Top 20 Unique Things to Do on Maui (Beyond Road to Hana & Haleakalā)

Did you know most visitors to Maui miss out on the island’s most authentic experiences by sticking to the same two or three attractions?

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For many travelers, Maui is all about the Road to Hana and Haleakalā, but beyond the crowds lies a side of the island filled with local culture, hidden gems, and unforgettable adventures that rarely make it into guidebooks.

If you’re looking to break free from the typical tourist trail and create a trip full of genuine stories and connections, this episode is for you. Discover how to experience Maui like a local, connect with its community, and uncover natural wonders that most visitors never see.

In this episode of Hawaii’s Best, we reveal 20 unique things to do on Maui—beyond the usual stops—so you can plan a vacation that’s truly extraordinary.

 👉 In this episode, you will:

• Find hands-on ways to connect with Maui’s culture, from volunteering on ancient lands to exploring local markets and historic towns.
• Get insider tips on upcountry farms, hidden beaches, and natural wonders for a peaceful escape from the crowds.
• Learn how to experience Maui like a local, with authentic food, family-friendly adventures, and even a one-of-a-kind island-hopping ferry trip.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to unlock 20 unforgettable Maui experiences that will transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary.

🎧Related episodes:

• Maui Travel Guide
• Maui Cultural Lands
• Should You Drive the Road to Hana

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💻Related blog posts:

• Best Things to Do in Maui With Kids
• 10 Unforgettable Best Things to Do in Paia Maui
• Ultimate 5 Day Maui Itinerary

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🤓Chapters:

• 1:39 - Planning Your Unique Maui Adventure
• 2:26 - Connecting with Maui's Culture and Community
• 5:22 - Exploring Upcountry Maui
• 8:21 - Maui's Natural Wonders and Outdoor Experiences
• 12:33 - Conclusion: Embrace the True Spirit of Maui

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

Chapters

• 1:39 Planning Your Unique Maui Adventure
• 2:26 Connecting with Maui's Culture and Community
• 5:22 Exploring Upcountry Maui
• 8:50 Maui's Natural Wonders and Outdoor Experiences
• 13:02 Conclusion: Embrace the True Spirit of Maui

Transcript

168_20 Unique Things to Do on Maui (Beyond Road to Hana & Haleakalā)

[00:00:00] Bryan Murphy: What if the best parts of Maui aren't where everyone else is headed? In this episode, you'll discover 20 unique things to do on Maui beyond the usual stops like Holly Acala and Rotana that most travelers never even hear about. We'll talk about the planning habit that keeps most people stuck on the same path, and how changing it can open up a side of Maui.

[00:00:24] Bryan Murphy: You didn't. No existed.

[00:00:29] Bryan Murphy: Aloha. Welcome to Hawaii's Best, the podcast, helping Travelers plan an unforgettable Hawaii vacation with insider tips in featuring local voices. I'm Brian Murphy, a husband Data three and certified Hawaii destination expert. Each week I share local insights, travel tips, and up-to-date news, sometimes with guests across Hawaii and sometimes solo.

[00:00:51] Bryan Murphy: All to help you Plan your next trip to Hawaii.

[00:00:58] Bryan Murphy: Aloha and welcome back to Hawaii's Best, your guide to the best of Hawaii. Today we're talking about 20 unique things to do on Maui that you won't find in most guidebooks, and we're completely skipping the road Ohana. And ha Yala because frankly, everyone knows about them. And a lot of people, I think it's like 80% of people who visit Maui do one of those two adventures.

[00:01:24] Bryan Murphy: If you do want to learn more about Roda Hana, I'll link my episode below about whether you should do R oh Hana on your own or with a trusted guide. You can go ahead and listen to that after this episode. Most people planning a trip to Maui usually stick to the same two or three. Re attractions, which means they're missing out on a lot of the island's real character in history.

[00:01:50] Bryan Murphy: And by the end of this episode, you'll know if you're making. The common mistake of following the same tourist trail as everyone else. And if you are, it's okay. This episode is all about discovering Maui's hidden gems, the cultural spots, natural wonders, and local experiences that most people miss and actually save.

[00:02:13] Bryan Murphy: The last thing on this list. Probably one of the most unique things to do when on Maui, and it's a little bit of a callback to last week's episode if you listen about traveling on boats between the islands in Hawaii. All right, so let's talk about how you can connect with Maui's culture and community, because this is really where you get to understand the true vibe and feel of the island.

[00:02:38] Bryan Murphy: Number one is probably one of my favorites. It's Maui Cultural Lands, and they run a volunteer program where you can spend the morning, I think it's usually on a Saturday, helping restore ancient Hawaiian lands. It's within the valley, the Kova Valley. It's on the west side of the island and you get to work alongside locals, learn about native plants, remove invasive species, and see how important land stewardship really is in Hawaiian culture.

[00:03:06] Bryan Murphy: It's a hands-on meaningful. Yes, you'll work, but you'll also get to understand the island's roots in a way that most visitors never do. I actually had elo Lindsay from Maui Culture lands on a podcast a couple years ago we, when we visited them, and I'll be sure to link that in the show notes below this episode for you to listen to.

[00:03:26] Bryan Murphy: All right, number two. If you wanna understand Maui's history, the Bailey House Museum in Wailuku is definitely your spot. They have thousands of Hawaiian artifacts, historic photos and documents that tell the real story of how Maui changed over time. It's not a flashy museum, but if you want context for everything else, you'll see this is a great place to start.

[00:03:50] Bryan Murphy: Now, number three, if you're thinking about doing a lu out, and let's be honest, a lot of people are when visiting Hawaii. The old Lana Luau, which has recently reopened in the last couple months, is the one that locals actually love and respect and go to. The focus is on traditional Hawaiian food, music, and hula.

[00:04:10] Bryan Murphy: The performers and staff are committed to sharing real Hawaiian culture and not just putting on a show for visitors. Plus, it's right there on the ocean in beautiful Laina. Side note, if you do visit Laa, some places are open. I just want to keep saying this anytime Lana kind of comes up in conversation.

[00:04:31] Bryan Murphy: Please be respectful of what locations are open. It's very obvious what is open and what is not. So please, at a respect of those who call Laina home, please be mindful of that. Number four, the Maui Swap Meet. A lot of great things happen at a swap meet if you've been to the swap meet. On Oahu, you know what I'm talking about?

[00:04:54] Bryan Murphy: And the Maui Swap meet happens every Saturday in Kahului. This is where you meet actual Maui residents and you'll find local produce, handmade crafts and food stands. Everything that you would think you would find at a great. Swap meet, but it's in Maui so it's gonna be even better. It's really the kind of place where you can pick up something you won't find in any hotel gift shop, and you could have real conversations with people who live on Maui.

[00:05:22] Bryan Murphy: Alright, now let's head upcountry because this is where Maui gets really cool and interesting. Number five. Historic. Mako Wild Town is Maui's Cowboy Town, and yes, the Olo culture is is still very much alive here in this spot. And you'll get to see art galleries, local shops, and honestly, you might see a horse or two tied up outside, which is kind of cool.

[00:05:46] Bryan Murphy: It's a completely different side of Maui that has nothing to do with beaches. Number six, Ali Kula Lavender Farm sits on the slopes of Halala where the air is cooler and the views stretch across the entire island. You get a walk through rows of lavender, try lavender scones that are actually really good, and shop for products made right there.

[00:06:09] Bryan Murphy: It's a nice, peaceful spot in upcountry Maui. Number seven, surfing goat dairy. It's exactly what it sounds like. It's a working farm where you can tour the dairy feed goats and sample cheese that has won numerous national awards. And if you're traveling with kids, they'll definitely gonna love it. This is a family friendly spot.

[00:06:30] Bryan Murphy: A lot of these are then I'm talking about today, but if you're not traveling with the kids, you'll still love it here and the cheese is incredible. Number eight, Maui Wine and the Ulu Paua Ranch Store are next door to each other, which is very much convenient. The Maui wine is the island's only winery, and their pineapple wine is something that you can't get anywhere else.

[00:06:52] Bryan Murphy: So definitely recommend trying that. And the Ranch Store serves local beef burgers and snacks. Both are set in open country in views of the Southern coast. Number nine, ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery. They grow their own sugar cane and they use deep ocean mineral water in their spirits. The tours walk you through the entire process from field to bottle, and the tasting room has views of both halala and the ocean.

[00:07:20] Bryan Murphy: So you're literally drinking with some of the best views in the world. Number 10. Another one of our favorites is Maui Tropical Plantation in Central Maui. It's. A working farm with tram tours, tropical crops. You see how pineapples, bananas and other crops are actually grown. There are also places to eat and shop for local products while you're there and it's educational without being boring.

[00:07:44] Bryan Murphy: And I think they still have a zip line there that's pretty legit. Number 11, the Maui Pineapple Tour in Hale Al takes you through a working pineapple implantation, and you can see how pineapples are grown, harvested, and packed. The tour ends with tasting of fresh pineapple, of course, and it's simple, but there's something satisfying about seeing the whole process, which is kind of cool.

[00:08:06] Bryan Murphy: What all these places that I just listed they have in common is that they show you a side of Maui that's easy to miss. If you only stick to the coast, they're hands-on, they're real, and they give you a chance to learn about and sense what life is like on Maui. Alright, so now let's talk about Maui's natural wonders in the outdoor experiences.

[00:08:26] Bryan Murphy: Number 12, Kaleigh upon natural wildlife Refuge is one of the best places on Maui to see native birds up close. The boardwalk runs along the coast and it gives you clear views. Of endangered Hawaiian stilts and Coutts and the main trails are flat and easy to walk. It's a good spot for birdwatching photography or just taking a break from crowded tourist areas.

[00:08:51] Bryan Murphy: Number 13, Al Valley State Park is famous for the Al Needle and it's this tall, narrow ridge covered in greenery. You've probably have seen some pictures of it, but the park is important in Hawaiian history and it's easy to reach from Wailuku. There are short trails and plenty of places to take in the scenery.

[00:09:11] Bryan Murphy: You do need reservations, so be sure to plan ahead for that. Number 14, NAL Blowhole on the island's northwest coast. This is also where the famous heart shape rock used to be. I say used to be. It's now has been destroyed. It is now a broken heart. It's just half of the heart. What created the Heart Shape rock is from years of erosion, and that is also what is said to have led to its destruction.

[00:09:41] Bryan Murphy: The blow hole is still there and incredible. It's a natural ocean geyser that shoots water up high in the air. But just please remember that the area is rocky and can be slippery. So wear good shoes and keep your distance from the blow hole itself. Number 15, ho Kippah Beach Park is famous for two things, world-class windsurfing and sea turtles resting on the sand.

[00:10:05] Bryan Murphy: The waves are super strong, so just don't think about it. It's for mostly experienced surfers, but anyone can watch from the overlook or walk on the beach and late afternoon to spot sea turtles by keeping your distance as well. Alright, number 16. Kalua Bay is a small protected cove with calm water. It's one of the top spots for snorkeling and often has sea turtles swimming close to shore as well.

[00:10:30] Bryan Murphy: The beach is easy to access and it does have basic facilities, which is great. Number 17, Olowalu Turtle Reef is a shallow reef just off of Olowalu Beach and it's known for Clearwater and a high chance of seeing green sea turtles while snorkeling. The reef is close to shore, so you don't need a boat to enjoy it.

[00:10:52] Bryan Murphy: Alright, moving right along. Number 18, we're almost there. McKenna Beach, also called Big Beach is one of Maui's largest and most scenic stretches of land. The waves can be strong, so swimming here isn't always safe, but the views are impressive. Little beach just over the hill is smaller and just be aware that clothing is optional there, so you might want to just stay on.

[00:11:18] Bryan Murphy: The big beach side, but uh, big Beach is a great spot to enjoy and have that typical beach day number 19. McKenna Cove, sometimes called Secret Beach, is a small, hidden spot surrounded by lava rocks and palm trees. It's popular for photos and sunsets, especially. The entrance is easy to miss, but the beach is worth finding.

[00:11:43] Bryan Murphy: If you want something a little bit more quieter and mellow. That is just south of McKenna Beach. Alright, and number 20, one of the most unique things that you can do while on Maui is island hopping to lanai by taking a ferry. This is really the only ferry in all of Hawaii that you can take to another island.

[00:12:06] Bryan Murphy: It's a way to see a completely different side of Hawaii. The ferry runs from Maui to Lenae Daily, so once you arrive, you can visit quiet beaches. Explore Lenae City and check out landscapes that. Nothing like anywhere else on Maui or in Hawaii. It's a full day trip and it gives you a break from the usual crowds.

[00:12:27] Bryan Murphy: So visiting Lena is definitely one of the best things you can do while visiting Maui. That wraps up our look at 20 unique things to do on Maui, all beyond the usual stops like Halala and the Road to Hana. Today we cover local volunteer opportunities, historic sites, upcountry farms, hidden beaches, and some of the best spots to see Maui's Wildlife.

[00:12:52] Bryan Murphy: So really the goal was to show you that Maui's real character is found in its people. Its food, its small towns and the places most visitors would never see. If you're planning a trip, try swapping out just one or two of the usual attractions for something. Maybe from this list and you'll get a more genuine experience and probably come home with some better stories as well.

[00:13:15] Bryan Murphy: Thanks for listening to this episode and finding time with me today. And if you enjoy this episode, be sure to hit follow on Apple or Spotify or wherever you're listening to this podcast, Dawn. And until next time, my friend, as always. Live with Aloha

[00:13:33] Bryan Murphy: Mala for listening to this episode of Hawaii's. Best to stay up to date on future episodes. Hit follow on your podcast app. Hawaii's Best is a production of shore break media group with editing by easy podcast solutions and music courtesy of our friends stick figure.