Things to See on Maui

Things to See on Maui

Tara Dodrill

Maui offers far more than sun bathing and fruity drinks with little umbrellas. Visitors can snorkel, kayak, go birding, hike around a volcano, or play in a mountain waterfall on this Hawaiian island. Some Maui outdoor recreational activities are designed for experienced participants only, while others are noted as appropriate for novices.

Catamaran Snorkeling

Surfing and kayaking rentals available on the Maui beachfront.
Surfing and kayaking rentals available on the Maui beachfront.

Catamaran snorkeling excursions in Maui on a 54-foot-long muscle-powered watercraft provides a close-up look at sea life. Maui Classic Charters typically last five hours and launch from the Ma'alaea Harbor. Participants view above water natural Maui attractions such as the Kanaio Natural Area Reserve, and the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. After the Maui catamaran trip participants are treated to traditional Hawaiian music and cuisine. Snorkeling stops routinely yield coral reef exploration, and dolphin sightings.

Maui Classic Charters
1279 South Kihei Road #110
Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 879-8188
http://www.mauicharters.com

Haleakala National Park

Sunset on Maui
Sunset on Maui

Haleakala National Park offers bicycle tours around mountains and volcanoes. Bicycles are available for rent near the base of the wilderness mountain area. Cyclists will experience the Maui coastal region, sub-tropical rain forest area, volcanic region and steep mountain trails. Hikers can enjoy overnight backpack camping in the mountains. The Kipahulu coastal region features waterfalls and lagoons just off the pathways. Bird-watchers should expect to see the native Hawaiian dark-ump petral, and Hawaiian gees while walking through the Haleakala Natinal Park. This expansive Maui park is home to the largest number of endangered species in the United States Park Service.

Haleakala National Park
P.O. Box 369
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 248-7375
http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm

Kayaking

Kayakers can select from a strenuous ocean paddling excursion, or a more mild inland waterway trip. Participants typically encounter native Hawaiian wildlife and sea life during kayak outings. Novice kayakers will float through the Kapalus/Ka'anapali marine reserve area while touring the west Maui beach area. Physically fit and experienced kayakers can join a sunrise journey to the Molokini Crate on Maui. The crater paddle commonly last five hours. Maui kayak South Pacific Kayaks and Outfitters organize kayak, snorkeling, and scuba combination expeditions. Participating in one of these daylong tours routinely yield eagle and manta ray, shark, and sea turtle sightings. Divers with an open water certification can elect to partake in underwater volcanic dives.

South Pacific Kayaks
95 Halekuai St,
Kihei, HI 96753
(800) 770-2326
http://www.southpacifickayaks.com/

Article Written By Tara Dodrill

Tara Dodrill began writing professionally in 1990. She is a travel writer and photographer working for print and online media, primarily covering Florida, ecotourism and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her writing credits include RUMBUM, Yahoo News, Visit South magazine,and North Carolina Coastal Guide. She studied journalism and education at Ohio University and real estate at Hondros College.

Write for Trails.com
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