Best Water & Ocean Adventures On Maui
The Hawaiian Islands are famous for so many things… and, of course, the glorious Pacific Ocean is one of the main draws. The good news is that the Valley Isle is the perfect place to make some waves. The even better news is that we offer what we think are the best Maui ocean activities you’ll find. Get ready to dive in and try some SNUBA or snorkeling. Rather paddle? Then you’ll love an SUP lesson or kayak adventure. And who wouldn’t want to reel in the “big one?” You can… whether you’re a fishing newbie or an experienced angler. Now grab your sunscreen and book your Mau Ocean adventure today!
The 4 Best Things To Do On Maui In July
Maui is such a picture-perfect, sunny vacation spot that you have to see it in the summertime. July is a great month to visit for its warm weather, fun events, and things to do. In this blog, well tell you all about the best things to do on Maui in July when the weather is hot and the beaches are teeming with life.
Discover even more things to do on Maui in our Free Vacation Guide. This exclusive planning tool gives you access to all the top attractions on the island, including local restaurants, events, shops, museums, outdoor activities, and more.
See The Dolphins At La Perouse
One of the coolest things you can do in South Maui is see the dolphins at La Perouse Bay. Pods of Spinner Dolphins visit La Perouse every day! After a rare chance to watch the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins in their natural habitat, take a short walk thru the marked trails at La Perouse Bay.
Make sure to stay on the trails because areas of La Perouse are protected Hawaiian historical sights. La Perouse Bay marks one end of the historic Kings Trail on Maui.
At La Perouse, youll see beautiful lava formations as they lead out to the sea. Sometimes you may see some people riding horses at La Perouse, and if you look closely, you may even see some wild goats running around in the Kiawe trees. You can find La Perouse at the very end of Makena Alanui Road, Highway 31. Theres a gravel parking lot, but no public restrooms or facilities. After your visit is complete, you can head back to Highway 31 to visit snorkeling coves or Makena State Beach Park en route back to Kihei.
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Day : The Road To Hana
The Road to Hana is one you will never forget and an absolute highlight on any Maui itinerary. The drive is not for the fearful though- with 52 miles of winding roads , youll want to make sure you get plenty of rest the night before!
Highway 36 is one of the most famous highways in the entire country and takes about 3 hours, but youll want to carve out an entire day on your Maui itinerary to linger around. And trust me, there are lots of stops on the road you just wont want to miss! Black sand beach, anyone?!
Remember, if youre staying in Lahaina or Paia or anywhere else other than where you end up on your drive, youll need to make your way back to where you came from. And that means even more driving time. Be sure to back some road trip snacks, read my Road to Hana guide in advance .
If you dont feel comfortable driving back in the dark or would rather let someone else do the driving , book yourself on a Road to Hana tour.
How To Get Around In Maui
Having access to a car in Maui is a must if you want to explore outside of your hotel. The attractions that we cover in this post are located all around the island and some require a bit of driving to get there.
Most rental car agencies are located at the Kahului Airport so you can easily reserve a car for when you land. For car rentals, I recommend going with a premium agency. Its always best to pay a premium for something like a rental car instead of getting stuck with a nonoperational car halfway through your trip .
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Saddle Up For A Horse Riding Excursion
If youve already ticked hiking off the list, take family-friendly exploration to another level by jumping on a trusty steed!
Led by real paniolos , horse riding adventures take guests through the islands rugged and expansive wilderness, with spectacular sights of the Pacific Ocean and Hawaiian countryside from start to finish.
Indulge In Freshly Baked Banana Bread
If youre a foodie, the Aunty Sandys Banana Bread stand is a worthwhile stop to check out in Maui! Going back as far as 1983, this local family business has been baking fresh, warm, aromatic banana bread loaves for generations. This has become a staple stop for people driving theRoad to Hana in East Maui and a great spot to grab quick, cheap snacks or lunch.
Aunty Sandys Banana Bread Stand is located in the Keanae Peninsula and will require a short detour from the Hana Highway to get there. This is a very popular stop so there is usually a line to order the Maui-famous banana bread, but dont be discouraged as the line moves very quickly.
Cost: The banana bread loaves cost $7 each.
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Board A Sunset Sailing Tour In Kaanapali
Home to a three-mile stretch of golden sand often considered one of the best beaches on Maui, Kaanapali is a local treasure.
But when you glide out onto its waters at sunset, riding the waves on a sailboat, thats when the beauty turns to magic.
Spice up the romance factor with a dinner cruise or get wild with an open bar, whatever floats your boat!
Maui Ocean Center Camp
If you have kids who love the ocean, have an interest in marine life and are currently in 1-5 grade, they will absolutely love the Pacific Whale Foundations Ocean Camp. This camp offers an amazing experience for children visiting Maui as well as residents of the island.
Ocean Campers will learn about Mauis ocean environment, make new friends while sharing daily adventures. Each week offers a new ocean-related theme with daily hands-on ocean science education, arts and crafts, and a nature-based or museum type field trip. Some weeks will include surfing and/or windsurfing lessons as well as tide pool explorations.
Ocean Camp is offered for a single day or you can sing up for the whole week. Each day begins at the Pacific Whale Foundation Discovery Center in Maalaea with an initial warm-up that includes activities that are based on the weekly theme. Campers will then enjoy an adventurous field trip and a picnic lunch. After lunch, the kids return to the Pacific Whale Foundation for the daily science lesson, games and a creative craft project.
Rest assured, the staff members at the Maui Ocean Camp are energetic and kid-friendly professionals who ensure your childs safety. They are versed in knowing how to make sure the kids are having a great time! Whether it be for just a day or for the entire week, your kids are sure to have an unforgettable Maui vacation experience with the Pacific Whales Maui Ocean Camp.
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Have Drinks At A Brewery
If youre looking for a place to enjoy a couple of beers, the Waikiki Brewing Company in Lahaina is a great place to do so! The industrial setting and open-door concept allow guests to enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean that look especially beautiful at sunset.
The Waikiki Brewing Company in Lahaina is also a great spot to go for food. With drool-worthy items like smoked wings, ribs, brisket and smoked pulled pork, our entire group agreed that this was some of the best food we had in Maui.
Cost: $5 for a draft beer
Location:900 Front St B-1, Lahaina, HI 96761
Visit The The Pools At Oheo
Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, the Oheo Pools are a series of naturally formed pools fed by a stream and connected by waterfalls. Whilst the sacred element may have just been a marketing ploy from the 20th century, the pools are nevertheless set along an idyllic valley that cuts through the jungle. Very Jurassic Park feels going on here but minus Jeff Goldbloom and a T-Rex. The connecting stream ends up literally dropping into the ocean.
One of the nicer, outdoors-y things to do in Maui, we would recommend that you get to the Sacred Pools before noon: its around this time that the sacred crowds start to appear. So make the most of the idyllic atmosphere of this sacred place by coming early.
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Sample Mauis Bounty On An Upcountry Farm Tour
Farmers in the Upcountry grow crops in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. But these growers all have one thing in common: an appreciation for the land that they want to share with others. On the morning coffee tour at Oo Farm you’ll stroll the coffee fields, sip French-press coffee and savor a garden frittata. Late risers may prefer the gourmet lunch tour, where visitors harvest their own produce for a chef-prepared meal. Baby goats frolic near samples of fresh chèvre at Surfing Goat Dairy, where child-friendly tours explore the workings of a dairy farm. Tours end with samples of vodka sipped beside sugarcane stalks at Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm & Distillery, where the flagship Ocean Vodka is made with deep-ocean mineral water sourced off the coast of the Big Island.
Drive The Spectacular Road To Hana
Driving the Road to Hana is a Maui must do. This 64-mile narrow winding road takes you from the North Shore to the remote East Coast via rainforests and waterfalls, black and golden beaches, and stunning coastal scenery.
There is plenty to see close to the road or you can do longer hikes for more adventure. Dont miss delicious homemade banana bread from the snack stands .
If you arent confident driving on curving roads with many one-lane bridges, join a guided tour instead. This will save your energy for the sights as its a tiring 10-hour return trip . Youll also learn about Hawaiian culture and history from your local guide.
This small group Road to Hana tour looks ideal. Youll visit all the highlights and it includes pick up from your hotel, breakfast and BBQ lunch, and time to swim at a beach or waterfall. It costs $186.
Or if you want to customise your own itinerary, check out this private Road to Hana tour.
If you want to drive yourself for the most flexibility, I recommend staying in Hana for a night or two. This way you can visit the most popular attractions in the morning before they get crowded.
We adored our beachfront condo at Hana Kai Mauiwatching the sunrise over the ocean from our bed was magical.
Read our guide to the best road to Hana stops for more tips.
Contributed by Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids
A great early stop on the famed Road To Hana is Twin Falls.
Our family loved this half-day Waterfall and Rainforest Hiking Tour with Hike Maui.
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Alii Kula Lavender Farm
Nestled on the slopes of Mt. Haleakala, lies the fabulous Alii Kula Lavender Farm. Founded by Agricultural Artist and Horticultural Master Alii Chang, this farm has become a cultural landmark for Maui residents and visitors. At an elevation of 4,000 feet, the Kula Lavender Farm on Maui is home to over 45 varieties of lavender and approximately 55,000 lavender plants.
Spend an afternoon visiting the Alii Kula Lavender Farm and stroll through the elaborate gardens while enjoying a sweet conversation with your friends at one of the hidden rest areas. The view faces towards the South Maui coastline, allowing for breathtaking water-colored scenes of the Pacific Ocean stretching all the way to the West Maui Mountain Range.
A true sense of aloha can most definitely be experienced from the Alii Kula Lavender Farm. Check out their Daily Guided Walking Tours to learn more about lavender cultivation, the many species, and Kulas micro-climate. The staff, gardeners, and groundskeepers are extremely knowledgeable of sustainable horticulture, and all lavender species. Your sense will be on a calm overload as you breathe in the peace, beauty, and tranquility of this awesome Maui attraction. Make sure to check out the onsite Lavender boutique, where you can find an abundance of locally made Lavender infused goods. Each product has been developed by the Alii Kula Lavender Farm integrating sustainability, innovation, and a love for the Island of Maui.
Try Pineapple Wine At The Mauiwine Winery
As one of the islands most revered wineries, Maui Wines at Ulupalakua Ranch is an essential stop for the oenophiles among us.
Once seated in the 150-year-old Kings Cottage tasting room, choose from the tasting menu, wines by the glass, flights, and wine cocktails, covering both sparkling and traditional varieties. For a truly local experience, make sure to sample the pineapple wine.
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Things To See In Maui
While Maui activities may seem to be calling your name, there are some things worth seeing on the island that are a bit less adventurous than diving beneath the sea or hiking a rainforest. For instance, the museums and art galleries in Maui offer intriguing exhibits. Learn something new as you walk through sites like Hana Coast Gallery or Whalers Village Museum. Take in a Ulalena show that only Hawaii could put on at the Maui Theater or a classic magic show at Warren and Annabelles.
Front Street Fireworks Show
If youre looking for Fourth of July festivities, Lahaina is the place to be. With an estimated 20,000 people, the towns afternoon/evening block party is one of the biggest of the year. A grand fireworks display takes place around 8pm. Launched from a barge located just offshore, this is one fireworks show you wont want to miss. If youre looking for the action, head straight to Front Street. A few restaurants notably Fleetwoods on Front Street, Kimos, and Lahaina Fish Co. have oceanfront dining thats great for grabbing a drink and watching the show. For a truly memorable evening, opt for a special boat cruise. Sunset cruises leave out of Lahaina and Maalaea Harbors and give you a front row seat to the fireworks. On a budget? Bust out your lawn chair and enjoy the show from one of West Mauis gorgeous, white sand beaches. Fireworks can be seen for miles from beaches just south of Lahaina all the way to Kaanapali.
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Wake Up With Mauigrown Coffee
Coffee aficionados, youve just found your paradise.
The 500-acre MauiGrown Coffee estate nestled in the West Maui Mountains grows several varieties of Arabica beans, serving both roasted coffee and green coffee .
One visit to this plantation-style roastery and youll never think of a cup of joe the same way again.
Best Things To Do In Maui Hi Top Activities & Places To Go
- Emily Appelbaum
Palm trees, lots of fine sand beaches, nature trails, wildlife, volcanic remnants, and tropical scenery what else do you need for a perfect getaway to Hawaii?
Well, Maui has a lot more to offer than the usual tropical paradise.
From a lavender farm, brewery, and bamboo forest to the worlds most majestic golf course, youll be surprised at the many secrets tucked away in an island named after an ancient demigod.
If youre thinking of dropping by Maui when in Hawaii, here are the best things to do in Maui, HI for you to consider.
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Drive The Coast In A Maui Roadster
Any Maui visitor should squeeze a coastal drive into the itinerary, thats a given. But for the ultimate road trip, thats where the Maui Roadsters come into play.
When youre cruising down the cliffside highway in a 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster Convertible, one of automotive historys most iconic sports cars, that exact feeling of blissful freedom is what vacation is all about.
Lahaina’s Front Street Halloween Celebration
The Historic Lahaina Town on the West side of Maui hosts quite possibly the nations best Halloween celebration. Front Street is closed down from vehicles, and pedestrians in incredible outfits flow through the long oceanfront street. Find out more about Maui’s Lahaina Halloween.
We are writing more information as we go. Our editors only write about the events directly after having participated in them. Mahalo for your patience!
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Every 1st Friday of the month, Wailuku Town has a big party!
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Every 2nd Friday of the month, Lahaina Town has a big party!
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Every 3rd Friday of the month, Makawao Town has a big party!
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Every 4th Friday of the month, Kihei Town has a big party!
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Obon Festival + Nuka + Haleakala
About 5 years ago I went to the Obon festival and it has continued to be one of my favorite July activities year after year.
Summer means more than just hotter-than-usual weather in Hawaii: its also the season of Obon Festivals, a Japanese-Buddhist custom of honoring deceased loved ones. But solemn they are notthe fests are filled with tons of color and heaps of energy. Julys bon celebrations are held at missions across the island, but check out Paias Rinzai Zen Buddhist Mission for one of the most exciting.
Keep the theme going with sake, specialty sushi rolls, and black sesame ice cream at Nuka before hopping on board with Skyline Hawaii. Expert guides will give you the goods on Mauis history and geology as they provide a tour of upcountry before reaching the acme of one of the worlds largest dormant volcanos . The info is bound to amaze, but its the majestic size and sweeping views that will blow you away.
