A Guide to Things to do in Maui

So you have chosen Maui as your family vacation destination and are wondering, “What are some things to do in Maui”? You can spend many hours outdoors on Maui enjoying the ocean, scenery and fun adventures.

Marine watching adventures are the most popular thing to do in Maui. Maui has priceless and protected eco-reserves, with schools of spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, whales and hundreds of tropical fish.

Atlantis Submarine

Our most favorite thing to do on Maui, for everyone in your family over 36” inches, is the Atlantis Submarine.

Atlantis is a 100% real submarine that takes you down to depths of a 120’ to view the Carthaginian, a replica whaling ship that was sunk of the coast in 2005. In addition to the ship you will see all the marine species of tropical fish unique to the Hawaii and an occasional shark or sea ray.

Here is some video footage of our recent Atlantis Submarine tour. It truly is fantastic and a once in a life time experience that is a must do on your list of things to do in Maui.

Maui Ocean Center and Aquarium

Maui Ocean Center is another thing to do in Maui, that really is a must do. At the Maui Ocean Center and Aquarium explore vibrant exhibits with live coral and colorful marine life found only in Hawaii.

Enjoy playful sea turtles, graceful sea jellies, and fascinating sea horses. Travel through a 54-foot tunnel completely surrounded by a 750,000 gallon display tank filled with sharks, sting rays and thousands of fish. Here is a video clip from inside the Maui Ocean Center:

Whale Watching

Humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands each year arriving in November and staying until mid-May. This is a great time to plan your Maui vacation and plan your number one thing to do in Maui, a guided whale watching tour.

No matter when you visit Maui snorkeling should be on your list of things to do in Maui. Snorkeling at Molokini is an amazing experience.

Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater, with visibility to 150 feet and 250 distinct marine species all for you viewing pleasure. Half day boat trips to Molokini, guarantee you will see Marine life.

These cruises are perfect for almost anyone, no matter your age, or swimming experience. The morning trip typically leaves around 6:30am or 7am and lasts about 5, hours or if you are not an early riser, the afternoon trip leaves around 1pm and last 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Depending on the cruise boat you choose in addition to your snorkel gear and floating devises some boats have waterslides, wet suites, fresh water showers, BBQ lunches and more.

Paddle Boarding and Kayaking

For those more comfortable in Ocean waters and to get up close and personal with the turtles in the Maui waters. Try adding Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Kayaking to your list of things to do in Maui. Paddle boards and Kayaks can be rented for one hour to one week at several locations in Maui.

Surf Lessons

For the more adventurous, Surf lessons might be added to your list of things to do in Maui. Most companies claim they can have you surfing after one hour of lessons.

Hiking

For those more into hiking and or horseback riding a trip to Hana should be added to your list of things to do in Maui.

On the road to Hana you can stop at Twin Falls, the first of many waterfalls, but here you can take a gentle hike and easily get into the water.

Next stop is Waikamoi, this is one of the most beautiful 70’ waterfalls on Maui.

The next thing to visit along the road is the Garden of Eden arboretum and botanical garden.

After the arboretum, and across from Pua’a Ka’a State Park, a lovely 20’ waterfall can be found with two small swimming holes.

Your next stop will be the town of Hana.

9 miles past Hana you will find Ohe’O Gulch (seven sacred pools), this is a great place to play and swim.

Located just above the seven sacred pools is one of the best hikes in Maui. It's 4 miles roundtrip and reaches elevations of 650 feet, allow two hours for this hike. If hiking is your thing to do in Maui then this is the hike for you, enjoy a walk through an amazing bamboo forest ending at the 400’ breathtaking Waimoku Falls.

Horseback Riding

For those with horseback riding on their list of things to do in Maui the next stop would be the Maui Stables at Kipahula. The Maui stable offers one 3.75 hour trip daily.

Whatever you choose to put on your things to do in Maui list be sure and leave time for relaxing and slowing down or “Hanging Loose” as the locals like to say. Maui has it's own way of living, relaxed and slow paced. Time takes on a different meaning. Work ends early or is cancelled when "Surf's Up". Lines are slower because people talk stories and they like it that way. So kick back relax and enjoy your Maui Vacation.

More US State vacation ideas besides Things to do in Maui here.