Maui is one of Hawaii’s best and most relaxing destinations. But it is also home to many thrilling adventures. It offers various adrenaline-boosting activities that are perfect for backpackers. From swimming with sharks to conquering heights, Maui has a lot to offer. Here’s a list of the 10 most thrilling activities the island boasts for.
10 Snorkeling With Sharks
Snorkeling activities in Maui are not as simple as anyone would assume. It sounds easy to do until adventurers find themselves staring eye-to-eye with a shark. This activity is common in Hawaii. In Maui, Mala Wharf Pier is the best place to experience snorkeling, and adventurers can swim with the popular White Tip Reef Sharks, which are the best to swim with because they pose a minimal threat. The activity is available for seasoned and beginners for only $129.
9 Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is the ultimate activity why adventurers fly to Hawaii, specifically Maui. It is also home to the most seasoned divers in all of the state. The best diving sites are Five Caves at Makena Landing, Molokai, and Lanai Cathedrals. There is not a total assurance of what divers would experience below, it could be swimming with whale sharks and almost a hundred hammerheads to looking at unique volcanic formations. Scuba diving costs from $59 to $600 depending on chosen inclusive.
8 Zipline
Soaring over the tropical beauty of Maui is a thrilling adventure, and a zipline is one of the many ways to enjoy it. There are various zipline courses in Maui, from a few meters to 2 miles long. At one point, adventurers can reach 600 feet up in the air while on the ride to the longest zipline course in Piiholo Ranch. It is important to always check the age and weight restrictions within courses, and each company surely provides alternatives for those who do not meet the requirements; completing the course by foot or by biking. Zipline courses cost as low as $113 only.
7 Rafting
Rafting is like a roller coaster in water. It offers a unique experience that bigger boats fail to provide; may it be a snorkel trip or swimming in deep areas of the water. Rafting is the best way to explore Maui’s unique sea caves and lava formations. It is also an option to see whales up-close without having to go in the water. Molokini Plus, Kanaio, Molokini Express, and Express Whale Watch are some of the rafting tours to choose from. Cost can range from $45 to $400 depending on the types of services.
6 Surfing
Home to the best beaches in the United States is also home to the most thrilling surfing destinations. Although most of Maui’s surfing sports are for seasoned surfers, it still boasts its beginner surf spots perfect for those who have never surfed before. The north shores are perfect for experienced surfers while the south and southwest are known for beginners. Winter to spring is the best season to surf in Maui. depending on the services tourists want to avail of, the cost can vary for as low as $55.
5 Hiking
Along with Maui’s amazing beaches, it is also known for its stunning terrains. There are definitely so many hikes that adventurers would not know where to start. It is, of course, important to choose a hike that’s suitable for one’s particular experience level. This thrilling adventure offers the best-hidden sites in Maui, including forests, pools, and stunning waterfalls. Some of the best hikes include ‘Lao Valley, Sliding Sand, and Pipiwai. Most of the trails are free, although some parks collect entrance and parking fees.
4 ATV Adventure
Explore the rugged terrains of Maui in a more thrilling adventure through ATV tours. This unique ride will surely boost one’s adrenaline while riding through hills and valleys. An ATV tour is the most popular tour in Maui even for family tourists with a member as young as 7 years old. Driving and group ride are features that adventurers can choose from if they meet minimum requirements. The most popular ATV destination is in Lahaina with tours that cost as low as $99.
3 Horseback Riding
Another thrilling adventure not to miss is horseback riding. A ride offers a tour with various views to enjoy from. Tours can circle around green forestries, grasslands, and panoramic views of beaches from particular terrains. There are also oceanfront tours but none directly to the beach because Hawaii state laws discouraged so. The best horseback ranches in Maui include Triple L Ranch, Lahaina Stables, and Maui Mountain. Fee can range from $118 and above for ages 8 and over.
2 Helicopter Tour
Nothing beats a bird’s eye view of Maui;’s tropical beauty, but it can get pretty high and it is surely not for people afraid of heights. Its lush forestries, blue waters, and unique rocks are all visible in a helicopter tour, just a ride away. Trip cost varies, and although fees can get expensive, the thrill is definitely worth it. Pacific Helicopter Tours, Blue Hawaiian, and Sunshine Helicopters are some of the best tours in Maui. including tax and fuel, fees could round up from $200 to $450.
1 Up-Close Whale Watching
An up-close look at the world’s biggest mammals can get thrilling and Maui offers many of them to check out any time of the day. A certain part of the county is home to hundreds of humpback whales, especially during winter. Adventurers can watch from afar or dive with these whales and don’t fuss, humans are completely safe around them, but with precautions. The best time to watch whales is from winter to spring. Some tours offer free tours for kids, but adult fees vary starting from $32.