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10 Outdoor Activities in Maui That You Shouldn't Miss
The Hawaiian island of Maui is a destination for true nature lovers. The ethereal bamboo forest and churning waterfalls in Haleakala National Park can be explored via the Waimoku Falls Trail. Stretch out on warm, golden sands or hit the surf for an unforgettable windsurfing or snorkeling session. Driving the scenic road to Hana along the island’s northeastern shore will be among the most spectacular journeys of your life. Time stands still at the Hawaiian village of Keanae, definitely worth a visit.
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1. Pipiwai Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,267 reviews
A scenic hiking and horseback riding trail that features major waterfalls, beautiful pools and an eerie bamboo forest.
Reviewed By dmccubbins
One of the must do's on the road to Hana. It took us a solid 2 hours round trip to complete and we were moving pretty fast on the way back as we were fighting day light. It's a great hike though and the bamboo forest and the waterfall at the end is definitely worth the hike. I'd say it's moderate to difficult depending on your fitness level as you walk up a hill a bunch and it's a tad rocky in parts.
2. Keawakapu Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 536 reviews
Reviewed By Happel - Frisco, United States
This beach was walking distance to the Wailea Beach resort. It was a lively beach where you can boogie board, snorkel or play in the soft sand.
3. Maui Swim Lessons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Offering mobile Private Swim lessons from certified Maui instructors- We specialize in private and personalized swim lessons at your personal pool to enhance your Maui island experience.
Reviewed By adonosch123
We found Emily and her services through a blog post about Maui. We are so happy we found her. Emily dramatically increased our 3year old daughters confidence in the water and we saw an exceptional improvement in her abilities within the few weeks we were on island (6 lessons). She was able to meet us at our hotel and condo during our stay which was so convenient and much appreciated. Emily has a natural ability to interact with children, keep their attention and she utilized play based learning approaches to maximize swimming skills. She was quick to change activities based on attention spans and simplified the learning process, even I picked up a few pointers! We would highly recommend Emily for swimming lessons when on island and will be certain to contact her when we plan our next holiday. Thank you Emily!
4. Hana Highway - Road to Hana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,634 reviews
A scenic and often dangerous road popular with the more adventurous visitor.
Reviewed By MauiSteve96713 - Hana, United States
Ok, I see a lot of mixed reviews on this Road To Hana, and while some are valid, others are not. A lot of people seem to 'not get it'., so here I am...as a resident reviewing my side of the island. The road to Hana is just that. Nothing more. Hana itself is not the destination. The draw to the attraction IS the road and all it has to offer...NOT what's at the end. Keep an open mind, leave for your drive as early as possible...even sunrise or before...and get a jump on traffic and crowds. Get your gas tank topped off in Paia, and bring a cooler of drinks and some snacks. As far as the nightmares you've heard about the local drivers tailgating, all you need to do is slow down or pull over and motion them to let them pass. We've all seen it, we live here and it's a long drive for us to even go to Walmart. Most of us can drive this road blindfolded since we've done it so many times. We want you to enjoy your drive at your leisure, but we don't appreciate other drivers not allowing us to pass. Wave to us as we pass...we'll wave back! Appreciate your day. If it's raining, it's Maui. Can't have waterfalls without the rain. If it's sunny, then many of the waterfalls may not be flowing. Best time to drive it? The first sunny day after a few days of rain. Sun AND waterfalls! Take it easy and slow. There is no rush. Consider spending the night in Hana. LOTS to do and see along the drive and in Hana and further. Pace yourself. If you make no stops, it's still nearly two hours to Hana from Paia. Consider a CD tour or book that gives you the sights by mile-marker. They are not all there, but enough to know where you are. Some of the best waterfalls are back toward the Nahiku area and Hana. Make the stops and take lots of photos. If you need facilities, there are three along the way at wayside stops, The Half Way to Hana stand, Ka'ahumina wayside, and one between MM 22/23....but you won't be arrested if you need a privacy tree in an emergency. There are plenty of those. The drive has access to plenty of waterfall views and hikes, oceanfront areas in Ka'anae, an arboretum, quaint early 1800's churches, pounding surf, gorgeous views, delicious banana bread, flowers and flower farms, quaint neighborhoods, fruit stands, black-sand beach, caves, BBQ stands, gift shops, coffee shop, Nahiku Tropical flower farm, Glenn's organic and vegan ice cream stand, bamboo hikes, Seven Pools, several absolutely delicious food trucks in Hana, Red Sand Beach, Hana Bay,...the list goes on... Main thing is to come early, take your time and relax in Hawaiian Time like no other...and yes, consider spending the night. Many places don't need reservations, as many folks have bungalows out back you can inquire about. And if you need to pass, just give your horn two little taps. Beep Beep...as you pass. and don't forget to wave! Enjoy!
5. Ho'okipa Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,529 reviews
Ideal for surfers and windsurfers.
Reviewed By ZoeyLambeauReggie - Plymouth, United States
Great place to hang out for several hours just watching the huge waves and great surfers! We went here before heading to the airport for our flight home. Nice place to relax and fairly close to the airport. This beach gets crowded so parking can get tricky....head down to lower lot if needed, plenty of spots there (usually).
6. Wai'anapanapa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,966 reviews
Waianapanapa State Park is on the road to Hana, Maui.
Reviewed By rhealey007 - Charlotte, United States
Absolutely incredible!! It's a can't miss stop. The drive in from Hana Highway is bumpy but well worth it. Go check out the massive waves at the unique black sand beach... WARNING... the waves will occasionally cover the entire sand part of the beach, so be careful where you store your towels, bags, and shoes. Go up top and see the impressive blow hole... be careful of where you choose to stand or you will get drenched. Then continue passed the blow hole and hike, yes hike, a gorgeous short trail that embodies what you think of when you think about Hawaii... lush greens and bright flowers against lava rock and ocean waves. Upon returning to the beach, don't miss the sea arch and the walk-in cave off to the right, directly on the beach.
7. Makena Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 982 reviews
Reviewed By LisaO1555 - San Diego, United States
Makena beach, also known as Big Beach, is hands down the best beach in Maui. Long, wide, and sandy beach that offers a break from the crowds in Kaanapali and Kihei. Big parking lot with portable toilets. The beach is perfect for both couples and families.
8. Ka'anapali Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,220 reviews
One of the best beaches in Maui, a favorite for relaxation as well as water sports.
Reviewed By Walnutwoman - Sacramento, United States
Sunshine kissed, cool trade breezes, water sports galore and stunning beaches, what more could you ask for.... wait, it’s there too, a short walk to whalers village gets you shopping, dining and more. P.S. Macy’s in the Hyatt is perfect for resort wear and things forgotten for a trip.
9. Haleakala Highway (Crater Road)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By hpcle
The road up to the top was a reasonably easy drive, given that I come from the flatlands where switchbacks are almost unknown. Views from the top were spectacular. Clouds moved past occasionally but changes in lighting made the scenery that much more interesting. We arrived at the visitor center in time for a ranger talk about the volcanic history of the islands, well done. We walked a short trail from the visitor center but wished we could have walked a part of the longer sliding sands trail. On the way down we stopped at some of the overlooks we missed earlier and took time for the nature trail at Hosmer Grove, getting good looks at some of the birds we were hoping to see. A great day.
10. Little Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 506 reviews
Reviewed By JFilardi - Texas, United States
Our third visit in 5 years. Great experience. Nice to feel liberated and comfortable. Waves were too tall for swimming. We are A fit, conservative, middle age couple who are surprised how much we love visiting this beach- bucket list-check. Wife was totally comfortable there.
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