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The island of Maui in Hawaii has a wonderful array of beautiful views, food and culture, wildlife, and adventure. It’s the perfect place to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Hawaii, with it’s several beautiful islands, amazing views, and unique opportunities for adventure, has always been a popular vacation site. The white sand beaches, wildlife, food, and culture are all draws for this wonderful destination.
A great place to stop in Hawaii is on the island of Maui, which offers up a perfect array of what this state has to offer.
What To Do In Maui
1. Visit Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is a wonderous mix of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture with beautiful views interspersed.
This gorgeous window into the past offers views unlike anywhere else in the world, as well as hiking, sightseeing, and a look into some endangered species habitats.
The Kipahulu District of the park has been inhabited by native people for hundreds of years and remains an important cultural landscape to this day. Here you can explore the wilderness of Maui. This district is only 12 miles past the city of Hana, and the drive passes over the scenic Hana Highway which gives a great view of the ocean.
Once in Kipahulu District, there are so many things to do. Explore the bamboo forest on the Pipiwai trail, listening to the unique music of the bamboo . In the wind their leaves rustle, and their stalks creak and pop. Along this trail is the Makahiku overlook, which gives visitors a glimpse of the powerful Makahiku Falls. This hike takes about an hour round trip, and will take you from the visitor’s center to a world undisturbed by modern civilization. Prepare for warm, humid weather and pack water and snacks with you.
Another area of the park is the Summit District. This area brings visitors to the summit of the Haleakala Volcano- the largest active volcano in the world. This area is sacred to many Hawaiians. The landscape of the Summit District is an ever changing array of brightly colored rock and sand, a beautiful desert and shrubland to admire.
With over 30 miles of trails, there’s a hike for everyone. These hikes will show off the landscape of this unique national park, including shifting sands and rock formations rising out of the earth. Remember to dress warmly when in the Summit District, as the wind chill can cause very cold conditions.
One of the best ways to visit the volcano is through a sunrise tour that includes breakfast. » Book a sunrise tour to Haleakala.
2. Molokini and Turtle Arches Snorkeling Trip
Charismatic megafauna and ambassador of Hawaiian reefs are the green sea turtle
A must-try activity while in Hawaii is snorkeling, and Maui has great opportunities and tours to do so.
Snorkeling is a unique experience that only comes around once and a while. While you’re on the island of Maui, take the opportunity to explore marine life and coral structures in beautiful blue water. Learn a new skill while admiring beautiful underwater views that are unavailable to many during daily life.
Located in the Ma’alae Harbor on Maui, they offer wonderful tours for snorkeling. Every one of their tours includes snorkeling equipment at no cost, and two meals to enjoy along the way as well as snacks and refreshments.
This tour takes passengers to the Molokini Crater and Turtle Arches. The Molokini Crater is a crescent shaped partially submerged volcanic crater. When you dive down you’ll a gorgeous underwater trove of coral and sea life. Turtle Arches is exactly what it sounds like, and abundance of green sea turtles! Also, depending on the time of year this tour can be a great opportunity for whale watching.
Here you’ll experience a coral reef up close and personal. This calm look into the extraordinary underwater world of coral ecosystems is a once in a lifetime experience sure to wow.
» Book a snorkeling tour of Molokini and the Turtle Arches.
3. Hikes & Waterfalls
Explore the island through hikes and trails that will lead you to natural wonders and stunning views.
Maui offers beautiful scenery, coastal trails, and mountain hikes. The unique landscape of Maui lends itself to hikes, and with hundreds of miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult there’s no reason not to try.
Trails can take you to many different types of ecosystems. Some are in lush forests, or along the coast. You can venture through bamboo crowded areas, or see waterfalls pouring over cliffs.
Some trails even have picnic areas to take lunch to, so you can eat while enjoying the scenery.
» Book a horseback trail and ocean tour.
4. Go to a Luau
Traditional Hawaiian dance during a luau
Eat good food, learn about Polynesian culture through dance, and relax with friends at beautiful luaus in Maui.
You can’t visit Hawaii without seeing a luau and Maui knows how to do them right. Some resorts, like the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort, have great beachside luaus you can book. Luaus will feature authentic Hawaiian food such as kalua pig, poi and haupia (coconut pudding) and usually a buffet of different foods, plus cocktails and drinks.
Luaus also often feature dancing and story telling. Many of the dances recall times long gone, ancient Hawaiian and Polynesian culture and events that only exist now in myths and retellings. These beautiful interpretive dances can be the highlight of the luau.
Enjoy spectacular meals, sights, and a unique look into Polynesian culture.
» Book a luau experience.
5. Whale Watching Cruise
Whale watching is a great way to appreciate the unique wildlife that lives in the waters surrounding Maui.
Every year humpback whales make their migration from Alaska back to Maui. It’s due to this, that when you get a chance at a whale watching cruise you have to take it. Humpback whales are only in Maui for a few months of the year.
On some whale watching cruises, you’ll be able to use an underwater hydrophones to listen to the whales sing. You’ll be able to watch whales interact, breach the water, and sometimes come right up to the boat. Make sure to bring binoculars and a good camera for the trip.
» Book a whale watching cruise.
6. Zipline Tour on the North Shore
Get a birds-eye view of the island and the Pacific Ocean on a zipline tour of Maui’s North Shore.
What better way to sight see that while flying through the trees on a zipline? There are several fantastic zipline tours around Maui, but the most beautiful has to be the North Shore.
The zipline tours will take you along the coast, treating visitors to glimmering oceanside views. See the historic WWII base of Camp Maui, and learn about the stories behind it.
Try out aerial obstacles such as high-altitude bridges, and see the world from a high-flying perspective. These zipline tours are also the perfect opporunity to get in touch with nature, and view wildlife that you wouldn’t otherwise see.
» Book a North Shore Maui Zipline Tour!
7. Road to Hana Day Trip
This stretch of scenic highway is the perfect way to spend a day relaxing, sight-seeing, and learning about the island’s many distinct cultural and natural features.
Road trip tours of Hana Highway are an extremely popular way to view the island. This highway is 64 miles (104 km) of gorgeous twisting roads that dip travelers in and out of the rainforest and tropical foliage. Complete with oceanside views, waterfalls, and wildlife this tour is a must have adventure.
These tours are fully narrated by guides, so that passengers know exactly what to look for in their surroundings to get the most out of their trip. Passengers will learn more about the island’s history, and all of the lovely views the island has to offer.
» Book a Hana Highway tour.
8. Golfing
Maui has beautiful destination golfing, and with near perfect weather conditions it’s a great place to soak up some sun.
Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth to golf and there are great courses to choose from, whether you are new to golf or play all the time. Kapalua on West Maui offers three championship golf courses, including the Plantation Course where Mercedes Championships are held every year. You might even be playing on the same courses as golf superstars, such as Arnold Palmer and others.
While golfing, you can admire scenic views and warm weather while playing a game and having fun. Depending on the skill level of your group, you can pick from different golf courses to fit into your schedule. This is a beautiful, and flexible, activity for any traveler looking to unwind.
9. Water Sports
Enjoy the unique marine life of the Hawaiian islands up close while snorkeling and scuba diving.
Snorkeling is a must-do activity in Maui, because it’s unique to tropical islands and can’t be found in many places. Maui offers amazing snorkeling tours where guests can come face-to-face with sea turtles, fish, and stunning coral reefs of all colors, shapes, and sizes.
On some snorkeling tours you can spend a bit of extra money to go scuba diving! Learn to dive deep underwater with professionals, and see even more of the beautiful marine life that lies waiting for discovery in the ocean.
» Try your hand at snorkeling and/or scuba diving in Maui.
10. Sunset Dinner Cruise
A sunset dinner cruise is a perfect way to wrap up an evening in Maui with good food, calm waters, and a beautiful view of the sunsetting below the horizon.
This sunset dinner cruise in Maui includes a four-course dinner, multiple hand-picked cocktails to pair with the meals, as well as nonalcoholic beverages. Enjoy delectable dinner and desert while sailing along the coast of Maui. Along with the food, traditional Hawaiian music performed live on the boat will the set the perfect relaxing mood for the end of the day.
Skip the large crowded cruises with this small, cozy, cruise. You’ll have beautiful memories with loved ones to look back on after this scenic and scrumptious dinner cruise.
Bring binoculars for sight-seeing, and a camera to capture the sunset on this cruise to finish off the perfect day.
» Book a sunset dinner cruise in Maui.
Where to Stay in Maui
The Westin Ka’anapali is a fantastic location further north on the island, with a gorgeous beach, rooms with private balconies, and an on-site luau. Four Seasons Maui at Wailea has one of the top beaches in the world, fabulous pools, and a great golf course with spectacular views of the ocean and Mt. Haleakala. Fairmont Kea Lani is a great place for honeymooners and family vacations. Situated on 22 landscaped acres facing Polo Beach, The Fairmont Kea Lani is a luxury all-suite and villa resort.Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest?
10 Fun Things to do in Maui