Though similar in appearance to mountain caves which are formed over a period of time these tube-like lava caverns are formed within a few weeks of a volcanic eruption. The Hana Lava Tube also known as the Ka’eleku Caverns is one such geological formation formed out of volcanic lava. It consists of stalactites, stalagmite, lava balls and tunnels. Explore the tube with a guided tour and marvel at this mesmerizing natural oddity. Make sure to wear good footwear while visiting this amazing place.
Touted as the largest tropical aquaria with a reef in the Western Hemisphere, this impressive oceanfront aquarium has become one of most popular attractions of Maui. With more than 50 marine habitats, a massive ocean exhibit and a Whale Discovery Center, this is a must-see for anyone interested in the undersea world. Guided tours and audio guides are available, and there is an entertaining Keiki Program for the little ones. Check out the Marine Mammal Discovery Center here—it is educational and fun too!
Many of Maui's highlights are best viewed from above. This company offers a plethora of excellent helicopter tours, including a West Maui Tour, Hana/Haleakala Tour, Moloka'i Tour and a Complete Island Tour. See Haleakala Crater, the waterfalls of heavenly Hana, the majestic West Maui Mountains and more —the wonders never cease. Tours are between 30 and 65 minutes long and cost USD147.50-318.60 per person . If you would like to plan out your own itinerary, ask about private charters.
There's enough on Maui to keep you busy above ground, but things can get overwhelming when you start looking below sea level. There are colonies of sea turtles, pods of dolphins, living coral reefs and hundreds of species of tropical fish. Makena Charters show you just a small portion of what there is to see: underwater caves, the reefs off Molokini, a sunken World War II tank, Turtle Town and more. The underwater action is nonstop. This is one of the last remaining six-person dive boats. Beginners and certified divers are welcome.
The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens are a haven for the island's native flora. Dedicated to preserving the indigenous plants the botanical gardens, abbreviated as MNBG, strives to conserve the native plants and to spread knowledge and an understanding about these plants, by taking initiatives via programs, cultural events, clubs and more. Besides conserving the native plants, the MNBG also educates people on water conservation methods like xeriscaping, in collaboration with local government. A visit to these gardens is a sensual treat as well as a learning experience. See the website for more information.
If you've spent any time at all on the Hawaiian Islands, the green, pink and blue-striped vans of Polynesian Adventure Tours are probably a familiar sight. These island tours are conducted throughout the state of Hawai'i and offer a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities. Tours conducted on Maui include the Haleakala and Central Maui tour, the Haleakala Sunrise tour, the Haleakala Sunset tour and the ever-popular Hana tour. Check out the website for more information.