Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago. An island that has a rich cultural and historical background, the natural beauty adds to the charm. The list of fun things to do in Maui is endless, from the pristine waters of the Central Pacific to gorgeous landscapes. The soil of the island is made of rich dark iron/quartz rocks poured out of the volcanoes all over the island. Rainfall is common and the rugged terrain of the island has diverse climatic conditions in different areas. Maui is renowned for the humpback whales that has made the island a whale-watching center. Here is a list of top 9 things to do in Maui:

Stop for lunch at the Twin Falls while traveling on the Hana Highway

Gear up to take the best road trip of your life, if you are planning a trip down the Hana road. You can rent a convertible and carry picnic supplies, though ready made supplies of sandwiches, fruits, and goodies are available at the Kuau Store on the way. Enjoy the scenic beauty of waterfalls, mountains, hiking trails and natural terrains. You can stop for lunch at the Twin Falls or Paia, as the next food stop is further away in Hana town. You can stay overnight at Hana or drive back the same day.

Enjoy picnic at a shady spot at the Banyan Tree Park

Situated near the courthouse in the town of Lahaina in Maui, this park spreads around one of the largest banyan trees in the country. Reaching 60 feet in height and extending to a large area in the park, this tree offers shady picnic spots to visitors. The park is overlooking the Lahaina harbour and has numerous food joints and shops in the near vicinity. So if you are making a list of things to do in Maui, do include a visit to the Banyan tree park. And do not forget to visit the Old Lahaina Luau, a mile away from the park, for a tantalizing experience of the Hawaiian culture.

Do not miss the black and blue sand beach at the Wai'anapanapa State Park

While on your road trip to Hana, do plan a stopover at the Wai'anapanapa Park. As per visitors' reviews, the black sand beach and the blue waters form a breathtaking view. You can go camping, hiking, and even check out the caves and the blowhole along the walking trail. This place has some historical significance and the cliffs adjoining the blue and black beach offer amazing views.

Witness the magic of nature at the Haleakala Crater

A rare combination of scenic pleasure, mythology, the magical Haleakala Crater is one of the epic landscapes to explore in Maui. Visitors must be at least eight years of age to visit the crater. Hiking, biking, sight-seeing, and other adventures can be enjoyed at the Haleakala Park. The summit is the highest point on the island. Be sure to watch out for the Nene geese, the endangered Hawaiian bird. Travelers can also book a cabin at night for stargazing, but be sure not to miss the sunrise/sunset.

The view of the sun coming up amid the orange-hued clouds with the Hawaiian folklore chanting hymns is mesmerizing to the core. Viewers flock by the railing to witness this spectacle. The drive to the summit (situated at 10,000 feet above sea level) is windy and cold. The zip line across the slopes of Haleakala is another fun way to explore the area.

Enjoy water snorkelling, diving, and other water sports at the Ka'anapali Beach

Relaxing at the Ka'anapali beach is one of the interesting things to do in Maui. The perfect hub for water sports, it covers 3 miles of the north-western coastline. The currents, however, can be very strong, so you have to be careful while surfing or lazing on the coast. Shopping centers, resorts, hotels, and restaurants that offer delicious gourmet food, tourists truly call it the best beach in Maui. The boardwalk is a great walking avenue from where travelers may spot the whales and dolphins diving in and out of the waters. Snorkeling, diving, cruises, and excursions can be undertaken on the beach. Golf courses of Ka'anapali are also excellent and the cliff-diving at Puu Kekaa is indeed a spectacle to watch.

Relish traditional Hawaiian cuisines and dance show at the Old Lahaina Luau

Your trip to Maui will be incomplete without experiencing the history and culture of the island. Enjoy hula dancing at the oceanfront with gourmet Hawaiian meals at the Old Lahaina Luau. It is one of the best things to do in Maui to witness the folk dance with the backdrop of the sunset. Guests are welcomed with tropical drinks and sumptuous meals consisting of haupia, Lau Lau, and poi, which are served with fresh island kalua pig, fish fillets, and cabbage. The green sea turtles emerge from the water and the folklore performs dances as you enjoy the vast spread of food. It's a perfect Hawaiian evening and travelers recommend it as the best luau on the island with great service and fantastic food.

Attend the fantastic show: Burn'n Love to enjoy the Elvis magic

Wondering what to do in Maui? Do attend the Burn'n Love show that captivates the audience of all ages and tastes. Elvis's love for Hawaii was well known and from the songs, costumes to the hip moves, all are done in Elvis style. Elvis impersonators sing the most popular songs of the king and the visitors are left asking for more. Visitors who go alone or in groups enjoy the performance and say it is an experience not to be missed.

Taste the vodka and rum at Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery

The tour guide advised some visitors to stop at the Ocean Vodka and distillery farm for vodka and rum tasting. And their experience was fantastic! Visitors love the tour of the Ocean Vodka distillery as everything from land productivity, distillation process, to the different varieties of products are explained by the tour guides.

Eat some tasty pineapple at the Maui Pineapple Tours

You will get to taste the yummiest pineapple on earth at Maui. Travelers find the experience of eating pineapple directly from the field is fun and exciting. And not only the pineapples, you will also get a taste of the Maui's rich history in the pineapple tour. Enjoy the guided tours in the Maui gold pineapple fields and learn the shipping and packing processes. Visitors get one pineapple free per person and the Haliimaile General Store Restaurant provides special discounts to customers.

Summary

Other things to do in Maui include gourmet dining, taking the zip line and helicopter tours to get an extensive view of the island, rafting, hiking and other adventure activities. It's one of the best islands to get married and the underwater sports and camping facilities are awesome. So do plan a trip soon to the island with family, friends, or if no one turns up, enjoy the solo trip!