"Ancient Hawaiians traveled between villages and islands by paddling wa‘a (voyaging canoes). Today, the tradition continues as a racing sport—and also an art form, thanks to vessels like the Hikianalia and Hōkūleʻa , which completed a round-the-world trip in 2017. Experience the boats for yourself with help from Hawaiian Paddle Sports, which hosts outrigger canoe tours that blend heritage and adventure. On the South Maui Turtle Town tour, guests can explore the coastline, snorkel with sea turtles, and—from late December to early April—admire pods of dolphins and humpback whales, as well as try cultural activities like crafting spoons and rope from coconuts. More adventurous paddlers can opt for canoe and surf sessions, which also teach Hawaiian commands and words pertinent to canoe culture."

"A marine sanctuary in northwest Maui, Honolua Bay delights snorkelers and surfers alike. The right side of the bay boasts dense, showstopping coral that attracts vibrant fish, while the shallower left-hand side features lava caves, archways, and sea turtles in the summer months. Come winter, some of Hawaii’s most beautiful barrel waves start peeling around the point, drawing only the most experienced daredevils. Note that fishing here is forbidden and parking can be tricky—visitors often have to park along the cliffs and hike down through a magical, Robinson Crusoe–type forest to the rocky shoreline. When approaching the bay, watch for mile marker 32. Just past it, you’ll find stairs down to Mokuleia Beach."

"Host of the Sentry Tournament of Champions every January, Kapalua Golf comprises two sprawling courses south of the Ritz-Carlton. The Arnold Palmer–designed Bay Course features dramatic views and Maui’s only oceanside hole, but the Plantation Course—named for the 24,000-odd acres of pineapples that once grew here—offers some of the best golf in Hawaii and, indeed, all of America. A first collaboration between minimalist architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Plantation boasts jungled canyons, elevation changes, and challenging shots onto fairways and greens. Prepare for a round here with lessons at Kapalua’s renowned Golf Academy, then try and tee off early before the winds pick up."

"Some of the world’s best humpback whale viewing takes place in the shallow waters off Lahaina between late December and May. See it for yourself with help from PacWhale Eco-Adventures, which offers cruises led by certified marine naturalists. On the two-hour trips, guests get to observe the mammals in their natural environment, playfully spouting, surfacing, and even breaching high above the waves. For something extra, book a whale-watching sail on the outfitter’s eco-friendly catamaran or a photo safari with a professional wildlife photographer. PacWhale has a 97 percent sighting success rate and donates all proceeds to the Pacific Whale Foundation to help protect the ocean, helping you feel good about your day on the water."

"Identical twins Tide and Kiva Rivers grew up on the beaches of Maui and now share their love of the ocean at Rivers to the Sea, the island’s first school devoted exclusively to surfing. Over the past 15 years, the pair has taught everyone from total beginners to expert surfers looking to up their game, as well as celebrities like Adrien Brody, Claire Danes, Woody Harrelson, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Lessons take place at the secluded Guardrails on Maui’s west shore, known for its gentle waves and shady, uncrowded beach, and include a long-sleeved rash guard, surf shoes, and beginner soft-top boards. Whether you opt for a group, semi-private, or one-on-one session, you’ll learn water safety, proper surf technique, and surfing style and etiquette, ensuring you’ll stand up, catch a wave, and leave the beach feeling accomplished."

"Located on Maui’s northern tip, the Nakalele Blowhole is known for its watery explosions, which often shoot nearly 100 feet in the air. To reach the blowhole, you need to hike up a long incline from the road, so wear sensible shoes and go at high tide for the best show. Be sure to also watch the action from a safe distance—Nakalele creates a mean undertow when it empties. As you head back to the road, keep an eye out for Maui’s heart-shaped rock, which frames the sea and tropical mountain slopes. It’s visible from the base of the scree slope trail when the blowhole is to your right."

"With consistent, northeastern trade winds that run along the shoreline and parallel to the wave direction, Maui offers some of the world’s best windsurfing. If you’re keen to try the sport for yourself, turn to the island’s oldest and largest water sports school, HST. Captained by legendary windsurfer Alan Cadiz, the outfitter teaches windsurfing for all skill levels, as well as kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and more on Kanaha Beach near Kahului Airport. For something unique, opt for a lesson in hydrofoiling, an emerging sport that involves a handheld sail and SUP board."

"Located at mile marker 9 on the Hana Highway, Ho‘okipa Beach Park is one of Maui’s top spots for ocean sports. Here, visitors will find a breathtaking sweep of sugar-white sand and epic waves perfect for both surfing and windsurfing. Take caution when hitting the water, however, as the park is notorious for strong rip currents, a shallow reef, and winds that pick up quickly in the afternoon. For something safer, head to the tide pools or go searching for honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), which can often be found lazing on the shore under the lookout cliff. From the top of the cliff, you can also watch surfers tackling the farthest east break known as Pavilions."

"Set on the rain forest’s edge, this stable and riding academy offers horseback riding tours of Upcountry Maui. During private excursions, guests cross wide-open ranges with breathtaking views of the Pacific, learning about the area and its history as they go. The family-run ranch is staffed by friendly, informative guides who cater to all abilities, so prior riding experience isn’t necessary. After your ride, tour the ranch’s preserve and nursery for a chance to glimpse Hawaii’s majestic state bird, the endangered nene (goose), or get your adrenaline pumping on the longest side-by-side zip line in Maui."

"The world-famous Road to Hana hugs a jagged black lava shore. Just past mile marker 16 lies the Keanae Peninsula, where visitors can explore a traditional village, a stone church from 1856, and vast taro fields. The peninsula itself was formed by a massive lava flow from Haleakala, then softened by native Hawaiians, who carried soil down basket by basket to blanket the young rock. Today, the area is covered in lush greenery, which makes for an impressive sight against the turquoise sea and Maui’s famous North Shore waves. Before getting back on the road, be sure to stop at Aunty Sandy’s, one of the best banana bread stands along the Hana Highway, for a slice, a shaved ice, or a pork sandwich if you’re hungrier."

"This lovely state park stretches along the rugged volcanic shoreline of western Maui , three miles from Hana. It’s best explored on the 2.2-mile hike that starts at the black-sand beach and follows the dramatic coast, passing lava tubes, rock arches, blowholes, and Polynesia’s largest heiau (an ancient Hawaiian temple) along the way. Avoid standing too close to the geysers as well as the lava benches near the ocean, which can crumble easily, and watch out for high surf. If you’re looking to cool down after your trek, take the loop trail to the park’s freshwater caves, where you can explore two separate chambers (the first tends to be clearer and more inviting)."

"Mark Twain and James A. Michener both sang the praises of Hamoa Beach and its isolated beauty. Sandy, sheltered, and lined with palm trees, this remote stretch of shoreline on Maui’s eastern tip is arguably the island’s best beach. Nevertheless, Hamoa is often more empty than full thanks to tourists mistakenly rushing through the 64-mile Road to Hana. A better plan is to book a night in Hana so you can take your time on the highway, snacking on banana bread, bathing beneath waterfalls, and not having to bypass places like Hamoa, where you can lounge in the shade of sea cliffs and bodysurf on gentle waves."

"An ancient atoll, Molokini lies 2.5 miles off Maui’s south coast, where the water is calm, clear, and teeming with marine life. Here, snorkelers and scuba divers can expect up to 150 feet of visibility, allowing for perfect views of yellow tang, parrot fish, black triggerfish, bluefin trevally, and even moray eels. To explore it for yourself, book a tour with Maui Classic Charters, which sails to Molokini in a 55-foot catamaran with a glass-bottomed viewing room. Choose one of the early-morning trips for a better chance of calm seas and bigger sea creatures like octopus and eagle rays, and bring along snacks, sunscreen, and, for those who run cold, perhaps a rash guard or thin wet suit, especially in the winter months."

"South Maui’s only PADI Five Star dive center, Maui Dreams offers both shore and boat dives for all experience levels. The shop also encourages environmental responsibility, teaching students how to passively view underwater life in order to protect the ocean. Opt for a shore dive and your instructor will take you to their favorite spots in South Maui, introducing you to creatures, caves, and corals you would never otherwise notice. For something more adventurous, go with one of the boat dives, which take place at popular sites like Molokini Crater, the Carthaginian wreck, the Cathedral lava caverns off Lanai, and more. If you’re hoping to give back to the island, you can even join one of Maui Dream’s Project Aware clean-up dives or contribute to the shop’s donations to the Maui Reef Fund."

"A marine biologist, Lila Jones founded Mermaid Dream Retreats to further the message of ocean conservation. In the large shallow bay off Wailea’s Makena Landing, she holds private and group mermaid lessons that teach students to embrace their creativity, connect to the ocean, and protect the earth. During the 90-minute classes, guests don shimmery, scaled nylon monofins and swim alongside colorful fish and green sea turtles near Maui’s best reefs. Those who want to practice the basics of mermaid swimming in a safer, more controlled environment can opt for pool lessons, while students seeking something more involved can book the mermaid certification course, which includes mermaid swimming techniques, safe breath holding, underwater modeling, and ocean conservation."

"With Maui’s only rappelling outfitter, you can descend waterfalls and jungle walls into a secluded, privately owned rain-forest canyon featured in the opening scenes of Jurassic Park . The Classic Tour tackles 30- and 50-foot waterfalls with short swims at the bottom, while the eight-hour Extended Tour kicks things up a notch with rappelling off cliffs, zipping through free space, and rock climbing up the face of waterfalls. Both experiences include gear, a picnic lunch, and—crucially—transport to the rain forest reserve, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the winding Hana Highway by yourself."

"Tropical Guides & Outfitters This family-owned and -operated outfitter runs kayak and snorkeling tours, whale-watching excursions, and surf lessons in the calm, turquoise bays of South Maui. In addition to helping visitors enjoy the water, the staff here teach them how to protect it, sharing info about ocean conservation as well as Maui’s unique culture and language. Tropical Outfitters keeps groups small in order to ensure a personal, relaxing experience, but also offers private tours so guests can customize their day exactly to their liking. Book the signature kayak tour to paddle around Turtle Town, explore coral reefs, and swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles, or kick things up a notch with the eight-mile Molokini adventure, during which you’ll get to snorkel inside a volcanic crater."