13 Bucket List Things to Do in Maui in April
April in Maui hits different – in the best possible way! The temps are just right and the island’s showing off with crystal-clear waters and blooming tropical flowers.
We’ve crafted this guide with all the must-do activities for your upcoming visit. Between cultural festivals, outdoor pursuits, and ocean activities, you’ll get the perfect mix of chill time and thrills.
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1. Catch the Last Dance of Maui’s Whales
April marks the finale of whale season, when mama whales and their calves steal the show before heading back to Alaska.
The Maui Nui Basin between Maui, Lanai, and Kaho’olawe turns into nature’s greatest performance stage.
Watch these gentle giants teach their babies essential life skills like breaching and tail slapping.
Insider Tip: Book a morning tour when the ocean’s calmer, or head to McGregor Point lookout for free whale-watching from land.
2. Chase Your Runner’s High at the Maui Marathon
Mark your calendars for April 27th – the 55th Maui Marathon is making its grand comeback to West Maui.
Starting and finishing in Ka’anapali, this scenic route offers ocean views that’ll make those 26.2 miles fly by.
Not ready for the full marathon? No worries! Choose from the half marathon, 10k, or 5k options.
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3. Snorkel at Molokini Crater
Spring brings the perfect combo of clear waters and calm conditions to this crescent-shaped volcanic crater. With visibility reaching up to 150 feet, you’ll feel like you’re swimming in nature’s own aquarium.
Spot tropical fish, curious eels, and maybe even a manta ray gliding by. Book the first boat out for fewer crowds and better chances of seeing active marine life.
4. Get Your Taro Fix at East Maui’s Biggest Food Festival
The 29th East Maui Taro Festival rolls into Hana on April 26th, bringing the best of Hawaiian culture and cuisine. Think beyond basic poi – you’ll find everything from fluffy taro pancakes to traditional Hawaiian dishes.
Watch local experts pound poi, groove to live music, and browse through local crafts. Best part? It’s totally free!
5. Give Back to the Island at Maui’s Beach Clean-Up
Want good karma points with your tan? Join the Beach Clean-Up running through May 3rd. It’s a chance to meet locals, learn about marine conservation, and help keep Maui gorgeous.
Plus, some hotels offer sweet perks like free nights or breakfast for participating. Talk about a win-win!
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6. Trek Through Bamboo Forests on Pipiwai Trail
This 2-mile round-trip adventure near Hana takes you through a magical bamboo forest where towering stalks create nature’s wind chimes. The grand finale? The 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Pack good shoes – the trail can get slippery when it drizzles, but that just adds to the tropical vibes.
7. Groove with John Craigie at MACC
Cap off your April adventures with singer-songwriter John Craigie at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on March 23rd.
Known for turning concerts into cozy living room conversations, Craigie brings his signature wit and storytelling to the McCoy Studio Theater.
8. Explore the Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is an easy 2.5-mile round trip adventure along Maui’s stunning northwestern coast. It’s totally beginner-friendly with mostly flat terrain.
Start at Kapalua Bay Beach and wind your way past luxury resorts, over boardwalks, and through lava fields. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles and whales breaching offshore.
9. Attend Buddha Day
Mark your calendars for April 8, when Maui celebrates Buddha’s birthday with the beautiful Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival).
The celebration brings the community together at local temples, where you’ll see colorful decorations, traditional chants, and the heartwarming ritual of pouring sweet tea over baby Buddha statues.
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10. Swim with Sea Turtles
Head to Turtle Town, stretching between Nahuna Point and Makena Landing Park, where gentle Hawaiian green sea turtles swim through crystal-clear waters.
For the best experience, go early morning when seas are calmer and before tour boats arrive.
Another fantastic spot is Kapalua Bay, where you might catch these majestic creatures munching on seaweed near the reef.
11. Experience the Celebration of the Arts
Don’t miss this incredible cultural festival at The Ritz-Carlton Maui on April 18-19! It’s your chance to dive deep into Hawaiian culture with over 125 artists, cultural experts, and performers sharing their knowledge.
Get hands-on with traditional art demonstrations, groove to live Hawaiian music, and feast your eyes on hula performances.
The festival kicks off with a stunning sunrise ceremony and keeps the magic going with everything from medicinal plant tours to Polynesian wayfinding sessions.
12. Drive the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is the ultimate Maui road trip! This 52-mile scenic drive serves up 620 curves and 59 bridges of pure magic, winding through lush rainforests and along dramatic ocean cliffs.
Stop at Twin Falls for an easy waterfall hike, snap photos of the mind-blowing rainbow eucalyptus trees, and dig your toes into the black sand at Waianapanapa State Park.
Insider Tip: Start super early (like 6:30 AM early) to beat the crowds, and pack snacks for the 10-12 hour journey.
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13. Visit the Maui Ocean Center
Home to the world’s largest collection of living Pacific corals, you’ll come face-to-face with tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks in their 750,000-gallon exhibit.
The coolest part? They grow over 50 species and help restore damaged reefs around Maui. Check out their mind-blowing 3D sphere experience to learn about Maui’s majestic whales.
Bonus: Their on-site restaurant is the only Platinum Certified sustainable eatery in Hawaii.
Where to Stay
West Maui is a crowd-pleaser. The Kaanapali area is prime real estate for families. Snag a room at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. It’s right on the beach and boasts a jaw-dropping pool complex.
South Maui’s Wailea is where luxury meets laid-back vibes. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is the crème de la crème. Their oceanfront rooms are to die for, and the service? Next level.
For a taste of local life, Central Maui might be your jam. The Iao Valley Inn’s detached cottage offers a slice of tranquility away from the tourist hustle.
Upcountry Maui serves up cooler temps and country charm. Book a stay at the Kula Lodge for sweeping views and a cozy fireplace.
Hana, on the east side, is all about that off-the-beaten-path vibe. The Hana-Maui Resort lets you soak in the area’s natural beauty without skimping on comfort.
Weather
Maui basks in warm sunshine in April, with daytime temperatures hovering in the high 70s and low 80s. Evenings cool off slightly, dipping into the 60s – perfect for romantic strolls along the beach.
Rain becomes less frequent as winter fades away. April showers are typically brief and refreshing. Pack a light jacket just in case, but don’t expect to need it often.
The ocean warms up nicely, inviting you to take a dip. Water temperatures average around 75°F (24°C), ideal for snorkeling and surfing.
Trade winds pick up as spring progresses, offering a pleasant breeze to cool you down during sun-soaked beach days. These winds also create excellent conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding if you’re feeling adventurous.
Average One-Week Budget
A typical week-long trip for two to Maui costs between $7,000 and $10,000.
Accommodation gobbles up a big chunk of your budget. Expect to shell out $200 to $600 per night for a decent place to rest your head.
Food in paradise isn’t cheap, but it’s oh-so-worth it. Budget around $100 to $150 per day for two people. This covers a mix of casual local eats and a few splurge-worthy dinners with ocean views.
Getting around the island? Car rental is your best bet. Factor in about $350 to $500 for the week, plus gas money for those scenic drives.
Now for the fun part – activities! Allocate about $1,000 to $1,500 for excursions. This could include snorkeling trips, a luau, and maybe even a sunrise at Haleakala.
What to Pack
For a week-long April getaway, pack light and breezy. Bring 5-7 swimsuits – you’ll practically live in them. Toss in 3-4 casual sundresses or shorts and t-shirt combos for exploring. Don’t forget a light sweater for cooler evenings.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Pack a reef-safe SPF 30+ and reapply often. Organic travel-sized bug spray is a must-have to keep those pesky mosquitos at bay.
Shoes can make or break your trip. Pack sturdy sandals for beach days, comfortable walking shoes for hikes, and a dressier pair for nights out. Water shoes are a smart addition if you plan on exploring rocky shores.
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are your best friends under the Maui sun. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and eco-friendly.
Remember, Maui is laid-back. Leave the formal wear at home and embrace the island vibe.
