They say that the best things in life are free, and that is certainly true of many wonderful activities in Hawaii. If you are looking for free (or nearly free) things to do in Maui and Kihei, you’ve come to the right place. From beaches and scenic drives, to watching wildlife and sunrise summits, there's plenty to do if you are on a budget.
Beaches
Going to the beach in Hawaii is one of the most quintessential free activities. Grab your swimsuit, boogie board, or snorkel gear and hit the surf. Kihei has over six miles of gorgeous beaches, easily accessible from our vacation rentals.
Kamaole Beach Parks
This beautiful beach has magnificent views of the Lanai, Molokini, and Kaho’olawe islands. The beach is broken up into three stretches which have the endearing nicknames of Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III. You can access the beaches via South Kihei Road.
These beaches are perfect for boogie-boarding and body surfing. They also happen to be some of the best places in Kihei to take in a sunset swim.
There are some jagged rock formations that separate the beaches. The rocky outcroppings are the best for snorkeling as they are home to lots of the marine life. You might even see some Hawaiian green sea turtles!
Kamaole Beach Parks are family friendly and offer full facilities, such as public restrooms and showers, lifeguards on duty, a playground, and more.
Kalepolepo Beach
If you prefer a more secluded location, Kalepolepo beach is the spot for you. This quiet beach is away from the action, and most of the traffic comes from locals. Kalepolepo is also home to an ancient historical site, too! Native Hawaiians used stones to create a shallow “Ko’ie’ie” pond for fishing. You can still see the fishing pond wall today, in fact it makes a great spot for children to swim.
If you’re hungry, bring along some food and use the BBQs and picnic tables that are available to the public.
Located: S Kihei Rd &, Kaonoulu St, Kihei, HI 96753
Wildlife
Hawaii is full of wildlife and nature waiting for you to appreciate.
Whale Watching from Shore
There is prime whale watching in Maui, but did you know that you can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures from the beach? The best time to go whale-watching is between December and April when the whales are migrating.
If you’d like to learn more about marine wildlife, visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitors Center in Kihei. This visitor’s center is free to enter and a wonderful way to learn about whales. It’s also a spot where you can look out for whales as they breach.
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitors Center
Located: 726 South Kīhei Road, Kīhei, Maui, Hawaiʻi 96753
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a free wildlife refuge that helps to protect Hawaii’s native vegetation and remove invasive species. Visit and discover Maui’s wildlife just a short drive from the doorstep of your vacation rental. Go bird-watching, take photos, and learn about all the efforts being made to restore Hawaii’s native flora and fauna.
Feel free to walk the coastal boardwalk, open seven days a week from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM (including federal holidays). Stop into the visitor center, then hit the Kanuimanu Dike trail which is 1.34 miles long. There are thousands of native birds, plants, insects, and other forms of wildlife that you can walk amongst at this wildlife refuge.
Located: Milepost 6, Maui Veterans Highway Kihei, HI 96753
Trails and Drives
If you love an adventure, then embark on two iconic Hawaiian scenic drives.
Road to Hana
If you’ve rented a car to use during your stay, driving the Road to Hana is a Maui-must! Spanning 64 miles, this scenic highway weaves through the rainforest, over dozens of one-lane bridges, past waterfalls, a black sand beach, and much more.
Driving the entire Road to Hana can take up to eight hours, maybe more when you factor in all the places you’ll want to stop and see along the way. Luckily, there’s a shorter route that only takes a few hours and is still packed with free things to do!
Whether you’re doing the full or partial trip, you’ll want to head 25 minutes north of Kihei to Paia to start your journey. Some of the first places you’ll want to see are:
- Twin Falls – Grab some candy or fresh sugarcane juice from the farm stand and enjoy a short hike to the lower falls
- Huelo Lookout – Incredible views of East Maui
- Garden of Eden – Stroll the arboretum and pause for a moment at the reflection pond
- Ke’anae Peninsula – The ideal turnaround spot for the shorter trip, the peninsula has another arboretum to explore, and you can grab fresh banana bread and other treats from Aunty Sandie’s before stretching your legs on the beach before your return trip to Kihei
Before you decide if you’ll do the whole route, it’s important to mention the road to Hana can be intimidating at times, so being a confident driver is key. You’ll also want a full tank of gas and plenty of snacks, regardless of how long you’ll be on the road.
Located: Lower Pāʻia Park, 19 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779 (Then head East on State Hwy 36/Hana Hwy)
Haleakalā Sunrise Summit Trip
Perhaps we’ve saved the best for last. At 10,023 feet above sea level, Haleakalā is Maui’s highest peak, and is part of Haleakalā National Park (which has its own entrance fee of $15-$30 and numerous hiking trails). For the price of $1 you can reserve a spot and watch the sunrise from this magnificent dormant volcano. Make your reservations up to 60 days in advance, though, as it tends to fill up fast. Tickets are per vehicle, not per person, which is extra affordable. Bring warm clothes, as it can often drop to below freezing at the top of the summit. But once you’re there, enjoy the extraordinary sunrise.
Located: Kula, HI 96790
Where does the Road to Hana begin?
There are many opinions out there about where the road begins, but for the sake of this guide we will send you to the seaside town of Pa’ia.
Located: Lower Pāʻia Park, 19 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779. (Then head East on State Hwy 36/Hana Hwy)
How much is the reservation for the Haleakalā Sunrise Summit?
The reservation is just $1, and it’s for each vehicle. Make sure to book your reservations up to 60 days in advance, though.
Cultural Activities and Souvenir Shopping
Everywhere you go in Maui you can appreciate Hawaiian heritage and explore local stores selling affordable trinkets.
The Shops at Wailea
A short drive from all of our vacation rentals are the Shops at Wailea. You can enjoy free activities such as Lei making workshops, ukulele lessons, coconut husking, a Polynesian show, and an island wood carving demonstration. Wander around the stores and window shop, or bring home a souvenir.
Located: 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753
Ready to Book a Vacation Rental in Maui?
Featured Vacation Rental: Hale Kihei
Now that you have an idea of all the fun, free things to do in Maui and Kihei, it's time to book your vacation rental! At Bello Realty, Inc., you'll find stunning properties that range from beachfront condos to expansive private homes perfect for your stay.
Each of our Kihei vacation rentals comes outfitted with a fully equipped kitchen so you can save money by cooking at home. Plus, when you book directly, you'll have peace of mind knowing you got the best rate on your stay by avoiding the third-party fees of places like Airbnb or Vrbo.
So what are you waiting for? Browse our full inventory of Kihei vacation rentals and find your dream getaway today!
Show Me All Kihei Vacation Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Things to Do in Maui
Is there free parking at Kamaole beach?
Yes, there is free parking at Kamaole Beach.
Are there life guards at Maui Beaches?
Not all Maui beaches have life guards on duty, but Kamaole beach does.
Are there any free activities or live entertainment near Kihei?
Yes! Visit the Shops at Wailea. You can find things to do such as Polynesian dance shows, lei making, and more.