Maui is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with warm, tropical beaches, cascading waterfalls, dazzling snorkeling spots, and hiking trails begging to be discovered.
Maui offers a plethora of activities for those seeking adventures in nature, from ziplining to surfing and everything in between. Whether you’re an adrenaline enthusiast or just love being in nature, Maui is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers.
Make the most of your next trip to the Valley Isle and tick off these Maui bucket list outdoor activities!
Hike in Haleakala
Haleakala Crater is a must-visit for outdoor lovers and should be on every Maui bucket list. Miles of hiking trails snake through this dormant volcanic crater – past towering cinder cones, along lava deserts, and through misty native shrubland.
The area is a treasure trove of history, cultural significance, and endemic plant and animal life. But so many hikers miss out on learning the fascinating details of Haleakala Crater – unless they book a Maui hiking tour.
Go Sailing
Maui is known for its perpetual tradewinds. While these pesky breezes can put a damper on your beach day, they make Maui’s waters ideal for sailing.
Take advantage of the ceaseless trades and go on a private sailing charter with Maui Custom Charters. Maui Custom Charters welcomes six guests aboard their sleek 42-foot sailboat, Nova.
How you spend your time aboard the Nova is up to you. You can snorkel, whale watch, or just kick back – but it’s a perfect time to learn to sail. The Maui Custom Charters team are passionate sailors who will happily give you a hands-on sailing lesson.
Learn To Surf
Surfing is by far the most popular outdoor activity in Hawaii! Get in on the fun and learn to surf in Kihei’s warm waters. Join in on a group lesson, or get more personalized instruction with a private lesson.
No matter which you choose, you’ll be provided with all the necessities for learning how to surf. And you can count on a fun day out on the water!
Explore Upcountry
Upcountry is one of Maui’s best-kept secrets – and it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts! Go hiking in Makawao Forest Reserve, tour fragrant lavender farms, and enjoy epic sunset views. For an in-depth guide, check out these Insider Tips for Exploring Upcountry.
It’s worth staying a few nights Upcountry to really get a feel for the area. Book a night or two at North Shore Lookout, a chic and cozy B&B just a few minutes above Makawao Town. North Shore Lookout is the perfect home base for Haleakala Crater days, and you’ll get to experience the rural, quiet side of Maui firsthand.
Snorkel Maui’s Most Famous Reefs
No trip to Maui would be complete without a snorkeling excursion. There are heaps of tours to choose from, but some are more intrepid than others. Namely, Redline Rafting’s Molokini and South Coast tour.
This thrilling rafting adventure hits the ever-famous Molokini Crater – and even stops for a snorkel at Molokini’s back wall (weather permitting). After exploring the crater, you’ll head to Maui’s raw volcanic southern coastline before visiting a bonus snorkel spot. Spinner dolphins and green sea turtles are often spotted on this tour!
Explore The Road To Hana
The colorful botanicals, waterfalls, and dramatic views on the Road to Hana inspire all who travel the route. But driving all the way to Hana and back makes for a LONG day.
Forgo the 14-hour day in favor of a Halfway to Hana Tour with Haleakala EcoTours. This excursion visits some of the best stops on the Road to Hana, like Hoʻokipa Beach Park, the Garden of Eden, and the Keʻanae Peninsula. The best part? Someone else handles the driving so that you can concentrate on the views.
Enjoy A Sunset At Sea
Maui is known for its memorable sunsets. And even though it seems like they can’t get any better, trust us, they can!
Elevate your Maui sunset experience on an Adventure Sunset Sail with Kai Kanani Sailing. You’ll take in breathtaking views of the South Maui coastline, Molokini and Kahoolawe and witness a spectacular sunset aboard Kai Kanani’s pristine catamaran. Plus, this excursion includes a spread of gourmet plated appetizers, an open bar, and a sunset champagne toast! Talk about a sunset to remember.
Go Beach Hopping
Maui has over 80 accessible beaches – more than you could dream of seeing during a weeklong stay.
Make the most of Maui’s miles of coastline and spend a day beach hopping! Explore South Maui’s caramel-colored beaches from Kamaole I down to Polo Beach. Or, poke around West Maui, from the rocky cove at Honolua Bay to Olowalu’s silvery sands. With so many beaches to choose from, this is an easy one to cross off on your Maui bucket list.
If you need beach gear like chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and snorkel equipment, Boss Frogs has you covered. This locally-owned company offers rentals daily or weekly and has several convenient locations in Kihei, Maalaea, and Lahaina.
Soar On A Zipline Tour
Looking for a little (or a lot of) thrill? Set your sights on Kapalua Zipline. On this six-line zipline tour, you’ll soar over lush valleys at dizzying heights, take in panoramic views of Maui’s northwest coast below, and reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
The thrill factor is elevated with exciting ATV rides to the zipping platforms – which also gives outdoor lovers a peek into Kapalua’s rarely-seen upland forest.
What outdoor activities are you most looking forward to on your next trip to the Valley Isle? Let us know in the comments. Safe travels!
Born and raised on Maui, I have a deep love for language and writing. At present, I work as a content writer at Hawaii Web Group, where I have the opportunity to showcase my passion for storytelling. Being a part of Hawaiian culture, storytelling holds a special place, and I am thrilled to be able to share the tales of the amazing people, beautiful locations, and fascinating customs that make Maui such an incredible place to call home.
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