MAUI TRAVEL GUIDE
60 Things to do in Maui, Hawaii
Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian island chain. Tourists flock to enjoy its beautiful beaches and luxury dining and stores. Those who want a mixture of city life and beach holiday, they go to Honolulu. November to February are the ideal times to visit Maui, as temperatures have decreased from being overly hot to around 80 °F – 84 °F (27 °C – 29 °C).
As Maui is part of Hawaii which is a US state, the US Dollar is used. Gas, food, and other expenses are very expensive. Hawaii’s official languages are Hawaiian and English, but English is the primary form of communication on the island of Maui.
Places to See in Maui, Hawaii
LAHAINA BANYAN COURT
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At the corner of Front Street and Canal Street, the Lahaina Banyan Court can be found, which is a public park popular with tourists and natives alike. The oldest Banyan tree in Maui can be found in the park, as well the Lahaina Historical Society. It is an excellent place to stop and have a picnic or just stop for a rest.
EXPLORE FRONT STREET IN LAHAINA
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The main street in the city of Lahaina, many of the city’s attractions can be found on Front Street. Things to do include boat tours, theaters, stores, museums, restaurants, and many more exciting locations. Front Street is truly the heart of Lahaina, the former Hawaiian capital.
LAHAINA JODO MISSION
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Just 45 minutes from Kahului Airport, the Jodo Mission in Lahaina is a Buddhist temple that is a good representation of the Japanese culture that has immigrated to the Hawaiian area. It is a replica of an authentic Japanese temple and has a 12 ft high bronze statue. During exhibitions, dancing in Japanese outfits and specialty foods can be found.
WAHIKULI WAYSIDE PARK IN LAHAINA
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The Wahikuli Wayside Park is a public park on the waterfront in the city of Lahaina. Picnic pavilions, BBQ grills, bike rentals, beach rentals and restrooms can all be found in this beach park. Lahaina actually means “cruel sun” in Hawaiian, so make sure to bring sunscreen!
LAHAINA HARBOR & OLD FORT
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The Lahaina Harbor has been a center point of the city for hundreds of years. The lighthouse that can be found at the harbor has stood there since 1850. A large fort, commissioned by Hoapili, the Royal Governor of Maui in 1831. The fort has been maintained by the Lahaina Historical Society. Home to many historical locations, the harbor is a must-stop for any visitor.
TWIN FALLS MAUI
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Along the road to Hana, the Twin Falls Maui is one of the most breathtaking areas in Maui. In this are the Wailele Farm, hiking trails, and many waterfalls. It is a perfect spot to visit for some fresh Hawaiian produce and beautiful scenery.
MAUI THEATRE IN LAHAINA
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At the Maui Theatre, shows ranging from local cultural entertainment and pop culture can be seen. Shows such as Elvis Presley Impersonators and Hawaiian folklore can be enjoyed while enjoying the theatre’s world-class dining.
THE ROAD TO HANA
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The Road to Hana Maui is a highway with many beautiful and serene nature surrounding it. A journey on the path is not just a car trip, but a way to experience Maui’s natural beauty. You can rent a car, traverse the beautiful road, stay the night in Hana,or even join a professional tour group. A perfect way to see the island, at your own pace.
THE OLD LAHAINA LUAU
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The Old Lahaina Luau is a beachside restaurant and luau spot. One can enjoy a Hawaiian dinner and view traditional Hawaiian luaus and tiki torch dancing. The times change throughout the year, but the price of a standard ticket is $125.
AHIHI KINAU NATURAL AREA
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The Ahihi Kinau Natural Area includes over 1,200 acres of land that is protected in order to preserve the numerous endangered animals found in the land. In the reserve, areas of beach and of lava fields can be found. Snorkeling and diving is extremely popular at the reserve’s water areas.
MAUI OCEAN CENTER
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The Maui Ocean Center is not only an aquarium but an oceanography center located in Maalaea. For nearly two decades, the center has spread awareness of problems facing the oceans and displaying the true beauty of the sea. The center is open 9am – 5pm, with final admission at 4:30pm. An adult pass is around $30.
ATLANTIS SUBMARINES MAUI IN LAHAINA
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In Lahaina, a service that is offered, and very popular with tourists, is the Atlantis Adventures Submarine Tour. Up to 48 passengers can experience the undersea mystery of Hawaii’s oceans while in a state-of-the-art submarine that has been featured in National Geographic. There are set scheduled departures, and it is recommended to check-in a half hour before. A single adult ticket costs $109.
BAILEY HOUSE MUSEUM
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The Bailey House Museum, also called Hale Hoike Ike at the Bailey House, is a museum that displays Hawaiian artifacts. From viewing the traditions of Hawaiian culture, the true history of Maui can be understood. The museum is open 10am – 4pm, Monday-Saturday. An adult ticket is $7.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE IN MAUI
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- If you cannot attend Luau at The Old Lahaina Luau, there is another good place for the Luau show called ‘Feast at Lee’
- Try the Grand Luau at Honua’ula
- Enjoy Drums of the Pacific Luau
- Take a charter to Molokini and Turtle Town to snorkel and kayak with Maui Snorkel Charters and Maui Kayaks
- Go to Kapalua Coastal Trail in Lahaina
- Visit Kaanapali Beach Club
- Drive to Honolua Bay
- Go to Nakalele Blowhole in Poelua Bay, Wailuku
- Road trip to La Perouse Bay
- Visit Ali’i Kula Lavender located at 1100 Waipoli Road in Kula
- Drive to Haleakalā National Park and visit the Bamboo forest
- Visit Paia Center for nice food, shopping, and fun at the Ho’okipa Beach
- Hike on the Pipiwai Trail
- Visit Black Sand Beach at Wai‘ānapanapa State Park
- Swim and see waterfalls in bamboo forest at Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o in Hana
- See Wailua Falls in Hana
- Visit Iao Valley State Park in Wailuku
- Go to a farm called Maui Tropical Plantation in Wailuku
- Stop by Makawao Town
- To and from the airport, enjoy Ululani’s Shave Ice in Kahului
Best Beaches in Maui, Hawaii
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Beaches Where Turtles Surface
Kapalua Bay Beach
Perfect for snorkeling and lounging, Kapalua Beach has golden sands and calm waves. It is the classic Hawaiian beach.
Napili Bay
Perfect for calm swimming, Napili Bay has beautiful waters and even more breathtaking sunsets. Whales can even be seen occasionally from the beach.
Olowalu Beach
Olowalu Beach is perfect for snorkeling to see all of the ocean life in the area. One can view reefs, turtles, tropical fish, and even manta rays.
Keawakapu Beach in Kihei
When one thinks of a Hawaiian beach, they will visualize Keawakapu Beach. Perfect with beautiful sands and waters. There are even an artificial reef and tide pools.
Ulua Beach
Ulua Beach is very popular and is probably very crowded. However, there one can take novice dive lessons.
Maluaka Beach
Maluaka Beach has many grassy areas perfect for sitting and having lunch along with its miles of white sands and mesmerizing waves.
Black Rock Beach in Ka’anapali
There is a lot of lava rock in the area and a peak where people commonly jump into the ocean. It is unlucky to take a rock with you though!
Ahihi Kinau Beach
The Ahihi Kinau Beach is perfect for snorkeling. There is impressive coral formations, a diversity of fish, and even other creatures such as urchins and starfish.
Palauea Beach
Also called White Rock, Palauea Beach has few tourists and mostly natives. There is a public park with many beautiful Kiawe trees.
Honolua Bay
This beach is protected, so there is no fishing or taking anything from the beach. It is, however, perfect for snorkeling and surfing.
Hamoa Beach
Surrounded by mountains, Hamoa Beach is perfect for getting away from it all. It has historically been used for surfing and boogie boarding due to its perfect waves.
Ho’okipa Beach Park in Paia
There is a dramatic surf perfect for surfing and wind boarding. The wind is strong, that is why professional wind boarding competitions are held at this beach.
Other Nice Beaches in Maui are:
Baby Beach in Lahaina
Wailea Beach
Wai’anapanapa Beach
Napili Beach
Launiupoko Beach Park
Where to Shop in Maui, Hawaii
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Wharf Cinema Center Shops in Lahaina
A shopping center in Lahaina, the Wharf Cinema Center Shops has many clothing stores, jewelry stores, entertainment centers, and restaurants. The wharf is open 9am – 9:30am.
Lahaina Center
The Lahaina Center is two floors of shops and restaurants, including Hard Rock Cafe and Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co.
Old Lahaina Center
The Old Lahaina Center has more than 35 stores and services. It is located in the downtown section of Lahaina. It is open 6am – 11am.
The Outlets of Maui in Lahaina
The Outlets of Maui is an oceanfront mall open 9:30am – 10am, with free wifi. It has many activities and high-end stores, such as Adidas, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, and Solstice Sunglasses.
Marketplace At Lahaina
The Marketplace at Lahaina is a smaller operation than most malls, containing more family-run stores and independent locations. There you can find the excellent service that Maui prides itself on.
Kihei Town Center Shopping Center
In Kihei, the Kihei Town Center is located by the ocean and has good parking and excellent staff. It contains good restaurants and gift stores.
Hotels in Maui, Hawaii
Hotels in Maui are quite expensive, you might want to book in advance.
5 Star: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: a night costs $559
4 Star: Fairmont Kea Lani: a night costs $450
3 Star: Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport: a night costs $259
Restaurants Serving Traditional Food in Maui, Hawaii
RESTAURANTS TO VISIT FOR LOCAL FOOD
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Kihei Caffe: Right across from the Kalam Park, this cafe is well known for its delicious breakfast, but also serves traditional lunch type foods. It is a very popular spot in Kihei.
Sea House Restaurant: Soups, sandwiches, salads, any kind of food can be found here with Hawaiian twists. It is recommended to book a reservation, as it is very popular.
Maui Tacos: Maui is the home of Maui Tacos, and serves Hawaiian-Mexican fusion food, like Baja grilled fish tacos and Maui styled taco salad.
TRADITIONAL FOOD TO TRY
Pork fried rice and eggs: Rice topped with ham, bacon, Portuguese sausage, onions, and eggs. This dish is served at Kihei Caffe.
Kalua pig: A famous Hawaiian pork dish is Kalua pig, which is when pork is cooked slowly in an underground oven to retain a tender and smoky flavor.
Poi: Poi is a paste-like substance made from taro root that can be baked or steamed. It is a traditional Hawaiian staple food.
Transportation in Maui, Hawaii
Airport: Maui’s main airport is Kahului Airport. Most flights to Maui are non-stop direct flights.
Buses: Maui Bus is the public transportation system of Maui County. Cash fares are $2 a person for a ride and $4 for a day pass.
Taxis: Taxi systems in Maui include CB Taxi Maui,Maui Airport Taxi-Shuttle, and West Maui Taxi.