When you travel, it is always nice to get to know about the place you are visiting. There is so much depth to Maui’s historic past and the people and cultures that made it what it is today. Even long-time residents share that they are still learning from our Kapuna (elders). You can read a quick primer on Maui history and culture in our blog article here.
One aspect of culture that runs deep is having reverence for the beautiful and abundant natural resources on the island. We have gathered together some ecologically friendly ways to explore and discover more about this special island we call home.
Maui Pineapple Tours – Farm Tour
An important part of Maui’s history and culture involves the ethnic groups that traveled here generations ago to work in plantation camps, predominately pineapple and sugar cane. In addition to learning about this slice of Maui history, you can sample pineapple harvested from the field right before you. Learn about the crop’s cultivation and production in an entertaining way, and take home a pineapple already packaged to take on the plane. You can opt to combine your farm tour with the tour of a distillery that uses Maui Gold’s pineapples in its spirits, lunch at a nearby cafe or both.
Open Eye Tours – Private Guided Tour
Traveling with an audio guide like Shaka Guide is good. But what if you could experience Maui with your own local guide, who also happens to be a Hawaiian cultural immersion teacher? With 37 plus years guiding credit and stellar reviews, Pono from Open Eye Tours will show you Maui like you have never seen it- through the lens of history and culture.
He is also multi-lingual (Fluent in English & French; Conversational Spanish, Japanese, Hawaiian.) Each journey is co-crafted with you as he truly listens to ensure your goals are met. If kids are along, he will incorporate special hands-on activities. Tours are conducted from the comfort of a luxury SUV and the company is fully credentialed and insured.
PacWhale Eco-Adventures – Snorkeling Trip
A lot of companies on Maui can take you snorkeling. PacWhale Eco-Adventures stands above the rest by having each trip led by a certified marine naturalist. So while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Maui coastline and distant islands, you will also have a unique educational adventure that is conducted in a fun way. When you observe wildlife in the marine environment, you will also learn about the species. The vessels are large and comfortable, and food is plentiful. Among the eco-friendly touches, we appreciate the single-use water containers being compostable cardboard instead of plastic. Snorkel trip choices include Molokini, Lanaʻi and Honolua Bay. Charter profits support Pacific Whale Foundation’s research, education and conservation programs to save whales, dolphins and our oceans.
Hike Maui – Ultimate Hana Full-Day Adventure Tour
For 28 million years, Maui’s remoteness from other land masses has resulted in the evolution of an incredible diversity of endemic species. The rain forests of East Maui are an incredible place to spot rare birds and trees draped with vines, orchids, ferns and mosses. One trail in particular- the Pipiwai trail traversing 4.5 miles through the Hana side of Haleakala National park is not to be missed. You can do this hike without a guide. However if you would like local advice, information and support system, go with Hike Maui. Waterfalls, bamboo forests, verdant jungles and more are among the sights to admire on this daylong tour. Hike Maui will also share their knowledge of other sites and nature along the Road to Hana.
Maui Museums and Cultural Sites
Ancient Polynesians arrived in Hawaii by outrigger canoe. You can go on your own voyage of discovery by visiting the many museums and cultural sites dispersed throughout the island. Our previous blog article about Maui’s historic sites will start you on a fascinating journey into the past, and how milestones shape the people and values of the island today.
