Hawaii Travel: Maui Hawaii Activities
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For most people, the thought of Hawaii evokes hazy images of white sand and days spent sipping cocktails on a lounge chair. They think of blue skies, gentle waves, and the kind of palm trees that have by now become emblematic of the good life. More than anything else, Hawaii seems like the ideal place to catch some sun and just relax.
Spend any time on the Hawaiian Islands, however, and you will quickly discover how much there is to do here. This is an active culture, rife with the joy of recreation and the appreciation of the lands many natural wonders. Even the folks who just want some R&R find themselves hitting the great outdoors more often the longer they stay.
Ocean Blue
Easily the biggest draw for visitors from near and far is the ocean itself. Hawaii boasts some of the most temperate currents anywhere in the Pacific, and water lovers come from all corners of the globe to surf, scuba, and snorkel off the shores of Maui. Even those who just want to swim report taking a dip in this crystal blue brine is some of the most enjoyable paddling they have ever done.
Of course there are certainly more structured sojourns to be found on the water as well. Whale watches have become an international sensation, propelled in no small part by the enormous population of humpback whales that make Maui their breeding ground year after year. And dinner cruises that provide great food, good drinks, and pleasant company have elevated ocean sunsets into something of an art form.
Come Ashore
Of course there is more than enough activities to tide you over, even if you never hit the beach at all. Maui is home to some of the highest waterfalls in the world, and even locals seem never to tire of their awe-inspiring beauty. With Makahiku Falls standing at 200 feet and the famous Waimoku Falls tumbling through over 400 feet of open air, its hard to ever fully adjust to the scale of these landmarks.
Maui, along with the other Hawaiian Islands, was formed by volcanic activity in the crust of the earth. No surprise, then, that another one of the most popular sights to visit is Haleakala Peak, one of the largest and most pristine volcanic slopes in the hemisphere. Helicopter rides and bike tours take you right to the mouth of this powerful natural landmark.
People
Of course even when youre done paddling, surfing, and flying your way around the dazzling vistas of Valley Isle, you may want to make time for the many cultural landmarks that make this land special. Whether you visit the largest Buddha anywhere outside Japan at the Jodo Mission, or see the banyan tree in Lahaina whose history spans centuries, you may want to go with a guide to get some cultural context. The Hawaiian culture is deep and storied, and a little education will only deepen your appreciation of the sights.
Traveling to Maui is easy, but getting good rates on the many activities once you get there can be a little more difficult. Many experienced travelers recommend checking dedicated discount websites for better rates on the most popular activities on the island. A little research and a good eye for deals could make your stay here in Maui that much sweeter.
Posted on: Friday, June 20, 2008 at 3:28 pm 
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