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.

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.

Popular Maui Zipline Companies:

• Skyline Eco-Adventures
• Kapalua Adventures Mountain Outpost
• North Shore Zipline
• Paradise Eco-Adventures
• Pi’iholo Zipline
• Kapalua Zipline
• Maui Zipline
• Flyin’ Hawaiian Zipline

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 will surely be in awe while soaring with a birds-eye view on this in-the-know

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.

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.

When biking down Haleakala, expect to see the tranquility of the West Maui coastline, the vast stillness of Mt. Haleakala, historic Makawao Town and countryside, and expansive views of Maui’s Pacific Ocean coastline in the distance.

Closed-toe shoes and helmets are required for biking down Haleakala, and you should also have the ability to maintain an 18-25 mph pace for guided tours. There are many options to choose when looking to book a Haleakala bike tour. Make sure to wear layers, sunglasses, and be equipped with drinking water and a good night’s rest. If you are starting at the top of Mt. Haleakala (10,023 feet), you will need layers because it does get cold up there. The closer you reach sea level, the temperature will start to get warmer. Make sure to dress appropriately and comfortably for this Maui adventure tour.

Make sure to dress appropriately and comfortably for this Maui adventure activity.

Popular Haleakala Bike Tour Companies:

• Cruiser Phil’s Volcanic Riders
• Haleakala Bike Company
• Maui Mountain Cruisers
• Maui Sunriders Bike Co.
• Mountain Riders
• Maui Downhill
• 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.

The basic rental package includes paintball equipment, semi-auto marker, protective mask, and optional chest protector. For an additional fee, guests can also rent camouflage coveralls and an electro-pneumatic vibe/envy gun upgrade. Maui paintball games can last from 5-25 minutes. The paint won’t stain clothes, but you may get dirty from rolling in mud while in battle, so dress appropriately and bring an extra change of clothes. Most definitely wear closed-toe shoes. Maui Paintball also offers group pricing specials, so this is an excellent activity for those that are traveling to Maui on a multi-family vacation, in a large group or as part of a wedding party.

The Kaupo Ranch Adventure Tour (2 hours) allows guests an opportunity to ride over 8,000 acres of Upcountry terrain. Without a doubt, the Upcountry and Pacific Ocean views are out of this world! Guests may also see Maui wildlife like cattle, horses, goats, and wild herds of Axis deer. The professional guides share information about Haleakala’s geology, ancient Hawaiian history, and more.

The Lahaina Adventure Tour (2 hours) happens right above the Kapalua Airport. The area provides over 1,400 acres of riding terrain that may remind you of the ‘Wild, Wild West.’ In partnership with the West Maui Watershed, guests will adventure through the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve with a thrilling, adventure-like historical tour. With breathtaking coastline and outer island views, here’s one of the best ways to explore West Maui.