15 free things to do on Maui

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If you’re planning a Maui vacation, you might be planning on snorkeling Molokini, taking a helicopter tour, or trying out a luau. While these are some of the best things to do on Maui, the cost can add up. But don’t worry, there are free things to do on Maui too!

Today I will be starting a “free things to do in Hawaii” series, and we’ll kick it off with Maui, The Garden Isle. After doing my research, I’ve come up with the ultimate list of free things to do on Maui. Keep reading to check it out.

Make sure to check out the rest of the series: 10 free things to do on Kauai, 10 free things to do on Oahu, and 15 free things to do on the Big Island.

1. Drive the Road to Hana

Driving the Road to Hana or the Hana Highway is an absolute must-do on Maui. The good news is that it’s completely free! Sure, you can take a tour, but in most cases, it’s something that I recommend doing on your own. If driving a windy road isn’t your thing, check out a guided tour or a Hana helicopter tour.

The Road to Hana is approximately 65 miles long and takes you past gorgeous waterfalls, small farm stands, some great hikes, and many epic lookout points. Some of the most popular stops along the Road to Hana are the hike to Twin Falls, the Hana Lava Tube, Wailua Falls, the Halfway to Hana stand, and more. I’ll be making a separate post with a guide to the Road to Hana very soon.

2. Take a tour of MauiWine

If you’re feeling adventurous and decide to drive the back road from Hana, you’ll drive right by MauiWine. Of course, you can also take an easier route to get there. MauiWine offers free guided tours daily, and no reservation is required unless you have a large group. You can also try a wine tasting for just $10, and make sure to buy a bottle of wine to bring back to drink while you watch a beautiful Maui sunset!

3. Speaking of Maui sunsets…

They are free! They are beautiful. You don’t want to miss them.

4. Watch the whales

If you’re visiting Maui during whale season, you might be lucky enough to watch whales off of your balcony. If you plan to visit in the winter, I recommend staying in the Ka’anapali area and choosing an ocean view room with a lanai. You will likely be able to spot whales off your balcony (maybe while sipping some MauiWine?) Of course, you can also take a whale watching tour, but I still recommend choosing a location where you’re likely to spot them on your own.

5. Check out the Banyan Tree in Lahaina

While you’re in Maui, you don’t want to miss tee Banyan Tree in Lahaina. Banyan trees grow not only horizontally but also vertically, which makes them very interesting. The Lahaina Banyan Tree has 12 significant trunks and looks like several trees, but it’s just one!

free things to do on Maui

There are often community festivals and events in Lahaina, so make sure to ask around or check the newspaper while you’re in Maui.

6. Go to the beach

I know, you already know that Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. However, Maui has some spectacular beaches that I just had to add it to the list. Maui beaches are free and open to the public, so make sure to visit as many beaches as possible while visiting Maui. You can check out black and white sand beaches although I recommend skipping the red sand beach for safety purposes and to avoid trespassing. Some of my favorite beaches on Maui are:

Makena State Park (Big Beach)
Baldwin Beach Park (Paia)
Hamoa Beach (just past Hana)
Wai’anapanapa State Park (located in Hana)
Honolua Bay (black sand)

7. Hula Lessons

Do you want to learn to hula? You can try a free one-hour hula lesson at Lahaina Cannery Mall at 5 PM every Thursday. The Lahaina Cannery Mall also offers a free Keiki Hula Show at 1 PM on the weekends. Keiki means “children,” so this hula show is extra adorable!

8. Watch the Cliff Diver at Black Rock

If you’re staying on Ka’anapali Beach (like I recommended in #4, you will want to check out the cliff diving ritual at Black Rock every evening. Speaking of Black Rock, this is one of my favorite snorkeling spots on Maui that doesn’t require a tour.

best resorts on Maui

The Sheraton Maui is right next to Black Rock and one of the best resorts on Maui.

9. Hiking

Almost all of the hiking trails in Maui are free. A few trails to have an admission fee (such as Haleakala National Park), but those are well worth the admission cost. My favorite hikes on Maui are:

‘Iao Valley State Park
Pipiwai Trail-Oheo Gulch
Twin Falls

Self-guided walking tours

Maui offers many free self-guided walking tours. Take advantage of one or all of the following self-guided tours during your Maui Vacation.

10. The Lahaina Historic Trail

This self-guided historic trail covers 55 acres and 62 historic sites in Lahaina. Check out the Lahaina Visitor Center for more information.

11. Wailea Beach Park

In the Wailea resort area, this 1.5-mile paved walkway runs by some of the best resorts on Maui.

12. Ka’anapali Historical Trail

Ka’anapali Historic Trail is a short, easy tail in the Kaanapali Resort area exploring significant historical sites.

13. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Located between Ma’alalea and Kihei, this 2200-foot boardwalk offers self-guided exhibits with information about local wildlife.

14. Kapalua Coastal Trail

The Kapalua Coastal Trail is an oceanfront trail from Kapalua Beach to D.T. Fleming Beach Park.

15. Maui Friday Town Parties

If you are on Maui on a Friday, there will likely be a party – and it will be free! The County of Maui sponsors Friday Town Parties. There is no admission fee, and they offer live entertainment, local food for purchase, and plenty of vendors.

free things to do on Maui

Free Maui Activities

There are 15 free things to do on Maui. If you have anything to add to the list, please email me or share in the comments below. If you’re planning a Maui vacation and looking for more Maui content, check out my other Maui vacation posts below:

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15 Free things to do on Maui