Haiku attractions

You will join a guided adventure on a double-deck power catamaran to watch whales in their natural habitat. The trip is focused on observing the animals as they move and behave, with time spent scanning the sea from the boat. Depending on the whales’ behaviour during your trip, you may see them slap the surface with their pectoral fins (their very long side fins), show their flukes (the tail), or demonstrate movement in the peduncle (the strong muscles attaching the tail to the rest of the body). You may even witness a breach, when a whale rises completely out of the water and crashes back down. These are examples of natural behaviours that can occur while you’re out on the water.

At the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, the Myths of Maui luau is Maui’s longest-running oceanfront luau. You will sit by the sea and enjoy a lively Polynesian stage production that tells the legendary story of the South Pacific through dance and drums. Along the way you’ll hear live Hawaiian music and watch skilled performers bring island myths to life, with the performance building to a dramatic Samoan fire knife finale. The evening will include a sumptuous all-you-care-to-eat buffet and complimentary cocktails, with traditional island fare served alongside the show. This is a family-friendly event, so you can expect entertainment that appeals to guests of all ages while you relax on the beachside lawn and soak up the atmosphere.

You’ll set out aboard a 55-foot power catamaran for a relaxed afternoon snorkel that’s ideal if you prefer to sleep in. The trip will take you to one of two snorkel sites: Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens, with the captain selecting the best spot depending on ocean conditions. At Molokini Crater you may swim where visibility can reach up to 150 feet, giving excellent views of the reef below. Coral Gardens offers another chance to snorkel among a varied reef system and colourful fish. Both sites are easy to snorkel and host a wide range of marine life, so you’ll spend time swimming and enjoying the underwater scenery no matter which location the captain chooses. All snorkel equipment and clear instructions are provided by the crew, so you can focus on the water. Lunch is included, giving you a chance to relax and refuel on board after your swim.

Our boat is really what sets us apart from other companies- we have a fast, fun and comfortable boat where everyone gets a cushioned seat, open viewing of the whales, onboard bathroom, lots of shade, and strong engines to help us maximize our time with the whales during your tour. Knowledgeable captains and crew who have worked among the whales for years will share whale facts and answer your questions. It's a great photo opportunity and most people who do it come back for more!

This popular Ultimate Whale Watch brings you into small groups so every seat feels like a front-row view. You will watch whales and hear educational talks from the marine naturalist onboard. Captains are trained to locate surface-active animals and a range of behaviours, and they aim to position the vessel for the best photo scenarios as you move through the water. The inflatable rafts are modelled after Coast Guard rescue rafts. They are designed to be safe and extremely agile, and to sit close to the ocean surface so you get the sense of being alongside whales in their natural environment. From this low vantage point your photos will often show the dramatic, looking-up perspective when animals breach. All trips from December–April are guaranteed to see whales, or you may go again for free. The operator has been locally owned and run since 1982, and every ticket you buy supports their marine research work and their role as certified first responders to whale entanglements.

At Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii, you'll encounter Hawaiian marine life in a compact, easy-to-explore setting. The aquarium is listed among the “Top 10 Aquariums in the World” by TripAdvisor and features one of the world’s largest displays of live Pacific corals alongside sharks, stingrays and turtles. As you move through the galleries, you’ll see these species in habitats designed to reflect their natural environments and learn about their roles in the Pacific ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll also experience the Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & Sphere, a state-of-the-art attraction that offers a virtual whale encounter. This exhibit brings humpback whales to life through immersive visuals and sound, giving a different perspective on these animals without leaving the shore. Overall, the aquarium blends live marine displays with modern interpretation so you can both view and learn about Hawaii’s ocean life.

The Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali offers a relaxed, family-friendly evening on the beach. Your evening will begin with a gorgeous sunset over the water as you help yourself to a self‑service buffet and enjoy drinks from the open bar. The beachfront setting provides a scenic backdrop for the night. Along the way you will experience traditional Polynesian entertainment for all ages. Performances include exotic dances from across Polynesia and feature the Samoan Fire‑knife dance as a highlight. The programme focuses on cultural dance and music, giving you an atmospheric taste of Polynesian traditions while you dine and drink by the shore.

Te Au Moana, translated as the ocean tide, is presented as a constant presence across Oceania. The experience will introduce this idea and explain how those tides have linked islands, communities and generations. You will be guided through the cultural importance of Te Au Moana and shown how it has acted as a living connection across the region. Along the way you will learn about the relationship between Polynesian ancestors and the sea. The experience will describe how people traversed ocean tides for generations and how they revered those tides for their life-sustaining properties. You will explore the ways this ongoing relationship shaped travel, community ties and cultural continuity across Oceania, gaining a clearer sense of why the ocean tide remains central to local identity.

On this snorkeling catamaran you’ll visit two of Maui’s best-known marine areas: Molokini Crater and Turtle Town (or Coral Gardens). Molokini is an extinct volcanic cone with exceptionally clear water; snorkeling visibility is usually 100 feet or more, which makes it easy to see undersea features and marine life. As you move through each site, you’ll snorkel around colourful coral formations and may encounter a wide variety of sea life. Green sea turtles are commonly seen, along with many fish species, sea urchins, harmless sharks and occasional manta rays. The clear water around Molokini and the coral habitats at Turtle Town or Coral Gardens provide good viewing year-round. This boat tour is often included on visitor must-see lists and is considered family-friendly, making it a popular choice for groups and families looking to experience Maui’s underwater environment.

Experience Pacific Humpback Whales up close in the waters offshore of Ka'anapali, Maui, where the largest population of humpback whales on the planet gathers. Trained naturalists will accompany you and provide commentary, answering questions as the vessel heads toward the most active pods they can find. Along the way, you’ll hear about the whales’ habits and the local marine environment from people who know the area well. You can relax with an open bar included on the trip. Drinks typically include mimosas, Bloody Marys and other island cocktails, so you’ll be comfortable while watching for whales. This experience blends expert guidance with a relaxed onboard atmosphere as you search for Pacific humpback whales off Ka'anapali.

Gilligans' Island Luau in Kihei on Maui offers an intimate luau experience on the Maui Nui Golf Course. Because the venue is less than one quarter the size of the average Hawaiian luau, every seat will give you a clear view of the performance. You’ll be close to the action in a small, locally owned setting that focuses on a personal atmosphere. The show is a journey through different strands of Polynesian culture, presented in a fun and engaging format. Through storytelling, audience participation and remarkable performances, you’ll see dances and scenes that highlight traditions from across the Pacific. The provider describes the presentation as an experience unavailable anywhere else. With such a small venue, performances often sell out quickly, making this a compact, up-close way to experience a traditional luau in Kihei.

The Hāna Highway is a 64.4-mile stretch of road that traces some of Maui’s most dramatic scenery. As you travel it, you’ll take in rainforest, waterfalls, beaches and rugged coastline. Along the way the route follows the Hana coast and, after Kalepa Bridge, continues on to Kīpahulu via the Piilani Highway and the wider landscapes beyond. The drive along Route 360 from just east of Kahului to Hāna is very winding and narrow. Although Hāna is only about 52 miles from Kahului, the road passes over 59 bridges, 46 of which are one lane wide, and negotiates roughly 620 curves through lush tropical rainforest. Many of the concrete and steel bridges date back to 1910, and all but one remain in use. As you move through this landscape, you’ll experience the variety of Maui’s shorelines and the sense of travelling along a historic, coastal route.

On a low-to-water zodiac raft from Lahaina, you will get close to the ocean’s surface for an eye-level wildlife experience. Hawaii Ocean Rafting is Native Hawaiian owned and was voted TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice. As Maui’s original ocean-rafting operator for more than 30 years, they run small-group, family-style tours that put you near humpback whales in season and dolphins in summer. Whales are protected in Hawaii, and they often approach small boats, so you may have closer, eye-level encounters, but wildlife sightings vary in the wild. Along the way you will search for dolphins during the summer months, look for early-season whales in November and May, and enjoy sightseeing during the off season. The tours aim to be eco-friendly and suited to guests staying around West Maui — including Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili and Kapalua — and are also a convenient outing for visitors in Kihei or Wailea. Please note that pregnant guests and children under three are not permitted on these rafts.

Setting out from Maalaea, you'll visit Molokini Crater, a volcanic islet about 3 miles off the coast of Maui. The cone sits in clear tropical water and is a protected marine preserve, so nothing may be disturbed. Snorkelling here gives you a chance to swim above vibrant coral and among many species of marine life, which may include colourful fish, sea urchins, sharks and manta rays. Along the way you'll also explore Turtle Town and have opportunities to admire native birds. If you prefer not to snorkel or finish early, there are alternative activities on board: two water slides, a glass‑bottom viewing room and a leap of faith. Meals and refreshments are provided, with breakfast, lunch, snacks, soda and juice included, so you can relax and focus on the sights.

Pickup from all hotels is included. The Deluxe Road to Hana will carry you into the jungle of Hana, through lush tropical rainforest and past majestic waterfalls. As you travel through the heart of Maui, you'll see the scenery and traditions that make Maui no ka oi (the best). Hana will feel like a world unto itself, and along the way you'll hear stories and living legends and experience the authentic hospitality kept by local elders. Local Hana Highway expert tour guides will do the driving while you relax and enjoy the spectacular views. Your guides will share fun stories, historical facts and Hawaiian legends to help you understand the island’s culture. The trip will include a stop at the world-famous Hana Farms, where fresh daily handmade coffee, banana bread, chocolate, macadamia nuts, ice cream, honey, fruit, vegetables, mango bread, coconut bread, coconuts, fruit soda and handmade jewellery are available.