Maui activities from hiking to snorkeling and family adventures

Your Maui, Your Way

Activities Tailored to Every Type of Traveler

Written by a Local Expert

Your Maui, Your Way: Activities by Traveler Type

Maui has a special magic for everyone, but the perfect day looks different depending on who you are. Here are some of my favorite recommendations, tailored just for you.

For the Adventurer

If your idea of a vacation involves a healthy dose of adrenaline and spectacular natural beauty, Maui is your playground.

Hiking Beyond Haleakalā

The volcano gets all the attention, but the West Maui Mountains offer some of the most dramatic scenery on the island. The Waiheʻe Ridge Trail is a challenging 5-mile roundtrip hike that takes you up a stunning ridgeline with views that feel straight out of "Jurassic Park." You'll gain about 1,500 feet, so be prepared for a workout, and start early to beat the clouds that often roll in by mid-morning. For a true test of endurance, the Lāhainā Pali Trail is a rugged, sun-exposed trek across the southern foothills, offering incredible coastal views and an up-close look at Maui's giant wind turbines.

Catching a Wave

Maui has some of the best and most consistent waves in the world for learning to surf. Don't just rent a board and hope for the best; take a lesson from a professional. Schools like Goofy Foot Surf School in West Maui and Rivers To The Sea focus on safety, etiquette, and small group sizes, ensuring you'll be up and riding in no time. Most beginner lessons take place at gentle breaks like "The Cove" in Kīhei or near Lāhainā.

Underwater Exploration

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater is a classic Maui experience, but the tour you choose makes all the difference. To avoid the crowds of the larger catamarans, I always recommend a tour on a smaller, faster, rigid-hull inflatable boat (a "raft"). Companies like Redline Rafting and Maui Magic can get you to the crater before the big boats arrive and often visit more exclusive spots, like the incredible "back wall" of Molokini, a sheer underwater cliff teeming with life.

For the Family (Keiki-Friendly Fun)

Creating magical memories with your keiki (children) is easy on Maui. The island is a natural playground full of wonder and discovery.

Best Beaches for Little Ones

When you have small children, a calm and safe beach is everything. My top three picks are Baby Beach in Lāhainā, where a protective offshore reef creates a giant, shallow wading pool; Kapalua Bay, a perfectly sheltered cove with gentle, clear water; and Kamaʻole Beach Park III in Kīhei, which has soft sand, calm waves, a lifeguard, a playground, and a huge grassy area for running around.

Maui Ocean Center

This is a must-do, especially if you get a rare cloudy or rainy day. It's been named one of the "Top 10 Aquariums in the World" for a reason. Kids are mesmerized by the Turtle Lagoon, where they can see our beloved honu up close. The highlight for all ages is the Open Ocean exhibit, a 750,000-gallon tank with a 54-foot-long underwater tunnel where sharks, stingrays, and huge schools of fish swim all around you. Don't miss the Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi Exhibit & Sphere, an immersive 3D experience that makes you feel like you're swimming alongside these gentle giants. My tip: Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the long entry line.

Kid-Approved Eats

For a meal that makes both parents and kids happy, head to Monkeypod Kitchen (with locations in Wailea and Kāʻanapali). They have fantastic food for adults and delicious wood-fired pizzas for the kids, all in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. And for the ultimate island treat, nothing beats Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice. The ice is shaved so finely it's like snow, and the homemade syrups are incredible. It's a Maui institution.

For Couples (Romantic Escapes)

Maui is practically made for romance. From breathtaking sunsets to intimate dinners, there are endless ways to connect and create lasting memories together.

Unforgettable Dinners with a View

For the ultimate sunset dinner, nothing beats Merriman's Kapalua. Located on a stunning oceanfront point overlooking Kapalua Bay, their farm-to-table cuisine is as spectacular as the view. It's the perfect spot for a special evening. The other iconic choice is Mama's Fish House on the North Shore. It's famous for a reason: the romantic, old-Polynesia ambiance is enchanting, and the fish is unbelievably fresh. The daily menu even names the fisherman who caught your dinner. My advice: Reservations at Mama's book out six months or more in advance, so plan way ahead!

Sunset Sails & Dinner Cruises

There is nothing more romantic than watching the Maui sunset from the water, with the West Maui Mountains glowing in the evening light. A high-quality sunset cruise is a quintessential Maui experience. Many excellent tours, like those offered by Trilogy, depart from both Kāʻanapali Beach and Maʻalaea Harbor, offering delicious cocktails, gourmet dinners, and front-row seats to the best show on Earth.

Secluded Spots & Hidden Beaches

For a quiet afternoon away from the crowds, seek out one of Maui's more intimate spots. Pāʻako Cove in Mākena, better known as "Secret Cove," is a tiny, picture-perfect pocket of sand surrounded by lava rock and palm trees. It's a favorite for wedding photos. For a romantic sunset picnic, I love the less-trafficked southern end of Keawakapu Beach, where you can find a quiet spot to watch the sky change colors.