Hawaii is a magical paradise that offers not just the ultimate beach experience but also a variety of activities that will make one appreciate nature’s beauty to its fullest.
The Hawaiian Islands offer wondrous places where you can have a marvelous vacation. While the Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the best accommodations, Maui on the other hand is a place to be for the most memorable and fun activities on your vacation.
From hiking the summit for a spectacular sunrise and sunset view, immersing in a wondrous cultural experience to enjoying water activities that will give one a magnificent view of the world under the sea, Maui offers unforgettable adventures.
The best things to do in Maui, Hawaii are waiting for all those who want to immerse in vibrant life experiences.
To make sure that you cover all the wonderful experiences that you can spend your precious time on your trip, here are the 15 best things to do in Maui Hawaii.
15. Try a Kaanapali Zipline Eco-Adventures
Your Maui trip will not be complete without a zipline activity that will let you see a fantastic aerial view. One of the captivating views for this Maui zipline activity is Kaanapali’s remote coastal landscape with breathtaking ocean views.
There are up to eight zipline types that you can choose from or even try them all for an exhilarating adventure 150 feet above the West Maui mountains.
Before this fantastic Maui adventure, you will even get to experience a 4×4 ride together with an expert guide that will get you to the zipline area.
After your amazing Maui zipline adventure, you can drop off and shop at the Fairway Shops.
Don’t forget to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for this activity.
14. Join One of Maui Helicopter Tours
Joining a helicopter tour is one of the best adventures in Maui for you to further marvel at the picturesque views from up above. You will get the best views in Maui and you’ll see the natural wonders of Maui from Haleakala crater, waterfalls, tropical rainforest valleys, and the Molokai sea cliffs.
This top-rated Maui tour is one of Maui’s best and offers the best comfort flying aboard a Blue Hawaiian Helicopter.
You can even get an extended flight plan where you can explore more areas on the West Maui mountains, the tucked-away community of Kalaupapa, and across the Pailolo Channel.
Before the start of the tour, you will have a brief safety orientation where you can ask questions.
For this trip, you need to bring a valid government ID. Since the helicopter cabin is air-conditioned you might also want to consider wearing long sleeves or a light sweater for the trip.
13. Go on a Road to Hana Tour with Waterfall Hike and Rainforest Walk
A Road to Hana tour is one of the most popular activities in Maui. This fantastic Maui trip will take you to experience the winding roads and captivating views of cascading waterfalls, a beautiful bamboo forest, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests.
During your journey on one of the top ten things to do in Maui, you will make numerous stops that will let you further enjoy the view, take photos, and even swim in waterfalls.
One of the most memorable experiences in Maui is the Waikani Falls, another best spot in Maui, where you will see a magnificent waterfall that splits into three streams. Another is your stopover at Waianapanapa State Park & Beach with a black sand beach and easy hiking trail for more scenic views to discover.
The tour will even provide you with a delicious lunch at Hana Farms.
This fantastic Maui trip is not complete without your guide teaching you about the Hawaiian culture, history, and mythology.
For this trip, you need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a bathing suit, and a towel. You should also bring extra clothes just in case you get wet.
12. Go on a Haleakala Crater Hike
If you’re looking for another outdoor adventure that will allow you to get to know Hawaii more, then hiking on the Haleakala Crater is one of the best things to do in Maui.
The natural beauty of Maui’s Haleakala Crater and hiking trails showcasing fantastic desert-like views and magnificent lava trails will make you love the tropical island more.
Please note that the 4-mile hiking trails can be rough so this activity is not suitable for pregnant women and those with heart problems.
For a comfortable hike, wear hiking or running shoes and it is recommended to wear layered clothing as the temperature can switch from cold to warm. Though guides will also bring extra jackets. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen!
11. Join a Haleakalā National Park Sunrise Tour
If you want to stay out of a hike and only looking to visit Haleakala Volcano in Maui, you can still enjoy the ethereal beauty the volcano has to offer by joining a Haleakala National Park Tour.
This fantastic trip will give you the chance to glimpse Haleakala crater, a must-see in Maui, that’s more than 10,000 feet above the clouds with a lovely sunrise to boot.
You will even make stops at different points in the Park for photo opportunities and short walks to further enjoy the experience.
During your tour, you will stop by Kula Lodge where you will have a delicious breakfast.
Please note that this Maui trip is not recommended for those with heart problems and people who are scared of heights.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. You should also consider bringing a jacket since the temperature at the summit can get cold.
10. Experience a Maui ATV Ride with Mountain & Oceanfront Trail
An ATV ride is one of the best things to do as part of your Maui tours. This great incredible experience will allow you to experience mountain and ocean trails at your own pace.
Aside from the solo ride that you can book if you’d like to drive with a friend or with a driver you have the option to do so.
The rugged trails in the lush rainforest of Maui will give you a fun-filled day as you explore Maui attractions.
Please note that for you to ride an ATV you need to have a driver’s license. For a comfortable experience, you’re also advised to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and of course, sunscreen.
9. Go on a Maui to Lanai Day Trip
If you want to have a relaxing day escapade, then a trip from Maui to Lani should be on your top list as one of the best things to do in Maui.
Lanai is a small but dazzling island that’s only a 20-minute ferry ride from Maui and perfect for day trips.
You will get to experience the abundance of sea life on reefs of Maui as you snorkel in a marine life conservation district, Hulopo’e Marine Reserve. You may even get a chance to see Hawaiian Green sea turtles.
The lovely island has numerous activities for tourists to enjoy such as playing volleyball in the golden sand, joining a guided cultural trip, and snorkeling.
On this fantastic trip, you can also enjoy a mouth-watering Maui BBQ lunch at Hale O Manele overlooking Manele Bay.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. You should also consider bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, a bathing suit, and a towel.
8. Feast at Lele Lahaina Beachfront with Dinner Show
If you’re craving fresh fruit or fresh fish in your Maui island life experience, then feasting at Lele Lahaina Beachfront should be on your list of the best things to do in Maui. This is also one of the famous activities on the island.
At this feast, you will have your private table for your early dinner with a view of one of the best sunsets in Maui and a super delicious five-course table-service dinner with Polynesian dishes.
You will get to witness your most anticipated island dances and songs on a beachfront. The marvelous performances will surely take all your stress away and put a big smile on your face.
The Maui feast usually lasts up to three hours and if you plan to chill with alcoholic beverages, don’t forget to bring your government ID.
7. Witness an Oceanfront Luau & Fire Show
Being in an Oceanfront Luau with a fire show is also one of the top things to do in Maui. Witnessing the celebration of Polynesian traditions will bring you closer to the people and the whole island of Maui.
One of the best oceanfront luaus on Maui’s beautiful island is in Royal Lahaina Resort where you will be welcomed by lovely leis. You will even get to see how the traditional leis are crafted, learn to dance the hula, or get a temporary island tattoo.
After a cultural experience, you get to experience an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian-style buffet dinner with complimentary cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Listen to the beat of live Hawaiian music as you get to see Polynesian dances, Fire Knife Show, and a spectacular Samoan Fire Show for the finale.
6. Join a Maui Atlantis Submarine Tour
One of the fun things to do on Maui island aside from lounging on the white soft sand is to go on this submarine tour that will take you 100 feet below sea level.
If you are hesitant to go on a scuba diving adventure but want to see interesting marine life up close like sea turtles then this is a great activity for you.
Be on the lookout for a sea turtle and colorful fish on a comfortable underwater ride that will surely take your breath away.
This Atlantis submarine tour is one of the best Maui ocean activities that will make you appreciate the underwater paradise that needs protecting.
5. Attend Surf Lessons
Surfing is one of the best things to do on Maui island. Don’t miss the chance to attend surfing lessons while you are visiting Maui.
Join a 2-hour beginner introductory lesson and learn to ride the inviting great waves.
Where best to learn if not in Maui where you get to find top instructors and quality equipment.
You can choose to join an open group lesson or if you want the instructor’s undivided attention, you can choose to have a private lesson.
Be ready with your swimsuit, towel, and of course, sunscreen.
4. Enjoy Kayaking
If you want to experience one of the Hawaiian paddle sports, then you will surely be entertained if you go on kayaking at your own pace in the crystal clear waters of Maui. There will even be a guide that will help you navigate on water.
You don’t even have to worry if you don’t know how to swim as there is a lifejacket included on most tours.
Inclusions when you go on a kayaking tour usually include kayak rental, kayak gear, a life jacket, snacks, and a tour guide.
Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, and sunglasses.
3. Enjoy a Sunset Dinner Cruise
One of the boat tours that you should experience in Maui is a sunset dinner cruise that will give you the most stunning sunset view and relaxation.
Watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon while enjoying a delicious meal is definitely a romantic way to spend an evening with your partner.
If you’re with family, this activity would be an unforgettable and relaxing activity for all.
Your dinner cruise will have a live band and dancing, or you can just relax on the open-air deck and take in the fresh ocean breeze.
You will also be located on the upper deck of the boat with the best ethereal view of the sunset.
The sunset dinner cruise usually lasts for about two and a half hours.
2. Join a Whale Watching Tour in Maui
For those wanting to step up their Maui things to do, whale watching is one of the unique things to do in Maui that will leave you in awe.
The sightings of humpback whales as you explore the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are guaranteed on the tour so you won’t leave feeling disappointed.
You will be greeted with splashes from the whales’ tails and sometimes these gentle giants even show off with their full-body breaches.
What’s another exciting thing is that the tour will be accompanied by marine naturalists ready to provide you with new learning and answer your questions.
Be sure that you bring a camera, don your sunscreen, and bring over-the-counter motion sickness pills (if you’re prone to motion sickness) for your most exciting whale watching trip.
1. Experience Snorkeling in Molokini Crater and Turtle Town
And of course, Crater Snorkeling in Molokini is one of the best adventures that you can experience on Maui.
You will snorkel on the popular, magical half-submerged Molokini crater that is full of aquatic life.
What’s more exciting is you get to experience SNUBA diving which is an activity that is a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling. What’s great about SNUBA diving is that you don’t need a certification unlike scuba diving to explore the depths of the sea. You will just have to use a simple regulator with an air supply that floats on the water’s surface.
After your Molokini adventure, head to the famous Turtle town where you will swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles. The area is also a protected coral reef area so you will get to see the best of the underwater garden.
Ready your sunscreen and swimsuit for this adventure.
Additional Places to Visit in Maui, Hawaii
If you have an extended stay in Maui and still searching for additional places to add to your what to see in Maui list, then you must explore the following places below:
- Maui Ocean Center – the largest aquarium in Hawaii. Get tickets
- Black Rock – at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach where aside from swimming and snorkeling you can also do cliff diving.
- Makena Cove – another spectacular beach destination to visit.
- Lao Valley State Park – a botanical garden where you can marvel at the display of local flora.
- Maui’s South Shore and North Shore – South Shore offers fun-filled beaches with tons of activities to enjoy while North Shore is for those who prefer more natural, less developed beach settings.
- Kapalua Coastal Trail – offer amazing views for walking and running activities.
- Seven Sacred Pools – natural pools that boast another unforgettable swimming experience and most stunning view.
- Pipiwai Trail – a hiking trail with a waterfall view and bamboo forest to boot.
- Honolua Bay – a great spot for surfers.
Hawaii is popular for a variety of reasons, and one of them is that Maui Hawaii is a haven for all the vacation dreams and exciting activities. So on your trip to Maui, make sure to experience most if not all, of the wonderful activities listed above.
