Maui, HI Things to Do and Attractions
One of Maui's most popular attractions, the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum is located next to the Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, Hawaii's largest working sugar mill. Located in the historic plantation town of Puunene, it is also one of
One of Maui's most popular attractions, the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum is located next to the Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, Hawaii's largest working sugar mill. Located in the historic plantation town of Puunene, it is also one of two remaining sugar plantations in the state.
The 1,800-square-foot museum features six exhibits that focus on the establishment and growth of Hawaii's sugar industry and its influence on Maui's water resources and multi-ethnic population. The Geography Room explores Maui's geography and weather patterns, as well as the sugar industry's irrigation system and network of deep wells throughout the island. The Water Room describes how water was brought from the island's slopes to the central sugar fields, while the Human Resources Room tells the stories of the industry's pioneers and immigrant plantation workers. The Mill Room includes several interactive displays, including a 1915 locomotive bell and a working-scale model of sugar cane-crushing machinery.
The Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission is $2 for children ages 6-12 and $7 for adults. Admission for children under 6 is free. On-site parking is available.
Built in 1833, the Bailey House Museum is the place to view artifacts, paintings and furnishings depicting 19th century Maui. Dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, interpreting and sharing the history and heritage of the island, the Bailey
Built in 1833, the Bailey House Museum is the place to view artifacts, paintings and furnishings depicting 19th century Maui. Dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, interpreting and sharing the history and heritage of the island, the Bailey House Museum's collection highlights include a replica of an ancient Polynesian sailing vessel, pre-European utensils, tools and weapons, and a wooden statue of the Hawaiian demi-god Kamapua'a, which was hidden in a Maui cave for over a century. The museum is also home to the primary collection of paintings by Edward Bailey, a missionary from Massachusetts who excelled in creating detailed and accurate paintings of the island.
Located in historic Wailuku, the museum is built on the former site of the royal compound of Kanekili, the last ruling chief of Maui. The stunning building is surrounded by lush gardens filled with native Hawaiian and missionary-era plantings.
The Bailey House Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $1 for children ages 7-12 and $5 for adults. Admission for children under 7 is free. On-site parking is available.
Lahaina's Banyan Tree Park is home to the largest banyan tree in the United States. Imported from India in April 1873 to mark the 50th anniversary of Christian missionary work in Lahaina, the tree was just eight feet tall when it was first planted.
Lahaina's Banyan Tree Park is home to the largest banyan tree in the United States. Imported from India in April 1873 to mark the 50th anniversary of Christian missionary work in Lahaina, the tree was just eight feet tall when it was first planted. Today, it towers at 60 feet, has 12 major trunks and shades two-thirds of an acre. Maui residents and tourists flock to the park to marvel at the banyan tree and picnic under its massive branches.
Located in upcountry Kula, the eight-acre Enchanting Floral Gardens are perched 2,500 feet high on the slopes of Haleakala. Opened in 1998, the gardens are home to more than 1,500 species of tropical and semi-tropical plants and flowers from around
Located in upcountry Kula, the eight-acre Enchanting Floral Gardens are perched 2,500 feet high on the slopes of Haleakala. Opened in 1998, the gardens are home to more than 1,500 species of tropical and semi-tropical plants and flowers from around the world, most notably exotic proteas, orchids, hibiscus and jade vines not found anywhere else on the island. The Enchanting Floral Gardens also feature a renowned collection of fruit trees.
The Enchanting Floral Gardens are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $7.50.
Hale Kahiko, a 10,000-square-foot replica of an ancient Hawaiian village, consists of three hale or thatched-roof houses filled with ancient furnishings. Each hale serves a different function: the Hale Moe is a sleeping house, Hale Mua is a men's
Hale Kahiko, a 10,000-square-foot replica of an ancient Hawaiian village, consists of three hale or thatched-roof houses filled with ancient furnishings. Each hale serves a different function: the Hale Moe is a sleeping house, Hale Mua is a men's eating house and Hale Kuku is a craft house. Each hale is built of load-bearing poles from the Ohia tree, twine made from coconut tree fibers, roof thatching from Pili grass and floor coverings of smooth ocean pebbles. Guests can tour these unique structures up close to get an idea of the life of civilizations past.
Located on Front Street, Lahaina's main boulevard, Hale Kahiko is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free. Free guided tours of the village are available. Hale Kahiko offers near-daily hula and craft demonstrations.
More than a million guests visit Haleakala National Park every year, with most flocking to the park's main attraction, the Haleakala Crater. The red, yellow, gray and black-colored crater, atop the once-active volcano, is accessible by 27 miles of
More than a million guests visit Haleakala National Park every year, with most flocking to the park's main attraction, the Haleakala Crater. The red, yellow, gray and black-colored crater, atop the once-active volcano, is accessible by 27 miles of hiking trails that scale the 10,023-foot Haleakala. Visitors who reach the summit can look down into the 2,600-foot-deep depression, which stretches seven miles across.
The 28,655-acre park itself stretches from the Kipahulu coastline through rainforest and shrubland to the Haleakala summit. The park features rolling grasslands and forested valleys of mango, guava and bamboo. In the Kipahulu section, guests enjoy a chain of swimmable pools joined by waterfalls, short cascades and the 'Ohe'o Stream.
The Haleakala National Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission, valid for seven days, is $5 per person. Daily lectures on the Haleakala Crater are given at the Haleakala summit.
The peaceful Ka'eleku Caverns in Hana are an underground world of winding lava tube trails that have remained unchanged for 30,000 years. The caverns were made when flowing lava cooled from the outside, which formed a crust around the still-red-hot
The peaceful Ka'eleku Caverns in Hana are an underground world of winding lava tube trails that have remained unchanged for 30,000 years. The caverns were made when flowing lava cooled from the outside, which formed a crust around the still-red-hot lava.
Now tourist-friendly thanks to clear paths and handrails, the caverns can be explored on a two-mile cinder trail route that snakes past stalactites, stalagmites and lava formations. Light pours in from surface openings 40 feet above.
The Ka'eleuku Caverns are open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. All tours are self-guided and usually take about 40 minutes. Admission is $11.95 per person. Admission for children under 5 is free.
The beautiful Maui Arts and Cultural Center is located on a 12-acre site in central Maui. Serving as a venue for a broad range of artistic and social events, the $32 million non-profit center is a hub for community gathering and celebration. In fact,
The beautiful Maui Arts and Cultural Center is located on a 12-acre site in central Maui. Serving as a venue for a broad range of artistic and social events, the $32 million non-profit center is a hub for community gathering and celebration. In fact, more than 260,000 people attend the center's approximate 1,800 annual events, which include music and theater productions, hula shows, symphonies, ballet productions, acrobatics and storytelling.
The center's glamorous Castle Theater accommodates 1,200 people, while the intimate "black box-style" McCoy Studio Theater can accommodate 250 people. The striking 5,000-seat Alexander and Baldwin Amphitheater is located on a gently sloped lawn that opens into the Iao Valley leading to Mount Haleakala. The center also features the 4,000-square-foot Schaefer International Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists and craftspeople.
Overlooking the Iao Valley foothills, the Alexa Higashi Meeting Room and Haynes Meeting Room each accommodate 100 people. All of the Maui Arts and Cultural Center's venues can be rented for private events and are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and technical equipment.
Maui is known for its 30 miles of breathtaking beaches, which range from easily-accessible windsurfing spots to pristine "secret" beaches. Though the sand color may vary from white to red to black, all of Maui's beaches boast crystal blue waters and
Maui is known for its 30 miles of breathtaking beaches, which range from easily-accessible windsurfing spots to pristine "secret" beaches. Though the sand color may vary from white to red to black, all of Maui's beaches boast crystal blue waters and an indescribable tropical atmosphere. Popular West Maui beaches include the Black Rock Ka'anapali Beach, where abundant coral and tropical fish make for an excellent experience for beginner snorkelers and swimmers. The public D.T. Fleming Beach Park in Kapalua is a favorite for body and board surfing and features an expansive picnic area. Ka'anapali Beach, West Maui's signature beach, features three miles of soft white sand, dozens of sailboat and catamaran rentals and surfing and windsurfing lessons.
South Maui's six-mile Kihei Beach features a breathtaking series of beaches, coves and tide pools. The area's Maluaka Beach, home to a large Hawaiian green sea turtle population, is known for its fantastic swimming and snorkeling. Central Maui's Kanaha Beach is world-renowned for its perfect windsurfing conditions. For a quieter Central Maui beach experience, Waik'e Beach is typically free of crowds.
In East Maui, the "secret" Red Sand Beach in Hana features volcanic red sand and excellent swimming, while Hana Beach Park is a favorite among local families. Finally, Paia's Ho'okipa Beach Park is a world-famous venue for professional windsurfing and board surfing, thanks to its massive winter surf.
Home to 15 beautiful courses, Maui is among the world's most popular golf destinations. Golfers can tee off from championship-level courses running along the beach or climbing up the volcanic slopes of Mount Haleakala. Among the most popular courses
Home to 15 beautiful courses, Maui is among the world's most popular golf destinations. Golfers can tee off from championship-level courses running along the beach or climbing up the volcanic slopes of Mount Haleakala. Among the most popular courses are the Dunes of Maui Lani course in Kahului, built around the central valley's ancient sand dunes.
The three championship courses at the Kapalua Golf Resort in Lahaina are also visitor favorites. These include the Bay course, a 6,600-yard, par-72 course on gentle rolling hills; the challenging 6,317-yard, par-70 Village Course, which twists through the foothills of the West Maui Mountains; and the 7,263-yard, par-73 Plantation Course, with spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding pineapple fields.
Also wildly popular, Makena North Course in Makena is famous for its ocean views golfers can often see breaching whales from the green. Its natural beauty and challenging elevated tee shots across the course's lava flow valleys also make for an exciting and challenging day on the links.
The state-of-the-art, wildly popular Maui Ocean Center is Maui's premiere family attraction. The $20 million Wailuku facility, also known as the Hawaiian Aquarium, provides guests a spectacular glimpse into Hawaii's undersea world. In addition to the
The state-of-the-art, wildly popular Maui Ocean Center is Maui's premiere family attraction. The $20 million Wailuku facility, also known as the Hawaiian Aquarium, provides guests a spectacular glimpse into Hawaii's undersea world. In addition to the largest coral collection in the United States, residents of the Maui Ocean Center include green sea turtles (at the aquarium as part of a hatch-and-release program), sharks, stingrays and thousands of tropical fish. The Maui Ocean Center is not only a fantastic eco-tourism attraction, but also a great educational source for information on the language, myths and history of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Maui Ocean Center features more than 60 indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a hands-on Tide Pool and two-view Turtle Lagoon Exhibit. The Living Reef section of the aquarium features more than 40 reef exhibits with resident moray eels, octopuses, lobsters, sea horses and nocturnal fish. Dolphins, whales and monk seals entertain at the 3,000-square-foot interactive Marine Mammal Discovery Center. Here, guests can also experience what it's to be the krill gathered and eaten by humpback whales at the popular Bubble Net.
Perhaps the most popular Maui Ocean Center exhibit is the 750,000-gallon salt water Open Ocean Exhibit, which features a 54-foot-long walk-through clear tunnel from which guests can take in a 240-degree view of nearly 2,000 fish, stingrays and sharks. Scuba-certified guests can even take a two-hour dive in the exhibit for a one-of-a-kind encounter.
The Maui Ocean Center welcomes private events of 40 to 850 guests, offering private tours and exclusive aquarium use. The Maui Ocean Center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Ocean dives run Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:15 AM. Center admission is $17 for children ages 3-12 and $24 for adults. Admission for children under 3 is free. Dives cost $200 per person. On-site parking is available.
Each year, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to mate and give birth, favoring Maui's west coast for its shallow waters, relative lack of predators and warm water. The Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit educational group, is a pioneer
Each year, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to mate and give birth, favoring Maui's west coast for its shallow waters, relative lack of predators and warm water. The Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit educational group, is a pioneer in Hawaiian whale watching; in fact, they introduced education whale watching to Maui in 1980.
Serving more than three million passengers since then, the foundation's certified marine naturalists ferry guests on eco-friendly, high-tech power catamarans out into the waters. On daytime, sunset, dinner or stargazing trips, passengers often see whales in fewer than 10 minutes after departure.
The Pacific Whale Foundation offers 15 daily two-hour cruises throughout Maui's whale watch season, which runs from November to May. Cruises start at $22.95 per person. Children under 6 ride for free. Whale sightings are guaranteed or the next trip is free, and all profits are donated to marine preservation and protection efforts.
More than 90 percent of Hawaii is accessible by helicopter, making aerial travel one of the most popular activities in Maui. Sunshine Helicopter's fleet of Black Beauty helicopters offers aerial tours of Maui, Molokai, Big Island and Kauai.
Four
More than 90 percent of Hawaii is accessible by helicopter, making aerial travel one of the most popular activities in Maui. Sunshine Helicopter's fleet of Black Beauty helicopters offers aerial tours of Maui, Molokai, Big Island and Kauai.
Four Maui tours departing from Kahului Airport are available, including the 30-minute West Maui Tour over the lush West Maui Mountains, 17-waterfall Wall of Tears, Old Lahaina Town, Ka'anapali and Kapalua resorts and 1,100-foot-tall Honokohau Falls. The 45-minute Hana Haleakala Tour flies over Haleakala Crater, remote areas of Hana Town, coastline waterfalls and the famous Ho'okipa windsurfing beach. The one-hour Circle Island tour combines the West Maui and Hana Haleakala tours. Finally, the hour-long Molokai-West Maui Tour flies over the West Maui Mountains and Hawaii's tallest waterfalls and sea cliffs measuring over 3,000 feet tall along Molokai's remote north shore.
Sunshine Helicopter Tours does not operate on a set schedule, but rather will fly any tour at any time, weather permitting. Each helicopter can accommodate up to six passengers. Tours start at $180 and run upwards of $430 per passenger. Group tours of up to six guests start at $1,955 per hour.
Tucked away on a steep hill in south Maui's Wailea, the popular Capische serves the perfect blend of northern Italian and southern French cuisine with a local Hawaiian flair. Located at the luxurious Diamond Hawaii Resort and Spa, Capische is a
Tucked away on a steep hill in south Maui's Wailea, the popular Capische serves the perfect blend of northern Italian and southern French cuisine with a local Hawaiian flair. Located at the luxurious Diamond Hawaii Resort and Spa, Capische is a small, intimate restaurant where every table sits high above a serene Japanese rock garden and overlooks Maui's entire south shore. Menu favorites include the Capische cioppino of Kona-Maine lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, clams, local fish, saffron tomato broth and capellini; the braised lamb shank with lemon risotto; and the herb-crusted opakapaka with whipped potatoes and coriander vinaigrette.
Capische offers semi-private and private dining options, including the open-air lanai dining room for up to 42 guests and the personal chef table for 20 guests. Capische serves dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. Entrees range from $31 to $50.
Known for its 19th century feel, the beautiful Lahaina Grill in the historic Lahaina Inn features soft colors, a pressed tin ceiling, bright tropical-themed art and fine flatware and crystal. World-renowned for not only its refined atmosphere, the
Known for its 19th century feel, the beautiful Lahaina Grill in the historic Lahaina Inn features soft colors, a pressed tin ceiling, bright tropical-themed art and fine flatware and crystal. World-renowned for not only its refined atmosphere, the restaurant's impeccably-crafted cuisine has been voted the best Maui restaurant by Honolulu Magazine for 15 consecutive years.
Created with techniques and flavors from around the world, its innovative new American menu boasts the freshest ingredients from Maui's local farms, dairies and waters. Menu specialties include tequila shrimp and firecracker rice, confit of Kalua duck leg with a plum wine reduction, and steamed Hawaiian keahole lobster with truffle butter.
Lahaina Grill offers semi-private dining for up to 32 guests in the Dessert Room, while the private Chef's Table can accommodate six to eight guests. Lahaina Grill serves dinner nightly from 6 PM to close. Entrees average $50.
Established in 1973, the wildly popular Mama's Fish House is regarded as Maui's first fresh fish restaurant. Housed in a converted beach house on a secluded Paia white sand beach, the restaurant's dcor is reminiscent of old Polynesia thanks to
Established in 1973, the wildly popular Mama's Fish House is regarded as Maui's first fresh fish restaurant. Housed in a converted beach house on a secluded Paia white sand beach, the restaurant's dcor is reminiscent of old Polynesia thanks to tropical hardwood walls and original Polynesian oil paintings.
Its award-winning menu features locally-caught fish such as opah, ahi, opakapaka and mahi mahi, each marked with the name of the boat that caught the selection. Other highlights include papaya seed-grilled shrimp and macadamia-crusted pork tenderloin with passion fruit sauce. The traditional dish Pua Me Hua Hana of ona and opah sauteed in coconut milk and served with slow-cooked pork, grilled banana, Molokai sweet potato and fresh coconut is also a favorite.
Mama's Fish House serves lunch daily from 11 AM to 4:30 PM and dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 PM. Entrees average $50. Reservations are required.
Housed in the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lana Maui in Wailea, Nick's Fishmarket Maui serves fresh seafood and steaks in a romantic Mediterranean setting. The restaurant's cozy interior is accented by glowing pendant lighting, vibrant murals and a
Housed in the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lana Maui in Wailea, Nick's Fishmarket Maui serves fresh seafood and steaks in a romantic Mediterranean setting. The restaurant's cozy interior is accented by glowing pendant lighting, vibrant murals and a striking 800-gallon aquarium. Outdoor dining with a direct ocean view is also available on the restaurant's stone patio set under vine-covered trellises and sparkling lights.
Nick's Fishmarket Maui specializes in classic cuisine with a Hawaiian twist. Menu selections include grilled Hawaiian opah with a candied peanut crust, rack of lamb with Molokai sweet potatoes, and seared diver scallops with herb gnocchi.
Nick's private open-air dining room can accommodate up to 65 guests for special events. Nick's Fishmarket Maui serves dinner nightly from 5:30 to 9:45 PM. Entrees range from $32 to $55.
Kapalua's Plantation House Restaurant features a traditional plantation-style atmosphere and Hawaiian hospitality. With views of pineapple fields and the distant islands of Lanai and Molokai, the Plantation House Restaurant's cuisine blends Hawaiian
Kapalua's Plantation House Restaurant features a traditional plantation-style atmosphere and Hawaiian hospitality. With views of pineapple fields and the distant islands of Lanai and Molokai, the Plantation House Restaurant's cuisine blends Hawaiian island regional cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean flavor. Menu selections include seared Pacific prawns with orzo pasta and slow-braised Australian lamb shank with truffle mashed potatoes.
The restaurant also features a fresh fish selection that changes daily. Several fish preparations are available, including Taste of the Mediterranean, with a mustard crust, couscous and fried capers; Taste of Maui, with a pistachio crust, Maui onions, local tomatoes, Upcountry spinach, couscous and olive oil; and Taste of Venice, with shrimp, asparagus, sugar peas, orzo pasta, golden raisins and pine nuts.
The Plantation House Restaurant offers private dining in the Grille Room, Fairway Cocktail Lounge and main dining room, where high ceilings and double-sided fireplace create a tranquil setting for up to 150 guests. The restaurant serves breakfast daily from 8 AM to 11 AM, lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM and dinner from 5:30 to 9 PM. Entrees range from $20 to $38.
