Underrated Towns On Maui You Need to Explore

Maui’s resort towns get the most attention from visitors, but the small towns reflect the island’s true essence. Next time you visit the Valley Isle, venture beyond the popular visitor areas and check out these underrated Maui towns.

 

Underrated Towns On Maui You Need to Explore

 

Makawao

Makawao is a historic paniolo (cowboy) town, surrounded by ranchland on the cool slopes of Upcountry. Many of Makawao’s storefronts are well over 100 years old, giving the town a Hawaii-meets-old-west vibe. Today, Makawao’s historic buildings are occupied by art galleries, cafes, and boutiques.

Makawao is also known for its sweet treats. Get an early start to secure your place in line at Komoda Bakery—the oldest bakery on Maui, known for its famous stick donuts and giant cream puffs. Return later to peruse the goodies at the whimsical Maui Cookie Lady. Other Makawao highlights include lei making at Haku Maui, the offbeat Chinese herb shop, Dragon’s Den, and the museum-like Viewpoints Gallery.

 

Pukalani

Pukalani means “hole in the heavens,” an apt name for this Upcountry town. While the rest of Upcountry and East Maui are blanketed in clouds, Pukalani offers a reliable pocket of sun. Pukalani is a mostly residential town with a suburban feel, but there are a few hidden gems for intrepid visitors.

Stop by the Upcountry Farmers Market on Saturday mornings to shop local souvenirs, produce, and delicious food—and follow up your visit with a pint of local beer at Mahalo Aleworks. For a bit of local flavor, stop by Pukalani Superette, a longtime local favorite known for its prized grab-and-go hot bar. Pukalani is also home to a golf course and a popular sushi spot, Kojima’s.

 

Haiku

Just a short drive beyond Paia, Haiku is a small but spread-out town that straddles the East Maui jungle. Haiku’s population centers are concentrated around old pineapple canneries, which now house restaurants, cafes, surf shops, and—in true country fashion—hardware stores.

For visitors, Haiku offers adventure and a blend of tropical life and country style. Book an exhilarating zipline tour at North Shore Zipline, take a farm tour at Leilani Farm Sanctuary, or opt for a coconut cooking class at Coconut Information Farm. Foodies shouldn’t overlook Haiku—this small town boasts one of the island’s best restaurants, Nuka.

 

Wailuku

Tucked at the base of the West Maui Mountains, Wailuku is one of Maui’s funkiest little towns. You’ll find all the hallmarks of a hip neighborhood: thrift shops, coffee shops, food trucks, boutiques, and a juice bar. But for all its trendiness, Wailuku is full of character and community.

Catch a show at Maui’s oldest operating theater, or shop for fresh lei and artisanal crafts at Native Intelligence. Seek out fresh malasadas and butter rolls from local favorite Four Sisters Bakery, or trek down the street for a heaping plate lunch from Ichiban Okazuya. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, don’t miss Wailuku’s town party on Market Street—with live music, food booths, activities, and vendors.

Interested in staying in Wailuku? Book a quaint stay at Iao Valley Inn, just minutes from Wailuku Town and Iao Valley State Park.

 

Napili

Napili is often overshadowed by its popular neighbors, Kaanapali and Kapalua. But this small coastal town is full of charm, great food, and stunning snorkeling. The highlight, however, is Napili Bay: a gorgeous half-moon of warm sand fringed by palms and turquoise waters. Beach days here are second to none—but you’ll want to arrive early to avoid peak crowd hours. Bring your snorkel gear, too!

Set on the eastern edge of Napili Bay is Sea House, one of Maui’s few oceanfront restaurants, known to have one of the island’s best happy hours. Opposite the Sea House on the bay’s western point, you’ll find Gazebo—a breakfast hotspot known for its mac nut pancakes and heaping plates of fried rice. More casual eats (and some sweet local shopping) are found up the road at Napili Plaza.

Next time you visit Maui, show some love to our small towns. You might just discover your new favorite restaurant, shop, or bar. Even more importantly, you’ll experience the true essence of Maui and gain more understanding and appreciation for the island and its people.