Ma'alaea, Hawaii travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Ma'alaea is a town on Maui that has a harbor and acts as the gateway to Maui's South Shore.

1 sights · 3 things to do

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Ma'alaea

Buddhist Temples

There are several temples in and near Ma'alaea

Maui Ocean Center

An aquarium that boasts a shark tunnel and a coral reef rescue program. They offer shark dives and have day, week and annual tickets. They even provide transportation to/from the aquarium for $5 from some parts of Maui.

Molokini Snorkel Tour

Several companies offer boat trips to the Molokini atoll where you can snorkel among the reefs and wildlife. Many tours include food and drinks as well as a snorkel stop at turtle town.

Whale Watching

There are a few companies that offer whale watching tours from the harbor such as the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 67°F. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Honolulu)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
OGG Kahului International Airport, Kahului — 7 mi away (major hub). Directions
JHM Kapalua Airport, Lahaina — 16 mi away. Directions

Maui's main airport, Kahului Airport, will be the primary access to the island. From Kahului, follow the signs to Ma'alaea, and it should lead you south on Highway 311 (Mokulele Hwy). It is less than 10 miles (16 km) from the airport to harbor and it will take 20min to drive.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Buddhist Temples, Maui Ocean Center
Afternoon Molokini Snorkel Tour, Whale Watching

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Get in

By car

By bus

Maui bus 15 from Kihei takes ~25min
Maui bus 20 from Lahaina takes ~50min
Maui bus 20 from Kahului takes ~35min

Get around

Ma'alaea harbor is quite small and can be navigated on foot.

See

See Buddhist Temples

There are several temples in and near Ma'alaea

⚠ Last checked Feb 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps

Do

Do Maui Ocean Center

📍 192 Ma'alaea Rd, Wailuku🕒 9AM-5PM daily; July/August open until 6PM💲 $27.95/adult, $19.95/child, $24.95/senior☎ +1 808 270-7000⚠ Last checked Feb 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Do Molokini Snorkel Tour

Several companies offer boat trips to the Molokini atoll where you can snorkel among the reefs and wildlife. Many tours include food and drinks as well as a snorkel stop at turtle town.

⚠ Last checked Feb 2016 — confirm before you go

Maps