Whether you are coming to Maui for a family vacation, a couple’s getaway, a solo adventure, or a special event, you want to maximize your time on the island. So, leave your calendar, to-do lists, and worries at home or the office. For an unforgettable, carefree vacation on the Valley Isle, just follow our recommendations of the best things to do on Maui Hawaii.
Head to the Beach
The Aloha State is famous for its tropical beaches and warm waters year round. Specifically Maui has some of the best. A local and visitor favorite on the South side is Big Beach (featured image above). As the name implies, this is a big, long sandy beach, which is part of Makena State Park and is popular with local boogie boarders. For those that are interested in getting rid of tan lines, just a short walk from Big Beach is Little Beach. However, you can’t go wrong with other South side hotspots of Wailea Beach or Kihei’s Kam 1, 2, or 3 beach parks.
Launiupoko Beach is ideal for a picnic, swimming, and/or surfing on the West side of Maui. On the other side of Lahaina is Baby Beach, which is a perfect spot for families with smaller kiddos. The resort area of Kaanapali has calm beaches, restaurants, shopping, and its famous jumping spot, Black Rock; however, the area is always popular and surrounded by resorts. Be prepared for crowds. And another winning beach is DT Fleming Beach Park (pictured above). It has lifeguards and is a safe beach for bodyboarding and swimming. In fact, from the beach, you can take a short coastal walk on the Kapalua Trail.
Be aware that parking is limited on Maui, especially at popular beach parks, restaurants, and more. An ideal alternative to renting a car in Maui is renting a golf cart. Check out why other savvy travelers are choosing to rent a street-legal golf cart on Maui.
Swim with Tropical Fish and Sea Turtles
Maui’s surrounding waters are home to an abundance of marine life. Most swimmers, snorkelers and divers are mesmerized by the many yellow tang, trumpetfish, black triggerfish and Hawaii’s state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (a mouthful for sure). However, our green sea turtles (honu) are the showstoppers. Snorkeling with them is a life-changing experience (look but no touch).
The best spots for snorkeling with turtles and tropical fish near Kihei and Wailea are Makena Landing and Turtle Town. If you are looking to snorkel in West Maui, your best bet is Honolua Bay, which is a marine sanctuary as well as a protected cove.
Surf Lessons
You only live once, right? That’s why when in Maui, you should take a surf lesson. Whether you choose to take a private lesson or a group lesson, most surf instructors and companies choose locations that are ideal for beginners. The Cove in Kihei is one of the best and safest South side surfing spots. On the West side, Guardrails and Lahaina Breakwall are common areas to take surf lessons for all levels.
Witness a Maui Sunset
A perfect finale to any great day in Maui is a sunset. We highly recommend packing a couple of chairs or a blanket and a cooler to enjoy Mother Nature’s masterpiece unfold. The best and most colorful sunset views from South and West Maui include the neighboring islands of Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai. Our top three sunset viewing spots on the island are Keawakapu Beach in Wailea (shown above), Front Street in Lahaina, and Kapalua.
Top Things to Do on Maui – Savor the Flavors of Hawaii
With all the fun in the sun, don’t forget to refuel and keep hydrated! And, why not support local restaurants and the aina (the land)? Our tasty tips: In Lahaina, for breakfast it’s Westside Bagel & Bakery. Then throughout the day, try the fish tacos at Cool Cat Cafe (yeah, the fish tacos), the Ahi Bruschetta at Honu or the miso salmon at Star Noodle. Sample a poke bowl at Miso Phat in Kahana or Kihei. Have to please everyone? Go with pizza from Manoli’s Pizza Company in Wailea or Lahaina Pizza Company. For those that are curious about local craft beers and libations, head over to Maui Brewing (two locations Kihei and Kahana), Kohola Brewery or Waikiki Brewing Company on the Westside.
Maximize your experience on the Valley Isle with our list of best things to do on Maui, Hawaii. And, if you want to have a fun, green way to get around Maui with ease, choose to rent a street legal, electric golf cart from us.
Wanna know more about fun things to do on Maui and Island EV?
Read some of our previous posts, call 808-466-7071, or email us.
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