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Maui Summer Activities Bucket List
10 Must-Do Adventures to Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation
Summer in Maui is not just about lounging on the beach. The beautiful weather and vibrant island spirit really blossom, inviting visitors to explore in every region. Whether you’re here for ocean adventures, cultural discoveries, or heart-pounding aerial thrills, Auntie Snorkel is your go-to for making the most of every moment. To help you dive into the best of the season, we’ve put together our Maui Summer Activities Bucket List—a mix of must-do experiences that will have you soaking up sunshine and making memories that last way longer than your tan.
If you think you’ve seen all of Maui’s coastline—think again. Blue Water Rafting’s Kanaio Coast snorkel tour is hands-down one of the most jaw-dropping ways to explore the island. You’ll cruise along Maui’s rugged, volcanic south shore past lava arches, sea caves, and cliffs that feel like another planet.
Expect vibrant coral reefs, tons of fish, and maybe even spinner dolphins riding the bow wake. It’s one of the most adventurous snorkel trips on Maui—not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable for the bold.
Calm summer seas make for ideal crossings to Lanai, where you’ll find some of the best dolphin watching in the Hawaiian Islands. Most snorkel tours to Lanai include a chance to see spinner dolphins frolicking in the channel—sometimes even surfing the wake beside the boat!
Many of these tours also include multiple snorkel stops at remote reefs with crystal-clear visibility and fewer crowds than Molokini.
Want a new perspective on paradise? Parasailing is your ticket—literally—to float 1,200 feet above the ocean for epic views of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Launching right off Ka’anapali Beach, parasailing is a smooth, surprisingly peaceful way to see the island from above.
Tandem rides are perfect for couples or friends, and you don’t even need to get wet (unless you want the optional ocean dip at the end!).
A trip to Molokini is a must for anyone who wants to experience world-class snorkeling in a truly unique location. This crescent-shaped volcanic crater sits offshore from South Maui and often boasts visibility often over 100 feet.
Summer mornings offer the best conditions for seeing vibrant fish, coral reefs, and maybe even reef sharks or manta rays. Bonus: many Molokini tours include a stop at Turtle Town to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Thanks to the south swells of summer, Maui’s south-facing beaches become beginner surf heaven. If you’ve never surfed before, this is the time to try!
Book a surf lesson in Kihei or in Lahaina, and you’ll get hands-on instruction in warm, stoke-inducing waves. Not ready to stand up? Opt for a boogie board rental and ride the waves from your belly with big-kid energy.
🏄♂️ Auntie Snorkel rents boogie boards, soft tops, and SUPs if you want to keep the fun going after your lesson!
Wrap up your perfect Maui day with a sunset cruise along the coast. Whether you choose a romantic catamaran with appetizers and champagne or a family-friendly boat with music and a delicious meal, a summer sunset out on the water is hard to beat.
Clear skies, glowing mountains, and the scent of salt air? Yes, please.
Can’t make the early morning boat? No problem—afternoon snorkel tours are a great way to fit in some undersea adventure after a slow start or busy morning. These tours often visit Coral Gardens, or Turtle Arches, and they tend to have smaller crowds than morning trips.
It’s a great way to combine a beachy morning with a reef-filled afternoon—plus, the golden-hour lighting makes those fish photos pop!
🌤️ Just remember: conditions can be a bit choppier later in the day, so check with our Fun Specialists for the best tour match.
Ready to fly? A Maui zipline tour is the perfect blend of adrenaline and scenery. Glide across lush gulches, past waterfalls, and through forest canopies with sweeping views of the ocean and mountains.
Top options include Northshore Zipline in Upcountry Maui, Jungle Ziplines on Maui’s North Shore, and Kapalua Ziplines in West Maui. Many tours also include rope bridges and nature walks between lines.
💡 Pro tip: Morning zipline tours tend to have less wind and cooler temps—ideal for first-timers!
If you want to see Maui’s wildest and most remote beauty—but would rather not white-knuckle it around 600 curves—a guided Road to Hana tour is the way to go.
Let a local expert handle the driving while you kick back and enjoy waterfalls, bamboo forests, black sand beaches, and hidden swimming holes. Some tours are full loop (continuing around the back side of Haleakalā), while others return the way they came for extra waterfall time.
🍍 Many tours include meals and snack stops featuring fresh fruit, banana bread, and local treats—yum!
🌴 Plan Your Maui Summer Activities Bucket List with Auntie Snorkel
Whether you’re floating above Maui in a parasail or gliding through coral gardens on a raft tour, summer is the season for once-in-a-lifetime fun. At Auntie Snorkel, we’ll help you check every item off your list—from expert gear rentals to activity bookings and insider tips.
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)
Rented chairs umbrella cooler 😎 for a week.Everything worked great. Looked around and their prices were better than others. Cali served us both for pick up and drop off. Cali was super friendly and helpful. Always nice to be served by a happy person. Thanks Cali ! Thanks auntie snorkel! See you next year !
Jason A.
Great snorkel experience! Burton was very helpful and friendly, thank you!
Zac
Cali is friendly, informative and helpful! Thank you for the opportunity!!
Karen O.
Rented beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear at Auntie Snorkel In Kihei and had a wonderful experience. Equipment was excellent quality and Cali was super helpful with everything and also gave great advice on snorkeling locations in the area. I would highly recommend this business And it's extremely convenient to all the best beaches on Maui In Wailea and Makena area.
Shaun Ford S.
Burton was great. Friendly. Shared best snorkel spots.
