MAUI ACTIVITIES

(listed alphabetically)



You’ll feel it the moment you arrive: an embrace of warmth, a tingle on the cheek, the feeling of tears & a jolt of joy.

Some describe it as being on vacation. Others believe it's the island magic.


Maui Sightseeing Highlights   

Haleakala: translates to "House of the Sun" by ancient Hawaiians. This nonactive volcano is home to indigenous creatures that can only be found in Hawaii. It is one of the quickest climbing roads in the world and the drive to the summit is an experience it self.  Expect switchbacks up and back.  Enjoy spectacular views from its summit or an exhilarating bike tour down the slopes. The sunrise is magnificent. 2-3 hour drive from South Maui and 3-4 hour drive from West Maui to summit each way.


Hana - Road to Hana (hwy 36):  A 55 mile journey into the unspoiled heart of Maui. This ocean hugging, jungle drive is a series of 600 curves and 54 bridges on a winding highway that passes lookouts, trails, wayward parks and waterfalls. The drive is a full day affair that offers incredible island views during an eventful 2 to 4 hour drive each way. The challenging part of the road takes only an hour and a half.   This unforgettable journey leads you through verdant landscapes full of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking seascapes! Enjoy a dip in the seven sacred pools, about 30 minutes past the town of Hana. Drive back on route 37, the southern route, to see more amazing beauty.  Fuel up in Paia’s town the official start of the Road to Hana (there are no gas stations along the way) and be sure to head back at least 2-3 hours before nightfall. You should pack food and drinks as there are no stops for dining on the way.  Remember the Journey IS the adventure.  Highly recommend the Maui stables horsback tour just past Hana. It is a cultural, spiritual ride that people remember all their lives. Note: On your return the Hana Gas station closes at 6pm, so be sure to fill up when you get there.

Waterfalls are abundant along this stretch of the road. Roll down your windows. Breathe in the scent of guava and ginger. There are plenty of places to pull completely off the road and park. Do this often, since the road's curves make driving without a break difficult. If you're prone to carsickness, be sure to take medication before this drive.


Iao Valley and Iao Needle: Iao (Cloud Surpreme) was once the site of a bloody battle in 1790 when King Kamehameha conquered Maui in the famous battle of Kepaniwai.  Traditional Hawaiian lore says that this is the final resting place for some of the island's highest chiefs. Once a sacred altar, see this natural section of rock piercing upwards and surrounded by the vast crater, Pu'u Kukui. Be awed by spectacular views from higher trails or take stops to smell exotic flowers or observe the little ponds that make this place so special. The park offers paved trails throughout and is great for families.  1 hour drive from West Maui and 40 minutes from South Maui.


Kahakuloa Village and Nakele (Blowhole) Point. - The drive from Kapalu around Nakalele Point and on to Wailuku is extraordinary. After passing the pineapple fields of Kapalua, you will see the famous surfing spot, Honolua Bay and then Honokolau Valley. Nakalele Point and light beacon is immediately after the valley. Hike down the hill to the magnificent blowhole below the beacon. The blowhole is the result of the ocean wearing away the shore below the lava shelf. With each wave, water is forced through a hole in the lava shelf resulting in the "eruption" of water similar to a geyser. The "blowing" of the water varies dramatically depending on tide levels and wave action. High tide and strong surf result in the best effects. Use extreme caution when walking these trails as they are rocky and descend steeply toward the ocean. Wear sturdy shoes. Be very careful around the blowhole as the waves and resulting eruptions are unpredictable and dangerous.

Past the Nakelele Blowhole and Olivine Pools the road narrows considerably for about 1 ½ miles as it descends the mountain and enters Kahakuloa Village.  This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. Stop at Julia’s for the best banana bread no the island.  This is an amazing drive but windy and coast hugging filled with one lane roads and bridges.


Kaniolo Coast - Explore the hidden sea caves of Maui along the remote coast of Kanaio Coast.   Visit secret caves and coves and snorkel in crystal clear waters with tropical fishes, dolphins and beautiful coral formations. The most desolate area on Maui, the Kanaio Coast stretches from Makena, South Maui to Hana in the East. This arid and dry area composes the entire Southeast coast as well as the Southeast side of Mount Haleakala. A road from Upcountry leads you around and down to the Kanaio Coast from Kula. This road is made up of the Kula Highway, Ulupalakua Highway, Piilani Highway, and finally the Hana Highway. The road is blocked on occasion just before Kipahulu barring access to Hana Town and the connecting circumference of the island. Popular for years as a part of the Road to Hana drive, after an earthquake, the road was blocked off. There was no apparent damage in this area, and the road can be safely driven from both directions. Speculation points to the road being closed because the local people want to curb the constant traffic from tourist vehicles past their homes. As of this writing, it is back open, but could be closed again without notice.
The coast can best be accessed by boat on many different tours available. Snorkeling and scuba diving in this area reveals large expanses of diverse volcanic underwater landscapes and undisturbed tropical fish sanctuaries. A magnificent area of untouched Maui.


Lahaina - Visit this historic Whaling Port known as the heart of Maui. This is the ‘town’ of Maui.  Step back in time to the days of sea captains, royalty and missionaries on a historic walking Tour.  Art lovers can enjoy the dozens of galleries.  Dining and nightlife are plentiful and you can't do any better than a sunset dinner or cocktail overlooking the island of Lanai. Be sure to visit the largest Banyan tree in Hawaii at the end of Lahaina on Front Street.


Lanai Excursion: This small island contains only a single town and yet it has some of the most exciting and adventurous things to do in Hawaii. If you are spending some time in Maui, it's simple and inexpensive to take a ferry over to enjoy a day on Lana'i for an unforgettable day.

Maui Ocean Center – This unique aquarium is the largest in the state of Hawaii covering over three acres and 40 plus aquarium exhibits.  Located in Maalaea, this unique center has a walk-through tunnel, interactive Whale Discovery Center, Turtle Lagoon living reef exhibits and a fun learning arcade. Here, visitors can see the nation's largest collection of spectacular live coral displays, marvel at elusive garden eels and majestic lionfish, muse at the colorful Hawaiian wrasse, enjoy playful swimming displays by Hawaii's beloved green sea turtles and awe at close encounters with sharks, rays and more, all the while learning about Hawaii's natural history and cultural heritage. It is the only facility in the world dedicated to fostering understanding, wonder and respect for Hawaii's marine life. Have lunch or dinner at the Seascape Restaurant right next door, that offers oceanview dining.


Molokini Island – Is a marine sanctuary three miles off the coast of Lahaina formed by a crescent shaped remnants of a volcano with spectacular diving.   The water ranges in depth between 10 – 50 feet with visibility stretching sometimes as deep as 150 feet.  This crater is a natural formation to multiple dive sites like the black wall, Reef’s end, Taco Flats, Mid-reef and enenue.  You can visit this incredible island via many of the multiple boats & catamarans that offer diving equipment, fresh showers, on-board bathroom facilities,food & beverages. The State of Hawaii has implemented laws to preserve this area and to make a safe home for the exotic birds that live above and for the marine life in the sea below. Ancient Hawaiians would tell tales of the legend of Molokini being a woman that was in love with the same man as the Goddess of Fire, Madam Pele. Molokini was turned into stone and is now a part of this islet's romantic history. Snorkel Tours available


Moloka'i Excursion: The most Hawaiian island -Take a ferry to Molokai from Maui only. Spend a day exploring tropical trails to the Kalaupapa National Park or enjoy beautiful white sand beaches and dramatic views! Time: check in 6:45am, depart Maui 7:15am, arrive Molokai 8:45am. Depart Molokai 4:15pm arrive Maui 5:45pm


Pineapple Farm - See what makes Maui such a unique and amazing island as you visit West Maui fields to see the "Maui Gold" Pineapple Farm.


Paia - Take a slow stroll and visit this small surfing town, enjoy the sites of world class windsurfing at the world famous Hookipa Beach.  This tiny town has a mix of boutiques, water activity vendors and eateries. 


Play Golf - Enjoy one of 15 championship golf courses on Maui.  The PGA Tours makes a stop at the world famous Kapalua course while the Senior PGA Tours end their season at the Kaanapali course.  Well know for challenging golf courses with spectacular views, truly a golfer’s dream come true. 


Sugar Cane Train:  This 200 passenger locomotive has operated daily for over 30 years.  With a blast of its steam whistle, the old-fashioned locomotive train chugs along a six-mile stretch of track at a leisurely pace. During your nostalgic train ride, the Sugar Cane Train crosses a 325-foot curved wooden trestle which yields panoramic views of neighboring islands and the West Maui Mountains and during whale season, you may even get to see a majestic humpback whale. Location: Puukolii Station in Kaanapali and Lahaina Station in Lahaina.  30 minutes


Tedeschi Winery - Hawaii's only winery.  Taste its light pineapple wine, a forerunner to the production of grape wine from vineyards on the slopes of Haleakala


WHALES!
Each year much of the Pacific Humpback Whale population migrates to Hawai'i (from Alaska) to spend winters in our warm tropical waters. The majority of the whales that call Hawai'i home each year are found in waters off Maui's shores. While they're often sighted in Hawai'i as early as September, staying around 'til "mid May," the peak viewing period runs January through April.


Beaches/South Maui: Some of the most beautiful beaches on Maui exist along the South Maui shore. In Makena (Onolea) Beach Park what many call "Big Beach" and its tiny neighbor, Pu'u Ola'i or little Beach. Use caution in the water at these beaches - the currents can be deadly. Also that "Little Beach" is popular with those that like to wear little clothing as well.  La Perouse Bay is just further south of Makena and is a great place to make a quick visit to Maui's most recent (geologically speaking) lava flow. 1 hr drive from Lahaina, 20 mins from Kihei/Waiela.


Kaanapali Beach- Has been voted a Top 10 Beach in the U.S. with over three miles of golden sand is great for people watching.  Just north of Lahaina, this Beach is home to a resort area with championship golf, tennis, beautiful hotels, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and a whaling museum.


Wailea, Makena & Kihei- Swim on the luxurious, tranquil beaches of  of the sunny south side of Maui that has some of the best beaches in the World.  Walk through the luxurious resorts of Wailea, visit the secluded beaches of Makena and dine at an oceanfront setting in Kihei.  


SHERATON MAUI HOTEL - Nightly: "TORCH / CLIFF CEREMONY, MUSIC"  A Torchlighting & Cliff-diving Ceremony each evening at Sunset (approx 6:30 pm) with Hawaiian Music and Dance at the Lagoon Bar from sunset to 8 pm, no cover.  young warrior dives off Pu`u Keka`a into the blue Pacific Ocean. This ceremony represents the ancient feat of "lelekawa" practiced by King Kahekili at the same site. "MUSIC," from 8:30 -11:00 pm, enjoy music in the Reef's Edge Bar, no cover






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