Most tourists never get to see Maui off the beaten path. Let’s see if we can change that for you. There’s nothing like discovering hidden gems in Maui while on vacation in Hawaii.
However, most tourists never get past the “shiny” attractions because they don’t know how to approach an itinerary. Here’s how to go adventuring at Maui secret spots you need to see in your lifetime!
A tour we think you'll love
1) Visit A Romantic Secret Beach Hidden Behind A Lava Rock Wall
Nestled behind a lava rock wall, Secret Cove Beach is one of the top Maui hidden gems. First, this secluded secret beach is hard to see from the road unless you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Next, the beach’s unique lava-rock formations create interesting, gorgeous tide pools. There’s also a famous heart-shaped rock where couples like to stop for pictures! This is a perfect spot for viewing a fiery Maui sunset.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach! Pack some snacks and drinks to savor while you take in the stunning views. Arriving a little before sunset will give you the chance to find the perfect spot and set up for a romantic evening as the sky lights up with beautiful colors!
2) Plan A Curated Adventure Around Maui
If you want to pack as much as possible into a day trip without wasting time on figuring out your route, just book a private Maui tour. Guided day tours allow guests to get to top-rated beaches, waterfalls, pineapple and coffee farms, historic towns, and much more.
You can avoid getting lumped in with tourists by booking your private and personalized tour of Maui with Maui’s Private Guide. We offer the following customizable itineraries:
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Road To Hana Tour – Our epic tour offers a flexible itinerary that brings you to waterfalls, lava tube caves, beaches, and beyond! Highlights of this tour include Maui’s tropical rainforest, beaches coated in black sand, and the majestic Haleakalā Volcanoi.
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Maui Island Tour – This unforgettable experience takes you to all of the iconic landmarks of the island. Maui’s breathtaking landscape will unfold all around you as your knowledgeable guide shares tidbits on the volcanology that shaped the views around you. There will also be time to learn about local culture and ecology.
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Farm Tours – Learn about the bounty of Maui’s agricultural economy and upcountry hidden gems with stops that can include Ali’i Lavender Farm, the Kula Upcountry Farm, the Surfing Goat Dairy, the Maui Pineapple Plantation, coffee farms, bee farms, and much more! Our tours bring you to higher elevations to enjoy the quieter, more rural area of upcountry Maui. This is where the rich soil from Haleakalā’s eruptions has birthed farm communities and ranch towns.
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Extreme Tours – Choose your adventure with a customized adventure tour designed just for thrill-seeking travelers that can include skydiving, paragliding, parasailing, zip-lining, and more. While the rest of our tours are ideal for all ages, our Extreme Tours do have age requirements.
Guests of Maui’s Private Guide ride around the island in comfort and luxury in our air-conditioned Ford Transit® tour vans. We also provide refreshments and key travel essentials.
See Maui through the eyes of an experienced and knowledgeable local tour guide. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this stunning island with a personalized touch!
Contact us today to customize your dream itinerary and let us show you the hidden gems and iconic sights that will make your trip unforgettable. Your Maui adventure awaits – let’s make it happen!
3) Explore King’s Trail Using The Trailhead At La Perouse Bay
This one is a little more rugged as far as Maui hidden gems go. Considered an intermediate-to-advanced scenic hiking trail, King’s Trail was actually created by a lava flow that took place 400 years ago.
The road has been maintained over time to accommodate hikers. The trail is part of the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Here’s what you need to know:
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The 5.5-mile trail offers amazing views and stopping points. Along the way, hikers enjoy oceanside views of the Molokini Crater, inland views of the Haleakala Crater, views of a volcanic island called Kaholo’lawe, and much more.
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While King’s Trail has minimal elevation, paths that cut through lava fields can be challenging.
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For morning hikers, it’s common to spot spinner dolphins in the waves.
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You will also see the Hanamanioa Light standing tall against a coral shore.
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Many hikers pack snorkel gear to take advantage of the amazing pools situated along coral reefs.
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The starting point for King’s Highway is a trailhead located in the parking lot of the La Perouse Bay snorkeling area.
Don’t miss these views! Challenge yourself on a hike you’ll remember forever when you conquer King’s Trail in Maui!
4) Play In The Golden Sand At Slaughterhouse Beach
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, this golden-sand beach on Mokuleia Bay attracts surfers with its large surf and spectacular views. While the surf is a bit rough for swimming most of the year, things mellow out for summer swimmers. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular here. You can also continue to nearby Honolua Bay if you want to keep snorkeling in a sheltered area with plenty of its own natural beauty.
Overall, Slaughterhouse Beach is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a semi-secluded beach that enjoys shelter from strong winds. In addition, the reef here brings in an abundance of tropical fish and sea turtles. If you’re wondering about the name, it sounds a lot scarier than it is! The beach was named after Honolua Ranch Slaughterhouse that was formerly located on a cliff overlooking the bay.
Pro Tip: If you come during a time of year when waves are too rough for swimming, just head 0.9 miles down the road to nearby Fleming Beach for gentler swimming with on-duty lifeguards. Fleming Beach in West Maui also offers restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
5) Sunbathe On Maui’s Big Beach
Head south to enjoy an ethereal white-sand beach between two lava outcroppings. Formally known as Makena Beach, Maui’s Big Beach is the largest beach in South Maui. Offering 1.5 miles of golden sand that feels like velvet under your feet, this beauty nestled on Maui’s south end is both wide and long. That means you’ll have plenty of room to sunbathe or relax in the shade when you’re not busy getting into the water for some swimming or snorkeling.
Lava outcroppings surrounding the beach help to keep it protected from wind. You can even enjoy stunning views of two nearby islands called Molokini and Kahoʻolawe from this beautiful beach.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag a prime spot on the beach and enjoy the peaceful morning vibes! Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen, a beach umbrella for shade, and some snacks to keep you energized while you soak up the sun. And if you’re up for it, take a stroll along the shoreline to explore the unique lava formations and enjoy the breathtaking views!
Discover Maui Hidden Gems – We’ll Show You All The Secret Spots In This Hawaiian Island
If you want to experience Maui off the beaten path, having an experienced guide matters. From the undeveloped beaches of Maui’s North Shore to the volcanic scenery of West Maui, Maui’s Private Guide is here to show you natural beauty beyond words.
Let us take you on a journey to the island’s best-kept secrets, where stunning landscapes and unique experiences await. Our tours are perfect for families, couples, or a group of friends sharing the bonding experience of a lifetime.
Reach out us, and let’s start planning your adventure to explore the breathtaking beauty of Maui together. Your secret paradise is just a call away!
