Aloha! Maui is full of so many romantic activities that you might find it difficult to decide how to make the best use of your time and money. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are ten must-do island adventures for your next trip:
1.Sunset or Sunrise at Hale’akalā Observatory
Hale’akalā means “House of the Sun”, so naturally, this location makes the perfect spot to watch the sun coming up or going down. The summit of this dormant volcano reaches just over 10,000 feet above sea level, and visitors frequently find themselves perched so high they can look down at the clouds below. If you and your honey are planning to catch the first rays of the dawn’s early light, there are two things you’ll need to know. 1st – in order to access the Hale’akalā National Park between 3 am and 7 am you need to have a reservation in advance! Thankfully they’re only $1 per ticket and can be made up to 60 days ahead of your trip. 2nd – To catch the full spectrum of the morning light show, you’ll want to be at the summit an hour before the sun rises.
2. Upcountry Farmer’s Market
This once-a-week gathering has been going on for more than 40 years and really gives you the flavor of the agricultural bounty Maui provides. If you want to see the full range of available produce, show up as close as possible to the 7 am opening hour. You won’t find a more eclectic mix of prepared and fresh food offered by bohemian vendors anywhere else on the island. Coconuts? Check. Macadamia nuts? Check. Goat Milk Caramel? Check! If you’re planning a romantic picnic, Upcountry Farmers Market is the place to fill your basket!
3. Wailua Falls – Road to Hana
Legend says that The Road to Hana was originally built in the sixteenth century as a path to connect East Maui with West Maui. The paved road today was finished in 1926 and is frequently called the most scenic drive in Hawaii. The sixty-four-mile-long route is also the best way to see one of the most accessible and breathtaking waterfalls on the island – Wailua Falls. Continue on HI-360 7.6 miles past Hana and the falls are visible on the right side of the highway between mile markers 44 and 45. For adventurous couples, it’s well worth stopping and making the short trek to clasp hands and take the plunge into the swimming hole at the base of the falls.
4. Scuba Olu’walu & Turtle Town
Maui’s southern coast is the best place to get a good look at sea turtles in their natural habitat. Hawaii is home to the largest population of great sea turtles in America, and a short drive in either direction from Kīhei will land you in the perfect spots to find them in abundance. The coral reef fifteen miles north of Kīhei can be accessed from Olu’walu Beach. If you and your partner are new to snorkeling, the calm, clear water around Olu’walu Reef is a great place to get started with this thrilling activity. Another great spot protected by the trade winds is an area commonly known as Turtle Town. It can be found ten miles south of Kīhei at Maluaka Beach. This area is usually uncrowded and has nearby bathrooms and locations for renting snorkeling equipment.
5. Whale Watching
If you’re planning to visit Maui between December and May, you’re in luck! That’s whale season, and definitely, the best time to see whales, with January through March considered ‘peak season’. With binoculars, it’s possible to see whales along the south shore in Ma’alaea Bay at spots in Kīhei like Kalama Beach Park and The Royal Mauian. Boat tours from services like Pacific Whale Foundation can give you an even closer view of these massive mammals with a trip through the bay and into the Maui Nui Basin. This spot on the south side of the island is a natural habitat for humpback whales. Many tour operators guarantee sightings, so planning an excursion on one of your first days on the island could give you time for a ‘do-over’ if needed!
6. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Pack a picnic and make an adventurous date out of this aquatic activity, or set up a tiki-torch lit meal as your paddling destination. Boards can be rented in Kalama Park in Kīhei at Big Kahuna Adventures , or across the street from the park at Maui Waveriders If you’re new to this sport, a great place for first-timers is in the south end of Kalama Park, at Cove Beach. Add some intensity to your yoga routine by trying it out on a paddleboard. Want to play a game? Try paddleboard polo, capture-the-flag, or even dodgeball. Depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to have your paddleboards delivered to your door. If you decide to pick them up from a vendor, just don’t forget to figure out ahead of time if they will fit in your rental car!
7. Kihei Surf Schools
Ancient Hawaiians connected with the powerful ocean surf around them by practicing he’e nalu, or wave-sliding. Known around the world now as ‘surfing’, Maui remains one of the best places on the planet for you and your partner to learn how to hang ten! The six miles of coastline that make up the laid-back beach town of Kiheī offer plenty of sandy spots and surfing academies like Waves Hawaii Surf School and Maui Beach Boys. The southern end of Kalama Park is home to “The Cove”, where you’re pretty much guaranteed gentle waves year-round.
8. Lavender Farms
When you’re both ready for a break from the beach, take a day trip 4000 feet up the slopes of Hale’akalā to Ali’i Kula Farm in Maui’s Upcountry. In addition to breathtaking bi-coastal views of the West Maui Mountains and the North Shore, you’ll find more than 50,000 lavender bushes bursting with fragrance. While you’re here, you can take a garden tour through this purple paradise, go on a lavender treasure hunt or schedule a gourmet lunch! Don’t miss the gift shop, which is stocked with specialty items and unique souvenirs.
9. Maui Ocean Center
Snorkeling is a great way to catch a glimpse of aquatic life but to see even more of this underwater world and stay dry at the same time, head to Mā’alaea Harbor on the southwest coast for the Aquarium of Hawai’i – Maui Ocean Center. Listed by TripAdvisor as one of the ten best aquariums to visit, here you’ll find live coral reef displays and up-close opportunities to go nearly nose-to-nose with sharks and stingrays. Reservations are required and can be made online here. Learn about oceanography and experience the unforgettable whale migration journey at the Humpbacks of Hawai’i Exhibit and Sphere. This brand-new 3D experience is open every day from 10 am – 4 pm and is included with admission.
10. Beach Sunset – Your Choice
Even though it happens every day, Maui sunsets are magical, showstopping events. And they’re totally free! The long romantic beach stroll from your fantasies can come true every evening while you’re here. Here are a few south shore beaches to consider for you and your partner to connect with nature and each other amid a blaze of color: Kalepolepo Beach Park, Sugar Beach, and Kamala Park. If you’re looking for a patch of grass to rest on as the sun goes down, check out Kamaole Beach Parks I, II & III. Keawakapu also has a grass area, and as a bonus – this beach, in particular, is the best spot to be at sunset to hear the blowing of the Pū. Every night locals follow this tradition using conch shells as musical instruments to give thanks for the day and say ‘Mahalo’ for this little slice of paradise.
