Exciting Things To Do on the Valley Isle
Here are some of the most adventurous and exciting things to do on the beautiful island of Maui during your Hawaii vacation.
Planning a trip to Maui? Please consider our Lahaina vacation rentals.
Zipline on the Side of Haleakala Volcano
Glide amongst the treetops on the lower slopes of Haleakala where five elaborate zipline crossings have been engineered as well as a swinging bridge reminiscent of Indiana Jones. A custom seat harness and proper safety equipment ensure that this adventure is as safe as it is thrilling.
The Famous Road to “Heavenly Hana”
One of the planet’s most scenic drive’s, the road to Hana is renowned for its multitude of bridges and curves in and out of the lush coastal valleys. If you want serene tropical beauty including waterfalls this is the place to go.
After passing through the charming old sugar town of Paia you will see such places as Kaumahina State Park, the Keanae Valley Lookout, and the rugged black lava arches and turquoise waters of Waianapanapa State Park, and the excited waters of Wailua Falls. When you reach Hana you can stop in at the old Hasegawa General Store for an ice cream bar.
A favorite of visitors to Maui is the Wailea area. Check out our Wailea condos.
Go Horseback Riding with Paniolos at Waihee Valley
Awesome views and a journey back in time are provided by a horseback ride at the Ranch Corral and the beautiful Waihee Valley. From expansive rolling pasturelands to tropical rainforests and waterfalls to the sea, you will appreciate nature in a new way after a horseback riding adventure on Maui.
Swim with the Spinner Dolphins
A power catamaran takes you to a snorkeling area where there is a high likelihood you will have a close encounter with spinner dolphins. The most popular destinations for this adventure are Coral Gardens, Turtle Arches, Molokini, and even Kahoolawe. Closer areas known for their abundance of marine life include La Perouse and the Kanaio Coast.
Take a Dinner Cruise
Cruise along Maui’s picturesque shoreline as you enjoy dinnner and live music. Some boats offer table side service with an open bar as well as a “floating dance floor” on a 120-foot yacht that leaves from Lahaina Harbor on a 2.5 hour cruise.
With the islands of Molokai and Lanai in the distance and the setting sun coloring the sky, you might even see some humpback whales.
Maui ATV Tour
You can also take an ATV Tour at Kahoma Ranch or ride on a dune buggy on this working cattle ranch in the scenic West Maui Mountains. The region has spectacular views of Kaanapali and Lahaina as well as the distant island of Molokai and Lanai.
Stay nearby, check out our Kaanapali vacation rentals.
Bike the Volcano
One of Maui’s most exciting adventures is riding a bicycle down Haleakala Volcano. The tour covers about 28 miles as it drops down more than six thousand feet in elevation to sea level. You will spend about two hours on your bike (with van support at any time) and be led by a guide leader, ending in the quaint town of Paia where you can grab a bite to eat.
See the Sea Through a Glass Bottom Boat
An array of spectacular marine life can be seen from the comfort of a glass bottom boat. If snorkeling is a bit too adventurous then this is a perfect alternative. The boat leaves from Lahaina Harbor and your seat is an air-conditioned underwater cabin with views on each side. A scuba diver in the water even rustles up some marine life for optimal viewing.
Tour Haleakala Volcano
You can take a sunrise or daytime charter trip to the top of Haleakala Volcano along with a tour of the summit. From your vantage point at 10,000 feet above sea level you will stand in the legendary “House of the Sun,” a massive summit crater that makes you feel like you are on the planet Mars.
A Visitor Center at the summit provides information about this important historical and cultural area. You can also drive your own car to the summit and stop along the way in the beautiful upcountry area of Kula where flower farms color the hillsides.
Be the first on the road to Haleakala Volcano by staying at one of our Paia vacation rentals.
Enjoy a Molokai Day Trip and Mule Ride
Just a short fly or boat ride form Maui takes you to the spectacular island of Molokai where you can go for a drive around the island or even take a mule ride down into the renowned valley of Kalaupapa, the former Hansen’s Disease Colony.
Guides known as Mule Skinners will introduce you to your mule by name. Then descend 1,700 feet down into the central northern coastal valley on a 2.9 mile trail with amazing views. In the valley you are met by a valley tour guides who teach you about the historic and cultural importance of the region, including the story of Saint Damien.