Free Things to Do in Maui Nui

Free Things to Do in Maui Nui
Maui
1. LÄHAINÄ TOWN. Explore historic Lähainä Town at your leisure, strolling down Front
Street, and along the sea wall. A bustling whaling town back in the day, its character is certainly
unique. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962, numerous historical sites line Lähainä
Town, as are shopping opportunities and wonderful eateries.
2. BANYAN TREE PARK. Located at the beginning of Front Street in Lähainä Town, stands
this significant and famous landmark. Planted on April 24, 1873, it celebrates its birthday each
year with games, activities and birthday cake. Admission to the party is free, as is viewing and
marveling at the Banyan Tree’s grandness all year long. It’s so big it shades almost an entire
acre. Crafters and entertainers display their wares and talents on various weekends.
www.visitlahaina.com
3. LÄHAINÄ HERITAGE MUSEUM. Located across from Lähainä Harbor, in the Old
Lähainä Courthouse, the Museum is open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., free admission. Explore the
many artifacts and memorabilia of old Lähainä. (808) 661-9193. www.visitlahaina.com
4. LÄHAINÄ JODO MISSION BUDDHA. A calm and peaceful place, the grounds hold the
largest Buddha statue outside of Japan, standing 12-feet tall, and weighing over 3 tons. To find
this location, look for the Pagoda (Temple Tower), which is approximately 90 feet high. Visit the
Bell Tower, a 3,000 pound temple bell rung 11 times every evening at 8 p.m. The Mission’s
Temple, built by traditional Japanese carpenters with help of Temple members and friends, is an
architectural structure that blends Japanese and Western styles.
5. HALE PA‘AHAO. Lähainä’s prison from the whaling days of the 1800's, it was built with
coral stone from a demolished waterfront fort. A crowded facility in its time, it’s walls still stand,
with a wall shackles and ball and chain restraints for you to see. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. (808) 667-1985 www.lahainarestoration.org
6. HALE PA‘I. The printing house of Lahainaluna Seminary, founded in 1831, was restored in
1980. A free exhibit features a replica of the original rampage press and facsimiles of early
printings. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (808) 667-7040 www.lahainarestoration.org
7. FRIDAY NIGHT IS ART NIGHT ON FRONT STREET. Nicknamed “The Art Capital of
the Pacific”, watch artists-in-action, browse the many galleries and enjoy light refreshments.
World-class pieces are available for viewing, making for great window-shopping. It’s free, until
the need to purchase your must-have artwork. Art Night is every Friday, 7 – 10 p.m., and is
sponsored by the Lähainä Arts Society. A free walking map of participating galleries is available
at Lähainä Visitor Center, open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (808) 667-9175 www.visitlahaina.com
8. KANIKAPILA WITH UNCLE POKI. Live Hawaiian Music every 2nd Thursday, 11 a.m.
– 12:30 p.m., under the shade of Kou and Kukui Nut trees, in the shadow of the Baldwin House
Museum in historic Lähainä Town. (808) 877-5566
9. HALE KAHIKO. Enter a historic village with three hale’s (ancient houses). Join the free,
guided tour and take a “walk through history”, or stroll at your leisure with a free map.
www.lahainacenter.com
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10. WHALERS VILLAGE WHALING MUSEUM AND FILMS. This Museum takes you
back in time to the heyday of Lähainä’s whaling industry, from 1825-1860. Lawless days and
ways from the whaling era revived through artifacts located at Whalers Village in Kä‘anapali
Resort. Films run from 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. www.whalersvillage.com
11. KÄ‘ANAPALI HISTORICAL TRAIL TOUR. A 90-minute, walking tour and cultural
journey highlighting the Resort’s folklore. Tuesdays, 9 - 11 a.m. For reservations or information
call (808) 661-3271. www.kaanapaliresort.com
12. SUNSET CLIFF-DIVING. A cultural and historic activity at Pu‘u Keka‘a (also referred to
as Black Rock), held every evening just before sunset fronting the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
in Kä‘anapali. (808) 661-0031
13. SNORKELING. Not all snorkeling is done by boat. Drive to either Honolua Bay in upper
West Maui, or to La Perouse Bay in South Maui. But please do your part to protect these
precious and pristine areas – Please take all trash with you. Do not stand on the coral. Never take
anything out of the preserve unless you or someone else took it there.
14. WHALE WATCHING. When the humpback whales are wintering in Maui’s warm Pacific
Ocean waters, you can see them from just about anywhere. Some of the better viewing locations
from shore are at scenic lookouts along the Honoapi‘ilani Highway, or on the cliffs over looking
Honolua Bay.
15. FREE ENTERTAINMENT AND HULA SHOWS:
Kä‘anapali Beach Hotel - Hawaiian music and hula performed nightly in their courtyard. (808)
661-0011. www.kbhmaui.com
Whalers Village, Kä‘anapali - Live entertainment available Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 7
- 8 p.m. at Center Stage. (808) 661-4567. www.whalersvillage.com
Lähainä Cannery Mall - Every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., and every Saturday and Sunday
at 1 p.m., at Center Stage. (808) 661-5304. www.lahainacannery.com
Lähainä Center – Every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., and Friday at 3:30 p.m. (808) 667-9216.
www.lahainacenter.com
Maui Mall Center, Kahului – Every Friday at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday at 1 p.m. (808) 877-8952.
www.mauimall.com
16. HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY.
Brilliantly displayed with murals of undersea life, this Center showcases educational displays,
artifacts, and reading and video materials on Humpback Whales and their habitat. Lectures and
free educational materials available. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (808) 879-2818
www.hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/
17. WAILUKU TOWN’S FIRST FRIDAY CELEBRATIONS. Enjoy Wailuku Town’s
monthly Market Street Fest, 6 – 8 p.m., on the First Friday of each month. Featuring live
entertainment, great local foods, and wonderful shopping in Wailuku’s historic town. Free
admission. Open to the public. (808) 878-1888.
18. MÄKENA’S BIG BEACH. One of the largest beaches on the island and the last major
undeveloped beach on Maui’s south side. Locals and visitors enjoy the soft white sand and
crystal blue waters year round. Lifeguards on duty every day, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Big Beach is
also referred to as Oneloa Beach.
19. ‘ĪAO VALLEY STATE PARK. The lovely and deep valley of ‘Īao features the ‘Īao
Needle, a natural rock pinnacle presiding over ‘Īao Stream and surrounded by the walls of Pu‘u
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Kukui Crater. Once used as a natural alter, the 2,250-foot stone pillar is covered in greenery, and
is a basaltic core that has survived eons of swirling water. ‘Ïao Valley holds a significant place in
Hawaiian history and showcases impressive cultural ties. Free admission to Kepaniwai Gardens.
Park opens at 6:30 a.m. Nominal fee to park at Iao Valley’s State Monument, located above
Kepaniwai Gardens, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
20. PICNIC WITH UNCLE POKI. Live Hawaiian Music every 3rd Thursday, 11 a.m. – 12:30
p.m., under the Monkeypod Tree on the grounds of the historic Ka‘ahumanu Church in Wailuku.
(808) 877-5566
21. HALEKI‘I–PIHANA HEIAU. In Wailuku at end of Hea Place (off Kühiö Place from
Waiehu Beach Road on Highway 340), lay 10 acres protecting the remains of two historical and
cultural heiau (temples) used as war temples. Good views of Central Maui.
22. MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER. A performing arts complex featuring free art
exhibits of various types year round. The 1,100-seat theatre and 5,000-seat amphitheatre offer
ticketed events. (808) 242-SHOW. www.mauiarts.org
23. SUGAR MUSEUM. Dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of
Maui’s sugar industry, this museum charts the establishment and growth of the industry and
looks at sugar’s influence on the development of Maui’s water resources and rich multi-ethnic
make-up. Located next to Hawai‘i’s largest working sugar factory, this museum also features
intriguing displays on the inner workings of a sugar mill. Free admission to its Gift Shop.
Nominal fee for a Tour of the Museum Exhibits & Galleries. Open Monday – Saturday, 9:30
a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Closed on holidays. (808) 871-8058. www.sugarmuseum.com
24. ALI‘I KULA LAVENDER MAUI. Enjoy a casual stroll at your leisure, through the lush
lavender gardens on the slopes of Mauna Haleakalä. Experience the serenity and romance of
Upcountry Maui, with breathtaking views of Central Maui, from its 10.5-acre estate. Guided
tours available for a fee. Visit their Gift Shop for a heavenly whiff of lavender. It’s free, until
you purchase unforgettable lavender products. (808) 878-8090. www.aliikulalavender.com
25. TEDESCHI VINEYARD. Calling all wine lovers, take a tour of Tedeschi Vineyards.
Tasting Room opens to the public seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free, guided tours are
10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. (808) 878-6058. www.mauiwine.com
26. HO‘OKIPA BEACH PARK. When the surf’s up, many top professional windsurfers will
be riding and flying above the waves. Considered to be the windsurfing capital of the world,
Ho‘okipa Beach Park attracts windsurfers from around the world, flying at speeds up to 30 mph
and jumping distances of over 30 feet.
27. THE ROAD TO HÄNA. A stunning and picturesque drive through a Hawaiian forest,
along the backside of Mauna Halealakä. Stop at the many scenic spots along the way, and enjoy
the stunning beauty of East Maui. For your enjoyment, pack a lunch, a few snacks and
beverages. Smell the flowers and enjoy the fresh fruit stands. During the winter, marvel at the
many waterfalls cascading through Mauna Haleakalä’s Hawaiian forest.
28. KE‘ANAE ARBORETUM. Located on the Road to Häna, this 6-acre arboretum and
botanical garden lies alongside Pi‘ina‘au Stream on taro-cultivated terraces. Two walking trails
meander along tropical plants, fragrant flowers, plush fruits, and lots of native Hawaiian plants.
29. HÄNA TOWN. Visit Wai‘änapanapa State Park and stroll on Häna’s black sand beach. Visit
the Häna Cultural Center & Museum, Häna Bay and Park, Hämoa Beach, and ‘Ohe‘o Gulch at
Haleakalä National Park. Several quaint shops and eateries are available in town, should you
need to purchase a quick snack or souvenir of your visit to Häna.
30. PALAPALA HO‘OMAU CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The final resting place of
famed aviator, Charles Lindberg. Located at mile marker 41, in Kïpahulu.
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Läna‘i
1. WATCH THE SUNRISE from Hulopo‘e Point, facing Pu‘u Pehe.
2. SNORKEL IN HULOPO‘E BAY and wonder at all the marine life.
3. EXPLORE THE TIDE POOLS OF HULOPO‘E BAY, a marine life conservation area.
4. SWIM AND/OR GET A GREAT LÄNA‘I SUNTAN on the white sandy beach of Hulopo‘e
Bay.
5. VISIT LÄNA‘I CULTURE & HERITAGE CENTER to learn about Läna‘i's unique
history. (808) 565-7175. www.lanaichc.org
6. LEISURELY WALK LÄNA‘I CITY'S TOWN SQUARE, visiting its many quaint shops.
7. HIKE THE MUNRO TRAIL and catch breathtaking views of Läna‘i, Moloka‘i and Maui.
8. MAKE A NEW HORSE-FRIEND at the Stables at Kö‘ele fence line.
9. EXPLORE THE FIVE TROPICAL AND EXQUISITE GARDENS, at the Four Seasons
Resort Läna‘i at Mänele Hotel. www.fourseasons.com/lanai
10. WATCH THE SUNSET from the lanai at the Four Seasons Resort Läna‘i, The Lodge at
Kö‘ele. www.fourseasons.com/lanai
11. “ALAPA DRIVE”. Läna‘i’s home-grown entertainers perform every Friday and Saturday
night at Hotel Läna‘i’s, Läna‘i City Grille Restaurant. (808) 565-7211 www.hotellanai.com
Moloka‘i
1. NA KUPUNA ENTERTAINMENT in Hula Shores Restaurant, located at Hotel Moloka‘i.
Every Friday afternoon, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Free admission.
2. NA ‘OHANA HOALOHA entertainment at Coffees of Hawai‘i in Kualapu‘u every Sunday
afternoon, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
3. FARMER'S MARKET in Kaunakakai Town every Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Free
admission. Fresh fruits and vegetables, and original crafts by Moloka‘i artisans, available for
purchase.
4. PURDY'S MACADAMIA NUT FARM in Kualapu‘u, offers free tours Monday – Saturday.
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