16 Unique Things to do in Maui, Hawaii
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Are you looking for unique things to do in Maui? You’re in the right place!
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii’s second-largest island, you’ve probably read all about Maui’s fabulous beaches, luaus, and whale-watching tours. (And you should definitely do all of those.) But there are lots of unique things to do in Maui that you might not have heard of.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer, art lover, history buff, or foodie, read on for the most unique experiences in Maui to add to your itinerary.
Unique Things to Do in Maui for Adventurers
Maui is full of adventurous activities, both in water and on land. But you’ve probably already heard about snorkeling, whale watching, and horseback riding, so let’s dive into some even more unique outdoor experiences on Maui.
Hike at Iao Valley State Park
Take a break from the beach to explore Maui’s lush interior! This park includes the Iao Needle State Monument (basically a pointy green mountain). It’s not only cool to look at, but it’s also the place where Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army in 1790 in the battle of Kepaniwai.
There are plenty of trails to choose from around the Needle, from gentle paved paths to more rugged hikes. We enjoyed exploring the lush rainforest and climbing over boulders down in the river.
There’s also a small heritage garden along the road just outside the entrance, which is worth a stop.
FREE TRAVEL QUIZ
Zipline Through the Rainforest
Perhaps the most unique way to see Maui’s natural beauty is from a zipline. There are many options for all skill levels, from side-by-side ziplines over a tropical plantation to one that goes up to 150 miles per hour over rugged mountains and coastlines.
Bike Down a Volcano
Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, is a must-do on your trip to Maui. Sure, you can drive to the top like everyone else, and maybe hike around a bit. But for a unique Maui experience, take a bike tour.
There are several tour operators that will take you up to the rim of the crater (often in time to see sunrise), then provide bikes for the 26-mile ride back down. You can also opt for a self-guided option.
Swim in a Waterfall
Maui is known for its ocean activities and gorgeous rainforests—why not combine them? The island has many scenic waterfalls where you can not only take envy-inducing Instagram photos but also go for a swim to cool off.
One magical option is the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of waterfalls inside Haleakala National Park. Two favorites along the Road to Hana are the Upper Puohokamoa Falls and Waikamoi Stream.
You can swim to caves and other hidden pools from here and spot beautiful exotic flowers and ginger blooms.
Take a Submarine Tour
Whether you’re prone to seasickness like me, or you just want to impress those friends who own their own yacht, dive down to 100+ feet in a submarine to explore the wetter side of Maui.
You’ll see and learn about coral reefs, marine wildlife, shipwrecks, and more from the comfort of an air-conditioned sub. Learn about fish, coral, and other wildlife.
Ride a Bike on the Ocean
No list of unusual things to do in Maui would be complete without this bizarre gem. Apparently, water bikes are a thing, and you can pedal them from Lahaina out onto the Pacific Ocean in this tour.
Enjoy stunning views both above and below the water as you paddle around beaches, caves, and coral reefs.
Unique Things to Do in Maui for Art Lovers & History Buffs
Luaus are great—but if you’d like to dive deeper into this island’s history and culture, try one of these unique Maui experiences.
See Ancient Temples
Haleki’i-Pihana Heiau State Monument in central Maui houses two heiaus, or sacred temples. They were long ago used to treat sick people and make offerings to the gods (usually fruit—no blood sacrifices, to my disappointment).
Later they became war temples under Maui’s last ruling chief, Kahekili. You can see and learn about the restored temples and take a short hike to the top of hardened sand dunes, where a scenic lookout affords spectacular views of the ocean.
You can find more heiaus at Kahanu Garden, a 484-acre botanic garden on the rugged Hana coast. It also showcases the best of Maui’s lush landscapes, with huge collections of Pacific Island plants and one of Hawaii’s largest native hala forests. It’s also home to Pi’ilanihale Heiau, a massive lava-rock structure that is believed to be the largest of its kind in Polynesia.
Visit a Museum
The Bailey House Museum is the island’s largest and oldest history museum. In its 200-year lifetime, the building has served as a mission house, a female boarding school, the home of artist Edward Bailey, and now a museum of Hawaiian history and art. You’ll find a variety of exhibits and artifacts, from traditional Hawaiian weapons and sailing vessels to a collection of land snail shells.
Another popular museum is The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, located on a sugar plantation next to Hawaii’s largest working sugar factory. You’ll be surprised at how much sugar shaped Maui’s history and culture.
Learn how Maui’s geography and climate influenced the development of the sugar industry, the many ethnic groups that immigrated here to work in the sugar industry, and the advent of fascinating inventions like sugar haulers and cane-crushing machines.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Head to Kahului, near the airport, to take in this place’s exhibits of fabulous local and indigenous artists. You can also get tickets to comedy shows, poetry readings, the annual Color Festival, and more.
They also host an annual Color Festival, a modernized version of the traditional Indian Holi Festival, a thousand-year-old ritual of applying colored powders on friends and family to celebrate love and happiness.
Discover Makawao
For one of the most unique experiences in Maui, head to this small town on the mid-slopes of Haleakala. It’s a great place to learn about paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys), who have been wrangling cattle on the island for over two centuries. They even hold a rodeo and paniolo competition every July.
Makawao is also a big draw for art lovers and anyone looking to take home a unique souvenir. Wandering through the town’s eclectic boutiques and art galleries—and watching painters, woodworkers, and glass blowers at work—is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. You can also explore the free exhibits or sign up for a class at the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center.
Try Goat Yoga
I’m not sure whether to classify this as art or adventure, but it seemed like something that belonged on a list of unique things to do in Maui.
Maui Goat Yoga is located on the slopes of Haleakala, Maui’s dormant volcano. Its elevation of 3000+ feet means you’ll have breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and Maui’s coastline while you do yoga—if you’re not too busy watching the adorable goats.
Unique Things to Do in Maui for Foodies
Like most islands, Maui relies on much of its food being shipped in. But the island’s lush interior and fertile volcanic soil make it the perfect place for growing some things. See—and taste—the best of Maui’s agriculture on a farm or plantation tour, a truly unique Maui experience.
Tour a Farm or Plantation
Whether you’re a dragonfruit aficionado or you’ve never even heard of it, Maui Dragonfruit Farm offers tours, tasting, and answers to all your burning questions about the strange, spiky fruit. They also offer ziplining and aquaballing—picture a human-sized hamster ball in water. It’s one of the most unusual (and fun) things to do in Maui.
Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm grows fields of soothingly scented lavender at 4,000 feet high on the slopes of Haleakala, Maui’s dormant volcano. For $3 per person, you can spend a relaxing afternoon walking around the gardens (no reservations necessary). On your way out, take home a souvenir from their vast array of lavender products, from lavender-infused chocolate and shortbread to massage oil and canine paw balm.
Chocolate lovers will enjoy the comprehensive Maui Ku’ia cacao farm tour and chocolate tasting, which takes you “from farm to bar.” You’ll explore 20+ acres of cacao trees, learn about the chocolate-making process at Hawaii’s biggest chocolate factory, and (after working up an appetite), taste-test an assortment of locally made chocolate.
Eat Shave Ice Under a Banyan Tree
If you’re not staying in Lahaina, make time to stop by this lively town and relax in Banyan Tree Park. You’ll feel like you’re in a massive natural tent while sitting on one of the benches under this banyan tree (one of the biggest in the US). It’s been growing here since 1873 and has reached a height of over 60 feet and an area of an entire city block, with at least a dozen major trunks.
While you’re at it, grab some shave ice from Ululani’s (trust me, nowhere else compares). Be sure to get the haupia (whipped coconut cream) topping.
Grab Banana Bread on the Road to Hana
Ever wondered why banana bread is so popular on Maui? Google tells me it’s because bananas grow so well here—and during the Depression, banana bread was an effective way to eat overripe or even slightly rotten bananas.
Whether or not this is true, Maui has lots of banana bread to snack on. What better place to do it than in the middle of the Road to Hana, one of the best Maui scenic drives?
Give your white knuckles a break and fuel up for the next several miles of twisty, turny roads at the Halfway to Hana stand, which serves snacks, drinks, sandwiches, and the best banana bread the island has to offer.
Visit a Farmers Market
Turns out Maui has a ton of farmers markets! Take your pick of places to get a truly unique Maui experience by sampling fresh-caught fish, husked coconuts, and liliko’i (passion fruit) butter. Don’t pass up the bizarre breadfruit, which supposedly looks like a grapefruit but tastes like a potato.
Take a Cooking Class
This is a fun activity for foodies, couples, and families alike—especially while you explore a new place.
You can learn about traditional Hawaiian cooking techniques and weave your own kupe’e lima bracelet at Coconut Grove in Hana. If you’re a coconut aficionado, get hands-on experience picking, milking, and cooking them at Coconut Information farm and cooking school. If your hotel has a kitchen, you can register for an at-home cooking class in Hawaiian, Chinese, or Thai Fusion cuisine through Chez Klio.
Maui is full of amazing activities, and they’re not all on the beach. When you need a break from the sun and surf, be sure to explore these unique things to do in Maui.
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