5 Unusual Things to Do in Maui

So you’ve hit the beaches, done some snorkeling, and spent a day stopping along the Road to Hana – so, what’s next? Whether you’ve already hit all the major Maui attractions or are looking to add a totally unique experience to your itinerary, here are 5 unusual things to do on your next trip to Maui.

Take Mermaid Swimming Lessons

If you’ve ever considered trading your legs for fins, now’s your time to shine. Hawaii Mermaid Adventures “empowers humans to transform into mermaids and explore the marine world gaining deeper appreciation and connection to our home, the ocean”.

With locations in both South and West Maui, Hawaii Mermaid Adventures gives family members of all ages the chance to swim like a mermaid in the ocean, wearing your very own mermaid tail! Each lesson is taught by a certified lifeguard and swim instructor and includes free underwater photos to take home with you. 

In addition to learning how to swim like a mermaid, all instructors are certified marine naturalists ready to educate you on ocean conservation and marine wildlife. By the end of your lesson, you’ll not only be a mermaid extraordinaire but an advocate for the ocean and an environmental expert, too! 

Lessons start at $199 per mermaid, or $139 per mermaid when there are two or more people in your group. You can book your lesson here.

Visit the Ocean Vodka Distillery

You may already know that Maui has a strong craft beer and brewery scene, with popular spots including Maui Brewing Company and Kohola Brewing. However, you may be surprised to learn that the island has its very own vodka distillery that’s open to visitors. 

Ocean Organic Vodka is produced at the Hawaii Sea Spirits Farm & Distillery, located on the slopes of Haleakala between the north and south shores of Maui. The property includes a farm, distillery, and cafe surrounded by sweeping panoramic views of the island. Visitors are welcome to tours and tastings, where they can learn about sustainable farm and distilling practices all while tasting the final product! 

Tours and tastings run every 30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are strongly encouraged and can be booked here. 

Rappel a Waterfall 

Thrill-seekers and daredevils: your search for the perfect activity stops here. 

Rappel Maui is Maui’s only rappelling tour, offering classic and private tours for those looking for a truly unique island adventure.. If you’re unfamiliar with the outdoor adventure sport, rappelling is the act of descending down a cliff or vertical terrain (such as a waterfall) via rope. 

Located in the jungles of East Maui, Rappel Maui offers an exciting, eco-friendly, and adventurous way to enjoy everything the tropical rainforest has to offer. The classic tour starts at $228 per person, runs 3 hours long, and includes 3 different rappelling experiences off waterfalls and canyons. 

Private tours are offered for small parties of 1-8 people and start at $2,125. These tours run a maximum of 8 hours and can include options for private transportation, deluxe lunches, and more.

If you’re ready to check rappelling off your bucket list while in Maui, you can book your tour here.

Take a Pineapple Plantation Tour

If Maui is known for one thing besides its beaches, it may be for its pineapples. Aside from them being sweet and delicious, there’s a ton of Hawaiian history and culture behind the famous Maui Gold pineapple, and you can learn about it all through a pineapple plantation tour in Hali’imaile. 

Head to Maui’s upcountry for the day and visit the famous Maui Gold Plantation with Maui Pineapple Tours. During your 1.5-hour tour, you’ll learn all about the growing cycle and cultivation techniques, with the opportunity to taste as you go. The tour costs $75 per adult and $65 per child, which includes a free Maui Gold Pineapple for you to take home. 

The fun doesn’t stop there: when you’re done with your plantation tour, stop by the Hali’imaile Distillery for a quick 45-minute tour. The distillery is a nearby neighbor of the Maui Gold Plantation, producing handcrafted Hawaiian spirits. There’s even a tour option for those under 21. 

Maui Pineapple Tours operates tours three times a day, every day. Book your tickets here.

Hali’imaile Distilling Company is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are $12 for adults and $10 for kids, and can be booked here.

Attend a Farm-to-Table Outdoor Dinner Party

Maui is filled with plenty of fine dining options, but if you’re looking for a truly local gastronomic experience, look no further than Kiawe Outdoor’s dinner party. 

Kiawe Outdoor was founded by Maui local and advanced sommelier Yeshua Goodman in 2017, who has continued curating outdoor dining experiences ever since. He puts a focus on local food sources, often hunting them himself, and pairs them with incredible wines and craft beverages. All food is prepared and cooked fireside, paying homage to the rich tradition of real Hawaiian cooking. 

The only thing better than the food itself may be the various venues. Dinners are hosted all across the island, from upcountry fields to posh resorts like The Four Seasons and Hotel Wailea. Every detail is thought of – think bohemian outdoor furniture, strung-up fairy lights, and candlelit dining tables all with a view of sunset. 

To learn more information on private events and upcoming public events, visit their website here.

Start planning your Maui vacation with our Maui Vacation Planning Guide.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Chris Allan/Shutterstock.com.