3 Perfect Days of Activities in Maui

One of the amazing features of Hawaii is that we are located in the middle of no-where! Hawaii is the most removed island group from any major population center in the world. Smack-dab in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, some 2500 miles away from California and 4000 miles to Japan.

No matter where in the world you're coming from it will be a journey to get here. Though most people can only pull off a seven day vacation, I always try and convince people to come for at least ten days if you are not able to come for a full two weeks.

What you probably know by now with all of your internet research is that Maui has won best island in the world too many times to count. There is a lot to see and do. There are many beaches to comb and reefs to snorkel; trails to hike, restaurants to dine and the list goes on and on.

With all of the things to do on Maui there are many you do not need to schedule. However, there are a few things that you really should schedule before you come to confirm availability and have your paid activities set with no conflicts. 

I will keep it simple here. There are hundreds of things to choose from and it can be very overwhelming. After living in Maui for more than a couple of decades and helping thousands of guests as well as family and friends, here's how I'll break it down for you.

To have three perfect days of activities, choose one land, one air and one ocean adventure.

Land Activity

Consistently, our number one land activity that most want to do and almost all have an amazing time creating unforgettable memories at... a Luau. With beautiful sunsets, a buffet of incredible local cuisine, Mai Tai's and wine all with a vibrant show demonstrating Hawaiian & Polynesian dancing, it is such an incredible night. Some luaus have fire knife performances and all have live Hawaiian music played by some of the best musicians on earth.

We've been to dozens of luaus on several different islands yet still enjoy taking family and friends to celebrate at one when in town. I may be a little biased but Maui really is no ka oi... and we also have the best luaus to choose from in all of Hawaii. Each luau has its own nuance and we can help you find the right one for your trip or occasion... but again, in the spirit of simplicity, if you're closer to Wailea than Lahaina, go to the Grand Wailea Luau - this is our go to. The Grand Wailea has incredible grounds, put on a great show and have great food. If you are staying in Lahaina or Kaanapali side I'd recommend the Maui Nui luau at the Sheraton. Located ocean side on the oldest resort property in Kaanapali you will watch the cliff divers of Black Rock light torches and blow a conch shell at sunset - in addition to all of the other Luau favorites.

Air Tours

Now for a little discussion on air tours in Maui. I had lived here for many years and had little to no thought about ever doing some sort of helicopter or airplane tour. Then, when a friend of ours showed up to visit we asked her what she wanted to do... top of the list: a helicopter tour. These were in the days before we had an activities company, so I called around and got something booked. We ended up flying a West Maui Molokai flight and it changed my life, well, at least my perspective. I had lived here for over eight years and saw things I had no idea even existed. It was unbelievable. To this day, if anyone asks me what is the best thing to do in Maui I would say hands down: a West Maui Molokai helicopter tour. 

You will experience waterfalls and valleys, nooks and crannies, nuance and subtlety... and if you're a Jurassic Park buff, you will retrace their flight... the very first time they arrive to Isla Nublar by helicopter - you will fly the same approach.

Ocean Adventures

So you found something unique to do on land... something in the air... so why the ocean? Why spend money on an ocean excursion? Especially when you can go to the beach every day, for free. Trust me, I have asked myself this question many times. Then I go on a boat, I come home and tell my wife we're buying a boat. There is definitely something special that happens when you get out to sea in Hawaii.

Think about it... it is how Hawaii was discovered and explored. It is a world away from a world that is already away. 

Again I will try and keep this simple, though there is so much variety. If you are only going to do one ocean activity while in Maui you're going to have to choose between some sort of snorkeling trip (you don't have to snorkel... some have diving... some have snuba) and a dinner or cocktail cruise. So basically a morning in the sun on the water, or enjoy the sunset. Because boats are somewhat confined spaces (some more than others) I will also break it down by my preferences with small kids (we have four) or without children (or with older children).

Morning snorkel trip (kid friendly): for sure, the Calypso Molokini Snorkel trip. A very new boat, three levels (i.e. lots of space and shade), water slide, diving board, fresh water shower, floats and masks, Molokini (a marine preserve), Turtle Town (lots of turtles), great food. You will not be disappointed.

However... I cannot move on without telling you about my (absolutely, without any hesitation) favorite snorkel trip on Maui. Now, this trip isn't available for small kids, and if you have back problems or are pregnant you will not be able to participate. For everyone else, read on.

The vessel is a solid hulled ocean raft. This trip leaves from Mala Wharf in Lahaina early in the morning and the next eight hours at sea will never leave your mind. Throughout the course of the day you will travel all the way around the island of Lanai (located to the southwest of Maui). You will see shipwrecks and ancient tombs, be able to swim up to one of the most secluded beaches in all of Hawaii (weather permitting), have three snorkel stops in the most pristine waters the United States of America could offer. Since there are only 18 people on board and this is the only boat that goes around Lanai every day, it feels like a private tour. Please do this trip. And tell Chad (the coolest captain out there and incidentally now also my neighbor) that Wil sent you.

So there are some snorkeling options for you, so let's consider some sort of sunset affair - still on the ocean of course.

If you are celebrating an anniversary or a special evening out (without children), a perfect five star experience with impeccable food, drink and service can be found with the Ali'i Nui. Even once you decide to splurge on some luxury at sea you can decide whether you'd like to do the Ali’i Nui Dinner Cruise or champagne cruise. Ali'i Nui will also provide transportation to the harbor to make your evening even more simple and enjoyable.

A great alternative for couples, families and larger groups would be one of the dinner cruises out of Lahaina. Especially our Quicksilver Sunset Dinner Cruise, where you can choose an amazing entree of lobster, prime rib, Mahi Mahi or grilled garden vegetable kabobs. The food is amazing, the view is incredible... again another amazing evening to share together on the peaceful - Pacific - ocean.

I know this can really get overwhelming... there are so many amazing options. Honestly, we take tourism pretty serious in Hawaii - so it is hard to be disappointed with whatever you choose. The tour operators that don't do a good job don't last long. So look around our website. Read the reviews (they're all real). Feel free to call us if you have questions - yes, you can speak to a real person that has lived on Maui for years: 808-214-1013. Stay safe, and take care...

Aloha,

Wil