Faced with so many wonderful things to see and do on Maui, Lana’i and Moloka’i, and usually too little time, travelers can use the checklists in this section as a tool to stay focused on the Special Experiences that make Maui one of the most unique vacation spots in the world.
Major tourist attractions on Maui certainly are no mystery to anyone. Every guidebook and a superabundance of promotional brochures found in every store, restaurant and hotel on the island present slightly different versions of Maui’s “best” and “must-see-and-do” attractions. These four checklists cover more ground and activities than any of these guides.
Tours can be guided or un-guided but your best choice is guided since un-guided tours are not allowed to ride within Park boundaries. Guided tours descend the entire 38 miles from the crater rim to Pa’ia. Tours can be at sunrise (definitely the most spectacular choice but requires a very early pick-up time at your hotel –usually 3am or before!) or what we refer to as “mid-day” -- a pick-up time between 6:30-8:00am. A continental breakfast is supplied en route or at the bike company base yard.
Brunch or lunch is provided after the tour at a restaurant in Paia with other restaurant options in the upcountry areas of Kula or Makawao. A variation of this tour meets at Rice Park in Upcountry’s Kula at 7am. Instead of cruising down to Makawao and Pa’ia, this tour ends in Ulupalakua Ranch at the Tedeschi Winery for a deli-style lunch and a visit to the wine-tasting room. (See: http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/bike_maui.html)
When the winds die down in the late afternoon, and coolness and light breezes return, it’s the perfect time to board a sloop, schooner, catamaran or power vessel in Ka’anapali, Ma’alaea or Lahaina to cruise along Maui’s West or Southern Coast until the sun disappears in the ocean. Enjoy pupus (appetizers) and an open bar on board ship and, on some cruises, champagne, live entertainment and whalewatching in season.
(See: http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/sunset_cruise_maui.html)
As an alternative, take an afternoon snorkel cruise to Molokini (weather and ocean conditions permitting) and return at sunset, leaving time for your own dinner plans.
(See: http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/trilogy_molokini.html#Anchor-49575)
Leave from Ma’alaea or Lahaina harbor in your choice of sailing catamarans, motor yachts or schooners, a glass of wine, mai tai or beer in hand, and float between the islands of Maui, Lana’i, Moloka’i and Kaho’olawe for 2-21/2 hours. As the sun descends into the sea and the lights of Lahaina begin to shine, enjoy a delicious dinner and open bar, live Polynesian entertainment, and dancing.
(See: http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/dinner_maui.html)
If you prefer an exclusive dinner cruise for your private indulgence, snorkel in the Honolua Marine Sanctuary and then enjoy a delicious 7-course dinner prepared by Longhi’s as you sail into the sunset aboard a 65ft. catamaran.
(See: http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/shangri_la_dinner.html)
First, some whale-watching advice and tips. Your best bet for seeing Humpbacks is to choose an experienced whale-watching cruise operator whose cruise is dedicated to whale-watching (not, say, snorkeling). Not only do these experienced cruise operators know where whales are likely to be, they know how to handle their boats once they get into an area with whale activity. Choose a harbor for cruise departure nearest to your lodgings or where you’re spending the day. Both Lahaina and Ma’alaea are equally close to the best whalewatching areas. Any time of day is as good as another for sighting whales.
Waters around Maui are a legislated sanctuary for Humpback whales and, since Humpbacks are treated with respect, they keep coming back in winter. Pods put on a spectacular show -- playing, slapping their flukes, waving their tails and “breaching” (leaping high in the air). You can listen to underwater whales’ “songs” using onboard hydrophones.
Many different types of large and small crafts will take you to watch whales for several hours, but they’re basically divided into two main categories: many people prefer a large and stable vessel, often with an upper deck suitable to see whales in the distance; and the more adventurous prefer an extremely fast and maneuverable zodiac or rigid-hull inflatable or even kayaks which provide an ocean surface vantage point to meet whales “one on one”. All boats (including kayaks) in Hawaii are restricted from approaching whales closer than 100 yards. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/whales_maui.html)
Any one who sails, dreams of sailing or is looking for a romantic getaway should set sail in the morning or at sunset on a catamaran or yacht from a harbor on Maui. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/sailing_maui.html) Discover Hulopo’e Bay Marine Sanctuary and Lana’i aboard the Trilogy combined with snorkeling, a guided van tour to Lana’i City or other options that include either kayaking or a jeep safari on wild Lana’i’s back roads. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/trilogy_lanai.html) For those that want a “power sail,” try the afternoon speed sail on the Paragon that reaches velocities of up to 25 mph. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/paragon.html)
A number of protected marine reserves provide excellent destinations for snorkel charters. Prominent among them are the Marine Reserves of Hulopo’e Bay on Lana’i, Molokini Island, and Honolua Marine Sanctuary. No matter what your snorkeling ability, there will be a boat excursion that’s just perfect for you, from the most basic (specializing in landlubbers and saltwater novices) to the most adventurous snorkeling tours. In addition to equipment and snorkeling instruction, snacks or light meals are usually provided. Pickup places include Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Ma’alaea, Kihei Boat Ramp, Wailea, and Makena Landing.
(See: http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/snorkeling_maui.html)
You’ll often hear that the “best half of Maui is underwater.” Thousands of diving enthusiasts that visit Maui each year would agree that it’s one of the world’s finest diving destinations. Molokini Island is only one of three such calderas in the world. Its “back side” wall-dive is on the “not to be missed list” of most certified divers. Lana’i dives are another international favorite where divers see a seemingly endless expanse of reef punctuated with turtles, dolphins, spotted eagle rays, manta rays, moorish idols, butterfly fish, damsel fish, trumpet fish, puffer fish, tangs, yellow stripe goat fish and even an occasional, very docile, white tip shark.
Don’t mistakenly think that you have to miss all the fun if you’re not certified. Special first-time dives include complete instruction from “scratch” followed by either a one- or two-tank dive, all of which fit into a single morning session. PADI open water certification is also possible in as little as 3 days.
(See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/diving_maui.html)
Maui offers watersports for everyone. Outstanding surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and jetski companies provide experts who, with small group and private lessons, can show you the basics and get you paddling, riding or flying and having fun out in the surf. Of course becoming more proficient in these challenging watersports requires at least 3, 4 and 5 days of patient, expert help and practice. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/watersports_maui.html)
The waters around Maui are home to Pacific Blue, Striped and Short Billed Marlin, Skipjack and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahimahi and Wahoo, and other big game and bottom fish. Fishing trips of 4, 6 and 8 hours in the morning or afternoon out of Lahaina or Ma’alaea take you to reel in your catch of the day on some of the best-equipped sports fishing boats in Hawai’i. Here’s a suggestion: if you’re a serious fisherman, please consider a ¾ or full-day (6 or 8 hours). This allows enough time to get into deeper water which usually increases your chance of fishing success. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/sport_fishing.html)
Spend 45 minutes of your day on the ocean floor down at 100’ in the climate-controlled cabin of a submarine with giant viewing ports. Otherwise, stay at the surface for 60 or 90 minutes in a semi-submersible with an underwater viewing cabin. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/subs_maui.html)
Keep in mind that Maui really is not that big -- only 48 miles from end to end -- but it consists mostly of beautiful remote valleys, razor sharp ridges and walls and escarpments covered with dripping emerald green rainforests and waterfalls. Fully 75% of Maui only can be viewed from the vantage point of a helicopter or sightseeing plane. Take a 45-minute flight up to (but not over) Haleakala’s crater and then circle the Hana coastline. Even better, include the breathtaking West Maui Mountains on a 65-minute flightseeing tour. Some tours also include ground-stops in ‘Ulupalakua or remote Kaupo.
Fixed-wing aircraft are available for flights across the channel to the island of Hawai’i to view the spectacular active volcano of Kilauea, fiery red lava flowing down its slopes and newly formed cinder cones. Special charter flights visit other Hawaiian islands, including an unforgettable flight to Molokai’s dramatic northern coastline and a 4-hour stopover and tour of Father Damien’s leper colony at Kalaupapa. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/heli_maui.html)
Maui has 15 golf courses and the five Wailea-Makena courses in South Maui are as good as anywhere in Hawai’i. The 36-hole Makena South Course provides both wonderful greens and views. Views from Makena North Course are even more dramatic. North and South Courses at West Maui’s Ka’anapali Golf Course provide enough levels of fun and difficulty to be popular with most golfers. Kapalua’s Bay, Village and Plantation Courses each are different but they all have more or less wind as a playing factor. Plantation, where the PGA starts, is a tough course for serious golfers. The Bay Course is easiest to play. (We have more to say about these golf courses later on in connection with places for romantic couples to play a few rounds, hopefully without breaking their vows.)
Maui can boast of a traditional “links” course at the Dunes at Maui Lani with pot bunkers and tight fairways such as those found at the British Open. Designer Robin Nelson put deep sand bunkers in this course, made even more challenging by the wind. For an exciting day of golf, play Greg Norman’s course on Lana’i, The Challenge at Manele, where all 18 holes have ocean views. You can package a ferry trip across the channel from Lahaina to Lana’i and either play the Challenge course at sea level or take a trip up to the beautiful golf course at Koele on the mountaintop. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/main/golf_paradise.html)
Some of the most beautiful parts of Maui can be covered on horseback, from the remote Northwest mountains and valleys to Makena and up to Haleakala National Park, with rides into the crater itself. Rides also can be taken from the coastline up toward the Waihe’e Valley, with its giant waterfalls in the distance, and around Haleakala Ranch in beautiful Upcountry Maui. Other great rides include one that takes small groups along the windward shoreline and back into the jungle for a refreshing swim in mountain pools, with a gourmet lunch. Another ride goes into the breathtaking, remote valley of Kipahulu in the Hana district. (See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/horseback_maui.html)
(See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/outdoor_maui.html,
http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/specialty_maui.html and
http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/hike_maui.html)
When the day is nearly over, it’s time for a traditional lu’au buffet with Polynesian music, chanting, hula and other dances, magic shows, dinner theater or a unique journey’s into Hawaiian culture and history like ‘Ulalena.
(See http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/entertainment_maui.html)
The most memorable activity and profound experience on Maui is, of course, getting married. You probably can get married under water, in the air, certainly on a yacht or sailboat, very near a golf course, within walking distance of a completely relaxing spa experience, and minutes away from a romantic dinner with candle lights and soft music. For weddings, vows and renewal of vows – and honeymoons – Maui has proven itself no ka oi – the best. Maui has been voted “Best Island in the World” many times by readers of Conde Nast Traveler and one of the reasons is that thousands of couples are married on Maui every year (over 50,000 couples in Hawai’i in 2005). Weddings and honeymooners are attracted to Maui’s diversity, natural beauty, world-class accommodations and fabulous dining choices. Maui has it all.
To obtain a marriage license, persons over the legal age of 18 only need to file an application with a marriage license agent in the State of Hawaii (call 808-984-8210 for an appointment). The couple needs to appear together before the agent, pay a $50 license fee (in cash), and provide proof of age. This license is good in Hawai’i for 30 days. There are no residence or citizenship requirements. Blood tests or shots are not required. Independent on-island wedding coordinators can help with a wedding plan and tend to the myriad details of your event. (See: http://www.tombarefoot.com/maui/royalhi_weddings.html)
In addition, Perfect Days includes a fairly complete guide to local churches, wedding locations, estates and retreats that are ideal for romantic events, special and creative wedding location ideas, a directory of wedding coordinators and top wedding photographers on the island.