![TOP 7 (NEARLY) FREE THINGS TO DO ON MAUI (NEARLY) 7 FREE THINGS TO DO ON MAUI HAWAI'I](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1147-1440x833.jpg)
Beautiful black sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, luscious bamboo forests, and more waterfalls than you can imagine. Maui has it all, and so much more. And what’s even better? Nearly all of it is FREE! So, grab your swim suit, a towel and a fruity drink, because we’re about to take you on a journey showing you the top (nearly) 7 free things to do on Maui Hawai’i!
NAKALELE BLOWHOLE
![Nakalele Blowhole - Nakalele Point, Maui Nakalele Blowhole - Nakalele Point, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen20Shot202021-01-0420at203.50.4220PM-1440x810.jpg)
Disclaimer: If you get motion sickness when driving, or you are afraid of windy roads along cliffs, then this may not be for you. But if you can tolerate it, it’s worth it.
On the northeastern side of the island, about an hours drive north from Kahului Airport (OGG), through VERY windy roads is the Nakalele blowhole. The road leading up to and away from the blowhole is INCREDIBLY windy, and often goes down to one lane with small bridges where vehicles must take turns to pass, so be prepared to drive slow.
![Acid War Zone - Nakalele Point, Maui Acid War Zone - Nakalele Point, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1110-1440x839.jpg)
The hike down to the blowhole from the main road is a bit of a hike. And there isn’t really any signage notifying you of where the blowhole is. So it can be quite easy to pass up and never know it’s there. You will see a small pullout from the road around mile marker 38 with some open gravel area where you can park, and you may even see others parked there which is a good indicator that you’re in the right place. It is then about a 0.75mi/1.2km hike down some steep rocky hills before you will find yourself at the blowhole.
![View of coast from Nakalele Point - Maui View of coast from Nakalele Point - Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1147-1-1440x833.jpg)
To get the best experience, you’ll want to go during high-tide. This will give you the best shot of seeing the blowhole in full action. You can see current tide conditions here. BEWARE though, people have been swept away and have died as a result of getting too close to the blowhole. So PLEASE exercise caution and view from a distance.
![Heart-shaped Rock - Nakalele Point, Maui Heart-shaped Rock - Nakalele Point, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1187-1440x1079.jpg)
There used to be a heart-shaped rock near the bottom of the blowhole. Unfortunately, it has since collapsed and is no longer visible only further giving reason to not going down to the bottom (we took this photo at low tide when the water was not rushing up).
- Difficulty – Moderate to strenuous
- Amenities – None
- Time needed – 1-1.5 hours
Cost – FREE
HIKE ‘IAO VALLEY
!['Iao Needle - 'Iao Valley, Maui 'Iao Needle - 'Iao Valley, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6113-1440x1080.jpg)
Much closer, and a much easier drive from the airport, roughly 20 minutes, is ‘Iao Valley State Monument and Park. This park is both historical and sacred, being most known for the battleground where King Kamehameha I battled with Maui’s army to unite the islands in 1790. The iconic ‘Iao Needle served as a lookout point for the armies. Much of the park and it’s cliffs were used as burial grounds for royalty.
!['Iao Valley - Maui 'Iao Valley - Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6108-1-1440x1080.jpg)
Today, you can hike a short looped trail which is just under a mile long, taking you through the park and giving you incredible views of the needle, the Maui coast and beautiful flora. The only cost associated with visiting this park, is a small entrance fee and parking, which is free to locals. But $15 for most other vehicles.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Amenities – Restrooms
- Time needed – 1 hour
Cost – $5 Entry fee per person & a $10 vehicle fee
SEA TURTLES IN PA’IA
![Sea Turtles - Pa'ia, Maui Sea Turtles - Pa'ia, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1259-1440x1080.jpg)
Who doesn’t have dreams and wishes of seeing sea turtlers up close and in person?! If you have no wish in seeing them, then feel free to move along. All others, keep reading!
In Pa’ia, a short 15 minute drive from the airport, is Ho’okipa Beach. A quick Google search of places to find sea turtles on Maui, and you will find that Pa’ia is NOT generally listed. But, we can assure you, they’re there. There is a large group of turtles that in the evenings, come up to shore to rest on the beach.
There is a parking lot nearby, but this area also happens to be a big surf spot for the locals, so parking can fill up quickly. So you may want to get there a bit before sunset to make sure you get good parking if you wish to see the turtles.
Note: We don’t feel we NEED to say this, but just in case, if you happen to see the turtles, please DO NOT go up to them and touch them, touching them is actual illegal. And please don’t feed them.
Cost – FREE
ROAD TO HANA
![Road to Hana - Maui Road to Hana - Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1194-1440x1080.jpg)
DISCLAIMERS
Disclaimer #1: If you get motion sickness when driving, or you are afraid of windy roads along cliffs, then this may not be for you. But if you can tolerate it, it’s worth it.
Disclaimer #2: If you plan to do the Road to Hana, Pa’ia is the last place you’ll find most gas and convenience stores, so make your stops here before proceeding.
Disclaimer #3: If you plan to drive the ENTIRE Road to Hana (we’ll touch on this more below), the road get’s to be a bit more treacherous after passing Haleakalā National Park, and most rental car companies prohibit you from driving on the southwest side of the island due to the road conditions. If you decide to do it, make sure you have an SUV or 4×4 vehicle, and proceed at your own risk.
Disclaimer #4: Depending on where you are staying, and if you plan to drive the entire road around the island, you will want to allot 8-10 hours for this drive, and we’d recommend hitting the road no later than 6am. This will give you enough time and the best chances to make all the stops and enjoy all the views. It will also give you a better opportunity of having many of the waterfalls and spots to yourself.
THE DRIVE
![Narrow one-lane bridge - Road to Hana, Maui Narrow one-lane bridge - Road to Hana, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1246-1440x1080.jpg)
Much like the Nakalele Blowhole, the Road to Hana is incredibly windy, and often full of narrow one lane bridges. And as we mentioned above, some people tend to drive twice the speed limit, even around curves. So PLEASE exercise caution when driving. And drive only within your comfort zone. Even if people are honking behind you.
WATERFALLS
If you can tolerate the windy narrow drive, this can be one of the most amazing, and rewarding free things to do on Maui you’ll EVER experience. There are between 10-15 different waterfalls (that we know of) and endless incredible coastal views. Because there are so many pullouts and spots to see, we will simply list a few below with some quick tidbits of information. If we touched on every single one, you’d never make the end of this blog post.
TWIN FALLS
![Twin Falls - Road to Hana, Maui Twin Falls - Road to Hana, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_5832-1440x1080.jpg)
There is a bit of a short hike off the main road to get to this waterfall. You won’t find any official parking areas, just a short shoulder on the side of the road. Also, make sure to bring shoes. This is not a flip-flopping type of hike.
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Amenities – None
- Time needed – 1 hour
UPPER WAIKANA FALLS (AKA THREE BEARS)
![Upper Waikana Falls (Three Bears) - Road to Hana, Maui Upper Waikana Falls (Three Bears) - Road to Hana, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1221-1440x1080.jpg)
This waterfall is visible right from the main road, and you’ll find a small pullout on the left side of the road. There is a short and somewhat steep hike down to the base of the waterfall where you can swim should you choose to.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Amenities – None
- Time needed – 1 hour
PUA’A KA’A FALLS
![Pua'a Ka'a Falls - Road to Hana, Maui Pua'a Ka'a Falls - Road to Hana, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6005-1440x1112.jpg)
Pua’a Ka’a is park of a State Wayside and has a pullout with parking and bathrooms, we’d recommend taking the opportunity to use them.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Amenities – None
- Time needed – 1 hour
PAIHI AND WAILUA FALLS
![Wailua Falls - Road to Hana, Maui Wailua Falls - Road to Hana, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_5884-1440x1080.jpg)
Both of these waterfalls are rather close to one another, and easily accessible from the road. We’d recommend Wailua Falls, but you can very easily visit both.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Amenities – None
- Time needed – 30 minutes
BLACK SAND BEACH
![Honokalani Beach - Keawaiki Bay, Maui Honokalani Beach - Keawaiki Bay, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_5978-1440x1080.jpg)
In between Pua’a Ka’a Falls, and Wailua Falls near the Hana Airport, is Honokalani Black Sand Beach. Here you’ll find a full parking lot pullout and Waianapanapa State Park and Campground with a short hike around the Keawaiki Bay. This is easily one of the best free things to do on Maui. Trust us, spend some quality time here, it’s beautiful!
![Honokalani Beach - Keawaiki Bay, Maui Honokalani Beach - Keawaiki Bay, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_5929-1440x863.jpg)
- Difficulty – Easy
- Amenities – Restrooms and picnic areas
- Time needed – As much or as little as your heart desires!
![Ae's Thai Kitchen - Hana, Maui Ae's Thai Kitchen - Hana, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_3496-1440x1080.jpg)
By this point, probably around lunch-time and you’re almost to Hana! We’d recommend making a stop in Hana at the Ae’s Thai Kitchen. There are a few food trucks here with a number of different types of food, but trust us when we say get the Thai. You can thank us later.
HALEAKALĀ NATIONAL PARK
![Kipahulu Visitor Entrance at Haleakalā National Park - Hana, Maui Kipahulu Visitor Entrance at Haleakalā National Park - Hana, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_3522-1-1440x1080.jpg)
Haleakalā National Park has two entrances, one on the south side of the park and island at the Kipahulu Visitor Center, and the other in the center of the island outside of Kula. At this end of the park, you’ll find the Seven Sacred Pools which are tiered pools running down the Palikea Stream, a bamboo forest and the Waimoku Falls.
![](https://i2.wp.com/smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6065.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6036-1.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6079-1.jpg?ssl=1)
![Bamboo Forest - Haleakalā National Park - Hana, Maui](https://i0.wp.com/smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6055.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6046.jpg?ssl=1)
- Difficulty – Moderate to strenuous
- Amenities – Visitor center, restrooms and picnic area
- Time needed – The hike could be done in 1-2 hours depending on how much you’d like to hike and explore. If you wish to get the most of your visit, we’d recommend 2-3 hours.
Cost – FREE except Haleakalā entry fees: $30 per vehicle, or $55 Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass or $80 America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass
SUNRISE ON MT. HALEAKALĀ
![Haleakala National Park - Kula, Maui Haleakala National Park - Kula, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6106-1440x1080.jpg)
If you could ONLY pick two things to do from our list, it would be the Road to Hana, and this. This has become a must-do activity for us every time we visit. And for very good reason.
![Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park - Kula, Maui Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park - Kula, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_3621-1440x1080.jpg)
The summit of Mt. Haleakalā is over 10,000ft/3,000m above sea level. So you are quite literally above the clouds as the sun is rising. And it is one of the most magnificent sights you’ll EVER see.
![Parking lot at Haleakalā National Park Summit - Kula, Maui Parking lot at Haleakalā National Park Summit - Kula, Maui Hawa'ii](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6098-1440x723.jpg)
BE PREPARED
- It’s roughly a 3hr drive from Lahaina, which means you’ll likely need to hit the road around 2-3am depending on what time the sun is rising when you’re there.
- The drive to Kula is relatively flat and easy. We can’t say the same from that point forward. You will begin to make your trek from 3,000ft/900m up to the top. It will be dark, and it will be very windy, and you won’t be able to see the cliffs on either side of you, so drive with caution.
- Parking is very limited at the summit, and it can be VERY chilly depending on the time of year you’re there. There is an enclosed observation center, where you can stay warm, but you won’t have a great view the sunset due to the crowd of people you’ll be with. So we’d recommend getting there early to get good parking and a good spot outside of the observation center. And bring LOTS of warm clothes and blankets to stay warm.
- We’d also recommend bring a tripod to set up your camera or phone on for any video or time lapsing you’ll want to do of the sunrise. Trust us, you’ll want the video.
- If you do not have the AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL PARK PASS, there is an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle which is good for 3 days. You’ll also need to make a reservation for your sunrise visit due to the limited space and availability. Tickets are available for reservation every three days, and can be reserved HERE. Also you can see more of our National Park articles HERE.
- Difficulty – Easy (except for getting up ridiculously early!)
- Amenities – Visitor center, restrooms and picnic area
- Time needed – 8-10 hours if you include drive time
Cost – $30 per vehicle, or $55 Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass or $80 America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass
BABY BEACH
![Baby Beach - Lahaina, Maui Baby Beach - Lahaina, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6403-1440x850.jpg)
A lot of what we’ve noted above, has involved a fair amount of planning, preparation, hiking and exploring. One thing we haven’t touched on, is relaxing and enjoying the incredible Hawaiian air, beaches and water. And what better way to relax, than a free thing to do on Maui! So let’s do that next shall we?!
![Baby Beach - Lahaina, Maui Baby Beach - Lahaina, Maui Hawai'i](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6295-1440x1080.jpg)
And Baby Beach is a PERFECT place for this. The beach is just off of Front Street just north of the downtown Lahaina area. Here you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach and crystal clear water. Bring an umbrella, plenty of sunscreen and some delicious Cutwater Mai Tais (and water to stay hydrated) and you have yourself the perfect setting for a beautifully relaxing day!
Cost – FREE
WALKING FRONT STREET
![Front Street - Lahaina, Maui via GoHawaii.com Front Street - Lahaina, Maui via GoHawaii.com](https://smilkoslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/02166-Maui-Events-2-1440x895.jpg)
Once you’re done relaxing at Baby Beach, and are ready for some dinner and nightlife, you’re only walking distance (or a VERY short drive) from downtown Lahaina where you’ll find a plethora of restaurants and shops. From Cheeseburger in Paradise, to Bubba Gump Shrimp, to Lahaina Pizza Company, there’s something for everyone here. And then cap off the day with some Shaved ice. That’s right, I said SHAVED. It’s apparently called SHAVE ice, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. It is in fact, shaved ice that you’ll be eating.
Cost – FREE except for any shopping
(NEARLY) 7 FREE THINGS TO DO ON MAUI HAWAI’I
We hope these (nearly) 7 free things to do on Maui have given you some inspiration for a trip of your own to Maui. Follow these 7 activities, and you will have quite literally covered every inch of the island. Or at the very least, you’ll leave feeling like you made the most of your trip.
- (NEARLY) 7 FREE THINGS TO DO ON KAUA’I HAWAI’I
- (NEARLY) 7 FREE THINGS TO DO ON HAWAI’I ISLAND HAWAI’I
- 8 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU HAWAI’I
- HOW TO PICK WHICH HAWAIIAN ISLAND TO VISIT
If you aren’t following us on Instagram, check us out there as this will be the best place to follow our van life journey and adventure!
Thanks for stopping by!
Ryan & Katy