5 Maui Towns Worth Visiting

Typical visitor experiences are great if you want to check out the natural aspects of Maui, but to take your journey to new depths and capture the lifestyle of the island, the best thing to do is visit the towns. Each town has its own unique contribution to the overall magical experience of Maui and the state as a whole.

Let’s take a closer look at the 5 Maui towns that are 100% worth visiting.

Kahului

Kahului is an easily accessible town thanks to the main airport located there. It is also known as the principal shopping and commercial district, so if you’re looking to find some Hawaiian trinkets and favors, this should be your go-to destination.

Here, you will find Maui Swap Meet that boasts over 200 vendors with various interesting wares and services. They have everything from relaxing hand massages to intricate collectibles and some of the most delicious, fresh and locally-grown produce.

Kahului is also home to the Maui Sunday Market, where you can experience a lovely collection of live music, tasty take-out foods, and locally grown and handmade items.

While visiting Kahului, don’t forget to stop by the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary. You will find some of the most beautiful native plants and wildlife, so get your camera ready for that unique Instagram photo.

The botanical garden even comes with a free audio guide to understand the uses of each native plant and how they are dedicated to protecting these Hawaiian and Polynesian plants.

Pa’ia

Are you interested in windsurfing? Then head on over to Pa’ia (specifically Ho’okipa Beach Park) on the northern coast of Maui. This area is known as the windsurfing capital of the world and for a good reason, too. Active tourists won’t want to miss this spot!

Aside from a thrilling windsurfing experience, Pa’ia also has the Maui Dharma Center, which features The Great Paia Lha Bab Peace Stupa. This intricate structure is dedicated to the late Venerable Lama Tenzin, the center’s first full-time resident spiritual director.

If that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, a few other fascinating points you won’t want to skip include the Sacred Garden of Maliko and the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center.

Kula

Kula is known as the center of Upcountry Maui and the home of Kula Lodge, where you will not only experience some of the best local fares but enjoy breathtaking views of Maui, too.

When you’re done enjoying your meal at Kula Lodge, head on over to Maui Wine (formerly Tedeschi Winery). On the menu is their famous Pineapple Wine that will certainly appease your palette, as well as other traditional wine favorites crafted directly from grapes grown in volcanic soil.

Before your trip comes to an end, don’t forget to visit the Enchanted Flower Gardens of Kula and the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. The flower garden boasts eight acres displaying over 1,500 species of gorgeous tropical and semi-tropical plants and flowers worldwide.

On the other hand, the lavender farm is a great place to head to if you want to enlighten your senses. There are over 55,000 lavender plants and 20 varieties of lavender to enjoy, relax, and rejuvenate.

Makawao

Makawao is the place to be if you’re looking to experience the Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) lifestyle. That’s because this quaint old cowboy town is dominated by tons of farms, ranches, and interesting shops and galleries that showcase the town’s history. It also offers the Makawao Forest Reserve, a top-notch area for seven different stunning hiking trails.

In Makawao, you can get your hands on some delectable baked goods with an island twist from Komoda Bakery. But make sure you get there early. These sensational baked goods tend to sell out early in the day!

When you’re done munching on your island treats, head on over to Hot Island Glass. This unique art gallery allows visitors to see artists create beautiful pieces of artwork utilizing a glass-blowing method.

Tip: If you’re lucky enough to visit Makawao in July, make sure to stop by the largest rodeo event of the year.

Lahaina

Last on your must-see list is Lahaina, which was once a busy whaling port and royal Hawaiian power seat. Today, it is home to a plethora of historical sights, including the Lahaina Historical Walking Tour, which covers 28 of the best historical sites in town. We’ve written about Lahaina in our previous blog post here. Check it out for more details about the walking tour.

During your journey, you will come across Front Street, where most of the action occurs. Here, you will find world-class restaurants with tremendous dishes and various unique gift shops and galleries.

Visiting Maui is a must, and these five Maui towns should rank highly on your must-see list. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, delicious foods and treats, or want to take a walking tour, all is possible in these incredible towns. If you want to go on a tour that covers most of these towns, check out our Best of Maui Tour. It’s a comprehensive tour that takes you to various parts of Maui, from Haleakala to the ‘Iao Needle and everything in between.