If you’re planning to visit the beautiful island of Maui, you’re probably wondering how to get the most out of your tropical vacation. Maui is packed full of fun activities, excursions, and tours visitors can do while here on the Valley Isle, exploring every nook and cranny of this gorgeous natural paradise. So if you’re idea of a vacation is getting in as many cultural experiences as possible, this list of Maui’s top activities and tours is for you!

1. Haleakalā National Park

Rising a staggering 10,000+ feet above sea level, Mount Haleakalā is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience what makes Maui…well…Maui! Over 75% of the island is formed by this dormant volcano, which is home to sprawling and diverse ecosystems that go from tropical jungles to harsh, alien-like landscapes, and everything in between! Haleakalā National Park encompasses over 30,000 acres and offers one of the most breathtaking sunrise views on planet Earth, so you’ll definitely want to hit the summit as day breaks, and you have several options of how to do so:

• Bike Tours – Take a sunrise bike tour to Haleakalā’s summit for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
• Bus Tours – If you’d rather sit back and enjoy the ride, one of Haleakalā’s bus tours might be your best bet.
• Driving – If you’ve rented a car on the island, you can always make the drive up Haleakalā yourself. Just be sure to reserve a spot for sunrise ahead of time online at https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm.
• Hiking & Camping – If an overnight adventure on Haleakalā is on your bucket list and you’re a skilled hiker, the trek up the volcano is guaranteed to be full of wonders like you’ve never seen before. Just be prepared to camp and always follow all park camping rules.

2. Road to Hana

The 60+ mile drive on the Road to Hana is considered a must on the Maui activity list. This trip will take you around the northeast perimeter of the island, traveling through sprawling jungles, gorgeous coastlines, mountainous terrain, and more. The trip ends on beautiful Kaihalulu Beach, nestled on the east coast of Maui, where you can enjoy the rest of the day sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and more. Make the drive to Hana on your own using a suitable rental vehicle (4WD is definitely recommended) or take a convenient bus tour to Hana and back, stopping at photo-worthy spots and culturally-relevant locales along the way.

3. Lūʻau

You can’t visit Hawai’i without attending a lūʻau, and Maui has some of the best. A lūʻau is a Hawai’ian traditional celebration that includes a feast of food, dancing, and culturally-significant performances by island natives. The Myths of Maui lūʻau in Lahaina is the longest-running and arguably most popular, but there are many to choose from on the island.

4. Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center, also known as the Aquarium of Hawai’i, is the ultimate experience for all marine life lovers visiting Maui. This aquarium in Ma’alaea features many of the diverse marine species found on and in the waters surrounding the island, including several endangered species only found here. This is a family-friendly favorite and a great way to teach kids the importance of conservation.

5. Maui Butterfly Farm

Another favorite with the kids is the Maui Butterfly Farm in Lahaina. They offer a guided tour of the farm for all ages (tickets are required) that showcases the gorgeous variety of butterflies that call the island home. The farm focuses on conservation and outreach and operates mostly on donations along with revenue from the guided tours. It’s a great stop for young kids and butterfly lovers alike.

6. Beaches

When it comes to beautiful beaches, Maui has plenty, and there’s plenty to do at them as well. Take a guided scuba diving or snorkeling excursion to explore the rich and diverse marine life just below the surface, dig for seashells on the sandy shores, or just lay back for a luxurious and relaxing tanning session. Every side of the island features beaches that are fun for both adults and kids, and most resorts feature private beach space as well. Some of the most popular Maui beaches include:

• Baby Beach
• Kanapali Beach
• Kaihalulu Beach
• Napili Beach
• Ho’okipa Beach
• Wailea Beach
• Makena Beach
• Kapalua Beach
• Little Beach
• Keawakapu Beach
• Ulua Beach

7. Whale Watching

From November to May each year, Maui becomes a haven for whale watchers to come view the migrating humpback whales enjoying the warm Pacific breeding waters. Ma’alea Harbor is a popular spot to see these gentle giants from the shoreline. There are many whale watching tours available for visitors to get up close and personal, leaving from Ma’alea, Lahaina, Kihei, and other towns.

Make the Most of Your Trip to Maui

Maui is a jaw dropping landscape of natural wonders, diverse wildlife, and amazingly resilient people, all packed into 727 square miles. Maui hosts millions of visitors each year, with lots of fun activities for all ages to enjoy. From sunny beaches to fluttering butterflies to watching sunrise on top of a volcano, you can’t visit Maui without being in awe of the rich culture and lush scenery. If you’re visiting Maui and want an adventure on Mount Haleakalā, Mountain Riders has both guided and self-paced bike tours available to Haleakalā’s summit. Take our pre-dawn, sunrise, or daytime bike tours up Haleakalā and experience all the beauty and wonder Maui has to offer, returning home with memories you’ll never forget.