Maui Vacations

Free Things to Do on Maui

Published by the Editors at alohaspots.com on March 06, 2009

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Let's face it, once you are done paying for airfare, car rental, accommodations and meals on Maui, you may not have much left for activities, even if you find a great travel deal. Luckily there are numerous fun things to do on Maui that cost absolutely nothing.

1. Pick up a map of local trails at the new Kapalua Adventure Center. Scenic hikes lead past lakes, beautiful pine trees and spectacular views of the Maui coastline. If you are staying at Kapalua Resort, be sure to check out complimentary cultural activities at the Kukui Room, such as lei making and Hula dancing.

2. Drive to the summit of Haleakala National Park. If you are not a National Park Pass holder, there is a $10 entrance fee to the park which gives you access for 3 days.

3. Relax on the beach. All beaches in Hawaii are public access beaches which means that even if you are not staying at a particular resort you can freely enjoy its beach. Public access parking is provided close to most beaches so that you don't have to walk far. Pack your mask and finds and explore famous snorkeling spots all around the island.

4. Take a drive along Maui's most famous road: Hana Highway. The road is not a highway at all (think one-way bridges). Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy scenic coastline views, waterfalls and abundant rainforest plants.

5. At the end of the drive, spend a couple of hours relaxing next to the Seven Sacred Pools in Hana. If you've paid the 3-day National Park entrance fee when visiting the summit of Haleakala, the same receipt will grant you admission to the Seven Sacred Pools, so be sure to hold on to it while it's still valid.

6. Pack your binoculars and go whale watching in the winter. Thousands of humpback whales can be seen jumping and fin slapping around Maui each winter. In the mornings and in the evenings they are so close to the shore that you can easily see them having fun in the ocean.

7. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Education Center in Kihei, Maui offers educational displays, whale talks and other programs.

8. Take a wine tour at Tedeschi Vineyards. The tour includes production facilities where you can observe wine being fermented, aged and stored.