9 Best Things To Do in Kahului in 2023 [Biggest City In Maui]

Are you thinking about visiting Maui and want to see Kahului? Discover the best attractions in Kahului, including the best stores, eateries, activities, and more, as you scroll!

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While the majority of visitors travel to West and South Maui to visit the major tourist attractions, you might prefer to get a feel for the community. Kahului is in Central Maui and caters primarily to locals, but you might find that appealing about it!

The largest city on Maui, Kahului, is a friendly place. I’ve compiled a list of things to do in Kahului below.

You can find everything here, whether you want to check out the local cuisine, attend a block party, or visit a museum to learn about Hawaiian culture.

FAQ about Best Things To Do in Kahului

Is Kahului worth visiting?

Kahului is a great place to start looking for things to do if you’re flying to Maui! With a wide variety of shops, beaches, and diverse cultural experiences, it is definitely worth a visit. Additionally, it is at the start of the Hana Highway.

Does Kahului have beaches?

A few beaches can be found. When searching for things to do in Kahului, take a look at Kahului Bay. Kanaha Beach is a well-known location for windsurfing and snorkeling. Additionally, if you travel a few more miles east along the Road to Hana, you’ll come across a variety of swimming and surfing beaches that are excellent for spotting sea turtles.

What is the travel time to Kahului?

Depending on your background, yes. Less than 15 miles separate Kihei and Kahului, and driving time is only 20 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, it will take 35 minutes to ride the Route #10 bus. Driving from Lahaina to Kahului takes about an hour because you have to go around the West Maui Mountains to the south. In about an hour, the bus from Route #20 also arrives.

9 Best Things To Do in Kahului in 2023 [Biggest City In Maui] - Travel Pixy — Kahului Airport (OGG) – Maui Airport

Are there places to stay in Kahului Maui?

There are no resorts or vacation rentals. However, there are only a few lodging options, one of which is the Maui Beachside Hotel on Kahului Harbor. The Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport is another option, and it’s conveniently situated close to the airport and other amenities.

A Quick Overview of Kahului Maui

On the northern shore, in the heart of the Central Maui region, is Kahului. The largest city on Maui, it kind of merges with Paia to the right and Wailuku to the east.

9 Best Things To Do in Kahului

Kahului Bay

Kahului Bay is one of the top tourist destinations in Kahului. The large harbor is located here, and large cruise ships frequently dock there. Along the bay, there are a few hotels as well as walking trails along the rocky shoreline.

Kanaha Beach Park can be found in the bay. If you’re looking for activities close to the Kahului cruise port, take a look at it. This sandy beach in Kahului is well-known for kiteboarding.

You can enroll in a 3-day kitesurfing course with a local instructor if you’re planning on staying in the area. It’s ideal for beginners 11 and older.

The Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary is also located on the bay, close to the beach. Check it out if you’re looking for free activities in Kahului. A 20-minute peaceful stroll through coastal wetlands leads to a sizable, endangered bird park.

Maui Arts & Cultural Center

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) is a sizable venue with both indoor and outdoor areas for events. Check the calendar when looking for things to do in Kahului because there is always something going on here.

Famous comedians, musicians, dance teams, and art exhibitions are all presented at the MACC. You can take pleasure in lovely grassy lawns and wonderful harbor views.

Maui Swap Meet

The Maui Swap Meet, which takes place every Saturday morning on the grounds of the Maui Community College, is a major attraction for tourists in Kahului. It’s a great location to socialize with the locals, eat, and listen to live music.

There are numerous craft vendors, food trucks, produce stands, souvenir vendors, and more where you can shop.

Queen Kaahumanu Center

Shopping at the Queen Kaahumanu Center is among the most popular activities in Kahului. On Kaahumanu Road, there is a sizable outdoor shopping complex.

And this is where you’ll get to if you take the bus to Kahului. All the standard stores like Macy’s, Famous Footwear, and Jamba Juice are present in the mall.

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is a fantastic place to visit if you want to learn more about Hawaii’s significant contribution to the sugarcane industry.

The museum is located in Puunene, a still-rural area of Kahului with farms, though no longer growing sugarcane. You can stroll through exhibits that describe the daily lives of workers on sugar plantations and observe sugar farming machinery in action.

Ages 5 and up must pay a small admission fee, and it is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Sightseeing in Kahului

If you like taking guided tours and going on outdoor adventures, Kahului has a lot to offer. The city’s strategic location makes it the ideal place to begin any kind of journey.

Iao Valley State Monument, a state park at the base of the West Maui Mountains, is only 4 miles from the city. It’s a fantastic location for a day hike or nature walk.

There are also educational markers, streams, and waterfalls, as well as fantastic views of the Iao Needle. Non-resident walk-ins are only a few dollars, but parking will set you back a bit more.

To go on a family-friendly jungle adventure close to Kahului, you can also hire a local guide! Use hints from a treasure map to spend the morning looking for hidden treasure.

You’ll take a family-friendly hike, stop to cool off in a lagoon, and then hike back. This is a fun way to pique your kids’ interest in going on a hike in elementary and middle school. It’s also fantastic if you’re traveling to the Hawaiian Islands with a sizable family group.

Take a private Jeep tour along the Road to Hana for a little more excitement. These off-road vehicles are ideal for experiencing the Hana Highway in a way that not many people do.

You will go on hikes with your knowledgeable tour guide, who will also inform you about the history and culture of the area. They will even stop to jump in a lagoon beneath a waterfall with you because they are always up for an adventure.

Or take a helicopter tour departing from Kahului. It’s a unique way to see some of Maui geography’s most amazing features, and you get to see more of it!

Before flying out to Molokai, observe the West Maui Mountains, Haleakala, and Hana from above.

Best Food in Kahului

Investigating the local dining scene is one of the best things to do in Kahului!

Local favorites like Tasaka Guri-Guri in the Maui Mall are just a short distance away from some of the best food in Maui. Locals adore this location. Visit us for a condensed milk-based frozen treat.

And for a more relaxed dining experience, try Tante’s Island Cuisine. They are in the Kahului Bay-facing Maui Seaside Hotel. You can eat delicious Asian and Hawaiian food in addition to traditional American fare.

The Costco Food Truck Park, however, is one of Kahului’s most well-liked eating establishments.

This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for things to do near Kahului Airport. It is on the same side as the Marriot hotel and across the street from the Costco gas station. A casual meal can be enjoyed while seated at picnic tables beneath an awning.

It is regarded as the top food truck park in Maui. For acai bowls with interesting garnishes like lilikoi butter and chocolate shavings, visit Mo’ono Hawaii.

Alternatively, try Kalei’s Lunch Box for a variety of Hawaiian-inspired takes on traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare. The mochiko chicken and loco moco are two of the local favorites.

Try Maui Coffee Roasters, a charming café on the Hana Highway, for coffee. They offer 100% Kona and Hawaiian coffee that is freshly roasted, along with breakfast and lunch bites.

Or visit the nearby Wailuku Stillwell’s Bakery & Café. A sweet little café can be found in Wailuku. They offer delicious pastries and cakes, but their Chinese chicken salad is their claim to fame.

Things to Do in Kahului at Night

Perhaps you’re looking for nightlife options in Kahului, Hawaii. I have a few ideas for you, whether you want to go out on a date or spend time with your family.

Even though it technically takes place in Wailuku, the first is one of the most popular Kahului activities. Every first Friday of the month, from 6 to 9, the Wailuku First Friday is held.

This event on Wailuku’s Market Street could be compared to a sizable block party. You can enjoy entertaining live music as well as a variety of street vendors selling goods, artwork, children’s activities, and more.

There are numerous food vendors to choose from if you’re hungry. The whole family will love it, but couples can also have a drink and dance the night away.

Additionally, it’s a part of the larger Maui Friday Town Parties, which are held every Friday of the month in a different town on Maui.

You could watch a movie at the Regal Maui Mall Megaplex in this residential city if you wanted something more low-key. Choose from a variety of screens with recliner seats to watch the newest films.

The Mystery Maui Escape Room is another option. There are 2 challenging rooms with entertaining, original themes, like the Ramen Shop.

Wai Bar is a great option if you want to hire a babysitter and go out for a drink. Although it is a popular hangout for locals, it is also very hospitable to tourists. There is room for everyone and a DJ. Try the ginger beer-based Maui Mule!

The Hana Highway’s Ale House also has a lively atmosphere. The menu features everything from pizza and salads to steak, seafood, and sushi, and there is a sizable drink menu as well.

What Kahului Maui Attractions Will You Visit?

There don’t seem to be many things to do in Kahului at first glance. However, the options simply differ from those in West and South Maui’s touristy areas.

It can be a lot of fun and something you crave to engage in the full tourist experience. However, Kahului also provides easy access to the airport and harbor in addition to a taste of local Hawaiian life.

There are enjoyable activities for the whole family, whether you choose to spend all of your time in Maui’s largest city or just venture there for the day from your resort.

Topic: 9 Best Things To Do in Kahului in 2023 [Biggest City In Maui]

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