6 Unusual Experiences in Maui, Hawaii
Snorkeling alongside brightly colored fish and branching coral in the untouched waters off Molokini Atoll is an unforgettable experience. Outdoor adventurers, history buffs, and surfers all enjoy the serene Hawaiian paradise that is Maui. Visitors come to the Valley Isle for unique experiences and here are six of the best you can have.
Explore a dormant volcano
1. Haleakalā National Park
Natural Feature, Park
Wander through a lavender farm
2. Ali'i Kula Lavender
Shop
Lavender may not be a tropical plant, but the cool weather and elevation of upland Maui creates the perfect environment for it to thrive. For nearly 20 years this lavender farm and shop has been a relaxing oasis for those looking to buy organic lavender products and learn homeopathic remedies. Farm tours highlight 45 varieties of lavender alongside olive trees, hydrangea, protea, and succulents framed by picturesque views of the island. Locals from the outer islands love to stop and pick up gifts for friends and family back home.
Once a cinder cone, Molokini atoll, sits in the clear blue waters just off of Makena State Park and attracts all sorts of marine life, from colorful fish to honu (green sea turtles). The eroded crater is now a protected State Marine Life & Bird Conservation District and one of the most sought-after scuba locations. Due to its status, access to the waters around Molokini is controlled. The island is only reachable through one of the many organized tour groups and boat hires.
Walk through one of Hawaii’s most famous ancient battlefields
3. ʻĪao Valley State Monument
Botanical Garden, Park
Witness the epic power of mother nature
4. Peʻahi
Natural Feature
Bike down a shield volcano
Visitors can sign up for one of the many morning bike excursions down the slopes of Haleakalā. The unique experience starts above the clouds and takes cyclists past breathtaking views overlooking the entire island—an incredible photo opportunity. This activity is seamlessly pairable with a sunrise viewing at the summit, making for a one-of-a-kind start to the day.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.