Maui is perhaps our favorite Hawaiian island (ok, it might tie with Kauai), especially with kids. There is so much to do on Maui that you could spend an entire month on the island and still not hit all the highlights. The good news is we have come up with 10 of the top FREE (or nearly free) outdoor adventures to do in Maui.
Because isn’t getting to Hawaii expensive enough?
The great thing about this list is that these activities are great for families with kids of ALL ages. So whether you have toddlers or teens, you will find a plethora of activities to satisfy everyone’s thirst for adventure in Maui. We have ranked all of these in order of our favorites as to help you prioritize the absolute must-dos.
You simply can’t beat the sunsets on the west coast of Maui.
10. See the Nakalele blowhole
About 8 miles past Kapalua in North Maui lies the famous Nakalele Blowhole. To find the trail to the blowhole (about a mile walk round trip), park where you see mileage marker 38.5. Not only is this the safest route down to the blowhole, it also offers a chance to see the famous heart-shaped rock on your hike down. *Warning: Stay far from the blowhole and on dry rocks so you don’t slip and get sucked in to the blowhole!
Maui’s Nakalele Blowhole. Photo courtesy of Hawaii.com
Maui’s heart shaped rock is almost more famous than the blowhole thanks to Instagram. Photo courtesy of Frommer’s.
9. Hike the Waihe’e Ridge trail
The breathtaking 5 mile hike along the Waihe’e Ridge takes you to the top of this scenic overlook. Hike through lush jungle while spotting waterfalls in the distance along this beautiful ridge where you will be rewarded with views of the ocean and the valley below. While this hike isn’t particularly difficult (yes, kids can do this hike!), the trail can be muddy, so make sure to have shoes or sandals with good traction.
To get to the Waihe’e Ridge trail, take the road across from Mendes Ranch and continue uphill for almost a mile until you come to a large parking lot. Once you make your way to the trailhead, you will see two gates. Take the gate and path that leads uphill.
The view from Waihee Ridge Trail, over looking Kahului and Haleakala.
8. Spot humpback whales
If you are visiting Maui between December and May, you can’t miss seeing the humpback whales. It is truly spectacular to witness these majestic creatures! On our most recent trip there, we spotted at least 30 (including babies!) during our week stay, often from the beach or driving down the road.
There are plenty of whale watching tours to go on, but if you want to save a buck, just keep your eyes peeled for whales anytime you’re near the ocean. Some of the best places to observe humpbacks are along the Auau Channel (named one of the top places in the world for spotting them!) and Kaanapali Beach in West Maui, and the beaches in Kihei, Wailea, and Makena in the South.
If you come to Maui in the Winter season, chances are high that you will spot humpback whales.
7. Watch surfers at world-famous Pe’ahi Beach
Maui is famous for world class surf, and if you’re here during certain seasons (Winter brings the hugest waves), watching the surfers at Pe’ahi Beach and windsurfers at nearby Ho’okipa Beach Park is a MUST! Some of these waves can reach up to 60 (or more) feet tall.
If you get lucky, you might actually time it when the famous “Jaws” mega-surf break hits the North Shore (consistently named the world’s biggest surf break). The lookout on the Pe’ahi cliffs above the break is one of the best vantage points to observe the surfers.
The famous “Jaws” brings the world’s best surfers to Maui for the biggest surf break on the planet. Photo courtesy of Maui Now.
6. Paddleboard at Kihei Cove Park
If you haven’t tried paddleboarding yet, you’re missing out! Paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the world and for good reason–it’s great exercise, it’s easy (you heard us right!), and most importantly, it’s FUN! While paddleboarding on a lake or a river is a good time, taking it out on the ocean is a whole new level of fun.
Yes, you can surf on a paddleboard and its actually easier than regular surfing. Maui has some of the best places for paddle surfing, perfect for beginners. For just a couple of hours, you can rent a paddleboard for cheap and be on the water in no time. Kihei Cove Park is one of the best spots for paddleboarding because of its consistent waves.
Paddleboard surfing in Kihei is the perfect place to master the basics.
5. Go snorkeling
With such a diverse array of marine life, Maui is an underwater sanctuary waiting to be explored. Fortunately, Maui has plenty of great places to snorkel, even with young kids. It’s also free if you bring your own snorkel gear, or cheap to rent a mask, snorkel and fins while you’re there. We rented snorkel gear at Boss Frog’s Snorkel Rentals in Kihei, but they also have other locations on the island.
Some of the best spots to snorkel in Maui are Black Rock at Ka’anapali Beach (cliff jumping here is good too), Honoloa Bay (even the walk to the bay is an adventure!), Makena Landing (awesome for spotting turtles), and Kapalua Beach (our favorite for kids with its shallow depth and calm waters).
Snorkeling in the Molokini crater, Maui
For more advanced snorkelers (and strong swimmers), go no farther than Mala Pier (a local favorite and popular dive site) near Lahaina and La Parouse Bay, south of Wailea. If you go to La Parouse Bay, make sure to have water shoes as it is a rocky shoreline made up of lava rock.
If you want to venture away from the beach to snorkel, we would recommend going on a guided excursion to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Molokini is off the coast in South Maui and breeds an abundance of coral reef and fish. On our last trip there, we spotted 3 humpback whales within the crater, only 50 yards from our boat! Turtle Town is farther north, but a great place to find turtles (hence the name).
If you have young kids, most tour companies will provide a life jacket along with snorkel gear and or you can even try Snuba snorkeling.
Snorkeling at Turtle Town in West Maui
4. Visit ‘Iao Valley State Park
‘Iao Valley State Park is a garden oasis dripping with lush flora and fauna, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. It’s also the perfect place to spend a day with kids! You can’t come here without hiking the ‘Iao Needle Lookout trail, which is a 1 mile round trip trail meandering through a botanical garden and adjacent to a stream. The ‘Iao Needle hike is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 hikes in Maui.
There are also 10 miles of additional hiking trails within this park if you meander longer. Parking is $5 with a $1 donation fee per person upon entrance. For a full day, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy cooling off in one of the many swimming holes and waterfalls after your hike in ‘Iao Valley State Park.
‘Iao Valley State Park, home to lush tropical foliage, mountains and valleys.
3. Go boogie boarding or surfing
One of our favorite activities to do in Maui is boogie board and surf. There are so many amazing beaches with perfect waves for boogie boarding, even for small kids. In our opinion, the waves at Big and Little Beaches at Makena State Park, south of Wailea are some of the very best on the island.
You have to be careful here though, because there is often a rip-tide current. Luckily there are lifeguards on the beach to warn the swimmers and help prevent drownings.
Boogie boarding at sunset at Big Beach, Makena State Park.
Other great beaches to go boogie boarding are Kamaole Beaches in Kihei, Baldwin Beach in North Maui, and DT Fleming Beach Park in West Maui. Check out these surf beaches for beginners.
Kamaole Beach has smaller waves for boogie boarding, making it perfect for kids.
2. Watch the sunrise at Haleakala
On our first trip to Maui we had planned on summiting Haleakala to witness the sunrise, but the roads were closed due to mud slides from a recent storm. The next trip though we made sure it happened, as this is the one experience that EVERYONE raves about in Maui.
Let us tell you, it did not disappoint.
The 3AM wake-up call to make the 2 hour drive to the summit (over 10,000 feet) was well worth the lack of sleep. Watching the sun rise up above the clouds is a spiritual experience and one of the most beautiful sights our eyes have ever beheld. Getting to Haleakala isn’t easy from most places on the island, so time it accordingly.
From most major areas in Maui, it takes 1.5-3 hours to reach the summit. Also, keep in mind that Haleakala is a national park, meaning there is a $25 entrance fee per car. As of February 2017, it is required to make a reservation ahead of time to see the sunrise at Haleakala.
Witnessing sunrise at Haleakala is a must-do on Maui and a spiritual experience.
We would advise you get here at least an hour before sunrise. Why? Because it will be crowded with other tourists. You will want to get a “prime” spot to witness the sunrise (especially for photos), so arriving early is a smart. Also, bring lots of warm layers. Yes, it is a tropical island, but on top of the volcano it is cold (and often windy), especially in the wee hours of the morning with temperatures dipping into the 30’s.
If you want the ultimate Haleakala experience, combining the sunrise with a thrilling downhill bike ride is the way to go. This isn’t free unless you have your own bike, but it is worth every penny. We did the Sunrise Special tour with Bike Maui, as it allows kids over the age of 8 to ride. We met our guides at the bike shop to get outfitted with bikes and helmets, transported to the summit to watch the sunrise, and then descended the 23-mile downhill route that took us from 10,000 feet back down to sea level.
The great thing about this tour is you go at your own pace, so we stopped at fruit stands along the way, picked macadamia nuts and grabbed lunch in a cute town before returning our bikes to the shop.
Biking down Haleakala is both a thrill and a feast for the eyes.
1. Spend a day (or two) exploring the Road to Hana
It was tough to decide what our #1 outdoor adventure in Maui would be between watching the sunrise at Haleakala or driving the Road to Hana, but ultimately, we are claiming the latter because exploring the Road to Hana is the quintessential Maui experience. It is also the undisputed top attraction in Maui. Driving the Road to Hana is an adrenaline-packed adventure in itself, with hairpin turns along a windy and narrow road hugging the dramatic coastline.
You’re also rewarded with the best scenery that Maui has to offer–waterfalls galore, thick bamboo forests and hiking trails, swimming holes, and stunning beaches and vistas. This is the side of Maui that you have to see if you visit the island.
The Road to Hana is quite the adventure and exploring this undeveloped side of Maui is like stepping back in time.
There are so many great comprehensive Road to Hana guides filled with valuable information that we won’t cover it all here. We will, however, include our picks for the best stops along the Road to Hana along with a few very important tips you should know about driving the Road to Hana. Here are some of our favorite, note-worthy stops along the Road to Hana:
Twin Falls (mile marker 2)
These waterfalls are beautiful, but be warned, they can also be crowded. We suggest getting here early in the morning, preferably before 10AM so avoid the tourists. There is also a large swimming hole here too. Twin Falls is about a 1 mile round trip hike on a paved path.
If you get here early, you can find these falls and swimming hole all to yourself.
Waikamoi Falls/Upper Falls (mile marker 9)
The trail to Waikamoi Falls is a very short hike off the right side of the road (there is a small pull-out just before the bridge where you can park). You will find a fun rope swing here and cliff jumping off the side of the waterfall. Make sure to follow the trail up the river to the upper falls.
You can’t resist the rope swing at Waikamoi Falls on the Road to Hana.
Making the short trek to Upper Falls is worth the extra effort.
Ke’anae Peninsula (mile marker 16-17)
You will know when you reach the Ke’anae peninsula, because the views are out of this world. The coastline is rocky and exposed to the elements, so you won’t find any swimming opportunities here, but it’s worth a stop for a few photo opps and perhaps a stroll through the arboretum. This is also the halfway mark to Hana. Make sure to stop and buy some banana bread, it will be the best you’ll ever have!
The Ke’anae Peninsula is a dramatic coastline along the Hana Highway.
Upper Waikani aka Three Bears Falls (mile marker 19)
Upper Waikani Falls are popular due to being situated like a drive-thru right on the road. Most people drive up and snap a photo and drive off, but if you want more than just a drive-by view, continue about 1/10 mile past the falls where there is a small parking area.
Waianapanapa State Park (mile marker 32)
You’ve probably seen photos of the black sand beaches in Maui. Well, what you’re seeing is part of Waianapanapa State Park. The area of Wai’anapanapa is filled with history, legend, and picturesque views. There is a loop trail that will take you down to the fresh water caves where some fascinating legends live.
Also, there are caves on the beach for exploring and camping for those that plan ahead (permit required). If you have time to explore, check out this blog post on 7 must-visit sites in Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Waianapanapa State Park is famous for its black sand beach and secret caves.
Hana (mile marker 34)
You’ve made it to the town of Hana! If you reach Hana, you’ve already seen some incredible scenery, however you know the saying, “Save the best for last”? Well, the best of the Road to Hana is just past Hana. This is why it is recommended to drive the Road to Hana in two days (staying a night in Hana) and not just one.
You can also camp here if you think ahead and get a permit. This way you’re not rushing the experience and you’re able to fully enjoy and soak in all the beauty of this side of Maui. In Hana, a definite must-stop is Braddah Hutts for the best roadside BBQ!
Kaihalulu Beach aka red sand beach is also right in Hana. Getting there can be confusing, so make sure to park on Uakea Road right in front of Hana School and across the street from the ballpark. Then proceed to walk towards the dead end where there is a hotel and across the field and to your left, you will find the trail down to the beach. Use caution on the trail as it is slippery.
The famous red sand beach right in Hana is tricky to get to, but worth the trek down if you’re careful.
Hamoa Beach (mile marker 50)
You will notice that if you drive past Hana, the mile marker signs start counting down again. Pay attention to this, because Hamoa Beach is found just past the town of Hana at mile marker 50. This beach is consistently ranked one of the most beautiful in all of Maui, so stopping here to relax at the beach and take a dip is well worth it.
Hamoa Beach is located near the town of Hana and is about picturesque as they come.
Waioka Pond aka Venus Pools (mile marker 48)
Probably one of the most talked about stops along the Road to Hana is the Waioka Pond, otherwise known as the Venus pools. You could spend hours here because this is cliff jumping paradise! To find Waioka Pond, park across the street from mailbox 27, hop over the stone fence and walk along path through the metal fence. There you will continue on the trail to the Venus pools.
Cliff jumping at its best at Waioka Pond. Photo courtesy of Aloha from 808.
Wailua Falls (mile marker 45)
Wailua Falls is a beautiful waterfall easily accessed right off the Hana highway. You can see these falls from the road, however it’s worth getting out of the car to get some photos or to explore the small cave and pool at the bottom of the falls.
Wailua falls is located just off the Road to Hana.
Ohe’o Gulch and the Pipiwai trail (mile marker 42)
Saving the very best for last along the Road to Hana are the pools of Ohe’o, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools and the famous Pipiwai trail, both part of the Haleakala National Park system. *Take note that Ohe’o Gulch is currently closed due to rock slides in the area, but be sure to check out the NPS website for the most current status before you go.
The Pipiwai trail goes through a dense bamboo forest, leading to the famous Waimoku Falls.
By far the best hike in all of Maui (and also listed as one of the top hikes in all of Hawaii) is the Pipiwai trail to Waimoku Falls, a 4 mile round trip hike to the foot of a 400 foot waterfall. The hike itself is such a treat because you walk past an enormous Banyan tree and through an incredible bamboo forest, before reaching Waimoku Falls. Along the trail, you will also spot Makahiku Falls, an impressive waterfall cascading 200 feet down.
At the end of the Pipiwai trail, you are rewarded with the gorgeous Waimoku Falls.
10 Tips before you drive the Road to Hana:
- Before you drive the Road to Hana, plan out your route (aka stops and mile markers) and decide if you will stay a night in Hana. If you choose to do the Road to Hana in just one day, get an early start (we’d suggest leaving no later than 5AM). Doing the Road to Hana is only do-able in a day if you pick and choose the sights you want to see most and skip the rest. For a full list of note-worthy stops, check out this map.
- Pack plenty of snacks and water with you, but also plan to make pit-stops at the roadside stands. The best smoothies, banana bread and other good eats can be found right along the highway.
- Wear a swim suit and bring good water shoes (with traction).
- Do not drive at night, so make sure you know what time you need to leave your last stop before you turn around.
- Some people suggest driving straight to Hana without stopping, doing the sights around there first (including the stops past Hana), and then hitting up the rest of the sights on your way back (if you choose to do Hana in one day).
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas when you start the drive.
- If you decide to take the “back road” along Haleakala National Park’s backside on your return trip, do some research before you go since some rental car companies don’t allow that. It’s not necessarily faster, but you would get different scenery and its not as windy.
- Check the weather before you go. You don’t want to drive the Road to Hana under severe rain storms.
- Don’t leave your valuables in your vehicle, even if it is locked. Break-ins are common along the Road to Hana.
- Take your time! You don’t want to rush the Road to Hana. It’s an amazing place to spend time and explore, and will be the highlight of your trip to Maui!
Maui is one of those places that you could return to over and over again and always find new places to explore–you just never get bored here! If you want to island hop over another Hawaiian island, definitely make sure to check out Kauai, it’s our favorite island for hiking and has some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever witness.