Maui, the island of adventure and fairytale getaways. It’s always at the top of the list for islands to visit in Hawaii, and around the world. With so many things to see and do, it’s no wonder people keep it at the top of their lists. Just pick a category, there’s something to do for everyone.
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1. Hiking
Without a doubt, hiking is one of the top most satisfying activities on the island. Hiking isn’t just walking some forest-y trail in Maui, the island is rich in tropical sights and sounds, and you’ll feel like you’re in the movie Jurassic Park. Which makes sense, because Hawaii was used in the location of the films.
2. Boating
Whether it’s a big boat or a small fishing boat, being out in the waters of Maui has to be seen to be believed. The perfect weather, the perfect scenery of the gold, orange, and reds of a sunset. Maui is postcard quality everywhere you look. Grab a drink and melt away your stress.
3. Home of the Pineapple
Maui is home to the world’s best pineapples. If you’re a fanatic, you can even go on a tour in the pineapple fields where, at one point, the entire supply of pineapples came from. Get the fruit straight off the assembly line and hear about Maui’s history. Fun for the whole family!
4. Maui Ocean Center
If you can’t make it out to sea to do some scuba diving, then you’re going to want to visit Maui’s amazing aquarium at Maalea. They have every sea creature there you can imagine, and some that you probably can’t. They have some amazing architecture with the tanks, too. Massive curved glass that surrounds you in a tunnel that makes you feel like you’re walking through the ocean.
5. Maui Festivals
Maui knows how to party, that’s for sure. They throw a huge event for Halloween, which is awesome, and they also have the annual Maui Film Festival, so you know you’ll catch some famous people hanging out around the island. They are much more accessible on a laid-back island like Maui. Same goes for the music scene, lots of great concerts are hosted in Maui, similar to the summer festivals in the State’s mainland.
6. Whale Watching
During the winter, each year, Maui is the backdrop of a beautiful place where Humpbacks mate and give birth to the new generation. It’s like a Nature episode before your very eyes. The sheer size of these gentle giants is one that will always leave an impression on you.
7. Wai’anapanapa State Park
Waianapanapa, located just off the Hana Highway on the outskirts of Hana, has many sights to see: seabird colonies, lava tubes, heiau (religious temples), a massive, natural rock arch, sea stacks, blowholes, and anchialine pools (a landlocked body of water with a subterranean connection to the ocean.).
Waianapanapa means “glistening fresh water” and when you see the illuminated waters on a sunny day, and how they contrast against the black basalt rocks, the resulting black sandy beach will make feel like you’re in some weird, fantastic abstract painting.
Slider Image Credit: flickr.com/photos/tdlucas5000/8008201350