Fun in Maui - Ocean Sports

Planning your vacation to Maui? No doubt enjoying some ocean sports are included in your plans. These are some of the most exhilarating and memorable things to do in Maui. What Maui ocean sports are at the top?

Well, call us partial but, surfing and SUP of course…The classic Hawaiian ocean sport, surfing is a must-do on your vacation because it’s one of the key elements of the Aloha spirit. Surfing is an essential part of Hawaiian culture, having been done on the islands for hundreds, possibility thousands of years. So, it would just be wrong to come Hawaii and not take a Maui surfing lesson.

Stand-up paddleboard or SUP is also a great part of Polynesian culture that you wouldn't want to miss. SUP is actually one of the quickest growing water sports in the world because many new surfers can stand-up paddle. This Maui ocean sport is easy to learn and offers a great workout along with awesome views of marine life. The world has just fallen in love with stand-up paddling and we know you will too! At Hawaiian Style Surf, we offer both personal and corporate surfing and SUP lessons.

Kayaking. This allows you can see a variety of marine life like dolphins, manta rays, green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more; Get up close and personal from this eco-friendly mode of transportation. A guided kayak tour can save you time and help you see the most amazing sites in Maui like Honolua Bay, Turtle Town, and Olowalu, all from the water! Check out the kayak guides at Kelii’s Kayak Tours for more info.

Snorkeling. After kayaking above the water, you can get in the water and snorkel right near the sea turtles, tropical fish, and the rest of the underwater world of Maui. Snorkeling tours also gives you a unique experience with knowledgeable guides helping you all the way, form gettting the right fit with your snorkeling equipment to answering any of your questions or concerns. These tours are also great for the whole family to enjoy together. Learn more about these snorkeling tours at Maui Snorkel Tours.

Scuba diving. Of course, next you could go deeper into the ocean by scuba diving. You can dive at some of the most raved about spots in Maui like Black Rock, Molokini Crater, Coral Gardens. If you’ve never dived before, you can often get a PADI certification through a class on the island. Have a personal guided scuba diving tour by Sammy Scuba.

Spearfishing.  If you want even more adventure as some of us do, spearfishing may be for you. Spearfishing involves hunting for fish underwater, often by freediving (diving by holding your breath), and using a speargun or polespear. This type of fishing is not only exciting but also is specific in its targets, thus causing no by-catch, or non-targeted fish that may be too small. Spearfishing also offers the satisfying chance to catch your own tasty dinner! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, try a spearfishing tour from Spearfish Maui.

Windsurfing. In this thrilling ocean sport, windsurfers can experience amazing waves, perform awesome jumps, and other freestyle maneuvers. Try skimming over Maui’s gorgeous waters by windsurfing. With its steady winds, Maui is a windsurfer’s paradise. Windsurfing combines sailing elements with surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or you want to improve on your windsurfing skills, taking windsurfing lessons may be for you.

Kiteboarding. Maui is often called the birthplace of modern kiteboarding and is one of the world’s best kiteboarding spots because of its awesome beaches and great trade winds. Kiteboarding or kitesurfing brings together the best of several ocean sports like wakeboarding, surfing, and paragliding. Even if you’re a beginner, kiteboarding lessons can help you start riding the big waves. Check out Aqua Sports Maui Kiteboarding Lessons.

Whichever Maui ocean sports you decide to enjoy, have fun, be safe, and always respect the beautiful ocean waters and beaches of Maui.

The Story of the Surf - History Lesson for Maui Surfers

As part of your Maui surf lessons, it’s best to go over the history of surfing. Now, you might not be overly excited at the idea of a history lesson, but as with most Hawaiian activities and subjects, you'll find this is much more interesting than your typical history class.

So, let's get the ball rolling, when you’re learning to surf in Maui, it’s nice to know a little about where this awesome sport came from so you can truly take in the Aloha spirit of surfing.

Surfing’s Origins.

As far back as the 15^th century there were Hawaiian chants honoring surfing and talking about competing chiefs, surfing wagers, and remarkable waves, hawaiihistory.org noted. In 1779, Lieutenant James King, who was commander of Captain James Cook’s ship Discovery after Cook’s death, wrote a description of surfboard riding by the locals at Kealakekua in Hawaii. By then, surfing was an key part of Hawaiian culture, Marcus noted, as can be seen in their early religion, society, and myths of the islands including petroglyphs of surfers carved on lava rocks. (Now that's totally awesome bro)

“The Polynesians who made it to Hawaii also brought their customs with them, including playing in the surf on paipo (belly) boards. Although Tahitians are said to have occasionally stood on their boards, the art of surfing upright on long boards was certainly perfected if not invented in Hawaii,” Ben Marcus wrote in From Polynesia, With Love: A History of Surfing From Captain Cook to the Present.

So, it’s generally believed that the Polynesians who migrated throughout the Pacific Islands from Marquesas, Fiji, and Tahiti to the Hawaii Islands were the first to surf.

The art of surfing took hold and was mastered in the Hawaiian Islands. Thus, surfing or “he’e nalu” (to ride the waves) came to be known as a Hawaiian sport.

A Sport of Royalty.

Do you feel a little Kingly as you catch a big wave? Surfing was especially popular among royalty in early Hawaiian culture as part of their “kapu” system, where “ali’i” or the ruling class had a different status from the “maka’ainana” or commoners, the Hawaiian Encyclopedia said. Chiefs used surfing to show their courage and skill to their subjects and reinforce their elevated status.

“The kings used to ride huge “olo” balsa board reserved only for them which were 18-25 ft in length, whilst the rest of the population had to ride smaller “alaia” surfboards,” the surf shop Extreme Horizon noted.

 

Some of Hawaii’s most famous chiefs were extolled for their surfing abilities. Nevertheless, this captivating Hawaiian sport was big among both royals and commoners with men and women of all ages enjoying the sport.

Rebirth of Surfing.

With the influx of European culture following Captain Cook’s visit to the Hawaii Islands, interest in surfing began to decrease. But in the early 20^th century two renowned surfers made the sport popular once again.

Hawaiian native Duke Kahanamoku surfed Waikiki in 1905, the Hawaiian Encyclopedia said, and  thus began the rebirth of Hawaiian surfing. He was one of the famous Waikiki beach boys, a group of water sports instructors and surfers. Duke set an American swimming record in  the year 1911 and later set world records and won medals in four different Olympics. As the Encyclopedia noted, Duke went on to become a Hollywood movie star and was Sheriff of the City and County of Honolulu for 26 years. He is now considered a Hawaiian legend.



George Freeth was another Waikiki beach boy that brought much attention to the Hawaiian sport of surfing. In 1907, famous American writer Jack London met George and wrote a magazine article about surfing that made George a small celebrity in the U.S., Extreme Horizon noted. George then moved to California, surfing at major beaches in the state, creating more momentum and interest in the Hawaiian sport. Soon, California surfers began to crop up.

Thus, surfing had once again become a favorite pastime of those who love the ocean.

So, how are your surfing lessons coming? We hope that you now know a little more of the history behind this acclaimed Maui ocean sport and Hawaiian lifestyle, continue to practice and develop your surfing skills and come to know truly know the spirit of Aloha.

10 Amazing things to do in Maui

Are you coming to the gorgeous island of Maui soon? If you are, you’re probably thinking about what you will do while you’re here. There is so much to do in this paradise location, you can’t fit everything in during just one short vacation. So how do you know what to choose? To help you get the most from your Maui vacation, we’ve made a list of the things we most love to do in Maui….in addition to surfing that is.

Bike down Haleakala. Watch the sunrise from the Haleakala Crater. This mountain biking tour from the top of Haleakala, Maui’s largest volcano, is truly spectacular with unforgettable views of the sun coming through the clouds. There are several companies that offer this bike tour, taking you up to the summit as you tour Haleakala National Park along the way. Then you can bike down from the summit all the way to the little beach town of Paia. Some companies offer a self-guided tour where you can stop and see whatever you want as you bike down. It’s really a amazing way to see Upcountry Maui! But take a jacket because it’s super cold on Haleakala at sunrise.

Road to Hana. This is Maui’s famous scenic (and exhilarating) drive from Kahului to the little town of Hana in East Maui. There are dozens of switchbacks and one lane bridges along the route that showcase spectacular views out over cliffs, along breath-taking coastlines and beaches, and through fascinating rainforest jungles. This world-renowned drive affords many opportunities to stop along the way at fruit stands for delicious banana bread for example and hike to unforgettable waterfalls. Highlights of the trip include the black sand and red sand beaches in Hana. Although the red sand beach is hidden, it’s really a great hike.

Snorkel with sea turtles. View these incredible sea creatures up close as you snorkel with them in their natural habitat. You can go out on a catamaran or snorkel from shore. There are many beautiful spots around Maui where these incredible Hawaiian sea turtles hang out. Turtle Town along the southern coast of Maui is a good area to snorkel as well as Black Rock at Ka’anapali Beach.

Swim under a waterfall. Natural pools and waterfalls are plentiful in Maui, although most are located in East Maui along the Road to Hana.  Twin Falls is the first one you come to along the Road to Hana, but it’s often crowded. Try Oheo Gulch, Ching’s Pond, and Alelele Falls too. Oheo Gulch or the Seven Sacred Pools, located about 10 miles south of Hana in the Kipahulu area, are a group of waterfalls that spill into tiered natural pools that lead to the sea.

Spend a day upcountry. Most tourists never make it up here, but it’s really the heart of Maui! The lavender farm is truly amazing and offer great views of the mountains. The winery at Ulupalakua Ranch is well worth the drive. They have free tastings, so try some of their pineapple wine! At the end of the day, the Surfing Dairy Farm offers a great farm tour where you can even milk a goat. Also, don’t miss their homemade truffles.

Be a beach bum. No Maui vacation is complete without spending some time just relaxing and soaking up rays at Maui’s amazing beaches. Big Beach and White Rock in the south of Maui as well as Kapalua Bay Beach and Ka’anapali Beach in West Maui are some of our favorite Maui beaches.

Kayaking over coral reefs. Kayak tours are available, or you can rent a kayak on your own to see these stunning coral reefs and the colorful reef fish. Olowalu is a great spot to kayak. The reef at Olowalu on the west side of Maui near Lahaina is pretty amazing. And if you’re near Olowalu, be sure to stop in Leoda’s Pie Shop.

Circle West Maui. If you thought the Road to Hana was exciting, wait until you try this.  This narrow road that rounds West Maui and has steep mountain cliffs aren’t for the faint of heart, but you’re rewarded with fantastic views and great hikes. Start your trip at the Iao Valley to check out the Iao Needle and then continue up counter clockwise, stopping to hike down to the Olivine Pools, tide pools on barren lava rock on the ocean’s edge and the Nakelele Blowhole (don’t miss the heart-shaped rock nearby).  If it’s summertime, stop to snorkel at Honolua Bay and end your day with a sunset dinner in Lahaina.

Go whale watching. During the winter months, migrating humpback whales or “kohola” make Maui their home.  Dozens of companies offer whale watching excursions (the ones on the catamarans are best), but these amazing creatures are so plentiful that you can often spot them from shore.

Learn to Surf. Last, but certainly not least, is the unforgettable experience of learning to surf in Maui with Hawaiian Style Surf. Maui surf lessons are a must-have experience for every island vacationer. This ocean sport gives you a thrill you can only find by surfing the waves in Maui. Easier than it might seem, especially with assistance from the native Hawaiian instructors at Hawaiian Style, learning to surf provides a unique and memorable exhilaration that is truly Hawaiian. And learning to surf in Maui amid the paradisiac waters and amazing island views of this Hawaiian island is an extraordinary experience you just can’t pass up.


So, when you’re creating your “list of things to do in Maui,” don’t forget these 10 incredible, awesome adventures!