Maui isn’t exactly known as a budget-friendly destination, and immersing yourself in all that the area has to offer can leave your wallet feeling a little light.
That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on Maui while saving money! And you don’t have to spend all day on the beach (even if all of Maui’s beaches are free to access).
Use this guide to find the best things you can do for Maui, for free.
Discover Lahaina Town
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Lahaina Town was the first capital city of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and the long history of this vibrant town makes it worth a visit. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the town, or just wander along the iconic Front Street.
Come to Lahaina on Friday night for Art Night, and explore the galleries of this cultural hub.
Visit the Banyan Court
Sitting in the shade of the sprawling Banyan tree and watching people pass by is a restful delight for visitors to Maui.
Located in Lahaina town, the iconic Banyan tree is the oldest tree on Maui.
And the size of it is breathtaking. The 16 trunks of the tree stretch for almost 2 acres, and rise up 60 feet in the air. Head along during the second and fourth weekend of every month to enjoy Art in the Park.
Drive the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a winding highway that unfurls across the east coastline of Maui.
Along the awe-inspiring drive, visitors encounter glittering waterfalls, tropical rainforest, and, yes, some incredible beaches.
Frequent stops make the relatively short journey a full-day trip, but it’s necessary to explore all the highway has to offer—and to catch your breath after tackling the hairpin bends and single lane stretches that define the journey.
Walk around Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
The peaceful walkway of Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a chance to explore the natural wetlands of Maui.
Located just north of Kihei, the 2,200-foot long boardwalk is free to enter, and self-guided interpretive exhibits teach you about the natural wildlife.
Keep an eye out for some of Hawaii’s native wetland birds that call the area home. A relaxing way to spend a Maui morning.
Kapalua Coastal Trail and the Acid War Zone Trail
Kapalua coastal trail is a fascinating walk around the jagged cliffs formed by Maui’s lava flows.
The trail is easy to access, right behind the Ritz-Carlton hotel, and relatively easy to walk. Stop and enjoy the Dragon’s Teeth lava formation, and keep an eye out for sea turtles.
Carry on walking, and you find yourself on the Acid War Zone Trail. This tricky walk was formed by sea spray and wind, creating difficult to navigate rocks. Adventure carefully to discover the Nakalele Blowhole.
Stop At A Farmers’ Market
Admittedly, it is difficult to leave a farmers’ market without spending any money.
That’s because the lush produce of Maui is just impossible to resist—especially pineapples. But, if you play your cards right, you might be able to charm your way into a few free samples.
Farmers’ markets are a Maui staple, and both West and South Maui have regular market days. But head to the upcountry for the best of Maui’s local produce.
Watch The Cliff Diving Ceremony At Ka’anapali
The sunset cliff diving ceremony at Ka’anapali’s Black Rock beach is an exciting opportunity to explore Maui’s history.
Inspired by the daring cliff dives of Chief Kahekili, king of Maui in the late 1700s, the nightly ritual has astounded visitors for decades.
For a free show, find a spot on the beach, and gasp in awe at this impressive display of physical and mental fortitude.
Visit A Maui Friday Town Party
Maui is an island of celebration, and the Friday Town Parties encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the aloha lifestyle.
The family and community-orientated parties are a blast for visitors and residents alike, with live music, delicious food stalls, and plenty to explore.
Make sure to look for Hawaiian cultural activities as well, and spend some time soaking up the atmosphere. The Friday Town Party is free to enter, and changes host every week
Watch A Sunset
A Maui sunset is an absolutely unforgettable experience, and no trip to Maui is complete without finding a spot to watch the fiery glow of the setting sun.
The variation in the Maui landscape offers plenty of elevated points to get the best view. If you can find it in yourself to wake up early enough, watching the sunrise is also well worth the effort.
Sneak In Some Whale Watching
Thousands of humpback whales pass through Maui during the winter months, and they can often be spotted breaching the waters around the island.
Head to the cliff trails at the right time, and keep an eye out on the waters.
The best time for whale watching is during December to May, when the whales head to the warmer Maui waters. West Maui offers some of the best whale watching spots.
Soak Up The Live Music
There’s plenty of live music across Maui to ease you into the low-key lifestyle that characterizes the area.
The best place to find live music easily is at bars and restaurants, but free concerts are available from time to time.
The Shops at Wailea host a music night every Wednesday, while the Baldwin Home Museum in Lahaina celebrates live music with a free concert on the last Thursday of every month.
But Also… Visit The Beach!
All the beaches on Maui are public property, so every single one of them is free to visit.
And there’s so much variety, you’ll never get tired of seeing them all. Enjoy the blackened lava flows at La Perouse Bay, the white sands of Wailea, and the coral gardens at Olowalu.
Maui is a beautiful county, with so much to discover for free. Exploring the natural wonders of Maui is a money saving excursion that will leave you enchanted.
