A Tropical Adventure in Maui

Your tropical adventure awaits in Maui, the beautiful relaxing Hawaiian island with a lots to do and see. If you are wanting a relaxing tropical getaway but still want adventure than Maui offers both. With its beautiful sugar sand beaches, gentle cool breezes, and the many coral reefs right off the beach for snorkeling. You won’t go far to see all the exotic fish, turtles, and dolphins accessible from your resort beach. Let’s not forget that Maui has amazing surfing.

Kayak, zipline and hike the mountains or take a bus tour to Hana where you can walk on black sand beaches and view Maui’s lush landscape and beautiful waterfalls. Golden sunsets and sunrises make for a peaceful beginning and ending of your day in Maui.

What makes the Hawaiian Islands so unique is their many different microclimates. The island of Maui offers about 25 different microclimates, making the terrain and climate of Maui vastly different throughout the island. On the beach you can enjoy gentle cool breezes and warm temperatures. On the other hand, weather in the high elevation areas like in Haleakala have temperatures ranging from 80F degrees to 30F degrees and is often unpredictable. Maui has a lot to offer and will satisfy all adventurous persons.

Things to do in the Ocean

Snorkeling is amazing in Maui with the coral reefs are right off the beach. You don’t have to swim very far to see all the beautiful coral, fish, turtles, and dolphins. Swim with the vibrantly colored tropical fish, the beautiful sea turtles and hear the dolphin’s sonar call underwater. There will be plenty of underwater beauty to capture on your camera. You could also take a boat and snorkle tour at Molokini Crater for some of the best snorkeling. Molokini Crater is crescent shaped and is one of three volcanic calderas in the world, it is about 3 miles off Maui’s south shore.

Maui has some of the best waves for surfing. Head over to Honolua Bay and Hookipa near lower Paia during winter’s big wave season. But for first time surfers you can grab lessons in West Maui and South Maui at beaches in Kaanapali, Lahaina and Kihei.

If surfing and snorkeling is not the vibe you’re going for, then give Stand Up Paddle boarding a try. Stay on top of the water and enjoy the ocean from above. If the wind is not working in your favor for paddle boarding give Windsurfing a go at it. Move fast above the water with the power and force of the ocean winds. If you choose to play in the water during your tropical getaway, be sure to wear SPF clothing because sunblock doesn’t always last that long while in the water.

Adventerous Things to do on the Island

If your in to a little more of an adrenaline rush, try a Maui zipline. There are several courses over unspoiled tropical landscapes on the island. The Eco Tour in particular is an 8 line zipline that not only takes you over the jungle of Haiku, but you also get to see colorful flower and palm tree landscapes, waterfalls, and finish off the tour by exploring a tropical park.

You cannot pass up on the many hiking trails has to offer with incredible views of the ocean and mountains. Trails vary in miles and difficulty, but all offer something unique to see. For more information read the following article 5 Best Hikes in Maui.

Wine Tasting in Maui

Maui’s winery is at Maui Wine in the Ulapalakua Ranch. Maui Wine is in a beautiful setting, with huge trees and wood carvings, at about 2000 feet elevation.  The small building has rooms of historical artifacts and information, as well as a shop where you can buy their wine, and souvenirs after enjoying wine in adjoining tasting room.  Most of their wines are pineapple wines, but they also make some grape wines.  The road to the winery has great views looking down the southeast side of Haleakala, toward Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and the island of Molokini in the distance. Lunch is offered across the street at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and Grill. They offer a small menu with plenty of choices for all diets, I recommend their great tasting grass fed and grass finished burgers. Book ahead, seating is limited.

Road to Hanna

The road to Hanna is a popular scenic drive in Maui with 52 miles of winding roads and beautiful scenery. The scenic driveway is located on the Northeast coastline of Maui. Officially the road is named Hana Highway but on the maps it is listed as Hwy 36 and Hwy 360. Stopping at MM 10 Garden of Eden is one of Mauis best must see gardens. There is an admission price. Another great stop along Hana Hwy is MM 14 Honomanu Bay lookout, it allows you to see the Hana Hwy as it snakes across the cliffside. At MM 32 Waianapanapa state park is where the black beaches of Maui are located.  Reservations up to two weeks in advance will be required for entry into this park. MM 45 Wailua Falls will offer the most scenic and easily accessible waterfall.

Maui Shopping

If you want to skip hiking up the hillside, why not stroll the stores during your tropical getaway.  Maui has several shopping centers throughout the island. One of the the most popular is the West Maui Shopping Center which is one of the most spacious indoor shopping centers.  Whalers Village is an outdoor shopping center that offers premier oceanfront shopping with a few high-end stores.  Be prepared for the weather.

Conclusion

A tropical getaway to Maui can be relaxing with plenty of beach time, but also offers plenty of options for tropical adventures, as well. Those tropical adventure activities may include surfing, snorkling, and ziplining. If you want to site see there are plenty of places to drive to like the Haleakalā Crater or the road to Hanna.

For travel tips, read our article 10 Vacation Packing Hacks.