Looking for some secret spots in Maui? Check out this post for 10 hidden gems in Maui, Hawaii.
Maui, Hawaii, also known as “The Valley Isle”, is one of Hawaii’s most-visited islands in the archipelago! As the second largest island in the archipelago, Maui is known for its beaches, whales and valleys. However, what most first timers don’t realize is that Maui is also known for its hidden gems around the island. So, if you’re planning a trip or a boat tour to Maui for the first time, I highly recommend reading this post. It will highlight some of the most beautiful hidden gems on the island as well as where you can find them.
Maui Bucket List Series
P.S. This is a post in my Maui Bucket List series. Here is the complete 19-part series:
Hidden Gems: 10 Magical Hidden Gems in Maui, Hawaii
Black Sand Beaches: The 7 Most Amazing Black Sand Beaches in Maui
Poke: 12 Top Places to Get Poke in Maui
Breakfast: 8 Amazing Places to Get Breakfast in Lahaina, Maui
Coffee Shops: 7 Cozy Coffee Shops in Lahaina, Maui
Restaurants: The 12 Best Restaurants in Maui with a View
Accommodation: 10 Unique Places to Stay in Maui on a Budget
Sea Turtles: The 12 Best Places to See Sea Turtles in Maui
Surfing: The 10 Best Surf Spots in Maui
Road to Hana: The 7 Best Stops on the Road to Hana in Maui
Sunsets: 8 Incredible Places to Watch the Sunset in Maui
Waterfall Hikes: The 7 Best Waterfall Hikes in Maui
Vegan Food: 8 Incredible Vegan Restaurants in Maui
Instagram: 10 Incredible Maui Instagram Spots
Cheap Food: 10 Amazing Cheap Eats in Maui
Grocery Stores: The 8 Top Lahaina Grocery Stores You Need To Visit
Ka’anapali Restaurants: 9 Amazing Ka’anapali Restaurants You Don’t Want to Miss
Lahaina Restaurants: The 12 Coolest Restaurants in Lahaina on Front Street
Instagram Captions: 100 Media-Inspired Hawaii Captions for Your Instagram
‘Iao Valley State Park (hidden gems in maui)
‘Iao Valley State Park is a beautiful hidden gem in Maui, Hawaii! Located in Central Maui, the historic state park is home to the iconic Iao Needle. This iconic green-mantled rock outcropping also overlooks Iao stream which makes it an ideal attraction for easy hiking and sightseeing. In addition to its natural tropical beauty, the sacred Iao Valley is also historically significant. It was where the Battle of Kepaniwai took place in which King Kamehameha I clashed with Maui’s army in his quest to unite the islands. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793.
Hana Lava Tube (hidden gems in maui)
Created by underground lava rivers, the Hana Lava Tube is a cave trail where molten hot lava used to flow through after a volcanic eruption. So, in other words, when the supply of lava stopped in Maui, it left behind a rocky tube that turned into a cave. The Hana Lava Tube was also used back then as a fallout shelter to help protect Native Hawaiians from the natural elements of Hawaii and human enemies. In addition, the Hana Lava Tube was also used by Native Hawaiians to store food so that it will last longer. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to 205 Ulaino Rd, Hana, HI 96713.
Secret Cove (hidden gems in maui)
Located on Maui’s south shore, Secret Cove is a beautiful hidden gem known for its white sand beach and igneous rocks. The reason behind its name is due to the fact that it’s secretly hidden between homes in Makena. In addition, the cove is great for weddings and picture-taking, but, it’s not so great for swimming. There are no facilities on site so taking pictures is always your best bet. In addition, you will also see two islands on the horizon once you arrive. These two islands, Kahoolawe and Molokini, will offer you some lovely scenery as well as some nice views. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to 6468 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753.
Furthermore, if you’re feeling up to it, you can also check out a Hawaii Treehouse Rental in Kihei too!
Bamboo Forest (hidden gems in maui)
Nestled within the Hana National Park, the Bamboo Forest is another beautiful hidden gem on the island of Maui. In the park, visitors can hike through the Bamboo Forest as they take in the scenery from the grass. To access the hike, follow the Pipiwai trail. The environment along this trail will be dense and tropical, so be prepared. You may also encounter a few rock pools along the way, which are great for picnics. In addition, after you hike this trail for about a mile, the bamboo forest should appear. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to Hana, HI 96713.
Sacred Garden of Maliko (hidden gems in maui)
Nestled off the beaten path just two miles below Makawao, the Sacred Garden of Maliko is another beautiful hidden gem on the island of Maui. It has a stunning collection of plants, flowers, living shrines, and artwork that visitors can observe in person and up close. In addition, this botanical garden can also be used as a multi-denominational retreat since it offers images of deities from all religions. The purpose of this is to help visitors see how different images of God can coexist in the same place. Visitors are also welcome to read in the botanical garden once they’ve reached the Mother Shrine Room. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem for the first time in Maui, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to 460 Kaluanui Rd, Makawao, HI 96768.
Nakalele Blowhole (hidden gems in maui)
The Nakalele Blowhole is another hidden gem in Maui, Hawaii! It is a 50 foot geyser-like water spout that’s located on the northern tip of West Maui. As a blowhole, Nakalele’s hole in the ground is connected to a partially submerged ocean cave. So, in other words, when the oceans rises or when waves crash into the opening, a jet of water and air will be pushed out. In addition, these powerful waves are also responsible for Nakalele Blowhole’s dramatic and regular eruptions. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem in Maui for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to Poelua Bay, Wailuku, HI 96793.
Garden of Eden (hidden gems in maui)
Known as Maui’s scenic wonderland on the road to Hana, the Garden of Eden is another beautiful hidden gem in Maui, Hawaii. It is a large 26-acre arboretum in Maui that has a numerous amount of beautiful plants, flowers and trees. In fact, many visitors to the island come to the garden to slip away from the tourist crowds to relax. In addition, you can even take in some of Maui’s breathtaking ocean views here as well as some amazing photo opportunities for Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem in Maui for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to 10600 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708.
Makawao Forest (hidden gems in maui)
Located in the upcountry of Maui, Hawaii, the Makawao Forest is another beautiful hidden gem on the island. As a forest reserve, it features many things like flowering ginger plants, fragrant eucalyptus trees, and spectacular views of the island and ocean. In addition, at the Makawao Forest Reserve, there are a lot of fun things you can do. These things for instance include but are not limited to mountain biking and hiking. For mountain biking, the Makawao Forest Reserve offers some of the best trails on the island. For hiking, many people do the Kahakapao Loop Trail which features 5 miles of singing birds and spectacular native plant species. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem in Maui for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to Haiku, HI 96708.
Kaupo Store (hidden gems in maui)
The Kaupo General Store is another beautiful hidden gem in Maui, Hawaii! As a quaint store, it has an eclectic mix of vintage cameras, cold drinks and souvenirs. In fact, many people see this store as the only place to grab a snack or drink on the long drive around the leeward side of Haleakala. In addition, after finishing an overnight in the Haleakala Crater, hikers also relax at this store as they wait for a friend to pick them up. The employees behind the counter at the store are also very friendly as well. They are happy to answer any questions you might have as well as talk about life on the quiet side of Maui. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem in Maui for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to 34793 Piilani Hwy, Hana, HI 96713.
ONO Organic Farms (hidden gems in maui)
Ono Organic Farms is another beautiful hidden gem in Maui, Hawaii! It is a family-owned and operated, certified organic fruit farm that is located along the world-famous “Road to Hana”, also known as the Hana Highway. The family who owns the Ono Organic Farms has also been farming organically for over 30 years. In fact, they specialize in a lot of organic fruits like apples, bananas, papayas, and avocados. However, in addition to organic fruit, organic coffee is also grown there as well. So, if you’re planning on visiting this hidden gem in Maui for the first time, I highly recommend it! To locate it, go to 41319 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713.
Overall, I really hope you enjoyed this post on the 10 Most Magical Hidden Gems in Maui, Hawaii! Please let me know in the comments down below which hidden gem you would like to visit the most! I would love to hear from you. 🙂
P.S. If you loved this post, you’re also going to love my other post on the 8 secret things you can do in Oahu, Hawaii!
Meezan
great places, wish to visit them one by one….
xaid
a great list to visit this summer
Jade
🙌
Terri
I loved Maui when I visited over 20 years ago. It is a magical land. Thanks for reminding me of great memories.
Jade
You’re so welcome Terri!!
david
we just returned in mid February and enjoyed ourselves immensely. so many incredible places to see. One awesome adventure would be the trails around the old Kapalua golf course. Like Charles Lindberg said the most beautiful place on earth so let me die there. ps. buried in hana
Jade
That’s so great to hear David!
Linda (LD Holland)
Hawaii has been on our travel wish list for a long time. It is great to see so many spots we need to visit when we get to Maui. The outdoors spots are simply stunning. We really need to get this on the travel planning board.
Jade
That’s amazing Linda!! I hope you’re able to go soon.
Travel A-Broads
My brother and sister-in-law are visiting Hawaii next month, and I was already feeling super jealous! After seeing your stunning photos, I’m even more jealous, haha! I’ve always wanted to visit; Hawaii seems like a dream come true. I’ll be sure to share your post with them too. Maybe they will visit some of these spots :). Xx Sara
Jade
Thanks Sara!!! I hope so too
Samantha
I’ve never been to Hawaii but man this makes me sooooo want to book a plane ticket. These spots look insane! Bamboo forest? Sign me up!
Jade
I agree! The bamboo forest looks so magical 🙂
Sharyn
Hawaii is one of my favourite places to visit – I’ve been about 15 times now. I had never heard of some of the places in Maui so next trip I hope to get to the lave tubes. Thanks for the inspiration.
Jade
You’re so welcome sharyn!!!
Janice
I love eating local and organic as part of my travels. I feel inspired to visit Maui, Thank you
Jade
You’re so welcome Janice!
Carrie
Wow these are definitely hidden gems – what beautiful views and photos. I’d love to go.
Jade
Thanks Carrie!!
Amanda
I’m officially adding this to my bucket list. So beautiful!
Jade
Thanks Amanda!!
Paige
These are some gorgeous spots! I would love to visit Maui and check out all of these hidden gems.
Jade
Me too Paige!!
ANUKRATI DOSI
I think I was reading about Bamboo forest just yesterday and wished to go there. And I stumbled upon your post today. Is that a sign? I think, it is.
Jade
Absolutely!!!
Lasma
Wow, all these places are stunning, how come they are still hidden?? Well, I certainly haven’t heard about these places, so will save for my future travels. Thank you for sharing!
Michele
So many beautiful places to see in Maui. All of the ocean gems are gorgeous, but that Bamboo Forest looks awesome!
Jade
Yes I agree as well!!
Gemma
These are absolutely stunning! Wish I could go now.
Jade
Thanks Gemma!! Me too
Cass
I love Maui so much! The road to Maui road trip is probably my all time favourite. It’s just such a beautiful place! And you’ve touched on so many secrets spots I didn’t know existed! So great 🤩
Jade
Thanks Cass!! I’m glad you liked the post
Alaina Thomas
The Bamboo Forest looks like an enchanted forest that would be in a Disney movie. I would love to visit sometime!
Jade
Haha yeah it does actually! It looks like something out of a princess movie