Top 10 Things to Do in Maui – Best Tips for Traveling in Hawaii
Before the tips, a quip:
“The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience,” said Daniel J. Boorstin. “The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes “sight-seeing.”
“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” ~ Lin Yutang.
Perhaps, but the truth is I’d rather be at the Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas than in my own home! Two weeks isn’t long enough…but two months might be. If you’re traveling to Hawaii and need a guidebook, click Maui Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Paddle, Surf, Drive – it’s full of adventures! And, here are ten fun things to do in Maui…
The Best 10 Things to Do and See in Maui
If you’re traveling to Hawaii, you might find Going on Holidays? 10 Tips for Booking Vacation Packages to Maui helpful.
1. Whale watching – a marine watching adventure. We went whale watching cruise at 7 am one morning, and saw at least a dozen whales above water. Other marine life to observe include dolphins, turtles, flying fish, manta rays, monk seals, and whale sharks.
2. Molokini snorkel trip. I regret not going on this boat trip to the island of Molokini – I talked to people who did, and they not only saw tons of gorgeous coral and exotic fish, they saw several whales on their trip there and back! These snorkel trips include breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks, snorkel gear, and scuba gear.
3. Helicopter tour of Maui. This air tour gives you amazing views of waterfalls, rain forests, deserted beaches, volcanic craters, flowing lava, and more. This is one of the best things to do in Maui – and it’s also one of the most expensive. No surprise, since helicopters and small planes are very expensive to operate.
4. Luaus and Polynesian shows. We went to the “Drums of Paradise” luau at the Hyatt, and it was wonderful. You can’t travel to Hawaii without experiencing a luau! Other events on Maui include magic shows, free hula dancing, Polynesian cultural shows and feasts, and even Cirque de Soleil productions.
5. Cycling the Haleakala Volcano. If you like to bike, this will be one of your “best ten things to do in Maui!” You’ll cycle past pineapple fields, farms, flower gardens, horses and cows, incredible views…and of course to the top of the Haleakala Volcano. This is a great way to work off all that luau food (especially if you’re not into running on the beach in Maui).
6. “Snuba” and other ocean adventure tours in Maui. “Snuba” is a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling; you stay underwater for up to 20 minutes with your snorkel gear. Guided kayak trips, kite surfing, surfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, waterskiing are more great things to do in Maui.
7. Dinner or cocktail cruise. Cruising along the coast of Maui gives you a gorgeous view of the beaches, beachside restaurants, hotels, and harbors. What a romantic thing to do – especially if you’re on a romantic honeymoon getaway on Maui. Many of these dinner cruises in Hawaii have live entertainment…including hula dancers!
8. Ziplining in Maui. There are two ziplining adventure tour companies in Maui – you’ll have an amazing time if launching off cliffs and zipping across valleys is one of your top ten things to do while traveling in Hawaii! I didn’t go ziplining in Maui, but loved it in Costa Rica.
9. Island pampering at local spas. After cycling a volcano or snorkeling the coral reefs, you might be read for a massage, body treatment with natural Hawaiian ingredients, manicure, or pedicure. This wasn’t one of my best things to do in Maui, but I know the spas get busy.
10. Drive the road to Hana. Not for the faint of heart…the road to Hana crosses 52 one-way bridges and has crazy hair-pin turns. Along the way are botanical gardens, state parks, natural caves, ocean blow holes, massive waves, hikes, waterfalls, beaches, and secret Maui treasures. We drove the road to Hana ourselves, but I’d recommend going with an expert tour. Who wants to worry about the road when you could be gawking out at the gorgeous Maui coastline?
If you’re a woman traveling alone to Hawaii, read Tips for Solo Female Travelers.
Have you been to Maui – and do you agree with my “best things to do in Maui”? If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, I welcome your questions below…
Dear Readers, thank you for your comments and questions -- I read every one! I do my best to respond, but may not be able to reply to everyone. ~ Warmest Wishes, Laurie
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Comment by neo on 30 January 2010:
I think so beutifull sea I love it I live in north thailand
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 2 February 2010:
I’ve never been to Thailand, but I’ve heard it’s gorgeous!