Maui 6 Ways

Maui may be small on size but it's big on activities and jaw-dropping scenery. Don’t limit yourself to a lounge chair on the beach -- take advantage of these six modes of transportation to get to know the Valley Isle.

By Car
The island of Maui may be only 26-miles-across at its widest point and 48-miles-long, but it is filled with scenic drives featuring everything from rainforests and sugarcane fields to volcanic mountain peaks. The most famous drive is the incredible Hana Highway. The 52-mile drive takes anywhere from two to four hours to complete and features 600 curves and 54 bridges as well as dramatic waterfalls, ocean vistas, and lush tropical rainforest. At the end of Hana Highway be sure to stop at Ohe’o Gulch, otherwise known as the Seven Sacred Pools -- an incredible series of waterfalls and natural pools.

By Boat
The waters off western Maui are a spectacular spot for winter whale-watching. From late December through April, humpback whales frequent these shallow, clear waters off the coast. Most tours (via raft, catamaran, or yacht) depart from Lahaina, a historic beach town with a vibrant whaling history. If your vacation on Maui falls outside of the whale-watching season, fear not -- you can still set sail on a variety of tours, including champagne-filled sunset cruises.

By Board
There is no better place to learn to surf than then the birthplace of surfing, the Hawaiian Islands. Many of Maui’s beaches feature gentle surf breaks, perfect for first-timers. Best of all, a plethora of Maui surf schools guarantee that you will stand up during your first lesson on a longboard, so you know success is inevitable! Once you feel confident to head out on your own, go to a beginner spot like Launiupoko Wayside Park, just three miles south of Lahaina on the main highway.

If you would rather have a boarding experience without the adrenaline rush, consider the ever-growing sport of stand-up paddleboarding. Lessons teach the finer points of standing on the board and using a long paddle to cruise through calm ocean waters. Once you have mastered the cruising portion of the sport, you may want to use that paddle to guide your board over to the waves after all.

By Bike
You haven’t experienced a sunrise until you have seen one from the top of Mt. Haleakala. On a clear day, this 10,023-foot volcano offers incredible views of a sunrise unlike any other, often with the Big Island silhouetted in the distance. Consider taking one of the guided bike tours down the mountain. Operators drive guests to the summit for sunrise and then drop them off just outside of park boundaries at 6,500 feet so they can coast down the mountain via bicycle, descending 3,000 feet in just 10 miles. The ride down the mountain is easy, with little pedaling involved and plenty of gorgeous vistas. For those looking to avoid the tour group feel, Upcountry Protea Farm for a look at one of the more unusual plant nurseries in the country.

By Fin
Many of the Hawaiian Islands' best snorkeling and scuba diving spots are conveniently located off the coast of Maui. Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater located three miles off the southwest coast of Maui, is known as one of the top dive sites in the world. A vibrant reef and visibility of up to 150 feet makes it a popular destination for those seeking colorful fish and sea creatures. Several tour operators offer trips out to the reef on everything from speedy catamarans to leisurely sailboats.

If you are looking for great snorkeling spots closer to shore, check out Maluaka Beach (a.k.a. Turtle Town), south of Wailea at the end of Makena Rd. Turtles are commonly seen in the rocky reef on the south side of the beach. If you are vacationing on the north-end of the island, check out the Black Rock area of  Ka’anapali Beach. Ka’anapali is one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and the reef near Maui's Sheraton, Westin, and Hyatt Regency abounds with sealife.

By Sky
Many of Maui’s secret spots are located in rugged mountain forests that are inaccessible by road, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a glimpse of the island’s hidden wonders. Hop on a helicopter and explore places such as the Lao Valley, with its knife-edge mountain ridges and cascading waterfalls without having to break a sweat. Traveling by helicopter is also a great way to see the Haleakala volcanic crater, Hana rainforests, and rugged eastern coast from an entirely different perspective. Some operators also offer the option to include aerial tours of neighboring islands such as Molokai and the Big Island, bringing you back with plenty of time to take an afternoon nap on one of Maui’s world famous beaches.

What's your favorite way to explore Maui? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo: Sharlene Earnshaw