Maui’s the ultimate playground
Get out and live aloha
I hope you get to visit our beautiful island some day and when you do, here are some fun things to do while you’re here.
Visit the Maui Guide Book online for details about some of the best things to do on Maui! To get you started, check out the fun activities below.
NOTE: We know sunscreen is a must when in the sun, but more importantly, we need to keep our oceans and marine life thriving. To do so, please ONLY USE REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN.
SURF
Lahaina Surf Shack - A small locally owned surf school that takes pride in teaching lessons with aloha. Their goal is not to teach you how to ride one wave, but to teach you the ancient art of surfing and all that comes along with it. Located at Breakwall Beach.
All lessons are 2 hours.
WATCH THE LOCALS at these amazing spots!
Honolua Bay // Maui's most popular surf spot. This right hand point break peels from the far outside of the bay forming a long wall with multiple barrel sections. The crowds can be intense but if you're able to get onto a good one you're bound to get out of the water with a smile. An added bonus - you can find snorkeling there too!
Ho’okipa Beach // Maui's premiere North Shore surfing location. The wintertime waves are normally very large and the surfers that you'll see here are some of the best on the island.
Pe’ahi // Peahi, which is more commonly referred to as Jaws, on Maui's north shore has seen waves of epic proportions. Thanks to the spot's unique underwater landscape, Peahi can see waves reaching up to 60 feet, and only the best in the world of big wave surfing can handle these kinds of conditions.
SNORKEL + PADDLE + CLIFF
Honolua Bay // The best areas to snorkel at Honolua are further from the beach. That said, the west (left-hand) side is the best for snorkeling, follow the rocky shoreline all the way out and around Kalaepiha Point (see map below.) Diving is best on the east side which is deeper and contains many interesting coral formations.
Sea Maui // Explore the beautiful island of Lanai’i on an excursion with SeaMaui. On this 5 hour adventure you’ll travel to Lanai and snorkel in the stunning Manele Bay fish sanctuary. A colorful variety of tropical fish, a sprawling coral reef, and even a few turtles can be expected on most days. Dolphins have also been known to hang out off the coast, fingers crossed. Breakfast, lunch and a premium open bar are included.
Outrigger // Paddle an authentic outrigger canoe! Call Fabio 808-499-9431
Cliff Jumping // Cliff House by the Montage Hotel (Kapalua) + Black Rock (Kaanapali Becah)
WATERFALL CHASING
Twin Falls // Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. Twin falls is typically underrated by guidebooks, and is a worthy stop.
Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls // Taking into account the easy accessibility, the Pipiwai Trail offers, hands-down, the all-around best of East Maui’s most dramatic stream and waterfall hikes. This idyllic 1.8 mile trail unfolds alongside a string of (many more than seven) pools and waterfalls framed by the lush green diversity of the lush tropical rainforest. The dramatic diversity then suddenly morphs into the zen-oneness of an immense bamboo forest. Once released from the bamboo, you’re dropped at the very base of a towering sheer-cliff waterfall worthy of a slow-motion Imax fly-by.
Waikamoi Stream & Waterfalls // A popular, user-friendly (but frequently under-rated) stop on the Road to Hana. The reason this is so underrated by the other guidebooks is that they came to see it on the wrong day. The water source is heavily tapped and diverted above and these falls can be essentially “turned off” by EMI to feed thirsty sugar plantations. You can tell if this is worth a stop by looking at the waterfall closest to the road. If it is flowing, then you’re in for a treat.
BEACH
WEST SIDE
Baby Beach // Lahaina’s Baby Beach is mostly visited by local families with young children. The beach is protected by an exposed stretch of reef, creating a calm shallow area where small children won’t be knocked down by a big wave, and parents can let kids run without fearing the ocean too much.
Launiupoko Beach Park // Just down the hill from Tenya’s Ohana! Popular with families and crowded on weekends. When you can’t find a spot in the lot, there is plenty of overflow parking across the highway. There is reef close to water entry, and swimming is marginal. For the little ones, there is a small, protected man-made pool that connects to ocean. Good beginner surfing and plenty of surf schools offer lessons here. Picnic tables, BBQs, Bathrooms, Showers.
Ka’anapali Beach // Ka’anapali Beach runs from Black Rock to Canoe Beach, fronted by seven resorts, Whalers Village Mall, and many fine shops & restaurants. The beach itself is perfection. Long, wide and sandy, the water entry and swimming are glorious. Black Rock offers cliff jumping (and cliff-jumper watching.) There are activities galore. There is also a long concrete walk that you can stroll along as you meander between shops, eats, drinks, sunset, and the beach.
Napili Bay // Napili Bay has a sandy cove nestled in mid-range resort which is itself nestled in a residential neighborhood. This “resort” is reminiscent of an older mainland beach town; multiple low-rise condos make up the resort area. Much more basic than the high-end Ka’anapali resorts, and also less expensive and less commercialized which seems to attract families and European travelers.
Kapalua Bay // Situated in a very protected cove, this cove is virtually a large swimming pool. Fair snorkeling, as visibility is frequently not the best. Beach is backed by development and there is a fair amount of rocky bottom in the cove.
DT. Flemings Beach // Long, sandy sometimes crowded beach backed by ironwoods (read: shade) and full facilities. Next to Kapalua resort and the Ritz Carlton.
SOUTH SIDE / WAILEA
Big Beach // One of the most outstanding beaches in Maui. Big Beach is well over a half a mile long, and is also uncharacteristically wide by Maui standards. That means loads of real estate to stake out your claim, and this beach, while always drawing lots of people – is never so crowded as to be packed.
Little Beach // Little Beach is where you go on Maui if you want to get nude with a bunch of other people on a beautiful beach.
SPA
Montage at Kapalua Bay // Using the finest local ingredients, every treatment and service at Spa Montage Kapalua Bay is authentically inspired and highly personalized. Our caring associates are ready to exceed your expectations and provide a unique and tranquil spa experience. We look forward to welcoming you.
Ritz Carlton // In ancient Hawaii, the purest of water, Waihua, was celebrated for its healing powers. Today, guests of our Maui resort spa can experience this centuries-old tradition with treatments based on native practices. Therapies draw on plants, flowers and fruits from throughout Hawaii and herbs cultivated in our very own organic garden. Private cabanas are perfect for couple’s treatments and outdoor gardens provide a serene setting for pre- or post-treatment relaxation.
Grand Wailea // The award-winning Spa Grande infuses East, West and Ancient Hawaiian traditions in a delicately designed collection of sumptuous spa treatments to invigorate, relax and harmonize the mind, body and soul.
Holistic Learning Center of Maui // Cranial Sacral Therapy with Susan, Reiki Master
Rolf Method Maui // Rolf Method Maui is your answer to treat chronic pain, stress, TMJ, and even asthma. Regardless of your age or body type, you can experience benefits from this transformational bodywork program created by Carter Evans.
Massage outcall / Private bookings:
Cambria // 808-280-5626
Claudia // 808-276-0521
HIKING
Lahaina Pali Trail // This is a rugged and strenuous 5-mile trail from Maalaea to Ukumehame. This is an out-and-back hike with trailheads on either end. Both trailheads are close to sea level and the trail gains ~1600 ft. in 2.5 miles, then descends back toward sea level for another 2.5 miles.
Nakalele Point, Blowhole // Blowhole and scenic rugged coastline hike. If you’re not sure-footed parts of the trail can be challenging.
Kapalua Coastal Trail // Kapalua Coastal Trail is a 3.1 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii that offers scenic views. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips.
Wai’anapanapa State Park // Simply stated, Wai’anapanapa State Park is among the very best of the Road to Hana sites. It offers outstanding nearly 360-degree sweeping panoramic views. On land, the hills and valleys of green jungle give way to rugged and dramatic black basalt lava coastline. Out to sea, the deep blue ocean and white cresting waves are dramatically blasted into spray and mist as they pound against the jagged cliffs. This place looks like a living postcard from heaven.
‘Iao Valley State Park // ‘Iao Valley State Park is on virtually every guidebook and tourist pamphlet’s short-list of must-see places – and for good reason. It is easily accessible by car or tour companies, has paved walkways, steps, and signage with historical information. It is also dramatically scenic and particularly well suited for older folks and kids.
Waihe’e Ridge Trail // This is a nice hike with spectacular views. The photos here don’t do the views full justice. Every direction you look, you’re treated with a different view – lush rainforest valley, Makamakaole Falls in the distance, and many spectacular views of the ocean, isthmus and Haleakala side of Maui.
