Are you planning a vacation to Maui in 2017? Then you’ve made a wonderful decision. Our island is a little slice of paradise, and there’s never a better time to start planning your upcoming vacation than right now. Our island has beaches and volcanoes, forests and swooping cliffs, microclimates and some of the most amazing food in the world. Time to start writing your Maui bucket list. Here are some of our suggestions:
Hit the Beach
Maui is famous for its spectacular beaches. From Makena Beach State Park in South Maui, to Ka’anapali Beach in the east and Wai’anapanapa State Park in the west, you seriously can’t go wrong. Pat on the sun screen, roll out your big beach towel, and find sun-soaked nirvana.
Take a Hike
We aren’t just about the beaches in Maui. The interior of our island is filled with rugged forested landscapes that beg for exploration. Hiking is a great activity for the entire family. Consider visiting ‘Iao Valley State Park, the Waihou Spring Trail Loop, or the Polipoli Spring State Recreational Area & Forest Reserve just to name a few.
As of September 2016, Iao Valley State Park is closed. For the most updated details, visit the State Parks site
Experience a Luau
Haven’t you always wanted to see an entire pig roasted on a spit? Now you can at one of our famous luaus. You’ll also get a taste of our island’s traditional music, songs, and dancing. It will be a filling and unforgettable night.
Drive the Hana Highway
This 64-mile road between Kahului and Hana isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll drive right on the edge of cliffs and over one-lane bridges. The beautiful landscape is worth the difficulty, and if you would rather avoid white-knuckle driving, you can always hop on a bus tour.
Hike up Mt. Haleakala
This massive mountain is a dormant volcano that makes up 75% of Maui. You can hike or drive up to its peak or even ride horses up to the top. It’s a long trek but worth the view at the top. We suggest getting up early and watching the sunrise from the top of the world. (Reservations required as of February 1, 2017)
Watch the Sunrise
Maui knows how to put on a show. Each one of our days starts with a gorgeous sunrise. It’s worth waking up early and grabbing a cup of coffee to enjoy the experience. Whether you are at the top of Mt. Haleakala, sitting on the beach, or sailing the salty ocean, you won’t be disappointed by our sunrises.
Go Whale Watching
From November to May our massive friends, the humpback whales come to the warm waters off of Maui to mate, give birth, and relax. Whale watching is a great family activity for all ages and can help inspire children to care about conservation.
Scuba dive
Maui is home to some of the very best scuba diving spots in the world. Our waters are known for their clarity and their abundance of marine life. Down in the depths, you can see lava rock reef formations, sea turtles, manta rays, and colorful fish.
Eat some shaved ice
Yummy in your tummy! No matter where you go in Maui, there always seems to be a shaved ice stand nearby to help you ward off the heat with delicious and sweet flavored ice. It’s the perfect middle-of-the day treat on your Maui vacation.
Afternoon drinks
We love making drinks in Maui. You’ll notice an abundance of bars on our island, along with friendly locals. Stop by for a happy hour and get in the Aloha spirit with new friends.
Need even more ideas for your Maui bucket list? We’ve got tons of them. You can check out this blog for lots of additional Maui advice or if you are renting one of our vacation condos in Maui, give us a call. Tell us what you like to do or want to try for the first time, and we can help you book it!
