13 Best Maui Adventures – A Guide To Thrilling Experiences

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you’re in for a treat! The island is a paradise of natural wonders and thrilling adventures. I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of months living on the island, so I’ve decided to curate a list of the 13 best Maui adventures that will create unremarkable experiences.

Whether you’re a water lover, a hiker, or a peaceful life-enjoyer that could sit back and listen to Kenny Chesney or Jimmy Buffet on a sailboat all day long, there’s something on this list for you. (I’d say I am all 3)

I love to push myself out of my comfort zones and experience unique adventures that I’ll never forget. That’s why I’ve made sure to include a few extreme activities that will give you the ultimate rush.

What Are The Best Maui Adventures?

Maui is a breathtaking paradise of natural wonders, nice people, and thrilling adventures. From ziplines to snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding to guided hikes, there are plenty of ways to explore the island and get your adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable experience on the water or a unique way to explore the lush jungles, we will get into it all!

1. Go Scuba Diving In Maui

Scuba diving is one of the most popular Maui adventures and for good reason. The waters around Maui are teeming with colorful marine life, including sea turtles, whales, manta rays, and even the occasional whale shark.

As another added bonus, you can access many dive sites via the beautiful beaches surrounding West Maui.

This is just another reason it is known as one of the best places in the world to dive.

Some of the best scuba diving spots in Maui include Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay, Black Rock, and (my favorite) Mala Pier. If you’re new to scuba diving, don’t worry – you can always get certified on the island which is what Annie (my partner) and I did.

We obtained our open-water diver certification on the beaches of Maui, which is not as common as getting certified in pools if you chose to do it at a typical scuba center.

I highly recommend Maui Diving located in Lahaina or Kihei. I purchased my gear and obtained my certification through them, and they provided excellent service throughout the entire process.

2. Go Snorkeling In Maui

If scuba diving isn’t your thing, you can still experience the beauty of Maui’s underwater world by snorkeling. Maui is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii, such as the aptly named Turtle Town, where you can swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Other popular snorkeling spots include Honolua Bay, Ahihi Bay, and Napili Bay. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera so you can capture the vibrant colors of the coral reefs and the amazing marine life.

Let me tell you something, I could spend hours swimming under the bright blue waters of Hawaii. The sea life underneath the waves is so vast and vibrant that it blew my mind. So if you are wanting an unforgettable free experience, wake up early to avoid other tourists and go snorkeling!

Another benefit of snorkeling is that it is FREE, and you can do it at your OWN PACE. That’s why it consistently becomes one of my favorite Maui activities.

Once you want to become more technical, you can even become spiritually closer to the Hawaiian islands by doing what the Natives have done for centuries; spearfishing.

3. Try Wind Surfing and Surfing in Maui

4. Drive The Road To Hana

The Road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives in the world, with breathtaking views of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. The road winds through 52 miles of narrow, winding roads, and includes over 600 turns and 59 bridges.

Some of the must-sees stops along the way include the Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, and the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. Make sure to start early in the day to avoid the crowds and take your time to enjoy the journey.

5. Bike Down Haleakala

Biking down the Haleakala volcano is a bucket list adventure that you won’t forget. You’ll start at the summit at an elevation of 10,023 feet and bike your way down to sea level, taking in the stunning views along the way.

The bike ride is about 26 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Make sure to bring warm clothes as it can get chilly at the summit.

If you don’t want to bike down it, at least make sure you drive to the top and watch either the sunrise or sunset. It is magestic and you feel truly on top of the world.

6. Hike To Waterfalls

7. Go Ziplining In Maui

For a bird’s-eye view of Maui’s stunning landscape, try ziplining. Maui has several zipline courses that offer breathtaking views of the island’s mountains, valleys, and forests.

Some of the best zipline tour options and courses in Maui include the Skyline Eco-Adventures course in Kaanapali, the Kapalua Ziplines, and the Piiholo Ranch Zipline. Each course offers a unique and thrilling experience, with multiple ziplines and exciting obstacles.

8. Try Kayaking And Stand-Up Paddleboarding

If you want to explore Maui’s beautiful coastline, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. You can paddle along the calm waters of Makena Bay or explore the sea caves and cliffs of the West Maui coastline.

Some of the best places to rent kayaks and paddleboards in Maui include Kihei, Lahaina, and Makena. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof camera to capture your adventure.

9. Horseback Riding In Maui

Horseback riding is a peaceful and unique way to experience Maui’s natural beauty. You can ride through lush forests, pastures, and beaches, taking in the stunning views along the way.

Some of the best places to go riding in Maui include the Piiholo Ranch, the Ironwood Ranch, and the Mendes Ranch. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll have a memorable and scenic adventure.

10. Helicopter Tours – See Maui from Above

For a truly unforgettable adventure, take a helicopter tour of Maui. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the island’s stunning landscapes, from the towering cliffs of the West Maui Mountains to the cascading waterfalls of Hana.

Some of the best helicopter tour companies in Maui include Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Maverick Helicopters, and Sunshine Helicopters. Make sure to bring your camera and prepare for a breathtaking adventure.

11. Sunset Sailing

For a romantic and relaxing adventure, try a sunset sailing tour. You’ll sail along the coast of Maui, watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Some tours even offer live music, cocktails, and dinner on board. Some of Maui’s best sunset sailing tours include Trilogy Excursions, Pride of Maui, and Alii Nui Sailing Charters.

Annie surprised me with a sunset sailing cruise to celebrate my 21st birthday, and it was one of my favorite Hawaii experiences. Although it was not a difficult adventure, it was a very relaxing evening that ended with us enjoying many cocktails together!

12. Whale Watching

If you visit Maui between December and April, you’ll have the chance to see the majestic humpback whales that migrate to the island’s warm waters.

We took a whale-watching tour on a tour boat in order to see these amazing creatures up close. Some of the best whale-watching tour companies in Maui include Pacific Whale Foundation, Ultimate Whale Watch, and Gemini Sailing Charters.

13. Volcano Tours – Explore the Island’s Geology

Maui is home to two volcanoes – Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. You can take a guided tour to explore the island’s geology and learn about its volcanic history.

Some tours include a sunrise or sunset visit to the summit of Haleakala, where you can see breathtaking views of the island. Some of the best volcano tour companies in Maui include Valley Isle Excursions, Polynesian Adventure Tours, and Maui Mountain Tours.

FAQs:

When is the best time to visit Maui for outdoor activities?

The weather in Maui is comfortable throughout the year, with temperatures typically between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan to do outdoor activities, it’s better to visit during the dry season, which takes place from April to October.

During this time, the ocean is smoother and the skies are clearer.

Do I need any special equipment for these adventures?

It depends on the activity. For scuba diving and snorkeling, you’ll need a mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit if you get cold easily (plus other gear to rent). Similar to scuba diving, for windsurfing and surfing, you can rent all the equipment from a local shop.

For biking down Haleakala, the tour company will provide the bike, helmet, and safety gear.

For hiking, you’ll need comfortable shoes, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a plan to not get lost.

Are these adventures safe?

Yes, these adventures are safe as long as you take the necessary precautions. For example, scuba diving and surfing should only be done with a certified instructor if you are a beginner. Biking down Haleakala should only be done with a reputable tour company. Hiking should only be done on designated trails and with proper equipment.

It is worth noting that this beautiful island has been deadly too. Be smart and don’t do something dumb “just to get a picture”.

What should I wear for these adventures?

Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing. For water activities, wear a swimsuit or rash guard and shorts. Consider wearing a UPF swim shirt instead of toxic sunscreen as it is a better option. This is especially important for the fragile reefs surrounding this Hawaiian island.

For hiking, wear breathable and lightweight clothes that will protect you from the sun. For biking down Haleakala, bring warm clothes as it can get chilly at the summit.

Do I need to make reservations for these adventures in advance?

Yes, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Some activities, such as scuba diving and biking down Haleakala, require advanced bookings.

Check with the tour companies to see their availability and to make reservations.

Are there age restrictions for these adventures?

Yes, some activities have age restrictions. For example, scuba diving and surfing may have minimum age requirements. Biking down Haleakala is recommended for ages 12 and up. Check with the tour companies to see their age restrictions and requirements.

Can I do these adventures on my own, or do I need a guide?

Some adventures, such as hiking and driving the Road to Hana, can be done on your own.

However, it’s recommended to have a guide for activities like scuba diving, surfing, and biking down Haleakala for safety reasons and to get the most out of the experience.

Do you have any other adventure recommendations?

There are an endless amount of outdoor adventures when visiting Maui, so it would be hard to name them all. Some other ideas that pop into my mind would be to ride a mountain bike, go on jungle hikes, visit the seven sacred pools, attend a luau, go on a Maui pineapple tour, spearfish, visit the bamboo forests and much more!

Conclusion

Maui is a paradise of natural wonders and thrilling adventures, making it the perfect destination for adventure seekers. From scuba diving to biking down a volcano, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to try on the island.

Generally speaking, the west coast is known for the calm waters and great beaches, whereas the east coast is more of the sea cliffs and famous surf spots.

Whether you’re a water lover, a hiker, or a thrill-seeker, Maui has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the best of Maui!

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