—and 2 Incredible Ways to Savor the Place Even More

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 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 affect? 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 Lu’au—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 lu’au 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 Rafing 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 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: Skyline Hawaii

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 Skyline Hawaii’s Classic Sunrise Tour.

Following the event (for that’s exactly what it is), you’ll dine at the lovely Kula Lodge, which offers beautiful views of the island’s coastline.

 

6. 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 Summit Bike & Zip Tour starts with an exploration of Haleakala National Park, which is 27 miles of unparalleled alien-esque beauty and flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. After this, you will bike—at your own pace—down the mountain’s 23 picturesque miles. It doesn’t end there, either: The tour also includes 7 thrilling zipline runs that will have you even more in awe of Maui’s beauty (think: huge treetops and up-high views of the ocean).

Freeing, fun, fascinating—this tour has it all.

 

Two final tips to make your Maui adventure even more memorable:

1. Curate your island experience even more by tuning in to the oh-so-enjoyable The Aloha 360 Podcast.

 

Here, you’ll be given plenty of inside tips, from the best places to camp to the Hawaiian words to know to the island’s top restaurants. Having this perspective in hand will make your island experience even richer—and more delightful.

2. And all that happiness, of course, you’ll want to re-experience later—which is precisely what Island Art Party helps you do.

Located in sunny, buzzy Kihei, this venue is one-part party and one-part lesson in painting. The evening is led by an art teacher, who will walk you through how to create a piece of work reminiscent of the island, whether that’s one of Maui’s amazing sunsets or a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (or honu). Music, drinks, popcorn, laughter from every direction—all add to the great experience.

Best part yet? You can take your painting home, of course, which will let you enjoy your memories of Maui forever.~