✅ These 10 Maui experiences are perfect if you’ve always wanted to try something new but weren’t sure where to start.
🙌 Designed for visitors who want adventure without feeling overwhelmed or unsafe.
📲 Each resolution connects to beaches, tours, rentals, and planning tools you can use right now.
🪄Curated by Island Experts who help visitors turn “I’ve always wanted to…” into “We actually did it.”
Every year, we talk to people who’ve either dreamed about Maui for a long time and those who’ve been coming to Maui forever. Inevitably, newbies and regulars alike say things like:
“I’ve always wanted to try surfing, but…”
“I want to see a whale up close, not just a splash way out there.”
“This time, I want to actually relax instead of rushing.”
We can help with all of that! These are 10 resolutions for the new year that real Maui visitors from all over the country come here to fulfill. They’re not about being extreme or fearless. They’re about saying yes to experiences that feel big, meaningful, and memorable, with the right preparation and guidance. And they are oh-so-keepable!
Which ones will you add to your list?
1. “This Is the Year I Actually Catch a Wave.”
You don’t need to shred, or stand up perfectly. You just need to try.
One of the most common resolutions we hear is, “I want to try surfing at least once.” The good news is Maui is one of the best places in the world to do that, if you choose the right conditions and the right board.
A surefire way to have a fun and safe time in the surf is to book a surf lesson. Lessons in Kihei and lessons in Lahaina are available year-round from local instructors in private or small group settings. You’ll get excellent instruction from the beach to the breaks, tailored for your experience level.
If you already have a little surf experience under your belt and just want to on your own, gentle breaks in South and West Maui, like Kihei Cove or 1000 Peaks, often offer beginner-friendly waves, especially on smaller swell days. Pair that with a soft-top surfboard rental and advice from a Fun Specialist, and suddenly surfing feels possible, not intimidating.
Trust us, wave riding is a resolution that turns into memories for a lifetime!
2. “I Want to Get Closer to a Whale Than I Ever Have Before.”
Watching whales from shore is amazing. Seeing one up close is unforgettable.
Maui’s humpback whales migrate here every winter, usually from December through April, with peak activity January through March. Maui offers lots of opportunities and plenty of options for whale watching.
Choosing the right whale watch for you matters. Some people want stability and space. Others want a smaller group and a faster ride. We help match you to the experience that fits your comfort level and curiosity. Check out some of our top recommendations in this article, or skip right to easy online booking here. If you have questions about picking the best experience for you, just text or call us!
This is the year you don’t just see a spout. You smell whale breath!
3. “We’re Staying at the Beach All Day, No Rushing.”
Many visitors hop from beach to beach and end the day exhausted. This year, resolve to do the opposite.
South Maui beaches like Kamaole I are especially friendly for this kind of day, but our Maui beach guides help you choose based on what part of the island you want to enjoy, swell, wind, and crowd patterns.
As always, our Fun Specialists will help you choose the best beach day for you, so just ask! This is how people leave Maui saying, “That was my favorite day.”
4. “I’m Trying A New Snorkeling Spot.”
Trying a new snorkeling spot can feel intimidating, and we get that. Especially if you consider a spot like Ahihi in the video above, that’s off the beaten path, not sandy, and a protected marine preserve. However, when you’ve checked off all of your safety and conditions boxes, venturing out to any new, well-considered spot can create Maui magic memories that last well beyond your trip.
So, we encourage you to think not in terms of, “snorkel the most famous beach.” Instead think, “snorkel where conditions are right for me.” Calm water, good visibility, and choosing a spot that matches the day can make all the difference.
It’s all very doable, so let’s make this the year you try a new snorkeling spot and experience the delight of discovering new things in Maui’s underwater world!
5. “I Want to Be on a Boat I’ve Never Been on Before.”
For many people, simply being out on the open water is a new experience. Maui offers boats for every comfort level, from spacious and smooth to exciting and fast.
We help guests choose boats based on:
Sea conditions,
Length of trip,
Motion sensitivity,
Group size,
and so many more factors!
Check out this article, “Float Your Boat,” with our pro tips for choosing the best boat for you. In it, we recommend some of our favorite tours available to book online by the type of boat you find most appealing.
Of course, if you have more questions or would just like someone to do the planning for you, text or call us for concierge Fun Specialist assistance. We’re always happy to help you find something that’s comfortable and memorable!
6. “I’m Doing One Thing That Scares Me a Little.”
We’re not panic-level scary. Think about something that is just enough to make your heart beat faster. Some of the most thrilling Maui activities include:
These are the moments that stick with you long after the trip ends.
Our role as Fun Specialists is to help you choose something that feels thrilling but safe, and to make sure you know what to expect before you go. Courage plus preparation is a powerful combination.
Text or call us to chat about what could be the perfect thrill ride to make your year.
7. “I Want to Eat Something I’ve Never Tried Before.”
Maui isn’t just beaches. It’s flavors.
Luaus are a great way to experience unique Hawaiian foods and storytelling in one evening. They introduce dishes, traditions, and music in a setting that’s welcoming even if it’s all new to you.
We help guests choose luaus based on atmosphere, food style, and location, so it feels like a highlight, not a tourist checkbox. You can easily book our favorite Maui luaus online at Auntie’s best prices, or text or call us to find the perfect match for all your tastes.
8. “I Want to Paddle Along the Coast Instead of Just Sitting on It.”
Paddling offers such a unique way to experience Maui.
Our Fun Specialists make renting easy with free in-shop instruction, and free delivery on weekly rentals! With the right rental and timing, this becomes one of the most peaceful activities of the trip. Text or call us with questions!
9. “I’m Finally Doing the Road to Hana, the Relaxing Way.”
The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most beautiful experiences, but it doesn’t have to be a white knuckle drive or a test of endurance. This year’s resolution is to let someone else handle the curves, timing, and logistics so you can actually sit back and enjoy the journey by booking a Road to Hana tour.
Booking a Road to Hana tour means you get to:
Sit back and take in the views instead of watching the road;
Visit waterfalls and stops when conditions are at their best;
Learn the stories, history, and hidden details you’d otherwise miss;
Experience the drive without worrying about weather, traffic, or turnaround points.
Our favorite Road to Hana tours help turn the Road to Hana into what it’s meant to be: an awe-inspiring, scenic, unforgettable day that feels magical instead of exhausting.
10. “I’m Asking an Island Expert Instead of Guessing.”
This might be the most important resolution of all, and it’s the one that makes every other plan work better.
Maui doesn’t reward guessing. Conditions change daily, sometimes hourly, and the difference between a good day and a great one often comes down to timing, location, and a little local insight. That’s why talking to someone who checks the weather, wind, swell, and ocean conditions every single day makes such a difference.
Our Fun Specialists help guests adjust plans in real time. We’ll look at today’s conditions, explain what they mean in plain language, and help you choose the best beach, snorkel spot, or activity for the moment. And we promise not to bite! 😉
However you reach us, this one choice often transforms an entire Maui trip from “we hope this works” into “that was exactly what we wanted!”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Planning Your Maui Experiences
I love these ideas, but I’m not very adventurous. Are these still for me?
Yes. Every experience on this list is adjustable.
Many Maui activities sound intimidating until you choose the right version of them. Surfing can mean a gentle, beginner-friendly wave with a great instructor. Snorkeling can mean floating calmly in protected water with a float belt.Boat tours can be on smooth, spacious catamarans that are easy to board and fun for the whole family.
Our Fun Specialists help match you with the version that fits your comfort level, not someone else’s highlight reel.
How do I know which beaches or activities are best on the day we go?
This is one of the most important parts of planning in Maui.
Ocean conditions change daily, sometimes hourly. That’s why we recommend:
Should we book activities in advance or wait until we arrive?
It depends on the activity and the time of year.
Popular experiences like whale watches, luaus, and sunset cruises often fill up, especially during holidays or the peak travel seasons of summer and winter. Booking ahead guarantees your spot. Rentals and some activities can be more flexible, especially if you’re willing to plan around conditions, or traveling during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you decide what to book now and what to leave open. Just text or call us!
What rentals make the biggest difference for comfort and enjoyment?
The most common “I’m glad we rented that” items include:
These are always our most popular beach gear rentals that bring guests back in with a sun-kissed smile on their faces.
Is this list good if we’re traveling with kids or older family members?
Yes, with a little tailoring.
Many of these experiences work well for families when you choose:
Stable boats
Calm beaches
Shorter activity durations
Proper gear
Our Fun Specialists regularly help families plan days that work for everyone, not just the most energetic person in the group.
What if we only have a few days on Maui?
That’s okay. Even choosing just one or two of these experiences can make your trip feel more complete. We help guests prioritize based on how long they’re here, where they’re staying, and what they’re most excited about.
How does Auntie Snorkel actually help with all this?
We do three things really well:
Help you choose experiences that fit your comfort level and interests
Help you plan around real Maui conditions
Help you book the right tours and rentals at the best value
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About
Auntie Snorkel
Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers since 1985. We're the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop 10 years ago from Auntie, we decided to keep the name. The name "Auntie" is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I'm living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island that I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We're the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you're supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We're the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic! Mahalo and Aloha”. ~Mark Noble (Owner & Maui Fun Expert)
Great place to grab rentals for the beach. Jake and Art provided what we needed based off what we said we were hoping to do at the beach. They also gave us a map and showed us the best places to ride waves, see turtles and see the best sunset.
Mist M.
Such a great place to rent from. Great customer service. Flexible with the weather. We absolutely loved the gear. We will rent from them again. Thanks Dalton for all the good tips!
Ilya W.
Great place to get your beach gear. Staff is cheerful and friendly. It's very easy to reserve your stuff online and quickly pick it up at the store. Dave helped us to find the best floaties for the kids and as a freebie we got a boogie board, which was fun to try.
Jeff T.
Nice staff, rented a beach umbrella. Intended to rent snorkeling gear but the weather didn't cooperate. Prices were competitive and a great location if your...
Kristin T.
Art was really helpful with lending me a boogie board for the week and everything went smoothly! I would go back to rent gear.
