Top Free Things To Do In Maui

Nakalele Blowhole

free maui adventures outdoor nakalele blowhole

Witness a spectacular water show at the Nakalele Blowhole, a natural geyser at the island’s northwestern coast. This phenomenon is caused by the ocean forcing seawater up through large underwater lava tubes. High tide and high surf combine to cause an explosion of seawater up to 100 feet in the air. Located at mile marker 38/38.5 on Kahekili Hwy, also known as Hwy 340.

Maui’s Heart Shaped Rock

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As you explore Nakalele Point, don’t forget to check out Maui’s insta-famous heart shaped rock. Located along the trail to the Blowhole at mile marker 38.5, you’ll see a heart shaped hole that’s formed in the middle of the rocks. With the beautiful sea cliffs and turquoise waters in the background, it’s picture perfect.

Road to Hana

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The Road to Hana is a 64.4-mile long road that connects central Kahului to the east Maui town of Hana. The narrow, winding road is world famous for its beautiful waterfalls, natural swimming pools, freshwater caves, and lush tropical landscapes. Explore the beautiful black sand Pa’iloa Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park, and don’t forget to check out the local fruit stands, Hasegawa’s General Store, and the Hana Cultural Center and Museum.

Iao Valley State Monument and Heritage Gardens

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Iao Valley State Park is rich in Hawaiian history and natural beauty. Located in Wailuku, it is easily accessible and has many short, paved paths. The Iao Needle is a lava remnant of an extinct volcano that rises 1200 feet (370 m) above the valley floor. Take a short hike on the Iao Needle Lookout Trail or the Ethnobotanical Loop for incredible views of the valley and central Maui. Explore the Heritage Gardens, which highlights Maui’s multicultural history, and visit the museum at the Hawaii Nature Center. Don’t forget to take a lunch or snack break and enjoy a picnic at one of the many pavilions before heading down for a swim in the stream.

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and Boardwalk

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A 2,200-foot boardwalk stretches along the south side of North Kihei Road (Route 31) and features exhibits that allow visitors to view and learn about many native and visiting birds. This wetland is a protected bird sanctuary, and you can see two of Hawai‘i’s endangered waterbirds, the Hawaiian coot and Hawaiian stilt. On one side of the boardwalk lies a salt marsh, home to over 30 species of birds. On the other side lies a stretch of Sugar beach, with beautiful calm blue waters and super soft sand.

Kula Country Farms

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Located in Upcountry Maui, this 55-acre family farm is well known for its sweet strawberries grown year-round, sweet Kula onions, and the annual Fall Pumpkin Patch. During certain times of the year, the farm will let you pick your own basket of strawberries at the patches near the farm stand which sells 100% fresh local produce. The views are incredible and the farm is family-friendly, so come check it out!

Olinda Forest

free maui outdoor adventures olinda forest trail

Located on Olinda Road, the Waihou Spring Forest Reserve is a 186-acre grove of pine trees with a short, relaxing trail loop that is family friendly and great for your little ones. Enjoy a peaceful walk on the mile-long trail, the cool, crisp mountain air, and the towering rows of pine trees. Don’t forget to explore nearby Makawao town and stop at the famous Komoda’s Bakery for a malasada treat!

Hosmer’s Grove

free maui adventures outdoor hosmers grove trail

The Hosmer’s Grove Loop Trail is located at mile marker 10.5 on Highway 378. Just beyond the entrance to Haleakala National Park, turn left to explore the half-mile long, family friendly Hosmer’s Grove Trail. The trail features a grove of trees not native to Hawaii, including sandalwood, eucalyptus, pine, deodar, and Douglas fir. These trees were planted by Ralph Hosmer in 1910 in an effort to introduce a timber industry in Hawaii. Today, conservationists at the Haleakala National Park work to minimize the spread of non-native trees and plants to allow native plants and vegetation to grow and thrive in the park and around the island of Maui.

Ko’ie’ie Fishpond off the shore from Kalepolepo Park North Kihei

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Visit one of the last remaining traditional Hawaiian fishponds in South Maui. This recently restored, historic 3-acre fishpond lies just off the shore from Kalepolepo Park. It reminds us of the sustainable lifestyle led by ancient Hawaiians, harvesting fish from the ocean and farming the land. Come learn about traditional native Hawaiian values, practices and traditions with your keiki!

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

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Your kids will love visiting the Sanctuary’s Education Center featuring a marine science library, exhibits, artifacts, whale facts, and legends about the beloved humpback whales. Located at 726 South Kihei Road and open on weekdays! You can also enjoy beautiful beachfront scenery and easily spot whales during the whale watch season (mid-December through May).

Watch the Surfers

watch the sufers free maui outdoor adventures

Best beaches to watch big wave surfing? Pe’ahi (Jaws), Ho’okipa Beach Park, Honolua Bay, and Kite Beach (for Kite Surfing)

Turtle Watch

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Best beaches to spot Turtles? Ho’okipa Beach Park, Honolua Bay, Black Rock Beach near the Sheraton, Napili Bay, Maluaka Beach, and Haweo Point.

Lava Fields at La Perouse Bay

free maui adventures things to do in maui lava fields

Maui’s last lava flow erupted from the southwest side of Haleakala in 1790, and we can see it today! Pack a picnic for your entire family and drive down Route 31, heading toward the end of Makena Road. Once the road narrows, you’ll find yourself driving across a mile-long stretch of Maui’s last lava flow. The road ends at La Perouse Bay where you can explore tidepools and hike across smooth lava rock.

Whale Watch

whale watch maui free adventures

Every year, two-thirds of the population of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to warm, shallow Hawaiian waters to give birth and nurture their young. Visit Kaanapali Beach, the cliffs near Ritz Carlton in Kapalua, Wailea Beach, and Makena Beach to view tail slaps and breaches with your keiki! The whales watch season and best time to view the whales is from mid-December through May.

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