10 Things to do on Maui

It was around this time six years ago that John and I started packing for our first trip to Maui. Guests of the Kaanapali Beach Resort Association, we knew of Hawaii from pop culture and postcards our whole lives, but we didn’t know what to expect once actually travelled across the Pacific ourselves. What probably surprised me the most is how Maui is known as the

Now that I have completed a couples getaway with a foodie theme on Maui, as well as a girls getaway with a light adventure theme, I feel confident in my selections and can highly recommend each activity. Here are my picks for 10 Things to do on Maui:

10 Things to do on Maui

1. Outrigger Canoe Tour
This is my favourite activity! I get to head out on the water for a paddle, meet awesome guides like Delray and Mahe with Maui Paddlesports, learn local history, spot wildlife, and soak up the views of Maui’s southwest coast from the water.

2. Haleakala Volcano Sunrise
A must-do on Maui! Drive upcountry before dawn to the top of a sleeping volcano where you can look out across the crater at other Hawaiian Islands while the sun rises and bestows a new day while it feels like you’re standing at the top of the world. Since John and I first visited, they now limit the number of daily visitors for the sunrise so be sure to reserve well in advance of your trip. It’s also VERY COLD before sunrise so bring a sweater – even if it’s summer.

3. Coffee & Craft Beer Tour
Want to see how coffee goes from cherry to roasted bean to cup? Visit O’o Farm offers a Seed to Cup tour in the misting forest of Waipoli in Upcountry Maui. Craft beer lover? Then you have to stop into Maui Brewing Co for a tour.

4. Farm Tours
You can eat local, shop farmers markets, and take farm tours on this very agriculturally-focused island! Maui Country Farm Tours has several regional options like the Upcountry Tour that includes sugar cane and pineapple history, tea & scones at a lavender farm, Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery tour, and a ranch visit.

5. Hiking
You can stroll the beach, or head up to an intensive mountain ridge hikes in Central Maui like my sister took me on. The Waihe’e Ridge Trail Maui is a spectacular, panoramic hike is 8km round trip with a 475m elevation gain, but hiking through the forest, then along a ridge with valley and ocean views on either side was a pretty epic experience! You can find more hiking options, for all levels, here »

6. Sunset Sailboat Cruise
Board one of the Teralani Sailing Charters catamarans right from Kaanapali Beach and enjoy an evening of snacks, drinks, and sunset photo ops from the water as it sails along the Kaanapali coastline toward the island of Molokai and back.

7. Visit Lahaina
The former capital of the entire Hawaiian Kingdom (1820 to 1845). Lahaina is a great little town that mixes trendy tourist shops with history. Walk through Banyan Tree Park just off Front Street, which seems like a mini forest with tree trunks sprouting up everywhere, but it’s all ONE tree! You’ll also find the Old Lahaina Courthouse in Banyan Tree Park, which contains the Lahaina Heritage Museum. Spend some time inside, or take a self-guided history tour outside.

8. Zipline
Get above it all, without hiking and with a little more of an adrenaline rush with SkyLine Eco Adventures. A fun family activity, with 8-line or 11-line adventure tours.

9. Attend a Luau
Every tourist says: “I don’t want to do touristy things,” at one point during their trip planning. However with a luau you get an evening of entertainment, a history lesson of the Pacific island through dance, a multi-course meal (with a healthy side of poi), drinks, and you may even make new friends since many have communal tables for socializing. Check with your hotel to see if they offer a luau, and check the latest Trip Advisor ratings to find a luau that’s right for you ie. the theme of the luau, family-friendly, buffet vs plated meal etc.)

10. Road to Hana
This is one experience I have yet to do, but this drive along the northeast coast is legendary. Roadside food stands lead to lush rainforest hikes with refreshing waterfalls along the beaten path. The Road to Hana will be on my next Maui trip list for sure.

Of course you can also enjoy your hotel’s amenities like the spa, pool, (grotto pool with bar service like at the Hyatt), beachside bar, loungers on the sand, ocean swimming, snorkeling, selfies on the lanai at sunset, restaurants and shave ice).

One of our favourite down-time activities is getting some pineapple juice and Old Lahaina dark rum from the ABC store at the Whalers Village shopping centre and making our own Mai Tais to enjoy on our lanai watching the waves roll in at sunset. Whatever you end up doing, it’s hard to not have a good time on Maui. Maui Nō Ka ʻOi!