The Best Maui Tourist Activities

Haleakala Bike Tours

Biking in Maui? Cool. Biking down a volcano? Even better. Sign up for a day-long Haleakala Bike Tour with Mountain Riders and you’ll be in for an interesting and very active day. First, you’ll learn all about Haleakala (the volcano), and then you’ll check out the crater itself. Afterwards, you’ll bike down the volcano, a trip that is just under 30 miles long. At the end of the bike ride, you’ll end up at Paia Bay Beach Park—we guarantee you’ll have worked up enough of a sweat to want to go in for a swim!

Go to a Luau

When you think of Hawaii, you think of luaus. That’s why one of the best Maui tourist activities is going to a luau. We recommend spending your evening at Old Lahaina Luau, which has been written up in The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler. During your evening there, you’ll receive a lei (the traditional flower wreath), indulge in a buffet that offers great Hawaiian cuisine, and learn all about Hawaii’s history during the performance. Going to a luau is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and is a great family activity.

Visit Makena State Park

Spending time at Makena State Park is one of the best Maui tourist activities because it allows you to experience the natural beauty of the island. The Makena State Park boasts three beautiful beaches—including Makena Beach/”Big Beach,” Little Beach, and Black Sand Beach—where you can swim, snorkel, and surf, so make sure to bring a boogie board or surfboard. Children will love playing in the sand, and we recommend going for the entire afternoon and bringing a picnic.

Go Whale Watching

There’s nothing quite like being out on the ocean and seeing a whale jump out of the water majestically. Whale watching will interest travelers of all ages, and Maui has several different whale watching companies. The Pacific Whale Foundation offers several tours, including “Sunrise Whalewatch” and “Ultimate Whalewatch.” Pride of Maui Whale Watch is another popular choice for seeing whales, and the company also includes snorkeling as part of the whale watching excursions. If you’d like to go out early in the morning to watch whales, the company Ultimate Whale Watch offers trips that start as early as 6:30 am during some months—perfect for those of you looking to make the most of every hour you have in Maui.

After a long day of touring Maui, fill up at one of the best restaurants on the island.