Go snorkeling. Locals and visitors alike agree that the pristine coral reef of Honolua Bay on Maui's west side is a sight not to be missed. Honolua Bay is a protected natural habitat where fishing is illegal, allowing the reef's marine life to grow in abundance. Get there by car by driving north on Highway 30 past Kapalua. You'll notice cars parked on the shoulder of the left side of the road. Park and walk a short distance down a hill on a beaten path through a gorgeous rain forest. The beach is made of rocks and not sand, but a swim and snorkel in the water is well worth the hike.
Take a scenic drive. It would not be a trip to Maui if you did not take the Road to Hana. This 2-hour drive from Maui's center to its southernmost town, Hana, is brimming with mountain scapes, waterfalls, hiking opportunities, small villages and the best views of the island. By car, start in Kahului where the airport is and take Highway 360 toward Paia. The drive starts as soon as you are through Paia with one-lane stone bridges, sudden cliff drop-offs with views into a deep gorge, and spots to park and take short hikes to hidden waterfalls.
Go surfing. Whether you are an experienced surfer or want to try it for the first time, Maui has some of the best waves in the world. Novice surfers can rent boards from a bevy of shops around the island or take lessons from certified instructors. The best places to learn to surf with moderate waves are Ka'anapali Beach on Maui's west side and Kamehameha Iki Park at 505 Front St in Lahaina. Experienced surfers will want to grind at S-Turns beach in Kahana and, if you dare, Jaws Beach on Maui's East side.
Visit historical sites. Take a step back in time to Maui's days as a whaling port where natives and sailors from the New World often clashed. Lahaina Town has a self-guided walking tour that is easy to navigate and takes you along Lahaina Harbor, homes and hotels built in the late-1800s and early 1900s and historic graveyards where Hawaiian royalty is buried. Do not miss the historic Pioneer Inn at 658 Wharf St, the oldest hotel on Maui, which once rented an ocean-view room to Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. The 153-year-old Banyan Tree next door is also a must-see, along with the basement-style jail that is now an art gallery.
Walk along the beaches. For dining, shopping, people watching and sunbathing all in one location, visit the Ka'anapali Beach in Lahaina where several high-end resorts line a walking beach path. S-Turns beach in Kahana is where locals go to surf, and it is good for recreation and sun bathing more so than swimming. Napili Shores is a popular location for families, since this beach boasts white sands, no rocks and mild waves.
