Go on a Maui Whale Watching Tour with Tom Barefoot's Tours
If you enjoy learning about the ocean and sea creatures, enjoy a day out on the waters around Maui to see the whales trekking across the ocean. Whale watching season in Maui runs from December 16 through April 15, and tour operators such as Tom Barefoot's Tours offers whale watching excursions starting at $19.95 per person, as of 2009.
Whale Watching Tour
Tom Barefoot's Tours
250 Alamaha Street
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
(800) 621-3601
tombarefoot.com/maui
Rent a Cabin at Waianapanapa State Park
If you want to enjoy a camping trip in Wainapanapa State Park in Maui with hotel-like amenities, book one of the twelve cabins scattered in the park that are managed by the State Parks Division. Frommers.com reports that these cabins are priced at $45 for four people, as of 2009, and the cabin is designed with a complete kitchen, a refrigerator, basic cooking and eating utensils, linens, towels and a hot shower. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts can spend the day exploring the 120-acre state park and relax in the tropical setting in one of these rustic cabins for the night.
Waianapanapa State Park Cabins
Reservations via the State Parks Division
54 South High Street, Room 101
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Go on a Self-Guided Nature Walk through the Iao Valley
There is no admission fee to visit the trails in Iao Valley, a lush, scenic valley in Maui that's famous for its tropical flora and fauna and scenic views of the Pacific. You can take a self-guided walk through the trails to see the rivers around the Valley Isle, see the indigenous plants up close and relax by the river.
Iao Valley
Iao Valley Road
Highway 32, Maui
hawaiistateparks.org
Pack a Picnic for Wahikuli Beach Park
Spend the day at Wahikuli Beach Park relaxing at the beach and swimming in the ocean for an inexpensive adventure in Maui. Lahaina is a short drive from Wahikuli Beach Park, so you can pick up cheap food to go at budget-friendly restaurants in Lahaina such as the Aloha Mixed Plate or pick up something from the Lahaina Farms Grocery Store. AuntieSnorkel.com reports that Wahikuli Beach Park is a great spot for BBQs, picnicking, swimming and snorkeling. There is no admission fee to enter the Wahikuli Beach area.
Wahikuli Beach Park
Maui County Parks & Recreation
1840 Honoapiilani Hwy
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
(808) 661-4685
Explore the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
The Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is a 10-acre park that offers camping and lodging facilities in the middle of the Kula Forest Reserve. The Hawaii State Parks organization reports that this destination is popular for pig and seasonal bird hunting, and promises sweeping views of Central and West Maui, Lana'i and Moloka'i on a sunny day. Head here to explore the nature trails or hike through the forest. There is no admission fee to enter the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area.
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Approximately 10 miles upland from Kula on Waipoli Road
Off Kekaulike Avenue (Highway 377)
Maui
hawaiistateparks.org
