I think Maui has to be my favorite of the Hawaiian Islands. I have been to the Big Island and Kauai as well, but am drawn back to Maui often. Maybe it’s the whales, but even after they leave the shallow waters, Maui has a lot to offer. It’s a great place to go to get away from both a cold, snowy winter or a hot, dry summer.
There are so many more things to do on Maui than this mere dozen activities, but if you want a starting point, here are some ideas.
1. Take a Blue Water Rafting Trip
Blue Water Rafting is a great company to use for a snorkeling excursion. You can see parts of the island you would otherwise miss. Namely, the sea caves on the Kanaio Coast. Even our friends that didn’t snorkel understood exactly why I wanted them to come. They take you to both the backside and inside of Molokini, as well as the sea turtle’s favorite hangouts for a great snorkeling experience. While the rest of the group snorkeled, the others were entertained by Captain Jimmy and Guide Brian and had a fantastic time. If you go with them during whale season, they will alter the course from snorkel spot to snorkel spot to allow a better view.
Hints: It’s a good idea to go on this tour the first day after you arrive in Maui. The 6:30am meeting time doesn’t seem so bad if you are coming from the mainland since it feels more like 8:30am-11:30am.
Tip for those prone to motion sickness: They provide a light breakfast after the ride to the sea caves but make sure to eat something substantial before boarding if you are inclined to sea sickness. Sitting in the front of the raft with the wind in your face dissipating the fumes from the motor also helps.
2. Visit the Galleries All Over the Island
There are many artists featured at galleries located throughout the towns on the island. Both local and world reknowned artist’s works are on display. Artist meet and greets are featured on some nights so you can enjoy a glass of wine while browsing the collections.
Hint: Take the time to talk with the artist if they are available. It’s a joy to meet them and you can get a unique insight into their creations. You may even end up having a piece shipped home to meet you.
3. Relax Under the Banyan Tree in Old Town
There are few trees that have an entire park dedicated to them but you will find one on Maui. It’s over 100 years old as well. It’s located in “Banyan Tree Park” on the Courthouse Square. You can’t miss it. It has a canopy that is spread over more than half an acre. Hopefully, it will recover fully from the fire damage it sustained.
Hint: You should maybe reconsider being underneath the canopy at dusk when all the birds that nest here return – after eating all day, thousands of them.
4. Enjoy a Day at the Pool
Many times we get so busy exploring the area, that we don’t make full use of the amenities of our resort. Hanging out by the pool, maybe in a cabana, catching some rays and enjoying a few drinks, ….. aaah this feels like vacation.
Hints: Don’t forget the sunscreen. Drink a glass of water between drinks as well. Save your skin and save your money.
5. Snorkel Black Rock
Black Rock is located at the end of Kaanapali Beach near the Sheraton Maui Resort. You can snorkel right from the beach and see everything from eels, to rays, to turtles.
Hints: Go early – the surf is calmer and it is less crowded. If you are staying elsewhere on the island, you can check out the conditions via the Sheraton webcam.
6. Go on a Whale Watch with Pacific Whale Foundation
Pacific Whale Foundation offers an array of different Eco-Adventures from Snorkeling to Dolphin or Whale Watches. They even offer dinner or cocktail cruises in the evening. There’s nothing like a Maui sunset. This company has a mission to protect the ocean and is dedicated to saving the world’s whales so the reasonable fees serve a double duty. You can catch cruises from both Ma’alaea or Lahaina Harbor. I love that they have a naturalist on board, we had Josh, that can answer your questions.
Hint: Go in the morning when the water is glasslike and it’s easy to spot whales and dolphins. Stop for lunch afterward at Beach Bums for their great BBQ ribs.
7. Spend Some Time at Whaler’s Village
There are many shops to explore to find unique Maui gifts. Look for items actually made in Hawaii by local artisans. They even have a Sephora in case you forgot something in your makeup bag. The Whaler’s Village Museum has artifacts from the historic 19th-century whaling era. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars as well. Leilani’s has the coldest beer and fantastic fish tacos! They also have excellent nachos – enough to share. Hula Grill is also wonderful. You can eat at the Barefoot Bar or in the dining room. Macadamia Nut Encrusted Mahi-Mahi is my favorite and the reason we must eat here every visit.
Hint: You can catch the Ka’anapali Trolley or the Maui bus #28 to and from Whaler’s Village in case you want to imbibe at a seaside pub.
8. Rent a Polaris Slingshot and cruise the Road to Hana
Aloha Motorsports on Halawai Drive offers rentals of Polaris Slingshots as well as motorcycles. You can join a guided ride or hit the road on your own. We had a group of six people so rented three units for 24 hours and headed across the island. The Road to Hana is a winding stretch from Po’ia to Hana in east Maui. It has plenty of breathtaking stops to take in the beautiful island vistas. Several are ocean overlooks and waterfalls along the way that can be viewed from the roadside or via a short hike from the road. The coastline views as you drive along are stunning but pay attention as there are 617 hairpin curves, 59 one-lane bridges and many blind spots along the way. The decision to take the ride on a Slingshot made it all the more incredible. We have ridden a Harley Davidson taken a convertible car on this trek but the Polaris has been my favorite.
“This was one of the greatest days of my life” – Mick K, our fellow rider.
Hint: Don’t forget to check out the roadside food trucks featuring local Hawaiian treats from banana bread and chips to poke.
9. Take a Tour of the Maui Churches
There are so many beautiful churches on Maui. Some are very old, some are fairly new. Some are located oceanside and some are on mountainside of a dormant volcano. Each one unique in some way. We visited at least six. Some were open and others were not. Some are active churches still being used today. As we readied to leave the parking lot of Makawao Union Church, a gracious lady came out and invited us in to see how beautiful her church was and gave us a brief history on it. Holy Rosary Church has an impressive memorial to Father Damian outside. Such an enjoyable day.
Hint: Map out the churches you want to visit ahead of time to include a wonderful lunch stop at Mama’s Fish House in Pa’ia
10. Visit a Botanical Garden
The Kula Botanical Garden is magnificent. And, if it’s a little hot down on the beach, the locals say it’s a little “Coola” up there. The garden contains so many beautiful and unique plants, trees and flowers as well as koi pond. You can spot various reptiles everywhere along the paths and there is also an aviary and bird sanctuary full of feathered creatures to enjoy. A fun place to stop is the garden of totems and tikis. They bring out the humorous poses in all of us. The covered bridge and flower shaded pergola are great spots for Hawaiian portraits.
Hint: The garden is quite large but easy to find your way around as you can pick up a laminated map on your way in and drop it off on your way out.
11. Make the trek up to Haleakalā Summit
No wonder the summit is sacred to Hawaiians. Both sunset and sunrise atop the summit are simply surreal. I have even been up there midday and still encountered that spectacular above the clouds experience. My first time up for sunrise, John and I descended on bicycles via Bike It Maui. A totally unforgetable view as the clouds rolled into the crater and then an unbelievable ride down the mountain, around curves and through amazing scenery. My first sunset was with my Mom, Aunt VeNell and sister Audrey. The landscape is quite volcanic and moonlike. The silversword plants were so beautiful in the waning sunlight. This is the only place on earth that they grow. The sunset looked like a lava flow through the clouds.
Note: There is an entrance fee to enter the park.
Hint: I have never seen my husband, John, so cold even in warm Bike-It Maui gear and a blanket. So be prepared. Dress in layers.
12. Take a Helicopter Ride
If there is one place you should do a helicopter tour, it is in Maui. Or any of the Hawaiian islands for that matter. We have always used Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and have never been disappointed. Viewing some of the most mesmerizing landscapes and waterfalls is just not possible any other way. Our latest tour was of the waterfalls of west Maui and Molokai. Wow!
Hint: Wear dark colored clothing, otherwise you will get reflections off the glass in your photos. We always buy the video of our flight as it includes all the descriptions of the areas by the pilot. It’s hard to remember just how tall those waterfalls are.
I hope everybody gets a chance to visit the beautiful island of Maui at some point in life. You might just find it is your true north.
Makes me want to go now!
Aloha