Outdoor Adventures Delight Maui Visitors
There is more than one way to see the wonderful island of Maui. The island’s diversity of landscapes from volcanic summits to rainforests to coral reefs, provides lots of opportunities for unique adventures.
Here are some ways to explore the Valley Isle.
1. Snorkel in a Bay or Go Scuba Diving
From Lahaina Harbor to remote beaches, there are lots of options for scuba diving and snorkeling in Maui waters. Abundant tropical fish and other marine life can easily be seen at many diving locations along with fantastic underwater coral formations, sea caverns, lava pinnacles, and much more.
A highlight of any ocean trip is seeing the spinner dolphins leap up from the water doing flips and spins. During winter look for 40-ton humpback whales breaching offshore.
Another truly special adventure is scuba diving at the sunken crater of Molokini. You can do this with Maui Dive (875-0333) in Kihei.
2. Take a Bike Ride and Sip Some Wine
Biking trails are plentiful on Maui, and numerous companies rent bicycles and provide guided tours.
One company that offers guided tours of Maui’s Upcountry region is Aloha Bicycle Tours. They provide 24-speed bikes that are great on the country roads, and you even get to stop at the Tedeschi Winery and sip some of Maui’s home-grown wines.
In Lahaina you can visit The Island Biker (808-877-7744) or West Maui Cycles (808-661-9005) to rent bikes and get good information about taking a Maui biking excursion.
3. Go Kayaking Along the Pristine Coastline
A relaxing morning paddle in a kayak is a great way to start your day and get a unqiue perspective on Maui’s coastline and marine life. If you are feeling even more adventurous then you can schedule longer treks or a guided kayak tour.
Check out Maui Kayaks (808-874-4000) in Kihei for more information about kayak rentals and guided paddles. Maui Eco-Adventures is one of the leading eco-tour companies providing guided kayak tours.
4. Go Hiking To See Maui’s Various Landscapes
From the dense rainforest in the Maui mountains to huge volcanic craters, expansive lava fields, rolling dryland forests and pristine coastal areas, Maui provides a multitude of wonderful hiking opportunities.
In addition to several botanical gardens and nature preserves, guided hikes are offered by several qualified guide companies including Hike Maui (808-879-5270) and Maui Eco-Adventures.
Guided hikes are a great option because the trained guides are able to provide you with local knowledge about plants, wildlife, geology, and Hawaiian culture, while also making sure you stay safe and don’t get lost.
5. Book A Fishing Charter Or Cast A Line From Shore
From Lahaina Harbor or Maalaea Harbor you can book a fishing charter that visits some of Hawaii’s most productive fishing waters.
Possible catches on a Maui fishing excursion include mahimahi, ahi, ono, billfish, and opakapaka.
Of course you can also just cast a line from shore, perhaps at one of the harbor seawalls. Another good shore fishing spot is located in Honomanu.
Reputable fishing charter companies in Lahaina inlcude Luckey Strike (808-661-4606), Hinatea Sportfishing (808-667-7548), and Start Me Up Sportfishing (808-667-2774).
While you are out on the open sea keep an eye out for the acrobatic Hawaiian spinner dolphins that often ride in the bow waves of the boats. During the winter months look for the massive Hawaiian humpback whales as they breach above the surface and then land with a resounding splash.
6. Go Horseback Riding On A Volcano
If you want to go horseback riding on Maui you have a variety of options such as riding along the coastline or across expansive ranchlands on the lower slopes of Haleakala Volcano – this is paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country.
One of the most unique horseback riding experiences you will find anywhere is a ride down into the summit crater of Haleakala Volcano. This massive crater is like a lunar landscape, and seeing it up close from atop your mount is an enjoyable experience.
Some of the top Maui companies offering horeseback rides include Mendes Ranch (808-871-5222), Ironwood Ranch Riding Stables (808-669-4991), and Pony Express Tours (808-667-2200).
7. Tennis Anyone?
Maui’s many tennis courts make it quite easy for visitors to enjoy some casual tennis or seek out a more competitive game. Most public tennis courts on Maui work on a first come, first served basis.
Check with the various hotels in Makena, Wailea, Kaanapali, and Kapalua to see about getting access to their courts, which are usually reserved for guests. Kaanapali has 40 tennis courts as well as a 3,500 seat tennis stadium court at the Royal Lahaina Resort Tennis Ranch.
8. Attend a Hawaiian Luau
A traditional Hawaiian luau, or Hawaiian feast, is held outside and includes hula as well as Hawaiian songs and music. Some local luau celebrations feature fire dancing, the unearthing of the cooked pig in the imu (earthen oven), and a full dinner shows that tell stories of ancient times. The luau is a popular island tradition that brings family and friends together, and luau that are held for visitors often capture this friendly spirit and share this cutlural tradition.
Notable foods at a traditional Hawaiian Luau include kalua pig cooked in an imu (underground earthen oven). The pig that may weigh 200 pounds and take 12 hours to cook, resulting in a succulent and tender delicacy.
Other luau foods include poi (mashed taro root) and such fare as lomilomi salmon (onion, tomatoes, and salmon), poke (marinated raw fish), teriyaki chicken, opihi (limpets), squid, chicken long rice (boiled bean noodles along with chicken), sweet potatoes, and hapuia (coconut pudding).
The traditional favorite called laulau is made by wrapping beef, pork, of fish in luau (taro tops) and then in ti leaves or banana leaves before steaming or baking the delicacy.
9. Take an Air Tour In Maui Skies
A helicopter tour is a great way to see Maui’s diverse landscapes – from volcanoes to remote rainforests to pristine coastline. You can also soar over the Valley Isle on a small fixed-wing aircraft customized for air tours.
Call Sunshine Helicopters (808-877-3227) or Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (808-871-8844) for more information about a Maui air tour.
10. Whale Watching Off Maui’s Coast
Seeing the 40-ton mammoths of the sea fly up out of the water and come crashing down with a huge splash is a sight you will never forget, especially if you see it from up close during a boat tour.
The Kaanapali Beach area is great for looking for whales from shore. The Hawaiian humpback season is during the winter months, peaking around January. The Maui area is one of the best spots in all of the Hawaiian Islands for whale watching due to the shallow and protected offshore waters.