Maui: Things To Do

'Iao Valley State Park A variety of trails takes you through the misty, green valley where the 2,250-foot ‘Iao Needle rock pinnacle, used as an altar in ancient Hawaiian cultural rituals, hovers over the Puu Kukui Crater. Central Maui; End of 'Iao Valley Rd.; www.maui-vacation.net/iao.html
hiking | outdoors

Atlantis Submarine Tour Take a 105-minute tour of the majestic underwater wonderland off Maui's west coast without ever getting wet. The Atlantis’s high-tech submarine dives to depths of more than 100 feet, allowing passengers to view coral reefs, marine life, and the Carthaginian ­a sunken replica of a 19th-century supply ship. West Maui; 658 Front St.; 800-548-6262; www.atlantisadventures.com/maui.cfm
wildlife | family

Cruise on a catamaran Sail to Molokini crater or nearby Lanai. Numerous outfitters offer full-day snorkel excursions that include breakfast and lunch. It’s a great chance to view dolphins, and whale-watching is particularly good in the winter. West Maui; Paragon Sailing Charters, 5229 Lower Kula Rd.; 808-244-2087; www.sailmaui.com
family | cruise | wildlife | smart splurge | editor pick

Explore on horseback Owned by Native Hawaiians, Maui Stables offers morning and afternoon horseback tours that immerse you in both the beauty and the cultural history of the Eden-like Kipahulu region. East Maui; Maui Stables, Kipahulu, Hwy. 37, just past 40-mile marker; 808-248-7799; www.mauistables.com
family | outdoors | horseback riding

Haleakala Rising 10,000 feet above the sea, dormant Haleakala (“House of the Sun”) is Maui’s dominating natural wonder. Hike the crater’s Mars-like terrain, coast down on a bike, or arrive before dawn to witness sunrise at the summit. Upcountry; Haleakala National Park; 808-572-4400; www.nps.gov/hale
hiking | biking | outdoors | editor pick

Haleakala ATV Tours Some of Maui’s most breathtaking scenery lies deep within the ohia forests of Haleakala. Explore upcountry Maui on your own on easy-to-operate, four-wheel-drive ATVs. Alternatively, sign up for a guided ATV tour, and enjoy the added bonus of a visit to a 30,000-acre working cattle ranch where paniolos (cowboys) are hard at work. Upcountry; Highway 378; 808-661-0288; www.atvmaui.com
tour | wildlife | outdoors

Road to Hana Maui’s winding Hana Highway is more about the journey than the destination. Discover countless waterfalls along this breathtaking 35-mile coastal drive, which deposits you in rustic Hana town. East Maui; Hana Hwy.; www.hanamaui.com
family | road trip | outdoors | editor pick

Skyline Eco-Adventures If you’ve ever wanted to swing from tree to tree like Tarzan, Skyline’s zipline tours provide the perfect opportunity. Choose to zip through a stunning eucalyptus forest on the slopes of Haleakala (a 2-hour tour) or traverse the tree-lined valleys of Kaanapali (a 3.5-hour journey), enjoying views over the gulches, cliffs, and lush vegetation as you soar between 25-150 feet above the earth. Upcountry and West Maui; 2580 Kekaa Dr.; 808.878.8400; www.skylinehawaii.com
tour | outdoors | eco-friendly | adventure

Tee off Kapalua Resort’s two 18-hole championship golf courses are a golfer’s paradise. The Plantation Course is the perennial home of the PGA Tour’s Mercedes-Benz Chanpionship, and Kapalua is one of Hawaii’s best golf resorts. West Maui; Kapalua Resort, 800 Kapalua Dr.; 877-527-2582; www.kapalua.com
golf | trendy | resort | editor pick