You will never be bored again!
Without a doubt, there is no shortage of fun recreational activities and things to participate in while staying in Wailea. Spend a day whale watching, playing a relaxing round at the golf course, browsing the high-end shops at Wailea, or partake in an exciting downhill volcano bike ride. Wailea has no shortage of activities for everyone!
Snorkeling
Great, inexpensive adventure! You can rent equipment by the week at dive shops everywhere. If this is new to you, you can familiarize yourself at the beach in front of Ekahi. The rocky point to the south of the Renaissance Hotel between Mokapu & Ulua Beaches has the best local snorkeling but the north end is good too. A very nice trip for beginners and experienced snorklers/divers is to Molokini crater. The boat crews are very good at putting you at ease with the experience, plus you can whale watch, sail and sun bathe too.
Whale Watching
December through March - A MUST. Whales seem most active early morning. There is often lots of activity and great viewing down at the main pavilion pool or at Kamaole III beach. Watch for the waterspout, then look for a tail.
Whale Watching Cruises
Also A MUST. A favorite activity is a sunset cruise with drinks and pu'u pu'us (snacks). Sail boats and motor launches are available out of Ma'alaea or Lahaina in great numbers pick your price and go. If you take a snorkeling trip to Molokini or a day sail to Lanai or a deep fishing trip you will see whales. (Note: Dinner cruises are not particularly good for whale watching.)
Volcano Downhill Ride
Let a van pick you up at the condo (3 a.m. for the sunrise ride) and bike down Haleakala. The guided tour is more expensive but makes sure you maintain a safe speed and offers a great breakfast halfway down. (Maui Downhill (808) 871-2155, or (800) 535-BIKE. For an unescorted tour try the Haleakala Downhill group.)
Haleakala Sunrise and/or Hike
If you are getting up very early due to the time change, you might want to catch the strikingly beautiful sunrise at Haleakala Crater as it comes up out of the ocean over the clouds. It is extremely cold until the sun comes up (take warm clothing) and is a two hour drive away (you'll have to leave by 4AM). Remember the air is thin at 10,000 feet.
In the alternative, you could check the mountain when you get up. If the top is clear, get in the car and go. Have a wonderful breakfast at the Kula Lodge on the way there and take a two to three hour hike through the crater, which has been likened to the surface of the moon. It is a terrain unlike any you have ever been to, but the footing can be difficult on rock and sand. Horseback riding and overnight cabins are available.
Hike Maui
Guided natural history excursions on foot with half and all day hikes. Hike anywhere from Haleakala Crater Hike, Cloud Forest Hike, Rain forest and Waterfall Hikes with a picnic lunch of gourmet deli sandwiches and lots of delicious fresh, organically grown local fruit.
Oheo Gulch Hike (Seven Sacred Pools)
The drive is approximately 1 1/2 hours on the beautiful deserted south shore of Maui along the old Pi'ilani Highway to Seven Pools at Kipahula (1-3 hrs longer if you have to take the long way around which you do these days). Take a gradual one to two hour fairly easy hike along Pookeo Stream by several waterfalls and swimming holes, through a guava orchard stopping at a large swimming hole where you can jump from the rocks above anywhere from 10 to 30 feet. Then continue through bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls. These Falls originate out of Mount Haleakala where more than 300 inches of rain falls annually.
Waihee Valley Hike/Iao Needle Swim
Take a 30 minute drive (approx) to the Waihee Valley, then hike up this remote valley about two miles over Indiana Jones-style swinging bridges to the end where there is a large pool beneath a waterfall and a rope swing to jump out into the middle of the pool. The hike is up hill, but not particularly difficult although there could be rain and mosquitoes as you are going into the wetter part of the Island. The Iao River swim is located nearby and you could drive within five minutes of the Iao River swimming hole for a dip.
Road Trip to Hana
This trip consumes the entire day. You can drive yourself or take a tour. You'll see curves, waterfalls, curves, black sand beaches, curves, thick foliage, curves and more curves! Hana is lovely, but go beyond to the Seven Sacred Pools and do some hiking.
Nakalele Blowhole
Drive left around the remote north side of the Island (beautiful scenery), approximately one hour to the Nakalele Blowhole. If the surf is right, this could be an incredible experience. Use extreme caution on the drive there, and note the walk down to the blowhole is through rough lava. Continue on to Ka'anapali. Stop at Whaler's Village for shopping and/or dinner.
You won't believe it when a putt breaks up hill! Golf on Maui can be expensive for the tourist - even with special rates. Afternoon play is almost half price. This is because the trade winds blow harder then making for some very interesting golf. The secret - find the courses that are sheltered from the trades, mostly in the PM. All the courses are well cared for and the scenery can't be beat. Weather on this end is more predictable than the west coast (Ka'anapali).
Economical Courses
