Summer on Maui means calm, warm water, sunny skies and great tropical activities. There are some bucket list activities that are great to do any time of year. But some things to do on island are summer-only. Plus we’ve added a few island favorites that are great during this time of year, whether it be in the ocean or in air conditioning.
1. Summer-only activities
During the winter, the island takes a break from many ocean activities to provide a peaceful environment for humpback whales. So when Spring turns to summer, more motorized ocean activities allow you to sail above or zip alongside white sand beaches.
Gently leave sea, soaring under a giant parasail. Rise far above the turquoise ocean for a bird’s eye view of Maui. It’s fun to pick out sites you know from 50 stories up!
If you have a need for speed, spend some action-packed time on the ocean jet skiing. A cooling salt spray and wind in your hair makes for the perfect summer activity. Make tight turns or just cruise up and down the coastline on your personal watercraft.
2. Take in an authentic festival
One of the few places for a truly Hawaiian experience, visiting Hana is like stepping back in time. In August, you can experience traditional Hawaiian music, cultural demonstrations, food, arts and crafts at the Hana Ho’olaulea. A totally relaxed rural town and close-knit community, it’s worth the journey on the famous Road to Hana for this authentic summertime experience, Saturday, August 17th at the Hana Fairgrounds (below Hana Ranch Store).
3. Party on a Front Street rooftop
Take in the vibrant West Maui scene on Front Street and amazing ocean views of nearby islands from the rooftop at Fleetwood’s On Front St.. This one-of-a-kind venue is great for afternoon happy hour, fine dining at sunset or catching some great live music.
You might even see owner Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac fame sit in for a set or two. Expect to hear all types of cover songs from the 60’s until present day, and of course some Fleetwood Mac hits.
4. Chill out at a cool plantation museum
When temps heat up and you need a sun break, head to the air-conditioned Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum. Located adjacent to Hawaii’s last sugar mill, the museum offers 1,800 square feet of well-curated plantation exhibits and historical information, providing glimpses into Maui’s agricultural history and colonial past.
The Sugar Museum contains six separate exhibit rooms, including a video viewing area. Tour the outside grounds to see a Portuguese oven from the 1920s, a Cleveland Model J36 trench digger, a cane hauler, vintage Caterpillar tractors and more. The Sugar Museum is an affordable stop, interesting for the whole family. Plus, it has some of the best Maui made and island inspired products in the sweet little gift shop.
5. Hang ten, Maui style
Native Hawaiians riding wood planks on the ocean swells are documented back to 1779. Surfing was originally a spiritual activity practiced by Hawaiian ali’i (royalty), and therefor nicknamed the “Sport of Kings.” Today, surfing is an ocean activity available to anyone, with lessons available on the South and West shores of Maui.
If you don’t want to ride the longboard yourself, check out famous surf spots at Ho’okipa on the North Shore, or Honolua Bay on the West side. Visitors travel to Maui from all corners of the world for surfing each year. When the waves are big, the views are amazing!
