Maui is a top destination spot for everyone from nature lovers to those who just want to get away and relax. You can spend hours on the beach, you can even pick the color of the sand.
Maui has beaches with black, red, white, and green-colored sand. Nature walks are also popular, so don’t forget about experiencing a Maui sunset dinner cruise, which combines great food with a spectacular view of the setting sun.
So, if you’re getting ready to plan your Maui getaway, here are some activities you may want to add to your vacation itinerary.
Fun Things to Do in Maui
From scenic hikes and drives to snorkeling, fishing, and even golfing, Maui really does have something for everyone.
Visit a Volcanic Crater
If you’re not already aware, Maui is part of a volcanic island chaini, which applies to all of the Hawaiian Islands. Two volcanic features are located on Maui. The West Maui Mountains are in the northwest corner of the island, and Haleakala is in the southwest. While both are well worth a visit, Haleakala National Park is usually a go-to location.
The park is centered around a now-dormant volcanic crater. You can even camp overnight in the crater and hike up the summit to catch the sunrise in the morning.
The summit is over 10,000 feet above sea level, so be prepared for a bit of an excursion. You also need to book tickets before heading to the summit. You can visit the national park’s website or ask your hotel’s front desk to make the reservations for you.
With over 30,000 acres to explore in Haleakala National Park, you can easily spend your entire Hawaiian vacation exploring everything it has to offer.
Ka’anapali Beach
A trip to Maui can quickly get expensive, so it’s great when you find something free to do. Ka’anapali Beach boasts white sand and plenty of space to throw down a towel so you can catch a few rays of sun.
Snorkeling and surfing are also popular activities, and you can usually rent gear from one of the beach vendors. If you’re new to surfing, no worries. Chances are, a local will be more than happy to give you a few pointers.
If you’re looking for some adventure and excitement, you can find zip lines near the beach. There are also several restaurants nearby, along with two golf courses. Whaler’s Village is only a few steps off of the sand.
The open-air shopping mall is filled with treasures, including souvenirs. If your goal is to spot some of the area’s local whale populations, a few excursions depart from Ka’anapali.
Hike the Iao Needle Trail
When you’re ready to get away from the sand and water, head to Maui’s center, the Iao Valley State Monument and Park is worth the short drive. If you don’t have a vehicle, no worries. You can easily book an excursion, usually from your hotel.
The park encompasses around 4,000 acres of lush greenery and impressive rock formations. One is the Iao Needle at around 1,200 feet. You can hike the 0.6-mile trail to the top, the view of the valley doesn’t disappoint. Another popular trail takes you through the park’s botanical gardens.
Along the way, you can also learn a little bit about Hawaiian history. The valley is where King Kamehameha finally united all of the Hawaiian Islands in 1790.
Wailea Beach
This is another free beach on Maui, except you’re trading white sand for a multi-colored beach. The different colored grains of sand present a startling, beautiful sight, especially if it’s your first time.
Along with its gorgeous crescent-shaped beach, this is also the place to be when you want to “hand 10”. From surfing to snorkeling, the waves are almost always happening. If whale watching is on your to-do list, you can often spot them from the beach in the winter. During the spring and summer, you’re probably going to need to book a whale-watching excursion.
Restaurants, shopping, and hotels are all within walking distance. You can also find beach kiosks renting everything from towels and umbrellas to chairs, surfboards, and snorkeling gear.
Golfing in Maui
Maui isn’t all about the beach and nature hikes, the Hawaiian Island is also home to some top-of-the-line golf courses. Some are even designed by pros like Ben Crenshaw and Arnold Palmer. The Wailea Golf Club boasts three impressive courses: Emerald, Gold, and Old Blue. The Plantation and Bay courses at Kapalua Resort are other options for golfing enthusiasts.
If you want to admire some architecture between putts, head over to King Kamehameha Golf Club. The clubhouse is designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Prices vary at each of these golf courses, so you may want to check ahead.
Maui Ocean Center
Surprisingly, the weather isn’t always sunny in Maui—the Hawaiian Islands do get a few rainy days. When the weather isn’t cooperating, or you just need a break from the sun, a good place to visit is the Maui Ocean Center.
The center is devoted to ocean conservation and education, and tou can even get up close and personal with some of the center’s aquatic life. The aquarium is small compared to most found on the U.S. mainland, but for most, this doesn’t pose any sort of problem.
However, you can wander through a 52-foot-long tunnel and watch everything from sharks and rays to hundreds of species of fish swimming overhead. There’s even a virtual humpback whale experience.
Snorkel in Turtle Town
If you want to stay by Maui and still see the area’s sea turtles, head to Maluaka Beach. Not too far away, you’ll find Turtle Town, which is the place to go when you want to snorkel with the turtles. The area’s green sea turtles call the protected reef home, and you can get close, but remember: don’t touch.
Hawaii has strict laws protecting its natural resources, and this includes its sea turtle populations. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can also rent a kayak or book a seat on a turtle-watching excursion. From a sunset dinner cruise to a chance to hang with the sea turtles, Maui has something for everyone, even if it’s just relaxing on the beach.
