What to do and see in Wailuku, United States: The Best Places and Tips

February 28, 2018 Kiesha Cripe

Wailuku is a census-designated place (CDP) in and county seat of Maui County, Hawaiʻi, United States. The population was 15,313 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Maui County.
Restaurants in Wailuku

1. Mendes Ranch

3530 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793-9236 +1 808-871-5222
Excellent
82%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 318 reviews

Mendes Ranch

Reviewed By Live_Pono - Haiku, Hawaii

Really glad we went with the Mendes for an amazing horseback ride and afternoon! With many trail rides to choose from on Maui, we researched that some of the companies offering smaller, "custom" rides were illegitimate and actually getting busted while they are out on a trail ride. Well, no thanks, we want Safety first. Mendes family has pride and class and our ride was smooth. The sights beautiful! Highly Recommend!

2. Waihee Ridge Trail

Waihee, Maui, HI
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 228 reviews

Waihee Ridge Trail

Reviewed By NandaTRW - Lahaina, Hawaii

I was afraid because I read reviews and normally they say to you go early. I couldn't do it at 7am and I was not sure if I would be able to see between clouds. I started walking at 10h20. The view was amazing, there were spaces in the parking lot and I think the Sun was not to hard on me. The best time to go? When the Sun is not that hard!
I did not need a stick to walk in the trail. This should be a really good advice when the day before rained. I did not find mud and it was easy to walk just with mu running shoes.
Best place to park and to put in your gps: 3530 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793.
Do not Google maps fool you. The place is in the left and not right!

3. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

3957 Hansen Road, Puunene, Maui, HI 96784 +1 808-871-8058
Excellent
23%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 205 reviews

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is a non profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of the sugar industry and the multiethnic plantation life it engendered.

Reviewed By Patty W - Ogden, Utah

This museum is small but very interesting. It gives you the history of sugar cane industry in Maui. They some old machines outside that are very interesting from the Fifties. The movie was very informative. It was 5.00 for seniors.

4. Maui Craft Tours

Maui Tropical Plantation, Waikapu, Maui, HI 96708
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 31 reviews

Maui Craft Tours

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!

5. Alii Nui

Maalaea Harbor, Slip 56, Maalaea, Maui, HI 96753
Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Alii Nui

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!

6. Pacific Whale Foundation

101 Maalaea Rd, Maalaea Harbor, Maalaea, Maui, HI 96761-1268
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Pacific Whale Foundation

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.

7. Maui Ocean Center

192 Maalaea Rd, Hwy 30, Ma'alaea Harbor, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793-5931 +1 808-270-7000
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Maui Ocean Center

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.

8. Maui Swap Meet

310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, Maui, HI 96732-1643 +1 808-244-3100
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 457 reviews

Maui Swap Meet

The biggest outdoor market on Maui since 1981

Reviewed By Benvr - Oregon

My wife and I went to swap meets in Azusa, CA, Huntington Beach, CA, etc. during our undergrad studies and always enjoyed it. This "Maui swap meet" was a lot of fun as we reminisced about our swap meet adventures in school. The swap meet...MoreAloha Benvr, Thank you for your great review and comments. We appreciate your visit and hope to have you here again. Mahalo, Corrie Maui Swap Meet

9. Maui Tropical Plantation

1670 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793-9347 +1 800-451-6805
Excellent
40%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 838 reviews

Maui Tropical Plantation

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. Iao Valley State Monument

54 S High St, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793-2102
Excellent
46%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Iao Valley State Monument

Reviewed By cariburbs - Brookfield, WI

This was a great destination in Maui. Entrance fee for non residents was $5 per car. The parking lot was right after the entrance booth. Follow the paved paths either up to the viewing area or down to gardens and a stream outlook. The paved path is a combination of a sidewalk, stairs and a bridge crossing. Beautiful views the entire way. Even though it was sunny at our resort, it was raining here. Remember that weather conditions vary on different parts of the island. Luckily, we had rain coats in the car. The stairs when wet were a little slippery. The Maui needle was beautiful as was everything at this park. We spent about 45 minutes here. We were here with our teenagers and they loved it. They took time taking pics and walking around. Other families were here with younger children, as well as elderly seniors. This would be a great destination for all. Very easy walking. The restrooms were closed. There was a row of port a potties at the bottom of the parking lot. We were staying on Kaanapali beach, and it took us 45 minutes to get here.
Continue another 45 minutes to the lavender farm in Kula!

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