Everyone who visits the Hawaiian island of Maui inevitably comes across the saying Maui nō ka ‘oi. In case your Polynesian is a bit rusty, here’s the English translation: Maui is the best. With a slogan like that, you’d better believe there are plenty of fun things to do in Maui.
While majestic Maui may no longer be the “secret” travel destination it once was, it’s still a great destination for travelers looking for an authentic Hawaiian getaway. If you’re considering visiting this second largest Hawaiian island in the near future, please take a good look at the list below. We will detail the top five fun things to do in Maui that are certain to make your trip extremely memorable.
1. Hike Around Haleakala National Park
No region is more beloved in Maui than the Haleakala National Park. Officially established in 1916, the park spans some 30,000 acres and contains both a volcanic crater and the highest summit in the entire island. Experienced travelers recommend sitting at the top of the Haleakala volcano early in the morning to watch the sunrise. There are tons of hiking areas around here to enjoy the local flora and fauna. People who like to camp can stay in this national park overnight in the designated Wilderness Campgrounds.
Whether you focus on taking pictures of the local birds in the brushlands, marveling over the Ka Lu’u o ka ‘O’o cinder cone, or investigating Maui’s unique local plants, visiting the Haleakala National Park is one of the most amazing natural areas in all of Hawaii.
2. Golf At One Of Maui’s Top Courses
Maui is a golf lover’s paradise. This island has a total of 14 courses, many of which are considered some of the most beautiful in the world. Some of the most respected golf courses to try out include the Makena Golf & Beach Club in the southern portion of the island and the Dunes at Maui Lani in the center. Both of these golf courses have some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery surrounding them. A few other beautifully designed golf courses include the challenging Wailea Gold Course, the easier Wailea Emerald Course, and the gorgeous Kapalua Bay Golf Course.
Depending on when you visit Maui, you might even be able to catch the PGA TOUR’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions, which is held here annually. It’s pretty safe to say that golf enthusiasts will find plenty of fun things to do in Maui.
3. Scuba Dive In Molokini Crater
The Molokini Crater is only about 3 miles southwest of Maui proper. Scuba divers and snorkelers absolutely love visiting the waters by this crescent islet due to the rich biodiversity of the region. You can easily hop on a charter boat from harbors like Maalaea or Lahaina to get here. Since this is a relatively popular tourist draw, you should have no difficulties finding a tour group to equip you with all your necessary scuba gear.
If you want to have a more intimate experience of scuba diving around this crater, be sure to wake up early and hop on the earliest charter boat.
Although there are many other scuba diving places in Maui, Molokini Crater is considered one of the best in the entire state.
4. Snorkel Around Turtle Town
Honestly, who doesn’t love turtles? What? You say you don’t like turtles? Well then, maybe you need some turtle therapy in Maui’s Turtle Town district. Located on the island’s southern shore, this area is considered a great snorkeling destination for people who love to observe green sea turtles in their natural habitat.
The best area for snorkeling along this long stretch of coastline is considered to be the Maluaka Beach area. The crystal clear water makes it very easy to spot various fish and turtles as you snorkel. Observing the cute critters in Turtle Town definitely deserves a spot on our fun things to do in Maui list.
After you’re done exploring the local marine life, you could relax and sunbathe on the white sand beaches.
5. Take a Trip To the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
Scientists have recently begun documenting the healing benefits of lavender. Just the smell of this purple plant helps people overcome both insomnia and anxiety. If you want to learn even more about this miraculous plant, then why not go on a tour of the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm while in Maui?
Although it might not be on most travelers’ radar screens, a professional tour of this farm is definitely an experience you won’t soon forget. The farm offers daily walking tours, a gourmet picnic lunch, and even a lavender treasure hunt for children. After your tour, you can purchase some of the farm’s numerous products as gifts for friends back home…or perhaps just for yourself!
A day trip to the gorgeous Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm may not be on many other lists of “fun things to do in Maui,” but we think it qualifies as a hidden gem on the island.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it. These are the top five fun things to do in Maui. Even though Maui is a relatively small island, there are loads of ways to have fun here. As you could tell from our list of fun things to do in Maui, this island is most often celebrated for its pristine natural scenery. You won’t find big cities here like Honolulu, but you will find plenty of areas to relax, snorkel, and re-connect with Mother Nature Hawaiian-style.
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive and there are plenty of fun things to do in Maui we couldn’t include here. But part of the fun of a vacation is discovering things for yourself! So, go ahead. Book your plane ticket to Kahului Airport right now to begin your own Polynesian adventure.
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