Maui, The Magic Isle, offers oceans of options to make the most of your visit. You’ll never be bored-even if you’re just sitting, soaking up the sun on any one of its beautiful beaches. Here are some of our favorite activities on this incredible slice of heaven.
Cirque Polynesia
The incredible Cirque Polynesia is a show that we positively adore. Hula hooping with 10 rings! Death-defying spins! Feats of strength! Jumping rope on a unicycle! These are just some of the amazing treats that you’ll discover at Cirque Polynesia, a jaw-droppingly exciting show on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.
We visit Maui every year and when it comes to shows, we were ready to say that we’d “been there and done that.” But this is, hands down, the BEST show on Maui. It combines the beauty and precision of Cirque de Soleil with themes of Hawaii and Tahiti making this the best of both worlds.
Tour of the Stars
There’s also another feature at this property, which we have been lucky enough to enjoy every time we visit-the Tour of the Stars offered by the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort. You know you’re in for a treat when an astronomy tour of the stars features not consolation prizes, but “constellation prizes” like Milky Way chocolate and Starburst candies. It’s that adorable little touch that lets you know you are in for something special.
We have taken the Tour of the Stars up on the roof at the Hyatt Regency Maui for many years and we still learn something new every time we go. It’s easy with the two Celestron telescopes on the roof, including its new $10,000 ‘The Edge’ telescope that enlarges the stars up to 840 times bigger. Three shows are held nightly at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., with a special romantic Tour of the Stars held Friday and Saturday nights at 11 p.m., complete with Champagne and strawberries. ($25pp for adults; $30pp for non-hotel guests.) It’s one of the best things you can do at night on Maui.
Warren & Annabelle’s Magic
Just imagine, you can take in a first-rate, hilarious, wildly entertaining evening show with no profanity, no bathroom humor to make you uncomfortable, and masterful magic, which is terrific for people of all ages. Pretty rare in this day and age, no? That’s just some of the beauty behind Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Show.
This is one of the greatest shows on Maui, where you can see up-close and personal sleight-of-hand magic that will wow and amaze you while your gut busts from laughing. Warren Gibson will delight you with his sense of humor and his amazing magic. You will constantly say, “How in the world did he do that?”
The evening’s magic is preceded by music provided by your ‘ghost-ess’ Annabelle and fantastic food. We recommend the Royal Flush package ($94.50 per person) that includes admission tickets for two, two premium cocktails, a combination platter of gourmet appetizers (we adore the coconut-battered shrimp and chicken satay), and your choice of one of six scrumptious desserts.(Show only is just $56 per person). To get a delicious dinner nd a fabulous show on Maui for just $94.50 per person is an incredibly good value. It’s no wonder that this superlative show sells out nightly.
Skyline Eco-Adventures
Zip, zip, hooray! We love to zipline! There are several zipline attractions on Maui. We recommend Skyline Eco-adventures with 13 zipline crossings in Kaanapali. You will soar high above streams and waterfalls as you experience Maui below. If you’re staying at one of the high-end resorts on Kaanapali (with some of the world’s best beaches), it’s a very short distance to this zipline excursion. Up here, you’ll feel like you are touching a Maui rainbow. ($219 per person)
Best Beaches
From spectacular sunsets to pristine beaches and clear aquamarine waters, Maui’s beaches-all of which are open to the public-provide a joyful setting for playing, swimming, relaxing and gazing. Kaanapali Beach (“Dig Me” Beach to the initiated) offers three miles of golden sand with lots of ocean activities. Try jet-skiing near the Hyatt Regency Maui. The cost is $94 per person for the hour with the second person priced at just $14. It is available seasonal from May 15 to December 15.
Napili Bay offers one of the most scenic spots on Maui with golden sands and very good snorkeling. Hookipa Beach is one of the best wind-surfing spots in the world and a terrific place to watch the professionals. Little Beach (in Makena) is a small clothing-optional cove just around the rocks from Big Beach. Dive into it all!
Island Style Adventures Surf School
Hang ten! Now you can channel your inner Gidget and Moondoggie, thanks to Maui’s surf school that is located on Kaanapali Beach. Its surf break is located within walking distance of Maui’s famous hotels such as Hyatt, Marriott, Westin, Sheraton and many more. No trip to Maui is complete without sailing across the sea on your surfboard!
Kihei Kalama Village
We never met a bargain we didn’t like. That’s even more true when we take a short drive from the resorts at Wailea to Kihei Kalama Village. Kihei Kalama Village captures the true essence of an international marketplace in a comfortable, covered tropical open-air setting. The diverse specialty shops offer art, ceramics, carved wood, apparel, blown glass, crafts and more with lots of free parking. If you need some sensational souvenirs at prices that won’t break the bank, then this destination is a must-do.
UFO Parasail
Another special excursion: stealing a kiss from each other as you parasail in the air together; that is if you aren’t distracted by one of Maui’s stunning rainbows that appear almost daily. UFO Parasail offers this wonderful excursion in the sky. You get an 800-foot ride for just $75 per person and it’s 12 minutes of unforgettable fun. Especially when your legs wind up in the drink temporarily, when the boat captain slows the boat speed to allow you to descend toward the water. After a quick ‘dip’ the engines are revved and back up you both go!
