By Kent Ninomiya
The best things to do in Maui are all outdoors since this Hawaiian island has an ideal climate. It is warm all year long with gentle ocean breezes. The Pacific Ocean water is also warm and inviting. Expect to be outside and active while visiting Maui. Be sure to pack shorts, swimsuits, hats and sunscreen.
Maui Beaches
Maui has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The best are on the northwest coast at Kapalua and Ka'anapali. As you might expect, most of Maui's luxury resorts are located there. Don't let this stop you. All beaches are open to the public. Other nice Maui beaches are found to the south at Kihei, Wailea and Makena.
Snorkel Maui
There is another world just below the surface of the water around Maui. Coral reefs are full of life and easily accessible to swimmers. The best snorkeling spot near Maui is Molokini Crater. Several charter boats offer packages that will take you there, loan you snorkel equipment and feed you. If you don't want to snorkel, they have floating boards with windows so you can see below the water without going under.
Maui Whale Watching
Whale watching season in Maui runs from December through May. The migration path of humpback whales runs right by Maui. The best spot to see them is Ma'alaea Bay. Several charter boats offer whale watching excursions. Their captains know all the tricks for getting close to the whales without harassing them.
Bike a Volcano
Maui is one of the few places on Earth where you can ride a bike down a volcano. Several tour companies will take you up to the top of the Haleakala volcano, give you a bike and helmet, then take down the hill. There is almost no peddling required. The ride is 38 miles down and only 400 yards up. If you want to see the sunrise from the peak of Haleakala, take the first ride of the day.
Drive Maui
The road to Hana is a legendary drive to the east end of Maui. It is a curving two lane road past waterfalls and cliff side ocean views. There are 56 one lane bridges along the way where you need to share the road with drivers going the other way. The road to Hana is an adventure. You are encouraged to stop along the way for picnics and swims in pools of crystal clear water fed by billowing waterfalls.
About the Author:
Kent Ninomiya is a veteran journalist with over 23 years experience as a television news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences with emphasis in history, political science and mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley.
