Maui’s Top 10 off the beaten path
Make your next vacation in Hawaii the best that it can be, and enjoy all of the special nooks and crannies that Maui has to offer. Arm yourself with the invaluable and up-to-date insider’s knowledge that this article provides. Soon you will be able to trek off the beaten path with confidence and explore paradise to its fullest!
Create incredible vacation memories that will last a lifetime. Allow us to be your guide through the top remote activities and best kept Maui secrets, so that you and your family can safely maximize all of the fun and adventure that Maui has to offer. A hui hou!
Sacred Garden of Maliko
The Sacred Garden of Maliko is a sweet Maui gem, and a perfectly peaceful Hawaiian hideaway. Operated by the Divine Nature Alliance 501(c) 3 Charity, this place offers guests a vacation experience like no other on Maui. At the Sacred Garden of Maliko, visitors can unwind and relax in an environment built upon the philosophy of cherishing Hawaiian flora and fauna.
Paako Cove aka Secret Beach
Paako Cove, also known as Secret Beach in Makena, is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii. In fact, though it is seldom visited, it’s the most popularly photographed beach in all of Hawaii. When you travel to the South Side of Maui, head towards Makena Beach and park at the 3rd (last) entrance.
Makaluapuna Point
aka "Dragon's Teeth"
Mauiʻs “Dragon’s Teeth” is one of Hawaiiʻs most fantastical geological marvels!
With a coastal landscape thatʻs been sculpted by nature into jagged, tooth-like formations, this sweet spot is found at Makaluapuna Point in Kapalua. The unique lava formations at this locale resemble the serrated jaws of a dragon (hence the nickname). Formed centuries ago by the forceful clash of wind and waves against molten lava, the result is a dramatic landscape that captures the raw natural beauty of Maui.
aka "Dragon's Teeth"
Hale Ho’omana Spa
Just up Piiholo Road on the slopes of Mt. Haleakala, there lies a true Maui gem. The Hale Ho’omana Spa is a rare and sweet private spa and retreat center that is Hawaiian owned and operated. The staff here specializes in organic spa treatments, ancient Hawaiian healing therapies and spa products.
Nakalele Blowhole
Just off Highway 30 in West Maui, there is a spectacular natural wonder called the Nakalele Blowhole. It is the result of a deteriorating shoreline below a lava shelf. Each wave of water is pushed into a hole in the lava, and over time this creates a geyser-like phenomenon.
Paia Stupa
When you venture out to the North Shore of Maui, make sure to check out the historical Town of Paia. Once upon a time, this area was an agricultural town centered around Hawaiian sugarcane business. These days, Paia is a funky little bohemian beach village! It’s full of an amazing assortment of boutiques, art galleries, surf shops, and restaurants. Visitors to Paia should definitely seek out the Maui Dharma Center on Baldwin Avenue.
The Makawao Forest aka Kahakapao Trail
Visit Maui’s enchanted Makawao Forest for a calm walk through the woods, an adventurous hike through nature, or a thrilling bike ride in Hawaii. While hiking or biking on Maui, you will be gifted with a truly sensational experience. This is especially true while journeying through the Kahakapao Trail.
Hui No’eau Maui Visual Arts Center
The Hui No’eau Maui Visual Arts Center can be found in Upcountry Maui. It is a wonderful artistic organization that offers space for arts and cultural studies in Maui. The center is a historic Hawaiian estate with deep roots in Maui’s colonial past. Founder Ethel Baldwin commissioned the “Kaluanui Estate” building project to be done by C.W. Dickey. It was completed in 1917.
ONO Organic Farms (aka Maui Exotic Fruit Farm)
ONO Organic Farms of Maui is certified by the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association, or HOFA. They are also a partner of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or NRCS. Ono Farms is family owned and cultivates a wide array of rare tropical fruits and vegetables, chocolate, and Hawaiian coffee.
Kaupo Store
The Kaupo Store is found along Highway 31 on Maui, right at Mile Marker 35. It is a historical Maui landmark, and it was initially opened by merchant Nicholas Soon in 1925. Back then, the Kaupo Store was your typical country-style Hawaiian general store. It was one of the only places on the map of the coastal fishing village of Kaupo. This store is where nearby residents and farmers could buy supplies and place catalog orders.
What are your favorite Maui gems?
Mahalo for reading Maui’s Top 10 Hidden Gems! We hope that you have enjoyed learning more about this selection of the best vacation activities in Maui.