21 Secret Peaceful Spots on Maui

Lavender is a natural health superstar and is a perfect partner for a peaceful trip. In fact, in ancient times, they used to use it to tame lions and tigers! If you feel like you need a heavy dose of calming love, this place is for you! This Kula agricultural organization is here to nurture our island as well as your anxiety.

You’ve come all this way to Maui, and it’s no surprise that you want to find a piece of sandy paradise to call your own. In fact, on Maui, you actually don’t need to battle the mobs to make this dream come true! Oneloa Beach is one of Maui’s most remote and in-the-know beaches on the island.

It’s just you and the deep blue, gently bobbing above Maui’s vibrant coral reef and sea life. Take a moment to appreciate what snorkeling on Maui with turtles can offer you! If you’re craving a friend or two, glance around, and you may very well find yourself in the quiet company of our incredible Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles. These old souls appreciate the harmonious balance that life in the ocean offers, and can most definitely extend their peaceful demeanor to you just by being in their presence. Watch their playful antics and laissez faire movements, and you’ll soon find your peaceful rhythm.

If you’re ready to explore more than sugary sand and aqua-infused waves, then head Upcountry to the slopes of Mt. Haleakala. Thompson Ranch is a family-owned Maui ranch that sits high above the hub of tourists. Their professional guides will take you and your loyal horse along a country trail 4,000 feet above sea level.

The Garden of Eden isn’t just one of Maui’s most peaceful spots, it’s also one of the most in-the-know sights to see on the Road to Hana. Part of the first Jurassic Park movie was filmed at the Garden of Eden in Maui. This is one of the most incredible outdoor botanical gardens in Maui, all should make sure to stop here while en route to East Maui.

The Sacred Garden of Maliko is tucked away in the rainforest of the North Shore’s Haiku area. It’s an incredible botanical nursery, spiritual center and hub for the Maui health and wellness community. Within the Sacred Garden, you’ll find two medieval-style labyrinths, a sweet spiritual gift shop, a nursery, the ‘Mother Shrine’ and so much more.

As you drive up towards Upcountry Maui and Mt. Haleakala, you may wonder if you’re still on the Island of Maui… The road curves its way around ancient Eucalyptus trees and rolling hills speckled with goats and horses munching its grassy fare. The topography changes entirely as you travel higher in elevation, and suddenly you’ll see some of the most spectacular island views on Maui.

Maui’s Temple of Peace is located in the gorgeous Haiku area of Maui’s North Shore. It’s a place where a beautifully tiled temple meets you, and then you’re taken to a place of tranquil energy. Their eco-friendly cleansing spa offers colonoscopy services, an infrared sauna, herbal steam room, a cold plunging pool and more.

The sunrise at the 10,023 foot high Mt. Haleakala Crater meets many bleary-eyed travelers and residents that are willing to wake up as early as 3 am to make it in time to see a magical Maui sunrise. If you’re craving a breathtaking view without all that company, consider strolling up before sunset instead. Pack a picnic dinner, some libations, and cheers to a stunning display of color and sunbeams as they descend into the clouds. Maui is No Ka Oi (the best!) for good reason!

The Lahaina Jodo Mission is one of Hawaii’s most famous Japanese Buddhist temples. A visit here is truly a peaceful and serene experience. It’s one of Lahaina’s lesser-known and less visited historical attractions. It’s popular for Hawaii resident visitors and local Maui folks, but less known by the average tourist.

With 8 acres of beautifully maintained landscaped grounds, you’ll surely find pockets of peace all over Maui’s Kula Botanical Gardens. Waterfalls and koi ponds add charm and tranquility to your visit as you sit in the simple contemplation of Maui beauty. If you want more info, attach yourself to one of their guided tours and get the insider’s scoop on the local botanicals we cherish. The Kula Botanical Gardens in Upcountry Maui is not to be missed!

The view at theLeleiwi Lookout is magnificent. However, that’s not the best part of this Maui sight. There is a phenomenon that happens here that occurs in only two other places on the planet: Scotland and Germany. If you get there around sunset and the sun is setting behind you, and the clouds are low, you can see the reflection of your own shadow on the clouds (ringed with a rainbow halo). In ancient Hawaiian, this breathtaking display is called Akaku Anuenue (reflection rainbow) and the indigenous feel it’s likened to seeing your soul. Yes! That is so very cool…

“Our mission is to nurture, support and inspire individuals and groups to remember the beauty, love and creativity that lives inside each one of us.” (LumeriaMaui.com, 2016)

As the Buddhist prayer flags gently float in the breeze, you can feel the energy of this alluring temple draw you in as soon as you arrive at the Maui Dharma Center. Spend some time alone or join the local monks for a morning or evening prayer (which are all chanted in Tibetan). If you’d like a keepsake, walk over to their gift shop which showcases blessed mala beads and Tibetan singing bowls.

While Wai’anapanapa State Park is not a secret, it’s so serene, so it just had to make it on this list! The translation for Wai’anapanapa is “glistening water” or “water flashing rainbow hues” in the ancient Hawaiian language. The black sand beaches and the vibrant colors that surround this Maui attraction are most definitely a sight sore eyes. No matter your vacation function, do not miss visiting Wai’anapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach while you’re on Maui.

Named a ‘National Historic Landmark’ in 1972, Iao Valley is immersed with lush beauty and Hawaiian history. It’s easy to see why the ancient Hawaiians considered Iao Valley a place of “mana” (divine power and life force energy). Within a 5-minute drive from Wailuku town, this 4000-acre State Park is hands down one of the most gorgeous and peaceful areas on Maui.

Located just outside of Wailuku town, this peaceful 4-mile (roundtrip) trail climbs the windward slopes of West Maui Mountains. Hikers will be amazed by the panoramic views of the Waihe’e Valley and East Maui from the Waihe’e Ridge Trail.

South Maui’s Secret Beach isn’t quite a secret anymore, but it’s still well worth a visit! This Maui beach is one of the most popular wedding beaches on Maui. So, if you find yourself at Secret Beach, you may also be a witness to some I Do’s.

Paia Bay Coffee Shop is off the beaten path, and thankfully so! Its canopied patio holds a handful of perfect people sipping perfect dirty chai’s, Hawaii grown coffee, or bacon, avocado and brie croissants. Here, it is possible to curl up with a coffee and a good book in the corner and get lost for hours as the coffee shop hub drifts by you…

O’o Farms is located in Maui’s Upcountry farming community of Kula. Located on 8-acres of impeccably maintained, bio-dynamically cultivated land, all will love a chance to visit this peaceful Maui paradise. If you’re headed Upcountry to check out Maui farms and MauiWine in Ulupalakua, make sure O’o Farms is on your list.

It’s not a stretch of the imagination to find peace in a spa setting on Maui. Best to just trust us, Maui Spa Retreat has thought of every way to nurture you back to happiness. Also known as Ho’omana Spa Maui, you can book healing massages, body treatments, esthetic services, Hawaiian healing and more at this incredible Maui spa. Guests can enjoy exquisite views from their botanical gardens and facilities; all built around the philosophy that you can draw inspiration and healing from the balance of ancient Hawaiian healing, Zen Buddhism, and art.