Maui is a beautiful island in Hawaii and holds a special place on many people’s bucket lists. This island is full of places to see and things to do, and you may have to leave without having done everything on your to-do list.
When you think of Maui, you envision an island with turquoise waters, hula dancers, fantastic weather, and stunning sunsets and sunrises.
Whether going as a family or a couple, Maui has something for people of all ages. From museums and parks to beautiful beaches and breathtaking views, there are many things that can make a great background for your photos and delicious food.
Let’s explore the most mesmerizing experiences you must not miss in Maui.
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16 Things You Must Do While Visiting Maui
Since Maui is an island, it’s given that you will be able to participate in a lot of water sports activities, such as surfing, rowing, kayaking, and boating. So, get acquainted with these activities to make your experience more fun.
In addition, do check out www.watersportswhiz.com, as it has all the resources you need to get started.
Wear a Flowered Lei
Are you even in Maui if you are not welcomed with a fresh garland of flowers on your neck? This is something we see in most movies. You, too, would expect to receive the same treatment they advertise.
You will also find garland made with Kukui Nut lei, which is better as it lasts longer. So, just wear one of these and make a beautiful start to your Maui vacation!
Attend a Luau
Maui is known for its Luau dance, which is usually a must when there is a feast.
Most hotels hold the dance at least once a week to ensure that all their guests experience the traditional dance. It is a great event to witness when visiting Maui.
Snorkeling With Sea Turtles
There are many beaches on Maui Island, and one of the most popular activities is swimming in the turquoise waters.
Why don’t you take it a notch higher and snorkel with sea turtles? There are various places you can go with the help of a guide, such as the Olowalu Reef and Molokini Crater.
Swimming with turtles is an awesome and magical experience. And who doesn’t want to dive underwater and marvel at the wonders of the sea, such as the coral reefs and other sea creatures?
Ziplining
If you are an adrenaline junkie, experience visiting Maui from above, and consider going for the 7-line zipline tour on the North Shore at Camp Maui. It is 70 feet high and 274 meters long.
The great thing is you are outfitted with all the necessary gear, including the helmet, gloves, and harness, which are all done by a professional to ensure your safety.
While you enjoy this thrilling experience, you will get a bird’s eye view of Haleakala National Park, the Pacific Ocean, and if you are lucky, you will see the rainbow.
Walk on the Black Beach Sand
This is a place for everyone. Travelers and locals alike yearn to visit this place as it’s not every day you come across a beach with glittery black sand.
This beach is a few miles north of the famous Road to Hana. So when you are in Maui, make a trip to Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach. Take a stroll along the shore barefoot, and remember to take a picture scoping the sand with your hands.
Note that due to the many visitors that come to this beach, non-residents are charged an entrance fee, so make reservations before coming as you may not find a space to park your vehicle.
Parking fees are $10, and the entrance fee is $5 per person.
Enjoy the Sunrise and Sunset
Is your trip complete without waking up early to enjoy the stunning sunrise? It should fill you with immense tranquility, giving you a great start to your day. And the sunsets are just as picturesque irrespective of the season.
Better yet, enjoy the sunset while sitting at the beach and enjoying a snack.
Learn Hula Dance
Hula dance originated in the Hawaiian Islands, a popular style of dancing in Maui. And learning the Hula dance will be a great thing to experience in Maui and take home with you.
So book a dance lesson and note there are different styles of hula dance; choose the simplest as you still need to explore this beautiful island.
All the dances are best accompanied by a chant or traditional instruments such as a guitar or ukulele, making it more fun and magical when visiting Maui.
Whale Watching
A highlight of visiting Maui is during the Whale watching season, usually between December and April, with February being their peak season. It’s not like you won’t see whales during the other seasons, but these majestic creatures are more likely to be spotted during these months because they are migrating from Alaska.
Many companies offer whale-watching tours, so do your research and pick the one with the best services and rates. The tour usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, and since many people are going, it’s best to book your trip early and arrive on time.
Drive the Road to Hana
Like visiting the beaches, driving the Road to Hana is a must for everyone. It is a narrow, curvy, 64-mile long stretch that transports you from the North Shore to the most remote part of Maui on the East Coast. You’ll enjoy rainforests, waterfalls, and awe-inspiring beaches along the way.
There are a lot of stops you can make along this journey and enjoy several activities. Since most stops don’t have a mark, it’s better to go with a guide so that you can enjoy everything this picturesque road has to offer.
For instance, one must-see stop when visiting Maui is the Huelo lookout to enjoy a fruit smoothie made with bananas, papaya, and coconut, before proceeding with your journey. Further along, you’ll come across the Waikamoi Nature Trail.
You can take the long trail if you don’t plan on proceeding further. But if you plan on continuing, take the shorter trail about a mile long. Take a glimpse of Puohokamoa Falls. There are many other extraordinary and unique places to see along the way, including the Luana Spa retreat, exquisite cuisines, and the black sand beach.
Visit The 7 Sacred Pools of Ohe’o Gulch
Although they are found along the Road to Hana, you can make a separate trip to swim at these awesome pools. They are considered a must-see site when visiting Maui.
The pools are made of several falls that flow through the Ohe’o Gulch.
Hiking
There are many hiking trails to consider when visting Maui, and what better way to get your heart pumping and blow out some sweat than going for a hike.
You can wake up early and hike up Haleakala. This desert-like landscape presents beautiful views that are worth sacrificing sleep for.
But if you want to see the beauty of this park and Maui, head out in the evening and enjoy the sunset. Make sure to take a guide with you to avoid getting lost as there are numerous trails.
Helicopter Tour
If you are not an adrenaline junkie but still want a bird’s eye view of Maui island, you can book a helicopter tour. Note that it doesn’t come cheap but is worth every single penny.
You can feast your eyes on everything Maui offers, from their spectacular beaches, Hana, Molokini, and waterfalls. Check the helicopter’s different tours, and choose the best for you.
Take a Tour of the Pineapple Farm
If you love pineapples, you can’t leave Maui without visiting the pineapple farm. Ever tasted a pineapple right from the garden? Probably not. This tour will allow you to taste pineapples at different stages of ripeness. Then you can choose the one that’s fit for your taste buds.
Enjoy Their Delicious Cuisine
This is a given for any trip that you undertake. You must try different cuisines when you are in a different place.
When visiting Maui, there are various popular eateries you must try. For instance, you must visit Leoda’s Kitchen as it’s the best place to get comfort food and pies, and their garden salad is to die for.
Are you even in Maui if you don’t eat flavored shaved ice? It’s a type of dessert made of shaved ice with different flavors. Some are made of coconut and topped with sugar condensed milk.
And is it a vacation without eating at the roadside shops unless you have a pretty sensitive stomach?
Ensure that you get to eat Hawaiian cuisines such as the Kalua pig, poke, coconut candy, loco moco, and manapua buns.
Drink Local Wine and Beer
You must make a point of drinking local wine and beer when visiting Maui. You can visit the King’s Cottage or Tedeschi Winery for wine tasting.
MauiWine is a local wine brand that has been around for several decades and is pretty famous for its pineapple wines.
While you are indulging in the local booze, don’t forget to drink their local craft beer made in Maui at the Maui Brewing Co.
Maui Swap Meet
This event is held every Saturday at the UH Maui College based in Kahului. The event starts at 7 am and ends at 1 pm, and you are required to pay an entrance fee of $50 per person.
This is the best place to get cheap souvenirs and other unique items made by the residents of Maui. You will find everything from art, carvings, and clothing to packaged food items such as fruit jars. There are also food booths where you can get a bite.
Video: Hawaii Trip Planning 2023
Final Thoughts On Visting Maui
Maui is a great travel destination. So if you are planning a vacation and have no set place in mind, why don’t you head over to Maui?
It is packed with places to see and activities to do, but you also enjoy tantalizing dishes, excellent local beer, and wine.
Now that you have learned the most mesmerizing and magical experiences you must not miss while in Maui, create your to-do list and head over to the island! We wish you all the best!
Great recommendations – we’re heading there next year and will use the tips!