Nestled in the middle of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, towering cliffs and dense rainforests. This overwhelming abundance of natural beauty sets the stage for a vacation filled with equal parts exploration and relaxation. However you picture your dream Hawaiian holiday, you’re guaranteed to find it on Maui.
What to Do
The best way to experience all of Maui’s beautiful natural scenery is from a birds’ eye view! Taking a helicopter tour from Maverick Helicopters Hawaii is a fantastic way to soak in Maui’s landscape from the shore to inland. One of the most impressive sights on this tour is flying above Haleakala, a shield volcano reaching over 10,000 feet tall. After circling Haleakala, you will fly over Hana Rainforest before touching down and exploring the forest on foot!
Your exploration of Maui can also go beyond land and air! Submarine tours are very popular with travelers and offer a literal deep dive into Maui’s water, an experience you could not have any other way. As the sub makes its way along the ocean floor, you’ll have the opportunity to come face to face with sharks, sunken ships and more.
Hawaii and surfing are practically synonymous with each other. If you have ever wanted to shred some waves, there is no better place to learn than Maui and the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy. First opened in 1998, the Academy has received multiple awards over the years for being the best surf school in the area. Both private and group surfing lessons are offered and no experience is required, as they accept all who want to give it a try!
Lanai
No trip to Maui is complete without a day trip to the island of Lana’i, which can be reached from Lahaina Harbor. Lana’i is perfect for someone looking for an escape into nature. With predominantly untouched wilderness, the island an ideal spot for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and crystal-clear snorkeling, complete with vibrant reefs, sea turtles, tangs, pufferfish and other fish native.
At one time in history, Hawaii was one of the world’s leaders in pineapple export. Though that time has passed, touring the old pineapple fields on ATVs is a fun and impressive way to learn more about Hawaii’s past!
Romance
Maui’s unbelievable scenery and lavish resorts make the island one of the most popular places in the world for honeymooners. With a vast array of romantic activities to set the mood for your celebration, one popular option is a picturesque sunset dinner cruise in Lahaina Harbor. As you sail around the islands together, nosh on a gourmet meal created from the freshest local ingredients, while admiring the most gorgeous deep reds, cotton candy pinks and sherbet orange develop against the dark purple and blue sky of a true Hawaiian sunset.
What to Eat
Also a luau staple, Kalua roast pork is a deliciously-succulent dish that can be served a myriad of ways and is found at many restaurants on the island. Kalua describes a traditional Hawaiian way of cooking,where the meat is cooked in an “imu,” an underground oven or cooking pit. The whole pig is roasted for many hours, and when ready, the meat falls apart – similar to the best pulled pork you can imagine. Often served in sandwiches or with rice, Kalua pork is a savory look into Hawaii’s culinary traditions and how entire communities would come together for a meal.
After a long day either on the beach, nothing hits the spot quite like a cold beer. At Maui Brewing Company, taste thirst-quenching, locally-brewed beer straight from the tap. What makes their beer stand out is its infusion with traditional island flavors. Locals and visitors alike indulge in their coconut porter and the pineapple wheat, two very different beers, but equally tasty! While the adults sip their libations, kids can try any of Maui Brewing Company’s signature sodas.
When to Go
The winter months tend to see more rainfall, however travel prices may be more attractive. April and May tend to have the best weather and still lower costs than the peak summer months. September is another wonderful month to visit Maui, as the weather remains beautiful in the early fall with fewer visitors on the island.