What to Do in Maui
What can you do in Maui? With Maui's various sceneries, landscapes, resorts, beaches, hotels, and other attractions, the possibilities are endless.
Sightseeing
You can go sightseeing in the different cities and towns in Maui. Every place is breathtaking. From nature's majestic views of mountains, volcanoes, and beaches to the historic churches and museums, Maui will surely keep you in awe.
Some of the must-see places in Maui are the Oheo Gulch, Wailua Falls, Waimoku Falls, Waianapanapa State Wayside Park, Garden of Eden Botanical Arboretum, Makahikua Falls, Haleakala National Park, Three Bears Falls, Iao Valley, Banyan Tree, Lahaina Historic Trail, Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum, Kula Botanical Garden, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui Ocean Center, and many many more.
Visiting art galleries
There are many famous art galleries in Maui which carry works from local and international artists. Some even offer art classes. Here are some art galleries worth visiting while you are in Maui: Viewpoints Gallery, Arthur Dennis Williams Gallery, Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and Hot Island Glass.
Swimming
The beautiful island of Maui is surrounded by bodies of water. And the picturesque sandy beaches will definitely make you yearn to stay forever, not to mention the resort hotels that will surely make your stay more comfortable and unforgettable.
Some of the beaches and swimming destinations in Maui are Waianapanapa State Wayside Park, Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach, Koki Beach, Alau Island, Hamoa Beach, Po'olenalena Beach, Big Beach, Honomanu Bay Beach, Oneuli Beach, Little Beach, Ho'okipa Beach Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Ahihi Kina'u Natural Area Reserve, Oneloa Beach, Palauea Beach, Hana Bay, H. A. Baldwin Park, Maluaka Beach, Black Rock Pu'u Keka'a, Nu'u Bay, Polo Beach, Charley Young Beach, Puamana Park, and Launiupoko State Park.
Windsurfing and surfing
If you are a windsurfer or surfer, you must go to Ho'okipa Beach and Honolua Bay. In Ho’okipa Beach, experience the 40- to 70-foot waves. Experience the waves and the breeze as you surf across the crystal clear waters. Visit our maui surfing page for additional information for surfing locations and information.
Diving and snorkeling
The marine conservation sites in Honolua Bay and Molokini are perfect for these activities. The Lana'i Cathedrals is considered as one of the world's best dive sites. Other famous snorkeling sites are Black Rock, Kapalua Bay, and Olowalu. Have an unforgettable experience by getting a glimpse of the rich marine life of Maui.
Whale watching
This is one famous activity in Maui. Giant humpback whales can be seen in Maui's waters from November to April. And in February, the peak month, you may even see some getting too close to shore. You can also visit the different whale museums in Lahaina and Kaanapali.
Driving
Driving through the Hana Highway is another must-do when you are in Maui. Aside from the picturesque view of mountains and sandy beaches, the many tourist attractions along the way are well worth the trip. The drive takes 2 to 4 hours and expect to spend more time because you will surely be stopping among the look-outs along the way. Some of the places to visit along the Hana Highway are: Three Bears Falls, Twin Falls, Lower and Upper Puohokamoa Falls, Punalau Valley Falls, Waikamoi Ridge Trail, Garden of Eden Botanical Arboretum, Kaumahina State Wayside Park, Ke'anae Peninsula and Village, and Nahiku Road and Landing.
Joining luaus
Your Maui experience will never be complete without attending a luau. This is the traditional Hawaiian feast which usually consists of kalua pig, lau lau, and poi. It is not just food that you get to experience in luaus because you will surely be entertained as well. Hawaiian music and chants, hula dances, Samoan fire dances, and Tahitian dances are being showcased, too.
Biking
There are many scenic biking spots to choose from in Maui. On top of the list is the Haleakala National Park in East Maui which will lead you to the Haleakala Crater. You can even go biking from the east to the west end of the island.
Hiking
You can enjoy more of Maui's lush greenery and majestic views through hiking. You can hike simply by following the nature trails or you can book a guided hike for your enjoyment. The Haleakala National Park is great for hiking. Here, you can choose from a variety of hiking trails. Pa Kaoao Trail is less than half a mile which will bring you to the peak of Pa Kaoao. This trail has the highest vantage points in the park. You will also see stone shelters made by early Hawaiians along the way. Halemau'u Trail takes the whole day to finish. This trail leads to the crater and summit of Haleakala. The Keoneheehee Sliding Sands Trail is the best trail to explore the crater, although hiking along this trail is rather strenuous. Other beautiful hiking trails that are worth checking out are the Pipiwai Trail, Kuloa Point Trail, the trails at the Iao Valley State Park, Waikamoi Forest Ridge Trail, and Waihee Ridge Trail. When packing, never forget to include your hiking shoes so you can commune with Maui’s natural beauty.
Ziplining
This activity is fast becoming a famous one in Maui. Get breathtaking views of Maui as you soar over its picturesque landscapes. There are two zipline adventures to choose from: Haleakala Skyline Tour and Kaanapali Skyline Adventure.
Riding a helicopter or airplane
Want to see Maui from above? You can do that by booking a helicopter or airplane tour. Try this once-in-a-lifetime experience and see just how beautiful Maui is from above.
Dining out
There are many restaurants to choose from in Maui wherein you can get a taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Or if you are craving for something Chinese, Japanese, Italian, or Mexican, worry not because you can also get these from many specialty restaurants throughout the island. With the many eating establishments throughout the island, you will never get hungry in Maui.
Playing golf
If you are a golf enthusiast, you can play in Maui where there are many world-renowned golf courses around the island.
Shopping
You can enjoy some retail therapy while in Maui. You will find many shopping destinations around the island. Examples of these shopping destinations are the Whaler’s Village, Azeka’s Shopping Center, and Shops at Wailea.
Enjoying spa treatments
Relax and rejuvenate in the different spas in Maui. You can choose from massages and facials, or you can try a yoga class or acupuncture session.
Camping
Aside from hiking, you can also go camping at the Haleakala National Park. You can rent cabins for you to stay in. Other camping sites can be found in Waianapanapa and Polipoli Springs.
Sailing
The crystal blue waters around the island of Maui will surely entice you to go sailing. Most resorts offer sailing lessons and boat rentals.
Island hopping
Another must-do in Maui is to go island hopping. See the rich flora and fauna of the different islands by visiting each tropical paradise.
Playing tennis
Tennis also draws tourists to Maui. Here, you can even play tennis at night. One of the well-known places to play tennis at is in Wailea, which is a 1,000-seat tennis stadium. Wailea Tennis Academy is also famous for its world-class teaching facilities.
Plantation tours
You can book a plantation tour to know more about Maui's diverse flora. As such, you can tour these sites: Orchids of Olinda, MauiGrown Coffee Company Store, Inc., Maui Gold Pineapple Tour, Shim Coffee and Protea Farm, Ali'i Kula Lavender, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, and Kula Botanical Garden Inc.
Bird watching
There are many different species of birds that you can find in Maui. The best spots for bird watching are the Kanaha Park in Kahului, Kealia Ponds in Kihei, Hosmer’s Grove in Haleakala National Park, and the Waikamoi Nature Trail on Hana Highway.
Horseback riding
This is another way of enjoying the majestic views in Maui. Book a horseback riding tour with any of these: Hotel Hana Maui Horseback Riding, Ironwood Ranch, Lahaina Stables, Makena Stables, Mendez Ranch, Piiholo Ranch and Pony Express Tours.
Nightlife
If you can find fine restaurants and great shopping destinations in Maui, you can also find its nightlife enjoyable. Maui is not just a great destination for day activities. When the sun sets, night clubs come alive with dancing, singing, and lots of merrying.
Fishing
Another activity that you can enjoy in Maui is fishing. To go fishing, you can rent charter boats in Lahaina, Ma’alaea, and Kihei.
Hunting
You may have thought that hunting is not an enjoyable activity in Maui. Think again because the breathtaking views, rugged terrain, and different species available for hunting will definitely make your hunting experience in Maui a memorable one. But before you get to hunt, you must first get a hunting license. Some of the animals available for hunting are the Axis deer, feral pigs and goats, pheasants, quails, doves, and wild turkeys.
Submarine tours
Get to see coral reefs and a sunken whaling ship in Lahaina aboard a submarine. Experience this by booking a submarine tour at the Maui Atlantis Submarine Tours. Visit the “Paumana” submarine diving area or the “Stonewall” diving area.
Riding a train
Take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train as you view the majestic landscapes from Lahaina to Kaanapali. This is a guided tour where you will be entertained and educated at the same time.
Remember, you can enjoy all these activities with family and friends. Now that you have read the long list of fun and memorable activities in Maui, what are you still waiting for? Book a flight now to Maui and experience the magic of the island.