Explore Maui Nui Botanical Gardens<\/strong>, catch a show at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center<\/strong>, or watch kite surfers at Kanah\u0101 Beach Park<\/strong>. Nearby Kahului Bay<\/strong> is central to the town\u2019s lively food scene, where you\u2019ll find everything from poke bowls to fresh baked manapua. Kahului may be a jumping-off point for adventures around the island, but stick around a little longer and you may be surprised by what you find.<\/p>\n Green Sea Turtle (Maui Ocean Center) Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n Central Maui is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and modern culture. Located in the heart of the island, Central Maui offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and shopping. From the stunning Iao Valley State Park to the vibrant Market Street, visit the Maui Arts & Cultural Center to experience the island\u2019s thriving arts scene, or explore the historic town of Wailuku to discover its charming shops and restaurants. With its convenient location and wide range of activities, you\u2019ll be talking about Kahului for years to come!<\/p>\n Step into five acres of native Hawaiian flora at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens \u2014 a peaceful, educational spot perfect for families. This lush garden focuses on preserving endemic and Polynesian-introduced plants, offering a rare chance to learn about Hawai\u2018i\u2019s natural heritage. A free self-guided cellphone tour<\/strong> is available with admission.<\/p>\n \u201cWe visited the botanical gardens on our way back to the airport at the end of our trip. It was a lowkey, tranquil, and relaxing experience. We really enjoyed walking around and reading about the native and indigenous plants. There was plenty of shade and a beautiful Banyan tree to take photos under at the end of our trip. This is a great place to support.\u201d \u2014 LMC<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n This spacious, breezy beach offers calm waters for swimming, shaded areas for lounging, and panoramic views of both the ocean and mountains. The park is well-equipped with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and volleyball courts, making it easy to settle in for a full day of sun and fun. It\u2019s also one of Maui\u2019s top spots for kiteboarding and windsurfing, thanks to steady trade winds and open coastline.<\/p>\n \u201cNice place to spend some time before going to the airport. Parking was easy. There were lots of feral cats and it was nice to see people feeding them. Lots of locals having picnics and enjoying wind\/kite surfing.\u201d \u2014 <\/em>Traveltheworld461<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Held every Saturday, the Maui Swap Meet features over 200 local vendors selling crafts, produce, and souvenirs. It’s an excellent place to find unique gifts and enjoy local food. \u200b<\/p>\n \u201cThis is an amazing place to buy souvenirs for yourself or others. Several rows of vendors. The back rows are fresh produce, bread, and coffee. Prices are good but check around before buying. I did find a difference in price for the same item. Also, know that not all goods are made in Hawaii so ask. Cost is $.75 for admission. Go early on Saturday morning for the most options! Highly recommend!\u201d \u2014 Jill B.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Just inland from Kanah\u0101 Beach, the Kanah\u0101 Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful 143-acre refuge and a must-visit for bird lovers. This protected wetland is home to an array of native and migratory species, including the endangered Hawaiian stilt (ae\u02bbo) and Hawaiian coot (\u02bbalae ke\u02bboke\u02bbo).<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a neat place with long boardwalks winding along the beach. Lots of water birds, plovers, ducks, and herons. Cool vegetation. Not a lot of parking. Has places to walk on the beach. Great place to take a stroll.\u201d \u2014 Kris K.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Maui\u2019s largest shopping mall offers more than 100 stores, local boutiques, and a variety of dining options. It\u2019s also a hub for family-friendly events, cultural performances, and weekend farmers markets.<\/p>\n In a nutshell, supporting our local mall is a no-brainer. It’s where community spirit meets retail therapy, wrapped up in a package of pure joy. So grab your reusable bags, put on your best aloha shirt, and join the fun. Trust me, you’ll leave with a smile as big as Maui’s sunsets! \u2014Jean N.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n For three decades, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) has been a cornerstone of creativity on the island \u2014 celebrating music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Located in Kahului, it hosts a vibrant lineup of concerts, exhibitions, film festivals, and cultural performances throughout the year.<\/p>\n \u201cI love our MACC. Giving it five stars because the events are so well run and the myriad of musicians and events and free entertainment is so appreciated.\u201d \u2014 Carol K.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n For families with older kids and a taste for adventure, Maui Zipline Company<\/a> delivers a high-flying experience you won\u2019t forget. Located on a tropical plantation in Central Maui, this family-friendly zipline tour features five lines ranging from 300 to 900 feet \u2014 perfect for first-timers and thrill-seekers alike. As you soar over lush gardens and scenic landscapes, you\u2019ll get a bird\u2019s-eye view of Maui\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n \u201cMahalo for a super fun time riding the lines at Maui Ziplines. Our kids were nervous (and let’s be honest, my husband too) – they set us at ease with their calm demeanor and funny jokes. We did five lines over the course of about an hour. It was a great experience, and the location is fantastic – you get views of the West Maui mountains. It’s also easy to do other activities at the same location, from eating at Cafe O’Lei to taking the plantation farm tour.\u201d\u2014 Laura B.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Maui Tropical Plantation\u00a0(Shutterstock)<\/p><\/div>\n Set on 500 lush acres, the Maui Tropical Plantation<\/a> is a working farm that showcases the island\u2019s rich agricultural heritage. Stroll the grounds for a free self-guided tour, and explore fields of tropical fruits, flowers, and native plants. For a deeper dive, you can take a guided plantation tour, narrated tram ride, or zipline across the fields.<\/p>\n \u201cWe checked out the tram ride with our small great grandchildren – they loved it! We had dinner at the restaurant – absolutely delicious, rave reviews all around.\u201d \u2014 Kurtmayer2024<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and equipment, visitors can explore the story of Hawai\u2018i\u2019s sugar plantations and the multiethnic communities that grew around them. The museum\u2019s<\/a> mission is to preserve and share the impact of sugar on the island\u2019s culture and economy.<\/p>\n “Very informative. Great exhibits. Takes about 35-45 minutes to visit all exhibits. If you want to know about sugarcane and how it played a major part in Hawaii’s development and economy then this is a must visit. Really nice gift shop too. I recommend this museum.” \u2014 Brian L.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Located in nearby Maalaea, the aquarium<\/a> offers an up-close look at Hawaii’s marine life, including sharks, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. The three-acre facility is the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat aquarium and wonderful workers. Love the scuba diver talks in the shark tank. Interesting and knowledgeable. Turtles, octopus, sharks, tide pool, fish, and tons of living coral. Would recommend! Cheaper if you order tickets online.\u201d \u2014 Lindsay<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n For a purr-fectly unique outing, Cat Caf\u00e9 Maui offers a cozy space where guests can sip coffee and hang out with adoptable cats. This charming coffee shop is ideal for animal lovers, providing a relaxed environment where you can play, cuddle, or unwind with friendly felines. All the cats are rescues \u2014 so who knows, you might just leave with a new family member!<\/p>\n \u201cThis place is spotless, and the staff is super sweet. I bought a cute pair of cat socks and a sticker as a souvenir. I highly recommend a visit. It is well worth the entry fee to support a great cause! Maybe you’ll go home with a new bestie!\u201d \u2014 Jana K.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"Green](\"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Green-Sea-Turtle-Maui-Ocean-Center-1024x793.jpg\")
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Kahului Maui<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Kanah\u0101 Beach Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Maui Swap Meet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Kanah\u0101 Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Queen Ka’ahumanu Center<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Maui Arts and Cultural Center<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Maui Zipline Company<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Maui Tropical Plantation<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Maui Ocean Center<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Cat Cafe Maui<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Maui Golf & Sports Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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