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14 Best Maui Adventures to Book Before Your Trip

Alert for Visitors: Maui has experienced significant wildfires in August 2023, causing major disruption for both locals and tourists. For your safety and up-to-date information, please visit the Maui County website before planning any activities or travels. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Stay safe!

Are you starting to plan your Maui vacation and want some ideas of Maui tours and activities worth adding to your itinerary? Keep scrolling to find out the top Maui adventures worth booking before your trip.

Planning your first trip to Maui?

We know you’re excited about visiting the beautiful island of Maui, but we also know that it can be a little daunting. It’s home to dormant volcanoes, massive waterfalls, and beautiful beaches where visitors like to spend a lot of their time out in the water.

Plus there are tons of incredible Maui adventures and activities that can take your trip to the next level.

That’s why we created this list of top things to do on Maui before you go! You won’t regret booking these activities before your trip because they are super popular and might sell out for the dates you’d like.

You might have already purchased your Maui airfare, hotel, and car rental, but before you pack up and head over there, be sure to take a look at these top Maui adventures that will make your trip truly unforgettable!

Booking in advance is a good idea because many of these adventures get booked quickly. People look forward to coming to the island and participating in the many Maui activities available.

It’s never too early to start planning for your next trip and there are some amazing opportunities waiting for you on Maui!

Check out the following best adventures in Maui to book before your trip! You won’t be disappointed with the fantastic options offered to you.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Maui.

Popular Maui Tours/Activities

Favorite Maui Resorts/Hotels

  • Hyatt Regency Maui (this has a swim-up bar and tons of amazing amenities)
  • Andaz Maui (this is a luxury resort with the best luau on Maui)
  • Honua Kai Resort & Spa (this is one of our personal favorites because there are tons of pools and there are condo options)

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One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

What are the Top Maui Adventures to Book?

Here are some of the best tours on Maui that are filled with adventures! You will love all of these activities to do on your next trip to Maui.

1. Maui Atlantis Submarine Adventure

This company was affected by the Maui fires in 2023. Currently they are planned to reopen in August 2024.

I’m kicking off the list with a family friendly Maui tour. I want to emphasize that this particular Maui adventure really is geared toward families with elementary aged kids who are too young for some of the other Maui activities listed below.

Things to Do on Maui: Atlantis Submarine Tour featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids | Atlantis Submarine in Maui
Maui Atlantis Submarine Tour

Have you ever had the opportunity to ride in a submarine before?

A Maui submarine ride is the perfect opportunity to ride under the water instead of above it, giving you a chance to see all kinds of sea creatures. Maui Atlantis Submarine Adventure is an excellent choice for those interested in exploring the sea. Check latest rates and more information.

This Maui submarine tour lasts for two hours and is perfect for avoiding crowds full of people. If you’re not the kind of person who enjoys snorkeling, you can still enjoy an underwater excursion while riding on the submarine with family and friends. People who are at least 36 inches tall can participate in this enjoyable adventure.

While riding underwater, take in all the views of coral reefs, tropical fish, whales, and more. You never know what you’re going to see during your ride! You can choose to go on this fun adventure early in the morning or in the afternoon, whichever time works best for you.

If you cannot go on a snorkel trip, this boat ride helps you see the wild dolphins and other sea life up close!

2. Road to Hana Maui Tour from Lahaina

When you want to go on an all-day adventure, the Maui Tour: Road to Hana Tour from Lahaina is certainly worth booking in advance. The trip lasts for approximately 10 hours, giving you and your loved ones plenty of time to travel and explore the area. Check latest rates and more information.

Happy hiker - Hawaii tourists hiking by waterfall. Woman cheering during travel on the road to Hana on Maui, Hawaii. Ecotourism concept image with happy female hiker.
Waterfall along the Road to Hana

Then, you can get picked up from your hotel and taken out on the Road to Hana, an incredibly thrilling and famous road that stretches for over 50 miles around North Shore Maui.

Ride in a cool and comfortable vehicle while making stops at different places to explore and get photos, including waterfalls, sacred pools, bamboo forests, Twin Falls, a Hana lava tube, and the Black Sand Beach. Enjoy lunch provided by the tour operators and a quick stop at the lodge to grab fresh-baked treats.

While you’re exploring the area of Hana Highway, your tour guide will provide you with lots of information on the Road to Hana, Lahaina, and Maui, in general. You can ask questions while checking out different hot spots, including a bee sanctuary and a winery.

This is one of the best Road to Hana Maui tours for small groups of friends or family traveling together. It’s also a kid-friendly excursion that should be on your bucket list! If you don’t want to drive your rental car yourself, this is the perfect option for you.

3. Molokini Snorkeling Adventure Aboard Calypso

When you’re thinking about going on a snorkeling adventure, look no further than the Molokini Snorkeling Adventure Aboard Calypso. This is one of the best snorkeling tours in Maui that lasts for a little over five hours and is the perfect opportunity for guests to explore the sea. 

Exploring Molokini Crater in Maui, a guide featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids.
Molokini Crater near Maui.

Molokini Crater is located just off the shore of Maui and it’s one of the most popular places to snorkel in Hawaii. You will leave from Ma’alaea Harbor during this day trip.

If you’d love to see hundreds of different species swimming around in the ocean, you’re going to enjoy this adventure more than anything. Tourists love this tour because it allows them to get as close as possible to the giant green sea turtles.

So not only can you spend time snorkeling in the water, but you can also have a good time on the chartered boat. If you go during the winter months, you can also enjoy whale watching! It’s one of the most popular Maui outdoor activities. Check latest rates and more information.

The boat comes equipped with a slide that makes it fun for children, teens, and even adults. In addition, there is a glass-bottom viewing area for those who want to sit on the boat and see the wide open ocean without getting into the water right away.

Finally, the company provides snorkeling gear for all guests, so you won’t need to worry about bringing any equipment with you to have a safe and fun snorkeling experience. If you don’t mind spending several hours out on the water, this is one of the best Maui snorkeling tours worth booking.

4. Maui Aquaball Adventure & Maui Zipline Tour

Try something new and different while having an exhilarating experience with the Maui Aquaball Adventure & Zipline Tour at Lahaina Dragonfruit Farm. The Lahaina zipline tour lasts for up to three hours and will leave you smiling from ear to ear. 

Image of a woman going ziplining on Maui.
People say a Maui zipline tour is the highlight of their trip.

While you’re in the aqua ball, you can roll down the farm’s creative course, laughing along the way. It’s a great way to explore the farm faster without having to do a bunch of walking.

When you’re not riding in the aqua ball, you can head out on the Maui zipline to explore the farm from a bird’s view. It is the best zipline in Maui! Check latest rates and more information.

There are four lines accessible to tourists. All guests get suited up in safety gear before heading out on one of the lines. If you don’t mind heights and look forward to gliding through lines with incredible views, this is one of the best Maui zipline tours for you.

Children who are at least 5 years old are welcome to enjoy activities on the adventurous tour. However, be sure to ask your tour guide about ages for ziplining because there may be a different age limit. Kids younger than 5 years old can still do the farm tour.

If you’re still undecided, check out my complete guide to Maui ziplining.

5. Sunshine Helicopters Maui Circle Island Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a trip thousands of feet above ground level while riding on the Sunshine Helicopters Maui Circle Island Helicopter Sightseeing Tour. The trip lasts for a minimum of 60 minutes and is an excellent experience for people of all ages. 

Image of the inside of a Maui helicopter ride.
Splurge on a Maui helicopter tour

Infants and children one and under get to ride in the helicopter for free. You can meet at the Kahului Heliport before boarding the aircraft and traveling over to several fantastic spots. Check latest rates and more information.

These spots include Haleakala National Park, Hana Coast, sea cliffs, and stunning Maui waterfalls. Expect to get the absolute best view of the rainforest and bamboo forest with eucalyptus trees in all its glory.

Although the helicopter tour is a shorter adventure, it’s worth the money and time spent. It’s an experience of a lifetime. You get to see some of the most beautiful spots on Maui without anyone getting in the way of your views. 

While you’re riding in the helicopter, the pilot will talk to you about the areas you’re hovering, providing you with in-depth information on each site.

6. Maui ATV Tour on Mountain & Oceanfront Trail

Want to try one of the Maui off road adventures? Check out these Maui UTV tours!

Ride like a pro while traveling through Maui on the Maui ATV Ride Tour on Mountain & Oceanfront Trail. Drivers must be 16 years old or older to operate one of these vehicles.

Enjoy a Maui ATV tour for your next Maui adventure.
A Maui ATV tour is pretty thrilling

It’s the perfect tour for guests who’d like to ride on an ATV, driving it themselves instead of riding while someone else does the work. Guests can book multiple vehicles at a time. Check latest rates and more information.

This Maui ATV tour is best for older teens and adults who can make the most of it by riding on ATVs and traveling to local hot spots on the island.

The tour lasts for two hours and is available Monday through Saturday. A guide will ride along with you to help you get to some of these neat places while also making stops along the way. It is one of the best Maui ATV waterfall tours!

You can stop and check out some of these hot spots as you come across them. All protective gear is available to riders, including goggles and a helmet. 

While it’s one of the shorter adventures, it’s great for anyone who’d like to explore the island on a slightly self-guided tour while learning new things and having a blast. This is one of the highest-rated Maui ATV tours.

7. Maui Kiteboarding Group Lesson

Are you looking for more extreme sports? This Small Group Maui Kiteboarding Lesson might fit the bill!

Learn how to kiteboard on Maui with this Maui kiteboarding group lesson. Image of a man kiteboarding on Maui.
Maui kiteboarding lesson

Now, if you’re ready to take your vacation up a notch then try Maui kiteboarding. You’ll be learning all the skills necessary for kitesurfing at Kahului Harbor and they provide everything from beginner lessons to more advanced classes for those looking to step their game up!

This lesson will teach you what to look for in the gear selection and orientation of your kite on dry land so that when it’s time to get into the water, you’re ready! Check latest rates and more information.

8. Maui All Stars Stargazing Tour

Try out this Maui volcano tour for another thrilling adventure! You’ll head to Haleakala National Park to watch the stunning sunset before watching the night sky light up with the stars. This Maui All Stars Stargazing Tour is one of the best.

While many go on sunrise tours here, this stargazing tour is just as wonderful! Check out the latest prices and more details.

Your guide will take you up the mountain, talking to you about the history and all about Haleakala. Slowly the sky will fill up with beautiful colors as the sun begins to set. Once all the stars appear, you will get to see all the constellations!

Your guide is a member of the American Astronomical Society, so you will learn all the things about the stars you see. It is quite fascinating and a great way to enjoy Upcountry Maui!

9. Hana Rainforest Hiking Tour with Waterfall Swim

For the best waterfall hike in Maui, go on this Hana Rainforest Hiking Tour with Waterfall Swim.

You’ll spend half a day going on Hana Highway and stop by an incredible waterfall to hike and swim there. Kids over 6 are allowed, so it is pretty family-friendly too! Check out the latest prices and more details.

During this tour, you will see 3 to 5 waterfalls as you hike along the rainforest. At one of the waterfalls, you’ll even get to jump off some cliffs and go swimming in it too!

If jungle hikes sound like fun to you, you will love this tour! These tours even offer transportation from Lahaina, Kaanapali, Wailea, and Kihei.

10. Maui Bottom Fishing Charter

There are so many fun Maui boat tours and one of the best is this Maui Bottom Fishing Charter. It is quite an adventure to go out on the ocean and catch a huge fish while spending a trip in Maui.

This tour is four hours long and leaves from Ma’alaea Harbor. Check out the latest prices and more details.

You’ll hop aboard a 40-foot catamaran boat and head out to search for tuna, barracuda, snappers, and mahi. This boating tour includes all the fishing equipment you will need.

Plus, if you catch anything, you get to keep it for dinner! Nothing is more adventurous than catching your own fish for dinner on the islands.

11. Maui Canyon Adventures – Hana Waterfall Rappel Eco Tour

One of the most thrilling Maui adventures is this Hana Waterfall Rappel Eco Tour! It is about 3 hours long and is so much fun!

This tour goes in groups of 8 so it is great for families and those who like small group tours. Check out the latest prices and more details.

First, you’ll head to the Road to Hana to the beautiful rainforests and waterfalls. Then, enjoy a short hike before repelling down the waterfall. All in all, you will get to repel down two waterfalls, and enjoy swimming in the water holes when you are finished!

All safety gear is included and this tour is perfect for beginners. Children 10 years and older can participate as well.

This is one of the most adventurous things to do on Maui!

12. Maui Guided Horseback Riding Tour

Another fun thing to do in Maui is to go on a Horseback Riding Tour. You’ll ride up the mountain and see the ocean the entire time.

This tour is only 90 minutes so you can enjoy plenty of other fun adventures during the day too! Check out the latest prices and more details.

Maui Trail Rides takes you up the West Maui mountains and shows you some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean. You can go on a morning or afternoon oceanfront ride, so you can easily fit it into your itinerary.

They offer private and regular packages and are open every day of the week. Children 7 years and older can enjoy horseback riding in Hawaii.

13. Haleakala Biking Tour

Hop on a mountain bike and explore Haleakala National Park with this Biking Tour! It is a fun way to get some exercise while exploring the island.

You can go on a sunrise or morning adventure with this self-guided tour. Check out the latest prices and more details.

There are four different tour options to enjoy, so you can make it work no matter how long you are on the island. All bike gear is included so you can just enjoy your adventure.

14. Kayak, Snorkel & Rainforest Hike with Waterfall Swim Eco-Adventure

If you can’t really decide what all you want to do, why not do it all with this tour?

With this Eco Adventure, you will get to kayak, snorkel, Hike, and swim in a waterfall all in this one adventure!

You will spend all day on this tour, so be sure to wear sunscreen. Check out the latest prices and more details.

First, you will kayak Maui’s coastline, followed by snorkeling at Makena Beach where you will see sea turtles and tropical fish.

After spending a few hours in the water, you’ll head to the rain forest where you will enjoy a hike that shows you a few waterfalls. Finish your day swimming at the bottom of the waterfall. You’ll also get a picnic lunch to enjoy too!

This tour is family-friendly and great for kids older than 6. You’ll head out from South Kihei to enjoy this adventure. It operates on Tuesday or Thursday every week.

This is one of the top eco adventures Maui has to offer!

Maui Adventures FAQs

What are the best Maui excursions if I only have a few days in Maui?

If you’re heading to Maui for less than a week, just pick a few Maui activities. I’d suggest driving the Road to Hana, doing a Maui snorkeling tour (either to Molokini Crater or Turtle Town), and visiting Haleakala National Park.

What’s the best Maui waterfall tour worth booking?

If you’re looking for a heart-pounding Maui waterfall tour, try this waterfall Maui rapelling tour in Hana. It’s one of the most exciting ways to get up close to one of the best waterfalls on Maui. Plus it’s the best waterfall rappelling Maui has to offer!

What’s the coolest Maui volcano hike?

There are a lot of cool Haleakala Crater hikes. Sliding Sands is a great 11-mile hike that showcases the crater floor, colorful cinder, and a volcano pit.

How many days in Maui is enough?

While you can enjoy the Hawaiian islands no matter how long you are there, typically you want at least 5 to 7 days. That gives you enough time to do all the best excursions in Maui like going scuba diving, exploring the West Maui mountains, going horseback riding, seeing hidden waterfalls, and so much more!

What is the most scenic part of Maui?

Haleakala Crater offers stunning scenes of Maui, you will definitely want to visit during your next trip. The Road to Hana is also the best scenic drive you will love to do with your family!

Make Memories on Incredible Adventures in Maui

Many companies in Maui offer incredible, unforgettable adventures for tourists. You can book several of these adventures in advance to secure a spot on a specific day and at a particular time of the day.

Whether you’d like to go snorkeling, explore the Road to Hana, go on a sunset cruise, go scuba diving, or even ride in a helicopter, you have many options. 

Some Maui adventure tours last longer than others, but it all depends on what you’d like to do. You may even want to consider booking more than one adventure to go on during your trip.

Most of these adventures are family-friendly and perfect for those traveling with children of all ages. No matter who you’re traveling with, you can have an excellent time in Maui.

Looking for more fun things to do in Maui? Check out the best Maui luaus, best Maui surf lessonsLanai boat tour from Mauicoolest Maui boat trips, and the best Haleakala tours.