Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Maui: Top Adventurous Activities
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Sure, you could spend your whole trip lounging on the beach, and honestly, no one would blame you, but if you’re up for a little adventure, Maui’s got so much more to offer.
Whether you crave the rush of soaring through the skies, diving into crystal-clear waters, or exploring rugged landscapes, Maui has it all.
To help you spice up your trip, I’ve put together a list, in no particular order, of the top adventurous activities on Maui that are guaranteed to get your heart racing and create memories you’ll never forget.
Water Adventures
1. Explore Molokini Crater
If snorkeling’s on your Maui bucket list, chances are you’ve heard of Molokini Crater. It’s that crescent-shaped little island just off the south shore.
It’s definitely popular, and while I actually think Lanai has better marine life and way fewer crowds (just being honest!), Molokini still has its charm. The water out there is crazy clear, and the crater’s shape and geology make it a pretty unique spot to explore.
If you want to avoid the big tour boat crowds, I recommend booking a small-group raft tour. These tours can take you to less busy areas, like the back wall of the crater, which drops off dramatically and is a favorite for divers. Plus, the boat ride is half the fun: think wind in your hair and bouncing over waves as you zip across the ocean.
Whether you snorkel, dive, or even kayak your way out there, it’s a pretty unforgettable experience.
Top Ways to Explore Molokini:
- Snorkel Raft Tours: Redline Rafting, Maui Snorkel Charters, or Seafire Charters.
- Kayak Trips (for experienced paddlers): Maui KayakAdventures or Hawaiian Paddle Sports.
- Scuba Dive the Back Wall: Island Style Diving, NeverDry Divers, or Prodiver Maui.
- DIY Option: If you want to do things your own way, rent a boat from Maui Boating and captain your own Molokini adventure.
📖 Related Read: Top Things to Do in Kihei, Maui: Beaches, Water Sports, and Local Gems
READY TO EXPLORE MORE OF MAUI?
If you’re ready to hit the beaches, trails, farms, and more without the hassle of planning or searching, my comprehensive digital Maui Travel Map has you covered. It includes everything listed in this post and hundreds of more great spots to make the most of your trip.
2. Snorkel Lanai on a Raft Tour
Sadly, Ocean Riders, the only RHIB boat that used to circle the whole island of Lanai, shut down after the wildfires. However, keeping in theme with high-energy, small rafts, Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel, does take you on a raft tour to Lanai’s beautiful south coast where you’ll be able to snorkel a few remote locations.
It’s a great way to explore tucked-away coves and reefs full of life including sea turtles, dolphins, and whales (if you’re here during the winter).
Besides the backside of Molokini, another great offshore scuba diving opportunity is Lanai. If you’re interested, consider Extended Horizons or Maui Diving.
📖 Related Read: Snorkeling off Lanai is just one of the fun things to do in my Ultimate Maui Itinerary. Check it out for a step-by-step guide to planning your perfect trip!
3. Scuba Dive with Sharks
The Maui Ocean Center is Maui’s main aquarium and gets a ton of visitors each year and for good reason. The exhibits are well done, there are cool interactive displays, and they host monthly events too.
It’s not something I’d call a must-do, but there’s one experience that definitely stands out: Shark Dive Maui, a special program that only a small group of visitors can participate in.
Certified scuba divers can plunge into the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit, home to a rotating variety of Hawaiian sharks such as tiger, hammerhead, whitetip, and sandbar sharks as well as large rays and thousands of tropical reef fish.
This is a unique chance to spend quality bonding time with these sea creatures and leave with plenty of impressive photos.
4. Spear an Invasive Fish
If you love the excitement of hunting but prefer the ocean, spearfishing or sport fishing might be perfect for you.
Maui Spearfishing Academy teaches a Spearfishing 101 course for beginners to learn and practice, as well as advanced outings for those with experience.
If you’re less interested about the free diving training and more about the spearing fish, Top Shot Spearfishing and Lopaka’s Aloha Adventures are both highly rated companies.
You’ll have the chance to hone your skills while targeting invasive species like Roi (Peacock Grouper), Ta’ape (Bluestripe Snapper), To’au (Blacktail Snapper), and Ulua (Giant Trevally), and could even be sent home with freshly caught fish, ready for the grill.
🔆 For those interested in catching Mahi-mahi, Ono, or Tuna, consider joining a sport or bottom fishing tour with Lahaina Maritime, Automatic Sportfishing, or Maui Fun Charters. Boats leave from Ma’alaea Harbor or Mala Wharf and exclusively offer private charters, but you can check to see if a shared one is possible.
📖 Related Read: Top Authentic Things to Do on Maui for a Culturally-Rich Vacation
5. Surf at the Windsurfing Capital of the World
Windsurfing is a total adrenaline rush, and thanks to the steady trade winds and epic scenery, Maui’s known as the windsurfing capital of the world.
If you’re experienced, winter (Dec–Apr) is when Ho’okipa Beach really comes alive. For beginners or intermediate folks, summer tends to be a little more mellow.
If you’re curious to try it out, Aqua Sports and HST Windsurfing & Kitesurfing School are both solid companies to take a lesson with.
Naturally, the island is also a popular destination for kitesurfing. Most people say it is harder to get up on the board than windsurfing but a lot more fun once you get comfortable. Lessons usually take place over multiple days at Kanaha Beach and are offered by the same companies listed above.
📖 Related Read: Windsurfing is just one of the many fun activities featured in my 41 Best Things to Do on Maui guide. Check it out for even more exciting adventures to try!
6. Whale Watch from a Kayak or Outrigger Canoe
From December to April, more than 10,000 humpback whales make their way to Hawaii from Alaska to give birth and raise their calves, and Maui is hands-down the best island to see them. The shallow channel between Maui and the nearby islands creates a perfect spot for whale watching.
While boat tours are a popular choice for getting up close to these majestic creatures, I suggest trying whale watching from a kayak or outrigger canoe.
Although you’ll cover less ground, you’ll have the chance to enjoy on-level views of humpbacks and you’ll have the chance to hear their breaths as they surface (since there’s no engine noise). It’s a completely different vibe.
- Kayak Whale-Watching Tours: Maui Kayak Adventures, Hawaiian Paddle Sports, & Aloha Kayaks Maui
- For an authentic cultural experience, try an outrigger canoe tour with Hawaiian Paddle Sports.
- Or, if you’re looking for something less touristy and more of a workout, checkout the volunteer-run Kihei Canoe Club on the south side or Ali’i Maui Outrigger Canoes on the west side of the island.
📖 Related Read: Best Things to Do on Maui in Winter (December-February)
Land Adventures
1. Rappel Down a Waterfall
Head out with Rappel Maui for a day of rappelling and canyoneering in lush East Maui along the Road to Hana. Various excursions are offered involving waterfalls, jungle cliffs, canyons, natural freshwater pools, and even zip rappels.
No experience is required for the more basic tours and all gear is provided. And if you want to really learn the ropes, they also offer Introductory, Technical, Advanced, and Canyon Rescue Canyoneering Courses.
2. Hike One of Maui’s Most Difficult Trails
If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a real challenge, locals will tell you Sliding Sands Trail is the one to beat.
This 11-mile, point-to-point hike starts at Haleakala’s summit and descends 2,500 feet to its extra-terrestrial looking crater floor. The end of the hike requires a steep climb back out to Halemau’u overlook.
A lot of people break it up by booking one of the park’s wilderness cabins for an overnight stay, but those spots go fast.
If you’re really up for a beast of a hike, there’s Kaupo Gap Trail. It’s nearly 20 miles and takes you from the summit all the way down the remote east side to the Kipahulu coast. Be prepared for rough terrain and minimal shade by packing protective gear, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
📖 Related Read: Maui on a Budget: Free & Low-Cost Things to Do
3. Hunt Wild Pig, Feral Goats, and Axis Deer
Hunting probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii, but it’s actually deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Relying on the land and ocean for survival is a tradition that has sustained communities for centuries and is still practiced today.
If you’re curious, you can join a guided hunting tour for wild pigs, axis deer, or feral goats. It’s a cool way to get off the beaten path, explore some seriously beautiful parts of the island, and help control invasive species at the same time.
Lopaka’s Aloha Adventures is a well-known company on the island. They take you deep into the West Maui Mountains and use trained dogs to track wild pigs. You can choose to tag and release or do a traditional harvest using a knife or spear. Just note: Participants must be at least 10 years old, capable of a 4-mile hike, and in possession of a Hawaii State Hunting License.
Other outfitters worth checking out: Arrow One Ranch and Maui Hunting Safari.
4. Off-Road Through Old Pineapple Fields
If you’re up for something a little muddy and a whole lot of fun, try an ATV tour while you’re on Maui. You’ll have the chance to see parts of the islands that are off the beaten path, navigating through old pineapple fields with Maui Off-Road Adventures or along the scenic coastline with Maui Mountain Activities.
📖 Related Read: Top Family-Friendly Things To Do on Maui with Kids
5. Gallop Through the Slopes of Haleakala Volcano
Horseback riding might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Maui, but it’s honestly such a cool way to see parts of the island you’d never get to otherwise, like wide-open pastures, rocky lava fields, and hidden valleys with ocean views.
One of the most popular spots is Triple L Ranch, where rides start high up on the slopes of Haleakala and take you through cattle country with some seriously gorgeous scenery.
If you’re looking for other options, check out Circle M Ranch or Maui Mountain Activities in Central Maui, or Ironwood Ranch over in West Maui. Most rides are beginner-friendly, but still super fun even if you’ve ridden before.
📖 Related Read: 25 Best Things To Do in Upcountry Maui: A Local’s Guide (+Map)
Sky Adventures
1. Fly Your Own Plane
Want to take your Maui trip to the next level? Instead of just riding along on a helicopter tour, why not actually take the controls yourself?
The following companies take first-time or seasoned pilots, certified or not, out on beautiful scenic flight lessons above Maui: Maui Flight Academy, Go Fly Maui, Maui Aviators, and Fly Maui.
Of course, if you’d rather sit back and enjoy the ride, helicopter tours are still amazing—jaw-dropping views of mountains, waterfalls, and beaches guaranteed.
These helicopter tour agencies are highly-rated on Maui: Blue Hawaiian, Air Maui, or Maverick Helicopters.
📖 Related Read: Best Workshops, Lessons, and Classes on Maui: 22 Hands-On Experiences You’ll Never Forget
2. Skydive into Paradise
Skydiving is such a crazy adrenaline rush, but doing it in the remote paradise of Hana takes it to another level.
The Road to Hana is famous for its amazing rainforests and deep gulches, but seeing that beauty from the air adds a whole new perspective. Just imagine free-falling towards that gorgeous landscape, unreal!
Maui Skydiving is the only company on the island that does it. They are highly rated and noted for catering to the needs of their customers, whether it’s your first jump or not.
3. Fly a Powered Hang Glider Along Hana Coast
If you want to try something really unique, check out Powered Hang Gliding lessons with Hang Gliding Maui. It’s kind of like learning to ride a “motorcycle in the sky” with a skilled instructor right there with you.
You’ll wear a two-way headset so you can chat, and the controls are shared, so you get a hands-on experience. Plus, since the flight takes off from Hana, the views are absolutely incredible: think ocean cliffs, waterfalls, rainforests, and reefs all from way up high.
4. Zipline Through the Jungle
If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, Maui’s got plenty of zipline courses to choose from.
Whether you want a thrilling ride high up in the cloud forests or something more family-friendly through tropical gardens, there’s a zipline that’s just right for you
Some favorites are Kapalua Ziplines in West Maui, Jungle Zipline in East Maui, and Skyline Hawaii (with three locations in Ka’anapali, Wailuku, and Haleakala).
Your Next Adventure Awaits
One thing you may have noticed while reading is that a lot of these adventures are guided tours. While Maui has tons of free and low-cost things to do, I really think it’s worth booking at least one tour. The local knowledge, the chance to see hidden corners of the island, and peace of mind that come with a pro showing you the ropes make a big difference.
If you’re looking to balance out your itinerary with some downtime, don’t miss my Best Relaxing Activities on Maui guide. And for even more inspiration, take a look at my 41 Best Things to Do on Maui post.
Lastly, be sure to check out my Maui Travel Map. With over 350 handpicked spots and insider tips, it’s your ultimate guide to uncovering authentic, lesser-known experiences and must-see attractions across the island.
Mahalo for reading and happy exploring!
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