Top 10 Maui Land Tours and Activities

Safety Note: We never recommend jumping off anything without first testing both the water depth and the presence of hard-to-see rocks below the surface. It never hurts to make friends with a local who is up-to-date on the current conditions or ask others who have jumped ahead of you about what to expect. Always bring a buddy. Conditions can change rapidly, especially when raining, causing anything from slippery rocks to flash floods. Never disregard closed trail signs due to flooding; don’t turn your adrenaline-fueled trip into a life or death situation.

A must-see stop along the Road to Hana is the famous black sand beach at Waiʻanapanapa State Park, where you can experience Maui’s volcanic landscape and stunning coastal scenery. Hana sightseeing tours often include this breathtaking spot, along with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and charming villages, making the journey along the winding roads truly unforgettable.

Popular Jumping Spots on The Road to Hana include:

• Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2.1)
• Waikamoi Stream and Waterfalls (Mile Marker 9.9)
• Puohokamoa Falls (Mile Marker 12)
• Ching’s Pond/Blue Sapphire Pools (Mile Marker 16.9)
• Ohe’o Gulch/Seven Sacred Pools (Mile Marker 42)
• Waioka Pond/Venus Pools (Mile Marker 48.1)

Any article on land activities in Maui would be incomplete without mention of the infamous “Commando Hike” (Hana Highway, Mile Marker 6.5). This super local, expert-level hike involves wading through deep pools, crawling up and through lava tubes with flowing water, ascending down slippery chutes, and ending with a mandatory 50-foot waterfall jump. We recommend that you take this journey with an experienced local, proper Maui adventure equipment, and let friends know what you’re doing. Safety first, always.

The six-hour pre-planned Maui adventure involves a combination of hiking, swimming, and rappelling. Here, Maui thrill-seekers can venture to two waterfalls that are up to 50 feet high, and scale dry jungle walls that you must rappel down about 150 feet. With expert guidance, participants receive safety and equipment training, practice in-action training, and when ready, you head to the real deal part of the day. Rappel Maui assesses the conditions, especially recent rainfall, and takes all the guesswork out of where to go in a seemingly infinite jungle landscape. They are most definitely dedicated to safety first, and this Maui activity is open to healthy adults, and families with adrenaline-inclined children over the age of 10 years old.

This Maui land tour includes Lunch (they can accommodate a range of dietary restrictions), snacks, and drinking water. Shoes and backpacks provided, but you should bring clothes that can get wet plus a set of dry clothes. All of Rappel Maui’s staff are experts at the canyoneering technique, so don’t let your fear of heights hold you back!

Maui zipline tours range between an average of 2-4 hours long. Most Maui zipline courses offer tandem lines, so you can also share your experience with a friend or family member. Make sure to bring closed-toe shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and wear longer shorts or pants. The hands-free thrill of being 700 feet in the air is sure to ignite your inner adrenaline-junkie! Maui is the best island in Hawaii for ziplining activities, so definitely take advantage of this Maui land tour on your next family vacation or upcoming honeymoon trip in Maui.

Ziplining through the rainforest offers an exhilarating way to see Maui’s lush valleys from above, with sweeping views of the island’s natural beauty and vibrant greenery.

Popular Maui Zipline Companies:

• Skyline Eco-Adventures
• Kapalua Adventures Mountain Outpost
• North Shore Zipline
• Paradise Eco-Adventures
• Kapalua Zipline
• Maui Zipline Company

They will ensure that all safety measures are in place, and all you’ll have to do is “just run down the hill and fly like a bird.” You’ll be awestruck as you soar over Maui and take in all of the sights with a birds-eye view.

Guests can expect to see all of the diverse views that Maui offers, including pristine Pacific Ocean coastlines, Mt. Haleakala’s lower zones, rural lands and pastures, a verdant countryside, and an arid expanse of island living. As you glide above Maui’s coastline, take in the mesmerizing sight of waves and waves crashing along the shore, adding to the island’s breathtaking scenery.

Your flight includes stunning views of Hana as well as jaw-dropping vistas over rainforests, the backside of Haleakala crater, waterfalls, ocean reef formations, and if you’re lucky- rainbows! You can also experience the feeling of turning the engine off and gliding at 10,000 feet, even grazing over water. The age limit for hang gliding in Maui is based on desire and your health. They have flown guests from 12-92 years old, and have a 100% perfect safety record. Leaving from Hana Airport, there are approximately 350 flyable days per year, so you can enjoy this Maui land activity during all seasons. Each tandem flight is with one student and an instructor, so you cannot do this activity as a couple unless you’re both partnered with instructors.

Hang Gliding Maui provides safety and technical training, helmets, flight suits, and headsets. Shorts and tank tops are fine because you will be geared up in a flight suit, but make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and socks for this awesome Maui adventure!

Due to the elevation and heat, this hike is a bit more difficult than most hikes over 10 miles. The landscape is dry and barren, without much sun coverage. You are going to want to bring a hat, sunscreen, hiking stick, energy-fueled snacks, drinking water, and only hike after a full night’s sleep. Start hiking at sunrise to give yourself plenty of time to explore this trail, or plan on camping overnight. Prepare for all weather elements, and check the weather reports, and be informed on any warnings or posted trail signage. Don’t be deceived by the downhill hike into the crater; allow yourself twice as much time to hike out as to hike in. Sliding Sands visitors can explore Haleakala Crater trails in a few days, or if you are especially adventurous, you can venture to Sliding Sands via the Halemau’u route in one day.

When hiking Sliding Sands, expect to feel like you’re hiking on the moon or even another planet, sometimes well above the clouds. Some of the sparse vegetation and wildlife in this area can be found nowhere else in the world. On a clear day, you will surely enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean coastline and tri-island views of Kaho’olawe, Lana’i, and Moloka’i in the distance.

For those seeking more hiking adventures, Maui’s Iao Valley is a lush valley and a popular hiking destination, renowned for its scenic trails, natural beauty, and cultural significance. Exploring Iao Valley offers a chance to immerse yourself in Maui’s verdant landscapes and learn about its unique environment.

Haleakala National Park is another must-visit for hiking and sightseeing, with trails that lead you through diverse volcanic terrain. Reaching the summit of Haleakala is a unique experience, especially at sunrise or sunset, where the views are truly unforgettable. The passion that visitors and guides bring to their Maui adventures is evident on these trails, making every hike memorable.

As you pedal your way down Haleakala, you’ll be surrounded by views of Maui’s coastline and the topographically diverse and peaceful expanse of Upcountry Maui. You’ll pass through the historic Makawao Town and its surrounding pastoral landscapes, with sweeping vistas of Maui’s Pacific Ocean coastline unfolding in the distance. The winding roads of Haleakala offer panoramic views of Maui’s coastline, making this biking adventure both thrilling and scenic.

For this downhill ride, wearing closed-toe footwear and helmets is essential, and guests will be comfortable maintaining a pace of 18-25 mph.

Various Haleakala bike tours are available to suit those of all experience levels, so make sure to shop online for a good fit before you arrive on island.

• Cruiser Phil’s with Bike Maui
• Maui Mountain Cruisers
• Maui Sunriders Bike Co.
• Mountain Riders
• Easy Riders

Divers are allowed to bring one complimentary guest to the viewing center to watch them during their dive. Your complimentary guest will also have a chance to walk through a 54-foot long tunnel to get the very best views of their loved one from every angle. This is a great photo opportunity! Also, four added guests are welcome in the viewing area with a 20% discount.

Dives can be scheduled at 8:15 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This super-exclusive activity includes certain things you’ll need like an air tank, weight belt, gear, and a ‘Shark Dive Maui’ t-shirt. Divers are required to bring all of their own diving equipment (wetsuits, fins, etc.), as well as a copy of their diving certification. Reservations need to be made at least 48 hours in advance, and only four divers are allowed per day. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons in Maui. Maui Ocean Center welcomes the use of personal cameras for both divers and observers.

Paintball is an outdoor game that involves teams using air-powered markers to shoot paint-filled capsules at opponents. The game’s excitement lies in tactical play and adrenaline-fueled rushes as players navigate both natural and man-made obstacles. For sure, safety is the top priority, and gear like masks and protective clothing is offered for a fun and injury-free experience.

Guests can also try Maui Laser Tag for a less messy alternative. With high-tech infrared equipment, players engage in a futuristic battle as they aim to tag their opponents with light beams. It’s a great way to enjoy the thrill of a combat-style game without the physical impact and mess of paintballs. Both activities are excellent for team building, Maui birthday parties, or just a fun day off the beach in West Maui.

If you’re interested in checking out Maui Paintball and Laser Tag, we recommend that you reach out to them ahead of time as they operate by advanced bookings.

The Lahaina Adventure Tour (2 hours) takes place just north of the Kapalua Airport. The area provides over 1,400 acres of riding terrain that may remind you of the “Wild, Wild West.” Thanks to Maui-Off Road’s partnership with the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve, guests will venture through the preserve on a thrilling and historical tour. With breathtaking coastline and outer island views, this is one of the best ways to explore West Maui.