Local favorites off the brochure in Maui
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Maui? If you like the idea of snorkeling over coral gardens, getting artsy sketching by tide pools, or daring yourself to try cliff jumping at Black Rock, Maui is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from waterfall mist to sunset swells and give you a vivid taste of Maui's rich culture and natural splendor.
Matt, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Matt was born and raised on Oahu and currently makes the North Shore playground his home. He has lived in four states, half a dozen countries, and more houses across Oahu than he can remember. Each move requires relocating something like 40 surf, foil, and paddle boards and the sobering realization that they all have to fit somewhere. He is an adventure journalist, backcountry snowboarder, rock climber, mountain biker, and relentless swell tracker who loves scouting out obscure waves in far-flung corners of the world. Favorite constants include swell checks, tide charts, and vegan sushi at Tane. At Snappy Scout, Matt edits Hawaii guides with saltwater honesty and local precision.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Maui?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
Snorkel Molokini Crater, in water as clear as Windex, with turtles photobombing.
When the gals come to town for the weekend
Sunset sail from Maalaea, mai tais, gossip louder than the trade wind.
Rainy, dreary day
Maui Ocean Center aquarium, sharks circling like stern museum curators.
Intellectually stimulating
Humpback Whale Sanctuary talks in Kihei, migration facts meet sea breeze.
Artsy
Hui Noeau in Makawao, lava fields meet letterpress and plein air.
Outdoorsy
Haleakala crater sunrise, high elevation and cooler temps, mountain bike down the otherworldly volcanic moonscape.
Fitness-oriented
Pali Trail wind, quads screaming, whales cheering mid-channel.
If you're a shopaholic
Maui Swap Meet treasure hunt, guava jam and vintage aloha shirts.
Family-oriented
Iao Valley strolls, ferny air, picnics, SPAM musubi diplomacy.
In need of a selfie
Honolua Bay lookout, emerald amphitheater, ocean flexing like blue satin.
You have to see this
Waimoku Falls roaring like unplugged stadium speakers.
On a budget
Tin Roof mochiko chicken, picnic tailgate watching planes kiss clouds.
My Favorite Local Spot in Maui
Mana Foods in Paia is exactly what you'd expect from a hippie-centric beach town on an outer island. It's my go-to for healthy, delicious deli snacks, organic produce, and good vibes.
— Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert
Ready to See If Maui Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Maui guide for the bigger picture.