All photos are copyrighted by C. Lee - all rights reserved. Contact bargainhunterhotline@gmail.com for permission to reproduce.Find free things to do on Maui. The following is excerpted from
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The Road to HanaMaking the trip to Hana is one of the best things to do in Maui. Really, the best way to experience all that Hana has to offer is by staying in Hana for a few days. If this isn’t an option, the day trip is still wonderful. We recommend those that get car sick to not drive all the way to Hana. The Road to Hana is about the gorgeous views and waterfalls along the way. Drive till you feel 1/2 content, and turn around. Driving the entire road there and back will take over 5 hours without stopping.
Go to the BeachThis is a no-brainer. It’s free and one of the best activities to do. Choose one of Maui’s best beaches and make the journey.
SnorkelingYou can snorkel for free right off the beach.
Do a Nature HikeTaking a hike through rainforests and to waterfalls is what Maui is all about. Hiking in Maui is really the best way to see the real beauty of the island. Taking a hike by yourself is great so long as you’re on a path and know where you’re going. Avoid tresspassing.
Sunrise from Haleakala CraterWatching the sunrise from the Haleakala Crater is breath-taking. You’ll have to wake up really early to get to the top but it is worth is if it forecast to be a clear day. Check the weather forecast before starting out.
Whale WatchingBy far one of the best Maui activities to do is whale watching. This is only possible during the winter months due to humpback migration patterns. You can sometimes see them right from shore. Take a pair of binoculars for better viewing.
Explore UpcountryThe paniolo side of Maui has some of the best views on the island. Makawao and Kula are fun areas to explore with beautiful homes and great shopping.
Peruse the Art GalleriesEach town offers its own art galleries, but some of the more popular areas are Lahaina, Wailea, Paia, and Makawao. You can find everything from ocean scenes to wild abstract art in the many art galleries on Maui.
Go Frisbee GolfingFrisbee Golf is a fun outdoor activity that allows for the players to get some exercise while enjoying Maui’s weather and views. Bring your own frisbee and this activity will not cost anything.
Wine TastingThe Tedeschi Winery upcountry is a fun spot to stop and sample some of Maui’s own wine. By no means is the wine award winning, but the novelty of the experience and the views while up there are worth the journey.
Visit the Iao ValleyOne of the few places in the world as lush as Hana would be the Iao Valley. Bring a rain slick and be prepared to enter a world of towering cliffs and the Iao Needle. This area is also rich with Hawaii’s history.
Explore a Lava FieldMaui’s latest eruption a couple hundred years ago put the great volcano of Haleakala to rest. The lava fields from the last lava flow make up miles of jagged moon-like landscape on the southern tip of the island. Makena is largely covered in this flow, which is quite breath taking to visit.
Watch Kiteboarding and WindsurfingMaui is the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the world. Warm winds blow almost everyday in a very predictable manner leaving shores with perfect conditions. With winter swells, the surf adds to the excitement. Just watching these brave athletes launch 60 feet in the air is worth the trip to Kite Beach on the North Shore.
Watch Giant WavesIn the winter, Maui is battered by enormous waves. Watching Hookipa or Jaws while safe on shore can be quite a rush. The surfers who challenge these waves are fascinating to watch.
VolunteerVolunteering on vacation is becoming a widely practiced activity on the islands. Those that decide to make the trip to Kaho’olawe, to replant trees and shrubs, are looked upon by locals with great respect. This is also a wonderful way to build lasting relationships with visitors and residents alike.
Visit a Blow HoleYou can find many different blowholes on the island, and with large swells, these spouting explosions can perform quite a show. This is one of those free activities that only require a short hike and directions.
Visit a Black Sand BeachWaianapanapa State Park, just before Hana Town, is the best black sand beach on the island. The contrast between the black sand and bright blue ocean makes for some dynamic photographs. There are also sea caves and lava tubes in the park. Ancient Hawaiian lore surrounds this area.
Watch Spinner DolphinsLa Perouse is a regular area for Spinner Dolphins to congregate in the morning. You can sometimes see them when you are snorkeling.
Join the Biggest Halloween Celebration in HawaiiLahaina, Maui is known for its Halloween party on Front Street. Every year over 25,000 people line the oceanfront street in full costumes to participate in a Mardi Gras environment. This party tops Halloween anywhere else.
Bird WatchingMaui is home to many species of beautiful Hawaiian birds. Visit Haleakala National Park to see Maui forest birds.
Swim Under a WaterfallFind a waterfall to swim under and around. There are hundreds all over the island, but you may need to get up early to find one to have all for yourself.
Go SightseeingMaui has a rich history that can be found in many areas of the island. Visit some of the many churches began by the first missionaries on the island.
Visit Historic Lahaina Town and its Banyan TreeThe old whaling town of Lahaina is rich with history. Before it was a whaling harbor, it acted as the meeting place for Hawaiian kings to throw huge parties. One of Lahaina’s prominent features is the Banyan Tree that extends over an entire block.
Take a Photo SafariGrab your cameras and set out in any direction. You’re bound to find brilliant landscapes to capture as well as unique plant and animal life.
Swim in a Natural Ocean PoolThere are many natural pools built into the rocks around the coastline. One of the best spots can be found on the upper west of Maui. The Olivine Pools are surrounded by a wild volcanic landscape that oddly resembles the moon.
Explore Tide PoolsThe most life on Maui can be found in the tide pools. You’ll find fish, crabs, banana slugs, sea urchins and more when exploring the little arches and pools within the volcanic coasts of Maui. Be very careful not to harm the marine life that you walk around, and remember that it can be slippery.
Visit a Bamboo ForestMany of the best hikes on Maui begin in bamboo forests. Bamboo grows extremely fast and tall which makes for stunning landscapes.
Watch the Sunrise in HanaThe sun rises on the East side of the island with dramatic colors. Hana is so peaceful in the morning and can offer a calming awakening that will start your day right.
Go Body SurfingNot all beaches on the island are good for body surfing due to lava formations and dangerous waves. When you find the right sandy beach, the body surfing can be awesome.
Cliff DivingFrom Black Rock in Ka’anapali to the rock cliffs at Venus Pools, Maui is notorious for really good cliff diving areas. Make sure to know where you’ll be landing before jumping. Be careful and know your own limits. Don't get carried away by seeing other people doing it. It is often just as much fun to watch (and a lot safer)
Visit a Red Sand BeachHana is home to a perfect isolated red sand beach. It’s also a nudist beach, so be prepared to see some bodies. This bright red beach is mind-blowing and wonderful for pictures.
Enjoy a Maui SunsetSome of the best sunsets on the planet are found in Maui. The South and West shores offer the most spectacular views over the ocean. As the sun dips into the sea, you may see a green flash of light.
