Things to Do
Maui, Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With pristine beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class adventures, it’s no wonder. And if you’re looking for things to do in Maui by yourself, there are plenty of options, other than the obvious group tours and excursions.
Below are 7 popular activities to do alone in Maui. You’ll also find the details you need to make sure you choose the best activities for you.
Immerse yourself in incredible landscapes on a Haleakala National Park Sunrise Tour
If you appreciate rare flora and fauna, you can’t miss Haleakala National Park. Translated as “House of the Sun”, this dormant shield volcano is the highest point in Maui. While breathtaking at any time of the day, for unreal views check out the Haleakala National Park Sunrise Tour.
This 9-hour tour transports you in a luxe vehicle with large windows, padded seats, and climate control to ensure your comfort, no matter the time of year. Along the way to Haleakala, your tour guide will provide fascinating stories about its history, flora, fauna, and cultural importance throughout the years.
Once you arrive at the summit, you’ll be provided with warm jackets and gloves should you need them. At this elevation, it’s definitely recommended.
Once the sun starts peeking out from over the horizon, make sure to grab your camera. Watching this electric orange-and-pink scene unfold is incredible.
As if that weren’t a spectacular enough way to start your day, your guide will then take you down into the valley for more amazing views and a delicious breakfast. Head into a lodge full of friendly staff and enjoy a tasty meal with freshly-brewed Hawaiian coffee as you gaze at the beautiful scenery outside.
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Explore on an Underwater Submarine Adventure
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to explore the seas below the surface, Maui is the perfect place to give it a try, thanks to its crystal clear waters and abundant sea life. If that sounds like fun to you, check out the Underwater submarine adventure.
Lasting around 1.5 hours, this is a great way to get a taste of submarine life and see how you like it without committing to a longer tour. It’s also one of my top things to do in Maui by yourself, as you’re with a friendly group of like-minded people. Your tour starts off with a boat ride from Maui, where you can enjoy the views from the ocean as the fresh sea breeze blows through your hair.
This tour is such a rich and unique way of seeing Maui, and you don’t have to be a good swimmer or even get your hair wet.
Pass by bright and colorful reefs, schools of tropical fish, and other creatures like sharks and eels. Your guides will tell you all about them, as well as the history of the important artifacts found in the area. You’ll even get to see a replica of a whaling shipwreck along with the creatures who now inhabit it.
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Get up close on a Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour
Perhaps you’re looking for a way to experience Maui’s wildlife without any barriers. Maybe you want to get in a good workout in an exciting, educational environment. Whatever the case may be, we know you’ll find what you want with the Turtle Town kayak and snorkel tour.
This 3-hour tour is perfect for all experience levels, so if you’ve never tried kayaking or snorkeling before, you’ll be in good hands. It also takes place in a group setting, so you won’t be in the water by yourself.
On this guided kayak tour, the local guides will tell you just about everything you could ever want to know about the local nature, culture, and more. They provide plenty of snacks and beverages to keep you satisfied on the way out, too.
Once you arrive at the best snorkeling spot (depending on the weather and the guide’s knowledge), you’ll don your snorkeling gear and start out to see wildlife together. This spot is renowned for its abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles, but you may also spot manta rays, dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, or even humpback whales between October and April.
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Book a Hana Rainforest Helicopter Tour: one of the best things to do in Maui by yourself
Do you enjoy a bit of adrenaline in your life? Perhaps you just want to see as much of Maui as possible? Well, you’ll get all that and more with the 75-Minute Hana Rainforest helicopter tour.
These small group tours are limited to just 6 people, so it’s a great way to have fun without feeling overwhelmed in a big crowd.
Starting in Kahului, you’ll meet your pilot and the rest of the group, before setting off for the island’s north coast. Here, you’ll encounter dramatic cliffsides, lush forests and cascading waterfalls.
Soar high above Paia, Hookipa and Haiku as your pilot offers a fascinating commentary on the landscape, culture and history of the different locations. The view of Jaws – a legendary surf spot – from the air is one of the most notable moments in the tour so make sure you snap some photos.
Head further up to Jurassic Rock with its cinematic scenery, and land in the heart of the Hawiian rainforest. Here, you’ll have half an hour to explore a former taro plantation, surrounded by lush green plants like banana and coconut palms.
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See friendly wildlife on a Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch from Lahaina Harbor
It’s not every day you get to see playful dolphins and dazzling coral reefs in real life, but with the Lanai snorkel & dolphin watch from Lahaina Harbor tour, you can. This 5-hour tour is a wonderful way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town and explore all the beauty that lies beyond its shores. And with a certified Marine Naturalist along for the ride, you’ll get some fascinating insights into conservation efforts here.
Set off from the historic Lahaina Harbor on a 65-foot, double-decker Catamaran. This comfortable boat has plenty of room for stretching out or keeping your eyes peeled for animals. The captain knows exactly where to go for the best chance at viewing them, and you’ll pass by known wild dolphin habitats. Along the way, enjoy a delicious continental breakfast.
Once you arrive at your snorkeling spot, you’ll set off into the water to see beautiful reefs, sea turtles, and possibly even whales, dolphins, seals, and other critters. And after all of that swimming, you’ll be served a mouthwatering BBQ lunch back on board the catamaran.
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Take a Self-Guided Clear Bottom Kayak Tour
This 2 hour tour is a fantastic way to spend a morning or afternoon. The Self-guided clear-bottom kayak tour
allows you to take a unique kayak out and explore Turtle Town’s rich biodiversity at your leisure. You’ll get to see the area’s infamous green sea turtles, along with reef fish and more.
Once you arrive at your meetup spot, you’ll be given a quick brief on how to use your kayak, the sea creatures you may encounter, and then help launching your kayak into the water.
With 2 full hours of exploring, you’ll quickly get the hang of it if you’re a newbie. The clear-bottom kayak is a great way to check out the animals who live underneath the surface, without getting into the water yourself.
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Indulge on a 1.5-Hour Cacao Farm Tour with Chocolate Tasting
If you’re like most of us, chances are you love chocolate. If you want to try some of the best chocolate in the world, this next tour is for you. The 1.5-hour cacao farm tour with chocolate tasting takes you behind the scenes to learn about how and where they make these delicious treats, from start to finish.
This is one of the best things to do in Maui by yourself. Along with a group, you’ll tour the private cacao estate spanning a whopping 20 acres, and located in the lush foothills. They’ll teach you about taking the cacao from farm to chocolate bar, and everything in between. The interactive tours make it a blast, and are certainly memorable.