7 ways to experience Maui this summer without the crowds
With over 3 million annual visitors in pre-COVID times, there’s no denying that Maui has long been one of Hawaii’s most popular destinations — in part because it caters to all types of travelers.
Sun-seekers and surfers can kick back on over 30 miles of beaches, while nature lovers trek the Valley Isle’s mountainous interior and the jet setters live their best lives at the island’s exclusive, five-star resorts.
Now, with visitor numbers once again increasing, Maui is facing the challenge of overtourism and even considering a cap on visitor accommodations. On a standard vacation there these days, you might struggle with packed pools, intense traffic — and a nagging conscience.
Still, it’s entirely possible to experience Maui’s rich culture and natural beauty on a relaxing, off-the-beaten-path trip that avoids the crowds and allows you to enjoy Hawaii in a deeper, more responsible way.
From whale watching on a traditional outrigger canoe to trekking West Maui's magnificent North Shore, here are some of the best ways to explore the island's lesser-known gems.
Hike into a volcano
Haleakalā National Park isn’t exactly a secret. In fact, passes to view the sunrise from the volcano’s 10,023-foot summit often sell out well in advance. And for good reason: A sacred site for Native Hawaiians, Haleakalā boasts one of the world’s largest volcanic craters (big enough to fit the entire island of Manhattan), five distinct climate zones and multiple plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world, such as the nēnē (Hawaiian Goose) and Hawaiian silversword.
To avoid the crowds, skip the early wake-up call and arrive in time for a midmorning hike along Haleakalā’s moonlike terrain instead — you’ll feel like you have the whole park to yourself.
Don’t miss Halemau’u Trail, a rocky path that boasts views of lava tubes and cinder cones, and Sliding Sands Trail, which descends all the way to the crater floor. Hike Maui offers a challenging but efficient 4-mile tour or you can explore as much as you want on your own.
Related: Book this, not that: Getting the most from your hotel points in Maui
Watch whales the old-fashioned way
If you know where to look, it’s possible to immerse yourself in nature and Hawaiian culture without even leaving your resort. For example, at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, guests can try their hand at paddling a traditional wood-carved outrigger canoe just like the early Polynesian explorers who navigated to the Hawaiian Islands.
Local guides will show you the ropes and explain the common commands of this fascinating sport. Be sure to keep an eye out for manta rays, green sea turtles, colorful fish, and, from December through May, playful humpback whales.
Go horseback riding in the Upcountry
When thinking about Maui, surfers are more likely to come to mind than cowboys. Even so, the island’s lesser known Upcountry has been the home of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) since the 19th century when King Kamehameha III invited vaqueros from California to teach islanders to wrangle cattle.
To step back into Maui’s ranching history, head to the family-owned Thompson Ranch. Far from your standard commercial horseback ride, professional guides lead guests along a country trail at 4,000 feet above sea level through rolling fogs, past grazing cattle, and up to a mountain cabin with panoramic views of Haleakalā itself.
Venture to west Maui's rugged North Shore
Many travelers skip the back side of West Maui, but the North Shore is well worth a visit. Start by strolling the mostly flat Kapalua Coastal Trail that snakes between Kapalua Bay Beach and D.T. Fleming Beach Park.
Along the way you’ll discover tide pools, dramatic cliffs and magical rock formations, such as Makaluapuna Point, an ancient Hawaiian burial site known as Dragon's Teeth where the jagged lava rock resembles the mouth of a mythical creature.
Craving more adventure? Drive past Kapalua to uncover the hidden treasures on this side of Maui. Sometimes likened to the more famous Road to Hana, the journey will take you to Honolua Bay (one of the top spots on the island for snorkeling), Nakalele Blowhole, Kahakuloa (sometimes called the most isolated village in Maui), and Waihe’e Ridge Trail, a spectacular hike with views of the coastline and lush Waihe’e Valley.
Related: The best way to get to Hawaii using points and miles.
Dine on locally-sourced produce
To eat like a local in Maui, drive out to Hali'imaile General Store, a former plantation shop for Upcountry pineapple workers nestled in the lower slopes of Haleakalā. Chef Bev Gannon (credited with establishing the Hawaii Regional Cuisine Movement) opened the restaurant in 1988 to showcase products from Maui’s fishermen, ranchers and farmers. Today the food is just as spectacularly fresh, highlighting a blend of Hawaiian and Asian flavors. A perfect meal might include crab pizza on stone-fired flatbread, macadamia nut crusted mahi-mahi, and Hali'imaile pineapple upside-down cake.
Swim with a sea turtle
Did you even go to Maui if you didn’t spot a sea turtle? Avoid popular snorkeling beaches such as Kaanapali where you’ll be jostling for space and instead book a responsible diving or snorkeling tour that will bring you up close and personal with the island’s chillest residents.
At Wailea Point, you’re likely to see multiple green sea turtles, as well as moray eels, octopus and manta rays, while the aptly named Turtle Town near Makena is arguably the best (and quietest) place to swim with these graceful, iconic animals without overwhelming them.
Related: Cleared for Takeoff: A family adventure in Oahu and Maui
Give back to the community
Inspired by the concept of malama 'aina (caring for the land) that lies at the heart of Hawaiian culture, the state's Malama Hawaii program invites travelers to connect more deeply with the islands by working with local organizations to protect Hawaii’s heritage and natural spaces.
One of the most hands-on and educational experiences can be found at the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, a non-profit organization that strives to restore and preserve the physical, historical, and cultural legacies of Maui. After a brief training session, you'll discover Maui’s storied past by measuring, describing and transcribing historic artifacts and documents from the Kingdom of Hawaii, missionary, whaling and sugar periods.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.