It’s no secret that visiting (or living in) Maui can be expensive. But the good news? There are a ton of fun free things to do on Maui to help trim your budget. While we encourage everyone to support our local shops, restaurants and tour guides when they can, here are some activities for a budget-friendly day.
Watch Free Live Entertainment at the Shops at Wailea
The Shops at Wailea is one of Maui’s premier places for free live entertainment. This open-air mall hosts a number of weekly events – from the “Wailea Wednesdays” weekly live music series to free hula shows every Tuesday and Thursday. The Shops also welcomes prominent local musicians – like Paula Fuga, Kalani Pe’a and Anuhea – to the stage on the last Friday of each month.
In addition to live music and hula shows, the Shops at Wailea also features interactive cultural demonstrations and classes, such as coconut frond weaving, lei po’o making, island wood carving, ukulele lessons and more. Check the Shops at Wailea events calendar for an up-to-date list of activities.
Go Art Gallery Hopping in Makawao
The quaint Upcountry town of Makawao is known for its paniolo (cowboy) history, but in recent years, Makawao has gained recognition as an art destination. A smattering of local art galleries dot Makawao’s main street, and you can often find artists in residence working painting, glass blowing or just talking story with visitors. In addition to art galleries, Makawao is home to several local boutiques selling works by local artists and artisans.
Take a Free Guided Walking Tour
Maui Walking Tours recently launched two free historical walking tours in Kihei and Wailuku. Founder Keith DeVey shares stories and mo‘olelo collected first-hand from local historians, cultural advisors, county officials, authors and lineal descendants, offering a unique, insider’s look at some of Maui’s most popular towns. Be prepared to walk about a mile and stand for 80-90 minutes. Reservations are required and gratuity is appreciated!
Visit the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
A visit to the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao is as inspiring as it is budget-friendly. Located on a historic sugar plantation estate that harks back to 1850, the Hui features a fine art gallery, a history room, regular workshops and art classes, walking tours and a gift shop with handcrafted items by local artisans. The visual art center is renowned for its gallery, housed in the estate’s historic Mediterranean-style mansion and showcasing up to eight rotating exhibits each year. While there is a fee for art classes, the Hui is free to visit and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday.
Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail
This 1.75-mile, easy-to-moderate trail traces the Kapalua coastline – leading hikers through a multitude of terrain and offering stellar ocean views. Beginning at Kapalua Bay, the trail travels through manicured resort properties, along dramatic lava rock points and beachside dunes before culminating at D.T. Fleming Beach Park. Stunning views abound here (along with whale-watching opportunities in the winter months), but be sure to watch your step! Protected u’au kani (wedge-tailed shearwaters) are known to burrow here.
Spend a Morning Volunteering
Volunteering is not only an excellent way to give back, but it also offers an opportunity to connect with the local community and experience a different side of Maui – often for free! There are many volunteer opportunities on Maui to suit your skills and interests, from restoring native forests to working with animals or lending a hand at the food bank. Check out Hands On Maui for a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities.
Beach Hop on the Wailea Beach Path
Set your sights on the Wailea Beach Path for a leisurely day of beach hopping. This paved, 1.5-mile walkway hugs the Wailea coastline, connecting four of Maui’s most desirable beaches: Polo Beach, Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach and Mokapu Beach. Each beach has something unique to offer, from the social sands at Wailea Beach to the phenomenal snorkeling at Ulua Beach. All beaches are free to enter, and free public parking is available at each beach (excluding Mokapu Beach).
Visit a Wildlife Refuge
Maui is home to two National Wildlife Refuges: Kanaha Pond and Kealia Pond. Both protected wetland habitats provide sanctuary to some of Hawaii’s rarest endemic waterbirds, such as the a‘eo (Hawaiian stilt). Visitors can enjoy birdwatching from an observation pavilion at Kanaha Pond, while Kealia Pond features a visitor center and a 0.8-mile coastal boardwalk offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. In addition to the National Wildlife Refuges, Maui’s waters are also part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary – and the Kihei visitor center features interactive exhibits highlighting humpback whale conservation and research.
Watch Surfers on the North Shore or West Side
During the winter months, the North Pacific comes alive, sending massive swells to Maui’s northern shores. From November to April, you can often watch surfers and windsurfers tackle the waves at Ho‘okipa Beach Park. If you’re lucky, you might even catch Honolua Bay — one of Maui’s most iconic (and fickle) waves — during a big swell.
Go Hiking on a Na Ala Hele Trail
Hiking is one of the best activities on Maui, regardless of your budget. Aside from hiking trails in state and national parks, Maui’s Na Ala Hele hiking trails are open to the public, free to access and cater to a range of ability levels. For an easy hike, check out the Ohai Loop Trail in West Maui, which travels 1.2 miles along a rolling coastline. More challenging (albeit rewarding) hikes include the Lahaina Pali Trail, Makawao Forest and the Hoapili Trail. Check out the complete list of Na Ala Hele trails for more public hiking options.
We hope you enjoyed this list of free things to do on Maui! A hui hou!
