The Hawaiian island of Maui is a mecca for tourists in search of excitement, scenery, and culture. The beautiful beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and surfing, and Haleakal National Park has a distinct crater and extensive, verdant coastal acreage that makes it unlike any other park in the world. Delicious regional specialties and fascinating cultural events round out the island's offerings. Learn about the top activities on Maui.
Tour the Coast of Maui in an Outrigger Canoe
Unique and unforgettable adventures await you along Maui's breathtaking shoreline. Paddle down the shore in an outrigger canoe, a relic of Polynesian maritime history. Once upon a time, people used these brightly colored, narrow canoes with lateral support floats for fishing, transportation, and cargo. Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures and Hawaiian Paddle Sports both now serve visitors with guided outrigger canoe trips that offer historical context and cultural insights as they paddle around the shore.
Learn About the History of Lahaina's Missionaries and Whalers
Lahaina's history begins at the base of the famous banyan tree. This majestic tree was planted over a century ago in 1873, and its 16 trunks and many branches give abundant shade. Visit the Lahaina Heritage Museum in the Old Lahaina Courthouse to learn more about the city's history. A walking tour leaflet detailing the area's intriguing sites is available at the local visitor center. In the 1820s, tensions between whalers and missionaries in Lahaina first began to rise. The Baldwin House, built in 1834–1835, was the residence of a missionary doctor and one of the oldest structures in the city to be designed in the Western style. Intoxicated marines frequently ended up behind bars at the nearby Hale Pa'ahao Institution. When you walk down Front Street now, you won't find any of the saloons, dance halls, or brothels that used to be there. But if you're thirsty, the whaling-themed decor at The Pioneer Inn Bar will give you a taste of the sailor's life.
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Exploring the Cultural Treasures and Natural Wonders of the Hana Highway
Travelers will experience a time warp along the Road to Hana. Although the tranquil pools and gushing waterfalls along the route are beautiful, it is the historic sites that best represent the spirit of the journey. The towering Pi'ilanihale Heiau, a majestic five-story temple built somewhere around the 13th century, stands out among them. Discover the ancient Hawaiians' special connection to their environment. Those interested in a more in-depth experience can visit the adjacent Wai'anapanapa State Park and hike the Pi'ilani Trail, which was previously the King's Trail that encircled the island many years ago. Ancient stepping stones and stunning ocean views make up the route, which is a tribute to Maui's illustrious history. It is possible to drive the Road to Hana, but heavy traffic and crowds make it more prudent to take part in a tour.
Exploring Maui's Profound Cultural History
In addition to stunning natural scenery, Maui's rich cultural history may be discovered by traveling the Road to Hana. Pi'ilanihale Heiau, a magnificent five-story temple, is one of the most impressive landmarks along the route and is dated back to the 13th century. Learn more about the complex link between native Hawaiians and their natural surroundings by visiting this webpage. Wai'anapanapa State Park offers visitors another unforgettable adventure by way of the historic Pi'ilani Trail, which was first used by King Pi'ilani himself. This trail is a representation of Maui's rich cultural heritage, with its beautiful scenery and historical significance.
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Visit Maluaka Beach and go snorkeling with Honu
The beautiful honu, or green sea turtle, can be found in the waters off Maui's shore. These fascinating animals can grow to be up to 3 feet in length, and they are a sight to behold even from a distance. Maluaka Beach, commonly known as Turtle Town, is a popular spot for snorkelers who want to see these endemic Hawaiian creatures up close. The greatest places to snorkel are at the southern end of the beach, where you'll find superb coral just 100 yards from shore. It is crucial to remember that honu are critically endangered in the United States.
Visit Haleakala and its Mysterious Volcanic Landscape
You shouldn't miss the gaping mouth of Haleakal, a volcanic valley with layers of cinder cones and old lava flows. Almost mystical looking multicolored cones, silvery swords, and craggy red slopes dot the otherwise barren landscape. Many people come to see the dawn from the peak, and rightly so—it's a show that deserves an audience. Clouds part like a curtain before dawn, revealing the crater floor illuminated in a blaze of amber and ocher hues. In the hours following sunrise, a trek along the Keoneheehee (Sliding Sands) Trail will reveal an eerie stillness broken only by the crunch of volcanic cinders underfoot. The national park requires reservations, so make your plans ahead of time.
Explore the Wide-Ranging Agricultural Professions of the Upcountry
Explore the Upcountry's farms, where an array of colorful and unique produce is grown. All farmers have a deep connection to the soil and a desire to see others reap the benefits of their labor. Indulge in a garden frittata, a cup of French press coffee, and a stroll through the coffee fields on a morning coffee tour at Oo Farm. The gourmet lunch tour lets guests choose their own ingredients for a chef-prepared meal, making it ideal for those who prefer a later start time. Surfing Goat Dairy offers a kid-friendly farm tour where kids may meet young goats, taste fresh chèvre, and learn about the inner workings of a dairy farm. You can finish your trip with a vodka tasting at Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm & Distillery, which is flanked by sugarcane fields. Learn how the flagship Ocean Vodka is distilled from mineral water pulled from the depths of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island.
The Pipiwai Trail Offers a Beautiful Hike Through the Forest
The Pipiwai Trail in Kipahulu, Haleakal National Park, is a great place to go trekking since it follows the streambed of the 'Ohe'o Gulch. There are breathtaking views along the entire four-mile walk in East Maui. Hikers can look forward to witnessing a wide variety of plants, from mango and guava trees to banyan trees with gnarled roots and the dramatic Makahiku Falls plunging over forested basalt cliffs. The Bamboo Forest's ethereal musical experience is enhanced by the sound of bamboo stalks knocking together. At the conclusion of the walk is the breathtaking 400-foot-tall Waimoku Falls, which plunge straight down a towering precipice.
Witness the Magnificence of the Humpback Whales in Maui
Off the coast of Maui, humpback whales amaze onlookers with their tail slaps, head lunges, and spy hops. Every year from about December to March, these behemoths travel to the warmer, shallower waters around the Hawaiian Islands to have their young. Experience a heart-stoppingly close whale breach on a paddle-snorkel tour with Aloha Kayaks in Makena Bay. Teralani Sailing offers sunset catamaran tours from Ka'anapali, where couples can take in the scenery while keeping an eye out for marine life. Hiking the seaside trails in Kihei and Wailea is an excellent way for landlubbers to get a glimpse of these lovely animals. Visit Papawai Point, a rest area by the side of the road with a view of Maalaea Harbor, a popular spot for nursing mothers. If you have any questions regarding these magnificent animals, the Pacific Whale Foundation may have employees ready to answer them.
Taste the Cultural Diversity of Maui's Restaurants
The cuisine of Maui reflects the island's diverse population. The island displays obvious traces of Asian, Portuguese, and Native Hawaiian culture. Indulge in some of the region's most popular dishes without breaking the bank. The quintessential example of regional cuisine is the plate lunch, which typically includes a meat or fish entree, macaroni and cheese, and two servings of white rice. Loco moco is a dish served at Kihei Caffe that consists of rice, a fried egg, a hamburger patty, and gravy. Another must-try is poke, a raw fish meal marinated in soy sauce, oil, chili peppers, green onions, and seaweed. Visit the seafood section at Foodland for a wide selection of mouthwatering poke. Ululani's makes the best snow cones in the world, with beautifully shaved ice and brightly colored fruit-flavored syrups. For extra luxury, serve with Kauai cream, azuki beans, and ice cream.
Wave riding at Ho'okipa Beach is an exhilarating experience
Expert wave riders at Hookipa Beach put on a show that no spectator should miss. Strong currents, constant winds, and severe shore breakers make this beach famous for windsurfing around the globe. Because of the sharp coral, it is the most difficult surf spot in the world. However, on days when the waves are smaller, intermediate surfers can enjoy the spot just as much as the pros. Located on the eastern edge of the park, the beach offers a spectacular vantage point and a fantastic chance to spot green turtles.
Discover the Depths of Hawaiian Traditions
Cultural activities on Maui are what really bring the island's variety to life. Aloha aina (love of homeland) is reflected in Native Hawaiian music and dance. Hula dance evolved from a solemn ceremony to a joyful form of entertainment as the tradition grew thanks to the contributions of different ethnic groups. The Old Lahaina Luau, which features genuine Hawaiian history, culture, and cuisine, is a great place to see this evolution in action. Slack-key tuning, when melody and bass are performed at the same time, is another development that can be traced back to Spanish and Mexican cowboys with their guitars. Hear this one-of-a-kind style performed every week in Napili at the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert.
Visit Maui's Largest Beach and Take in Its Natural Beauty
Explore the wild beauty of Big Beach in Makena State Park by taking a stroll through the park's dense maze of kiawe trees. Long expanses of glistening sand, pure blue waters, and big waves make this Hawaiian paradise ideal for bodysurfing. Big Beach, in its pristine, natural state, is a true representation of the genuine character of Maui. Come share in the islanders' reverence for the sea, their awe at breathtaking sunsets, and the genuine joy of island living.
Dive into the Molokini Crater's Mysterious Depths
The Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, Pele, is said to have turned a lovely woman into stone in Molokini Crater. Today, divers from all over the world flock to this location because of its reputation as a world-class dive site. Just three miles off the coast of southern Maui, a crescent-shaped volcanic crater provides a safe haven for coral and more than 250 species of fish. Molokini Crater has become synonymous with scuba diving in Hawaii.
Iao Valley State Park Has Stunning Scenery That Will Captivate You
Maui's breathtaking beauty is on full display at 'Iao Valley State Park, where the spectacular 'Iao Needle rises above the verdant valley. The phallic shape of 'Iao Needle stands out in this gorgeous state park set in the middle of the rainforest-covered mountains. Because of its stunning natural beauty, Hawaiian kings instituted a taboo (kapu) prohibiting commoners from entering or even looking at 'Iao Valley. The kapu against taking photographs of the 'Iao Needle has been abolished, so now you can do so.
