Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Free Things To Do On Maui
For many years, Maui has been voted "Best Island in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler readers as well as "World's Best Island" by Travel & Leisure magazine. The best part is, having fun at this tropical paradise doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.
There are tons of free and affordable activities on the island of Maui. If you're planning a trip, keep reading for our ultimate guide on things to do in Maui for free that everyone will enjoy.
Make sure you check out the view from the Haleakala summit.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park in upcountry Maui is a must-see when visiting Hawaii. There, you can find the volcanic beauty known as 'House of the Sun'. This extraordinary summit rises to a whopping 10,023 feet above sea level.
Admission isn't free, but it is only $10. Your admission is good for three days, plus it includes access to the Oheo Gulch area, another must-see in Maui.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Maui for free. In fact, snorkeling is the most popular activity to do in Maui. Kahului, Maui's main town, has an average coastal ocean temperature of 78°F, which means perfect snorkeling conditions.
If you're looking for snorkeling locations that are home to a large variety of ocean life, South Maui is your best bet. Maluaka Beach is perfect if you want to swim with sea turtles and admire brightly colored coral.
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Hula Dancing
Ever wanted to give hula dancing a go and try it yourself? Lahaina Cannery Mall offers free one-hour hula lessons making this activity one of the top fun things to do in Maui for free. Hula dancing is a fun way to get a workout in during your vacation, and it will make your visit all the more memorable.
Attend an Island Celebration
One of the main things that connect all islanders is their love for celebrating. Chances are that no matter what time of the year you visit Maui, there will be some festival, party, event, or celebration. The best part is almost all of these celebrations are completely free to attend.
So if you are looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, be sure to add "attend an island celebration" to your list of top things to do in Maui for free. Festivals and events are a fantastic way to get a taste of local traditions and try some delicious food.
Iao Valley
Want to step back in time and learn about Maui's past? The Iao Valley offers you a chance to learn about the island's rich history, all while offering stunning views of the verdant valley.
This lush, stream-cut valley is also home to the Iao Needle, a 1,200 ft. natural lava rock formation. Admission is just $5.00.
Whale Watching
Boat tours provide an incredible close-up experience, but that experience comes with a price. However, whales themselves don't charge a fee! If you stand on the shoreline and look out to the sea, you may catch a glimpse of whale activity in Maui's waters. The best time to go whale watching would be during "whale season, " mid-December to mid-May.
Spend a Day at One of Maui's Many Beaches
For example, some places, such as New York, charge $10 to $20 per person just to go to the beach. In Hawaii, every beach is free and open to the public (unless on a military base).
Take advantage of the free and beautiful beaches Maui has to offer. Enjoy the crystal clear blue-green waters of Hamoa Beach. Rated one of the top beaches globally year after year, Hamoa Beach's blue-green waters are always a hit.
Big Beach located along south Maui's coast is almost a mile-long stretch of swimmable beach. Bring a good book, lay out your towel, pack a picnic lunch, and spend all day lounging at the beach.
Maui Sunsets
Need we say more? Maui sunsets are free, beautiful, and they are completely different every evening. Take a walk along the shore or pack a blanket and a delicious beverage for a breathtaking and relaxing Maui pastime.
Watch the Surf Action at Ho'okipa Beach Park
Located on Maui's north shore, Ho'okipa is one of the top windsurfing sites in the world. Parking is free, and there is no admission rate for entering the beach park. If you've never watched windsurfers before, add Ho'okipa Beach Park to your list of things to do in Maui for free!
This beach park is also a great place to catch big wave surfers during periods of high surf. Be sure to watch from a safe distance!
Take a Road Trip
Taking road trips is one of the best things to do in Maui for free. Essentially, all you are paying for is the gas and maybe the car rental fee.
If heaven had a highway, the Road to Hana would be pretty close. The best part? It's free! The saying, "It's not about the destination, it's about the destination," rings true for this scenic 64.4-mile drive. Along the way, you'll find several trails, waterfalls, small farm stands, and many lookout points.
Do your research ahead of time and decide which places you want to visit. Planning out your road trip is crucial because it is almost impossible to see everything the Road to Hana offers.
Enjoying the "Best Island in the World" doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are tons of free and affordable activities on the island of Maui everyone can enjoy.
We hope our ultimate guide on things to do in Maui for free gave you some fun ideas. If you're planning a trip to Maui, check out our Maui Tours & Services page and book an experience with us!
