The Top Things to Do on Your Trip to Maui

Of course, you could just lie on the beach or sit on your lanai (patio) and read a book. But you could do that in your backyard in Waterloo, Iowa. So get off your butt and get wet. This is Maui.

1. Take a snorkel cruise to Molokini. No matter what your age or physical condition, you can have fun, even if you just stay aboard and enjoy the cruise. The morning trips leave the Maui shores around 7a.m. and last about 4 or 5 hours. Molokini is crater just a short distance from Kihei. It is in deep water and is a marine preserve, so it is overrun by schools of fish, many large, and the crater floor is littered with coral. The water is clear and protected from currents in the morning. The afternoon trade winds make this a definite morning outing. Some boats will also offer scuba and snuba (scuba without tanks, just a mask and air hose) slides, showers, wetsuits, and more. There will be water and snacks.

2. Now that you’ve been under the water, get up in the air. Take a helicopter ride over Maui to get an overall view and avoid the growing traffic congestion in paradise. It also takes you places you can’t go—by car, horse, or on foot. You’ll see waterfalls, rainforests, isolated beaches, craters - -the lush beauty of Hana and moonscape of Haleakala. It may cost a bit more than you’re used to spending for fun on a trip to Aunt Gertie’s but it is a thrill you can’t get in the suburbs. Some of the outfits will film your cruise and you get a lasting memory of this ride.

3. Luau. Okay, I’ve never actually attended a Luau. But I have stopped by to watch the entertainment. It’s fun. The music and dancing is worth the price of admission. The shows explore the history and culture of Maui and its peoples. And you get food and drinks that just don’t stop. While many of the hotels offer good luaus, the consensus of everyone seems to be that The Old Lahaina Luau is authentic and the best. It costs the most but offers table service with personal servers and an excellent show right on the oceanfront in Lahaina.