Top 10 Maui Land Tours and Activities

Hawaii is full of adrenaline junkie activities, and the Valley Isle is best known for it’s awesome Maui land tours. Playing host to a variety of activities guaranteed to get your blood pumping and heart racing, check out the below list of some of the most exciting activities to do in Maui.

Best Maui Land Tours and Activities

When on the island, there’s a whole range of adventure activities on Maui of which to take advantage. Some of the most popular activities include surfing at Honolua Bay, windsurfing at Ho’okipa, and parasailing in Ka’anapali. These are all classic adrenaline-inducing ventures on the ocean, but there are also some more adventurous land tours and activities awaiting you just a short distance inland.

Check out Pride of Maui’s Top 10 Maui Land Tours and Activities list below. We’ve included a variety of different thrill-seeking Maui land activities from family-friendly to the extreme. Enjoy!

01

Jump off a Cliff

Just because you’re inland, doesn’t mean you have to be on land! Maui is truly a cliff-jumpers paradise. If jumping off of waterfalls is your thing, Maui will be your mecca. There are countless waterfalls with deep pools in the East Maui/Hana area, and most of these waterfalls come with the added bonus of a short hike and a relaxing swim. When venturing out on hikes to these East Maui land activity destinations, make sure to bring a swimsuit, hiking shoes, a dry bag, and a change of clothes.

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*


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02

Rappel Down a Waterfall

If you like waterfalls but don’t like the idea of jumping off of them, maybe having a rope attached to you is the way to go. Rappel Maui offers a super cool, out-of-the-box activity you don’t want to pass up. Rappel Maui operates on privately owned land, so it’s a welcome change to some of the overcrowded beaches and hiking trails.

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!


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03

Try Maui Ziplining

There are a handful of options to choose from when searching for the best place to zipline in Maui. With more than a handful of companies offering tours in several parts of the island, all guests can easily find their ideal Maui zip lining tour. The most important decision you’ll have to make is what landscape you prefer. Countryside, jungle, or desert, Maui has it all. Do you want to see Eucalyptus forests or tropical plantations? Treetops amidst lush vegetation? Or, striking 360-degree views of volcanic formations?

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:


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04

Go Paragliding

Perhaps your need for the extreme can’t be satisfied on land. If this is the case, Maui paragliding can take you where ziplining cannot, thousands of feet up into the sky. Proflyt Paragliding allows guests to take a variety of solo and tandem Maui paragliding flights; a 1,000 foot 3-5 minute ride, and a 3,000-foot 12-15 minute ride. All of the Proflyght Maui instructors are USHPA-certified, so you can feel safe knowing that you are in professional, experienced 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 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.


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05

Go Hang Gliding

On Maui, guests have an amazing opportunity to hang gliding in Maui in one of the most beautiful areas in the world, Hana. This activity is an adrenaline rush like none other, and one of the more exclusive Maui land activities. Hang Gliding Maui offers one-on-one flight instruction for gliders of all levels, beginner to experienced. They offer interactive flight lessons using their Airborne XT 912, a micro-light aircraft that is powered by a 912cc 4-cycle Rotax aircraft engine. This Maui activity offers guests a chance to experience traditional hang gliding with comfort, safety, and more control in various weather situations.

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!


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06

Hike Sliding Sands

Maui is renowned for its hiking trails, but some expert hikers might crave more of a challenge. While hiking isn’t generally thought of as an adrenaline-fueled activity, Sliding Sands is an 11.2 mile one-way trail that requires the mental stamina and preparation needed for a successful completion. If you don’t hike much, Sliding Sands is not for the beginner. If you’re an avid hiker, or up for a fitness challenge, definitely check out this beautiful, peaceful and challenging Maui hiking activity.

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.


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07

Bike Down Haleakala

Embarking on a marathon-distance bike ride down Haleakala’s serpentine roads will elevate your Maui adventure to a whole new level! The 26-mile cycling trek starts from the gates of Haleakala Park, leading you down to Paia, Maui’s bohemian-style North Shore beach town.

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. 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.


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08

Dive With Sharks

Diving with sharks in Hawaii should be on every adrenaline-junkie’s bucket list! Maui Ocean Center in Ma’alaea gives certified divers the rare experience of diving with up to 20 sharks in their 750,000-gallon tank. The dive lasts about 30-40 minutes and includes encounters with Sandbar Sharks, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, and Tiger Sharks. Experienced divers may also have encounters with Stingrays, Spotted Eagle Rays, and various tropical fish. Make sure to keep an eye out for shark teeth in the tank! Maui Ocean Center allows divers to take them as a complimentary souvenir.

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.


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09

Play at Maui Paintball
& Laser Tag

Head to Maui Paintball & Laser Tag for an action-packed vacation experience for adventure seekers of all ages. Located in West Maui, it’s a cool local spot that will be paint-stained in your Maui memories!

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.


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& Laser Tag
10

Maui Off-Road Adventures

If you’re looking for an adventurous, fun, and incredibly scenic Maui land activity, consider booking a Maui ATV tour.

With Maui Off-Road Adventures, visitors and residents can enjoy a variety of Maui ATV tours on some of the most advanced off-road vehicles: Polaris RZR 900, or a Polaris RZR 1000. Led by expert guides, adventure seekers can enjoy off-road adventures at Kaupo Ranch, or in Lahaina. There are many tour customizations, including versions for children, adults, solo, and group tours.

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.


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Mahalo for reading Pride of Maui’s Top 10 Maui Land Tours and Activities article! We wish you memorable and safe adventures you’ll tell stories about for years to come. What is your favorite thrill-seeking Maui land or ocean activity? What other heart-racing activities do you know of in Maui?

Local Guide

We are local Maui guide experts and Hawaii enthusiasts who love to share the Aloha spirit and our favorite things to do on Maui.