Maui's Must See and Do

When travelers think of traveling to Hawaii, their image more often than not focuses on the stunning island of Maui.  A client of mine planning a week-long trip to the island recently asked what would be my top five things to do in Maui.  Though a challenging task, I narrowed down so many things to see and do to just five.

Go to the Top of Haleakala
An inactive volcano, it provides the perfect spot to stargaze or watch the sunrise.  The top of Haleakala is the highest point on Maui and the views are wonderful.  It works best to plan a sunrise visit to Haleakala the first or second morning of your vacation, particularly if you are coming from the mainland.  You'll be jet lagged and have no problems waking up early enough to catch some star gazing before sunrise.  With the elevation of Haleakala summit being over 10000 feet above sea level, temperatures are chilly compared to Maui's beaches.  Be prepared by bringing a jacket or sweater.

Spend a Day Touring the Road to Hana
This coastal road winds through a rain forest.  You'll see beautiful beaches, lava cliffs, and waterfalls.  Everyone calls this curvy drive "the road  to Hana", but don't stop in Hana.  You should actually drive 10 miles beyond Hana on Highway 31 to the Kipahulu area, which is also part of Haleakala National Park.  On you arrive at Kipahulu, you can do some short hikes along the coast and to the Oheo Gulch.  (Oheo Gulch is also known as the "seven sacred pools", but that's not the correct Hawaiian name and there is nothing sacred about them.)  If you have time (2.5 hours) and energy available, hike the Pipiwai Trail through a bamboo forest up to towering Waimoku Falls.

There are loads of great stops along the road.  As you return back to your resort from your drive to Hana, if you have time and daylight, take a few minutes to watch the windsurfers at Hookina Beach Park just east of Paia on Hana Highway.

Take a Snorkeling or Diving Cruise/Sail to Molokina
This crescent shaped to of an extinct volcano is a bird and marine sanctuary.  It is one of the top snorkeling spots in Hawaii.  In addition to the good snorkeling, taking the boat ride out to the crater offers wonderful views of Maui.  In winter months, the boat ride often ends up being an unofficial whale watching cruise, too.  I recommend booking this excursion for early morning when channel water is typically the smoothest.

See the Iao Valley State Park
The park is beautiful, impressive and rich with Hawaiian history.  The star of the park has to be the velvet Iao Needle, that stands 2250 feet high.

Watch for Humpback Whales
One of the most popular Maui seasonal activities; with peak months being January through March, but you may see the whales from around December through April.  You can either watch from shore or take a whale watching tour.

5 Great Adventures To Do on Maui

If you ask most people to describe the island of Maui, in the state of Hawaii, many will describe it as the perfect beach vacation.  And for most people visiting the island for that perfect beach getaway.  From the lush and green Kaanapali area on the west side of the island to the sun drenched Wailea area on the southside, each area has great beachfront resorts, fantastic restaurants, and miles of sun drenched beaches to live out your small slice of paradise in paradise.  But if vacationing in paradise means wanting to do more than sitting on a beach, then Maui has a great deal more to offer you.  Here are five of my favorite activities away from the beach for the explorers and adventurers in our lives.

Molokini Snorkeling
There are plenty of great spots to snorkel and scuba dive around Maui, and I like to suggest Molokina because it offers a whole package of fun in one trip.  You'll cruise on the on the water and see Maui from a different perspective.  You may see dolphins and whales in season, and if the trip allows, you can do 2 snorkeling sessions: 1 at Molokina Crater and another with loads of green sea turtles.

Bike Haleakala
For the adventurous, riding a bike down a volcano sounds like a great start to the day.  Luckily, many Maui bike companies offer van tours for those looking to see the crater in complete comfort.  Either way, viewing sunrise from on top of the world is something you will never forget.  It's a blissful moment that can only be matched by many effortless miles downhill on a bike.

Road to Hana
I can't say enough about doing the Road to Hana.  Driving this road and enjoying the sights, smells, and people along the way is something you will never forget.  Waterfalls, coastal cliff line, and lush jungle will make you think you've gone to heaven ( if that's your sort of thing).

Fishing
Maui waters are abundant with tropical fish of many kinds.  Take advantage of a seasoned, skilled fishermen captains when choosing the right vessel for your Maui fishing trip, and have an experience to always be remembered.

Explore by Helicopter
Many of the most beautiful spots on the island are inaccessible in any other way than by helicopter tour. Hover next to towering waterfalls, cruise along rugged volcanic coastline, and enjoy the majestic beauty of Haleakala Crater above the clouds.  You can even hop across the channels to see the sea-cliff waterfalls of Molokai or the coast of the Big Island.