12 Finest Issues To Do In Maui For First Timers

This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, when you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.

For those who’ve by no means been to Maui in Hawaii earlier than, you might be about to be dazzled! Maui is likely one of the greatest islands in Hawaii to go to in your first time in Hawaii as a result of it presents the whole lot that Hawaii is thought for – volcanoes, jungles, seashores, wildlife in abundance, and that aloha spirit that may solely be present in Polynesian tradition.

Evidently, there’s a plethora of issues to do in Maui to get you acquainted with Hawaiian tradition, study its historical past, and witness its unspoiled magnificence. You received’t wish to miss any of them.

For those who’re about to embark in your first journey to Maui however undecided what to do, listed below are some actions and sights you can’t miss to have the total Maui expertise.

1. Go snorkeling

Maui is likely one of the greatest locations to go snorkeling in all of the Hawaiian islands.

There are a number of locations the place you would possibly wish to go snorkelling on the island, such because the marine conservation district of Molokini Crater the place reef fish rule the waters, or the coastal areas of Turtle City, Honolua Bay, and Coral Gardens, the place you possibly can benefit from the clear heat waters teeming with colourful coral and Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles.

For those who’re basing your self in Kaanapi Seaside, within the West Maui Mountains, or Wailuku in South Maui, then you possibly can go for a snorkeling tour which supply journeys to widespread snorkel spots by way of a ship cruise. This can be a nice solution to snorkel for households, seniors, and people on a brief go to.

Snorkeling excursions on Maui sometimes embody breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and even an open bar.

2. Drive the highway to Hana

The drive to Hana is a well-liked scenic drive which takes you from the South to North on the Valley Isle.

The drive takes a full day, and takes you down slender one-lane roads, previous cliff-hugging scenic magnificence, by way of tropical rainforests, and to get a glimpse of a parade of dazzling waterfalls.

The drive is over 50 miles and has 600 curves and 59 bridges (when you get automobile sick, make sure you put together for this).

Nonetheless, the surroundings alongside the way in which is awe-inspiring. Uncover a terraformed peninsula, black sand seashores, lava tubes, and a lot extra.

When hiring a rental automobile, take into account getting a jeep wrangler or 4X4 as there are some unsealed roads you possibly can take as a detour. In addition they look so cool with the highway to Hana surroundings.

Learn our full information on driving the Street to Hana for extra suggestions.

3. Surf, kayak, outrigger canoe, or SUP

Hawaii is all about hanging on the seaside. These beach-launched ocean actions are a number of the best issues to do whereas in Maui.

One can hire and study on the whim in locations like Ka’anapali, Kihei, and Kapalua Bay.

Nothing is extra ego-boosting and satisfying than getting out on the ocean and studying a brand new talent, or making use of abilities to a brand new locale. Those that desire to take formal classes or guided excursions can actually e book prematurely.

Hawaiian Paddle Sports activities is a one-stop-shop for all of those actions.

4. Attend an Previous Lahaina Luau on Maui

A Luau is a conventional Hawaiian feast, paired with dancing, leisure, and music. They’re a manner for residents to have fun and are available collectively.

Nobody denies that this expertise is way from the normal yard feasts that locals take pleasure in for birthdays, weddings, graduations, and different household gatherings.

Nonetheless, the Luau ritual is a singular a part of Hawaiian tradition, and you’ll at all times discover one occurring, particularly for vacationers.

It’s a solution to collect for a night of fine meals, drink, and leisure that ranges from candy and sluggish to fierce and flaming.

There are lots of methods to Luau, and so they vary in value, so choose one which meets your wants and wishes.

Laua’s at resorts are widespread with those that don’t wish to wander far for the night’s leisure and may provide something from the straightforward to extravagant. Whereas the extra conventional ones provide a particular locale for an evening out.

All provide a wonderful night below the celebs with a beautiful sundown backdrop and a balmy breeze together with the roasted pork and poi.

Sure, as soon as in a lifetime could be sufficient, however that one time is actually to not be missed.

5. Eat the native meals in Maui

The number of cultures and cuisines in Hawaii make it a foodie paradise. Tasting your manner across the island is likely one of the extra attention-grabbing and satisfying pursuits on Maui, and may vary from the fast consuming snacks and cheap to the opulent and romantic.

Nonetheless, there are various distinctive tastes on Maui that shouldn’t be handed up.

Attempt these completely different Maui dishes for a culinary journey into Maui tradition:

• Poke – spiced and seasoned uncooked tuna.
• Guri Guri – milky frozen sherbet good for after the seaside.
• Okazuya – all SPAM musubi is okazuya however not all okazuya is SPAM musubi
• Manju – little pastry pies with candy fillings.
• Saimin – noodles in clear broth topped with inexperienced onions, candy and bitter pork and extra.
• Shave ice – a desert of shaved ice with fruit, flavored syrups, and different toppings which originated from Japan.

Go to a few of Maui’s prime eating places to savor the contemporary seafood delicacies or hit our favourite native spots for an on a regular basis tackle these attention-grabbing dishes.

Mama’s Fish Home will get a point out as a result of it’s a world well-known restaurant serving contemporary seafood purchased from the fishermen every day.

Why not attempt a Maui meals tasting tour? This can be a nice solution to expertise the actual style of Maui by way of tradition and historical past with an area skilled. They have an inclination to go to 7 native eating places within the coronary heart of Wailuku, and offer you an opportunity to pattern 17 genuine Hawaiian dishes and native specialities as you style domestically brewed beers.

6. Expertise a Maui Halloween

Out of all of Maui’s festivals and celebrations occurring on the gorgeous island of Maui every year, one of the best and by far probably the most raucous is Halloween.

Individuals collect alongside Entrance Road in Lahaina for a night of kiddie parades, costume watching, and bar hopping together with a number of frivolity each October thirty first.

It’s a grass roots celebration that has been rising like a juggernaut by phrase of mouth for over 25 years. At the moment it has turn into extra of a household affair with adults lingering later into the night.

A few of the extra frequent occasions embody Wailuku’s First Friday occasion each month that features eating places, galleries, arts and crafts together with leisure.

Obon Competition runs by way of summer season together with the Outrigger Canoe Regatta season. All are price consideration for many who love tradition.

7. Windsurf at Ho’okipa Seaside Park

That is one thing you are able to do on the path to Hana! Ho’okipa Seaside Park is taken into account probably the greatest windsurfing seashores on this planet.

It’s not probably the most lovely seaside, but it surely’s a superb place to wind surf or look out for Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles.

8. Hike the Haleakala Summit, Haleakalā Nationwide Park

Hike as much as see the summit of Haleakala, a dormant volcano in Haleakala Nationwide Park and discover its large crater with outdated lava flows and views of the Iao Valley.

For those who don’t really feel like mountain climbing, you possibly can drive, however be conscious that it’s 10,023 toes above sea stage so drive slowly to keep away from altitude illness.

The park can also be a sacred web site for the individuals.

In case you didn’t know, Maui was named after the mythological demigod of Polynesia, who is claimed to have raised the heavens, snared the solar and found hearth, the island of Maui is the second most populated and the second largest island within the Hawaiian Island Chain.

It’s stated that Maui as soon as stood on the prime of the volcano and lassoed the solar from the sky. That is probably one of many the reason why dawn is so breathtaking right here!

The park can also be house to some uncommon species of endangered animals that are cared for by the park rangers.

Head up for dawn for a memorable sight – see unimaginable vistas awash in pinks and oranges because the morning solar casts its heat glow on the panorama.

9. Search for dolphins on the Forbidden Coast

The Forbidden Coast extends from Kihei to Wailea and is thought to be a dolphin scorching spot.

For journey lovers, take a raft to seek out dolphins alongside this stretch of coast, or drive alongside the highway and see when you can spot them from the shore.

10. Black Sand Seaside at Wai’anapanapa State Park

Wai’anapanapa State Park is legendary Pai’iloa Seaside, a small however strikingly lovely seaside with the black sand, surrounded by verdant inexperienced flowers, and turquoise waters.

The black sand is the results of volcanic lava circulation which cooled, hardened, and has been damaged into items by the waves over hundreds of years.

The interpretation for Wai’anapanapa means “glistening water” or “water flashing rainbow hues”, each of that are correct!

Yow will discover extra in-depth data and make a reservation for Wai’napanapa State Park right here.

There are loop mountain climbing trails to take you to sea arches, blowholes, caves, lava tubes and gorgeous view to the East Maui shoreline throughout the park.

11. Hike to The Seven Sacred Swimming pools

The Ohe’o Gulch, which interprets to “One thing Particular” is situated throughout the Haleakala Nationwide Park.

This space is thought for its seven sacred swimming pools, which many are open for swimming.

Yow will discover the swimming pools on the Waimoku Falls path off the Pipiwai Path.

A correct map and information could be important as there is no such thing as a signage in anyway saying how shut you had been to the swimming pools.

12. Hike from Hana to the Bamboo Forests

The bamboo forest is a singular pure panorama not removed from Hana city in a verdant valley.

It’s accessible by way of the Pipiwai Path, the place you possibly can flip into the bamboo forest from mile marker 7.

The path additionally passes a number of gorgeous waterfalls, the spotlight of which is the 200 foot Makahiku Falls which has an “Infinity Pool” on the prime, although it’s not advisable to swim in it.

Discover the path map right here.

Earlier than You Go

This island paradise is at the very least a 5-hour jaunt from wherever aside from the opposite Hawaiian islands, so when you’re going to make the journey to Maui, it is advisable do it proper.

For a lot of vacationers, the Valley Isle is a vacation spot of dreamy proportions. Those that are fortunate to have a number of superb days on this magical island ought to put collectively an itinerary that embraces all the sights and actions attainable.

Earlier than you go, take into account one of the best time to go to Maui earlier than reserving. One of the best time is between mid-Might and mid-June and after Labor Day and earlier than Thanksgiving. At the moment, the costs are extra inexpensive, the crowds are skinny, the bargains are bountiful and particular occasions and festivals are an added bonus.

Another suggestions for visiting Maui are:

• Plan to reach on the island within the early afternoon so you possibly can drive within the day mild. Maui’s roads are two-lane, coastal, and unlighted.
• Ebook as many issues prematurely as attainable as excursions do usually get booked up.
• island time needs to be leisure time, plan for some days of nothing as properly!
• By no means put your swimsuit in checked baggage. In the event that they lose your luggage at the very least you possibly can nonetheless go to the seaside.
• Put a cheap cooler in your rental automobile. Hold it stuffed with drinks/water.
• You’ll want a automobile to get round Maui. Rent a rental automobile right here.

Fashionable Excursions in Maui

Extra Hawaii Journey Suggestions

Planning an even bigger trip to Hawaii? Listed below are another useful guides that will help you plan your journey.

Pin To Save It On Pinterest