Watch the Humpback Whales
December to April is when humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. Although they can often be seen from shore, you can get an even better view by taking a whale-watching boat tour. One popular tour operator is the Pacific Whale Foundation.
Pacific Whale Foundation
300 Maalaea Road # 211
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 249-8811
http://www.pacificwhale.org
Dive Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is world-renowned for its spectacular dive conditions. According to Maui Revealed, visibility can often be as much as 180 feet. It is a great place to look for reef sharks, manta rays and sometimes even humpback whales. One popular company offering Molokini dive trips is Maui Dive Shop.
Maui Dive Shop
1455 S. Kihei Road
Kihei, HI 96753-8189
(800) 542-3483
http://www.mauidiveshop.com/
Drive the Road to Hana
Another popular activity is taking the drive to Hana. Along the drive, you'll pass numerous waterfalls that are easily accessible from the road, different colored sandy beaches and trails that take you through bamboo rainforests.
Hana Highway
Route 26
Maui, HI
Sunrise on Haleakala
When it's overcast in Maui, it's not uncommon for the top of Haleakala to peak above the clouds. Many visitors choose to see sunrise on Haleakala, which is a distinctive experience because the clouds are below the summit and the sun's rays shine through them.
Haleakala Visitors Center
Haleakala Crater Road
Makawao, HI
(808) 572-4400
http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm
Hike Through Redwoods
Maui might seem to have a tropical environment, but at 6,000 feet, the temperatures can change drastically; it can be cool and foggy. A great place to hike in this environment is at Polipoli State Park where California redwood's were planted in the 1930s and now reach roughly 100 feet high.
Polipoli Springs State Recreational Area
Polipoli Access Road
Maui, HI
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/Index.cfm?park_id=39
Visit a Black Sand Beach
Most black sand beaches are found on the Big Island. However, for a similar experience on Maui, consider visiting the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. The rocky black coastline against the turquoise water is picture worthy and makes for a distinctive hike.
Waianapanapa State Park
Hana, HI 96713
(808) 244-4354
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/waianapanapa.cfm
Go Kayaking
The calm waters and consistent wind patterns in Maui make it an excellent place to kayak. Consider putting in at Makena Landing and kayaking to the local turtle town. You'll know you've arrived when you see the other tour boats moored there or when you find yourself surrounded by sea turtles.
Makena Landing
Makena Road
Kihei, HI 96753
Snorkel at Turtle Town
Another way to snorkel at turtle town is to take a snorkel boat tour. Turtle towns are so named because of the cleaner wrasse fish, which have "cleaning stations." The wrasse clean the turtle's shells by eating the parasites and algae. Thus, the turtles congregate in these areas. One popular company offering a turtle town snorkel tour is Maui Dive Shop.
Maui Dive Shop
1455 S. Kihei Road
Kihei, HI 96753-8189
(800) 542-3483
http://www.mauidiveshop.com/
Ride a Submarine
A different way to view the fish life in Maui is to take a submarine ride. Atlantis Adventures in Lahaina offers a submarine ride that takes visitors down more than 100 feet, where you can see sea turtles, ship wrecks and even scuba divers.
Atlantis Adventures
658 Front St. # 175
Lahaina, HI 96761-1269
(800) 548-6262
http://www.atlantisadventures.com
Learn to Surf
If you've ever considered surfing, Maui is a top place to learn. Lahaina is one of the best areas for beginner surfers because of its consistent wave action. One of the most popular companies offering surfing lessons is Goofy Foot Surf School.
Goofy Foot Surf School
505 Front St. # 123
Lahaina, HI 96761-1188
(808) 244-9283
http://www.goofyfootsurfschool.com
