Are you planning a budget-friendly Maui vacation? Then this list of free things to do in Maui is for you.
It’s no secret that a Maui vacation is quite expensive. Flights, accommodations, and car rentals represent a big part of your budget but food and attractions allow for more flexibility.
Some Maui tours and excursions are definitely worth every penny, but why not balance your itinerary with some free Maui activities? Not only will it help you to keep your budget in check, but it also allows you to discover the island at your own pace.
Some of those attractions might be off the beaten path but there’s plenty of free stuff to do in Maui’s tourist resorts too.
Are you ready to discover the best free things to do in Maui? Then let’s dive in!
In a nutshell
This article features some of the best free things to do in Maui for couples, families, and adventurers alike. Find out how to explore Maui on a budget.
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Best free things to do in Maui
Before we dive in, I want to stress that I do my very best to keep this article – and all others on this website – updated. However, certain tours or events may be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. So, before making your way to an attraction or event, please check whether it’s opening or happening. Just about every item in this list of free stuff to do in Maui links out to the organizer for your convenience.
Even if you have no plans to tour the island, you’ll always find some free activities near your resort. However, if you’re looking to explore Maui beyond your resort area – and you should! – then I strongly recommend renting a car from my go-to car rental company Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
Are you ready to dive in? Here are the best free things to do in Maui Hawaii.
1. Drive the Road to Hana
Set off on an adventurous road trip along the Hana Highway. East Maui is known for its lush rainforests, fragrant tropical flowers, abundant waterfalls, a black sand beach, and a red sand beach. Driving the Road to Hana, the windy highway with its 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges, is the only way to explore this beautiful part of Maui.
Make it a day trip or spend the night in Hana town where you’ll find some of the most unique stays on the island. From waterfalls to botanical gardens, most of the attractions along the Road to Hana are free. There are, however, two exceptions:
2. Visit Kepaniwai Park at Iao Valley
Kepaniwai Park is a tribute to the diverse ethnicities that have shaped Maui’s heritage during the plantation era. The park features picturesque gardens, a beautiful banyan tree, and authentic replicas of traditional Hawaiian, Filipino, Portuguese, and Japanese dwellings.
Explore the serene surroundings of this park, which was named after the battle of Kepaniwai in which the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the army of Maui in 1790. Kepaniwai Park is situated next to the Iao Valley State Monument, in a valley that holds cultural and spiritual significance.
3. Take a coastal stroll
One of the top things to do in Maui for free is to take a self-guided walking tour. There are several options, one more scenic than the other.
In South Maui, there’s the Wailea Beach Path that runs from Mokapu Beach (in front of the Andaz Maui) to Polo Beach (in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani). In West Maui, there’s the Kaanapali Beach Walk that connects all Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts from the Outrigger Honua Kai Resort to the Hyatt Maui.
If you’re looking for a coastal trail away from the crowds, then I highly recommend the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
4. Attend a free luau
One of the most popular free things to do in Maui at night is attending a luau. Unfortunately, most of these performances are part of an expensive package that also includes dinner and free-flowing drinks. If you’re looking to watch the performance without all the bells and whistles, then you’ll love these hula shows.
Some free luaus focus on Hawaiian hula while others offer a combination of Polynesian styles. Learn all about the stories conveyed through a combination of music and dance. Free performances are available at The Shops at Wailea, the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort, and soon again at the Lahaina Cannery Mall (situated in a part of Lahaina town that has already reopened since the wildfires).
5. Watch the cliff-diving ceremony at Black Rock
Every evening, as the sun sets, a conch shell is blown on torch-lit Black Rock or Puu Kekaa opposite the Sheraton Maui Resort on Kaanapali Beach.
This nightly custom marks the initiation of the cliff-diving ceremony, honoring Kahekili, Maui’s last ruler. He was the only warrior brave enough to leap from this sacred promontory, believed to be the gateway connecting the spiritual and physical realms.
6. Watch the surfers at Hookipa Beach Park
The wind-swept shoreline of North Shore Maui is a paradise for skilled surfers. Watch them show off their skills at Hookipa Beach Park, which is known for its excellent surfing conditions year-round. Between early November and late March, the waves are even more spectacular. It’s the time of the year when this beach and nearby Peahi Bay, also known as Jaws, host several internationally acclaimed surf competitions.
Not only is Hookipa Beach a popular hangout for surfers, but it’s also one of the best places on the island to see honu or Hawaiian green sea turtles, especially right before sunset.
7. Go whale-watching
The ‘Au’au Channel, situated amidst Maui and Lanai, serves as the favored winter habitat for thousands of migrating humpback whales. These warm waters are where they breed and nurture their young. If you visit Maui from mid-December to late March, you can watch the whales off the coast. It’s one of the top free things to do in Maui in winter.
Popular places to spot these gentle giants are the McGregor Point lookout (west of Maalaea) and Kaanapali Beach. Renting an oceanfront Kaanapali condo is the best way to get front-row seats to breaching whales.
8. Join a Friday Town Party
Friday Town Parties are held in alternating towns throughout Maui. After the pandemic and the wildfires, the towns of Wailuku, Lahaina, and Makawao have put their festivities on hold but the Fourth-Friday Town Party in Kihei is still very much alive and kicking.
Kihei Fridays take place at the Azeka Shopping Center every fourth Friday of the month starting at 6 pm! The event features live music, delicious food trucks, a kids’ zone, and a variety of shops to explore. Kihei Fridays are all about bringing the community together and showing support for local businesses.
9. Discover Maui’s cool surfboard fences
Maui’s most famous surfboard fence is located at Kaupakalua Road in Haiku. It’s a collection of hundreds of discarded surfboards that were originally wired to prevent them from blowing away during a hurricane. Owner Donald Dettloff still holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of surfboards.
Other surfboard fences in Maui can be found at the Kuau Store and the Aloha Hostel in Paia.
10. Join a free hula lesson
The hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance that was used to convey stories, myths, and cultural history. There are several venues on Maui where you can learn how to dance the hula yourself. This is one of the best free things to do in Maui with kids.
For complimentary hula lessons, head to Whalers Village in Kaanapali, The Shops at Wailea, or the Lahaina Cannery Mall (which is set to reopen soon). Guests of the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort have access to free hula lessons too.
11. Visit the Maui Tropical Plantation
Discover how dozens of varieties of fruits and plants are grown on Maui at the Maui Tropical Plantation. Roam the grounds and take in the scenic views over the West Maui mountains. A free self-guided tour allows you to learn about the sugar cane industry, local harvesting techniques, and some of the plants cultivated.
There’s an array of family-friendly activities at the Maui Tropical Plantation, like the open-air tram tour through the fruit fields and flower orchards or the zipline experience, but those are paying. This idyllic Waikapu location also features the iconic Cafe O’Lei and a Country Market with freshly harvested crops.
12. Visit the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center
Discover the enchanting underwater world of Maui at this engaging and interactive venue. Explore a world filled with stunning murals, captivating art, mesmerizing photos, and informative videos showcasing Hawaii’s native marine wildlife. Learn about marine debris, conservation, and the ongoing efforts to preserve the delicate ecosystem. Plus, dive into the whaling era and get insight into Hawaiian cultural values.
The Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center is located in Whalers Village, within easy reach of the Kaanapali hotels and resorts. It’s one of the top attractions in West Maui. Admission is by donation.
13. Explore the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Explore the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful 691-acre reserve in South Maui showcasing a variety of native and endemic bird species. It’s the perfect spot to learn about the feathered residents of the Hawaiian Islands, who are joined by migratory birds during winter.
Embark on a leisurely walk along the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk to observe the wetlands firsthand, or keep an eye out for the hawksbill turtles nesting on nearby Kealia Beach. It’s a wonderful place to experience the natural beauty of Maui and learn more about the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. This is one of the best free things to do in Kihei.
14. Discover La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is nestled at the southern tip of Maui. It’s an untouched paradise where rugged lava fields dotted with green palms meet the turquoise ocean waters, creating the most scenic setting. It was named after Captain Jean Francois de Galaup de La Pérouse who, in 1786 landed on the southwestern shores of this picturesque bay.
Explore the unique terrain of the bay with a hike along the King’s Trail, immersing yourself in the fascinating history of this ancient pathway among the remnants of the last lava flows on Maui.
15. Visit Haleakala National Park for free
Visiting Haleakala National Park involves an entrance cost of $30 per vehicle (and a reservation to catch the sunrise). So, technically, it has no place in a list of free activities in Maui. However, there are several days a year when the entrance fee is waived. These fee-free days apply to all National Parks, not just Haleakala.
The Fee Free days in 2024 are January 15 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), April 20 (First Day of National Park Week), June 19 (Juneteenth), August 4 (The Great American Outdoors Act), September 28 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). Note that a sunrise reservation is still required on those days.
16. Discover the Kaanapali Historical Trail
Uncover a side of Kaanapali that’s often overlooked. Nestled among the hotels and resorts, ten must-see sites offer a glimpse into West Maui’s rich past.
The Kāʻanapali Historical Trail & History and Legends Tour is a self-guided adventure where you can learn about the area’s history before it became a tourist hotspot. Discover the heritage of this beautiful coastal resort community through the stories of warrior chiefs, ancient battles, and the land’s historical cultivations.
17. Snorkel with turtles
One of the highlights of a visit to Maui is meeting honu or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. You may see them bask on the beach, but you can also join them in their natural habitat. Just a friendly reminder that these animals are protected, so please remember to keep a minimum distance of 10ft from them.
Swimming with turtles is one of the most amazing free things to do in Maui for couples and families alike. There’s no need to join a snorkeling tour to the Molikini Crater to see them. You can spot honu at Maluaka Beach (also known as Turtle Town), the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, Black Rock, and Honokeana Bay.
18. Enjoy an outdoor movie night
If you’re looking for free stuff to do in Maui for kids, then the main tourist resort areas never disappoint. An adventure-filled day of exploration or water fun can be exhausting so the evening calls for relaxation. An island-style meal followed by an outdoor movie is all you need for a cozy and family-friendly night out.
Outdoor movie nights are held at Whalers Village in the heart of Kaanapali Beach, and at the South Maui Gardens in Kihei where you’ll also find food trucks and live music.
19. Explore the tide pools
If you’re looking to get a glimpse of local marine life when the water’s too rough for snorkeling or when you’re traveling with little ones, then tidepools are the perfect solution. Discover the fish, crabs, and even turtles that hang out in and near Maui’s tidepools.
Since they need specific lava rock formations to form, tidepools can only be found on certain beaches in Maui like Keawakapu Beach, Baldwin Beach’s Baby Beach, Kuau Cove, and Hookipa Beach.
20. Picnic at The Sacred Garden of Maliko
Immerse yourself in the beauty of The Sacred Garden of Maliko. Stroll through beautifully landscaped nursery gardens featuring exotic plants, fragrant flowers, towering bamboo groves, and two labyrinths. It’s a serene oasis where nature and spirituality converge to create a soothing experience in the heart of Maui’s verdant landscape.
The Sacred Garden of Maliko is open daily. You can wander the gardens, walk the labyrinths, smell the flowers, write in community journals, create a fairy garden, draw, paint, or meditate. Or why not shop for picnic essentials at one of the farmers markets and enjoy a meal in the Garden of Maliko’s serene setting?
21. Admire the Olowalu petroglyphs
The Olowalu petroglyphs are a collection of ancient rock carvings etched into the lava rock. They are considered sacred cultural artifacts. The carvings depict various symbols, shapes, and figures, and their exact meanings often remain a mystery.
You can access the site from behind the Olowalu General Store. It’s the perfect free Maui activity if you have an hour to spare but it may not be worth planning your entire day around. Please refrain from touching or disturbing the petroglyphs, as they hold significant cultural and archaeological value.
22. Discover the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center
Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center is a renowned arts organization located on the historic Kaluanui Estate, a beautifully restored plantation-era mansion surrounded by lush gardens and scenic views in Upcountry Maui. It offers a unique blend of artistic expression and historical charm in the heart of Upcountry Maui.
Visitors can explore ever-changing exhibitions featuring a diverse array of visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more, created by local and international artists. The Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center offers a dynamic space that serves as both a gallery and a hub for artistic activities and education. It’s a wonderful place to discover for arts enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
23. Go see the Nakalele Blowhole
The Nakalele Blowhole offers a powerful natural spectacle located on the rugged northwestern coastline just past the picturesque Honolua Bay. As waves crash into an underwater lava tube, water is forced through a hole in the rock, creating a spectacular geyser-like eruption.
Exercise caution when approaching the blowhole. The rocky coastline is uneven and slippery and the blowhole’s eruptions are powerful.
24. Visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center
Discover the wonders of marine life at the Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center. Immerse yourself in the world of gentle giants through interactive displays, fascinating exhibits, and fun activities for the little ones. The friendly volunteers have a wealth of knowledge about the Sanctuary’s research and conservation efforts. Don’t forget to grab a pair of binoculars to catch a glimpse of whales in the winter months.
A visit to the Sanctuary Visitor Center is one of the best free Maui activities for couples and families alike. It makes for a fantastic alternative to a whale-watching tour, especially during the summer when the whales have left the Hawaiian waters. Keep an eye out for honu at the historical fishpond out front.
25. Take a wildlife tour at the Hyatt Regency Resort
One of the best free things to do in Maui with kids is a meet and greet with the furry and feathery residents of the Hyatt Regency Resort, one of the top family resorts in Kaanapali Beach.
During the one-hour walk, a guide shares fun facts about the colorful parrots, playful penguins, vibrant koi, graceful swans, and elegant flamingos that call the Hyatt home. The stroll starts at the open-air atrium and continues through the resort’s lavish gardens, where little ones are invited to help feed the ducks.
26. Visit the Makawao History Museum
Makawao has preserved its old-world charm with its wooden storefronts and historic buildings, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The bohemian vibe, galleries, and boutiques add to the town’s unique appeal, making it a delightful place to visit.
The Makawao History Museum pays tribute to this enchanting town’s heritage. Explore the rich history of Makawao, where the sugarcane and pineapple plantation era once thrived. Learn about the paniolo culture, influenced by Mexican-Spanish vaqueros who introduced cattle ranching skills on the island of Maui.
27. Go stargazing
Stargazing is one of the top non-tourist things to do in Maui at night. Break away from the bustling resort areas to stare at the starry sky from one of the island’s lookout points. My personal favorite is Lipoa Point, just past Honolua Bay in West Maui. Another top stargazing site is Honomanu Bay along the Hana Highway.
Indigenous Polynesians, including those from Hawaii, mastered celestial navigation techniques, using the stars, moon, and ocean currents to navigate vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean.
28. Meet the Maui Honey Bees
Nestled in the rolling hills of the picturesque Upcountry region, the Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts and bee lovers alike. Learn about the importance of the preservation of these vital pollinators on the island of Maui.
Wander through vibrant gardens abuzz with activity as the honey bees diligently go about their work, producing the island’s golden nectar. You can tour the sanctuary and enjoy a honey tasting for free. If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Maui, then his sweet escape is one of the best places to visit.
29. Learn to play the ukulele
No sound is more Hawaiian than that of an ukulele. This small four-stringed instrument originated in the 19th century in Hawaii. It’s believed to have been inspired by Portuguese machete de braga, a small guitar-like instrument, brought to the islands by Portuguese immigrants, evolving into the unique and beloved ukulele we know today.
Learn the basics of the ukulele at Whalers Village in Kaanapali, at The Shops at Wailea, or at Lahaina Music, the ukulele shop that can now be found by the pool of the Aston Kaanapali Shores Resort.
30. Watch an epic sunset
Take in the beauty of Maui at sunset. There’s no need to join a sunset cruise since the island is packed with amazing spots that allow seeing the sun painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
Take a sunset stroll along one of the coastal trails or get cozy on one of the best sunset beaches such as Kapalua Bay, Chang’s Beach, Keawakapu Beach, or Paako Cove. Alternative places to see the sunset are he viewpoint at the end of the Lahaina Pali Trail, the Sun Yat-sen Park, and the Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area in Kula.