Activities
Our Favorite Maui Activities
There is so much to do on the island of Maui...we still haven't done everything that we want to do! The following activities are some of our favorites that we have done and have first hand experience with. You won't see helicopter or zip-lining tours because we just haven't quite gotten around to doing those yet. Once we do, we'll provide them on this page.
Also, as a side note, we are not sponsored or affiliated in any way with any of the tour companies or attractions that we mention. Everything you see and read on our site is from our own personal experience. Mahalo!
Snorkeling
Snorkeling just may be our favorite activity to do on Maui and thankfully there are some great snorkel spots near our condos! Our favorite places to snorkel on the island are: Ulua Beach, south end of Po'olenalena Beach, south end of Maluaka Beach, the point between Kam III and Kam II, south end of Wailea Beach, Honolua Bay and Black Rock at Ka'anapali Beach.
*This picture is of Ulua Beach. Notice the black object to the left of the snorkelers? That's a manta ray!
Maui Ocean Center
We love this aquarium and it's a great activity to do in the afternoon once the winds pick up on the beaches, especially if you have kids - our daughter loves the aquarium and we visit the aquarium often. Located in Ma'alea, the aquarium is open from 9am - 5pm and only houses species that are found in Hawaiian waters.
Here's a link to their website to get the latest pricing details: Maui Ocean Center
Surfing
Ever wanted to try surfing, now is your chance! The Cove at Kalama Park is the perfect place to learn how to surf and it's within walking distance from our condos.
There are several good surfing schools to get lessons from at The Cove. Maui Wave Riders and Surf Club Maui are two of the more popular places to get lessons from in this area. I've spoken to many guests that have taken lessons from these two companies and I've yet to talk to anyone that wasn't able to stand up and ride a wave!
Here are links to these two surf schools:
Maui Wave Riders
Surf Club Maui
Drive to Hana
We have done the drive to Hana many times and each time it's different! There are several really good guides (we highly recommend the guide in the book "Maui Revealed"), so we won't detail everything about the drive here.
Start this drive early. From our condos, you will probably want to be on the road by 6:00am and the earlier the better. Don't forget to use the coolers we have in the condos to pack a lunch and snacks for you trip to Hana!
Haleakala
Amazing place and another location on Maui that you'll want to make sure you extra memory cards for your camera. Although heading up to Haleakala for sunrise is very popular, we've gone up for sunset and it is just as amazing - but without having to wake up at 4:30 in the morning! Plus, for sunrise visits, you'll have to make reservations in advance.
Here's a link to the Haleakala National Park for more info and to make sunrise reservations: Haleakala National Park
Whale Watching
During Humpback Whale season, generally Nov - April, we will take several trips out to watch the whales. It is truly amazing and you will see many whales and likely will get up close and personal with them. I can't count how many times we've had whales come up next to the boat and under the boat. Bring extra memory cards for you camera during these trips!
Several great tour companies in Lahaina and Maalaea with the Pacific Whale Foundation being our favorite. Here's a link to their website: Pacific Whale Foundation
Luaus
There are several good luaus on the island, but our favorite is the Old Lahaina Luau. The show is very entertaining and authentic and the food is delicious. The food is all you can eat and it's an open bar. Service is amazing and and each time our servers have been friendly and entertaining.
Here's a link to the Old Lahaina Luau: Old Lahaina Luau
We also like the Te Au Moana Luau, which is held at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort.
For more information about the Te Au Moana: Te Au Moana
Maui Friday Town Parties
We love these town parties! The Maui Friday Town Parties are community celebrations filled with live music, food, art and crafts. The event and parking are free but bring some cash to buy food, drinks and any local art or crafts that interest you. The site of this event rotates each weekend between Wailuku, Lahaina, Makawao, Kihei and sometimes Lana'i.
Here's a link for the Maui Friday Town Parties website for schedules of events and maps to hlep you find the event and parking: Maui Friday Town Parties
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Situated at an elevation of 4,000ft along the slope of Haleakala, the bi-coastal views from Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm are some of the best on the island. The 13.5 acre farm makes for a great stop as you make your way up Haleakala for sunset or a stop on the way down from your early morning Halaeakala sunrise.
Link to the lavendar farm for more info: Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
Surfing Goat Dairy
Located on the slope of Haleakala in Kula, the Surfing Goat Dairy is a fun place to stop, especially if you have kids. They have a couple of different tours you can go on that are educational and entertaining.
They have a cheese shop with lots of different foods to try and buy. We usually get a cheese flight with 5 or 6 different cheeses to try. They also make some really good truffles!
Here is a link to their website for more info: Surfing Goat Dairy