Things To Do (Activities)

Maui has so many "things to do" that you will wish you had more time on this island. Here is a short list of these things to do. Enjoy and visualize yourself there.

  • Whale Watching (Dec-Apr) - The Pacific Humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands every winter, pretty smart, I think. Whale Watching is one of our favorite things to do and it doesn't have to cost anything. We recommend a pair of binoculars though. You can watch whales from our lanai or for the best view and show you need to go out on one of the Whale Watch boats. Pacific Whale Foundation is one of, if not the best for overall value.
  • Dolphin Encounter & Snorkel trips - This is a trip you can enjoy all year round. There are a few trips that specify that is what they are about and others that state they may encounter them. Pacific Whale Foundation is one of them. Ocean Riders is an all day deal and they circumvent the whole island of Lanai.
  • Snorkeling - Snorkeling, did you say snorkeling? The easiest thing to do and the best place to do it. You can learn to snorkel right out front of the Sands of Kahana. You need to go out aways to find the real reef, but if you are comfortable with your own skills and have a buddy, go for it. You can rent snorkeling equipment at the Beach Shack next to the pool. Check Maui Dive shop in the Kahana Gateway center for they often offer a FREE snorkel trip if you rent a snorkel set from them for one week - GOOD DEAL! Of course, one of our favorite things to do is go to Molokini on the Four Winds II snorkel trip.
  • Scuba diving - Scuba diving, did you say scuba diving? Again Maui is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. There are, of course, many sites that you can get to only by boat. I recommend you go on a boat that isn't a cattle car, if you know what I mean, just ask the operator before you sign up how many max on the boat. There are some great sites off of Lanai, such as the Cathedrals, there are lava tubes and formations abound as well as fish you will only see in Hawaii. Beach/Shore diving with a buddy is pretty good too! For example, you can rent all the equipment (you have your own snorkel and fins right?) for $125.00 per week with 7 tanks. Wow, you don't need to drag all that equipment to Maui. Check out the following link to a web site that has descriptions and reviews of some of the best Shore Dives. Maui Dive shop is right across the street at the Kahana Gateway Shopping Center.
  • Sport fishing - Maui offers all sorts of options: Shore fishing & Charter boat. Check out this web site - FishMaui.com 
  • Tennis - the Sands of Kahana has three tennis courts/facilities. They are lighted for a little night action if you want to play while it is cooler. Just check with the Front Desk for reserving your court. 
  • Dolphin adventures - No, Maui doesn't have one of those parks that have captive Dolphins that you pay to go swim with, this is the real deal. The providers take you on a Dolphin search/snorkel trip. They know where the Dolphins hang out, you get to watch them and maybe the Dolphins will join you snorkeling on there own terms.
  • Rent a Sailboat - You can rent your Hobie Cat if you are a sailor person/family. You can go to the famous Kaanapali Beach for almost all of your Ocean Activities.  Here are two places to try:

WEST MAUI SAILING SCHOOL
Maui Kaanapali Villas
45 Kai Ala Drive
Kaanapali, HI 96761
(West Maui)
Tel. (808) 667-5545
Sail 16 foot Hobie Cats. Rides, lessons, and rentals.

 
SEAMAUI
101 North Kihei Road
Kihei, HI 96753
(South Maui)
Tel. (808) 879-0178
Hobie Cat and Prindle lessons and rentals including 16 and 18 foot catamarans.
This one in Kihei is right on the beach so you could sail in Maalaea Harbor, which usually has a nice wind going.

  • Parasail (May-Nov) - UFO Parasailing  is offering this seasonal activity. We have never accomplished this activity, this is a  convenient starting point only. Looks like great fun though!
  • Jet Ski (May-Nov) Kaanapali Beach is the place and the Maui Jet Ski has the goods! They have a platform by the Hyatt Regency hotel.
  • Bike down a Mountain - Haleakala, House of the Sun, is an inactive volcano that is 10,023 ft and a National Park. Outfitter's, such as Maui Downhill, take you up in a van and you get to coast down the approximately 38 miles down. It is much cooler at the top, but we are told it is worth it!
  • Submarine ride - Atlantis here we come! Literally Atlantis Adventure's Maui will take you down to 100 feet to see the other half of Maui. If you don't want to take the time to get Scuba certified or want to see what is under the sea, this activity is for you!
  • Horseback Riding - See Maui on the top of a horse. Ironwood Ranch will provide you an unique way to see West Maui remote countryside.
  • Luau's - The choices are many, so, we are going to list a few. We have not been to all, but our guests like these the most.
    • Old Lahaina Luau - traditional Hawaiian luau that is on their own beachfront property. Next to "Aloha Mixed Plate" restaurant (meal prep is there). In Lahaina across from the Lahaina Cannery Mall.
    • Feast at Lele - different from all the rest. Table assigned seating rather than buffet style with wait service. Five course meal based on the theme - Polynesian nations from the Pacific. Little more expensive, better chance of a celebrity siting. Located at 505 Front Street, Lahaina.
    • Royal Lahaina - We experienced this one. Good-to-great show, good food! Located at the Royal Lahaina resort in Kaanapali.
  • Helicopter tours - this may be the best way to see Haleakala and the Hana side. Numerous outfitters to chose from here are a couple to look at: Blue Hawaiian & Sunshine Helicopters,
  • Boogie Boarding - If the surf's up just grab the 2 Boogie Boards we've left for your pleasure, check the closet in the Master dressing room!
  • Take a Surfing lesson
  • Windsurfing
  • Shop for Art - Friday night is "Art Night" in Lahaina, most galleries offer wine and pupu's.
  • Kayaking - Snorkel and Kayak Coral Gardens, Tom Barefoot tour's list
  • Golf - plenty of options for golf

 

 

 

 This page is "under construction". More details to be added.

Maui oceanfront 2 Br condo