Maui, Hawaii – home to beautiful beaches, rolling rivers, national parks, and views that’ll make even the most experienced of travelers sit and take stock.
Maui, or ‘The Valley Isle’ is best known for its beaches, wildlife, and cuisine. Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find no shortage of things to fall in love with in Maui.
With a plethora of adventure opportunities at your feet, you may even find yourself spoilt for choice!
If you’re planning to make the most of all things Maui, sit back, relax, and let us walk you through some of the most exciting free things to do in Maui. (That’s right – no cash required).
Guided Walking Tours
With so many awe-inspiring views at your feet, why not take a guided walking tour to make the most of the sights?
Not all walking tours in Maui are free, but you’ll find plenty that are.
Most guided walking tours offer around three hours to take in the sights.
Depending on the tour you choose, you could get to visit some of Maui’s most famous landmarks and cultural spots, including:
The Baldwin Home Museum
The Taro Patch
The Hauola Stone
The Banyan Tree
Wailea Beach
…and more!
If you want your trip to Maui to be all about sightseeing and history, a guided walking tour may be the perfect activity for you.
Remember: not all guided walking tours are free. However, there are several free tours run by locals that can take you through some of Maui’s most famous spots!
Whale Watching
Maui is famous for its humpback whales – so why not go and see them for yourself?
The best time to catch a glimpse of Maui’s humpback whales is between November and May. During this time, thousands of humpback whales enter Maui’s waters to begin their winter migration.
You won’t need to spend a cent on seeing these beautiful creatures. Instead, simply find a good spot on the beach, relax, and keep your eyes open.
If you want to improve your chances of seeing a humpback whale, try visiting some of Maui’s humpback whale hotspots:
Makena Beach
Kamaole Park I, II, and III
McGregor Point Lookout
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
Visit A Winery
Though Maui may not be considered your typical wine country, it boasts several homegrown wineries with breathtaking views.
MauiWine (formerly Tedeschi Winery) is one of Maui’s best-loved wineries. It can be found hidden in the slopes of Haleakala, or the East Maui Volcano, which forms more than 75% of the island.
Your trip to MauiWine will be just as rewarding as your visit to the winery.
With breathtaking views at the wineries ranch, you’ll be able to take in the sweeping ocean and mountains from east to west and feel the warm mountain air around you.
If you want to drink the wine from the vineyards, you’ll have to pay by the glass. However, you are free to roam the surroundings at no cost.
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
If you love all things wildlife-related, why not take a trip to the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
This hidden treasure is completely free, and the refuge boasts plenty of coastal salt marsh for you to explore.
The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge homes the endangered Hawaiian coot and Hawaiian stilt, and all in all, it’s every bird watcher’s paradise.
In fact, Kealia pond has the highest diversity of birds in the whole of Maui! This 704-acre protected refuge sits just across from Kealia Beach, which is also home to the endangered hawksbill turtle.
Take a stroll through the brushy, weedy margins of the pond and follow the scenic trails to discover some of Maui’s most beautiful birds, and soak in the sights of the island while you’re at it!
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Wai’anapanapa (which also means ‘glistening waters’) is one of Maui’s most famous tourist attractions.
This beautiful state park boasts black sand beaches, caves, and some of the most unique sights you’ll see in the whole of Maui.
This state park is home to a volcanic sand beach, as well as various seabirds, natural stone arches, blowholes, and lava tubes.
Its rugged shoreline stretches out for miles, and if you fancy a swim, you’re free to do so!
This is a great place for the whole family, and you won’t need to spend a cent to enjoy it (unless you want to).
Cabin rentals, campervan camping, and tent camping are available if you never want to leave, but you’re just as free to visit for the day, hike around, and enjoy the views.
See An Island Celebration
Fancy something a little different? Why not see if you can catch an island celebration during your trip to Maui?
Island celebrations include:
The East Maui Taro Festival (at the end of April)
The Olukai Ho’olaule’a Festival (in mid-May)
Maui County Agricultural Festival (the beginning of April)
Maui Onion Festival (no set date)
Kapalua Wine and Food Festival (no set date)
These celebrations and festivals will give you a chance to Hula dance, enjoy artistic performances, try new cuisine, play the drums, and so much more.
You’ll find a celebration for everyone – from solo travelers and couples to families and friendship groups.
There’s nothing quite like a Maui island celebration to bring everyone together, even if you’re on a budget!
Live Music
You don’t always have to pay to enjoy live music.
Maui has a rich, vibrant culture, and you’ll often find live music in the most unlikely of places! You don’t have to visit a restaurant or a concert to enjoy the talents of Maui’s musicians.
Make your way to the Baldwin Home Museum on the last Thursday night of each month, and you’ll find a free concert under the stars between 6 to 7:30 pm.
Find a beautiful spot on the lawns or the beach, and kick back and relax with the people you love for an unforgettable evening of music. This is not one to be missed!
Final Thoughts
The best things in life are free, and Maui’s vibrant selection of free attractions goes to show it.
You don’t need to come armed with an endless budget to have a good time – simply explore the island, take in the views, listen to music, and dance the night away.
Hi, my name is Richard Ennis and I have been to Hawaii eleven times so far. I have always been fascinated with the world of Hawaii, ever since I was a young boy learning about it in school.
So, please enjoy my website and marvel at the state of Hawaii - if I convince you to plan your own trip out there, hope to see you soon!
