6 Secret Maui Locations

Check out these secret Maui locations for some great recommendations and deserted beaches for your visit! My partner grew up in Hawaii and has family who still lives there, so I know some of the best secret, locals-only spots. And if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in mid-2021 like I am, don’t miss my list of five secret Oahu locations too!

1: Molokini, a deserted island off the coast of Maui

Molokini is an “island” off the coast of Maui, which you can only access by boat, hence part of our list of secret Maui locations. I say “island” in quotes because it’s very small, no one lives there, and it’s actually more of a crater than an island. That’s why it has amazing coral and therefore wonderful snorkeling.

To get to Molokini, you have to hire someone with a specific type of boat, and I recommend a day tour. I really loved this early-morning snorkel tour from Viator, but there are lots of options you could choose.

Taking this snorkel tour was probably my #1 highlight from all of Maui, and that’s really saying something (which you’ll see below). While snorkeling, I saw turtles, an eel, colorful coral, and countless fish in crystal clear blue water. On the boat ride towards the Molokini crater, we were even lucky enough to spot a whale!

2: Black Rock, a secret beach on Maui

On the farthest north end of Ka’anapali Beach sits Black Rock, which is a locals-only spot for snorkeling. Since you’re far away from the most popular beaches and resorts, Black Rock makes it onto our list of secret Maui locations. It is a black volcanic rock (….hence the name…), but this is important because fish and coral love volcanic rock, which means more opportunities to see cool stuff while snorkeling.

And snorkel I did! In fact, a giant sea turtle swam up pretty close to me, such that I had to get out of the way to avoid touching him or her. (You’re not supposed to touch sea turtles or other wildlife in Hawaii.) I know, this story sounds fantastical, but it’s true! I didn’t manage to get a picture because I was underwater and don’t have a GoPro, and I’m sure a blurry pic wouldn’t do justice to the experience anyway.

Ka’anapali Beach sits on the westernmost point of Maui and is less popular than Makena Beach to the south, which is where most of the high-end resorts are. (Check out why I don’t recommend the Grand Wailea Maui, which is the highest-end resort on Makena Beach, in my Grand Wailea Maui review.) If you’re staying near Makena Beach, Ka’anapali is only about a 50-minute drive. Go to the north end of Ka’anapali to see Black Rock.

3: Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

Visiting a real-life lavender farm was surreal. First off, is a lavender farm even a thing? Yes, if you’re in Maui, it is. Keep in mind, to get here, you gotta go off the beaten path away from the touristy beaches a little bit – you’re a little over an hour away from either Makena Beach or Ka’anapali Beach. But that’s what makes this one of the secret Maui locations!

Can you smell the lavender? This question was on my mind when I visited. And the answer is YES! The second you get out of your car, you see these rolling hills of lavender everywhere and you smell it, just like if you were sniffing perfume.

If you plan to visit, as I highly recommend, admission is only $3. Before COVID-19, the lavender farm hosted guided tours, which I assume they’ll resume once everything reopens!

4: Ocean Vodka Distillery

Only a 19-minute drive away from the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is the Ocean Vodka Distillery, which is the next stop on our secret Maui locations tour. This is the most charming, organic farm I’ve ever seen, and even better – they host vodka tastings! We went inside and tried a couple little sips, then bought a bottle from the charming couple at the counter.

Funny story, we knew our trip from the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm to here would be pretty sparsely populated. But we didn’t know how easy it would be to end up on a farm access road and almost get stuck! Although Maui is known for its tourism and beaches, most of the island is actually pretty rural and agricultural. Once you’re off the beaten path away from the resorts, you’ll often find yourself on a narrow road with little traffic.

After you visit Ocean Vodka Distillery and pick up a bottle or two of their smooth vodka, you’re only a 2-minute drive away from our next stop….

5: Surfing Goat Dairy

Practically across the street from Ocean Vodka Distillery is the Surfing Goat Dairy, which is an organic dairy farm where you get to pet the goats! This was a lovely highlight of my trip and I’m so glad we stumbled upon it. Maui is much more agricultural than it seems, and this is a must-visit if you want to experience secret Maui locations.

We went on a tour, which I highly recommend; they start at only around $10 per person. Afterwards we also bought a plate of the various goat cheeses. All were delicious.

6: Pa’ia, a secret Maui small town

Pa’ia is a small town (only ~2,400 people!) at the top of the island of Maui. It’s on our list of secret Maui locations because it’s so underrated and overlooked. It’s not particularly close to any of the touristy beaches (though it does have some good surfing spots with big waves). It does, however, happen to be about 15 minutes away from the Kahului (OGG) airport. This is why I recommend that you visit Pa’ia either at the beginning or end of your trip.

Pa’ia boasts some gorgeous points to take pictures. We pulled our car over for a picnic and enjoyed this view.

Pa’ia is also a lovely town with wonderful shops, restaurants, and friendly people. Perhaps the most famous restaurant is Mama’s Fish House, which is a bit of a splurge; all entrees are $50+ apiece. But the restaurant also sits on a gorgeous beach, albeit not one that you can easily snorkel from.

Spend an extra hour or two in Pa’ia on your way out of Maui and you won’t regret it.

I hope you enjoyed my list of secret spots on Maui! Let me know what you’re planning to visit when you go there.