Top 10 Things to Do on Maui

1. Attend a Luau

Several hotels stage beachside luaus featuring Hawaiian foods such as kalua pig, cooked in an earthen oven, poi and haupia (coconut pudding), along with a buffet of more familiar foods. There is lots of Hawaiian music, hula, and even fire dancing. In Lahaina, on a specially built, open-air luau grounds next to the ocean, the Old Lahaina Luau is one of the finest luaus in the world, offering excellent Hawaiian food and entertainment in an unparalleled setting.

2. Bike

Few places are more friendly to bikers than Maui. It is possible to bicycle from the East End of the island at the Wailea Resort to Kapalua on the West End. Much of the ride is along a spectacular shoreline road. There are guided downhill bicycle tours from the summit of Haleakala, through the flower farms and small towns of Upcountry to the beach at Paia. In 38 miles, the elevation drops 10,000 feet. Bicycle rentals are available all over the island.

3. Dine

Maui is Hawaii‘s dining epicenter, with a restaurant for every taste. Maui has attracted enthusiastic chefs who make national headlines using fresh local produce from Upcountry farmers. From lavish hotel dining rooms to lunch counters serving plate lunches, Maui’s eateries are pleasing and diverse. Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and Mexican are among the specialty restaurants. The pride of the island, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, is served at many award-winning restaurants.

4. Dive

Maui has some of the finest dive spots in Hawaii, with dozens of reputable operators. There are two marine conservation areas, one at Honolua Bay on West Maui and the other at Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater offshore at Wailea. Boats at Lahaina and Ma’alaea offer a number of dive and snorkel excursions. Glass bottom boats and a pleasure submarine open up the wonders to non-swimmers.

5. Drive

One of the world's most scenic drives is located on Maui - the Hana Highway - with 54 bridges in 56 miles along a winding lava shore, through old plantation towns, past miles of beaches and through towering forests. A drive to the summit of Haleakala is also a must. Haleakala crater appears like the surface of an alien planet and the views of Maui from the summit are amazing. Car rentals are often included in hotel or airline packages

6. Hike

Walk into a rainforest echoing with the songs of birds found nowhere else on the planet. There are trails to waterfalls with plunge pools for swimming, and walks into valleys so deep they never see a sunrise or a sunset. There are trails into the dramatic lunar landscape of Haleakala crater. There are trails and nature walks for every level of skill. A free Maui Recreational Map is available from Maui’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.

7. Shop

The island abounds in galleries, international shops, designer boutiques and shopping malls. Many carry Maui specialty items and products unique to Hawai‘i. These include hand-turned bowls and objects of beautiful native woods; hats woven of lau hala; hand painted resort fashions; and one-of-a-kind jewelry, glass work, and art. Lahaina is a shopper's paradise.

8. Sightsee

Visit nostalgic plantation towns, tour the historic preservation district of Lahaina, see the biggest Buddha outside of Asia, stop at old Hawaiian churches, or visit a museum dedicated to Maui's whaling history. Walk through an aquarium and watch the fish swim around and above you, or marvel at the beauty of ‘Iao Needle and the West Maui Mountains. Drive to the pools of ‘Ohe‘o Gulch or under the canopy of giant redwood trees in Olinda. The choices are endless.

9. Swim and Snorkel

There are more than 80 beaches on Maui and 120 miles of coastline. The beaches come in sands of gold, black, green, red and pure, shimmering white. And while you’re at it, grab a snorkel and mask and commune with turtles and many species of fish. The waters of Kapalua, at the north end of Kaanapali Beach (near Black Rock), and in Makena are ideal for snorkeling, especially early in the morning. Many hotels rent snorkel gear, or you can rent it from one of the many dive shops around the island.

10. Watch Whales

From November through April, Maui welcomes the humpback whales - Hawaii's largest seasonal visitors. They come to Hawaii to mate and give birth. Maui’s south and west coastlines provide abundant opportunities for watching this endangered species, and various companies offer whale watching excursions aboard both power and sail boats.