Maui is one of those vacation destinations that cater to the interests of every traveler. Are you an adventurer? You may want to check out the bike ride to the top of the Haleakala, a massive dormant volcano. Do you prefer planning a more relaxed vacation? Simply lay back and let the sun melt your worries away on any of the many beaches on the island. There’s something enjoyable even for those traveling with kids! Get ready to learn all the amazing things to do in Maui if you want to enjoy your days off to the maximum.
About Maui
One visit to Maui and you’ll see why it’s also known as “The Valley Isle.” As the second-largest Hawaiian island, Maui is a favorite among visitors searching for refined entertainment and luxurious amenities in the island’s airy resorts. It’s no surprise that the spectacular slopes of fertile Upcountry Maui and the amazing beaches have repeatedly won awards and titles along the years. Visiting the Valley Isle simply rejuvenates and revives the senses. But don’t trust us; book a trip to see it for yourself. Since there are so many things to do in Maui, we’ve decided to lend you a helping hand. Here are the top 10 things you should try out if you ever find yourself on The Valley Isle.
#1 Drive on the Road to Hana
You don’t have to do much to see some of the best panoramas of Maui’s coastline. Simply get in your car and drive down the Road to Hana. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best things to do in Maui if you’re a fan of breathtaking scenery. You’ll lose count of the endless waterfalls and forget all your worries staring at the stunning ocean cliffs. It’s unlikely you’ll ever forget this trip. The Road to Hana is not at all long – merely 53 miles – but it’s one of the best scenic drives in the world.
Stretching along the eastern shore, the road twists through lush vegetation and past breezy waterfalls. In spite of how short it is, driving on the Road to Hana might take you all day. You’ll want to stop for a number of panoramic lookouts and other natural attractions. Reviewers recommend you begin your trip early in the morning if you want to avoid delaying congestions in traffic.
#2 Go Molokini Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most affordable activities to try while in Maui. A set of snorkeling gear is available for rent for only a few dollars, but the views offshore are priceless. While there are dozens of amazing snorkeling spots around Maui, we recommend visiting Molokini. Make a day trip out of it, because you’ll get to cruise on a boat and admire Maui’s beauty from afar. If you plan to visit in season, you may even see whales and dolphins! Two snorkeling sessions are included in the trip. One takes you diving at the famous Molokini Crater, while the other lets you swim with the great sea turtles. The Molokini Crater is surrounded by protected waters, displaying some of the most beautiful sea life you’ll ever see.
#3 Take a Helicopter Ride
It’s super exciting to see Maui through the eyes of a fish, but what do you think of trying out a bird’s perspective? If that sounds like fun, you’re in luck, because Maui is an expert in helicopter tours. While this experience may be on the expensive side (a ride may cost up to $350 per person), you should keep in mind that looking at Maui from above is unforgettable. In addition, helicopters have access to certain spots on the island that you can’t reach otherwise.
A great majority of helicopter operators will provide passengers with Hana and Haleakala tours, as well as tours of Molokai and West Maui. Some also take tourists on stunning, hour-long flights surrounding the entire island. Some of the most popular operators include Maverick Helicopters, Air Maui, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and.
#4 Bike the Haleakala Volcano
This one is for the adventurer in you. For you, riding down a volcano is the perfect activity to start your day. However, if you want to tour the crater in comfort, many Maui bike companies also offer van services. Either way, you get to admire a remarkable sunrise at the top of the Haleakala volcano. The dormant massive reaches about 10,000 feet at its summit, which is equipped to welcome visitors every day. If you signed up for the bike ride, you will be then driven to the Haleakala National Park, where it all starts. The Maui bike ride is a leisure activity, not a competition, and it follows along 30-38 miles of twisting road. The experience of the summit sunrise is an enchanting moment matched by the effortless ride downhill.
#5 Relax at the Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is one of the most beautiful and famous coastline areas in Maui. It covers about 3 miles on the northwest coast, offering tourists plenty of sunbathing spots and great waves. However, make sure you stay away from the strong currents if you plan on swimming or surfing. Reviewers say they’re deceivingly forceful. But it’s not just the fine sand that attracts guests. Kaanapali is also one of the best resort areas, featuring several hotels and gourmet restaurants. If the man-made amenities don’t pose any interest for you, let Kaanapali entice you with its natural features. Do you want to spot exotic creators in the Pacific? Kaanapali is definitely the place to go. The waters are bright blue and shallow, making them ideal scuba diving and snorkeling.
#6 Attend a Luau
You can’t travel to Hawaii and not attend the ultimate luau. Luckily for you, there are plenty to choose from. The Feast of Lele in Lahaina has made quite a name for itself, and not just because of the delicious, traditional food. You’ll love the background, too. Old Lahaina is another favorite of previous travelers. It’s one of the best things to do in Maui if you’re visiting it for the first time. Set aside an entire evening to attend this luau if you’re looking for a creative intro to local culture. Though ticket prices may seem excessive, you’ll see for yourself it was worth the cost. While you enjoy the performers’ fire-dancing skills, you can also try Hawaiian delicacies, including kalua pua’a (roasted pork) and mahi-mahi and poi (squashed taro plant).
#7 Experience the Maui Zipline
The island looks like a breeding ground for ziplines, which seem to pop like mushrooms after rain. But we can see why. Ziplining is an adventure wherever you try it, but it’s so much more on Maui. It allows thrill-seekers to catch some great panoramas along the way, as well as some mild hiking. Some zipline companies even provide guides so you can learn about the exciting animals or birds you may encounter. In the end, ziplining is a great way to experience the diversified landscape of the island. We recommend the Maui Zipline Company, Piiholo Ziplines, or the original Maui experience, the Skyline Ziplines.
#8 Visit a Pineapple Field
Pineapples are one of the quirks of the island. If you choose to visit a pineapple field, you’ll get to see amazing scenery along the way. Tour the Maui Gold Pineapple Packing Factory, for example, if you want to sample various pineapple fruits. They will even let you take a pineapple home! Get ready to enjoy the freshest pineapple, picked right then and there. Your guide will allow you to sample pineapples at various stages of ripeness.
#9 Explore the Maui Ocean Center
If your visit happens to suffer from rainy days, the Maui Ocean Center can be the perfect distraction. A vast facility, the center wants to instill interest towards the Hawaiian underwater residents. Therefore, the remarkable Maui Ocean Center provides guests with numerous ways to see the island’s aquatic friends up close. Experience the interactive pools and the massive tunnel beneath the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit. In addition to the 2,000 fish that live in it, the center is also home to sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
#10 Spend a Day at Haleakala National Park
The Haleakala National Park stretches across 30,000 acres of land and hosts the largest dormant volcano in the world. Visitors tend to focus on specific areas, such as the mountain summit. This panoramic spot allows you to see look over the beautiful island. Keep in mind you’ll need reservations online to visit the park, which includes a modest fee. Make sure you wear warm layers, because the air at the top of Haleakala is chilly.
Header Image: travelandleisure.com