Dining, Shopping, and Cultural Attractions Abound on Valley Isle
Maui is a spectacular island with beautiful beaches, great shopping, important cultural sites, and many exciting as well as educational activities and attractions. Maui has ten state parks and 94 county parks and one amazing national park called Haleakala national Park where the highest peak on the island rises to more than ten thousand feet atop Haleakala Volcano. Here are some of the most memorable things to do on the Valley Isle.
Planning a trip to Maui? Check out our Wailea condos.
Scuba Dive at Honolua or Molokini
Scuba diving in the Hawaiian Islands allows you to see the amazing variety of marine life in these tropical waters, and Maui has some of the best diving spots in the Islands. Dozens of reputable companies offer lessons and guided dives, and renown dive sites include the offshore sunken crater of Molokini as well as the coastal area of Honolua Bay – both of these areas are designated as marine conservation areas. Most dive excursions leave from the ports of Maalaea and Lahaina. If diving is a bit too adventurous then consider a submarine tour or a glass-bottom boat tour to get a great glimpse of Maui’s colorful aquatic life.
Stay nearby Honolua bay in one of our Lahaina vacation rentals.
Bike Ride the Valley Isle
A very bicycle friendly island, Maui provides plenty of opportunities for leisurely rides and also more energetic biking adventures. Near the Wailea Resort on the east side of the island you can bike almost all the way to Kapalua and most of the journey is along a nice shoreline road. You can also take a guided ride down the smooth road that descends from the top of Haleakala Volcano and through the beautiful Maui Upcountry area where large flower farms color the landscape. The ride ends in Paia where you can satisfy your hunger at one of many great restaurants. Numerous shops on Maui rent bikes so if you don’t want to take a guided tour you can just rent a bike and go on your own.
Swim and Snorkel on a White Sand Beach
Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, and with more than 120 miles of coastline you have an amazing selection of great coastal areas to visit. More than 80 well-known and popular beaches can be found by looking on a good Maui map. From Kapalua to Makena and beyond, Maui has spectacular beaches and many of them are lined with pristine white sands shimmering in the golden sun. There are also many beaches with black, green, and even red sand due to the unique geology of the area. Dozens of great snorkeling beaches also provide safe areas to view the coral reefs and other underwater life that will leave you breathless with all the spectacular colors.
Enjoy pristine beaches and great snorkeling near our Kihei vacation rentals.
Attend a beachside Hawaiian Luau
With the sky turning colors, dancers on the stage, and drum beats filling the air with excitement you can enjoy one of the most sumptuous meals of your life at a traditional Hawaiian Luau. The pig is cooked in an underground earthen oven called an imu along with fragrant herbs and spices that will make your mouth water. Hula dancing is mesmerizing to watch and fire dancing is an amazing spectacle that you will appreciate as you enjoy a variety of foods from the main courses to Hawaiian poi to the tasty coconut pudding called haupia. Great food, amazing entertainment, and an enchanting setting provide an experience you will never forget at a Hawaiian luau.
Go for A Scenic Drive Along the Hana Highway
Have a nice breakfast in Haiku or Paia and then head out on the road to “Heavenly Hana” along the Hana Highway. The 56-mile route crosses over 54 bridges and allows you to see countless waterfalls, panoramic coastal views, and remote tropical rainforest areas as you wind your way to Hana. Rest stops along the way provide opportunities for short hikes and a dip in a swimming hole. The drive to Hana on Maui’s east end is a must-see attraction on the Valley Isle.
Want to be the first on the road to Hana? Check out our Paia vacation rentals.
Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
The very best Hawaiian Island for humpback whale watching is Maui due to the shallow offshore banks where humpbacks are known to congregate in large numbers during the winter months. Whale watching tours that leave from Maui’s harbors are able see more humpbacks than tours leaving from any other island. The adult humpback weigh more than 40 tons and the humpbacks are known to leap from the water in spectacular breaches that astound those who are lucky enough to go on a Maui whale watching adventure. Both power boats and large sailing catamarans are available for tours. When the boats are zipping along through the water you can also see Hawaiian spinner dolphins jumping from the water and doing the energetic flips and spins that earned them their name.
Dining on Maui
The food is so good on Maui that eating out is listed as one of the most popular activities! There are restaurants to suit every taste and style – from Italian and Mexican to Vietnamese, Thai, and of course great sushi! Many eateries are run by highly trained chefs who utilize the island’s abundance of fresh local produce including tasty herbs and vegetables. Their quality cooking with these tasty ingredients have earned them many national awards, particularly for the Hawaii Regional Cuisine that has become known around the world.