With its beautiful beaches, fun water sports, and lush scenic drives, Maui is one of the top tourist destinations in Hawaii.

In one place, you can learn to surf, go wine tasting, snorkel with sea turtles, attend a luau, relax on the beach, visit a national park, and rappel down a waterfall.

It’s safe to say Maui is an incredible place to visit – it’s considered the “most fun” Hawaiian island, and it’s easy to see why. But with so much to see and do, it can be challenging to decide. Below, we’ll cover the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii.

Maui Hawaii has got to be the best island to visit when looking for things to do in Hawaii. With its pristine coastal vistas and numerous white sandy beaches. You will will never fall short when looking for things to do here.

Things to Do in Maui Hawaii

Here are the x best things you can do in Maui, whether this is your first visit or you’re returning for more fun and relaxation.

1. Relax on the Beach

No vacation to Maui would be complete without visiting at least one of the many beaches. With over 120 miles of stunning coastline, the list of Maui beaches is long. Some of the best beaches to visit are:

• Kapalua Bay Beach – Perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and paddle boarding.
• Ho’okipa Beach – Best for spotting sea turtles and surfing.
• Polo Beach – Ideal for boogie boarding, snorkeling, and swimming with kids.
• Big Beach – Great for swimming and sunbathing.
• Black Sand Beach – Good for sunbathing and beach gazing.

2. Watch a Sunrise or Sunset from Haleakala

There’s no better way to watch the sunrise or sunset than from the top of Haleakala – above the clouds! Of course, seeing the sunrise involves waking up very early.

It takes around 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the top of Haleakala, so if sunrise is at 6.30 am, you must leave your accommodation by 4.30 am. But it’s well worth the effort!

The sunrise viewing requires an advanced reservation (it’s THAT popular), but the sunset viewing doesn’t. Sunset is much less crowded and a great way to enjoy views around the island.

3. Attend a Luau

Nothing says “Hawaii” quite like a luau, so going to one is essential when visiting Maui.

You can enjoy the vibey, live music, eat traditional food, and go on a cultural journey through Hawaii. Plus, watching the hula girls dance and move to the beat of the drums or watching a fire-dancing show will be an unforgettable experience

4. Check Out Iao Valley State Park

This park is in central Maui and is home to Kuka’emoku, the Iao Needle. Hawaiian culture sees this as the phallic stone of Kanaloa, who was the god of the ocean. The cliffs in the park were also once used as the burial site for Hawaii’s royalty. Visiting the park to see the Needle is quick – it’s located at the end of a 1-kilometer trail.

5. Snorkel Around the Island

One of the top activities to do in Maui is snorkeling. You can do it as part of a tour or by yourself if you hire a snorkel. Maui has dozens of locations ideal for snorkeling. Here are a few of the best snorkeling spots:

• Molokini Crater – Perfect for beginners, and you can see a variety of fish.
• Turtle Town – Great for those wanting to swim with sea turtles (also plenty of fish).
• Honolua Bay – Quiet cove, calm waters, and a beautiful reef teeming with ocean life.
• Kapalua Bay – One of the best snorkel locations and beaches.

Of course, you can enjoy a great snorkeling experience at just about any location on the island, so ask around.

6. Stroll Along the Kapalua Coastal Trail

Probably one of the most underrated Maui experiences, this short 1.76-mile walk is something anyone will enjoy.

The trail takes you past a few stunning beaches, tidepools, luxury resorts, and breathtaking views of Maui’s coastline. The trail starts at Kapalua Beach and finishes at D.T. Flemings Beach and alternates between sandy trails, boardwalks, and sidewalks.

7. Watch the Whales

Humpback whales, on their migration route each year, travel to the Hawaiian islands during winter months for their mating season.

The crystal clear, shallow water between Moloka’i, Lana’i, and Maui are the prime spots to see whales in winter between November and May. Peak whale watching season is from January to March.

8. Discover Dragon’s Teeth

While walking the Kapalua Coastal Trail (#6 above), you can visit Makalua-puna Point. Lava has eroded the earth so much that a series of pointed spires have been left behind. They line up so that they look exactly like dragon’s teeth.

If you keep walking towards the point, you’ll find a massive circle maze called the Labyrinth that you can walk through. At Makalua-puna Point, you can snap a few awesome pictures of the rocky volcanic coastline as the surf smashes into the rocks. Fancy a round of golf? You can enjoy a morning or afternoon in the sun at the local golf course – with a view!

9. Visit the Nakalele Blowhole

The Nakalele Blowhole is located along the robust volcanic coastline in northern Maui on Nakalele Point. The blowhole often “erupts” when the waves hit the shore, sending water shooting out the hole. It looks like a natural geyser as the water shoots several feet through the air.

You can view the blowhole from the bottom of the hill or the top of the cliff. You’ll need to walk down the slippery, steep, sandy path to get to the coast. Ensure you maintain a safe distance from the blowhole – if you get too close, you may be sucked into the blowhole by a wave.

10. Go to the Maui Ocean Center

Opened in 1988, the Maui Ocean Center has educational exhibits and programs that teach visitors about local sea life. You can learn about sea turtles, Hawaiian coral, hammerhead sharks, and reef fish. Plus, you can check out the Sphere, an awesome 3D experience where you can swim with humpback whales.

11. Rappel Down a Waterfall

Are you looking for a bit of adventure that envelops you in Maui’s natural beauty? Rappelling down a waterfall is for you! You can explore tropical rainforest cliffs and freshwater pools as you hike to the waterfall location. Then you get up close and personal with the rock face of the waterfall as you lower yourself down. Thrilling!

12. Go Ziplining

If you feel like soaring over Maui’s green valleys and lush forests, you can go ziplining. Depending on which company and tour you choose, you’ll be in the treeline for two to four hours, enjoying a bird’s eye view of the island. Each company offers unique zipline options, from amazing hikes and breathtaking views to racing your friends or family and enjoying extra-long zip line rides.

13. Try Hawaiian Shave Ice

Much like a luau, eating Hawaiian shave ice is a must-do in Maui. While shave ice was originally started in Japan, it was brought to the islands in the 1900s. The ice is shaved to be super fine, resembling snow. Then a flavored syrup is poured over the ice, and it’s served with ice cream. If you feel adventurous, top your shave ice with condensed milk, toasted coconut, or Li Hing Mui powder.

14. Scuba Dive Around the Maui Island

A trip to Maui wouldn’t be complete without scuba diving around the island! You can see various sea life and Hawaiian green sea turtles all year round along Maui’s southern and western coastlines. As you scuba dive, you can watch the sea turtles eat algae deposits, rest on the seafloor, and surf to take a breath of fresh Hawaiian air.

You’ll also be able to explore the volcanic lava shoots, archways, and caverns. The best months to scuba dive in Maui are from April to October, and you’ll be able to see everything from sea turtles and manta rays to monk seals to sharks. If you are looking to learn scuba diving, check out our award winning Scuba Diving For Beginners Course.

This is a common question that people ask us. I know the question well! Because when I first came out to Maui as a new certified diver, I had the same question. I found out in a 2 hour scuba tour that the answer to my question was undoubtedly YES! Maui IS GOOD for SCUBA diving!

Lets start with the why, where and when Maui is so popular for scuba diving at all levels.

Why:

Maui has so many locations that are easily accessible from the shore. There is no need to get on a boat for hours to get to the dive locations. We have  very diverse marine life. Whether you are looking to find the very small critters like Nudibranchs, or the big things like Turtles and sharks, and everything in between. You will not be disappointed, we have it all!

Where:

Maui has dive sites located all along the west and south facing shores that most of the hotels and resorts are nearby. These dive sites are perfect for the first time divers all the way to advanced divers. There is something for all scuba divers at all levels. Certified divers can dive with  family or friends that are not certified in our Intro course and still see tons of cool stuff.

When:

All year around. We don’t have a “non scuba season” like many places globally. Our weather is pretty much consistent, therefore providing good conditions for diving. We do get surf seasons that may affect us but not to worry. We can usually find good water in another place that is not being affected. So, when is the surf seasons you ask?

Well, we are located in the middle of the Pacific ocean 2500 miles from the nearest land mass. When the northern hemisphere is have its winter,  the resulting storms generate waves that travel from the north southbound towards Hawaii.

During this time we may get the north swells as a result, causing surf to get bigger on the north and northwest shores. The same effect is caused when the southern hemisphere is having their winter. The swells come up and affect our south facing shores.

Rest at ease. This is not a continuous event, they come and go.  Just as the storms you may be used to come and go where you live.

 

Check some more info here.

https://porch.com/advice/scuba-diving-101-beginners-guide-exploring-ocean

New to scuba diving? Check our Beginner’s Scuba Diving Classes.

Maui has some awesome snorkeling! The island has a number of beaches and secluded spots where one can experience the beauty of Maui’s marine life.

Which are Maui’s best snorkeling location?

Here are some snorkel spots where you can swim with colorful fishes and sea turtles:-

Molokini Crater

Located just a few miles off Maui’s shore, Molokini Crater has the most unique geological features in the world. The tiny crescent-shaped island that homes plentiful of marine life. Molokini Crater is partially submerged half-moon shaped volcanic crater is one of the best snorkeling spot on Maui.

Black Rock Beach

Pu’u Keka’a also known as black rock. Located on the western shore of Maui, black rock beach has crystal clear blue water that makes it a perfect snorkeling spot. It is one of Maui’s popular white sand beach known for snorkeling and cliff jumping. It is a great place to learn how to snorkel for all ages, you can also climb up the large lava promontory and dive into the blue ocean.

Honolua Bay

Located on Maui’s northwestern tip – Honolua Bay is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Honolua is a relative rocky bay that is hidden behind tall cliffs. Being a part of the Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District, fishing is strictly prohibited here, due to which you will find abundant colorful fishes here.

Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is one of the most beautiful white sand beach on Maui, it has an active marine life and luxurious resort making it an ideal place to snorkel on Maui. Walk down Lahaina shoreline trail to access this crescent-shaped beach.

Maluaka Beach

The hidden gem on Maui – Maluaka beach is also known as turtle town. It is the best place to snorkel if you want to swim and catch glimpse of sea turtles in their native environment.

Rent or Buy Snorkeling Gear?

A lot of people contemplate if they should buy snorkeling gear or continue renting? We recommend renting a gear unless you really want gear to keep and reuse.

Don’t miss out on our snorkeling deals, reserve your spot today. We provide the necessary equipment including masks, snorkels, water shoes, and fins.

Interested in Scuba Diving in Maui, take a look at our article to learn everything about Scuba Diving.

As of 9-16-2020,  Governor Ige of Hawaii  held Covid-19 Hawaii Travel Update: A press meeting announcing that on October 15th 2020 The quarantine for travelers to Hawaii will be lifted on individuals that test negative within 72 hours of travel to the islands.

If you do not have a test done prior to travel. then you will be subject to the 14 day quarantine that remains in effect.

We are taking reservations at this time and will be practicing covid safe dive classes and tours.

Give us a call at  808-264-8198 or book online

Aloha

One T-Shirt At A Time

 

You Can Help Stop the Killing

In2Scuba Diving Maui is helping preserve these wonderful creatures by donating $2.00 per shirt we sell to the American Wildlife Foundation

 

 

If you are looking to go Scuba Diving near Kahana, Napili, or Kapalua. You are so close to some of the best scuba diving in Maui. With several dive sites near Kahana, Napili, Kapalua. So you can immerse yourself in some great locations to dive. Locations that are only 5-15 minutes from your resort in Kahana Napili, or Kapalua. Airport beach is the closest and its the most popular dive site in the Lahaina West Maui area.

Scuba Diving in the Kahana, Napili, Kapalua immediate area is not very good. But, Airport beach, Black Rock and Mala Wharf are fantastic dive sites and located only 10-15 minutes away. Come out with us to see what its all about.

We are always looking for an excuse to save you money, because we know everything in Maui is expensive. And we try our best to help, so check out our specials

Amazing Scuba Diving Locations Near Maui, Hawaii

When visiting Maui, one of the most exciting journeys you can take is underwater. While scuba diving off the island, you’ll see marine life like tropical fish, and more.

Divers will experience the companionship of eels, rays, and sea turtles as they glide through the blue waters. If you are interested in diving in Maui but want to hit up the best locations, this article is made for you.

Makena Landing

This site is a beautiful area with tubes and lava formations to swim through. There are plenty of turtles and sharks who live in the area to get close to.

Some people call this area ‘Turtle Town’ based on the large population of the creatures you may run into nearby. However, what makes this spot exceptional is the combination of various diving environments in the same area. This is the place to dive if you want lovely photos.

Molokai

Another fantastic area for diving in Maui is Molokai. Marine lovers will enjoy the sights of whales, hammerheads, turtles, dolphins, rays, and vast schools of colorful fish.

The enormous amount of fish has given this area the name ‘Fish Rain’ due to the sea life. The only prickle about diving in Molokai is that it’s difficult to get to. However, if you choose to do so, you’ll never forget the memories.

Mala Wharf

This area was built in 1922 as a steel and concrete pier structure, but it came down in 1992 during a hurricane. Nonetheless, it has made an excellent habitat for many sea animals, including octopi, shrimp, fish, and white tip reef sharks.

This is another area that is perfect for the animal loving diver. Even better is that the diving is shallow so that you can get plenty of time in. It’s also suitable for night or day diving.

Lanai Cathedrals

You’ll find the cathedrals only 45 minutes away from Maui by ferry. There are amazing caverns 50 feet deep to explore. You’ll also find plenty of animals from sharks to fish and dolphins to turtles.

If you dive into the first cathedral, be sure to visit the east wall. When light is shining in, it’s one of the most beautiful sights you will ever experience.

Dive in Maui

If you’re interested in learning to dive, you can’t beat the training at In2Scuba Diving Maui Dive Co. Once you’ve done, you can head off on dives with new friends and explore a new side of the island. To learn more, visit us at www.In2ScubaDivingMaui.com.

If you are a beginner to scuba diving in Maui, there are a few things you should know. Whether you are moving to the island or just visiting for a short time, following these tips can make your time diving more straightforward and entertaining.

It will also give you an excellent idea of what to expect before you fly to Hawaii for a scuba diving experience you can find nowhere else.

Best Time to Dive In Maui

If you’re planning to scuba dive in Maui, whether by boat or shore, the best time to take advantage is between 10 am and 2 pm. You can expect the calmest water at this time, as well as great light.

Trade winds can start to come up around 11 AM, which makes entries and exits less smooth and boat rides more problematic due to the winds. The worst of the winds can be found in the summer, but this is also the best season for being above water, so consider your needs. Please check water temperature all year around.

Shore Diving Simplicity

Many divers choose to only dive from boats, but Maui is excellent for shore dives, as well. The sandy beaches are nice, and the entries are usually smooth. There are also gradual depth changes and most shore dives go no deeper than 40 feet.

This means you can spend a ton of time on the bottom enjoying the sights. Just remember that whether boat or shore driving, you are required to have a dive flag.

Enjoy the Marine Wildlife

No matter where you dive in Maui, you are likely to come upon the Hawaiian green sea turtle or “honu.” You can often get pretty close and the more curious turtles might come up to you.

What you need to remember is that the species is threatened so avoid petting or touching the turtles. However, feel free to take photos and enjoy the experience, which you are likely to encounter nowhere else.

Nighttime Diving Fun

While it’s harder to find a boat dive at night, shore dives can be a lot of fun. The wind has usually died down by that time and you may see creatures that weren’t out and about during the day. Be aware that some parks have closed and locked gates at night, so you’ll have to park outside and walk to get to the shore.

When you want the most impressive diving experience in Maui, In 2 Scuba Diving Maui Dive Co. has you covered, we have been nominated as the best Scuba diving company in Maui for years.