Ultimate Whale Watching
Anyone can watch the humpback whales from the coast, but if you really want to combine your love of water and sports with the unique chance to spot some whales, this is the way to do it: Get a close-up look at these truly awe-inspiring creatures from inside a mere 30 feet of inflatable raft. Just hitting the ocean waves at 50 mph in the Wiki Wahine would be enough to qualify as terrific Maui fun, but add in a money-back guarantee if you don't get as close to the whales as legally possible and you've got one of the best things to do on the entire island chain.
Ultimate Rafting
Lahaina Harbor, Slip #17
Maui, Hawaii
(808) 667-5678
ultimatewhalewatch.com
Hoapili Trail
Very few trails still exist in America where you can hike along the places that were there before Christian explorers came along. The Hoapili Trail is certainly not going to look anything to you like it appeared to ancient Polynesian settlers, but it's probably as close as you're going to get. While this trail isn't quite the stuff of the Big Island trails that take you from rainforest to snowy peaks, it is anything but easy. Prepare for the uneven terrain of solidified lava and jagged rocks by wearing sturdy hiking boots. You might want to seriously consider leaving the shorts behind and wear some pants of thick material as well. The trail is only six miles but pack some food and even a mask and snorkel for the rocky beaches you hit along the way.
Bike Down a Volcano
Certain opportunities exist for the outdoor recreationalist that simply aren't available everywhere. One of those opportunities that you simply must take advantage of is the chance to bike downhill from a volcano. Just try that back home in America's heartland. The bike tour that begins as the sun rises over the volcano remains the most popular, but space is limited so try to make reservations as far ahead as possible. The downhill bike ride starts 6700 feet above sea level and sends you on a 28 mile ride down Haleakala.
Maui Downhill
199 Dairy Road
Kahului, Maui, Hawaii 96732
(808) 871-2155
mauidownhill.com
Article Written By Timothy Sexton
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
