Maui is one of my favorite islands in Hawaii. There’s plenty of activities to do, aside from lounging under a palm tree on the beach and sipping mai tais (though admittedly I love doing this!). Here are some of my favorite things to experience while visiting Maui.
Morning Yoga
I love starting my day with yoga, especially when it can be done outdoors with an ocean view. Many hotels offer yoga classes and there are retreats offered year round, but you can find plenty patches of grass or sand to practice yoga and start off your day with bliss.
Stroll Through a Lavender Farm
4,000 feet above the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and along the slopes of the Haleakala crater sits the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. Home to 55,000 lavender plants, and beautiful island views, a stroll through the grounds is a lovely change of pace to beachside activities. Be sure to pick up some lavender goods from the gift shop and try the lavender coffee/tea and scones with lilikoi jelly.
Go Whale Watching
During the months of December through April, humpback whales make their annual migration of 6,000 miles from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii. Maui happens to be the epicenter for whale watching in Hawaii and Redline Rafting offers twice daily whale watching tours. The tours depart from Kihei so its very convenient if you’re staying in the Wailea area.
Hike Twin Falls
If the trek to Hana is too far to make your vacation to-do list, at mile marker #2 there are some great waterfalls to check out at Twin Falls. Once you’ve finished up the brisk 1.5 mile hike, pick up a fresh juice or coconut at the Twin Falls Farm Stand.
Snorkel in Molokini
Sure, you can go snorkeling almost anywhere throughout Maui, but there is something very special about Molokini. Molokini is a crescent shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater off the coast of Maui that is a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. The calm clear waters makes Molokini an ideal snorkeling experience. Four Winds II offers twice daily snorkel tours; the morning tour includes a tropical breakfast, bbq lunch, snacks and drinks. For those who opt out of getting into the water, the 55-foot catamaran also has a glass bottom section so you can still catch sight of beautiful fish.
Take a Sunset Sail
Watching an incredible Maui sunset from a luxury catamaran is ultimate #vacationgoals. The Ali’i Nui Catamaran offers several options for sunset sails: romantic, family friendly and a royal feast dinner sail. Whichever you pick, nothing beats lounging back, noshing on appetizers and sipping on cocktails while watching the sun set into the Pacific.
Enjoy a Traditional Hawaiian Luau
A traditional Hawaiian Luau is a great activity for the whole family. One can expect an evening outdoors filled with hula and fire dancers, a delicious buffet (including traditional Kalua pig), cocktails and lots of aloha spirit. Hotels around the island host their own luaus on limited evenings, but the Old Lahaina Luau operates seven evenings a week so its definitely a great option.