10 Things I Want to Do on Maui in 2025

Sometimes it feels like time stands still on Maui. Having been born and raised on the Valley Isle, I look forward to my trips home, when I can stop at Pukalani Superette to pick up a bento or sit outside Tasaka Guri Guri with a Dixie cup filled with the shop’s strawberry guri guri. Not much has changed since I was a kid—and there’s a comfort in that.

But on the Valley Isle, I’m rarely bored. From natural wonders to monthly festivals and a new crop of restaurateurs raising the island’s already strong culinary game, there’s always something interesting to experience on Maui—whether you’re a resident, former resident or first-time visitor.

I live on Oʻahu now, but I make it a priority to travel back to Maui every few months, and I’ve already mapped out 10 things I’m excited to do there in 2025.

1. Dine at the Valley Isle’s newest restaurants

Nobu is slated to open in the summer at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
Photo: Courtesy of Rockwell Group

Maui’s culinary scene is anything but ordinary. From hole-in-the-walls like Sam Sato’s to luxe fine dining restaurants like Mama’s Fish House, the island has plenty of iconic spots. But there’s a new crop of creative chefs and ambitious restaurateurs opening eateries and helping to shape Maui’s culinary landscape. Opened in late 2023 in the former spot of Makawao Steak House, Makawao Public House quickly became a local favorite thanks to its modern cuisine fused with Island flavors. I haven’t stopped by yet, but it’s a top priority for 2025.

With new ownership, the Pāʻia mainstay Café Mambo was revamped last year. Now sporting a chic new appearance, the restaurant also reopened with a reimagined menu.

Meanwhile, a few major grand openings are anticipated in 2025. Sale Pepe, a family favorite and victim of the 2023 wildfires, is expected to reopen in a new location in Lahaina this spring. The illustrious Nobu is also slated to open in the summer at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.

READ MORE: 15 Dishes Every Traveler to Maui Should Try

2. Sip spirits grown in Makawao

In Upcountry Maui, you can find the only distillery in the Islands producing blue agave spirits. The most popular types of blue agave spirits are tequila and mezcal. However, these terms are exclusive to regions of Mexico where the spirits are produced, like France’s sparkling wine Champagne and Roquefort cheese. With the island’s volcanic soil and temperate climate, Waikulu Distillery is growing blue agave spirits unique to Makawao. For years I’ve driven by the farm and distillery on Baldwin Avenue, and this year I’m finally going to pull over for a tour and tasting.

3275 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, waikulu.com.

3. Make a grand getaway to the reimagined Fairmont Kea Lani

Pilina is the new cocktail lounge and sushi bar at Fairmon Kea Lani. The menus feature locally and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani

Perched above Wailea’s golden sands, the beautiful Fairmont Kea Lani is known for its ultraluxe one-bedroom suites and two-story oceanfront villas. After years of planning and a series of renovations, the resort completed an impressive cultural redesign in January 2024. The project not only updated the resort’s suites and villas, it revitalized the lobby with a new cocktail lounge and sushi bar as well as an immersive Hawaiian cultural center. The lounge and sushi bar, Pilina, celebrates the connection between land and local farmers, fisherman and purveyors. The handcrafted cocktails are created with house-made infusions and feature hyper-local ingredients. The results are beautiful cocktails that provide a unique taste of the island’s natural resources.

And at the heart of the resort’s transformation is the cultural center Hale Kukuna. Here, guests can gain a better understanding of the Islands’ rich history and traditions. Whether you’re looking for a glorious vacation (or staycation), Fairmont Kea Lani melds luxury with tradition.

For more information, visit, fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui.

4. Escape to the ultimate wellness retreat at the Kilolani Spa

The vitality pool at Kilolani Spa, an innovative treatment center located within the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
Photo: Courtesy of Kilolani Spa

On Maui, Kilolani Spa is the ultimate destination for rejuvenation. Located within the opulent Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, the spa is equipped with a meditation lounge, halotherapy-infused saunas, hydrothermal gardens and more. At the innovative spa, Hawaiʻi’s natural and healing elements are integrated into top-of-the-line treatments. I’m excited about Kilolani Spa’s recently launched wellness retreats. Guests can choose between three- and five-day retreats, during which they’ll stay in the resort’s new wellness rooms, with amenities like Therabody compression boots, meditation goggles and air purifiers. The retreat packages include signature massage or facial treatments, private fitness sessions, IV nutrient therapy and more. Retreat guests will also have access to the Hydrotherapy Gardens, which are equipped with a saltwater vitality pool, cold plunge, steam room and sauna.

For more information, visit spa.grandwailea.com.

READ MORE: The 5 Best Luxury Resorts on Maui

5. Camp at Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Waiʻānapanapa State Park lures adventurers with its black-sand beach and volcanic scenery.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tommy Lundberg

A 52-mile serpentine road separates the quiet town of Hāna from the rest of Maui. In this rural region, Waiʻānapanapa State Park lures locals and travelers for its black-sand beach and volcanic scenery. Many people spend whole mornings or afternoons there, strolling along the walking paths or relaxing on the black sand. But if you’re looking to truly escape to the wild, the campground at Waiʻānapanapa State Park, is the place to be. Here, you can rent a cabin or pitch tent—just steps from the secluded beach.

For more information about camping and reservations, visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/waianapanapa-state-park.

6. Run in the 55th Maui Marathon (April 27)

Ccean views provide a welcome distraction during the Maui Marathon.
Photo: Courtesy of Maui Marathon

Established in 1970, the Maui Marathon is among the longest-running marathons in the world. The scenic course draws participants from around the globe looking to experience the beauty of West Maui while also tackling a 26.2-mile challenge. The race was canceled in 2024 due to the devastating wildfires, but it’s returning this April—and with a few changes. This year the relatively flat course will start and finish in Kāʻanapali. Racers will run out and back along Honoapiʻilani Highway, with the turnaround point at Pāpalaua State Wayside Park, with ocean views providing them a welcome distraction.

For more information, visit mauimarathon.com.

7. Listen to kī hoʻalu at the Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival – Maui Style (June 29)

Some of the Islands’ best slack-key guitar musicians come together at the annual Hawaiian Slack-Key Festival – Maui Style.
Photo: Courtesy of the Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festivals

Held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, the annual Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival – Maui Style marks its 34th year this summer. The festival celebrates the Hawaiian art of kī hoʻalu (slack-key guitar), a style of playing unique to the Islands. The origins of kī hoʻalu trace back to the days of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys); it means to loosen—or to slack—the key, which allows for interesting chord combinations and ethereal melodies. Hawaiian slack-key mele (songs) often evoke a sweet sense of nostalgia as musicians share stories about the paniolo of ʻUlupalakua, sweethearts in Waikīkī, and so much more. Every year the event brings together some of Hawaiʻi’s best musicians.

For more information, visit facebook.com/slackkeyfestivals.

8. Watch movies under the stars at the Maui Film Festival

Since 2000, the Maui Film Festival has been a widely anticipated weekend for residents and visitors. It draws celebrities from around the world and is one of my favorite events every year. The festival is known for its unique lineup of short and feature-length films, often spotlighting local and international filmmakers. The multiday festival is held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s outdoor amphitheater, where you can bring blankets and beach chairs and cozy up for an epic movie night under the stars. Dates for 2025 haven’t been announced, but the festival is typically held in late summer or early fall.

For more information, visit mauifilmfestival.com.

9. Wander through Wailuku’s First Friday

The charming town of Wailuku comes to life on the first Friday of every month.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson

On the first Friday of every month, the charming town of Wailuku comes to life. In the evening, the streets close down and traffic is replaced by pop-up shops set up by local food vendors and artisans. The family-friendly celebration is a great time to wander through the town’s historic streets and support local businesses.

For more information, visit wailukufirstfriday.com.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Wailuku

10. Watch a sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā

Witness the sunrise from the highest point on Maui is worth adding to your bucket list.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson

Seeing the sunrise from the highest point on Maui is special, and at just over 10,000 feet up, the view of the sun’s first rays is unbelievable. It’s an epic experience worth adding to your bucket list.

For more information, visit nps.gov/hale/index.htm.