The second-largest island in the state of Hawaii, Maui is diverse and expansive. Tourists who have visited this island once usually want to return time and again. This is because Maui has a plethora of exciting activities that you can partake in.
With myriad beaches, two massive inactive volcanoes, and a rich, vibrant history, Maui has much to offer tourists of all ages and fields of interest. Whether you are a lover of water sports or want a relaxing vacation full of golf and seaside walks, Maui has something that will make you happy.
That said, the fabulous, white-sand beaches of Maui are perhaps some of its greatest attractions. The island also boasts a quaint little museum that offers a deep and interesting insight into the history of the land, a memorable farm-to-table experience, and several picturesque parks and gardens.
Maui has so much to offer that it can be hard to narrow it down to just a handful of activities. In a perfect world, we would all have an unlimited amount of time to explore this marvelous island to our heart’s content. But reality being what it is, we have done our best to pick out the five must-try activities for all those who visit the island.
Climbing the Haleakala
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The summit of this inactive volcano, which covers about 75 percent of the surface of Maui, is the perfect spot for stargazing and watching the sunrise. Being the highest spot on the island, it offers some scenic and breathtaking views. On the way to the summit, you will come across the famed Haleakala National Park, one of the most unique ecosystems on planet earth.
Temperatures near the peak of the Haleakala can be quite low, so be sure to pack some sweaters and jackets before heading out. If you’re lucky, you might be able to fit in a zipline tour on your way down from the summit. If you have the time, be sure to stop at the tiny, hilly town of Makawao, which boasts a number of amazing cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and boutique stores.
Snorkeling in Molokini
The western and southern shores of Maui have some of the best snorkeling reefs, including the world-class snorkeling spot known as Molokini Crater. Snorkeling and sailing in Molokini are very popular among tourists, particularly between December and April, which is the period known as the ‘whale season’.
Molokini is also a marine sanctuary, so a snorkeling session in these waters will allow you to observe a huge variety of exotic marine life from close by. The clear, calm waters, myriad species of tropical fish, and bright coral reefs found in Molokini – and in the waters surrounding Maui – draw tourists from the US as well as around the world
Paddle boarding at the Beach
Stand-up paddlers are everywhere in Maui, since tourists and locals alike seem obsessed with the sport. One of the major benefits of paddleboarding in Maui is that it is a great, low-impact exercise which also offers the loveliest views of the island. Maui has more than 80 beaches to choose from and extremely scenic shorelines, so you will never run out of views to admire from your paddleboard.
SUP is perhaps the best way to explore the famous coral reefs of Olowalu, go whale watching in the winter, or simply take a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean. You can also use your paddleboard for stand-up surfing, sunbathing, and practicing SUP yoga in the ocean. Paddleboarding in Maui also makes it easier to spot colorful tropical fish and the rare green sea turtles of Hawaii.
If you’re a beginner, check out these paddle boards to try.
Farm Tour and Gourmet Lunch
Many quaint and resplendent farms dot the upcountry area leading up to the tops of the two inactive volcanoes in Maui. Some of the farms offer guided tours that will take you through different sections of the farmland.
To make the most of the rich, volcanic soils, the farmers of Maui use a unique, no-till approach and all natural methods of farming, so there are always a lot of interesting things for tourists to see.
The tour begins with a steaming cup of coffee made from Maui’s special, estate-grown coffee beans. Near the end of the tour, visitors are treated to a leisurely walk through the rows of growing vegetables, before wrapping everything up with a delicious, fully organic lunch.
Sunset Cruises of Lahaina
A coastal resort town in West Maui, Lahaina offers world-class sunset boat cruises featuring live music, delicious food, and absolutely stunning views of the magnificent Pacific Ocean. If you are pressed for time, you can opt for a shorter cocktail cruise in the evening, rather than the full dinner cruise.
Local musicians and hula dancers make up the bulk of the entertainment offered during such a cruise. It is the best way to immerse yourself in the local Hawaiian culture, while experiencing the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of Maui. These cruises offer the most amazing oceanfront parties and scrumptious dinners, that you will remember for years to come.
Whale watching in San Diego
Whale watching in San Diego is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. The best time to see whales is during the winter months when they come to the area to mate and give birth. There are several whale-watching tour operators in San Diego, who offer both boat-based and land-based tours. During a whale-watching tour, you might see any number of different whale species, including blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas. San Diego’s mild climate means that you can whale watch all year round, although the best viewing conditions are usually in the winter months.
Wrapping Up
Maui offers a great variety of fun and memorable experiences for visitors. In our opinion, these are the top five activities that you must partake in, when on a visit to the island.
After you’re finished with the list, you will still have enough time to relax and unwind at the lovely Maui beaches. Even if you don’t have time for anything else after this, you will have had a wonderful and varied seaside vacation. Visit Best Digital Mate again for more awesome articles.
