There are a multitude of reasons to choose Maui for your next vacation destination. It could be to enjoy its many world-class beaches, experience its breath-taking vistas including incredible sunrises and sunsets, discover a tropical paradise, or to just relax and get away from it all.
Part of Maui's lure is that it offers such a wide variety of activities, many family-oriented. Here are 21 exciting Maui activities available to visitors which I've listed in no particular order.
- Sunrise at Haleakala Crater - There's only one way to see the sunrise and that's at Haleakala Crater in Maui. It's an experience that is truly difficult to describe because of its stunning beauty. You begin to sense the magnitude of it when you see a photograph, but it's something that you have to experience to really appreciate.
- Biking Down Haleakala - We have seen two wonderful sunrises at Haleakala on two separate trips to Maui. Both times we drove (up and) back in our rental vehicles. Unfortunately, biking down Haleakala has never made it into our agenda. So we have now officially added it to our Maui Activities Wish List.
- The Road to Hana - The drive on the Road to Hana is an experience of a lifetime. Along the way on this 60 mile winding trek you will see some of the world's most beautiful rain forests, water falls, and enjoy some of the most gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
- The Seven Sacred Pools (formally called Oheo Gulch) - Almost everyone who takes the Road to Hana ends up at the Seven Sacred Pools. Waterfalls connect each pool, and the last pool's waterfall empties into the Pacific Ocean. Legend has it that swimming in each pool (in order from one to seven) will bring the swimmer good luck.
- Snorkeling in Maui - Change your view of the island to an underwater perspective by snorkeling in Maui. There are countless places to snorkel here with amazing views of marine life of all kinds.
- Sugar Cane Train - If you (or your kids) love trains this inexpensive Maui activity is a must! Circling from Lahaina to Puukolii and back, a ride on the Sugar Cane Train will show you all the beauty of Maui from the coach car of an unforgettable real working historic steam engine. The conductor is more than knowledgeable. He's practically a one man show complete with ukulele and musical repertoire!
- Maui Ocean Center - This was a great day activity to do with your kids. The Maui Ocean Center offers many hands-on activities that our kids loved. The three-acre marine park hosts more than 60 interactive exhibits, an outdoor central courtyard, two restaurants and the Maui Ocean Center Store.
- Sightseeing on Front Street - A shopper's paradise! Quaint shops, restaurants and historical spots line Front Street in "Old Lahaina." Our favorite discovery was the Bubba Gump's Shrimp Shop and Restaurant.
- Sandcastle Contest Day - An activity the whole family can participate in is a Sandcastle Contest Day on Ka’anapali Beach. Our kids have a ball building tunnels and mountains and the adults take the challenge very seriously!
- Horseback Riding - You don't have to be a cowboy to enjoy some of the best horseback riding you'll ever experience. You're in Maui - which means you are riding in the some of the most beautiful countryside that you can imagine. Our ride took us through pineapple fields and a rainforest.
- Parasailing - If you can handle being a human kite and enjoy the silence and peacefulness of gliding 500 feet above the ocean (except for the whisper of a light breeze), parasailing is a must-do Maui activity for you.
