The Best Activities in Maui for Couples

There are so many activities in Maui for couples. They must be accomplished during the daylight from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. before nightfall. With a limited time frame, be prepared for fun-filled days. Activities include driving the road to Hana, hiking the lava fields, and Waihee Ridge Trail. Your vantage point from the top of Haleakala Volcano provides spectacular views of Maui if you can see past the clouds. Mini golf is a fun activity to do together. An open-door helicopter provides awesome views, while surfing reminds you of your balancing skills. There are so many opportunities to try different skills with your partner while enjoying the different sights around the island.

Road to Hana

The road to Hana was my favourite part of the whole trip! It must be included in activities in Maui for couples. It was such a gorgeous area to explore and experience. It’s completely different from the rest of the island. The road to Hana connects Kahului to Hana. It’s an extremely popular highway that tends to be quite busy with many popular stops along the way. It can take anywhere from ten to twelve hours of driving with stops. The Hawaii Vacation Guide suggested we drive to Hana and make stops on the way back. We left South Maui at 8 A.M. and didn’t get back until 6 P.M. We encountered the sunset on our drive back just past the road to Hana sign thankful not to be stuck on the main part of the road to Hana in the dark.

You don’t want to end up caught in the dark on the road to Hana as the road is narrow and winding with one-way bridges. The drive is slow with lots of traffic and constant twists and turns in the road.

Tip #1: Be courteous and take turns driving across the bridge so there isn’t a lineup on either side of the road.

Tip #2: Put your chosen stops in Google Maps before driving the road to Hana. It isn’t always obvious where to find the stops. There aren’t always signs. Pre-program your stops in Google Maps and then download the maps. There isn’t any cell service along the road.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

We drove straight to Waiʻānapanapa State Park and arrived at 10:30 for our 10 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. reservation. Kris and I weren’t sure how strict they would be on the arrival time but arriving a few minutes late wasn’t a problem and they let us in. We were able to stay until 1 P.M. without being kicked out. Ensure you have your printed voucher with you when arriving at this state park to gain entry. With no cell service, you need to print it off before driving the road to Hana.

Tip #1: It might take longer to arrive at the Waiʻānapanapa State Park than you initially expected. The park is almost at the end of the highway (a ten-minute drive north from Hana). Make sure to arrive for your scheduled time. Reservations are required when visiting Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Make your reservation here.

This state park was absolutely beautiful with a black sandy beach. The contrast of the volcanic beach with the bright green plants and blue ocean, made for spectacular views and pictures. It’s possible to go swimming at the beach nearby followed by hiking along the trail moving forward.

Tip #2: Wear Keen Newport Sandals when going swimming and hiking. They will offer extra protection when swimming and you’ll be able to easily transition to your next activity hiking in the volcanic rock afterward.

This area is a very unique place and I highly recommend checking it out. I’ve never seen anything like this anywhere else on my travels.

Washrooms

Washrooms are available and in good condition. Bring hand sanitizer with you as they didn’t provide soap when we were there, only water. Outside the washrooms, they also have a shower to rinse yourself off from the ocean’s salty water.

The Ranch Restaurant

When we were done exploring Waiʻānapanapa State Park, we continued to Hana. We had heard that the Ranch restaurant in Hana was very good and we should try it. There are a limited number of restaurants in the region. We looked it up and found that it didn’t open until 11:30 A.M. Kris and I made sure to keep that in the back of our minds when booking Waiʻānapanapa State Park. We didn’t want to arrive too early at the restaurant and have to wait a couple of hours to get in. That would have cost us precious time on an already tight schedule.

The food was delicious and the restaurant needs to be included in activities in Maui for couples. Nice and tender fish with chips offered a nice break to refuel ourselves before backtracking and hitting all the stops we initially passed on our way there. The restaurant is open for lunch and supper from 11:30 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. The prices vary from $17 to $50 USD. They have gluten-free and vegetarian options available on their menu.

Pua’a Ka’a Falls

After eating lunch at the Ranch in Hana, we backtracked and proceeded to make stops on our way back. That worked exceptionally well! When we stopped, we didn’t encounter floods of people and there was parking available at every stop we made, which was a bonus not to be fighting for parking spots.

Pua’a Ka’a Falls was a fantastic place to stop. It offered a pool of water below the falls deep enough for swimming. It was refreshing to be able to dunk our heads in and swim for a few minutes. Many other tourists and locals were swimming there too. They have washrooms at the parking lot providing a place to change into your swimsuit if you so desire. A sheltered picnic table was available for those interested in having a picnic on-site. It was a relaxing atmosphere with cheery people happy to be outside of their cars. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood enjoying different conversations. It’s a terrific spot to hang out.

Wailua Valley State Wayside

Wailua Valley State Wayside was a short stop but we went up a set of stairs and saw this view. It gave me the impression of being in Jurassic Park. Although, not a long stop, it was nice to take a few pictures and stretch our legs for a few minutes before continuing with our day.

Keanae Lookout

Keanae Lookout is right off the highway. There’s a sign to your right when driving back from Hana indicating Keanae this way. It’s a few minutes’ drive down the road but totally worth it for the gorgeous view we encountered. We didn’t walk very far but it did provide some beautiful pictures. You can walk on the volcanic rock while trying to avoid getting hit by the large waves while taking fancy pictures.

This location was a fantastic way to end our trip to Hana. It was such a wonderful day with Kris. We saw so many different landscapes and got to swim at two different locations while also getting to hike. The food was awesome and the local people were nice and friendly. I’d highly recommend checking out the locations mentioned above and backtracking like we did. That was a major success in us having a fantastic time!

Hiking Waihee Ridge Trail

Waihee Ridge Trail, located in central Maui, northwest of the airport, takes roughly three hours to hike 6.4 kilometres. It’s a straight there and back hike. Getting there is mostly uphill with an easier return going downhill. The views are beautiful from the top and worth hiking there. It’s a fantastic hike to include in your activities in Maui for Couples. Even though we were hot hiking in Maui, the winds cooled us down a bit which helped.

We noticed helicopters from Air Maui flying above us. We had previously been on a helicopter and saw the views from above, high up in the air. It was neat to see the views from ground level afterwards.

Tip #1: There are no washrooms at the trailhead. Be sure to stop before arriving if you need to use the facilities.

Tip #2: Arrive before 9 A.M. if you want to find parking at the trailhead. They have about 20 parking stalls and if it’s all full by the time you arrive, you need to drive back down to the start of the road two miles down the hill to the overflow parking lot. That would add extra kilometres and uphill for the day if you had to park down in the lower parking area and walk the extra distance. Thankfully both parking lots are free for visitors.

Lava Fields

Activities in Maui for couples must include going to the Lava Fields located at La Perouse Bay at the end of Makena Rd, Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Find the directions here. It’s a beautiful area on the Hoapili Trail that extends for nine kilometres. It offered awesome picture opportunities. Many goats can be seen in the area as they live on farms adjacent to the trail. I highly suggest hiking there for the fantastic scenery and amazing pictures you’ll get.

Tip #1: It’s hot hiking in this region with the sun reflecting off the sand. Make sure to bring a bottle of water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the strong sun rays.

Tip #2: If you do get sunburned, refer to 8 Tips to Treat a Sunburn.

Haleakala Volcano

Haleakala Volcano located in Maui’s upcountry, is a massive, active shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. It has an elevation of 10,023 ft (3,055 m). All visitors must purchase an entrance pass to reach the Haleakala Volcano. A private vehicle pass costs $30 or an individual pass costs $15. Passes can be purchased online or in person at the gate as you drive up the road. The view from the top is spectacular and well worth the drive. You’ll get gorgeous pictures at the top. There are different trails in the area.

Tip #1: Give yourself plenty of time to accomplish the chosen trails and bring some essentials such as water and snacks with you. Some trails look short but can take a few hours to go and come back. Remember that you will be climbing up and out of the volcano upon your return.

Tip #2: Bring extra layers as it gets cold at the top. There’s a major temperature difference between the ocean altitude and high up the volcano.

Mini Golf

I found South Maui hot with the sun constantly beaming and little to no cloud cover. After a few days in the heat, we needed a reprieve from the heat and chose to go mini golfing at Maui Golf & Sports Park. They are located at 80 Maalaea Rd Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii 96793. Activities in Maui for couples must include going to play mini golf. We went there twice since it was so much fun! They are open every day from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. and have bumper boats, rock climbing, trampoline as well as miniature golf. Two eighteen-hole miniature golf courses with unlimited time cost $20/adult. I highly suggest going there for a date with your partner.

Surfing

Activities in Maui for couples should include surfing. We went with a company called Maui Waveriders identified by Surf School and Rentals on the outside of their building. We went twice as the ambiance was so welcoming. They either rent surfboards and a class combo or you can rent the board and go surfing on your own. We decided to surf on our own already having surfing experience. Different prices are available depending on the package you want.

Tip: Go earlier in the morning (8 or 9 A.M.) to access a multitude of boards. You’ll have fewer options throughout the day when multiple surfers are using the boards. In addition, the waves are best in the morning. If you go around lunchtime, the waves tend to die down.

Successful Surfing

Kris and I successfully got up on our respective boards! Although we didn’t get a picture of me on the board, I’m happy I was able to capture a picture of Kris! We had forgotten how difficult surfing can be.

Tip #1: Encourage each other while you’re doing well and after you fall (it will happen).

We took turns trying to capture each other. The Go-Pro tends to get in the way when trying to paddle, holding the board and getting up. We only brought it with us for one day. Otherwise, it limits how much you can surf. It was awesome to get this one shot of Kris!

Tip #2: You might not want to bring a camera for multiple days of surfing. Ensure you have a safe place to store it to avoid losing your GoPro.

Helicopter Tour

An open-door helicopter tour for forty-five minutes with Air Maui must be included in your activities in Maui for couples. No doors means you can capture pictures without the glare of windows. Sitting further inside the helicopter isn’t as scary, but on the edge will make you skip a beat while looking down! You will be secure with your seatbelts but without the doors, it feels very open. Your phones will be placed in a lanyard holder (Air Maui policy) to avoid them falling out of the helicopter.

The best pictures will be taken while on the edge of the seat.

Tip #1: Plan accordingly where each of you will be sitting. You won’t be able to switch seats while flying! With this company, you’re bound to have one of you further inside as you’ll likely be sharing the helicopter with another group to balance the weight. If you’re further inside the helicopter, you might end up with knees in your pictures. When paying $900 CAD for couples, it can feel annoying not to capture perfect pictures without forewarning. Come with the expectation that your pictures might not be perfect when sitting inside the helicopter.

Kris, sitting on the edge managed to grab excellent pictures!

Tip #2: Take anti-nausea pills such as Gravol to help with feeling nauseous. They might work for the duration of the flight or for half the time like they did for us. With turbulent weather, it can make the trip feel long. Prepare yourself with the right medication to make the best of your trip.

Snorkelling

We went on a two-hour Molokini Snorkel Trip with Redline Rafting for $202.31 CAD per adult. Two awesome guys guided us on the boat for our journey. It’s a fantastic option allowing a maximum of twenty-four people per group. The cost covers snorkelling gear (we brought our own but rented flippers). The trip out to the snorkelling location was awesome. They turned on the tunes and we enjoyed singing until we arrived.

Items to bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Sunglasses
• Hat

It’s important to note that there is very little room on the boat for big bags. Only pack essentials for the two-hour trip.

Tip: There are no washrooms on the boat. Use the facilities in the parking lot before leaving.

Snorkelling

We saw a variety of colourful fish of different sizes. Sometimes we saw schools of fish and other times, we saw individual fish. We snorkelled for around an hour. That was sufficient. With the tides, we were quite exhausted just getting back to the boat. While we gathered all the members of our group, the guys shared some history with us about the different islands that surrounded us.

Lūʻau

We enjoyed our Lūʻau at Feast At Lele. It’s temporarily closed at the moment as they were sadly destroyed in the Lahaina wildfires. It was a magical night offering a culinary experience with different dishes accompanied by cultural music and dancing. When they open again, I highly recommend checking out this awesome place!

Final Thoughts

Activities in Maui for couples are so diverse. What will you choose to do? Do you want to spend time in the water swimming, snorkelling or surfing? Do you want to drive on the road to Hana knowing the amazing things you’ll get to see and the awesome hikes you’ll get to experience? If you require some spectacular views, consider an open-door helicopter tour. Then you can compare the views from the Waihee Ridge Trail. The lava fields offer amazing contrasts to take spectacular pictures. Mini golf is fun and a chill activity to do with your partner if you’re looking to take a break from sightseeing and just want to enjoy each other’s company. It doesn’t matter what you decide to do as long as you go out and have a good time! Plan your trip to Maui today and dream of what is yet to come!

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