Discover Paradise: The 13 Best Maui Tours For Your Next Trip

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the island of Maui stands as a testament to natural beauty and cultural richness. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure in one of Hawaii’s most renowned destinations, Maui tours offer a gateway to paradise.

This island has everything from pristine beaches to lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes.

Maui, often called the “Valley Isle,” is the second-largest Hawaiian island and is celebrated for its diverse attractions. The best Maui tours are designed to showcase the island’s unique blend of natural wonders, adventure, and vibrant culture.

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Your Guide to the 13 Best Maui Tours

Last light from the Maui coast.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Maui is also known for its stunning beaches; the best Maui tours often highlight these coastal treasures. Wailea, Kaanapali, and the world-famous Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach are just a few destinations where you can soak in the sun, swim in clear waters, or relax with the sound of the waves.

Water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale watching tours offer a chance to witness the vibrant marine life that calls Maui’s shores home.

What are the best months for Maui Tours?

That’s the beauty of Maui! All months are pretty amazing for Maui tours. Now, if you’re specifically looking for whales, you’ll want to visit Maui in the wintertime from December through February.

This is when the whales are most concentrated in the area.

The Best Maui Tours I Recommend

Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour

This tour takes you to two of Maui’s most popular snorkeling destinations: Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic crater with crystal-clear water and diverse marine life.

You’ll see colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks. Turtle Town is a shallow reef where sea turtles come to feed and rest, and you’ll often see them swimming up to the boat.

A turtle swims near the Maui coastline.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Haleakala Sunrise Tour

This tour takes you to the summit of Haleakala National Park, where you can watch the sunrise over the crater. The views are breathtaking, an experience you’ll never forget. The tour typically starts early, so you can reach the summit before sunrise.

A photo of the inside of the Haleakala Crater on Maui.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

You’ll have time to explore the crater and enjoy the views before returning to the mountain.

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is a scenic highway that winds along the coast of Maui, passing by waterfalls, rainforests, and black sand beaches. This tour takes you to some of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana, including the Kipahulu District and the Pools of Ohe’o.

One of the best Maui Tours is doing the Road to Hana.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Kipahulu District is home to several waterfalls, including Waimoku Falls and Seven Sacred Pools. The Pools of Ohe’o are a series of cascading pools that are perfect for swimming.

Check out all the options.

Maui Sunset Cruise Dinner

A Maui sunset cruise dinner is a romantic and unforgettable experience. You’ll board a spacious catamaran and sail out into the Pacific Ocean. As you sail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Maui coastline and the setting sun.

Sunset form Maui.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Once the sun has set, the crew will serve a delicious dinner. The menu typically includes fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. You’ll also enjoy various drinks, including cocktails, wine, and beer.

Here are our dinner cruise options.

Best Maui Tours – Whale Watching

Maui is one of the best places to go whale watching, and this tour takes you to sea to see humpback whales in their natural habitat. Humpback whales migrate to Maui every year to breed and give birth. They can be seen off the coast of Maui from November to April.

It’s the reason many people do Maui tours over the winter months. This typically lasts for several hours, and you’ll have the opportunity to see the whales up close.

We had the BEST time during our whale-watching tours in Maui and cannot recommend it enough!

Book Your Bucket-list Whale Watching Tour Here

adult humpback whale breaching near the boat during our maui whale watching tour
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch – Hawaii 2024

Luau

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast with food, music, and dancing. This tour takes you to a luau to experience Hawaiian culture firsthand. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig, poi, and lomi salmon.

You’ll also watch traditional Hawaiian dances and listen to Hawaiian music. You’ll love this Maui tour and find it so entertaining!

See the Luau Options Here

Helicopter Tour

This tour takes you on a helicopter ride over Maui, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the island’s natural beauty. You’ll see Haleakala National Park, the Road to Hana, waterfalls, rainforests, and more.

This incredible Maui tour is a great way to see all of the highlights of Maui in a short amount of time.

Best Maui Tours – Horseback Riding

A horseback riding tour is a great way to experience the beauty of Maui’s countryside. You’ll ride through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and along the coast. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the island’s history and culture from your experienced guide.

Horseback riding tours are excellent for people of all ages and fitness levels. The times are typically leisurely, so you can enjoy the scenery and relax.

Zipline Tour

This tour takes you on a zipline ride through the rainforest canopy. It’s a thrilling way to experience the beauty of Maui’s nature. You’ll zipline through the trees, over streams, and past waterfalls.

The Maui tour typically lasts about two hours, and it’s an excellent activity for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Surfing Lesson

Maui is a great place to learn to surf, and this tour provides you with everything you need to get started, including a surfboard, wetsuit, and instruction from a qualified instructor. You’ll learn the basics of surfing, such as paddling, catching a wave, and standing up on the board.

The tour typically lasts for two hours, and it’s a great way to learn how to surf in a safe and fun environment.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour

Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to explore Maui’s coastline. This tour takes you to a beautiful spot to paddleboard and enjoy the scenery. You’ll learn the basics of stand-up paddleboarding, such as paddling and balancing on the board.

The tour typically lasts for two hours, and it’s a great way to explore Maui’s coastline at your own pace.

Best Maui Kayaking Tour

Enjoying a kayaking trip on Maui.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Kayaking is another great way to explore Maui’s coastline. One of my favorite Maui tours takes you to a secluded cove where you can kayak and snorkel. You’ll learn the basics of kayaking, such as how to paddle and steer the kayak.

The tour typically lasts for two hours, and it’s a great way to explore Maui’s coastline and see some of the island’s marine life.

Sailing Tour

A boat takes in the early morning light in Maui.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

This tour takes you on a sailing trip around Maui. You can relax on the deck, enjoy the views, and go for a swim in the ocean. You may also have the opportunity to help sail the boat.

The tour typically lasts for two hours, and it’s a great way to relax and enjoy Maui’s natural beauty.

FAQ: Best Maui Tours for your vacation

Should I rent a car in Maui?

We rented a car the last time we visited Maui and found it perfect. It allowed us to drive the Road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, and see some great things.

The rental car place is connected to the airport, and we got in and out in 20 minutes!

Get a Rental Car Here

How many days in Maui is ideal?

Anywhere between 5-7 days is perfect for a Maui trip. You have to account for, at best, a six-hour flight, so you don’t want your trip to be too short where you feel like you’re constantly hopping on an airplane.

Book your flight to Maui.

Is Maui still open for travel?

Yes, Maui is open for travel. Tourists are still asked to stay away from the epicenter of the summer wildfire, though. The rest of the island is welcoming tourists and needs your business. There are a lot of things to do in Maui that will make for an unbelievable trip!

Are Maui helicopter tours safe?

There is a risk with any activity or tour, but I wouldn’t imagine a Maui helicopter tour is any more dangerous than snorkeling in the open ocean. I recommend jumping on this one if you want an incredible island view!

Snorkeling was one of our favorite Maui Tours on our trip.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Wrapping Up – The Best Maui Tours

The best Maui tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore and appreciate the island’s stunning landscapes, engage with its vibrant culture, and create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Maui has it all, and tours are the perfect way to make the most of your time in this Pacific paradise.

So, pack your bags, prepare for a journey through tropical wonders, and let Maui’s beauty and hospitality capture your heart. Aloha!

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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