Things To Do

Humpback Whale Sanctuary

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary aims to protect the North Pacific Humpback Whales and their Hawaiian habitat. The whole protected ‘sanctuary’ includes all shallow waters (600 feet in-depth) surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands. The Learning Center is located in Kihei and is a great place to visit to learn more about Humpback Whale education, outreach, and join in on resource protection activities. This beachfront facility offers year-round programs and rotating exhibits, all revolving around the North Pacific humpback whale population, whale behaviors, photo identification, habits, birth and mortality rates, and preservation research. Education and outreach programs focus on offering valuable public information about Hawaii’s oceans and the current conditions for the migratory humpbacks. The Maui center hosts myriad weekly, monthly, and annual events, including The Sanctuary Ocean Count, Ocean Awareness Training, Art & Photography Competitions, Community Events, and Lectures

Kihei 4th Friday Town Party

All visitors and residents are invited to check out the Kihei Town parties every 4th Friday of the month! It’s a great monthly community event on Maui to partake in for those that are looking for a night of activities to do with their families, friends, and loved ones. Every month, guests can expect to enjoy local food and shopping vendors, a live artist showcase, guest speakers, dancing, keiki (kids) events, live music, and more. Each month, the entertainment is new and different, so this event is always super engaging and fun. Located at the Azeka Shopping Center, this event is free for all ages and usually begins around 6 pm. Maui Friday Town Parties take place all over the island every week! Check out 1st Fridays in Wailuku, 2nd Fridays in Lahaina, 3rd Fridays in Makawao, 4th Fridays in Kihei, and 5th Fridays in Lana’i City on the outer Island of Lana’i.

Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and oceanography center located in Maalaea, Hawaii on the island of Maui. Opened on March 18, 1998 by Coral World International, the 3 acres (1.2 ha) facility is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It includes exhibits on coral reef habitats, sea turtles, sharks, and humpback whales, among others. It is the largest public aquarium on Maui, and undertakes projects to grow artificial coral reefs to later introduce to the wild, due to the recent rapid decline in coral populations in Hawaii due to heavy tourism and global warming

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in 1992. Without a doubt, this refuge is one of the best places in Hawaii to observe and learn about Hawaii’s endangered wetland birds, and a handful of feathered visitors that travel to Hawaii from North America, Alaska, and Asia. Encompassing approximately 700 acres, the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is one of the few remaining natural wetlands in Hawaii. The refuge is also a natural basin for a 56-square mile watershed deriving from the West Maui Mountain Range. Located between the coastal areas of Kihei and Ma’alaea, guests are invited to visit the bird sanctuary and enjoy a nature walk through the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk. The boardwalk leads through ancient Hawaiian wetlands where guests can catch sight of Native Hawaiian birds — the Hawaiian Coot, and the Hawaiian Stilt. Across the highway, the Kealia Fishpond is where guests can watch visiting water birds such as the Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, the Pacific Golden Plover, Wandering Tattler, and Ruddy Turnstones in a natural habitat.

Surfing

Kihei is the best area on Maui to choose for first time surfing and stand up paddle lessons. Ocean conditions in South Maui are typically calmer than all other Maui areas, offering many clear and shallow coves that are perfect for those that want to try water sports in a more predictable environment. Kihei surf schools can provide everything you need for a successful first surf lesson. Group, semi-private, and private lessons are available, and typically include surfboard and gear rentals, 10-15 minutes of on-land training on the basics and ocean safety information, and hands-on experience in the ocean. With expert surf instructors, all guests will get a chance to stand up, throw out a shaka, and catch their first wave! The area has become popular for stand up paddling (SUP) because the ocean conditions are so mellow. SUP lessons are typically an hour and a half long and include SUP equipment rentals and use of a rash guard and booties. Group, semi-private, and private lessons are available. Once students get their footing, they’re guaranteed to be sweeping the ocean in no time!

Luau In South Maui

One of the most popular activities in Hawaii is attending a luau. In the simplest of explanations, a luau is a Hawaiian feast accompanied by live entertainment. The activity includes hula dance, Hawaiian chanting, storytelling, cultural activities, and more. Although luaus are thought of as only Hawaiian, many luaus provide glimpses into other Polynesian cultures; Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, and Fijian. On the Island of Maui, there are many different types of luaus to enjoy. Located at resorts, hotels, and private luau venues, guests will find many surprises in store. Many Maui luaus include Keiki (kids) crafts, attendee stage participation, and dining options. Typically, when one arrives at a luau, guests are greeted with a fresh flower lei, and a tropical cocktail or juice. As attendees gather at the venue, there are usually Hawaiian crafts, hula, and ukulele demonstrations. Once all guests have arrived, there is a ceremonial unearthing of the Hawaiian imu. The imu is an entire pig or boar covered with fragrant ti leaves, and long roasted in an earth oven. It’s the main dish at most Hawaii luaus. After the ceremony, guests depart to their prospective seats/tables, and the show begins.

B&B Scuba

B&B Scuba Shop is located in the Azeka​ shopping center, off of South Kihei Road; surrounded by a chain of restaurants and local shops. Operating as a fully functioning dive company since 1990, B&B has catered to our divers needs and desires.​We supply Snorkel​ and Dive​ gear Rentals, ​as well as​ Air and Nitrox Tanks.. We carry in​stock​ merchandise​ from our top scuba suppliers as well as custom ​B&B souvineers. Awaiting your arrival is a fun filled staff who is here to answer any dive or snorkel related questions you may have.. B&B is open and operating daily.​

Road To Hana

The Road to Hana is more than just a great drive through a beautiful area of Maui. Most visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph. This is the wrong way to do it. Do your due diligence beforehand, decide on a few locations that look the most intriguing, and take your time at each location. In order to truly experience Hana, it helps to know more about the history and legends of the area. You may find out that there are legendary stories associated with each spot where Gods have left their mark and historic battles have been fought. Transport yourself not only to Hana, vacation rentals in hana maui but back in time to the historic moments and legendary tales that shape the islands.

Whale Watching

Each whale species has its own distinct behavioral traits, and the humpback whales are most often noted for their elegant and unique songs. Males are the singers of the species and have been found to sing the same series of notes, which can span up to 8 octaves, as other males in the group, with subtle changes year after year. Researcher believe this is done as both a mating call and way of communicating with other males very year at the start of Fall more than 60% of the North Pacific Humpback Whale population will begin their migration from Alaska to Hawaii, with many of them choosing to stay in the waters off of Maui during their visit. Maui is considered by many to be the epicenter for whale watching in the Hawaiian Islands.