While Maalaea is often overlooked as a full day destination, there’s actually a ton of wonderful activities and attractions worth exploring. From departing on one of Maui’s best boat tours to seeing Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles up close and personal, there’s plenty of fun to be had for every member of your group.
Some of our favorite Maalaea activities include:
Hula, Hawaiian Music, Luau Feast & Fire Dancing
At the top of our list are luaus. Why? Attending a Maui luau gives you so much in one event: delicious Hawaiian food, graceful hula dancing, history and legend from the told in story by a local Hawaiian expert, beautiful island music while sipping on tropical drinks and watching sunset over the ocean. Not sure it gets better than that. But it does! The best luau shows have fire-knife dancers to finish things off. VERY IMPRESSIVE! (And on that note, we suggest only going to a show that offers firedancing.) It’s perfect for the newlywed couples as well as for family with kids. We personally go to 4-5 shows ever year, and we live here. That says something. 
Reserve your seats for the best Maui luaus.
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving & SNUBA at Molokini Crater
Departing daily from Maalaea Harbor, snorkel boats are perfect for travelers looking to explore some of Maui’s best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations, including Molokini Crater and South Maui’s Turtle Town. Whether you want to snorkel, scuba dive or give SNUBA a try, they offer options for every preference. Their most popular morning tours usually include snorkeling at Molokini and Turtle Town (with optional scuba and snuba), all necessary gear, complimentary BBQ and lunch, fully stocked open bar, impeccable service, spacious boat decks, top safety standards and optional underwater photo and video services. Highly recommended for all ages!
Whale Watching
From December 15th to April 15th, Maui is one of the best places in the world to whale watch! Trilogy offers daily whale watching tours from Maalaea Harbor aboard their comfortable catamarans, offering perfect views for a fun day on the water with friends and family. Their staff of expert naturalists share valuable information about the most popular humpback whale behaviors, and even have hydrophones on board to allow guests to hear as the males sing underwater! Tours include breakfast and lunch, cocktails, sodas and water, and they limit tour sizes to only 40 people for better viewing purposes.
Surfing, Stand Up and more…
Maalaea is pretty much the most central spot for any surfer. If the waves at Freight Trains or Buzz’s aren’t working, you’ve got plenty of options from 5-30 minutes in any direction. And who needs waves if you’ve got a stand up board? Some of our favorite ocean experiences have involved being on a SUP with calm waters and plenty of beautiful views (above and below the surface.) No matter where you’re staying, the best option for convenience and price can be found when renting from Island Surfboard Rentals. They offer free delivery and pick up and every 3rd board is 50% off.
Rent surfboards from Island Surfboard Rentals by calling (808) 281-9835.
Rappel down Waterfalls along the Road to Hana
With a central meeting point only a few minutes’ drive from Maalaea Harbor, Rappel Maui offers a unique opportunity to boost your adrenaline along the famous Road to Hana. Choose from three available rappelling tours based on your level of previous experience – none required! – and head out for a full day of waterfall adventure on the Hana Highway. One of Maui’s most bold adventures, guests will be transported to a 30 acre botanical garden, where they will hike a short distance and receive full a briefing and demonstration from professional guides before attempting their first rappel down a 60 foot dry jungle wall. After honing their skills, guests will then rappel down 50 and 30 foot waterfalls, taking plenty of breaks for a swim and catered lunch in the garden. Guests must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds to participate.
Reserve your spot on a rappelling tour by calling (808) 445-6407.
The largest and most prestigious aquarium in Hawaii, Maui Ocean Center is an excellent place to learn more about Hawaii’s variety of marine life, spend a rainy afternoon with the kids, attend a special talk from one of Hawaii’s marine specialists, or even scuba dive in the 750,000 gallon saltwater shark tank! Located in the heart of Maalaea, guests will enjoy seeing special exhibits like the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Lagoon, Hammerhead Harbor, Sea Jelly Gallery, Marine Mammal Discovery Center, The Tide Pool, Hawaiians & The Sea, and more. Keep an eye on their events calendar for unique opportunities and tours!
Bottom Fishing
Like the idea of catching your own dinner, or interested in seeing what Maui’s marine life has to offer? Head out for a day on the water with the bottom fishing pros at Maui Fun Charters. The 4 hour morning tour aboard the Marjorie Ann or Pamela departs from Maalaea Harbor, and includes personal attention from the crew, as well as an opportunity to try a greater variety of fishing styles, thanks to the small group sizes on each tour. This makes for the perfect family activity, and the views can’t be beat! They also use the newest electronics and offer plenty of comfortable seating for all guests.
Book your Maui fishing trip by calling (808) 572-2345.
BE A MERMAID!
Visiting Maui is always memorable. But learning to swim like a mermaid will set this trip apart from the others with great memories and incredible photos. Spend 2 hours learning to swim with your tail as your instructor takes you through it step by step. You won’t regret it!
Book your Mermaid Adventure by calling (808) 495-8919.
Flying High at Maui Zipline
Located only a 5 to 10 minute drive from Maalaea Harbor, Maui Zipline is one of our favorite activities in central Maui. Hosting guests anywhere from 5 to 88 years of age, you’ll be treated to a 5-line zip tour over some of Maui’s prettiest, most stunning areas. Guides are all very patient and safety-conscious, and we especially love that each line is side-by-side, giving you the opportunity to ride alongside your friends and family! Check out the amazing views of the nearby West Maui Mountains and swaying palm trees, tropical grounds and sparkling lagoon of Maui Tropical Plantation, as well as distant views of Maui’s Haleakala Volcano. Then continue exploring the property, home to The Mill House restaurant, Kumu Farms fruit stand, Tropical Tram Tour, shopping and more.
Jumping Around
Located just a short drive from Ma’alaea, Maui’s new indoor trampoline park is the ultimate way to spend a rainy afternoon with the kiddos or fun weekend outing with friends. The 25,000 foot park is open to all ages, and is separated into zones by age and size for the safest jumping experience. Kama’aina discounts are available, and unlimited jump passes are available for only $25. Guests are encouraged to reserve their spot and fill out the waiver online, as there is a capacity limit. This new Wailuku attraction is popular for all members of the family, and an entertaining workout for everyone!
Learn more about our Maui Trampoline Park by calling (808) 214-JUMP.
One of the newest entertainment crazes in the U.S., escape rooms have landed in Wailuku Town at Mystery Maui. Available for groups of 2 to 6 people, whether it be your coworkers on a special pau hana mission, a fun date night activity, family-friendly outing on a rainy day or thrilling girls night out, you’ll use your best detective skills to solve one of two challenging and entertaining mysteries, including the missing chef at The Ramen Shop and Stella Superstar’s private pop concert. With under 60 minutes to decode the given clues, you’ll work together, along with help from your game marshal, to see how far you can get and escape the room.
RESERVE YOUR ESCAPE ROOM BY CALLING (808) 249-2062.
Combine two memorable Maui tour experiences by embarking on a sunrise mission atop the 10,000 foot summit of Haleakala Volcano, followed by a scenic, self-guided 23-mile downhill bike ride to the north shore town of Haiku. Available for guests 12 and over who are at least 4’10” tall, Bike Maui’s Sunrise Special tour embarks from Haiku at 3am, where you’ll hop into a tour van for an entertaining – albeit dark – guided drive up to the entrance and summit of Haleakala National Park in time for sunrise. Afterward, you’ll be driven back down to 6,500 feet for the second portion of the experience, a self-paced bike ride down the volcanic slopes through Upcountry’s most gorgeous areas. Stop for breakfast, and to browse galleries and take plenty of photos, and return with plenty of time left to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.
BOOK YOUR TOUR WITH BIKE MAUI AT (808) 575-9575.
Sunset Dinner & Cocktail Cruise
One of the best budget-friendly evening boat tours on Maui, Quicksilver offers a fun sunset and dinner cruise departing directly from Maalaea Harbor. Cruise along the Pali coast while enjoying spectacular sunset views, and enjoy live music entertainment and dancing aboard their spacious double-decker boat. Tours include table seating, full dinner, tropical cocktails, beer, wine, and epic sunset views, and whale watching during winter months! Children 6 and under are free, and service is always friendly and welcoming.
Mini Golfing at Maui Golf and Sports Park
Also located conveniently in Maalaea, Maui Golf & Sports Park is a fun, kid-friendly place to test your adventurous side. Play a round of mini golf, or choose from one of their other onsite activities, including rock climbing, bumper boats and x-treme bungee trampoline. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, this makes for a great midday break (and workout).
Maui Ocean Center Rocks!
“We stay on Maui for 2 months every winter. My family bought the annual passes because we end up going to the aquarium so much. What a great spot!”
Renee Hopkins – North Carolina
Great snorkeling at Coral Gardens
“I’ve been to Molokini twice. I was really impressed with how good the snorkeling was at Coral Gardens too. Protected by the sea cliffs, this spot was teaming with turtles. So much fun.”
Mike Johnson – Victoria, Canada
Have questions? Give us a shout!
Directions from Central & North Maui
Driving Around Maalaea:
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Maalaea Banyans
Milowai Condominium Resort
Maui Island Sands Resort
