Activities on Maui, 102 things to do, Maui Activities

Maui offers almost unlimited possibilities to spend a fantastic day in paradise. Maui's ocean playground and magnificent unspoiled nature, and unique culture will make your visit memorable!
SURFING & BOOGIE BOARDING Maui offers some of Hawaii's best surfing without the crowds of popular mainland surf breaks. If you have never tried Surfing, Lessons are a must! There are many ways to surf; Bodysurfing, Boogie boarding, Longboard surfing, shortboard surfing, canoe surfing, wave-ski surfing, Stand-up paddle surfing and Tow-in surfing. On Maui it is not unusual for you and your friends to be the only guys out surfing the beautiful, clean break... We highly recommend surfing or a boogie boarding for those light wind mornings and occasional windless days. Maui offers countless good surfing spots all around the island. Maui's surf breaks includes world famous Jaws, where the waves can reach a gigantic 50-60 feet, Even more amazing is that they are ridden by a handful of professional surfers that are towed into the wave with jet-skis, so that they can match the speed of these huge rolling monsters. This is a great event to be a spectator at, but it only happens on a few very special days a year, when the waves are just right. For the rest of us there are more manageable waves (under 10 foot) at some popular locations. Here are a couple of suggestions; Beaches Page or click here for Surfing lessons.
STANDUP PADDLE SURFING Standup paddle Surfing or SUP, is the newest fore of surfing. Born in Hawall, This sport has taken off around the world. The appeal of standup is its relative easiness. you dont have to be super fit. Get a lesson from a good school, they provide the special oversized surfboards and you will be gliding along in no time. You use a long shaft paddle to paddle with, go fast or just cruise and watch the water. It calm water it is like snorkeling standing up. as you get your balance you can try to catch some small waves at the edge of the reef. Much easier than regular surfing. Many people ar etaking to Standup for the fun and exercise. and almost anyone can do it, young or old. This is a great activity the the family can do together. Click here for more information.
Try Windsurfing Maui has warm water and steady wind year round. It is a perfect place to learn windsurfing. There are special beaches just for beginners, where the water is smooth and the wind is gentle. Kanaha Beach Park on the north shore has the world class conditions that have made it the most popular windsurfing beach in Hawaii. Beginners take advantage of the lighter winds in the mornings. A beginner lesson will cost about $89.00 for 2.5 hours all equipment included. They give you lightweight sails and steady boards which are a breeze to use. If you have tried windsurfing in the past, you can do a refresher course and be on the water in no time. Try Action Sports windsurfing school for some lessons.
Kids Windsurfing Camps Kids windsurfing camps run all summer long. They are 3-day camps Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Kids start at 8:30am in the mornings till noon (half day) or till 2:30 (full day). These camps are a great opportunity for kids to have a fun and safe introduction into the sport of windsurfing. the emphasis is on fun and socializing, kids make new friends and discover the joys of an ocean wind sport. For Kids Camps we recommend the MSU Youth Power, camps are Maui's original and best kids windsurfing camp, and they are now in their tenth year.
Watch the windsurfers at Hookipa Famous for showcasing the worlds best windsurfers. Ho'okipa Beach has the best view of some of the most extreme windsurfing you will see anywhere. The reason is the waves break close to shore because the reef is narrow at this place. this allows the windsurfers to ride so close that you can almost see the expressions on their faces. This is as close to the action as you can get without getting wet. Watch out for the professional contests held here, like the Aloha Classic windsurfing contest in November. You may see the world's best professional windsurfing athletes competing in some of the best conditions you are ever likely to see. The grassy headland at the western end of the beach is just above the main break so it gives you a perfect view of all the action.
Try Kiteboarding Kiteboarding is a hugely popular sport worldwide that started right here on Maui. The conditions here are perfect for the sport. Strong tradewinds and warm water, We have the best conditions for beginners too, with calm inshore lagoon surrounded by the protective reef. The Kite Beach on Maui is world famous. Located right behind the Kahului Airport you can see the worlds best kiteboarders zipping across the water and flying through the air. Kiteboarding Lessons for all levels are available daily, at 10:30am and 2:00pm. Kitesurfing camps and kids lessons are available too. Click for more info on Lessons.
SNORKELING, SCUBA & SNUBA Maui's clear water and unspoiled beaches with countless schools of fish are perfect for snorkeling. The tropical fish and corals are stunning with the whole spectrum of different colors. Typical sea life includes, Honu (turtles), Mano (Sharks), and Nai'a (Dolphins), and the occasional Monk Seal. Action Travel is happy to provide you with useful tips for an unforgettable snorkeling day...While on Maui you can learn to scuba dive in a PADI certification course, or try SCUBA with a trial diving session. SNUBA offers a similar feeling to SCUBA without the need for certification. There are of course a range of dive sites for the certified diver including Lanai cathedrals and Molokini's infamous "Back Wall" drift dive. Click here for our Coral Reef Etiquette Page.
WHALE WATCHING Whale watching is a popular tourist attraction on Maui during the whale season from December through April. The Humpback whales come from the cold waters of Alaska to Hawaii for mating and giving birth. You are almost guaranteed to see whales from the beaches especially on the south shore. Many companies offer whale watching cruises with guaranteed whale sightings. You may even hear the Humpback Whales singing while you are snorkeling.
HIKING Maui's great wilderness areas with varying scenery is ideal for hiking. There are national and state run parks with camp sites and cabins for overnight accommodation. Most park areas offer a variety of marked trails for different levels of hiker. Be sure you know the estimated duration of your trail before setting out. Some trails go for days. You can go up to the crater of Haleakala or explore the lush rain forests, with abundant tropical fruit and exotic flowers closer to the sea level. Rainforests, waterfalls, rock pools and ancient Hawaiian ruins. Some areas have extremely high rainfall, creating dramatic waterfalls and fast flowing streams. While they are beautiful and inviting, Not all are suitable for swimming. Valleys can cool off quickly in the afternoons as the sun goes behind the ridges. So when hiking valleys and streams, it is best to start out early. If it is raining further up the mountain, there is a real risk of a flash flood downstream. Try Hike Maui for a professionally lead hike.
HANA HIGHWAY Hana Highway from Kahului to Hana is a spectacular route along the coastline. The Road to Hana (or Hana Highway) on Maui's north east shore is perhaps the closest thing to a highway to Heaven as you'll ever find. The Road to Hana is 52 miles of undeveloped road that passes by some of the most breath-taking scenery on the face of the earth. Hana is a beautiful small town with flower farms few tourists. Driving to Hana is definitely worth the couple of hours it takes to drive from Kahului and back. The road is very winding and slow, but the view more than makes up for that. On the road to Hana you will see lush rainforests, waterfalls, ocean views, taro fields, villages, and breathtaking scenery. In and around Hana you are likely to find a variety of beaches and maybe your own deserted beach all to yourself. Take care swimming on any unpatrolled beaches, especially when there are waves.
HELICOPTER TOURS It is estimated that over 80 percent of Maui is only accessible by helicopter. The rugged mountains and thick rain forest are best appreciated from a scenic flight in a helicopter. Flights depart from the heliport in Kahului. Maui's helicopter tour companies have some of the most experienced helicopter pilots in the industry. Flights range from short duration to a circle island tour, that shows you the moon-scape in the Haleakala crater and the Hana rainforest, and the spectacular north shore coastline. Some flights can take you across that west Maui mountains and over to world's highest sea-cliffs on the neighboring island of Molokai. Some tours offer a fly/drive package, where you can take the VIP guided tour van to Hana and fly back to Kahului. Another tour allows you to set down at a private waterfall to enjoy a champagne picnic before flying home. A helicopter flight is the best way to see Maui's rugged northern coastline.
NIGHT LIFE Night life on Maui is mostly centered around the resort areas in Kihei and Lahaina. Both places offer many good restaurants, bars and dance clubs. Oceans' Niteclub in Kihei is the newest restaurant and bar, with dancing on Saturday nights. at some venues you will find the island's favorite local musician Willie-K. The Mulligan's Pub at the Wailea on the Blue (Golf Course) has live music and you can play a game of pool too. Mulligan's has standing room only every St Patrick's day so you better book early. In Kaanapali there is the Spats Niteclub at the Hayatt Regency Hotel. Moose's and the Wave Riders Cafe in Lahaina, and Moose McGillycuddys new location just opened in Kihei are among some of the more popular night spots. Jacques in Paia Town (on the north shore) is windsurfer's gathering place especially on the weekends offering great food and a socially charged atmosphere. Casanova's (Italian Restaurant) up in Makawao Town gets packed with windsurfers, surfers and locals dancin' up a storm on Wednesday (ladies) nights.
DOWNHILL BIKING Maui has the longest downhill bike ride in the world. Downhill bike riding has become a thriving industry, with several companies organizing complete activity packages, to get you from your hotel to the mountain and back. We like the Maui Downhill company best, they have been going since the beginning in 1984, with a good safety record. Your journey begins with a panoramic sunrise view of Haleakala Crater, in the Haleakala National Park, a once in a lifetime experience. There you will see the volcano and the many pu'ulais that once formed our Island of Maui. After sunrise, coast down from the top of Haleakala Crater at 10,023 ft. to sea level into the original territorial capital of Hawaii, Paia. A 38-mile downhill ride with only 400 yards of peddling.
ATLANTIS SUBMARINE On the Atlantis submarine you will journey into a spectacular blue world more than 130 feet below the surface in spacious air-conditioned comfort. The Tours in Maui are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and depart from the Lahaina Harbor. A 10-minute cruise on the Atlantis Shuttle vessel will take you to and from the tour site with panoramic views of several of the islands. At the tour site you will board the 48-passenger submarine vessel, which will take you down 130-feet to the majestic natural coral reefs and Hawaiian marine life. From December through May, Atlantis guests may enjoy whale watching during the ship-to-shore journey. All tours provide narration in Japanese via headsets.
Luaus & Hula Shows Hula is the traditional dance of Hawaii. In a society with no written language, story telling, chanting and hula were used to convey traditional stories and legends. The traditional Hula is called kuhiko. there is also a more modern version of hula that is more widely know in the western world. Hula is a very serious cultural practice in Hawaii, and takes years to master. Hula Halau (hula schools) compete in the Merry monarch festival every year. Professional hula dancers have usually studied for most of their lifetimes. One way to see some hula is to attend a luau which is a dinner and hula show. Most luaus will showcase several varieties of hula to give the patrons a sampling of the different islands styles., for example, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Tongan and Maori.
See a Sea Turtle Sea turtles called Honu in Hawaiian abound at just about every snorkeling spot on Maui. Maui's sea turtles are endangered and protected, so do not try to touch them. When you see a turtle under water, stay a respectful distance away and observe their natural behavior. Do not stay above the turtles because they have to surface periodically to get a breath of air. Some turtles are curious and will come over to check you out. There are actually several different species of sea turtles in Hawaiian waters. The Green, leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead. Take an underwater camera with you and snap your own turtle photo. Turtles are very photogenic creatures, and usually stay put while you take your photo.
Maui Ocean Center Seeing the underwater world is now easier than ever before. The Maui Ocean Center at Maalaea harbor is a world class aquarium that features the underwater magic that was only accessible to snorkelers and scuba divers. Bring the whole family and take some time to encounter this marvelous display of underwater life. More than 60 exhibits emulate the animal's habitat in the natural ocean, including the Underwater Journey where you can experience a tunnel that offers a 240-degree view of marine life in a 750,000-gallon open ocean tank.
Try some Local Foods Drink a glass of fresh guava juice or try a P.O.G. (passion fruit, orange, guava) juice, Eat some fresh pineapple, Papaya. Try a Spam Musubi, Manapua (pork bun), some POI (taro paste), Pork Lau-lau (shredded pork cooked in a taro leaf). There are many great places to get local food. Plate Lunches are available everywhere, and combine meat or fish with a large serving of macaroni salad and two scoops of steamed rice. You can always get the "mixed plate" at the L&L "Drive-in" diners. When you are Pau hana (finished working) it is time to eat Pupu (snacks). If you like sushi, you should also try Ahi Poke. Poke is an appetizer or snack that goes great with beer. There is a wide selection of fresh Poke at the Safeway stores and Star markets.
Fine Dining Maui has some excellent restaurants, featuring local and Polynesian styles and international cuisine. The local ingredients particularly the fresh fish make a few good restaurant meals on Maui absolutely essential. Hawaiian style cuisine is a blend of Polynesian with strong Asian influences. The modern Hawaiian cuisine has broadened to embrace an even wider variety of cultural influences and tastes. On the north shore you should try Mama's fish house in Kuau (near Hookipa), especially for its unique oceanfront location. For starters there is Ahi poke (seasoned raw tuna with shoyu), Sashimi Ahi (raw tuna with a little wasabi), or Cerviche (raw fish "cooked" in lime and coconut juice). Try the seared Ahi (tuna) or Mahi-Mahi (dolphin fish). Or for the whole fish connoisseur, try the grilled Opakapaka. Roy's restaurants in Kahana and Kihei, Haile Maile General Store, Spagos Restaurant at the Four Seasons hotel in Wailea. Capiche restaurant at the Diamond Resort in Wailea.
Shopping The essentials: When you arrive in Maui, go directly to a real surf shop and buy yourself a cool surfer tee-shirt and some proper baggies (board shorts), and some slippers (flip-flops, sandals, thongs, you know). If you are going swimming and snorkeling a lot buy yourself a Lycra shirt called a "rash guard". Get some good waterproof sports sunscreen, and buy some sunglasses. Get polarized sunglasses. they do not have to be too expensive, $20.00 will get you something, but if you can afford it buy the "Maui Jim's" they are the best. Shop for fun: Front street Lahaina has a great variety of shops and art galleries. Lahaina Cannery Mall, Queen Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center in Kahului, Kalama Village, The Saturday morning (7-12) swap meet in Kahului on Puunene Ave near the Post Office. Roadside stalls, Aloha market and Kalama Shopping village in Kihei. Paia town is great for arts, crafts, hippy clothes, jewelry, etc. Friday night is "Art Night" in Lahaina. A walk down front Street will take you to many surprisingly sophisticated art galleries. Meet the artists, wine tasting and some music. Souvenirs shopping: Near the end of your vacation you should take a trip into "Hilo Hattie" for your souvenir shopping. They greet you with a free Lei, some POG juice and Hawaiian coffee, all as you walk in.
Lomi-lomi Hawaiian massage & Spa Treatments One of the best massages you will ever have. Hawaiian style massage is a deep tissue massage. It is great for athletes and for relaxation, If you want soft, ask for it. or you will be in for a tough time. Hawaiian massage has a spiritual side that can be incorporated into holistic healing, and can increase your mana (life force). Another Hawaiian style that is great for relaxation is the Pohaku (hot rock) massage. When it comes to massage it makes a big difference to spend a few dollars more to get an experienced masseuse. Blue Bamboo in Wailuku offers a discounted massage matinee. And the "Spa Grande" and the Grand Wailea Hotel in Wailea has one of the the best spas in the US. It has a 50,000 square feet, including terme, hydrotherapy, mud baths, salt rubs, seaweed wraps and all.
Ulalena Theatre Maui Theatre Presents 'Ulalena, a theatrical experience as impressive as the story. This is not just a theatre. It is a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art venue built for this presentation. It employs the talents of some of Hawaii's most distinguished musicians and performers, combining live traditional Hawaiian music with 8-channel surround sound. If you like the theatre and Hawaiian mythology you will love Ulalena. A theatrical and dance interpretation of some Hawaiian legends. The theatre is in Lahaina. It is just like Cats (..er.. without the cats). Tickets are about $90.00, bookings are essential.
Cirque Polynesia Hawaii’s only true cirque show resides at the at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa on the shores of the Kaanapali Coast, under the stars in the show’s brand new, outdoor venue, the Maui Moon Theatre. The unique 75-minute show features an ensemble of internationally-acclaimed cirque performers. Cirque Polynesia provides non-stop action with each stunning individual performance as entertaining as the last. Aerial acrobats, masters of balance, aerial illusionists.
Zip-line Adventures We like this concept and it is the very next thing we will try on our next day off. A nature walk with some quick slides down some zip lines, will get your adrenaline going (and uses way less gas than a jet-ski). This activity is one of the latest in the growing number of eco-adventure style activities. Located upcountry at Kula. The Haleakala Skyline Tour blends a short hiking experience with five picturesque zipline crossings, an “Indiana Jones” style swinging bridge, and an introduction to Hawaii’s unique and fragile landscape.
Parasailing Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The view is fantastic, and you can only go out of whale season. Parasailing is at Kaanapali. Do a little research to find a good vendor. (I like UFO Parasailing) Soar Above Maui Hawaii and Kailua-Kona with UFO Parasail Hawaii! Their experienced crew and the latest lift-off and landing technology allows you to fly away in ease, comfort and safety. Parasailing is the perfect Hawaii activity for anyone – old, young, active, or physically challenged. I think they have been doing it about 20years. By the way, parasailing is a lot safer these days with the boats that "winch" you down to the platform on the boat.
Kayak Tours Clear green, azure and blue water, white sand, living coral reefs, tropical fish, sometimes dolphins and whales. What more could you ask for from your dream vacation? Well, how about someone who can make sure that you understand what you're seeing, and can lead you to the best snorkeling spots on Maui? Trips take you to several different world-class dive & snorkel locations here in Maui. The tours range from 3-5 hours and are guided by one of our knowledgeable professionals whom are sure to show you a world unseen by most.
Wake Boarding Wakeboarding is one of the newest activities to be offered on Maui. We provide wakeboarding charters and group sessions for all levels from novice to expert. If you like smooth water, you’ll bite down and get up early even while on vacation. We can leave Ka‘anapali Beach as early as 6:30am in search of a pristine piece of water. When we find it, each rider gets a half an hour to wear those legs out. Yeah, sunrise from the volcano is great but try sunrise looking back on Maui from a ski or a board! Numbers are limited, and private charters are available. Click here for more info.
OTHER ACTIVITIES Sailing, fine dining, World class golf courses, Guided rainforest tours, Kayak Tours, Art galleries, Sightseeing, Harley-Davidson motorcycle rentals, Horseback riding, Jeep Rentals, Tandem-Paragliding, Yoga, Beauty & Relaxation Spas, and much more.
ACTION CALENDAR For more of our special events, Summer kids Courses, Womens Kiteboarding, sports instructor training, and ocean education courses check out our Action Calendar.
BEACH GUIDE OCEAN SAFETY

HOME	Activities	Beaches	Books	Cars	Employment	Equipment	Forum	Gear Guide	History	IKO	Info
Japanese	Kite-FAQ	Kite Beach	Kiteboard	Kite Info	Kite-Rules	Links	Lodging	Maps	Photos	Rental Rates	Sail Safe
Standup	Surf101	Surfing	Survival	Team	Travel	Videos	Waves	Weather	Web Cam	Windsurfing	Wsf Tips