Maui beach
Of all the Hawaiian islands, Maui is one of the most popular. Its landscape varies from high mountains to beautiful beaches, but one of the reasons so many people travel to Maui is because of the abundance of activities available on the island. To learn about some of the best Maui activities, read on.
Fishing the deep sea
It is hard to look at the blue water of the ocean around Maui and not think about what must be living below. That, perhaps, is why deep-sea fishing is one of the most popular activities on Maui--for residents and tourists alike. Boats are necessary, and most tourists charter a boat and head out. Marlin and tuna are two of the most highly coveted sport fish around Maui, and fishing for them includes trolling large baits at high speeds. While the action may not be fast and furious, anglers have the chance to tangle with fish that weigh more than they do. For anglers who just want to catch fish and don't care about the size, there is bottom fishing. Anglers drop their lines over the side of the boat and can stay busy catching fish like snappers for the entire day. The fish may not be large, but they provide plenty of action.
The fish-eye view
Snorkeling and scuba diving are especially popular in the waters around Maui, which are crystal clear and afford divers with excellent visibility. Snorkelers and scuba divers can explore areas near shore, or go on a guided tour to some of the famous spots around Maui, such as the Molokini Crater. Wherever they go, snorkelers and scuba divers have the opportunity to see colorful fish of many varieties and sizes, sea turtles and huge expanses of ocean where the only thing that breaks the near endless visibility is a school of fish. Maui includes shops where snorkel and scuba gear can be rented, but some people opt for a guided tour of some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving available on the island, in which case equipment is included.
Watch the whales
Every year, humpback whales swim from the frigid ocean waters around Alaska to the warm waters around Maui, where they give birth and rear their young for the first few months of their lives. These huge mammals oftentimes are in relatively close proximity to the shoreline. Some people watch from shore with binoculars as the whales breach the surface or otherwise swim near the surface of the water. Sometimes, they emerge from the water so nearly their whole body is above the surface. While viewing them from shore is possible, there are many cruises available on the island that head out closer to the whales with the goal of providing people an even closer look.
Golfing
Opportunities for golfers abound on Maui. There are a variety of courses--from those that cater to beginning golfers to resort courses that host professional tournaments. Most courses are open throughout the year. While the sun shines often, the wind can be a factor, especially for golfers playing at courses on or near the ocean. If you plan to play at one of them--or want a round of golf to be the first, but not last activity of the day--make a tee time for as early in the morning as possible.
Hit the trail
Hiking is a popular activity in Maui. Some people head out on the shoreline and just start walking, while others find trails in the interior of the island, some of which lead to beautiful waterfalls or other sites that are accessible only by hiking to them. Still others decide spend the day walking through some of the small towns that dot the island.
Tags: around Maui, available island, waters around, from shore, guided tour, guided tour some