Family vacations can be challenging with teens; the same child who loved the beaches in Maui is now bored and humiliated to be with his parents. Luckily, Maui abounds in teen activities, especially ones that have a slightly dangerous edge and appeal to thrill-seeking teens.
Biking
Maui Downhill Bike Co. has a trip where you bike down the Haleakala volcano. There is a sunrise ride, which means your teen may stay up all night; the "day" ride has them meeting at the un-holy hour of 7a.m. Participants must be good riders, but not necessarily that fit; you need to be able to steer and brake. This is a fascinating, exhilarating way to see Haleakala. Teens will also enjoy the fact that this trip is limited to those 12 and up.
199 Dairy Road, Kahului
(808) 871-2155
mauidownhill.com
Snuba
Aqua Adventure Snuba is a step beyond snorkeling. In Snuba, you go down up to 20 ft., tethered to a raft that has an air tank. You go with a guide, who can take a family or group of teens below the surface (you can Snuba as young as age 8). You don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you do need to be able to swim underwater where you are able to see exotic sea creatures.
Slip # 51 Maalaea Harbor
(866) 472-AQUA
mauisnorkelsnuba.com
ATV
A 16-year old with a driver's license can drive an ATV, which is an open-air buggy. For Maui ATV Tours, the teen needs to have a passenger who is at least 18 to drive; kids as young as 5 can be passengers. You get filthy on this trip, which is part of its appeal to some teens.
505 Aulii Dr., Makawao
(808) 661-0288
mauiatvadventures.com
Kayaking
Maui Kayaks Eco Adventures has kayaking trips including a 3 hour guided cruise for ages 10 and up. You get to snorkel as well, and see turtles and exotic fish. Kayaking instruction is provided.
2463 S Kihei Rd # C16329, Kihei
(808) 874-4000
mauikayaks.com
Surfing
Surfing is a classic Hawaii activity, and teens can get private, semi-private or small group surfing lessons from Rivers to the Sea. Even complete beginners can learn to stay up on a surfboard in one lesson.
Ukumehame and Puamana Beach, South Shore Maui
(808) 280-8795
riverstothesea.com
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