Island Activities
We've been fortunate enough to have experienced quite a few activities on Maui. We love all of what Maui has to offer. We've compiled some of our favorite activities to help you plan your trip - hiking, surfing, snorkeling, site-seeing, relaxing, and dining. At the end, we've even included a list of things we haven't done yet but would like to in the future. If you have specific questions that we can help with, feel free to throw them our way!
Haleakala National Park
Arriving in Maui, you may think you've already entered a different world. But take the scenic drive up 10,000 feet to Haleakala National Park and enter a world like you've never seen. Haleakala houses the world's largest dormant volcano - its crater is bigger than the island of Manhattan! Definitely a must see.
the horizon.
Drive up to the summit and take in the expansive vistas from Maui's highest point. On clear days, you can see all but one of Hawaii's islands. Then travel through five different climate zones as you hike down into the crater, where the lunar-like landscapes will make you feel as if you're on Mars! The five- and ten-mile trails are strenuous but offer the most impressive experiences of Haleakala crater. The erosion feels as if you're walking in sand, which can be difficult especially on the return ascent back to 10,000 feet. Make sure to start early, dress in layers, and bring plenty of water (we definitely did not bring enough water). Also, be sure to stop by the visitor's center to pick up maps, books, and advice from park rangers. Guided horseback tours are also available through Pony Express Tours if you prefer a more relaxing tour of the crater.
For an alternative experience, you can bike down the entire face of the volcano back to the ocean. These tours pick you up from the hotel in the wee hours of the morning, transport you to the top of the mountain, provide bicycle equipment, and meals. After watching the sun rise over the Haleakala crater, you will take an amazing 37-mile downhill ride with amazing ocean views the entire way. Maui Downhill is Maui's oldest downhill company and highly recommended by many.
Snorkeling
This is a must for anyone that has basic swimming skills. Swim side-by-side with tropical fish and sea turtles. Kapalua beach one of the highest rated snorkeling locations in Maui. The water is so clear you can often see fish just by standing on the beach! The lava-rock formations keep the water calm and the fish feeling safe.
For a more adventurous tour, take one of the many sail-snorkel tours out to Molokini. This sunken volcano crater provides a natural location for fish (and tourists!) to school. During the summer, Molokini can become crowded. We highly recommend the Pacific Whale Foundation's Molokini Eco Adventure. The tour includes a stop at Molokini and Turtle Town (where the sea turtles live!). While not the cheapest sail-snorkel adventure, they offer free beginner snorkel classes, provide all of the snorkel equipment, reef-safe sunscreen, and delicious food and drinks. The tour guides are marine biologists and snorkel with you to teach you about marine wildlife. 100% of their profits go toward education, research, and preservation of the world's marine environment.
If you have a small handheld camera, we highly recommend investing in a DicaPac Waterproof Digital Camera Case. The DicaPac will allow you to take amazing underwater photos with your handheld camera!
Front Street, Lahaina
Lahaina is one of the most historic locations in Hawaii. It has been the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, center of the Whaling industry, and where missionaries tried to save the souls of native Hawaiians. Lahaina is now one of the best preserved historic locations in Hawaii.
Showcasing its 19th century heritage, it is one of the most popular places on the island for tourists. Tour many of the historic sites, including Hawaii's largest Banyan Tree, the Jodo Mission which houses the largest Buddha outside of Japan, and the Wo Hing Temple which now pays tribute to Chinese settlers on Maui. Stroll the many shops and galleries that line the streets. Watch beautiful sunsets overlooking Lanai Island from the coast or the many west-facing restaurants.
Lahaina is one of the only places on the island where parking is limited. Save yourself the trouble and park in one of the paid parking lots. Some of the lots offer free validated parking if you buy something from one of the nearby vendors. We typically pick the parking lot at the north end and buy a small drink in the ABC Store.
Surf
Maui is one of the best surfing destinations and provides consistent surfing conditions for all skill levels. The coral beaches off the cost of Lahaina cause the waves break consistently in the same location, making it easy for beginners to practice basic surfing techniques.
There are many surf schools around the island. We highly recommend the Nancy Emerson School of Surfing in Lahaina. They offer lessons for all skill levels and group sizes (private lessons, small groups, and clinics). We both got up on our first lesson!
Beaches
Maui is famous for its beaches. Here are some of our favorite westward facing beaches. They all are primely situated to offer some of the best sunset ocean views we've ever seen.
- Kapalua Bay Beach: Situated between two lava
points, this crescent beach offers ultra calm waters and
beautiful white sand. A nearby activities desk offers
watersports equipment for snorkeling. Voted America's
Best Beach in 1991.
- Kaanapali:
The Kaanapali beach connects a number of world-class
luxury hotels and vacation-clubs. A paved beach walk
provides convenient access to the Whaler's Village
shopping center and a number of restaurants. But the
large number of hotels can make this beach more crowded
than most.
- Wailea: This crescent beach fronts the most luxurious and exclusive hotels that Maui can offer. Because the beach is bordered by opposing lava points, there is almost no wave action - great for a relaxing swim!
Lu'aus
To really get a taste of traditional Hawaiian culture, spend an evening outdoors at a Lu'au. The festivities start at sunset and features traditional Hawaiian entertainment, including music, singing, hula, and flaming acrobatics. During the entertainment, you will also feast on a traditional Hawaiian buffet that features a whole roast pig. While Lu'aus are entirely tourist attractions these days, they are definitely something to see if you've never been. A best bet is the Old Lahaina Lu'au, continuously voted as the best on the island.
Road to Hana
By far the most famous highway in Maui, the Road to Hana takes you on a beautiful 56-mile coastline drive and offers panoramic ocean views, botanical gardens, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and pools. With 54 bridges and 617 curves on a two-lane road, the drive takes at least 2.5 hours each way on a good day. But you should really plan to spend the entire day to really get the most out of this trip. Jonathan thinks this adventure is a bit overrated, but many cannot stop raving about it.
Shopping
The historic village of Lahaina is now home to over 40 art galleries and restaurants. The galleries showcase a wide range of art. We're sure everyone will find something they appreciate! If you want to experience more, make sure to visit Art Night from 7-10pm as art galleries open late and bring in the artists for everyone to meet. If you just want to burn some time, this is a great place to stroll day or night!
Adjacent to Maui's most luxurious hotels, The Shops at Wailea is the most exclusive shopping center in Hawaii. While high-end chain stores dominate this place, this shopping center still contains unique art galleries and jewelry stores.
The Whalers Village is home to a number of local specialty shops and art galleries. This shopping center also houses the Whalers Village Museum which displays a number of artifacts and gives a glimpse into the whaling industry's history and promotes ocean awareness. Admission to the museum is free.
Dining
The dining options on Maui are amazing and limitless. Restaurants here offer some of the freshest seafood, meat, and vegetables we've ever graced our tongues with.
Hawaiian food often shows its Asian influence. Sushi, Sashimi, and Poke are abundant on the island. Poke is Hawaii's version of ceviche, often served as chopped Ahi tuna with sesame oil and other seasonings. Noodles and rice are often served with each meal. You might even find yourself surprised to see that Spam shows up in many of the island's cheap eats.
If you like lobster, definitely try Slipper lobster if you get the chance - they are smaller than your typical Maine lobster, but much sweeter!
- Mama's
Fish House: Offering spectacular views off of
Maui's north shore, Mama's Fish House is an institution
on this island. Offering the freshest fish on the
island, their large portions will make sure you don't go
home hungry. The slipper lobster is the sweetest lobster
we've ever had.
- Spago:
In his flagship restaurant, Wolfgang Puck brings his
Californian cuisine and combines it with local Hawaiian
influences. Located within the Four Seasons Resort
overlooking the Wailea Beach, we've never seen such a
beautiful sunset while feasting. The Poke Cones are to
die for.
- Pineapple
Grill: Situated within the Kapalua Resort and
overlooking the Kapalua Golf Course, Chef Joey
Macadangdang brings Asian/Filipino flavors into his
cooking. The Asian Braised Short Ribs combines
Korean Kalbi with Maui Gold pineapples and truffle
gold-potatoes. Yum!
- The
Plantation House: Chef Alex Stanislaw makes use
of the freshest local ingredients and brings a flavor of
his Mediterranean heritage. Overlooking the pineapple
fields, the restaurant provides great views. The
Plantation House serves breakfast, in addition to lunch
and dinner. The Crab Cake Benedict and Cajun Sashimi Ahi
Benedict give an interesting Hawaiian twist to
breakfast.
- Hula
Grill: Located on Kaanapali Beach, the Hula
Grill serves up great local food and tropical drinks. At
the Barefoot Bar, sit with your feet in the sand as you
satisfy your appetite! A great place for lunch or
dinner, we love their Maui Cattle beef burgers and
Hawaiian fish sandwiches.
- Sansei
Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar: Hailed as
the best Sushi restaurant in America, Sansei serves up
contemporary sushi and new wave Asian inspired
dishes. Hawaii loves karaoke, and Sansei serves up laser
karaoke late into the night twice a week.
Additional Activities
While we've done a lot of things at Maui, the island is limitless with adventures and activities. Here's a list of some activities that caught our eye but haven't had the chance to personally experience... yet:
- Maui Gold Pineapple Tour: Maui Gold Pineapples are definitely the best pineapples we've ever tasted. Take this tour and experience the beautiful pineapple fields, taste pineapples, and even pick your own to take home.
- Atlantis Submarine Adventures: For those that prefer not to snorkel, this is a great way to experience the amazing underwater world surrounding the island.
- Kapalua Zipline Adventure: One of the largest zipline courses in the nation, fly side-by-side with a friend down the West Maui mountains.
- Maui Ocean Center: One of the nation's top aquariums, experience amazing reef life, see hammerhead sharks up close, view sea turtles in their outdoor exhibit, and touch some of Hawaii's invertebrates at the Tide Pool exhibit.
- Parasailing: Parasail hundreds of feet over the coastline and experience views like no other.
- Helicopter Tours: See amazing aerial views of Maui, including the West Maui Mountains, Haleakala, and Hana. They even offer helicopter tours to the Big Island.
- Golfing: We don't golf, but if you do then Kapalua is the place to be. The Plantation Course is home to the first PGA Tour championship every year, the Mercedes Championships.