Comprehensive
list of the best
secret spots
on Maui
Colorful umbrellas dot the beaches and children splash through the tropical waves. It’s all well and good if you’re traveling to join the yearly 2.2 million Maui visitors but if you’re in need of some serious space and deep relaxation away from the masses, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of the best secret spots on Maui. Enjoy!
Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Lavender is a natural health superstar and is the perfect partner on a peaceful trip. In fact, in ancient times, they used to use it to tame lions and tigers! If you feel like you need a heavy dose of calming love, this place is for you! This Kula agricultural organization is here to nurture our island as well as your anxiety.
Oneloa Beach
You’ve come all this way to Maui so it’s no surprise that you want to find a piece of sandy paradise to call your own. In fact, while you’re on Maui you actually don’t need to battle the mobs to make this dream come true! Oneloa Beach is one of Maui’s most remote and in-the-know beaches on the island.
Turtle Town
It’s just you and the deep blue, gently bobbing above Maui’s vibrant coral reef and sea life. Take a moment to appreciate all that snorkeling on Maui with turtles can offer you! If you’re looking to make a friend or two, glance around and you may very well find yourself in the quiet company of our incredible Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. These gentle souls appreciate the harmonious balance that life in the ocean offers, and most definitely extend their peaceful demeanor to you just by being in their presence. Watch their playful antics and laissez faire movements, and you’ll soon find your peaceful rhythm.
Thompson Ranch
If you’re ready to explore more than sugary sand and crystal-clear waves, then head Upcountry to the slopes of Mt. Haleakala. Thompson Ranch is a family-owned Maui ranch that sits high above the hub of tourists. Their professional guides will take you and your loyal horse along a country trail 4,000 feet above sea level.
Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden isn’t just one of Maui’s most peaceful spots; it’s also one of the most in-the-know sights to see on the Road to Hana. Part of the first Jurassic Park movie was filmed at the Garden of Eden in Maui. This is one of the most incredible outdoor botanical gardens in Maui and visitors should make sure to stop here while en route to East Maui.
Sacred Gardens
The Sacred Garden of Maliko is tucked away in the rainforest of the North Shore’s Haiku area. It’s an incredible botanical nursery, spiritual center and hub for the Maui health and wellness community. Within the Sacred Garden, you’ll find two medieval-style labyrinths, a sweet spiritual gift shop, a nursery, the “Mother Shrine,” and so much more.
Makawao Forest Reserve
As you drive up towards Upcountry Maui and Mt. Haleakala, you may start to wonder if you’re even still on the Island of Maui. The road curves its way around ancient Eucalyptus trees and rolling hills speckled with goats and horses munching its grassy fare. The topography changes entirely as you travel higher in elevation, and suddenly you’ll see some of the most spectacular island views on Maui.
Temple of Peace
Maui’s Temple of Peace is located in the gorgeous Haiku area of Maui’s North Shore. It’s a place where a beautifully tiled temple greets you, and then you’re taken to a place of tranquil energy. Their eco-friendly cleansing spa offers an infrared sauna, herbal steam room, a cold plunging pool, colon hydrotherapy services and more.
Haleakala Crater
The magical Maui sunrise at the 10,023 foot high Mt. Haleakala Crater greets many bleary-eyed travelers and residents who are willing to wake up as early as 3 am to make the trek to experience it. If you’re craving a breathtaking view without all that company, consider strolling up before sunset instead. Pack a picnic dinner and some libations, and cheers to a stunning display of color and sunbeams as they descend into the clouds. Maui is No Ka Oi (the best) for good reason!
Wailea Healing Center
Maui residents and visitors will find a haven of holistic well-being at the Wailea Healing Center.
Perched with a view, this unique wellness center comprises a dedicated team of therapists, teachers, and practitioners focused on nurturing the complete wellness of body, mind, and spirit. Offering a diverse array of services, the center embraces both ancient and contemporary healing techniques.
Kula Botanical Gardens
With 8 acres of beautifully landscaped and impeccably maintained grounds, you’ll surely find pockets of peace all over Maui’s Kula Botanical Gardens. Waterfalls and koi ponds add charm and tranquility to your visit as you sit in simple contemplation and appreciation of Maui’s beauty. If you would like more information, attach yourself to one of their guided tours and get the insider’s scoop on the local botanicals we cherish. The Kula Botanical Gardens in Upcountry Maui is not to be missed!
Leleiwi Lookout
The view at the Leleiwi Lookout is magnificent, however it’s not even the best part of this Maui site. There is a phenomenon that happens here that occurs in only two other places on the planet: Scotland and Germany. If you arrive around sunset and the sun is setting behind you, and the clouds are low, you can see the reflection of your own shadow on the clouds (ringed with a rainbow halo). In ancient Hawaiian, this breathtaking display is called Akaku Anuenue (reflection rainbow) and the indigenous people likened it to seeing your soul. That is so very cool!
Lumeria
“Our mission is to nurture, support and inspire individuals and groups to remember the beauty, love and creativity that lives inside each one of us.” (LumeriaMaui.com, 2016)
Maui Dharma Center
As the Buddhist prayer flags gently float in the breeze, you can feel the energy of this alluring temple draw you in as soon as you arrive at the Maui Dharma Center. Spend some time alone or join the local monks for a morning or evening prayer (which are all chanted in Tibetan). If you’d like a keepsake, walk over to their gift shop which showcases blessed mala beads and Tibetan singing bowls.
Waianapanapa State Park
While Wai’anapanapa State Park is not a secret, it’s so serene, so it just had to make it on this list! The translation for Wai’anapanapa is “glistening water” or “water flashing rainbow hues” in the ancient Hawaiian language. The black sand beaches and the vibrant colors that surround this Maui attraction are most definitely a sight sore eyes. No matter your vacation function, do not miss visiting Wai’anapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach while you’re on Maui.
Iao Valley State Park
Named a “National Historic Landmark” in 1972, Iao Valley is rich with lush beauty and Hawaiian history. It’s easy to see why the ancient Hawaiians considered Iao Valley a place of “mana” (divine power and life force energy). Within a 5-minute drive from Wailuku town, this 4000-acre State Park is one of the most gorgeous and peaceful areas on Maui, hands down.
Waihe’e Ridge Trail
Located just outside of Wailuku town, this peaceful 4-mile (roundtrip) trail climbs the windward slopes of West Maui Mountains. Hikers will be amazed by the panoramic views of the Waihe’e Valley and East Maui from the Waihe’e Ridge Trail.
Secret Beach (Paako Cove)
South Maui’s Secret Beach isn’t quite a secret anymore, but it’s still well worth a visit! This Maui beach is one of the most popular wedding beaches on Maui so if you find yourself at Secret Beach, you may also be a witness to some I Do’s.
Paia Bay Coffee
Paia Bay Coffee Shop is off the beaten path, and thankfully so! Its canopied patio perfectly accommodates a handful of relaxed guests, sipping incredible dirty chai’s or Hawaii grown coffee, or enjoying some bacon, avocado and brie croissants.
O'o Farm
O’o Farm is located in Maui’s Upcountry farming community of Kula. Located on 8 acres of impeccably maintained, bio-dynamically cultivated land, guests will love the chance to visit this peaceful Maui paradise. If you’re headed Upcountry to check out Maui farms and MauiWine in Ulupalakua, make sure O’o Farms is on your list.
Maui Spa Retreat
It’s not exactly a stretch of the imagination to think that you can find peace in a spa setting on Maui but Maui Spa Retreat truly sets itself apart. Also known as Ho’omana Spa Maui, they have thought of every way to nurture you back to happiness.
The best
places for peace
and quiet on Maui
Mahalo Nui Loa for reading Pride of Maui’s 21 Secret Peaceful Spots on Maui article. We hope you enjoyed reading about some of our favorite peaceful locations to visit. Do you have a secret spot that isn’t listed?