Things To Do Before You Croak

Boss Frog’s has put together the Ultimate Bucket List!  We call it Things To Do Before You Croak! (SIDE NOTE: If you like the image on the right, it’s been made into a Tshirt of which you can purchase from Boss Frog’s Dive & Surf shops or online by clicking on the image.)

The following are 30 fun things you shouldn’t miss out on in life, or while visiting the magic isle of Maui, Hawaii.

1. Snorkel Molokini

You’ve undoubtedly heard about Molokini Crater off of the South Coast of Maui.  The inner bowl is built perfectly to protect ocean life, which in turn provides the best snorkeling experience possible.  It’s a very short trip from Maalaea Harbor (the closest harbor to Molokini.)  We suggest taking the Quicksilver or the Frogman II.

2. Cruise on a Bike

You know that feeling you get when you ride a bike on a sunny summer day with the warm wind against your body, grin from ear to ear?  Well you can have that feeling anytime of year in Maui.  Rent a beach cruiser and hop from beach to beach.  Or, if you’re a more serious biker, rent a road bike and explore the island more fully.

3. Witness Haleakala at Sunrise

Sunrise from 10,000 feet above sea level is tough to beat.  The beauty of watching from the top of Haleakala is in the ability to be above the clouds as well as have views of nearby islands and ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see.  You can make this trip by yourself, or you can make it part of a bike trip down the volcano.

4. Learn to Surf

Learning to surf has never been easier.  Both the west and south sides of Maui have experienced surfing schools that can teach you in calm waters with big foam boards.  It’s always easier to learn with someone there to help you.  Take advantage of small waves and warm water in Maui. Or, if you’re an experienced surfer, rent a board from Boss Frog’s and go where you think is best.

5. Cruise Lahaina Town

Lahaina is mecca for visitors because of its old town charm and plentiful shopping possibilities.  The restaurants have great views and are literally hanging over the ocean.  While in Lahaina, cruise by Boss Frog’s and ask about activities and the best sights to see.

6. Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is famous for its rugged beauty and winding turns.  The trip can be as long as you’d like because there are endless photo opportunities on the coastline, in the rainforest, and in front of waterfalls.  Rent a car or take a tour.

7. Watch Sunset

Maui is world famous for incredible sunsets.  It’s rare to watch a sunset on Maui and not see brilliant colors.  Find a nice spot on the ocean and park your butt in the sand or grass for a while.  Bring some food and drinks and make it a mini event.  Best Show In Maui!

8. Go to a Luau

Home of the luau, Maui has loads of incredible luaus that fit all budgets and styles.  Looking for a romantic meal? Check out Feast At Lele.  Want the whole family to be happy? Check out the Wailea Luau.  These shows have views of the ocean, live music, Hawaiian history and lore, large exotic meals, fire dancers and plenty of hula dancing.

9. Maui Dinner Cruise

The best view of any restaurant in Maui has to be on a boat.  The Quicksilver will take you out for a few hours with live music, excellent food, and a great view of the sunset over the ocean.  You can’t beat this one with a stick.

10. Go Whale Watching

In season (Mid December to Mid April), Humpback Whales make their journey to Hawaii to mate, give birth, and to take a vacation from colder waters.  During this time, you’ll find whales launching out of the water as well as plenty of other exciting surface activity.  Watching them play is a definite bucket list item.

11. Helicopter Tour

Seeing Maui from above is an incredible thrill.  Most tours will take you up next to waterfalls that you can’t see in any other way.  Many tours are available including trips to Hana, Molokai, and a circle of Maui.

12. Bottom Fishing

Like fishing?  You haven’t lived until you’ve gone fishing in Maui waters.  Have a professional guide captain you to their favorite fishing grounds.  Catch all kinds of tropical fish and enjoy the freshest feast of seafood you can get!

13. Go Ziplining

Not many activities in Maui are quite as exhilarating as the zipline tours.  Glide over rainforest hundreds of feet above.  You’ll be truly flying as you hit top speeds while enjoying incredible 360 views of the island.

14. Art Gallery Hoping

Maui is famous for its art galleries.  Check the old whaling town of Lahaina, the cowboy town of Makawao, or the quite farming area of Kula for local arts and crafts.

15. Day Trip to Lanai

Go snorkeling, scuba diving, or just exploring on the nearby island of Lanai.  Lanai is a sleepy, beautiful island most famous for its pineapple farms.  Scuba diving at the Cathedrals is a must if you’re into awe inspiring dives.

16. Sailing in Makena

True relaxation can only be measured while gliding through the waters on a sailing catamaran in south Maui.  Enjoy cocktails, sunset views, and warm breezes.

17. Bike the Volcano

Ride effortlessly for miles down the slopes of Haleakala Crater.  There are a few ways to do this.  Rent a bike and go yourself (organize a ride and pick up), or go on a tour.  If you rent a bike you can go to 10,000 feet and watch the sunrise from the summit then ride directly down.  On a tour, you can do the same thing, but you’ll have to start riding from the base of the park at around 6,500 feet.

18. Eat Local Food

Try some local grinds like pulled kalua pork, teri chicken, and sticky rice.  There are quite a few places to go to, or you can find most of these items at a luau.

19. Watch Big Waves

Depending on swell and time of year, you might be on Maui during some big waves.  Check out Jaws on the North shore, or watch the best of the best surf the perfection at Honolua Bay.  If the wind comes up, go to Kite beach and watch kiters fly 100 feet in the air between carving. Wind surfers are also fun to watch on the North side at Hookipa.

20. Family Portraits

Remember your trip forever by booking a quick family portrait.  Find a photographer whose style and price you like, then meet for a quick hour before dinner during sunset on a beach.  You’ll get great photos that you’ll keep forever.

21. Go to the Beach

Of course, we don’t need to tell you to go to the beach.  Where ever you’re staying, you’re probably not far from a great beach.  Hang out, have a picnic, do some swimming, and enjoy soaking up rays.

22. Maui Golfing

Maui has some amazing golf courses all over the island.  Makena has some pristine courses as well as Kapalua.  You can get some great deals if you don’t mind doing twilight for 9.  Only problem is keeping your eye on the ball instead of the sunset.

23. Fine Dining in Maalaea

You can find loads of great restaurants in Maui that serve high-end, unique dishes from the best chefs in the world.  We suggest trying a spot in Maalaea like the Waterfront because before eating you can go for a snorkel or cocktail cruise.

24. Scuba Dive

Diving in Maui is great if you know where to go.  Go on a boat dive and have master divers show you the best spots to explore.

25. Maui Submarine Tour

When we first heard about this tour, we equated it with Disneyland.  Much to our surprise, this tour is amazing!  They took us well below 100 feet to see things that only experienced scuba divers can see.  Watch schools of fish, manta rays, and a sunken ship from the comfort of an air conditioned cabin.

26. Camping in Maui

If you like camping, you’ll love camping in Maui.  You can rent a lot of the gear you’ll need on island and pay very little for accommodations.  Enjoy the warm weather and beautiful camping locations Maui has to offer.

27. Paddle Boarding

Rent a paddle board and see Maui in a new light!  They’re relatively easy to use and will give you the opportunity to see ocean life such as reef and fish from above.  It’s fun and a great work out.

28. Horseback Riding

The horseback trails on Maui have incredible views that you’ll see no where else.  Enjoy the peace and beauty of well trained and well cared for animals as you travel to spots you can’t get to any other way.

29. Beach BBQ

It’s cheap, fun, and unforgettable eating BBQ on the beach in Maui.  Use some of the permanent BBQ set ups found at most beach parks and make a feast in between jumping in the ocean and getting a tan.

30. Visit the Iao Valley

Iao Valley is easy to get to and far from where you think you are.  Traveling to Iao is like stepping into Jurassic Park.  The cliffs are steep and lush with life.  The stream and the Iao Needle are must sees while visiting Hawaii.

Well, there you have it! We hope you like our list!  If you think we’ve missed something, register on this blog and become an author.  Mahalo!

Please use your head when doing any of the above activities.  Some of these things can be dangerous, and we recommend you have a guide and go on a structured tour.  We are not responsible for any loss of property or injury you may incur from participating in any of the above activities.  Use your head, and be safe.  Aloha!