Best Things to Do on Maui - Top Activities

Maui is actually bigger than most people may think. It can be hard to get a grasp of the vastness of the island unless you have visited in the past. Whether you’re coming to Maui for a romantic couple’s holiday, fun adventures with the family, or a solo getaway, you’ll never run out of things to do on our beautiful Hawaiian island. Here, you can witness a traditional luau dance ceremony, snorkel in Molokini, drive through Hana Highway, and so much more!

Read on, to find out the best things to do on Maui during your vacation.

1. Witness a Traditional Luau Ceremony

Whether this is your first time visiting Hawaii or not, attending a Luau on Maui is a must. This traditional Hawaiian celebration is accompanied by music and dance, and, of course, lots of food.

Various luau ceremonies are happening all over Maui, but the Award-Winning Old Lahaina Luau Ohana is one of the most widely known of these. It takes place at Lahaina Front Street, one of the most beautiful oceanfront locations in Maui. You will be welcomed with a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting, then you will be treated to a five-course dinner meal with tropical drinks, live dance, and music performances. This is such a fun experience, especially for those who want to learn more about the Hawaiian culture and tradition.

2. Snorkel in Molokini

If you’re going to Maui to snorkel, head to Molokini. The Molokini Crater is one of the best snorkeling spots not only on the island but all over the world. Its water’s impressive clarity allows you to enjoy a clear view of the spectacular coral reefs. The crater itself is far from the busy and crowded beaches of Maui so the wildlife is fully protected.

To make the most of your snorkel adventure, book a Molokini snorkeling tour that includes a visit to the Kanaio Coast. This area is made of lava fields and sharp volcanic rocks. It is also home to a wide variety of marine life, including spinner and bottom-nose dolphins, turtles, and manta rays.

3. Drive Through Hana Highway

The Road to Hana is a curvaceous road that hugs Maui’s northern shores surrounding the  Haleakalā National Park. Driving through this 52-mile road is one of those Maui experiences that you will surely not forget. But this activity is not for the faint of heart.

Aside from passing through curved and narrow roads, you will be passing through 59 bridges, 46 of which are single lanes. Yet, it’s definitely worth it, since you’ll be seeing lots of beautiful places along the way, including breathtaking waterfalls, hiking spots, and beaches. If you are not keen on driving, book the a tour instead, where you will be riding an air-conditioned tour van as you journey through the famous Hana highway.

4. Join a Whale Watching Excursion

If you’re visiting Maui during the winter season, which is from November to March, don’t miss the chance to experience an exciting whale-watching tour. In fact, whale watching should be on top of your list of activities to do in Maui.

Depending on the tour that you will book, the tour will usually take 2 to 3 hours, and will typically take place in the morning. It’s also a great time to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian scenery from the ocean as you try to catch sightings of the Humpback whales. There are plenty of tours to choose from, but this Whale Watch Tour by Pacific Whale Foundation is the most popular.

5. Conquer the Haleakala Crater Trail

Home to Maui’s best hiking spots, the Haleakala Crater is the perfect place for those who love adventure. With its colorful cinder cones and trails that crunch underfoot, hiking across the Haleakala Crater will make you feel like you’re on the moon. Covering a span of 19 sq miles, Haleakala’s crater basin is a vast of striking wilderness featuring 30 miles of hiking trails.

Before you head out to hike, make sure you come prepared. The temperatures in Haleakala Crater can go from 30°F to 80°F in a single day. The hiking trails are also at high elevation, ranging from 7,000 to 10, 000 feet, so it’s not recommended for first-time hikers. To make the most of your adventures in Maui, book the Hiking, Kayaking & Snorkeling Adventure Tour Package. This is a tour package that will take you on hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling adventures, perfect for adventure enthusiasts.

6. Experience a Thrilling Helicopter Ride

While Maui is already beautiful when seen up close, the island will look even more stunning if you view it from high above, which is why taking a helicopter tour of Maui County is highly recommended. This spectacular experience will take you to soar high up in the sky of Maui and witness the most stunning views you’ll ever encounter in your life! During your ride, you’ll see pristine beaches, lush jungles, and stunning mountain tops.

There are plenty of helicopter tours that you can book in Maui County. Most of these tours will take around an hour. The most popular helicopter tours include the island of Molokai. This part of Maui County is home to breathtaking mountains, scenic waterfalls, and awe-inspiring sea cliffs. Your helicopter will also be flying over the Pacific Ocean where you will have a rare opportunity to see leaping ocean creatures, such as dolphins and whales!

7. Go Surfing

Maui is a well-known surfing destination, so it doesn’t come as a surprise why surfing is considered one of the most popular activities on the island. Besides, surfing is Hawaii’s official sport. The North Shore is an excellent place to ride the waves in Maui. In fact, if you’re here to learn how to surf, then you should head to the North Shore where you will find a wide range of surfing schools. There are surfing lessons for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts.

Since surfing is a very popular activity in Maui, you will find plenty of tour packages that are geared towards surfers. If you are traveling with a group of friends, you can book the Maui Waveriders Lahaina Group Surfing Lessons. With this tour package, a team of surfers will be teaching you how to ride the Hawaiian waves.

As you can see there are tons of things to do in Maui and we’ll be sure to bring you more ideas in the future. Aloha!