Touring museums on Maui is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in our culture. Snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and enjoying our delicious Hawaiian cuisine would not be possible without the years of history shaping our beautiful island. Even if you come to Maui for an outdoor adventure, take a day to enjoy the rich culture we have to offer.
What does a good museum do? It offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future, inviting visitors to dive into the stories of people, traditions, and natural wonders. We love that all of the museums on our list—and on Maui as a whole—work to uphold the natural beauty of our island with the cultural heritage we cannot forget.
From arts to history to nature, we’ve created our list of the top museums to visit when you come to Maui.
Top Museums in Maui
Maui Ocean Center (Us!)
We are more than just an aquarium. At Maui Ocean Center, you’ll see our diverse underwater ecosystem of coral reefs and the wonderful sea life that call them home, but you’ll also bear witness to the amazing culture of our island. Exhibits like Hawaiians and the Sea and Plant Life are just a few of the incredible ways we show our island love and educate visitors on the culture that shaped, and still shapes, Maui today.
Our exhibit, Kahoʻolawe: A Story of History and Healing, is an excellent showcase of our island’s past, present, and future restoration efforts. Collaborating with the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, the exhibit looks into the island’s cultural significance, marine life, and the ongoing work to reclaim its sacredness. It’s an inspiring exhibit about the future of Kahoʻolawe.
Learn more about us here, and check out our incredible experiences and exhibits today.
Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House
This museum is full of rich history about Hawaiian culture and the influence that missionaries played. Step foot into this amazing museum and you’ll bear witness to 2,000 artifacts, archives full of maps, manuscripts, and biographies, and an amazing 8,000 photograph collection. Their mission is to preserve and promote Maui’s history and we had to include them for the great work they do.
Learn more about Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House here.
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
Sugar has roots as an influential and important crop in Hawaiʻi, shaping the economy and the history of the island. The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is designed to preserve and showcase this history to educate visitors on how this valuable crop shaped the island today. With tons of exhibits to explore, there’s something fun for everyone in your group.
Learn more about Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum here.
Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center
Taking up residence in the historic Kaluanui Estate, Hui Noʻeau’s mission is to unlock creativity and enhance the education of visual arts. They host a number of exhibitions in their Main Gallery, but also in their History Room. It’s a wonderful place to support the community and the education of visual arts.
Learn more about Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center here.
Hale Paʻi Printing Museum
Also known as the House of Printing, this structure is a fascinating blend of New England-style architecture with the adaptation of using materials indigenous to Hawai’i. This museum houses the rich history of the missionaries who influenced Hawaiian culture and serves as just another reminder of the many ways Hawaiian society was shaped.
Learn more about Hale Paʻi Printing Museum here.
Tips for Visiting Museums in Maui
Maui’s museums offer a glimpse into the wonderful history of our island, but there are some important things to know before visiting. Here are some tips to make the most of your museum visits:
- Combine visits to see a museum and explore the area around it. Many are located in or near historic districts.
- Look into guided and self-guided tours depending on your preference.
- Dress comfortably with good walking shoes, especially if multiple museums are on your schedule for that day.
- Support local businesses by checking out the locally-made souvenirs and gifts at the museum gift shops.
- Have fun with cultural immersion and take advantage of the amazing museums and exhibits that highlight the history and beauty of our island.
We’d love for you to stop by and see us after any visit to tour our wonderful center. But if you decide to explore elsewhere, come by for lunch at our award-winning Seascape Restaurant, or bring back your loved ones a locally-made gift from our Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop. No ticket required to dine or shop!
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
