Maui Excursions: Day Trips From Maui Hawaii

Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island, famous for its breathtaking, untouched nature, relaxed vibe, and its golden beaches. Although millions of people visit the island every year, it never feels overcrowded or overly touristic.

In fact, Maui has successfully maintained its authentic Hawaiian culture and takes pride in sharing this with its many visitors. There’s no shortage of things to do on the beautiful island, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Among the most popular attractions are hiking the Haleakala Volcano, snorkeling at Molokini, and driving the Road to Hana. In this article we’ll tell you all about these Maui excursions and more, as well as about the best Maui day trips, Maui private tours, Maui things to do free, and the top day trips from Maui Hawaii.

Maui has mild weather year-round, and the least-crowded seasons are the fall and spring. In the winter months, the rainfall increases, but the temperature is still nice and warm, making the island the perfect respite from the cold weather of the mainland.

Getting around the island is quite easy, as there are many car rental agencies available for visitors. There is a comprehensive public bus system available, as well, though it can be slow and unreliable at times.

There are many great places to stay on the island during your vacation. Some of the most popular resorts include the Royal Lahaina Resort and the Honua Kai Resort & Spa.

Check out latest prices for—-> Royal Lahaina Resort.

Check out latest prices for—-> Honua Kai Resort & Spa.

Best Maui Day Trips

There are so many day trips to take while in Maui that you might find yourself overwhelmed trying to plan every last detail and see every last sight that you can. Luckily, there are plenty of local companies that do all the day trip planning for you.

There are endless amounts of Maui guided tours that you can tailor to exactly what you want to see, when you want to see it. As mentioned above, there are many popular attractions and activities on Maui.

Hiring a local Maui tour guide to show you around during your vacation is a great way to experience the island from the point of view of someone who lives there. Another great way to experience Maui excursions is by taking a Maui private tour. This will allow you the greatest deal of flexibility during your stay.

Whichever type of tour you choose, be sure you don’t miss the following day trips: If you’re short on time, take a day to do a comprehensive Maui sightseeing tour. This tour can help you hit the main attractions of the island, such as Molokini Crater and Haleakala, in one long, exciting day.

Focus on snorkeling, and take a day trip entirely dedicated to Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and other popular snorkeling spots on the island. The Road to Hana is one of – if not the – most popular all-day excursions on Maui.

Take a day (or even two!) to explore its many hidden waterfalls, pools, and hiking trails with one of many guided or private tours available. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, take a day to do a fun horseback riding tour of different areas on the island.

If you love to soak up the sun, take a day to visit as many of the beautiful beaches around Maui as you can. Hire a local guide for this activity, as they know the best and least-busy spots on the island.

Best Day Trips From Maui

While there is no end of things to do in Maui, the nearby islands also offer plenty of unique experiences that shouldn’t be overlooked. Take advantage of your time among the islands and consider taking day trips from Maui Hawaii during your vacation. “Island-hopping”, as it is called, is popular among locals and tourists alike.

Nearby Molokai, also known as the “Friendly Island”, boasts a small population of just 7,000, and a day trip there offers a unique insight into traditional Hawaiian life. Pearl Harbor on Oahu is another popular day trip from Maui.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most significant historical events that took place on the nearby island. Day trips to Pearl Harbor can often be combined with tours of Waikiki – Oahu’s most touristic neighborhood – or the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Some of the best day trips from Maui Hawaii are those to the Big Island, the largest of all the Hawaiian islands. There, you can swim at the iconic Rainbow Falls which, true to their name, light up in a kaleidoscope of colors when the sun touches them.

Another popular sight on the Big Island is the Kilauea Volcano, the most active of all the volcanoes of the Hawaiian islands. For another adventure, hop on a ferry from Maui to Lanai to explore the wonderful Garden of the Gods, catch a glimpse of dolphins off the shore, and snorkel and/or scuba dive among the sea life of the island’s crystal-clear waters.

Best Maui Tours

Aside from Maui day trips and a day trip from Maui, there are plenty of shorter Maui tour package experiences to do while on the island. Whale watching on Maui is an unforgettable experience.

Pods of magnificent whales linger around the island from mid-December to mid-May, although it is possible to see them at other times during the year. Other Maui boat tours include glass-bottom boats and kayaking.

For a closer look at vibrant Pacific sealife, go underwater with one of the many Maui snorkeling tours available. Popular snorkeling Maui spots include Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, Honolua Bay, and Five Caves.

For inland adventures, take a Maui sunrise tour to the top of the wondrous Haleakala Volcano. There are also many fun hiking experiences available with guided tours. Popular Maui hiking tours include those to Kipahulu Valley, Haleakala Crater, the Road to Hana, and more.

If you prefer to cycle instead of hike, there are many opportunities to take a Maui bike tour through places like Haleakala National Park. For a unique experience, try out your gun skills at a Maui shooting range such as Ukumehame Firing Range in Lahaina.

Of course, you can’t experience Maui life without trying the delicious local dishes and drinks. You can get a taste of local life through a Maui food tour; choose from pineapple tours, country farm tours, region-specific tours, and so on. There are also some amazing spots where you can try the best breakfast in Lahaina.

To try your hand at making some of these tasty Hawaiian plates, try out a Maui cooking class, too, such as those offered by Chez Klio. There’s a small – yet thriving- wine scene on the island, as well. Take a Maui wine tour to see and taste the wine of the Maui’s oldest winery in ‘Ulupalakau.

Best free things to do in Maui

If you have a smaller budget, there are plenty of free things to do in Maui, as well. If you’ve rented a car, set out on the Road to Hana, a completely free 64-mile stretch of beautiful trails, scenic outlooks, and hidden waterfalls. Although guided tours of the Road are available for a price, you aren’t required to take one. Maui is full of free hikes, as well.

You can set off on your own on the Kapalua Coastal Trail, trek the Haleakala Summit, jump into the Seven Sacred Pools, or explore the Kapalua Village Walking Trails. You can also pay a visit to the natural wetlands of the Kealia Pond Wildlife Refuge, where you can catch a rare glimpse of endangered Hawaiian wildlife. Wai’anapanapa State Park, right off of Hana Highway, is a treasure trove of free, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Here, you can explore the famous black sand beach, countless tide pools, lavatubes, freshwater caves, and more.

The lovely Maui Tropical Plantation has free entry and different walking tours you can take to wander among its botanical gardens of tropical and native plants, over 40 kinds of crops, farm stands, and more.

The paved Wailea Beach Walk lingers for 1.5 miles and offers lovely views of the ocean and many cafes and restaurants along the way. Every beach (except for those on a military base) on the island is free to the public.

Some of the most breathtaking beaches to visit during your stay include Ho’okipa Beach Park, Makena Beach, Honolua Bay, Ka’anapali Beach, and Hamoa Beach. And don’t miss the opportunity to see a free Maui concert of hula dance at Ka’anapali Beach Hotel.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best Maui excursions, day trips, and tours! The island of Maui is beautiful, unique, and exciting, promising unforgettable experiences. Let us know what you thought in the comments below. If you’re still looking for some travel inspiration, check out our other destination guides for places such as London, Spain, Portugal, Oahu, Poland, Italy, New Zealand, and the USA.

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