Beyond the Beach: Best Relaxing Activities to Do on Maui

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When most people think of a trip to Maui, lounging on sun-kissed beaches with a full cooler in reach often comes to mind. No shame if you’re a kick-back-underneath-a-palm-tree type of vacationer, but if you’re open to dive deeper, beyond the beach chair, then you’re in for a treat. This guide is your gateway to discovering Maui’s top relaxing activities.

1. Indulge in World Class Spa Treatments

Maui’s a great place to slow down, and there’s no better way to do that than with a good spa day. Whether you’re into deep-tissue massages, facials, or just want to float between steam rooms and saunas for a few hours, there’s a mix of options, from low-key spots to full-on luxury resort experiences.

If you want to splurge a little, look for spas that do massages in a hale—those traditional thatched huts that are sometimes open-air with ocean views. Total bliss.

And many spa treatments on Maui incorporate locally sourced ingredients such as coffee or cane sugar scrubs, pineapple and papaya enzyme facials, and lavender aromatherapy.

Popular resort spas to consider:

• Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea Resort
• Spa Montage at Kapalua Bay
• Ritz Carlton Spa, Kapalua
• Heavenly Spa at The Westin Resort

📖 Related Read: Visiting a Maui spa is just one of the many incredible experiences highlighted in my 41 Best Things to Do on Maui guide. Be sure to check it out for even more ideas to make the most of your trip!

2. Stroll Through Lush Botanical Gardens

Take a leisurely walk through some of Maui’s beautiful gardens, where you can immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant flora. The fragrant air, colorful blooms, and tranquil settings create a perfect atmosphere for relaxation and reflection.

• South Maui Gardens (hidden gem): Sip coffee and wander the gravel paths among orchids and native plants under the shade of palm trees. Then, grab lunch at their food truck park and enjoy a show.
• Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens: A multicultural garden by Iao Stream showcasing Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, and Portuguese landscapes.
• Sacred Garden of Maliko: A charming plant nursery and tranquil retreat in Maui’s Upcountry with labyrinth paths, meditation areas, and lush greenery.

📖 Related Read: All of these places are free entry, if you looking for more free things to do on the island check out, this post.

3. Practice Yoga and Meditation

Nothing compares to the peacefulness of a yoga class with the gentle sound of waves in the background and the ocean breeze on your skin.

Maui has fantastic yoga classes all over the island; many hotels and resorts offer beachfront sessions, and charming studios are usually just a short drive away.

• Maui Yoga Path (Kihei)
• Lumeria Retreat Center (Makawao): They also offer meditation, sound baths, breathwork classes, and much more.
• South Maui Gardens (Kihei): Classes are free (donation-based) and usually held every Friday.
• Maui Beach Yoga: Location varies.

📖 Related Read: Top Things to Do in Kihei, Maui: Beaches, Water Sports, and Local Gems

4. Journey into Maui’s Agricultural Heartland

While Maui’s beaches are the destination’s most visited attraction, the often overlooked Upcountry region near the center of the island is a peaceful escape into the island’s thriving agricultural landscape.

There are so many great farms on Maui. Here are a few popular ones:

• O’o Farm
  Tucked into the slopes of Haleakala, this farm has two of the most delicious and educational experiences on the island: a coffee & brunch tour and a farm-to-table lunch tour. You’ll learn about regenerative farming while walking through their orchards and gardens, and then enjoy a multi-course meal prepared right on-site using the day’s bounty.
• Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate
  Actually located in West Maui, this farm will take you on a sensory journey starting from cacao cultivation to artisanal chocolate tastings. And if you’re looking for something else to do after your tour, I highly recommend checking out their Sunset Jazz Show on Sundays.
• Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
  You can wander through their lavender fields, especially beautiful in late summer at peak bloom, or enjoy their year-round botanical garden. Browse their gift shop stocked with lavender goodies—lotions, soaps, jams, and more. And if you have time, grab a cup of lavender tea and a scone to enjoy on their back patio.

📖 Related Read: 25 Best Things To Do in Upcountry Maui: A Local’s Guide (+Map)

5. Take a Sunset Cruise

There’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon while you’re out on the water. Maui has many sunset cruises, ranging from intimate sailboats to larger catamarans. These cruises often include live music, drinks, pupus (appetizers), or even a full dinner.

I’ve listed some popular operators below:

• Kai Kanani
• Trilogy Excursions
• Sea Maui
• Alii Nui Sailing Charters

📖 Related Read: Most Romantic Things to Do on Maui: 22 Date Ideas for Couples

6. Get Inspired by Local Music

Maui’s vibrant music scene is perfect for those looking to relax and soak in some culture. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues where you can listen to local musicians.

Here are just some of the places where you can enjoy live music:

• Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC): Large performance venue in Kahului
• South Maui Gardens: Food truck park and plant nursery in Kihei
• Mulligans on the Blue: Open-air Irish-American restaurant in Wailea
• Shops at Wailea: Shopping center in Wailea

🔆 Tip: You can check out the websites linked above for details on upcoming shows or visit Mana’o Radio’s Music2Nite calendar—it doesn’t cover every show, but it’s a great jumping-off point.

📖 Related Read: For more live music options, check out my blog post on Top Authentic Things to Do on Maui for a Culturally-Rich Vacation.

7. Sample Maui’s Craft Scene

Embark on a journey through Maui’s diverse craft offerings, where breweries, distilleries, and wineries invite you to savor their creations amidst breathtaking island backdrops.

• Ocean Vodka Farm and Distillery
  Every visitor I’ve taken here has absolutely loved this place! Savor organic vodka made from sugarcane and deep ocean mineral water plus other premium spirits. Their expansive lawn is a great place to relax while you eat, drink, and take in a stellar Upcountry sunset. 
• Maui Brewery Co.
  Sip handcrafted beers from Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. There are three locations on Maui (Kihei, Ka’anapali, and Kahana). The Kihei one is the most popular, and it’s the only one that offers tours.
• Hali’imaile Distillery
  This distillery makes small-batch spirits like Pau Maui Vodka, crafted from local pineapples. And they offer short tours and tastings if you’re curious about the process.
  Make a day of it by touring the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm just across the street, visiting Makai Glass Studio next door, and enjoying a meal at the Hali’imaile General Store (their pineapple upside-down cake is a must!).
• MauiWine
  For a taste of Upcountry’s unexpected wine scene, head to MauiWine, known for its pineapple wines and historic estate. The standard tasting is simple but enjoyable. For a more in-depth experience, consider booking one of their guided tasting options. Walk-ins are welcome, but I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time.

📖 Related Read: If you’re interested in other culinary experiences, check out A Foodie’s Guide to Maui: Farm Tours and Culinary Delights.

8. Explore Maui’s Scenic Walking Trails

Maui’s long, golden sand beaches are perfect for leisurely strolls, but this island also has some fantastic walking trails.

I always take visiting family and friends on at least one of these walks:

• Kapalua Coastal Trail
  This two mile trail (one way) is packed with epic scenery—cliffs, beaches, lava rocks, tide pools, the works. Perfect for any fitness level and a great spot to snap some gorgeous photos. Also, check out the Dragon’s Teeth Trail for a fun, short add-on nearby.
• Ka’anapali Beachwalk
  Perfect for a relaxed walk along the shoreline, this path is lined with resorts and has easy access to several shops and restaurants.
• Wailea Beach Path
  Enjoy panoramic ocean views along this well-maintained path, which meanders past luxury resorts and four of Maui’s beautiful southern beaches.

📖 Related Read: These three coastal walks are part of my Ultimate Maui Itinerary. Check it out for more ideas on how to explore Maui’s stunning coastline and beyond.

9. Indulge in Retail Therapy

From charming local markets to unique town shops, Maui has a variety of shopping options that cater to all tastes.

Wander through the island’s vibrant shopping districts, where you can find everything from handmade crafts and local art to unique souvenirs and fresh produce:

• Maui Swap Meet
  Held every Saturday in Kahului, this bustling market is perfect for finding unique local crafts and island-inspired gifts.
• Upcountry Farmer’s Market
  This is my favorite farmer’s market on Maui. It’s a large market where you can find plenty of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts every Saturday morning.
• Paia Town
  This bohemian, surfer town is filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and local eateries, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind treasures.
• Whalers Village
  Located in Ka’anapali, this is an open-air shopping center with a variety of shops and restaurants that are just mere steps from the beach.

📖 Related Read: Maui Shopping Guide: Best Souvenirs & Where to Shop Local

10. Engage in Cultural and Creative Workshops

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture and unleash your creativity, sign up for a workshop. Maui has a ton of options, everything from traditional Hawaiian arts to contemporary crafts.

Places to check out:

• The Shops at Wailea: Free art classes, cultural workshops, and live entertainment that celebrate Hawaiian traditions.
• Maui Nui Botanical Gardens: Workshops focused on native Hawaiian plants, traditional uses, and conservation efforts.
• Whalers Village: Free lei-making classes, ukulele lessons, and hula dancing sessions.
• Hui No‘eau Arts Center: This organization teaches a wide range of classes in painting, ceramics, printing making, and more on a beautiful Upcountry historic estate.

📖 Related Read: Best Workshops, Lessons, and Classes on Maui: 22 Hands-On Experiences You’ll Never Forget

Discover Maui at Your Own Pace

Whether you’re on a honeymoon, a family vacation, or something in-between, there are plenty of ways to unwind on Maui. Just remember not to overbook your schedule. Jam-packed itineraries can turn a vacation into a marathon. Give yourself time to soak in the island’s beauty.

And to help you plan your perfect, stress-free getaway, don’t forget to check out my digital travel map of Maui. It has everything from this post (and tons more) in one easy-to-use map that you can pull up on your phone. It’s fully integrated with Google Maps for seamless navigation, so you can spend less time planning and more time making memories.

Mahalo for reading, and I hope you have an amazing time on Maui!