Your 2025 Maui Bucket List: Resolutions You’ll Love to Keep
The New Year is here, and there’s no better place to set your resolutions than on the sun-soaked shores of Maui! Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature, your Maui bucket list is here to make 2025 unforgettable. Here are the top 10 Maui resolutions for visitors—designed to make the most of your time on the Valley Isle while taking full advantage of Auntie Snorkel’s beach gear rentals and activity bookings at www.auntiesnorkel.com.
1. Meet a New Ocean Creature
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a at Black Rock, Kaanapali, Maui.
Start the year with an exciting goal: to encounter an ocean creature you’ve never seen before! Maui’s vibrant underwater world is home to an incredible variety of marine life, from graceful manta rays to colorful parrotfish and maybe even a playful octopus. Snorkel at iconic spots like Molokini Crater, Honolua Bay, or Turtle Town to increase your chances of spotting something extraordinary.
With snorkel gear rentals from Auntie Snorkel, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and eco-friendly adventure. Be sure to check our beach guides with webcams for real-time conditions to discover the best spots for meeting your new underwater friend!
2. Paddle with the Sunrise
Paddle boarding in Maui is fun for the whole family!
Experience the magic of a Maui sunrise from the water by trying stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking. Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Auntie Snorkel and glide across the calm morning waters while enjoying breathtaking views of the island and its marine life. Early mornings are the best time to catch the serene beauty of the ocean, often accompanied by sightings of turtles or even whales.
3. Ride Your First Wave (or Best Wave Yet)
If you’ve never surfed before, make 2025 the year to learn! Maui offers some of the best beginner-friendly surf spots, like Cove Park in Kihei. Auntie Snorkel offers surfboard rentals and can point you toward lessons to get you up and riding in no time. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of catching your first wave, and Maui’s gentle breaks are the perfect place to start.
4. Spot a Tagged Honu and Join the Honu Count
This honu is featured in the Frequent Sightings section of the Honu Count page, indicating that he is frequently seen in the Kihei area. Photo taken from a distance with zoom.
Make it your New Year’s mission to contribute to turtle conservation by spotting a tagged honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) and submitting your sighting to the Honu Count! These tags help researchers track and protect Maui’s beloved sea turtles, and you can play a role in their efforts. For your best chances, book a snorkel trip to Turtle Town, cruise the waters around Kamaole Beach Parks, or explore Black Rock. With snorkel gear from Auntie Snorkel, you’ll be ready to dive in and make a meaningful connection with Maui’s marine life. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the tag and share it with the Honu Count to help researchers keep tabs on these amazing creatures! (Always remember to keep your distance from sea turtles in the water and on shore! You wouldn’t want strangers coming up to you to touch you and take selfies, would you? Plus, it’s illegal.)
5. Discover a New Hiking Trail
View from the Waihe’e Ridge Trail.
Maui is home to stunning hikes, from the lush trails of the Road to Hana to the otherworldly landscapes of Haleakalā National Park. Make it your mission to explore a new trail this year. Don’t forget to rent a cooler from Auntie Snorkel to keep your snacks and drinks fresh for the journey! Many trails also offer panoramic views, so don’t forget rent a GoPro to capture the island’s breathtaking beauty.
6. Get to Know a Whale
Winter and early spring are prime whale-watching seasons in Maui, as thousands of humpback whales migrate to its warm waters. Book a whale-watching tour through Auntie Snorkel and get ready to be amazed by these majestic creatures. Keep your camera handy (or rent a GoPro in advance of your tour) and try to grab a clear shot of the underside of a whale’s tail! Then, submit your photo to Happy Whale as a citizen scientist to see if your whale is known to researchers or a new kid on the block. (See our Flukes Up article for more about this and how to best enjoy the whales’ time around Maui.)
7. Actually Relax on the Beach
Make it a priority to get some actual relaxation on Maui’s beaches in comfort. Rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers from Auntie Snorkel to turn your beach days into stress-free experiences. Whether you’re at Keawakapu, Kaanapali, or Kapalua, staying shaded and relaxed is a must. With the right gear, you can focus on enjoying the ocean, sand, and sunshine without any distractions.
8. Try Boogie Boarding
If surfing feels intimidating, start smaller by trying boogie boarding! Rent a boogie board from Auntie Snorkel and catch some fun, rolling waves at family-friendly spots like Kamaole Beach Park or Napili Bay. It’s a great way for all ages to enjoy Maui’s waves, and it’s as easy as grabbing a board and heading out into the surf.
9. Explore a New Island Perspective
Maui’s beauty isn’t just on land—it’s also in the skies. Book a helicopter tour through Auntie Snorkel to see the island’s hidden waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and the dramatic cliffs of the Hana coastline from above. A bird’s-eye view of Maui will give you a whole new appreciation for the island’s diverse beauty and its many hidden gems.
Helicopters go a little too high for you? Try a family-friendly zipline tour instead! They’re fun for the whole family, and a thrilling way to get a different perspective on Maui’s diverse terrain. We recommend Jungle Ziplines for first timers or big groups, and Kapalua Ziplines for those wanting a bigger adventure!
10. Plan to Return to Maui
If there’s one resolution you absolutely must keep, it’s this: plan your next Maui trip before this one ends. Maui offers endless adventures, and there’s always something new to explore. Make Auntie Snorkel part of your tradition—our rentals and activities will always be here to make your visits even better! Don’t forget to sign up for updates and special offers to make planning your next trip even easier.
Auntie Snorkel: Your Partner for Maui Adventures
We hope that Auntie Snorkel will continue to be your go-to resource for making the most of your Maui bucket list. Visit us in Kihei or Lahaina, or browse our offerings online at www.auntiesnorkel.com to start your 2025 Maui adventure right.
Here’s to a year of unforgettable memories and endless aloha!
