Whether you’re a lover of leisure or have an appetite for adventure, there’s something for you on the beautiful island of Maui. And we don’t just mean the obvious choices like surfing, beaching, or hiking (although those are great options too).
Maui is home to a diverse community of incredible artists, wellness instructors, farmers, and more. Thankfully, these communities open their doors to visitors through classes and workshops that anyone can attend.
In this post, we’ve rounded up our top ten experiences. These are the best classes and workshops we recommend to visitors and friends alike.
Don’t leave Maui behind without taking a Glassblowing class at the Moana Glass by Ryan Staub. As the only private studio to offer lessons, Moana Glass provides a unique opportunity you won’t find anywhere else on the island. This fun, educational, and individual experience starts with a safety orientation followed by step-by-step instructions from your teacher. While the instructor will walk you through the process, you’ll walk away with a souvenir that YOU made–you pick the colors, you choose the piece, you do the work!
Reservations needed for this class.
Fun fact
We melt our glass at 2,250 degrees Fahrenheit.
In this cooking class, you’ll learn the basics of Asian Fusion Cuisine, a staple on the island of Maui. Over six hours, you’ll learn three to four dishes that you’ll be able to recreate at home. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy all your hard work with an end of the class feast in a beautiful Haleakala mountainside house.
Reservations required for this class; if you’d like to tailor the menu to your dietary needs or preferences, it’s possible to do so at the time of booking.
Fun fact
Culinary derives from the Latin root “Culina.”
Take a trip to Maui’s upcountry for a one of a kind yoga class with Maui Goat Yoga (MGY). Nestled on the leeward slopes of Haleakala, the MGY studio offers panoramic views of Maui’s coastline and a look into the island’s pastoral life, including grazing sheep, horses, and goats. A standard class includes a 45 minute, instructor-led yoga session, followed by a 30 minute “Goat Happy Hour” (an opportunity to play with the animals). The classes cater to all levels of yogis, including beginners.
Reservations required for this class; the studio offers mats and towels for a $5 rental fee.
Fun fact
Nigerian Dwarf Goats can weigh between five and 40 pounds depending on the age of the animals.
You may leave the island eventually, but you can take the sounds of Hawaii with you in the form of an ukulele. Don’t know how to play? No worries! Learn how to play the iconic instrument with free lessons from Lahaina Music Lessons. The company offers private lessons, but also follows this weekly schedule:
– Mondays and Fridays at 1030 A.M. at The Royal Lahaina Resort
– Mondays and Fridays at 1200 P.M. at The Westin Resort and Spa
– Tuesdays at 545 P.M. at the Lahaina Cannery Mall
Walk-ins are welcome; the company provides ukuleles, so don’t worry if you don’t have an instrument.
Fun fact
In Hawaii, we pronounce the u in ukulele as “ooo.”
Crazy for coconuts? We are too. That’s why our next workshop focuses on our favorite tropical fruit. Advertised as “part farm, part school,” this coconut workshop and cooking class teaches participants the history of coconuts, the process of making coconut milk, and even how to cook coconut noodles. You’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge, a few goodies, and a recipe booklet.
Reservations required. Individuals and small groups will form into groups of four, private lessons booked upon request.
Fun fact
Over 80 countries grow coconuts.
Head to the Shops at Wailea for a traditional island wood carving demonstration. This workshop, held every Wednesday (1030 A.M. to 100 P.M) and Friday (1230 P.M. to 330 P.M.), gives you an up-close view of Hawaiian craftsmanship. While you won’t walk away with your own hand-carved piece, the intricate designs and stories will undoubtedly inspire you.
This class is free and open to the public; walk-ins welcome.
Fun fact
Koa trees (the source of wood for carving) only grow in Hawaii.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a golf pro or new to the sport, anyone can benefit from a lesson—especially with a course as beautiful as the Maui Nui Golf Club. If you’re interested in improving your swing, Maui Nui offers several instructors with specialties as diverse as their clients.
Maui Nui hosts complimentary clinics on Wednesdays from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, no reservations necessary.
Fun fact
The first 18-hole course in America sat on a sheep farm.
Learn to create a Haku lei, or flower crown, in this fun workshop. With three different price points and class lengths, this workshop is both budget and time friendly for all guests. Not into flower crowns? Haku Maui also offers classes in lei making and pua hairpieces.
Reservations required for all classes.
Fun fact
Lei etiquette dictates you should never refuse a lei.
Visit a working bee farm on the beautiful slopes of Haleakala. On this Hands-on Honey Bee workshop, you’ll suit up and study the workings of a real beehive, including tasting fresh honey. Maui Bee Farms offers tours on a small-group basis (six people or less) for a truly hands-on experience.
Reservations required; alternatively, guests can sign up for an agricultural tour of the Maui Bees Farm.
Fun fact
Approximately 1/3 of all the food we eat comes from bee pollination.
Ready to get your hands dirty? Try throwing a pot (or mug) with Kett Pottery. Using multiple techniques, David Kett ensures you’ll enjoy your experience and walk away with a piece you’ll be proud of displaying. An average class lasts around two hours, plenty of time to try your hand at many creations.
Reservations required; this class is small (four people or less), so we recommend booking early.
Fun fact
The oldest known ceramics appeared about 24,000 years old in Czechoslovakia.
Which class or workshop are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments.
