Things to do in Maui Hawaii: Witness the first blush of sun rays spread out across the sea above snowy white clouds, as you stand atop a volcanic mountain with a soft breeze wafting through your hair. Sounds magical? It is.
This is one of the countless memorable experiences you can have in Maui, the second-largest Hawaiian island. Be it whale watching, swimming with sea turtles, enjoying the Old Lahaina Luau, or eating Shave Ice, Maui has an incredible range of experiences to offer for everyone, from nature lovers & adventure junkies to history fans.
Found the options overwhelming? We got you covered. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii to get the most out of your getaway.
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Go on a long drive on the Road to Hana
Witness magnificent views of Maui’s exquisite coastline as you travel down this road. The road to Hana, also known as Highway 360 goes through a lush rainforest with cascading waterfalls and many hidden natural treasures that you can explore on your way. Take your time with this road trip, and stop to explore as often as you like, to take in the fascinating landscape of Maui. The unmatched scenic beauty that this road trip offers, makes it one of the first options on our Maui Hawaii things-to-do list.
Attend a luau
A holiday in Maui is incomplete without a luau, a traditional Hawaiian celebration. Binge on authentic Hawaiian cuisine, groove to the live music & witness the hula dancers dance to the beat of the Hawaiian drums. The most famous is the Old Lahaina Luau which is considered to be the most authentic. So, get your dancing shoes on & enjoy the feast the good old Hawaiian way for a memorable evening.
Catch a glorious sunrise from the Haleakala Summit
The Haleakala National Park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano craters. Imagine beginning your day from the top of a volcanic mountain, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Exciting, right? That’s exactly why this is one of the most favourite things for tourists to do in Maui, an experience so popular that you’ll have to make a prior reservation for it.
With the radiance of the sun shining over layers of clouds above high mountain tops, the sunrise seems straight out of a magical painting, making it worth the effort.
Discover the life underwater with Snorkelling tours
Witness the underwater world of a wide variety of species of sea creatures as you go snorkelling or scuba diving.
Explore the well-known spots such as Kaanapali Beach, Kapalua Bay & Honolua Bay to see a bevy of colourful fish, sea turtles & exquisite coral reefs.
One of the most popular destinations for Snorkelling & Scuba lovers is the crescent-shaped islet, Molokini located off Maui’s southwestern coast which can only be reached by boat. The spot is home to 250 different species of fish so you sure will revel in some unique sights if you go there.
Sunbathe at Kaanapali Beach
If your idea of a perfect getaway involves relaxing at a picturesque beach, this is an ideal option for you. Stretched across 3 miles of the island’s northwest coast, it offers ample space to surf & relax in the sun. The beach also houses various resorts, restaurants, two golf courses & the lively Whalers Village open-air shopping centre where you can pamper yourself with indulgent food & a shopping spree.
Apart from these man-made entertainment options, the beach is also famous for its clear waters, perfect for snorkelling, & some instances of whale sightings if you’re lucky.
Another popular thing to do here is to witness the daily cliff-diving spectacle at Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock). It’s a way of paying tribute to King Kahekili, Maui’s last independent king who ruled in the 18th century.
Walk into the Dragon’s teeth
If you plan to walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail or are in Northwest Maui, this is a unique sight to witness. The trachyte lava at makaua-puna point has been eroding away, creating pointed spires that resemble dragon’s teeth. This is a spot that makes one realize that the wonders of the natural world are endless.
If you walk a bit further, you’ll also find yourself amidst a labyrinth, a giant circular maze. If you’re travelling with kids, this would be a delightful sight to watch together. Make sure to get it on your Maui things-to-do-list.
Go whale watching for the experience of a lifetime
Watching humpback whales swim is an ethereal sight & would make for a great story to tell your kids. The 14-meter-long Pacific Humpback whales migrate from Alaska back to Hawaii at the end of each year, making Maui the perfect island for some of the best whale-watching tours.
Would you like to see these gigantic creatures do belly-flops, tail smacks & spouting? If yes, then hop on to the whale-watching tours from Lahaina Harbour, Kaanapali, Kihei & Wailea for this incredible experience.
Stop by The Maui Ocean Centre
Opened in 1988, this facility was created to teach visitors about Maui’s underwater ecosystems. The structure features touch pools and a tunnel beneath the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit housing hundreds of fish from stingrays to sharks. Don’t forget to partake in the Sphere, a 3D experience where you can swim with humpback whales. How cool is that!
Now that you know the best things to do in Maui Hawaii, fill your itinerary with a variety of new & enthralling experiences to have the adventure of a lifetime.
To do “in” Maui. Since Maui is an Island, it is proper to say “on” Maui.
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