Kahului HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kahului, Hawaii.
1. Maui Swap Meet
VIBRANT LOCAL MARKET EXPERIENCE
Maui Swap Meet is a bustling Saturday market featuring handmade crafts, vintage goods, and local produce. Visitors can enjoy a diverse shopping experience with unique food options amid a variety of vendors. The market showcases authentic Hawaiian culture and products made by local artisans.
2. West Maui Circle Drive
BREATHTAKING COASTAL SCENERY
West Maui Circle Drive is a picturesque scenic route offering stunning views of Maui's coastline. The drive takes travelers through winding roads with dramatic ocean vistas and lush mountainscapes. Adventurous travelers should be cautious around blind corners where the road occasionally narrows to a single lane.
3. Maui Arts & Cultural Center
CULTURAL HUB AND ENTERTAINMENT
Maui Arts & Cultural Center is a world-class performing and visual arts center located in Kahului. The center offers a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can experience both traditional Hawaiian arts and contemporary performances in this vibrant cultural hub.
4. Kanaha Beach Park
WINDSURFING PARADISE BEACH
Kanaha Beach Park is a popular recreational area known for its excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions. The beach attracts both locals and tourists who enjoy picnics along the shore while watching the colorful sails on the water. Its convenient location near Kahului Airport makes it an accessible first or last stop for visitors to Maui.
5. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
NATIVE HAWAIIAN PLANT SANCTUARY
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens showcases native Hawaiian plants and traditional cultural practices in a serene setting. Visitors can learn about indigenous plant species and their historical uses in Hawaiian culture. The garden serves as both an educational resource and a conservation site for rare native flora.
6. The Skyline Trail
ADVENTUROUS MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Skyline Trail offers adventurous visitors a thrilling biking experience with panoramic views of Maui's diverse landscapes. Winding through varying elevations, the trail provides both challenging sections for experienced riders and more moderate portions accessible to intermediate cyclists. The route is renowned for its breathtaking vistas stretching from mountain to ocean.
7. Maui Mall
CONTEMPORARY SHOPPING DESTINATION
Maui Mall is a convenient shopping center offering a variety of retail stores, dining options, and services in Kahului. The mall features both local shops and well-known national brands, providing a comfortable indoor shopping experience. Visitors appreciate the air-conditioned environment for a break from beach activities and the opportunity to pick up essentials or souvenirs.
8. Nisei Veterans Memorial Center
HONORING JAPANESE-AMERICAN HEROES
The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center pays tribute to Japanese-American veterans who served in World War II despite facing prejudice at home. The center houses historical exhibits, photographs, and personal stories documenting the remarkable courage and patriotism of these soldiers. Visitors gain insight into an important chapter of Hawaiian and American history through thoughtfully curated displays and educational programs.
9. Ho'okipa Beach Park
LEGENDARY SURFING SPOT
Ho'okipa Beach Park is world-renowned as one of Maui's premier windsurfing and surfing destinations. The beach offers spectacular views of professional surfers riding impressive waves alongside the opportunity to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles that regularly come ashore. Visitors can enjoy the excitement from observation points along the cliffs or explore the beautiful sandy beach when conditions permit.
10. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
PLANTATION HISTORY PRESERVED
The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum chronicles Maui's rich sugar plantation history that shaped the island's development. Exhibits feature authentic equipment, photographs, and personal accounts from workers who were part of the once-thriving industry. The museum provides valuable context for understanding Maui's multicultural heritage and economic evolution over the past century.
11. Iao Valley State Park
SACRED NATURAL WONDER
Iao Valley State Park is home to the iconic Iao Needle, a striking 1,200-foot natural rock formation surrounded by lush rainforest. The park holds deep cultural significance as the site of a historic battle in 1790 that played a crucial role in King Kamehameha's unification of the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors can explore well-maintained walking paths that offer spectacular views of the emerald peaks and learn about the area's ecological and cultural importance.
12. Maui Lani Golf Course
CHALLENGING DUNES GOLF
Maui Lani Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts a unique playing experience designed around natural sand dunes. The course features challenging holes with dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. Golfers appreciate the well-maintained fairways and the distinctive layout that incorporates the natural terrain of central Maui.
13. Waihee Coastal Dunes and Wetlands
PRISTINE CONSERVATION AREA
Waihee Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Preserve protects one of Hawaii's largest remaining dune systems and important wetland habitats. The area offers hiking trails through diverse ecosystems where visitors might spot endangered Hawaiian birds and native plant species. The preserve combines beautiful coastal scenery with significant ecological and archaeological sites, including ancient Hawaiian settlements.
14. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
BIRD WATCHERS' PARADISE
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge provides a protected habitat for native Hawaiian waterbirds and migratory species. The refuge features a boardwalk and viewing platforms where visitors can observe endangered species like the Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian coot in their natural environment. The wetland setting with mountain backdrops creates excellent photography opportunities and a peaceful nature experience near Kahului.
15. Road to Hana Adventure
LEGENDARY SCENIC JOURNEY
The Road to Hana Adventure begins in Kahului and takes travelers on one of Hawaii's most famous scenic drives along Maui's eastern coastline. The journey features breathtaking ocean views, lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and numerous opportunities to experience authentic Hawaiian culture. Many visitors choose guided tours departing from Kahului to enjoy the iconic route without the stress of navigating its 600+ curves and 50+ bridges.