A Maui Summer Bucket List
The days heat up, local mango trees drip with ripe fruit and colorful parasail parachutes paint the Ka’anapali sky – ah yes, it is officially summer on Maui! Now, you might be thinking… but isn’t it always summer in Hawaii?! And if you think of summer as warm temps that lend themselves to tons of outdoor fun, then yes, it kinda is. But, if you dive a little deeper, you’ll quickly see what makes Maui’s summer months truly distinct.
Here’s what’s on our summer bucket list!
ZIP AROUND ON A JET SKI!
During the winter months (mid-December through mid-May), Maui’s warm, shallow waters are home to beautiful migrating humpback whales from Alaska. Therefore, if you’ve got the itch to zip around on a jet ski, you’ll want to do that when the whales have left for the season and jet skis are permitted to operate (mid-May through mid-December).
For research’s sake 😉, Brandon and I went jet skiing with Jet Ski Maui, which departs daily from Ka’anapali Beach (in front of Whalers Village). We had a blast (despite our differing definitions of “fast”)! Our biggest takeaways:
Make reservations in advance and if you can, select the morning (the water is calmer and there should be less “back up of reservations”)
Be patient – it’s first come, first served even with a reservation so you may not be able to go out exactly at the time you reserved. Just enjoy the beach until they’re ready for you!
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, towels and slippers (flip flops) AND bring these with you out to the jet ski platform (there are cubbies out there!)
Most importantly, have fun!
PARASAIL IN PARADISE
Just like jet skiing, parasailing is only permitted outside of whale season – mid-May through mid-December. If you’ve dreamed of seeing Maui from about 50 stories up with the fresh air in your face, parasailing is a must!
Brandon, his mom, sister and I went out with West Maui Parasail and had a great experience. They depart from Lahaina Harbor and Ka’anapali Beach and you have a choice of going tandem (with a buddy) or solo. You can also choose to get wet or stay dry (we chose the dip, which we definitely recommend). Lastly, want to document the whole thing but don’t feel like juggling your phone or GoPro? They have a photo package so you can be sure to get “the shot.”
TASTE FRESH MANGO & LYCHEE
Just when you thought summer in Hawaii couldn’t get any sweeter, we’re here to tell you that mango and lychee are in season locally! This makes it the perfect time to visit a farmers market (like our favorite Upcountry Farmers Market in Pukalani on Saturday mornings from 7am – 11am – go early and bring a bag!) and stock up on these fresh fruits. Oh, also be on the lookout for mango and lychee treats and drinks all over the island as chefs, bakers and mixologists incorporate these summer faves into delectable menu items that you won’t want to miss!
SNORKEL HONOLUA BAY
While you can technically snorkel Honolua Bay throughout the year, the water is more consistently calm here in the summer months making it an ideal time to visit! Just north of Kapalua at mile marker 32, it is one of the best places to snorkel on Maui. Some things to note:
Parking can be limited. Make sure to park in a designated area, ensure you are not blocking traffic and do not leave valuables.
There is a little walk to the bay. It’s beautiful and through a tree-covered area – as with anywhere in Hawaii, make sure to stay on the trail.
Once at the bay, observe conditions before jumping in but typically in the summer months, the water should be calm and great for snorkeling!
There isn’t a beach but rather a rocky area to leave your belongings.
Lastly, Honolua Bay is also frequented by boat tour operators throughout the summer so if you’d prefer to sail there, that is an option, too!
SURF THE SOUTH SWELL
Admittedly, I am not a surfer (maybe one day!) but it’s still worth noting that summer is a great time to surf the south swell on the west and south sides of the island. From Launiopoko and the Cove for the beginners to more advanced areas, check out the World of Maui’s Guide to Maui’s Surf Breaks for a deep dive into the best places to surf during the summer months.
Looking for more Maui fun? Check out our favorite camping spots!
