Maui has been voted as ‘The Best Island In The World’ more than a dozen times but some of the most exciting things to do here don’t take place on the island itself!  There’s a world of fun to be found in the crystal-clear waters just offshore. With 120 miles of coastline, you can take off in almost any direction and find fantastic options for aquatic exploration. Whether you want to experience paradise by paddleboard or discover airborne adrenaline adventures; Maui has plenty of easy equipment rental locations and world-class instructors.

Atlantis Submarine Tour

Here are the Top 15 Ocean Activities in Maui.

  • Surfing

Maui is a surfer’s dream, no matter the level of ability. This “sport of kings” has a deep connection to the region, where it is known as he’e nalu – the Hawaiian term for ‘wave sliding’. First-time riders should check out the West Maui beaches in Kīhei and Kā’anapoli. If you can rip a wave and shred some turns already, head north to Peahi and Hono’lua Bay, affectionately known to locals as “Jaws” and “Slaughterhouse”.  

  • Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe & Kayaking

A great way to see the tropical scenery along Maui’s coastline is to take a tour in a Hawaiian outrigger canoe. For centuries the a wa’a was the primary means of transportation, carved from Koa trees and engineered to withstand the brute force swells of the North Pacific. Today, the outrigger design, lateral support floats fastened to the main hull, can still be seen on watercraft piloted by locals and tourists who want to get some exercise and soak up some rays.  You can rent one that seats six and get paddling instructions from places like Kīhei Canoe Club or take a guided tour from Hawaiian Outrigger Experience.

  • Whale Watching

Every winter, 10,000 humpback whales travel from their feeding grounds off Alaska to their breeding grounds in the warm waters of Hawaii. Visiting Maui between December and March gives you an incredible chance to witness this massive mammal migration up close. To get the best view, take a boat tour from experienced operators like Pacific Whale Eco-Adventures and Trilogy.

  • Wild Dolphin Encounter

While whales have a migration season, dolphins frolic in the ocean waters of Maui all year long. Spinner, bottlenose, and spotted dolphins roam the region between Lana’i and Maui. The West Maui coastline has a group of spinner dolphins that is frequently found patrolling near Kā‘anapali Beach and up north as far as Honolua Bay. Another pod frequents La Perouse Bay, in South Maui. Although you might catch a glimpse of one while snorkeling, your best bet to see a dolphin in the wild is to take a tour from an agency like Maui Adventure Cruises. 

  • Parasailing 

Maui is a fantastic place to parasail over paradise and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific with UFO Parasailing Tours. Bask in the breathtaking views of The Valley Isle as you float high above the rippling waves solo, with your partner, or even three at a time! Parasailing is family-friendly and easy to do for people of all ages and skill levels, including kids from five years old on up.  

  • Snorkeling & Sea Scooter

Maui has more than 30 miles of beaches, and the calmest, clearest water can be found just off the western and southern shores. With so many opportunities for underwater exploration, kids and adults can get a close-up view of vibrant coral, brilliantly colored tropical fish, and Hawaiian green sea turtles in spots like Olowalu Reef with simple equipment you can bring from home or easily rent. You can even rev up your aqua-adventure and cover more territory by catching a sea scooter snorkeling tour. 

  • SCUBA & SNUBA Diving

Using Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, known as S.C.U.B.A. equipment will allow divers to go deeper, stay submerged longer, and see more of Maui’s magical undersea universe.  Molokini Crater is world-famous for the vast array of fish and other ocean life that can be seen inside this massive volcanic caldera. The incredible wall diving experience in this protected nature preserve, and in other places like Coral Gardens, can also be accessed with a combination snorkel and SCUBA technique called SNUBA. No need for certifications, this kind of dive still allows you to breathe comfortably underwater with lightweight equipment and is done with the help of instructors.

  •  Atlantis Submarine Tour

On your visit to Maui, take an extraordinary ocean excursion that carries you100 feet below the surface on the Atlantis Adventures Submarine. See brilliant coral reefs, spectacular fish, and other marine life on this unique underwater adventure. You’ll also get a tremendous view of one of the top locations for shipwreck diving in the world! The submarine takes you up close to the artificial reef that was created in 2005 by the sinking of the steel-hulled brig Carthaginian II.

  •  Boogie Boarding and Bodyboarding

The art of riding waves on a shortboard while laying down on your belly is known as bodyboarding. This surfing alternative is a popular activity for Maui visitors because beginners can learn how to do it much more quickly than learning how to stand up on a traditional surfboard. Plus, these boogie boards are able to access tasty waves that surfboards can’t ride. Hop aboard and glide along with the breaks at beaches like Wailea and Big Beach, which is just south of Wailea in Makena Beach State Park.

  • Wakeboarding & Wake Surfing & Parasailing

Wakeboarding isn’t limited to just lakes and rivers. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, take a tour with Wake Maui and their 23-foot Ski Supreme Boat. They offer wakeboarding trips and teach the exciting sport of wake surfing, where a surfer rides a board on the boat’s wake without being pulled directly by the ski boat.

  • Sport Fishing Tours/Fishing Charter

Big fish in the deep water off the Maui shores can be found with the help of a sport fishing tour or charter.  Commonly found species include blue marlin, striped marlin, ahi, and mahi-mahi. Book with Fish Maui or Strike Zone to reel in the catch of a lifetime!

  • Windsurfing & Kitesurfing

One of the most popular ocean activities around the world is windsurfing, and Maui is the perfect place to experience this intense sport. Mixing the challenge of sailing with the thrills of surfing, beginners can learn how to strike the balance with outfits like Action Sports Maui. Kitesurfing is an extreme sport that takes the windsurfing concept to the next level!  It works by strapping a board to your feet and attaching a kite-like-parachute to your body with a harness. Then, use the wind and the waves to catch some air! School is in session for both sports at Kahana Beach Park with the experts from Hawaiian Sailboarding Techniques.

  • Jet Boat

Take an ‘insane’ ride on this one-of-a-kind, 30-foot deluxe jet boat! Kā’anapali Ocean Adventures has a wet-and-wild, hour-long aquatic adventure. Expect sharp turns, thrilling 360-degree spins, and lightning acceleration on this custom-built, eco-friendly vessel.

  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is a great form of exercise!  Soak in the sunbeams while getting a core workout. These surfboard-like rafts are also perfect to chillax on as you gently float your way along Maui’s spectacular shorelines.  SUP is great for all ages. Pack a picnic lunch and choose your own adventure. First-timers can get great lessons from Hawaiian Paddle Sports, and gear can be rented by the day or for a whole week at places like Action Sports Maui, right across the street from Kalama Beach Park and Boss Frogs.

  •  Sunset Sailing Cruise

Maui sunsets are absolutely magical, and one of the best ways to experience them is out on the water aboard a catamaran. Take a sunset dinner sail from Teralani or watch the brilliant twilight colors as you cruise along with cocktails and local live musicians on a trip with Sea Maui.

Remember, Ali’I Resorts is the #1 vacation rental for South Maui condos. Options range from affordable to luxury price points. You can stay oceanfront, from Kīhei to Wailea-Makena. For the best rates, book with us direct!