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!

Maui Surf Lessons - One of the Most Memorable Things to Do in Maui

Have a Maui vacation planned soon? If so, you’ve undoubtedly searched for the top things to do in Maui. Among the many exciting and memorable activities you can enjoy while on vacation here, there are two you indisputably can’t miss – Maui surf lessons and stand up paddleboard (SUP) lessons. No Maui vacation is complete without these two sports.

What makes us say that? For one reason, surfing is Hawaii. Surfing is believed to have started with Polynesians in the Pacific islands and really advanced more as they came to the Hawaiian Islands. Thus, surfing or “he’e nalu” became known as a Hawaiian sport. Captain James King in 1779 described this wave riding by locals on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a sport of royal Hawaiian kings and queens.

Hawaii is thus known as the epicenter of the surfing world where it’s a central part of the culture and heritage of a society that loves the ocean. Surfing captures the spirit of Aloha and the actual lifestyle of the islands. So, to truly experience Hawaii, you have to experience surfing.

Learning to surf offers a thrill quite unlike any other sport. As you learn to work embrace the ocean waves, you sense the exhilaration and power that the waves carry, and at the same time an exceptional feeling of serenity. Many find in surfing a way to lessen stress and anxiety. This is part of the spirit of Aloha that engulfs you with excitement while giving you a soothing sense of peace. Thus, this incomparable Maui watersport offers an amazing experience that is truly Hawaiian. 

And to be able to say that you took surfing lessons in Maui…this is a remarkable place to learn to surf and a cherished part of your trip! Nowhere else can you surf amidst the beauty that is Maui. With striking views of the volcanic crater known as Molokini and the island of Lanai as your backdrop, you can take Maui surf lessons in the flawless ocean waters with palm trees lining the coast. True, there are other places around the world to surf, but there’s no other place quite like Maui.

Because surfing is linked so much to Hawaii and the people of these islands, there’s no better people to teach you to surf. For many locals, surfing is where we feel most at home, and is really second nature, so of course we love helping people experience this exhilarating sport first-hand. As people characterized by the Aloha spirit, we’re laid back and are just excited to be a part of your surfing experience, so our Maui surf lessons are similarly relaxed and fun. Having native Hawaiians who love the ocean and surfing teach you surfing or SUP is another exceptional aspect of Maui surf lessons that you won’t find anywhere else.

SUP or “hoe he’e nalu” is an additional watersport with a Hawaiian heritage that provides an unforgettable Maui experience. SUP is an easy-to-learn sport and offers a great full body workout. It can also be done by people of all ages and skill levels. This popular Hawaiian sport offers amazing views of the islands and sea life that you can only see in Maui.

So when you visit the islands, be sure to put Maui surf lessons or SUP lessons on the top of your list of things to do! There’s truly no other sports quite like surfing or stand up paddling, and no other place to learn quite like Maui.

Beginner's Tips for Learning To Surfing in Maui

Thrilling adventures await you in Maui. One of the many exciting things to do in Maui is learn to surf. Locals and tourists alike will tell you that there’s nothing quite like it. A rush of exhilaration sweeps over you while you’re surfing that will remain with you for years after and will beckon you want to return to the islands.

If you’re just starting out on your surfing adventure, you may have some anxiety about learning to ride the waves in Maui. Don’t let this normal apprehension stop you from experiencing the exhilaration of surfing. Learning to surf in Maui is a very fun and satisfying experience and may not be as hard as it at first appears. Remember that you will also have our experienced surfing instructors close by to assist you along the way. But below are some helpful Maui surfing tips to get you started on your voyage.

The right surfboard and surfing gear. Beginners usually do better with longer surfboards. A longer, thicker, and wider board will be more stable and easier to paddle. Generally, a longboard that is about 7 feet 8 inches or more will be good for even a petite surfer to start with. A wider and thicker softboard, or foam board, will float easier, giving you a smoother ride to paddle and stand-up on.

It’s a good idea to have a leash attached to your surfboard to avoid losing your board in the waves. A wet suit will help to act as a rash guard and shield your skin from rubbing against the board.

Find the right surfing location. It’s best for beginners to stay away from the larger and rougher waves. Beaches with sandy, straight shores, nice sandbars, and the least amount of reefs and rocks are best. In these calmer areas, waves will reach about 3 feet high, which are good for beginners. The two areas we give surfing lessons at in Maui are great for both beginners as well as more advanced longboard surfers.

Lying on your surfboard. What position is surfboard’s nose in when it lies by itself on the water? When you lie on the board, the nose should still lie flat on the water, just somewhat lower. If you lie on the board and the nose falls below the water, this is called “poking tako,” and you must slide back gently until the board once again lies flat on the water. Too much weight on the back of the board will cause the nose to stick out of the water, which will also stop you from successfully catching a wave. So, you will have to find a balance point or “sweet spot” on which to lie on the board. After you find this balance point, notice where your chin is in relation to the board. This spot will serve as a good reference point of where to lie to balance your board.

Paddling for the wave. It’s best to paddle hand over hand, moving left and then right. This will allow you to keep up a steady speed in the water, which will make it easier and less exhaustive for you to paddle to the break. While paddling, remember to keep your body rigid. This will mean keeping your head up and using your core muscles to stroke rather than just your arms. Also remember to keep both legs on the board and not drag them on the sides.

Standing on the board. When first learning to stand on your board, it’s best to rehearse on the beach first. Lie on the board on your chest with your head up, looking forward. Place your hands on the board parallel to your chest and grab the rail of the board. Push your upper body up and at the same time, bend your feet under you. Make sure your feet are on the stringer, or center of the board, to help keep your weight centered. When you first pop up, remember to keep your “okole” or rear end low. Continue to look forward as you begin to stand upright and get your balance. Use your arms by pointing forward or outward for balance.

Falling off the board. Always protect your head, when you fall of your board. Try to stay under water for a little longer than necessary to allow your board to land on the water’s surface and not on you. When you come up, try to face the approaching waves and look for your board’s whereabouts immediately.

Remember proper surfing etiquette. The first standing surfer that is closest to the peak of the break has the right of way on that wave, and so other surfers paddling for that wave should stop and yield to him or her. This means that as a surfer you will need to get out of the way of the surfer riding the wave whenever possible, even if you must go into a breaking wave or behind the rider.

If you are paddling out for a wave and a surfer is paddling out toward you, make eye contact with that person and specify the direction you intend to go in reference to them. Always show respect for fellow surfers or stand-up paddlers.

These are just a few basic surfing tips that will hopefully help you overcome any initial fear of surfing in Maui. Our professional, local Maui surfing instructors can teach you everything you need to know to successfully learn how to surf. Just keep practicing, and you’ll discover a love of surfing that only the shores of Maui can teach you.