from the rain.
6. Maui Fun Charters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 159 reviews
The Marjorie Ann is a 36' Chesapeake Cabin Cruiser and Pamela is a 30' Force outfitted for Maui sport fishing and Maui bottom fishing. Private charters are available for whale watching in season (Dec-May). Used privately from Ma‘alaea Harbor, Maui since 2005 they are now available for charters. Both boats have recently been upgraded to be more accommodating to customers with an on board head, and the latest modern electronics and fishing tackle. Fish printing (by local Maui artist) and mounting are available for prize catches (not included in price). Fish for fun or keep your catch! Fun for the whole family!
Reviewed By WayneL1980 - Calgary, Canada
Went fishing with my friend during our vacation to Maui last week. We choose Maui Fun Charters based on the reviews on TripAdvisor and the fact that big game (Marlin, Mahi-mahi, etc) weren’t in season. We were not disappointed!! We had another 2 people with us (4 total) and got to head out a little early since everyone was ready to go. Alex and Ann were awesome fishing guides!! They provided us with lots of information about Maui’s fisheries and instructions on fishing for bottom fish. We trolled on the way to the fishing spot seeing a ton of whales along the way (didn’t need to pay for a whale watching tour). They knew exactly where to go to catch fish and once we reached the spot all 4-fisherman hooked up (it was awesome)!! We caught a wide variety of fish including our limit on Blueline Snapper, a Hawaiian Hogfish (which was cool to see), a Menachi and a few other species. Once we caught enough snapper for dinner we started trolling back where we hooked up some tuna. Captain Alex made a few circles around the tuna catching 3 of them. On the way home Ann fillet the fish for us allowing us to take them home for dinner. Overall this is one of the best charters I have been on and would recommend it for anyone with families or people who want to get out and catch some fish when big game is out of season or you don’t want to take the chance of not catching anything since trolling for big game is hit/miss.
7. Aloha Blue Charters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By daisy7889 - Lethbridge, Canada
My husband and I decided to give this fishing trip a try as it sounded like fun. I just went along as a rider. Captain Brian along with Nick & Freddy were our guides and they were great. My husband caught fish on his first two bait drops which of course made it even more fun. One young girl even accidentally caught a shark which added to the excitement for the day! Of course they cut him loose :) At the end of the trip Nick filleted the fish for us and we got to take it back to our condo and it was incredible. Doesn't get any fresher than that! I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who loves to fish.
8. Sail Maui Nui - Shadowfax
Overall Ratings
5 based on 57 reviews
Shadowfax is a 44' Islander Blue Water Sailboat. We offer customized sailing charters around the waters of Maui, Lanai & Molokai (Maui Nui). Our focus is on service and offering a unique marine experience for visitors to Maui. From a two hour sunset sail with superior pupus & cocktails, to a week-long inter-island live-aboard trip, Shadowfax and her crew will exceed your expectations. So, get out of that pool chaise & get on the boat!
Reviewed By Traveler1LosAngeles - Los Angeles
From the moment of initial contact to our final aloha, this excursion could not have been any better. Captain Mike is an extremely proficient and skilled sailor. Lovely boat.
Tina, who crewed for him during our sail was a fantastic host and crew.
Very easy to get to whether using your own car or taxi service. Easily accessible harbor in Maui. Towels, snorkel gear, outstanding assortment of fruits, drinks, lunch were all readily available. Thanks to Captain Mike and his wife, Tina, we are more educated in sea life and conservation - an added bonus to two beautiful sailing days mixed with snorkeling. Tina snorkeled with us to ensure our safety and guided us through the reefs. Educated us in local Hawaiian culture as well as language. We saw them out and about Lahaina with their two awesome dogs and felt like Ohana.
Mahalo. And thanks to them, we are now buying organic sunscreen to better care for our environment including the coral reefs of Hawaii.
9. Maui Tropical Plantation
Overall Ratings
4 based on 838 reviews
Maui Tropical Plantation is a 60 acre working plantation. Our narrated TRAM TOUR offers a unique educational opportunity to learn the origins and harvest techniques of Hawaii's commercial fruit crops. As part of your tour, our driver will demonstrate the art of husking a coconut. You'll also learn interesting facts about sugarcane, pineapple, bananas, coffee, macadamia nuts, papaya and more. Visit our Gift Shop for Made in Maui souvenirs, snacks, crystals, aloha wear and more... The Mill House Restaurant is the ideal venue for exclusive events. Also at the Plantation: Kumu Farms, Maui Zipline, Rebecca Lowell Art Gallery, Ron L. Designs and Moku Pua Soap Factory.
Reviewed By alice w - Placitas, New Mexico
This is a short tour train thru the plantation.
I enjoyed it, the guide was informative. I learned a lot about the plants and the plantation.
I love this place, it’s quiet and beautiful.
The restaurant, on the grounds, is a new favorite.
It’s a nice few hours away from the beach and busy beach towns.
10. Maui Boat Trips
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Our Ocean Freedom and Reef Explorer are 40' jet boats. This means our boats have no propellers and cruise at 25-27 knots, providing less travel time and more time on site. Snorkel Maui's underwater paradise exploring Olowalu, Coral Gardens, Molokini & Turtle Town. These are must see spots off the coast, which will provide for an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Reviewed By Bob8848 - Highland Heights, Ohio
Captain Kiwi, Noah & Tanya were outstanding. The history provided by Captain Kiwi throughout the cruise was very helpful as well as informative. Just great time particularly when we noted that the boat only had 31 passengers on board. Although it advertises a capacity a little over 50, they stay in the 30 range which leaves more than enough room for everyone. Because we visited Turtle Town first, we had Molikini all to ourselves when we arrived later in the morning. My wife an I highly recommend this snorkeling tour .
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