indoor things to do in maui

Absolute 17 Best Indoor Things to Do in Maui

Maui is famous for its stunning beaches and outdoor adventures, but don’t forget there’s plenty to do indoors, too! Whether it’s a rainy day or you just want a break from the sun, Maui has tons of fun indoor activities. You can explore museums, enjoy art galleries, try out a cooking class, or unwind with a relaxing spa treatment. If you’re looking for great ways to stay cool or dry, here are 17 awesome indoor things to do in Maui. Check it out!

Sip and take a brewery tour at Maui Brewing Company

Maui Brewing Company
By Official Facebook
  • Address: 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Open hours: 11:00 – 22:00 daily
  • Contact: +1 808-201-2337
  • Website: mauibrewingco.com

Maui Brewing Company is the largest craft brewery in Hawaii, and its Kihei spot is the biggest and best. It’s got a cool beer garden with outdoor games, an open-air restaurant, and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. With over 30 beers on tap—including their signature brews, special releases, and collabs—it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy some great beer.

If you’re looking for a more chill vibe, check out their Tasting Room, open Wednesday through Sunday. You’ll find craft beer, a small food menu, live music, and big-screen TVs for watching the game. They also offer brewery tours and tastings, so it’s a must-visit for any beer fan!

Snuggle Cats at Cat Cafe Maui

Cat Cafe Maui
By Official Facebook
  • Address: Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 2nd floor by the elevator, 275 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
  • Open hours: 11:00 – 17:00 daily
  • Website: catcafemaui.com

Cat Cafe Maui is a dream spot for cat lovers and coffee fans! Grab coffee or tea and hang out with friendly, adoptable cats in a cozy, relaxing space. The cafe works with the Maui Humane Society and Maui Cat Rescue to allow these adorable cats to socialize and find their forever homes.

They also offer fun events like Cat Yoga, Paint N’ Purr, Movie Nights, and more. Gift cards are also available to share this unique experience with others. It’s a great spot to unwind and support a good cause!

Dive into the Deep at Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center
By Official Facebook
  • Address: 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
  • Open hours: 9:00 – 17:00 daily
  • Contact: +1 808-270-7000
  • Website: mauioceancenter.com

An aquarium is the best place to visit on a rainy day, and the Maui Ocean Center is perfect! This fantastic aquarium lets you get close to Hawaii’s marine life, with the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit being a must-see. 

Thanks to a cool acrylic tunnel, you can watch fish, rays, and sharks swim all around you, even overhead. You can also visit the Turtle Lagoon to see green sea turtles or explore the Humpbacks of Hawai‘i Exhibit and Sphere, which takes you on a 3D journey with humpback whales. 

Shop Til You Drop at The Shops at Wailea

The Shops at Wailea
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  • Address: 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
  • Open hours: 10:00 – 21:00 daily
  • Contact: +1 808-891-6770
  • Website: www.theshopsatwailea.com

The Shops at Wailea is Maui’s top spot for shopping and dining, with over 70 boutiques, shops, restaurants, and galleries. While it’s known for its high-end shopping, the open-air vibe makes it even better, with weekly cultural events like ukulele lessons, coconut husking, Polynesian dances, and live music.

You’ll also find many dining options, from coffee spots to steakhouses. One standout is Lineage, serving excellent local Hawaiian food from Top Chef alum Sheldon Simeon.

Go Wine Tasting at MauiWine

MauiWine
By Official Facebook
  • Address: 14815 Piilani Hwy, Kula, HI 96790
  • Open hours: 11:00 – 17:00 Tuesday to Sunday | closed on Mondays
  • Contact: +1 808-878-6058
  • Website: mauiwine.com

Want to drink wine on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano? MauiWine lets you do just that! It’s Hawaii’s oldest winery, located 1,800 feet above sea level. You can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and picnics while enjoying fantastic views of Maui’s southern coast.

MauiWine started in 1974, with the winery set on the historic Rose Ranch Estate, once used by King Kalākaua. With 23 acres of grapevines, you can try wines like Chenin Blanc, Maui Splash, and the popular Maui Blanc, made from pineapple. Book a vineyard tour in advance, as they’re limited!

Unleash Your Creativity at the Island Art Party

Island Art Party
By Official Facebook

Tap into your creative side at an Island Art Party in Maui! This fun class concerns painting, good vibes, and a little social hour. You don’t need any painting experience—just follow the easy step-by-step instructions and enjoy drinks from the ‘Creative Juices’ bar, where they’ve got cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options.

You’ll get a 16×20 canvas set up with all your supplies—brushes, paints, and aprons. There’s an island-inspired painting for you to copy, and if you need help, the guides are happy to assist. Take a break, snack on popcorn, dance to the music, and grab a drink. It’s a super chill way to make a tropical masterpiece to take home!

Catch a Show at Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Maui Arts & Cultural Center
By Official Website
  • Address: 1 Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732
  • Contact: +1 808-242-7469
  • Website: mauiarts.org

Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC), opened in 1994, is a must-visit for anyone into the arts. Known as the heart of Maui’s creative scene, it hosts everything from concerts to theater, dance, and even Hawaiian cultural events. The outdoor stage pavilion has spaces for meetings and dining, with built-in bars and a catering kitchen.

Besides performances, the center has free community events like Starry Night Cinema and the Ki Ho‘alu Guitar Festival, which celebrates Hawaiian music. Plus, the Schaefer International Gallery offers year-round free art exhibits.  Be sure to check out the website for a complete list of shows and events.

Watch Magic in the Making at Makai Glass Maui

Makai Glass Maui
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  • Address: 903 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, HI 96768
  • Open hours: 10:00 – 18:00 daily
  • Contact: +1 808-419-6685
  • Website: www.makaiglass.com

Makai Glass is a superb spot where you can watch glassblowers create beautiful pieces right before you from an elevated viewing gallery. It’s one of the only places in Maui where you can get this close to the action. They’re open every day from 11 AM to 6 PM, and glass blowing usually happens Monday to Friday, but it’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure you’ll catch the action.

Their showroom is huge, with tons of colorful glass art on display. Many pieces have ocean-inspired designs, such as waves, turtles, and dolphins. Whether you’re just looking or planning to buy, you’ll find something you love at all different price points.

Explore the Underground at Hana Lava Tubes

Hana Lava Tubes
By viator.com
  • Address: 205 Ulaino Rd, Hana, HI 96713
  • Open hours: 10:30 – 16:00 daily
  • Contact: +1 808-248-7308
  • Website: mauicave.com

The Hana Lava Tube is a fun, family-friendly spot to explore. You can take a self-guided tour daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. However, guided tours offer insight into this hidden gem’s unique geology and ecosystems. The tour takes about 40 minutes and lets you walk through a cool underground cave with stalagmites and stalactites. The cave was formed about 960 years ago from lava cooling into a tube. 

The tour is easy to navigate, with stairs and uneven ground. The site has a visitor center, parking lot, and picnic shelter. If you prefer not to go underground, visit the nearby Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze.

Step Back in Time at Bailey House Museum

Bailey House Museum
By Official Facebook
  • Address: 2375A Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793
  • Open hours: 10:00 – 14:00 weekdays | closed on weekends
  • Website: mauimuseum.org

The Bailey House Museum, built in 1833, is a small lava rock and Koa wood home rich with history. It has served as a mission, a female seminary, a private home, and even a World War II base. Today, it houses Maui’s most extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts, including pre-European items and beautiful oil paintings by Edward Bailey, the home’s namesake.

Outside, the gardens showcase local plants, including some endangered species. You’ll also find Duke Kahanamoku’s original 1919 redwood surfboard, honoring the Olympic swimmer who popularized surfing. A visit takes about an hour, making it a perfect quick stop to add a bit of history to your Maui adventure.

Dance the Hula at a Cultural Class

Hula dance
By viator.com

Hula dance is a traditional Hawaiian art form that tells stories through movement, often accompanied by chanting or music. Each gesture in hula represents different elements of nature or emotions, like the wind, sea, or love, making it a beautiful and meaningful way to connect with Hawaiian culture.

You can join a hula class at many resorts, cultural centers, or community spots on Maui. These classes are perfect for beginners, teaching you basic moves like the swaying kaholo step while explaining the meaning behind each gesture. Some courses even include traditional instruments like gourd drums for an authentic vibe. Check your resort’s activities or places like the Maui Arts & Cultural Center to find a class and dive into this unique tradition!

Create and Admire Art at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center

Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center
By Official Website
  • Address: 2841 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
  • Open hours: 9:00 – 16:00 Tuesday to Saturday | Closed on Monday and Sunday.
  • Contact: +1 808-572-6560
  • Website: www.huinoeau.com

Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is a nonprofit organization on the historic Kaluanui Estate. It offers art classes, workshops, and camps for all ages and skill levels. You can learn painting, photography, ceramics, Hawaiian arts, and more from professional artists.

While at the Hui, you can explore the stunning Kaluanui grounds, enjoy art exhibitions, watch artists at work, and even shop for locally made gift items in the Gallery Shop. It’s a great place to experience the island’s rich artistic culture and find unique pieces to take home!

Cook Like a Local at Hawaiian-Style Cooking Classes

Hawaiian Style Cooking Classes
By Official Website

What’s better than a cooking class on a rainy day? Head to a beautiful Hawaiian home on the Diamond Head coast in Honolulu for a hands-on cooking experience! Chef Linda will greet you when you arrive and show you to your cooking station, where everything’s set up for a hands-on experience. You’ll be ready to get started from the menu to the cooking tools.

As you learn to prepare “Hawaii Local Favorites” or other delicious dishes, you’ll get tips on cooking techniques, the history behind the food, and some fun facts. Once the meal is prepared, you can enjoy the delicious food you’ve made at a communal table.

Be Inspired by Glass Art at Hot Island Glass

Hot Island Glass Maui
By Official Facebook
  • Address: 3620 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
  • Open hours: 9:00 – 17:00 daily
  • Contact: +1 808-572-4527
  • Website: www.hotislandglass.com

Hot Islands Glass is a family-run business in Maui that has been creating stunning pieces from molten glass since 1992. At their studio and gallery, you can relax at the viewing bar, enjoy your coffee, and watch the fascinating glassblowing process up close.

The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with no high-pressure sales—just artists happy to share their craft and answer your questions. Stop by to experience the creativity and see the beauty of glass art in action!

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Maui spa
By pixabay.com

A spa day is one of the best indoor activities to enjoy in Maui, especially if you want to relax and recharge. Maui’s top resorts have incredible spas that use local ingredients like volcanic clay, kukui nut oil, and tropical fruits to give you an authentic Hawaiian vibe.

You can try a soothing lomi lomi massage, a refreshing facial, or an energizing body scrub – whatever helps you unwind. Some spas even have ocean views or garden settings to make it extra special.

Learn About Maui’s Sugar History at the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
By Official Facebook
  • Address: 3957 Hansen Rd, Puunene, HI 96784
  • Open hours: 10:00 – 14:00 Monday to Thursday
  • Contact: +1 808-871-8058
  • Website: www.sugarmuseum.com

The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum in Puʻunēnē, Maui, is a cool spot to dive into Hawaii’s sugarcane history. Just a short drive from Kahului Airport, this historic plantation home has interesting exhibits. You’ll find six rooms full of artifacts, photos, and even a working model of a sugarcane crusher. The museum also shares stories of the hardworking, multicultural community that shaped Maui’s sugar industry.

Outside, you can see vintage equipment like an old steam engine and a Portuguese oven. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop. They have unique souvenirs, including specialty sugars and local coffee.

Shop in Style at Whalers Village

Whalers Village
By Official Website
  • Address: 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
  • Open hours: 9:00 – 21:00 daily
  • Contact: +1 808-661-4567
  • Website: www.whalersvillage.com

Whalers Village is a lively, open-air shopping and dining center on Kā‘anapali Beach in Maui. With over 90 stores and restaurants, it’s a go-to spot for locals and tourists. You’ll find a mix of well-known brands and unique specialty shops.

There’s also a great selection of food options, from quick bites to oceanfront fine dining, making it a top destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment on the island. 

In conclusion, Maui has so much to offer regarding indoor activities. You can enjoy a great time at art galleries or cooking classes no matter the weather. Just be sure to plan—check the weather, look up locations, and make the most of your trip.

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