MileHacker Logo
Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

Hawaii, USA

Outdoor Adventures

Maui's diverse landscapes offer an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking and Trekking Routes

Haleakalā Crater Trails

The Sliding Sands Trail poses a challenge; it is long and high in elevation, leading into the crater. The Halemauʻu Trail presents steep switchbacks descending into the crater. Both trails display unique volcanic landscapes.

Pīpīwai Trail & Waiheʻe Ridge

Pīpīwai Trail (Haleakalā National Park, Kipahulu): This moderate, 4-mile (round trip) trail meanders through a lush bamboo forest, culminating at the striking 400-foot Waimoku Falls. It is a satisfying hike near Hana. Waiheʻe Ridge Trail (West Maui Mountains): A moderate to strenuous 5-mile (round trip) hike. It offers panoramic views of the central valley and coastline.

Kapalua Coastal Trail

An easy, paved, scenic walk along West Maui beaches. It gives ocean views and access to various bays.

Water Sports and Activities

  • Snorkeling/Scuba Diving: Popular spots Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay (seasonal), Kapalua Bay. Black Rock at Kaʻanapali Beach offers good snorkeling. Consider a Full face snorkel mask for comfort.
  • Surfing/Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP): Lessons and rentals available in Kihei, Lahaina, and Paia. Kihei offers beginner-friendly waves. The North Shore has larger waves in winter for experienced surfers.
  • Kayaking: Guided tours take you to sea caves or snorkeling spots. You can also rent kayaks for independent exploration.
  • Parasailing: Offered in West Maui, typically from May to December. Soar above the ocean for unique views. Jet Skiing: Limited to designated areas to protect marine life and ensure safety.

Adventure Sports and Adrenaline

  • Ziplining: Several courses across the island, including Kapalua, Kaʻanapali, and Upcountry Maui. They present aerial views of forests and valleys.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails in Makawao Forest Reserve present diverse terrain. Guided downhill tours from Haleakalā also have popularity.
  • Book these experiences in advance.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Whale Watching: From December to May, with a peak from January to March, humpback whales migrate to Hawaii's warm waters. Numerous boat tours depart from Maʻalaea Harbor or Lahaina to observe these majestic creatures. Bring Waterproof Binoculars for better viewing.
  • Sea Turtles (Honu): Commonly seen while snorkeling or resting on beaches. Observe them from a distance. Do not approach or touch them.
  • Dolphins: Spinners and bottlenose dolphins can be seen on boat tours, especially those exploring the waters between Maui and its neighboring islands.

Activity Booking

  • Book activities and experiences.
  • Consider booking Molokini Crater snorkeling tours in advance.
  • Book whale watching excursions early.
  • Secure Haleakala sunrise tours well ahead.
  • Consider Road to Hana guided tours for a smooth experience.

Important Note on Wildlife

Always observe marine wildlife from a distance and avoid touching them, as it is illegal and harmful to the animals.

Cultural Immersion

Explore Maui's rich cultural heritage through various interactive experiences.

Workshops and Classes

  • Hula Lessons: Some resorts or cultural centers offer introductory hula lessons, giving insight into this traditional dance form.
  • Lei Making: Learn the art of crafting traditional leis, understanding their cultural significance.
  • Ukulele Lessons: Learn to play the iconic Hawaiian instrument. Consider a Beginner ukulele kit if you want to continue playing after your trip.
  • Cooking Classes: Some resorts or private chefs present Hawaiian cooking classes. These deliver a hands-on method to learn about local ingredients and techniques.

Cultural Performances

Luaus

A traditional Hawaiian feast with live music, hula, and cultural performances. Popular choices include Old Lāhainā Lūʻau, Feast at Lele, and Te Au Moana (Wailea). Book these far in advance.

Hawaiian Music

Check local schedules for live Hawaiian music performances. Many restaurants or public venues feature local musicians.

Cultural Festivals and Events

Check local calendars for annual events. These include the Maui County Fair, Lahaina Banyan Tree festivals (check post-fire status), or smaller community celebrations displaying Hawaiian traditions.

Community-Based Tourism

Support local businesses, specifically in areas like Hana. This contributes directly to the community and offers authentic experiences. Seek tours and activities led by Native Hawaiians.

Spa and Wellness Centers

Most luxury resorts in Wailea and Kapalua present extensive spas. They offer various treatments, often incorporating Hawaiian-inspired therapies and local ingredients.

Traditional Healing Practices

Some spas include Lomilomi massage, a traditional Hawaiian massage technique that highlights rhythmic movements and deep tissue work.

Relaxation & Wellness

Maui offers many ways to relax and rejuvenate, from luxurious spas to serene natural settings.

Spa and Wellness Centers

  • Most luxury resorts in Wailea and Kapalua present extensive spas. They offer various treatments, often incorporating Hawaiian-inspired therapies and local ingredients.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: Some spas include Lomilomi massage, a traditional Hawaiian massage technique that highlights rhythmic movements and deep tissue work.
  • Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Various studios and retreats across the island offer yoga classes and workshops. Some focus on beachfront or outdoor sessions.
  • Beach and Pool Clubs: Many resorts offer day passes to their pool areas or cabana rentals. This provides a way to enjoy resort amenities without being a guest.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

MACC (Maui Arts & Cultural Center): Hosts major concerts and performances by local and international artists. Mulligans on the Blue (Wailea): An Irish pub with live music and ocean views. Local Bars/Restaurants: Many establishments in Kihei, Lahaina (as it rebuilds), and Paia feature live local musicians, often playing Hawaiian or contemporary music.

Nightclubs and Dancing

Maui has limited dedicated nightclubs. Some larger resorts or bars may have dance floors or DJ nights.

Bar Districts

Historically, Lahaina's Front Street had many bars (now rebuilding). Kihei has a few popular spots, especially around the strip malls. Late-Night Entertainment Options: mainly confined to resort bars or a few local establishments that stay open later. Maui is generally not known for late-night clubbing.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets and Bazaars

Maui Swap Meet (Kahului): Saturdays, this large outdoor market features local crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, and food vendors. It is a good place to find unique souvenirs. Farmer's Markets: Various locations throughout the week for fresh local produce, baked goods, and some artisan goods.

Artisan Workshops and Crafts

Maui Hands: Galleries featuring local Hawaiian artists and their work. Makawao: A historic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town. Makawao displays unique charm with art galleries, boutiques, and local eateries. Paia: Boutiques offer unique clothing, jewelry, and crafts.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

The Shops at Wailea: High-end boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants. Whalers Village (Kaʻanapali): An outdoor shopping center with national brands and local shops.

Shopping & Markets

Explore a variety of shopping opportunities, from local crafts to luxury brands.

Traditional Markets and Bazaars

  • Maui Swap Meet (Kahului): Saturdays, this large outdoor market features local crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, and food vendors. It is a good place to find unique souvenirs.
  • Farmer's Markets: Various locations throughout the week for fresh local produce, baked goods, and some artisan goods.
  • Artisan Workshops and Crafts: Maui Hands: Galleries featuring local Hawaiian artists and their work.
  • Makawao & Paia: Makawao displays unique charm with art galleries, boutiques, and local eateries. Paia: Boutiques offer unique clothing, jewelry, and crafts.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

The Shops at Wailea

High-end boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants.

Whalers Village Kaʻanapali

An outdoor shopping center with national brands and local shops.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Seek "Made in Hawaii" products. This supports local artisans and businesses directly. Be mindful of items made from protected natural resources, like black coral or certain shells, and avoid purchasing them.

Souvenirs: Maui Gold Pineapples

  • Sweet, fresh local pineapples that you can often ship home.

Souvenirs: Kona Coffee & Macadamia Nuts

  • Kona Coffee: While from Hawaiʻi Island, it is widely sold on Maui.
  • Macadamia Nuts: Available plain, flavored, or chocolate-covered.

Souvenirs: Aloha Wear & Local Art

  • Aloha Wear: Hawaiian shirts and dresses are a classic souvenir.
  • Ukuleles: Purchase one from a local music shop.
  • Local Art and Jewelry: Support local artists by purchasing their work.
  • Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Take home the good stuff to continue protecting the reefs.

Shipping and Customs Information

Large Purchases / Perishable Goods
  • For large purchases or perishable goods (like pineapples), inquire about shipping services offered by stores.
  • Standard U.S. Customs rules apply for international visitors departing with goods.
  • Keep receipts and documentation for customs.
Ethical Shopping Practices
  • Seek "Made in Hawaii" products. This supports local artisans and businesses directly.
  • Be mindful of items made from protected natural resources, like black coral or certain shells, and avoid purchasing them.
  • Prioritize sustainable and locally sourced souvenirs.

Support Local Tip

Support local artists and businesses. Look for "Made in Hawaii" labels when buying souvenirs.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Adventure Planning

  • Haleakalā Crater trails for challenging hikes and unique volcanic landscapes.
  • Snorkeling or diving at Molokini Crater or Kapalua Bay for marine life.
  • Whale watching tours from December to May for majestic humpback whales.
  • Ziplining or mountain biking for thrilling aerial views and diverse terrain.

Cultural & Relaxation Planning

  • Luaus for traditional Hawaiian feasts, music, and hula performances.
  • Hula or Ukulele lessons to learn traditional dance and music.
  • Spa and wellness centers for relaxation and traditional Lomilomi massage.
  • Local markets and artisan shops for unique souvenirs and local products.