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Explore Maui

THINGS TO DO AND EXPERIENCE ON MAUI

If you're looking for things to do or places to visit on Maui, we've compiled a list of our favorites. Click on the individual descriptions for more information at their respective websites. We hope it'll give you some idea as you plan your Maui wedding or recommend to your wedding guests.

WATER ACTIVITIES

West Maui
South Maui
Check Locations

AIRPORT BEACH in Kaanapali is one of the best beaches on Maui for snorkeling and open water swimming. Be sure to wear Maui-approved, mineral sunscreen to protect the reefs and marine life. If you're not a swimmer, you will enjoy the beautiful beach walk.

LAHAINA MASTERS SWIM CLUB welcomes visitors to join the weekday pool swim practice at Lahaina Aquatic Center and Saturday morning open water group swim at Airport Beach. Be sure to text Coach Mike at 808-298-1743 or email and make arrangements for your visit with the Club.

MAUI SURFER GIRLS offers hands-on surfing lessons. Whether you've never seen a surfboard or are an experienced surfer wishing to advance skills, they have amazing instructors who are gentle, attentive, and knowledgeable.

KIHEI CANOE CLUB's Visitor Paddle Program takes you out on the south Maui waters for an introductory and recreational paddling experience. Watch the humpback whales up close and personal during the whale season (January, February, March). Tickets sell out quickly. 

MAUI DIVING offers a variety of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions, from the colorful Molokini dives, sea turtle encounters, to advanced hammerhead shark dives. Its friendly and knowledgeable staff will surely make your day memorable.

ULTIMATE WHALE WATCH is a great way to watch the whales. They have marine naturalist guides and hydrophone onboard and offer guaranteed sightings. Book early as they take only a small group of people.

BLUE A'INA provides a perfect opportunity for those who want to make a difference while vacationing in Maui. They will take you to the beautiful wanters off Maui, and you'll use your snorkeling skills to pick up garbage. That's a win-win for everyone!

HIKING TRAILS

West Maui

MAHANA RIDGE TRAIL is a beautiful and serene, yet challenging, hiking trail in Kapalua. You'll see remnants of the Pineapple Plantation era. The trails is 8 miles long (a roundtrip of 16 miles). Hike the whole way or as little as you wish. Be sure to bring water with you on this hike. The trail can be muddy and slippery after the rain.

KAPALUA COASTAL TRAIL is a picturesque 2-mile walking trail. This is the nearest trail from Sugar Island Inn & Spa about a few minute walk away. A perfect place to get in some exercise, watch the surfers or kiteboarders, or enjoy the sunset.

KAPALUA VILLAGE WALKING TRAIL is a reimagined former Village Golf Course. You'll start your walk at Honolua Store and walk through the former golf cart paths. Parts of the trails coined Cardio Hill as the steep uphill elevates your heart rate.

BOTANICAL EXPERIENCES

West Maui

MAUI CHOCOLATE TOUR in Lahaina is a chocolate lover's treat. As you walk through the cacao farm, you'll learn all about growing cacao to processing it to make Kui'a award-winning chocolate. The tour ends with chocolate tasting in a tree house. Don't forget to shop the award-winning Kuia Chocolate after the tour!

MAUI DRAGONFRUIT FARM in Lahaina offers more than a guided tour of their farm. You can experience ziplining, meet alpacas, have a picnic, and taste tropical fruits. This is a great option for families with children.

Upcountry

ALI'I LULA LAVENDER in Kula boasts a sense of relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal in their magical place that the spirit calls home. Admission is free when you bring non-perishable food to donate. The drive up to the farm is beautiful as well. Plan a stop at Maui Wine following the Lavender farm.

MAUI NUI BOTANICAL GARDENS in Kula is a plant lover's paradise. A private ground owned and operated by a landscape architect, you'll love walking through the gardens while taking photos and listening to the birds. This garden is located not too far from Ali'i Kula Lavender if you'd like to visit both places.

THE MERWIN CONSERVANCY in Haiku honors the legacy of the late poet W.S. Merwin. They offer a guided walking tour of the conservancy where he planted thousands of palm trees from around the world. Book months in advance for this tour.

SACRED GARDEN in Haiku is a nursery where you can walk in their gardens and two labyrinths to meditate, get inspired, or just have fun. You can also bring your lunch and enjoy the conversation in their shaded outdoor sitting area.

MUSEUMS & LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

S. Central
Central
Upcountry
Oahu

MAUI OCEAN CENTER in Ma'alaea is both a fun place to visit and a hands-on learning environment for Maui's rich yet fragile marine life and ecosystem. Don't forget to explore the realms of the humpback whales in their 3-D sphere experience and have awesome pizza at Point Break Pizza!

SUGAR MUSEUM in Kahului chronicles the life, culture, and history of the immigrants from around the world who came to work in sugar cane plantations. As they planted new roots on Maui, they created what is known today as Hawai'i's rainbow culture.

HANDS ON MAUI offers a centralized online place where you can look for a wide range of volunteer opportunities throughout Maui, from helping remove rubbish from the beaches, protect sea turtle eggs, to harvest fruits and vegetables from the Upcountry farms. If you're interested in giving during your vacation, look no further.

HUI NOE'AU VISUAL ARTS CENTER in Makawao offers a variety of culturally rich classes for both adults and children. If you've ever wanted to learn how to make a lei, be sure to sign up for their popular lei-making classes.

THE BISHOP MUSEUM in located in Honolulu, Oahu (not on Maui). It is included here, however, because of their exceptional exhibits on Hawaiian history and culture, which makes it worth planning a day trip to Honolulu.

ANIMALS

West Maui

IRONWOOD RANCH in Napili offers horseback riding in small groups. They will take you through the lush fields, tropical valleys, and dense ironwood forests. You will enjoy panoramic views of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe.

LAHAINA ANIMAL FARM is a family friendly petting zoo. You'll see miniature horses, goats, boars, tortoises, rabbits, and many more. What would be more fun than being able to feed the farm animals and cuddle with them?

Upcountry

SURFING GOAT DAIRY is a family friendly place. You'll get to hold and bottle feed a baby goat, try milking, or sample grommet cheeses or truffle chocolates made from goat's milk. The baby goat tour tends to sell out quickly and is also seasonal. Check their website and reserve your spot early if interested.

Lanai

LANAI CAT SANCTUARY is located on the island of Lanai (not on Maui). It is included here because it is one huge open air sanctuary where you'll get to meet nearly 700 cats and play with them! A perfect day trip including Lanai City by ferry from Maui.

FOOD & DRINKS

West Maui

WEST MAUI CHOCOLATIER is Maui's ultimate chocolate indulgence. Their diverse and high-quality products range from designer bonbons, Dubai chocolate bars, to chocolate clusters - a perfect made-on-Maui gift or unique wedding favors! Order online for a local pickup/delivery or to ship to the mainland.

MALA OCEAN TAVERN has returned to Lahaina's Front Street after the devastating wild fire. It's a great place to sit at the oceanfront and enjoy delicious brunch. It's best to make a reservation as it is a very popular restaurant on West Maui.

HONU OCEANSIDE has returned to Lahaina's Front Street after the devastating wild fire. This upscale, yet, intimate restaurant offers a memorable array of dishes that are sure to please your palate. It's best to make a reservation as it is a very popular restaurant on West Maui.

THE POUR HOUSE ITALIAN KITCHEN AND WINE BAR in Kapalua serves authentic Italian cousin in an upscale yet intimate setting. Be sure to try their Burrata and leave room for gelato!

OKAZUYA in Honokowai is a hole-in-the-wall kind of takeout joint. They do not have a website and accept cash payment only. Their Korean-style BBQ Chicken is delicious. Call and order ahead to save yourself some time when you get there.

OLD LAHAINA LUAU is the place to be if you're looking for the best Luau in Lahaina. They have professionally curated dances and entertainment, along with a full course of dishes representing various parts of the Pacific Islands.

South Maui

COOL CAT CAFE, a burger lover's paradise lost in the Lahaina wild fire, has reopened in Kihei with the look and feel of its original Lahaina location. Their burgers are huge and juicy. Be sure to check out the Burger of the Month. They also opened at Whalers Village with an abbreviated menu and service.

LINEAGE is located at Shops at Wailea, built around family get togethers, celebrating the diversity of natural ingredients and a cooking style that embodies Maui cuisine. They are known for their unforgettable Korean fried chicken. Book your reservation early for this restaurant.

MATTEO'S OSTERIA in Wailea serves authentic Italian cuisine. Beautifully plated and presented, you'll enjoy your dining experience from start to finish, including their delicious cocktails. Located near Shops at Wailea, it's great place to have dinner after shopping. Reservation is highly recommended.

Central Maui

LAS PINATAS in Kahului is a small Mexican joint that appears totally unremarkable from the outside. Their fish tacos, however, are the best on Maui in our opinion. They marinate juicy and meaty white fish in cilantro sauce and grill it. A must eat on Maui!

TINROOF in Kahului, kitty corner from Las Piñatas, is a popular take-out joint. It's a great stop to pick up lunch on your way to Hana or if you're heading to the airport. The line can get very long. Be sure to order ahead online so that you can skip the line, pick up your delicious Mochiko Chicken, and be on your way in no time!

Upcountry

KULA BISTRO is located in Kula with a great menu including mouth-watering desserts. A perfect final stop after you've visited Upcountry landmarks like Haleakala, Maui Wine, and Lavender Farm. They don't take reservations. BYOB of wine or beer.

MOKU ROOTS is located on their farm in Kula, Upcountry. It is truly a farm-to-table place offering an array of outstanding plant-based dishes sure to entice and delight any carnivore. You'll see the majestic bicoastal views of Maui to its front and serene Haleakala to its back. Their Sunday brunch is a must-do for anyone visiting Maui!

MAUI WINE is located in Ulupalakua, Upcountry. You can't say you've experienced Maui without spending an afternoon at this lovely and tranquil winery. They make wine from pineapples as well as traditional grape varieties. Combine your winery outing with a burger lunch at Ulupalakua Ranch or Bullly's Burgers.

BULLY'S BURGERS is located just 5 miles from Maui Wine. They serve farm-to-table burgers that actually taste like real meat. It's a shack with vast vistas of Maui. Enjoy your outdoor picnic with one of the best burgers on Maui. Check their opening days and hours before you head over.

CAFE MAMBO in Paia is an obligatory stop on Maui. This unpretentious cafe is known for its crispy duck (and pork) recipes. Paia is only 4 miles from the Kahului International Airport. It is a cute town with many small shops and restaurants.

SHOPPING

West Maui

NA HOKU is a Hawaii-based and family-owned jeweler designing and creating island lifestyle inspired jewelry for 100 years. If you're looking for a piece to pop the question, to memorialize your Maui vacation, or to treat yourself, look no further and head over to Na Hoku.

WHALERS VILLAGE is an upscale outdoor shopping mall in Ka'anapali with shops that reflect the best of island lifestyles, from clothing, shoes, home decor, jewelry, souvenirs, to restaurants. Parking validation is available for the first 2 hours when you shop or eat at the mall. Two EV chargers.

S. Maui

THE SHOPS AT WAILEA is an upscale shopping destination, featuring designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany's, and Prada. You'll also find uniquely Maui closing and home decor shops to bring out the shopping diva in you. Free parking with 1 EV charger.

Central

U'I GALLERY in Kahului showcases the one-of-a-kind creations by local artist, Racheal Ray, from paintings, coasters, to phone cases. Something for everyone. Her use of brilliant colors highlights the beauty of Hawai'i's landscapes and lifestyles. If you have a specific piece in mind, Rachel would be happy to discuss a commissioned art just for YOU!

Upcountry

PAIA and MAKAWAO Towns are a great place to visit. Both are home to one-of-a-kind boutiques, health food stores, and specialty shops. You'll love these North Shore and Upcountry quaint little towns on your way to Hana or Upcountry. If you have extra time before your flight, Paia is only 4 miles from the airport for last-minute shopping.

UPCOUNTRY FARMERS MARKET in Pukalani is open on Saturday mornings, featuring locally grown produce and locally made products and foods. A great place to shop if you're looking for something unique to Maui. The positive vibe there is contagious. Don't miss the food truck park there.

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