Maalaea and the area immediately around it is often overlooked as a destination for which you can spend a whole day exploring. There are actually tons of attractions and activities worth exploring within 10 minutes. Below are 5 places to visit that are within a 10-minute drive from Maalaea.

1. The Sunflower Farm

The Sunflower fields draw the attention of motorists passing through central Maui. Pacific Biodiesel planted the sunflowers in order to make the biggest biofuel crop in the State of Hawaii.

The harvest process usually takes place within 110 days after planting. Currently, the sunflower crop is a 115-acre biofuel crop where approximately 12 acres are used primarily for the sunflowers.

Pacific Biodiesel aims to expand the diversity of fields previously used for sugarcane production by growing combine-harvested oil crops. You’ll notice the wave of yellow sunflowers stands erected and bent in the direction of the sun’s rays.  These rays are being converted to energy via this precious oil and are used to power the island. The best opportunity to visit these fields in a safe, legal manner is by parking at the Maui Tropical Plantation and walking through their fields when in bloom.

2. Havens Maui

We’re a little hesitant to share, but Haven’s Maalaea Harborside is too good to keep quiet. Literally at the harbor, it is the perfect pre or post boat stop, with master chef Zach Sato (former executive chef at the Restaurant at Hotel Wailea) serving the comfort food he loves. With lunch starters like kimchee crab rangoons, grilled blue prawns, and Manila clams with Portuguese sausage and sake, plus wagyu smash burgers, dayboat fish and chips with guava vinegar, and lobster or verde fish tacos, you now understand why we’re regulars.

Dinner leans richer, think crispy kanpachi roll, ohi moana with local fish, Kona prawns, scallop and clams in tomato broth, diver scallops with viet xo and miso brown butter hollandaise, broiled whole Maine lobster, and a range of chophouse cuts from bone in New York to a 20 oz prime cowboy ribeye. Sides and sweets keep it fun, lobster mac and cheese, upcountry green beans with opae, and desserts like ube velvet and malasadas, with a full keiki menu for families.The setting is casual, the flavors hit hard.

3. The Shops at Wailea

From Maalaea, a quick 10 minute drive brings you to The Shops at Wailea, an open air center where you can park once and make a full afternoon of it. Browse designer and resort boutiques, then grab lunch or dinner at spots like Lineage, Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar, or Ruth’s Chris, with Lappert’s nearby for ice cream.

Make time for art, Kush Fine Art & Jewelry in Suite A38 shows original paintings, limited editions, sculpture, and a coordinated jewelry line, with Lahaina Galleries, Enchantress & Freeborne, and Tasini Tiki just a few steps away. Covered walkways keep things comfortable in sun or showers, Wailea Beach sits right across the way, and everything is close enough that you can pair shopping and galleries with a beach stroll before heading back to Maalaea.

4. Helicopter Tours from Kahului Airport

Ma’alaea’s proximity to the airport in Kahului is a huge bonus, and it doesn’t just come into play on your arrival and departure day. The Kahului Heliport is located near Kahului Airport, where helicopter tours shuttle visitors to the most striking, isolated locations around Maui day in and day out. Helicopter tours allow visitors to lay eyes on sights few have seen, from sequestered waterfalls in the West Maui Mountains to precipitous rainforest valleys near Hana. 

5. Sunset on the lawn at Kamaole Beach Park 3

Kamaole Beach Park III is located in Kihei, South Maui. This has one of the best lawns on Maui for families and party-goers alike.

Across from the golden beach is a huge lawn area; the lawn area is also equipped with bathrooms and showers as well as picnic tables and BBQ facilities. It is perfect for a day out with the family or a sunset picnic with your beloved.

The beach area is surrounded by rocks, but there’s still space to swim and body surf.  Just watch out for rock formations just below the surface.

6. Lunch from Tin Roof Maui

Tin roof Maui is a new era “mom and pop shop”. This shop is owned by internationally recognized chef Sheldon Simeon and his wife, Janice. The food at Tin Roof is described as “Aloha Love” which explains the fact that it is always busy.

Simeon keeps his menu simple, consisting of comforting food in the form of rice bowls with great toppings at affordable prices. They named the restaurant “Tin Roof” because of the consistent rain we get in Hawaii; the day they named the restaurant it was raining and they wanted to stay grounded. The sound of the rain on the tin roof made them think of simple living.

With their many combined textures and flavors, your lunch experience will be one to remember. Tin Roof has a modern vibe with friendly staff, and the waiting period on your meals usually varies from about 15 minutes.  We suggest ordering on their website beforehand, and you can skip the line.

Much of the success of this restaurant rests in the ability to order great quality take-out at incredible prices. Their goal is to provide the community with honest, great food.

7. Leoda’s Pie Shop

On your way to Lahaina, you will find this little gem located on the Honoapiilani Highway. With a casual atmosphere, Leoda’s Pie Shop caters to the tourists as well as the locals. This shop makes you feel right at home, with its metal bar stools, wooden panels, and hearty southern charm.

Leoda’s Pie Shop is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering filling meals with options like burgers, sandwiches, hoagies, salads, and hot dogs. Despite the odd location, they’ve built a great name for themselves, attracting visitors from far and wide. It sounds like a cliché, but you can taste the heart and freshness of their products.

Leoda’s Pie shop’s focus is on fresh ingredients purchased from local suppliers to offer the best possible product to their clients.

8. Maui Tropical Plantation

The Maui Tropical Plantation has been around for decades, providing tours of the plantation and demonstrating the benefits of diversified agriculture. Over many years, the grounds have been transformed to offer local farmers the perfect location for organically grown crops and happy livestock.

Here you’ll find The Mill House Roasting Company, The Mill House Restaurant, Tram Tours, Farm Stand, Retail Shops, Ziplines, Occasional Entertainment, Culinary Events, Historical Display Pieces, and more.

One of the biggest draws of this property lies in the stunning view of the Waikapu Valley and the beautiful grounds, from the Mill House lanai.  You can’t beat a more Hawaiian view.

 

Here are just a few of the attractions:

• Tram Tour: The tram tour takes you through the grounds of the plantation, showing off a variety of crops, tropical fruit trees, and a live demonstration of coconut husking.
• Maui Zipline: This zipline is a family-friendly zipline course that welcomes children above 5 years to join in the fun.

9. HeleWai Eco-Tours’ Honolua Ridgeline Hike: A Conservation Experience

Truth: This hike takes place more than fifteen minutes away from Maalaea but it’s well, well worth the drive. Considered one of the most extraordinary hikes on the island, it leads small groups across private land that’s nothing short of stunning. In-the-know and passionate naturalists provide an in-depth lesson on the region’s flora and fauna and highlight the need to protect West Maui’s watersheds and native forests. Both inspiring and exciting, this is a special glimpse into Honolua’s cultural and ecological importance. Call (808) 205-6032 to book your hike!