Maui Activities

Our Favorite Maui Activities

Over the years of coming to Maui, my wife, Lory, and I have come up with an extensive list of our “Favorites.” This list is fluid, so check back to see updates. We also welcome your ideas and comments. After all, Maui No Ka Oi!

Some of the links below are directly to the activity but many are to our concierge’s info on the activity. it’s worth it to talk with Concierge Connection, as they will ask the questions you don’t know to ask to ensure you get the perfect activity and provider for your group. The concierge may come up with some new ideas, as well. Our family and many of our guests have had special tours arranged by Sandi, Mona and Concierge Connection.

Exciting Adventures

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

"SUP" can be a ton of fun. Go in the morning when the ocean is as smooth as ice. You can rent boards, or if you are new and just want to try it out, there are good SUP Schools here, too.

Canoeing & Snorkeling

A fun cultural trip to bring you back to the ancient Hawaiians is the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe and Snorkel Adventure. Better known as the Maui Sailing Canoe this is a fun time for all to go out on the water, snorkel and experience the ocean as the Hawaiians did many years ago.

Zipline

This activity is gaining popularity on Maui, so you should book in advance as they fill up quickly, especially if you are coming during High Season. I have done the one in Ka’anapali and the one by Haleakala- both are awesome. Skyline Eco is our favorite.

Blue Water Rafting

A MUST – we LOVED IT! Do the Kanaio/ Molokini Tour – you don’t have to get out and snorkel if you don’t want to (Lory didn’t), but the extended trip to Molokini is well worth it! You can see the fish in the water while you are on the boat. The added bonus is that during whale season (Nov – May), you will get a mini-whale watch too!

Whale Watching

Another MUST during Whale season (most tour groups guarantee sightings mid-Nov until early May)

The Road to Hana

Crazy, twisty roads on sea cliffs- but BEAUTIFUL!!! Make sure to pick up the CD that you play as you drive. This will tell you where to pull off to take one of the many hikes to the BEAUTIFUL waterfalls!!!

Deep-Sea Fishing

We caught 5 mahi mahi and 2 ahi tuna last January by taking a 9-hour private tour. You can do shared tours as well, and pack a lunch and beverages, too. Don’t forget to take your sea sickness pills before leaving, because the ocean can be choppy out near the DNR’s buoy

The Snorkel Store

A great Maui resource for beach rental equipment. Use this code at check out for a $20 savings ($20wev).

Haleakala Crater/Volcano

This is amazing! Lots of hiking trails, you can even bike down the volcano. Also, the best sunrise EVER!! Wear LAYERS- if you go to watch the Sunrise, the mountaintop is SUPER COLD in the winter months until the sun comes up.

Sunsets

Our area offers some of the best sunsets I have ever seen!! Best seen from Wailea of course. Try to get dinner reservations around sunset with an ocean view!!! My favorite is to head down to the main pool at Ekahi Village with some pupus (Hawaiian for appetizers) and beverages.

Helicopter Tours

One of the best ways to see Maui and the surrounding Islands. Breathtaking! Lory and I do one almost every visit. The best tours are West Maui & Molokai, Maui Spectacular and Maui-Big Island. Check out Blue Hawaiian for the best rides.

Pau Vodka Tour

PAU Maui Vodka is known as an authentic expression of aloha which encompasses the gratitude for Maui’s agriculture, passion for the Hawaiian Islands and a strong love of its people.

Ocean Vodka Tour

This tour is an organic farm and distillery experience.

Maui Brewing Company

Experience Maui with a guided tasting of their four flagship beers with a knowledgeable craft beer curator.

Maui Wine Tours

These wines are made from estate-grown grapes, pineapple, and raspberries.

Did You Know?

Maui’s most famous and the largest dormant volcano in the world is Haleakala. Its crater is 21 miles across and 4,000 feet deep. In comparison, the entire island of Manhattan could fit inside.

Delicious Dining

Mama’s Fish House

In Paia. Great food and awesome views. AMAZING.

Lahaina Grill

In Lahaina. This is Lory’s favorite restaurant.

Humu

At Grand Wailea. The setting outside is really nice, tropical.

Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant

Located at the Shops of Wailea. The BEST Pina Coladas and great happy hour! The macadamia nut crusted Opakapaka is Matt’s favorite.

Ferraro’s

At Four Seasons, Wailea.

Spago

At Four Seasons, Wailea.

Gannon’s

Great happy hour and great for post-golf at Wailea Golf Course.

Manoli’s

Up the hill from the Shops of Wailea. This Italian themed restaurant is a perfect place for pizza when you are sick of seafood! Great bar and many TVs.

Cheeseburger In Paradise

Located in the Shops of Wailea with another on Front Street in Lahaina which has a great view. Good happy hour in the Front Street location that is on the ocean.

Mulligan’s on the Blue

A fun Irish bar in Wailea, Hawaii!! AMAZING VIEWS. Best for beer and happy hour, the food is starting to slip.

Five Palms

Beautiful location in Wailea on the beach. Go for happy hour and to catch the sunset.

Fred’s Mexican Cafe

Don’t laugh. I know, you don’t come to Maui for Mexican food. But when you have had sushi and mahi mahi for days straight, this place is good! Good drinks, across from the beach, has a good breakfast too, and did I mention it’s across from the beach? Great for happy hour to watch the sunset or whales.

Longhi’s

Shrimp Longhi is great, and if they bring back the Coconut Cream Pie, get a piece! One at the shops of Wailea and one on Front Street in Lahaina.

Paia Fish Market

A fun hole-in-the-wall fish market. Family-style seating on picnic tables.

The Plantation House

Nice views of the ocean and surrounding Islands. Oh, if you are here in early January, you just might see Rory, Tiger, Sergio, Phil or any number of other PGA stars as they play in the Champions Tournament in Kapalua.

Kihei Caffe

On the strip in Kihei, good breakfast (they are only open for breakfast and lunch) and cash only.

KO

Fairmont Kea Lani, Wailea

Haliimaile General Store

Yes, go! Great food and a fun little adventure. Up Country in Haliimaile.

Duo

At the Four Seasons in Wailea

Mala

In Lahaina good happy hour.

Down The Hatch

A fun outdoor spot for drinks / pupus before after a whale watch or shopping in Lahaina.

Hopper Maui

I liked Hopper Maui for local restaurants. (only one I think that has Cuatro)

InstaCart

Does the grocery shopping and delivery for Safeway and Costco – shopper contacts you if food choices are not available.

Amazon

Prime shops & delivers from WHOLE FOODS

Check out our full Restaurant list here!

Fun Fact

Approximately 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui each year.

Golf Courses

Wailea Golf Courses

There are 3 great 18-hole courses. If you stay at Ekahi, make sure you ask for the “Wailea Resort” discount. The three courses here are the Gold and Emerald (both located at Gannon’s Restaurant) and the Blue (previously at Mulligans but now at Manoli’s above the Shops of Wailea). My order: Gold, Blue, Emerald.

Maui Nui Golf Course

Previously the Elleair Golf Course. They have a great ocean view from their “19th hole” and are across the street from The Maui Brewing Company – my preferred 19th hole for drinks and food. Pro Tip: If you are coming for an extended time, Maui Nui will negotiate a multi-day / tee time package.

Kapalua Golf Course

Take on the Plantation Course, home to the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions. There are two world class courses here, and a great restaurant too, so if you want to play you can also try the Bay Course. Their pro shop is always open so you can look like you played here even if you did not (with $500 + green fees, the golf shirt might be a better deal). If you do tee it up here, you’ll take on a course that tamed Tiger and many professional golfers.

The Kaanapali Resort

The Kaanapali resort area has a few courses. I find them to be the most crowded and not too scenic. You can see whales in season at the Wailea courses, and Maui Nui.

Public Courses near Wailea

Some other courses near Wailea that I like are the Kahili Golf Course (on the foothills of the West Maui Mountain), The Dunes at Maui Lani, and an upcountry gem, the Pukalani Country (they have public rates.

Golf Club Rental

Personally, I bring my clubs with me when I travel. However, all of the resort courses will offer rental clubs. If you want to play with good clubs, check out the Maui Golf Shop in Kihei. They rent out new and used clubs at great rates.