12 Greatest Issues To Do In Maui For First Timers…

Should you’ve by no means been to Maui in Hawaii earlier than, you might be about to be dazzled! Maui is without doubt one of the greatest islands in Hawaii to go to on your first time in Hawaii as a result of it provides every little thing that Hawaii is thought for – volcanoes, jungles, seashores, wildlife in abundance, and that aloha spirit that may solely be present in Polynesian tradition.

Evidently, there’s a plethora of issues to do in Maui to get you conversant in Hawaiian tradition, find out about its historical past, and witness its unspoiled magnificence. You received’t need to miss any of them.

Should you’re about to embark in your first journey to Maui however undecided what to do, listed here are some actions and sights you can’t miss to have the complete Maui expertise.

1. Go snorkeling

Maui is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go snorkeling in all of the Hawaiian islands.

There are a number of locations the place you would possibly wish to go snorkelling on the island, such because the marine conservation district of Molokini Crater the place reef fish rule the waters, or the coastal areas of Turtle City, Honolua Bay, and Coral Gardens, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the clear heat waters teeming with colourful coral and Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles.

Should you’re basing your self in Kaanapi Seaside, within the West Maui Mountains, or Wailuku in South Maui, then you’ll be able to go for a snorkeling tour which supply journeys to well-liked snorkel spots by way of a ship cruise. It is a nice option to snorkel for households, seniors, and people on a brief go to.

Snorkeling excursions on Maui usually embody breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and even an open bar.

2. Drive the highway to Hana

The drive to Hana is a well-liked scenic drive which takes you from the South to North on the Valley Isle.

The drive takes a full day, and takes you down slender one-lane roads, previous cliff-hugging scenic magnificence, by means of tropical rainforests, and to get a glimpse of a parade of dazzling waterfalls.

The drive is over 50 miles and has 600 curves and 59 bridges (if you happen to get automobile sick, make sure to put together for this).

Nonetheless, the surroundings alongside the way in which is awe-inspiring. Uncover a terraformed peninsula, black sand seashores, lava tubes, and a lot extra.

When hiring a rental automobile, think about getting a jeep wrangler or 4X4 as there are some unsealed roads you’ll be able to take as a detour. Additionally they look so cool with the highway to Hana surroundings.

Learn our full information on driving the Highway to Hana for extra ideas.

three. Surf, kayak, outrigger canoe, or SUP

Hawaii is all about hanging on the seaside. These beach-launched ocean actions are among the best issues to do whereas in Maui.

One can lease and be taught on the whim in locations like Ka’anapali, Kihei, and Kapalua Bay.

Nothing is extra ego-boosting and satisfying than getting out on the ocean and studying a brand new talent, or making use of abilities to a brand new locale. Those that desire to take formal classes or guided excursions can actually e book prematurely.

Hawaiian Paddle Sports activities is a one-stop-shop for all of those actions.

four. Attend an Outdated Lahaina Luau on Maui

A Luau is a conventional Hawaiian feast, paired with dancing, leisure, and music. They’re a manner for residents to have fun and are available collectively.

Nobody denies that this expertise is much from the standard yard feasts that locals take pleasure in for birthdays, weddings, graduations, and different household gatherings.

Nonetheless, the Luau ritual is a singular a part of Hawaiian tradition, and you’ll all the time discover one taking place, particularly for vacationers.

It’s a option to collect for a night of fine meals, drink, and leisure that ranges from candy and sluggish to fierce and flaming.

There are various methods to Luau, and so they vary in value, so choose one which meets your wants and wishes.

Laua’s at resorts are well-liked with those that don’t need to wander far for the night’s leisure and may supply something from the easy to extravagant. Whereas the extra conventional ones supply a particular locale for an evening out.

All supply a wonderful night underneath the celebs with a beautiful sundown backdrop and a balmy breeze together with the roasted pork and poi.

Sure, as soon as in a lifetime could be sufficient, however that one time is actually to not be missed.

5. Eat the native meals in Maui

The number of cultures and cuisines in Hawaii make it a foodie paradise. Tasting your manner across the island is without doubt one of the extra fascinating and satisfying pursuits on Maui, and may vary from the fast consuming snacks and cheap to the opulent and romantic.

Nonetheless, there are lots of distinctive tastes on Maui that shouldn’t be handed up.

Attempt these completely different Maui dishes for a culinary journey into Maui tradition:

• Poke – spiced and seasoned uncooked tuna.
• Guri Guri – milky frozen sherbet good for after the seaside.
• Okazuya – all SPAM musubi is okazuya however not all okazuya is SPAM musubi
• Manju – little pastry pies with candy fillings.
• Saimin – noodles in clear broth topped with inexperienced onions, candy and bitter pork and extra.
• Shave ice – a desert of shaved ice with fruit, flavored syrups, and different toppings which originated from Japan.

Go to a few of Maui’s prime eating places to savor the recent seafood delicacies or hit our favourite native spots for an on a regular basis tackle these fascinating dishes.

Mama’s Fish Home will get a point out for

Why not strive a Maui meals tasting tour? It is a nice option to expertise the actual style of Maui by means of tradition and historical past with an area knowledgeable. They have an inclination to go to 7 native eating places within the coronary heart of Wailuku, and offer you an opportunity to pattern 17 genuine Hawaiian dishes and native specialities as you style domestically brewed beers.

6. Expertise a Maui Halloween

Out of all of Maui’s festivals and celebrations occurring on the attractive island of Maui annually, the perfect and by far probably the most raucous is Halloween.

Individuals collect alongside Entrance Road in Lahaina for a night of kiddie parades, costume watching, and bar hopping together with plenty of frivolity each October 31st.

It’s a grass roots celebration that has been rising like a juggernaut by phrase of mouth for over 25 years. In the present day it has grow to be extra of a household affair with adults lingering later into the night.

Among the extra frequent occasions embody Wailuku’s First Friday occasion each month that features eating places, galleries, arts and crafts together with leisure.

Obon Pageant runs by means of summer season together with the Outrigger Canoe Regatta season. All are value consideration for individuals who love tradition.

7. Windsurf at Ho’okipa Seaside Park

That is one thing you are able to do on the path to Hana! Ho’okipa Seaside Park is taken into account probably the greatest windsurfing seashores on this planet.

It’s not probably the most lovely seaside, however it’s a great place to wind surf or look out for Hawaiian Inexperienced Sea Turtles.

eight. Hike the Haleakala Summit, Haleakalā Nationwide Park

Hike as much as see the summit of Haleakala, a dormant volcano in Haleakala Nationwide Park and discover its huge crater with previous lava flows and views of the Iao Valley.

Should you don’t really feel like mountaineering, you’ll be able to drive, however be aware that it’s 10,023 ft above sea stage so drive slowly to keep away from altitude illness.

The park can also be a sacred website for the folks.

In case you didn’t know, Maui was named after the mythological demigod of Polynesia, who is claimed to have raised the heavens, snared the solar and found fireplace, the island of Maui is the second most populated and the second largest island within the Hawaiian Island Chain.

It’s stated that Maui as soon as stood on the prime of the volcano and lassoed the solar from the sky. That is presumably one of many the explanation why dawn is so breathtaking right here!

The park can also be dwelling to some uncommon species of endangered animals that are cared for by the park rangers.

Head up for dawn for a memorable sight – see unimaginable vistas awash in pinks and oranges because the morning solar casts its heat glow on the panorama.

9. Search for dolphins on the Forbidden Coast

The Forbidden Coast extends from Kihei to Wailea and is thought to be a dolphin scorching spot.

For journey lovers, take a raft to search out dolphins alongside this stretch of coast, or drive alongside the highway and see if you happen to can spot them from the shore.

10. Black Sand Seaside at Wai’anapanapa State Park

Wai’anapanapa State Park is known Pai’iloa Seaside, a small however strikingly lovely seaside with the black sand, surrounded by verdant inexperienced plants, and turquoise waters.

The black sand is the results of volcanic lava move which cooled, hardened, and has been damaged into items by the waves over hundreds of years.

The interpretation for Wai’anapanapa means “glistening water” or “water flashing rainbow hues”, each of that are correct!

You could find extra in-depth data and make a reservation for Wai’napanapa State Park right here.

There are loop mountaineering trails to take you to sea arches, blowholes, caves, lava tubes and beautiful view to the East Maui shoreline throughout the park.

11. Hike to The Seven Sacred Swimming pools

The Ohe’o Gulch, which interprets to “One thing Particular” is positioned throughout the Haleakala Nationwide Park.

This space is thought for its seven sacred swimming pools, which many are open for swimming.

You could find the swimming pools on the Waimoku Falls path off the Pipiwai Path.

A correct map and information could be important as there is no such thing as a signage in anyway saying how shut you had been to the swimming pools.

12. Hike from Hana to the Bamboo Forests

The bamboo forest is a singular pure panorama not removed from Hana city in a verdant valley.

It’s accessible by way of the Pipiwai Path, the place you’ll be able to flip into the bamboo forest from mile marker 7.

The path additionally passes a number of beautiful waterfalls, the spotlight of which is the 200 foot Makahiku Falls which has an “Infinity Pool” on the prime, although it’s not advisable to swim in it.

Discover the path map right here.

Earlier than You Go

This island paradise is no less than a 5-hour jaunt from wherever aside from the opposite Hawaiian islands, so if you happen to’re going to make the journey to Maui, you must do it proper.

For a lot of vacationers, the Valley Isle is a vacation spot of dreamy proportions. Those that are fortunate to have a number of superb days on this magical island ought to put collectively an itinerary that embraces the entire sights and actions doable.

Earlier than you go, think about the perfect time to go to Maui earlier than reserving. The perfect time is between mid-Could and mid-June and after Labor Day and earlier than Thanksgiving. At the moment, the costs are extra reasonably priced, the crowds are skinny, the bargains are bountiful and particular occasions and festivals are an added bonus.

Another ideas for visiting Maui are:

• Plan to reach on the island within the early afternoon so you’ll be able to drive within the day gentle. Maui’s roads are two-lane, coastal, and unlighted.
• E-book as many issues prematurely as doable as excursions do typically get booked up.
• island time ought to be leisure time, plan for some days of nothing as properly!
• By no means put your swimsuit in checked baggage. In the event that they lose your luggage no less than you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the seaside.
• Put a cheap cooler in your rental automobile. Preserve it stuffed with drinks/water.
• You’ll want a automobile to get round Maui. Rent a rental automobile right here.

Widespread Excursions in Maui

Extra Hawaii Journey Ideas

Planning an even bigger trip to Hawaii? Listed below are another useful guides that can assist you plan your journey.

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