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Posted on Mar 21 2023

Favorite Adventures on Maui

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Maui has the best of everything: the conveniences of the city, the charm of the country, and the laid-back beach towns...there is something for everyone. 

Here is a short list of MUST-DO EXPERIENCES: 

Haleakala Summit - Both the summit and the Hosmer Grove hike! Haleakala National Park is home to a dormant volcano crater with its desert-like landscape, sacred sites and a waterfall-laden tropical oasis near the coastline. Its name means "house of sun" and the entire park occupies 30,000 acres of land on Maui, though most visitors focus on a few specific areas of the park. Of course, there's the volcano: Haleakala's summit stands more than 10,000 feet above sea level (in fact, you can see three different islands from its peak on a clear day). For a once-in-lifetime experience plan your visit to the summit to see the sunrise (keep in mind visitors have to make reservations online in advance and a small fee is required). A winding, sometimes steep road (Route 378) takes visitors to the top. At 10,000 feet the air is thin and chilly, according to park rangers, so layers are advised. But, don't limit yourself to just the volcano. The park's most popular trail, Pipiwai, is actually at sea level, meandering 4 miles (roundtrip) along Maui's southeast coast. The trail goes through a beautiful bamboo forest and ends at Waimoku Falls. The hike takes three to five hours to complete, but you'll walk away with some stunning photos. Recent visitors gushed at the sunrise seen from the top of Haleakala Crater, saying it was "magical," even with the early wake-up call. If you're hoping to secure a ticket for the sunrise, heed the advice of past visitors and book months in advance. Reviewers say sunset tickets are easier to come by as this time of day is a bit underrated compared to the sunrise.

Haleakala National Park is located in Upcountry Maui and welcomes visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are three visitor centers: The Headquarters Visitors Center sits near the northern corner of the park along the road to the summit; the Haleakala Visitor Center can be found near the top of the mountain and the Kipahulu Visitor Center sits along the southeast portion of the park (at the head of the Pipiwai Trail and along the Road to Hana). Each visitor center features its own hours of operation, though each offers 24-hour restrooms.

To enter the park on foot or by bike, admission costs $15 per person. Motorists can enter for $30 per car; admission is valid for three consecutive days. Keep in mind, there is no food or gas sold in the park. There is no public transportation to the park, though several operators offer tours to and from the park (sunrise tours are particular popular). Several of Maui's best helicopter tours fly over Haleakala, making for a memorable (if pricey) experience. Alternatively, you can view the volcano from afar on a zip line. For more information on Haleakala National Park, visit the National Park Service's website


BEST SNORKELING BEACHES - use Google Maps for driving instructions: 
Makena Beach - fantastic snorkeling, especially along the right wall and around the coast. Bring a picnic; once here, you will want to stay all day. White sand, protected bay, tons of turtles and reef fish. 
Le Perouse Bay - it is a secret spot as a dolphin sanctuary. Spinner dolphins - sometimes 100+ in a pod - all here just to amuse you (so it seems). 

Road to Hana - the BEST insider tip is to go in the reverse direction (starting from the if you are brave (or hate waiting for slower drivers); or start VERY EARLY (as in first daylight). Sounding like a mythical journey, Hana is an actual town on the scenic highway (Highway 360). Traveling along Maui's beautiful coastline, travelers are met with a road that includes about 600 curves, more than 50 bridges and 60 cascading waterfalls that line the island's lush eastern shore. The Road to Hana might seem short at 52 miles, but the journey will most likely take all day given the number of scenic lookouts and other places to stop. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, there are several tour companies that offer tours in luxury vans, including Valley Isle Excursions and Temptation Tours. Though pricier than driving yourself, taking a tour allows you to focus on the incredible scenery while someone else navigates the winding curves. Plus, most tours are guided. If you decide to drive yourself, there are several notable photo opportunities along the way, including the Twin Falls around the 2-mile marker (driving from Kahului to Hana); and the Upper Waikani Falls around the 19-mile marker. Wai'anapanapa State Park for the black sand beach and Ho'okipa Beach for its big waves are also popular stops. Since the trip will take visitors all day, snacks and a cooler with drinks are advised. If you plan to hike, you'll want to bring suitable shoes that can don't mind getting muddy, as well as a bug repellent. Dengue fever is no joke! 

Upcountry to Ulupalakua - the winery does not offer exceptional wines (coming from a sommelier), but it is FUN and probably one of the most SCENIC and gorgeous settings for a winery. The grounds are relaxing, the wine tasting is charming, and the drive to get there is worth it. 

Paia Town. Quaint, charming beachside town and you must grab a bite at the Paia Fish Market! If you want to expand your culinary horizons via Maui’s bounty of seafood, head to the casual eatery Paia Fish Market for an easy ordering experience. Try the mahi-mahi if in the mood for a flaky white fish, or dig into opah, a Hawaiian fish that supposedly brings good luck. Once you pick your protein, you choose its preparation: grilled, blackened, Cajun-style, or sautéed in butter and lemon. You will finally understand what it means when you hear the locals say something they ate "...broke da mouth!" 

>> If COST is not a factor: 
A helicopter tour from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters with a waterfall landing. 

 

Additional resources: 

https://www.timeout.com/maui/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-maui


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