As you may know, Maui is known as the “Garden Isle” because of its lush tropical environment. There are many things to do in Maui, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, hiking, etc. With so many options, it makes me think about how to choose them and what beach activities in Maui are possible?
There is a multitude of activities to do in Maui. Water sports are a big part of living on Maui, and many different ways to enjoy the water. Some people prefer to relax by the pool while others enjoy paddling around in boats. There are even people who enjoy hiking to waterfalls and volcanos. Hiking to waterfalls and volcanoes is a unique experience because you get to see the beauty of nature up close.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Hawaii is the islands’ beaches. There are many different types of beaches found throughout the islands. Most people associate beaches with sand, but there are many different types of beaches; each has its unique characteristics. Some beaches have white sands, while others have black sands. They range in size, from small coves to larger bays.
In this article, I’ll cover well-known beach activities that you can do on Maui, list some activities you can do as a couple or as a family, and list some unusual and unique activities. Additionally, I’ll use some profiles of Rick, Jack, and Sara & Jake to see how they might choose the right activities. Perhaps you can relate to one of them and follow their choice. Keep reading. You don’t want to miss it!
What Is the Nicest Beach in Maui? – An Overview of Maui Beaches
There are many beautiful beaches in Maui, but the nicest one is probably Kaanapali Beach. It is a wide, sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling. It is also close to many shops and restaurants. Interestingly, if we ask the locals, the nicest beach in Maui is Honolua Bay.
Honolua Bay – is a long and narrow crescent-shaped beach that stretches for almost four miles. The sand at Honolua Bay is white and soft, and the water is crystal clear. There are no waves at Honolua Bay, so it’s perfect for children or beginner surfers. Honolua Bay is also great for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and kayaking/paddling/SUPing.
Maui Beach Overview – A Short List of The Main Beaches
Several beaches are located on the east side of the island that is good for swimming and sunbathing. The west side of the island is home to some of the most beautiful secluded beaches, perfect for those who want to relax in peace.
Visitors can find a wide variety of activities at Maui’s beaches, including surfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, etc.
Here is a shortlist of the main Maui beaches:
1) Ka’anapali Beach – This world-famous beach stretches for over two miles and offers plenty of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and paddleboarding.
2) Wailea Beach – This secluded beach is perfect for those looking for some quiet. It’s also great for swimming, sunbathing, and whale watching in the winter months.
3) Kapalua Bay Beach – This crescent-shaped beach has crystal clear water and is a great spot for snorkeling. It’s also popular with windsurfers.
4) Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – This protected bay features clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a favorite spot for snorkelers and scuba divers.
5) Makena Beach – Makena Beach is one of the most popular shorelines in Maui, Hawaii, with dramatic cliff landscapes and brilliant blue/green water. It’s often referred to as “Maui’s Big Beach” because it is one of the largest beaches on the island, with golden sands extending nearly 1.5 miles long and 100 yards wide.
Beach Activities to Do on Maui Beaches
Some great beach activities on Maui’s beaches include swimming, sunbathing, surfing, bodyboarding, fishing, and windsurfing.
I can recommend the fishing charter boats. They start early in the morning, and you can fish for half a day or all day long. Although I didn’t catch a Mahi Mahi during my trip, I was satisfied with the amount of fish for a half-day fishing trip.
On the west coast of Maui, you will find Ka’anapali Beach. It is a great place to swim, surf, and sunbathe. There are also a lot of restaurants and shops in the area.
If you’re looking for something different, check out the east coast of Maui. You’ll find Hana Bay, known for its black sand beaches and lush vegetation. There are also some great hiking trails in the area.
What Would Rick Do in Maui?
Let’s take an example and see what Rick would choose to do in Maui. Rick is a 19-year-old college student who lives on the West Coast of the US and frequently chooses to go to the beach. He has a two-week holiday and has decided to spend seven days in Maui. Rick has an adventurous streak in him, and he is familiar with beach activities in the water, so a trip to Maui allows him to try even more water sports.
He doesn’t like complexity so much, so he opts for snorkeling because it’s easy to do and you don’t need any fancy equipment. He purchases a full snorkeling set up to make it fast and easy, which you can use on other vacations.
Although he can surf and has tried it many times on his beaches back home, it is not his passion, so he doesn’t choose to go surfing. He has an adventurous streak, so he is attracted to trying windsurfing or Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling. He wants to do something that he can’t get back home in his hometown.
What Should You Not Miss on Maui – Some Additional Fun Activities
You should not miss some of the top things you should not miss on your trip to Maui include the Road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, the beaches, and Lahaina Town.
Black Sand Beach is one of the attractions you don’t want to miss on Maui.
If you’re looking for a beautiful black sand beach to relax on, check out Wai’anapanapa Beach. This short, steep trail leads down to the beachfront and is well worth the hike. You can stop at mile marker 32 on the Road to Hana and check out this black sand beach – with your shoes off!
Top Maui Ocean Activities
1. Surfing
Surfing is one of the most popular sports in Hawaii. It is a sport where you stand up on a surfboard and ride the waves. Surfers usually wear wetsuits and use fins to move through the water.
There are different types of surfing. Stand-up surfing is done on flat boards while bodysurfing is done on shortboards. Both require a lot of balance and coordination.
Stand-up surfing requires a lot of strength and endurance. A surfer must hold himself steady on the board and paddle well. He must also be able to catch the wave and control his speed.
Bodysurfers don’t need as much strength and endurance. They need to be able to swim fast enough to catch the wave.
If you’ve been surfing for a while, you might be interested in taking lessons. Surf schools offer private lessons as well as group classes.
2. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is another popular activity in Maui. It is an underwater adventure where you go into the ocean and explore coral reefs and other marine life.
To snorkel, you wear a mask and breathe through a snorkel tube. The tube connects to your mouth and nose.
You can see fish, corals, and other sea creatures when snorkeling. Some people like to collect shells and rocks while snorkeling.
3. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is diving where you dive using equipment such as tanks, regulators, masks, and fins. Scuba divers can travel deeper than surface divers because they can breathe air instead of pure oxygen.
Scuba diving is very relaxing because there’s no stress involved. You can relax and enjoy the scenery.
4. Stand up Paddling
Stand-up paddling (SUP) is a sport where people stand on paddleboards and move through the water using their arms and legs. It’s a fun way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. SUP is growing in popularity because it’s easy to learn and inexpensive. There are many different types of boards to choose from, ranging from beginner to advanced.
5. Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Paddling
The Hawaiian outrigger canoe is one of the oldest forms of paddling known to man. Polynesians used it for thousands of years before Europeans arrived in Hawaii. Today, the Hawaiian outrigger canoe remains a popular sport and tourist attraction.
6. Kitesurfing
Kiteboarding has become one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years. It combines windsurfing and kitesurfing into one sport. The kiteboarder uses a kite to pull them through the air instead of sailing as a windsurfer does. It allows the rider to travel farther distances and at higher speeds.
7. Windsurfing
Windsurfing is one of the most popular sports in Hawaii. There are many different types of windsurfers, but they require a lot of practice before you can take off. The sport is fun, but it’s also a great workout. It helps build strength, endurance, and balance.
8. Sport Fishing Tours
The sportfishing tours are one of the most popular activities in Hawaii. It is not only because they offer excellent fishing but also because they allow you to enjoy the islands’ beauty. There are many different types of fish that you can catch during this activity. Some include marlin, tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, barracuda, etc. These fish are usually caught by using lures.
Main Attractions on Maui
Some of the main attractions on Maui include the Haleakala National Park, the Road to Hana, the Lao Valley, and Lahaina Town. These attractions offer something unique and interesting that makes Maui a popular destination for tourists.
The Main Attractions on Maui include:
– Lahaina
– Wailea
– Kihei
Day trips popular with tourists from Maui include a trip to Haleakala National Park and smaller-group excursions like driving to Hāna or taking a helicopter ride to see the sunset at Molokini.
Another major attraction on Maui is Haleakala National Park. This massive park covers more than 10,000 acres and features everything from rainforests to volcanic craters. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the island and offers amazing sunrise and sunset views.
What Activities Does Jack Do on Maui?
Let’s take a look at another scenario profile. Jack, a remote worker in his 50s, decides to go to Maui to get some sunshine and work remotely there as his job allows it. He spends his mornings free on the beach, and in the afternoon and early evening, he focuses on his work.
He loves the beach, especially when he’s on holiday and can relax there, but he’s not all that into water sports with a passion. Someone his mornings, he decides to do somebody surfing when he feels like swimming and spends other days just walking on the shoreline, exploring Whaler’s Village in Lahaina, or hiking at Haleakala National Park. He booked a three-week trip, so he has plenty of time to explore at his leisure and own pace.
Maui Activities for Couples, Families, and Unusual Things to Do
Maui offers a variety of activities for families and couples to enjoy. Whether you want to go golfing, snorkeling, or luaus, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island. Let’s look at some of these and some unusual things to do in Maui.
What Are Some Activities for Couples to Do on Maui?
Some activities for couples to do on Maui are:
– whale watching
– driving the Hana Highway
– visiting the Iao Valley
– sunset sailing
If you want to enjoy yourself on Maui, the main thing to keep in mind is that you should not expect to spend money on everything. There are many free activities on the island, but you will have to look around for them. For example, you can visit the Haleakala National Park, hiking trails, waterfalls, and caves. Another option would be to take a tour to see the volcanoes in the area. These tours usually include a stop at one of the lava tubes where you can explore the cave.
If you’re looking for something different to do while vacationing in Maui, here are some things you can do on the beach together.
1. Take a sunset walk along the shoreline
Take a stroll down the beach after dinner and enjoy the sunset.
This activity is great for couples who don’t want to spend too much time alone.
2. Go snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most popular water sports in Hawaii.
There’s no better place to go snorkeling than Maui.
You can rent equipment and explore the ocean floor together.
3. Have a picnic
Picnics are a lot of fun and a great way to bond with someone you love.
Pack up a blanket, some snacks, and a bottle of wine and head out to the beach.
4. Play volleyball
Volleyball is a great sport for people of all ages.
Pick up a ball and play a game of volleyball on the sand.
5. Watch the waves roll in
Watching the waves roll in is relaxing and calming.
Just sit back and relax as the surf rolls in.
These are just a few ideas for what to do on the beach together in Maui.
6. Take A Hike
Hiking is another great way to spend time outdoors with your partner.
There are many trails throughout Maui that lead to scenic views and waterfalls.
One of the most famous hiking trails is the Haleakala National Park Trail.
7. Watch The Sunset
Sunsets are a special treat for couples visiting Maui, especially those who live here.
Enjoy watching the sunset while sitting on the beach.
8. Get Married In Maui
Getting married in Maui is an unforgettable experience.
There are many wedding venues available in Maui.
You can choose between traditional ceremonies, beach weddings, and indoor ceremonies.
I wrote an article on how much it costs to get married on the beach – check it out here!
Maui Activities for Families
There are many things to do on Maui besides surfing. Some include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and horseback riding. The island has plenty of places where you can relax after a long day of fun.
What Are Some Unusual Things to Do on Maui?
Some unusual things on Maui include swimming with dolphins, ziplining through the rainforest, and touring a lava tube.
There are various things to do in Maui, no matter your interests. Tourists do not commonly visit activities on the list.
Visitors can find many fun and unique things to do on Maui if they look for them.
Many activities listed can be enjoyed outdoors, making for a scenic experience.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, plenty of other options are available. Here are some of the most unique things to do on Maui:
1. Go ziplining through the rainforest canopy.
2. Take a helicopter tour over the island.
3. Ride a horse along the beach.
4. Snorkel or scuba dive in crystal-clear waters.
5. Go whale watching during the winter months.
6. Visit Haleakala National Park and hike to the summit of Mount Haleakala volcano.
7. Take a submarine ride below the surface of Maui’s coral reefs.
8. Drive or cycle down the Road to Hana, one of Hawaii’s most scenic drives.
9 . Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the coastline on your terms.
10 . Attend one of Maui’s many cultural festivals or events.
What Would Sara and Jake and Family Do on Maui?
Consider the family scenario of Sarah and Jake, who are in their mid-20s and have two children. They have saved up for the Hawaiian holiday in Maui and have two weeks to explore and enjoy beach activities.
As their children are fairly young, they choose a big state beach with many beachgoers’ services. They aim to let the children play in the sand and wade in the water, not do any sports or activities that need training. Making a picnic in the morning or late afternoon is most likely what they would choose when on the beach, and some light hiking at Haleakala National Park or exploring Lahaina’s Whalers Village or The Maui Arts & Cultural Center sounds like fun for them.
Additionally, if there is interest, they can do some snorkeling in the safe swimming areas of the beach. Snorkeling equipment can be purchased in many shops.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, I hope our guide to the activities of Maui will inspire you to visit the island. Whether you enjoy surfing or swimming, snorkeling or hiking, there is something for everyone. Make sure you pack a towel and sunscreen because you’ll want to spend lots of time outdoors. Have fun!
