Discover unexpected things to do in Maui and spend a week filled with fun activities and cool attractions in Maui. If youâre not sure where to go exactly, read through this article and start planning your journey.
The good thing is that you wonât need to spend a fortune since you can find lots of affordable accommodation and rentals in Maui. The only thing to worry about is how to maximize your time and make the most out of your vacation to explore and see all breathtaking views, eat in tasty restaurants, and do stuff that is out of the ordinary.
Swim with Sea Turtles in Olowalu Reef
Olowalu Reef is home to one of Hawaiiâs most unique ocean reef systems. If youâre into snorkeling, this is a must-visit tourist spot where you can get a chance to swim with sea turtles and enjoy more ocean adventures. Witness an abundance of tropical marine life, a rare manta ray cleaning station, and a black tip reef shark nursery. Sometimes where youâre lucky, if you are lucky, a few sharks will be roaming around ready to share your space.
Milk a Goat in Surfing Goat Dairy
Itâs a rare occasion for people in the city to milk a goat. If youâre up to it, visit Surfing Goat Dairy located in lower Kula of Mauiâs Upcountry. Itâs a great encounter to milk an actual goat and capture the moment with your camera!
This place is famous for producing gourmet goat cheeses for years, so do make sure to eat a creamy goat cheese truffle to complete your experience in the goat dairy.
Go Cycling Through a Volcano
Reach the summit of Haleakala, Mauiâs largest Volcano, through a bicycle! Itâs a once in a lifetime experience that you will remember for the years to come and boast with friends and family.
This thrilling 27-mile downhill bike tour includes bicoastal and crater views, as well as pit stops along the way. The best time to go is during sunrise when you can really admire the views of the crater and bicoastal views of Maui.
Smell the Lavender in Alli Kula Lavender Farm
If you are looking for Instagram-friendly places in Maui, the Alli Kula Lavender Farm is one of the nicest places to go to. Walk through the gardens in a peaceful day and enjoy snapping photos with lavender in the background when itâs in bloom in season.
You could even score a delicious light lunch and try lavender scones! This beautiful garden is near the airport so you can have a short visit before getting on the plane.
Stroll in a Bamboo Forest
One of the most off-the-beaten paths in Maui is the Bamboo Forest. This hidden gem provides travel enthusiasts with a glimpse of Old Hawaii. Here youâll find multiple waterfalls and swimming holes but get ready for some challenging trails.
Bamboo trees in the forest are so high and thick that they block out the sun, so be careful to wander in near darkness. This dense forest is located on the way to Hana, one of the smallest towns of Maui.
Along Mauiâs Road to Hana, you can take the Pipiwai hiking trail to the majestic Bamboo Forest. Stand amongst the impressive bamboo that lines the pathway. If you plan to go, remember to pack lightly and wear hiking boots or slippers.
Learn to Husk a Coconut
A coconut drink is always refreshing especially during the heat of summer. Itâs quite interesting to know and learn the skills of husking a coconut on your own. With its rough exterior shell, it can be a challenge but a fun thing nonetheless.
The Whalers Village in Lahaina offers classes and demonstrations to teach you just how. Aside from coconut husking, here you can also learn how to hula, make some eclectic arts and crafts, and sit back to listen to the sunset jazz every week. The best part is that everything is for free!
Go Wine Tasting
About an hour of drive away from Paia, you will reach Tedeschi Winery, Hawaiiâs oldest and most famous winery. It is a small winery with a handful of varietals. If youâre a wine enthusiast or just want to try tasting some good wines, take a tour and do complimentary taste tests.
Make sure to try the famous pineapple wine and the Hula OâMaui, a sparkling wine with hints of grapefruit, green pear, and lime zest.
If you have more time, reserve an afternoon in the Tedeschi Vineyard where you can stroll between the rows of grapes, run your fingers through the volcanic soil, and learn how the wines get their distinctive character. Youâll surely leave happy with lots of lasting memories!
Splurge on a Helicopter Tour
Consider getting a birdâs perspective on a helicopter tour in Maui and reward yourself with stunning vistas of Mauiâs waterfalls, craters, cliffs, and valleys.
Cost per head can be anything between $150 and $350 but itâs a definitely great experience to see and access even those parts of the island unreachable by boat, car or foot.
Surf and Sunbathe in Kaanapali Beach
Thereâs no wonder why Maui is known for its beautiful beaches. Kaanapali Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations that offer plenty of activities for everyone. Itâs, in fact, Hawaiiâs first planned resort area!
Kaanapali is an excellent site where you will be able to meet diverse sea creatures that call the Pacific home.
When youâre done exploring the waters, dine into its restaurants and grab a delicious meal, visit the two championship golf courses, and drop by the lively Whalers Village to buy souvenirs and gifts in the open-air shopping center.