Things to do in Maui

[Hawaii Forum]

Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular. Many tour boats run out to the spectacular volcanic atoll Molokini a few miles offshore. There are also plenty of beaches, especially in the west and northwest, where you can simply wade in and get to excellent snorkelling spots just off shore. There are several local shops where you can rent snorkel gear by the day or week.

There are many tour groups that will take you on mountain bike trips down Haleakala. If you can ride a bicycle, you can do this. It's a 26 mile trip, but you only have to pedal for about a quarter mile. Generally, there are trips that start with watching the sun rise at the top of Haleakala, then trips that start later in the morning. Be aware that for the sunrise trips, you'll probably end up leaving your hotel at 2AM, or even earlier if you're staying in the Lahaina or Kapalua area. It takes some time to drive to the top of the mountain, get everyone equipped, etc.

Your tour group will probably lend you some type of jacket and gloves, but plan on being cold while you're waiting for nature's show -- the overnight temperature will probably be in the 40s or 30s. If you have a spiritual nature and think that watching the sun rise from the top of a 10,000 foot mountain will be a memorable experience for you, do the sunrise trip. A warning however: many days the top of the mountain will be covered in clouds and you may not see as far as you might like. If you're the practical type and feel like you've seen enough sunrises, get a good night's sleep and take the later trip.

Hike on trails in Haleakala National Park starting from the visitor center near the top to dormant volcanic cinder cones.

Take the road trip on Hwy 36 (Hana Hwy) stopping on the road to see waterfalls, lush greenery and beaches. A private aroboretum and botanical garden (with an entrance fee) called "Garden of Eden" around the 10-mile marker has peacocks, bamboo gardens and view of Puohokamoa Falls. The round-trip will be difficult to complete in one day, so stay over in Hana to break it into two days. Wainapanapa State Park, 2 miles east of Hana, has cabins to offer. There are other private nicer places to stay, also in and around Hana.

[logical]

So much to do, so little time!
I always have the longest list of things to do when I go to Maui, but I end up spending 90% of the time lazing on the beach!

[amitpatel_3001]

thats actually the best thing to do...just lie down on the beach and relax...afterall that is what vacations are meant for:-)

[chrysalis]

That is so true. Lazing on the beach is the essence of being on an island. But don't miss out on whale watching - especially if you have never seen them in their natural habitat before!

[mauimadness]

I did the bike thing that's described up there a couple years ago. i was so crazy and did the sunrise trip and it was really some trip. they are not kidding - leaving the hotel at 2 am!!!

[logical]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amitpatel_3001 thats actually the best thing to do...just lie down on the beach and relax...afterall that is what vacations are meant for:-)

Yup, what else.. thats why its called a vacation!
These people who just have to do active things all the time when they are on vacation make me laugh

[Amped]

I sort of agree. I like to spend half of my trip chilling, and the other half doing fun things. Otherwise I don't feel I got the most out of the place i'm at. Maui is especially hard for me to sit on the beach when there's so much to do. I usually do one or two activities a week close to where i'm staying.

AMPED

[kwave]

Yeah I highly recommend snorkeling at Molokini Crater, lazing on Big / Little Beach, driving on Hana road, and watching the sunset at Haleakala.

[frankyP4lover]

Rent some snorkel gear. It's the cheapest activity on the islands. I always go to Boss Frog's to get mine. The gear is good and cheap.

Other than that, try surfing, or go for a Hana Hike. If you've got money, definately do a helicopter tour. Molokai is the best trip from Maui. Big Island has great lava flows, though they have stopped temporarily lately.

[HawaiiWarrior]

spearfishing is fun in maui. im about to go in a little while.