Maui might be 727 square miles but every corner, real and metaphorical, is unique—and every part should be explored. Here are 6 awesome ways to see Maui and to drink up its diversity and beauty—and 2 ways to relish it forever:

 

1. Sky: Fly Maui

Score a 360-degree view of the Valley Isle with Fly Maui. Their Discovery Flight—an excursion between 50 and 60 minutes long—takes you high
into the skies.

From here, you’ll be able to swoon at vast views of the Pacific, the island’s volcanoes, and its spectacular coastline. You’ll also be treated to vistas of hidden waterfalls.

Bonus points: Led by an FAA-Certified Flight Instructor, this package lets you take the flight controls. The effect? In a word: Empowering.

 

2. Past: Feast at Mokapu Lu’au

Maui’s present has plenty to offer, from award-winning restaurants to a thriving art scene. And yet, it’s the island’s intricate past that gives Maui its distinct taste. The Andaz Luau—held in front of Mokapu Beach on the south shore—is one of your tickets to diving in.

From fresh flower lei greetings to traditional Hawaiian food to splendid entertainment, this luau plunges into Maui’s myths, magic, and culture.

 

3. Sea: Makena Sunset Cruise

Maui’s golden hour is a sight to behold—and is exceptionally appreciated aboard a boat. The Kai Kanani provides just this on their sunset cruise. Departing out of one of the prettiest beaches on the island—Makena’s Maluaka—the cruise glides towards the horizon amid ukulele stylings, libations, and delicious food from The Market-Wailea.

Visit the island during whale season and you’ll also most likely see a tail or two.

 

4. Forbidden Coast: La Perouse

The “newest” part of Maui was believed to have been formed between the years of 1480 and 1600. This is revealed in La Perouse, on the island’s far south side—an area defined by stunning fields of lava, rocky beaches, and a downright gorgeous coastline. You’ll be able to see just this on a tour with Redline Rafting Co., a super-fun boating outfit that takes ocean lovers out into the sea in 35-foot rafts that are specially built for both safety and exhilaration.

Before seeing La Perouse’s underwater grottos and ancient lava flows, you’ll stop at the world-renowned Molokini Crater for snorkeling, where you’ll have the chance to view marine species in their natural habitat. In other words, it’ll be a day for the record books.

 

5. Largest Volcano: Haleakala Sunrise Tour

Haleakala isn’t just striking from the shoreline—it’s one of the most dazzling places on the island. Towering over 10,000 feet in the air, the island’s largest volcano contains a crater that scientists have noted as the quietest place in the world. Haleakala also delivers sunrises so spectacular that they have become one of the most coveted activities on the island. Indulge your eyes—and get another taste of the island’s culture—with a Haleakala Sunrise Tour.

Following the event (for that’s exactly what it is), you’ll enjoy a nice ride down the mountain with outstanding views of Maui’s central valley followed by a meal at Cafe O’Lei at the Mill House in Waikapu, which offers beautiful views of Waikapu Valley and the botanical garden at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

 

6. Above The Treetops: Bike Maui

That aforementioned Haleakala isn’t something you see only once on Maui—particularly when you can take the experience to new heights with Bike Maui. Their Guided Summit & Bike Tour starts with an exploration of Haleakala National Park, which is an unparalleled alien-esque beauty rich with flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. After this, you will safely bike with your group down the mountain’s winding road into the aromatic eucalyptus tree forest. Tour Upcountry Maui and learn about the history, culture, and nature found in Kula and Makawao and see Hawaiian cultural sites on the way down to Paia Town (right by the beach) where this tour concludes and you can take a well-deserved dip in the ocean at Paia Bay or Baldwin Beach.

Freeing, fun, fascinating—this tour has it all and is one of the best ways to see Maui.