One of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii, Maui’s Molokini Crater is the perfect morning getaway for anyone looking to enjoy spectacular views, clear water, and an array of marine life in the Aloha State.

But whether you choose to explore the Crater while snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, or even kayaking and outrigger canoeing, it shouldn’t be your only thing on the list for the day! Below we give you more options for exciting Maui activities that can be combined with your day trip to Molokini.

Top 10 Maui Activities: Before & After Molokini Crater

*Note: For those who plan on scuba diving at Molokini, remember to stay below an elevation of 1,000 feet for the remainder of the day.

 

#1 Maui Zipline

Only a 10 to 30-minute drive from Ma’alaea Harbor, Kihei Boat Ramp, and Lahaina Harbor (operational again, but you’re better off leaving from closer.) These are the departure points for the majority of boat tours to Molokini Crater. Maui Zipline is an excellent post-Crater stop and one of the most family-friendly land tours on Maui.

Their 5-line zip tour, located on the lush Maui Tropical Plantation grounds in Waikapu, offers side-by-side ziplines for the whole family. With friendly guides and killer views of the tropical grounds, Haleakala Volcano, and nearby West Maui Mountains, guests of all ages will enjoy this island thrill.

#2 Visit ‘Īao Valley State Monument

Located 3 miles west of Wailuku, Iao Valley is one of our absolute favorite spots on Maui. With rich historical significance as the former battleground between Maui’s army and King Kamehameha, as well as breathtaking natural beauty, we highly recommend a visit.

Non-Hawaiʻi residents now need advance reservations, with $5 admission per person and $10 parking per vehicle. It’s also one of the most cost-effective ways to explore more of the island. Walk the lush park grounds, admiring the steep mountainous walls, and climb the stairs up to the overlook for Iao Needle, the park’s 1,200-foot natural landmark. You may even want to take a quick a stroll along the Iao Stream!

#3 Delicious feast, show, and sunset

Even if you head to Molokini in the late morning, you’ll have plenty of time to get cleaned up and enjoy what most consider a Maui Must Do!  Luaus in Maui share the beauty of the Polynesian culture through delicious food, great drinks, lively show, powerful music, and all with a view of the sunset over the water.

Our favorite part comes at the end of most luaus:  The Samoan Fire-Knife Dancing!  If you didn’t see it, you went to the wrong luau!

#4 Go Beach Hopping

If you haven’t already had enough fun in the sun, it’s not too late! Grab the SPF and get ready for some sandy goodness on some of Maui’s best beaches. Below we’ve chosen our favorite beaches in each area of the island (except for East Maui, because we don’t recommend trying to make it here the same day you’re going to Molokini). Just remember – when in doubt, don’t go out!

South (Kihei, Wailea, Makena): Charley Young Beach, Keawakapu Beach, Makena “Big” Beach (watch out for the shore break!), and Paako Beach (aka Secret Beach)

North (Paia, Haiku): Baldwin Beach, Ho’okipa Beach Park (great for watching surfers and windsurfers)

West (Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua): Kaanapali Beach (cliff diving at Black Rock), Napili Bay, D.T. Flemings Beach Park

#5 Explore a Lava Field

La Perouse is the southernmost accessible (driving) point of Maui, named for French naval officer and explorer Jean-Francois de Galaup Comte de Laperouse (whew!), who landed here in 1786. Once a predominant local fishing area, the villages of La Perouse were covered by a’a (jagged) lava when Haleakala Volcano erupted in roughly 1420-1620.

Drive south past Makena and onto the paved road built into the lava field, and continue south to La Perouse Bay, where you can explore the area’s archaeological sites and perhaps even witness pods of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins swimming in the waters (keep in mind they’re protected, so don’t approach within 50 yards.) Avid hikers may enjoy the King’s Highway Trail, a 5.5 mile, exposed (and hot) hike that leads to Kanai’o Beach.

#6 Get a Massage

While there are a ton of amazing spas to choose from around Maui, we’re guessing that you’d like to do as little work as possible in order to get a relaxing massage.

Fortunately, Maui’s Best Massage offers massage service in the heart of Kihei. Cheehoo! Book one of several types of massages, including relaxation, deep tissue, Hawaiian lomi lomi, couples or group massage, and treat yourself to a day of pampering. Head to the Island Surf building 1993 South Kihei Rd Suite 19 right next to South Maui Gardens and the Cove Park.

#7 Explore Part of the Road to Hāna

Doing the entire Road to Hāna after Molokini would make for a very long day, but you definitely don’t have to drive the whole route. Head east for a few hours and stop at waterfalls, viewpoints, beaches, and roadside stands before turning around when you’ve had enough. We recommend driving yourself and using the GuideAlong app, which gives you GPS-triggered commentary along the way and helps point out worthwhile stops without requiring you to follow a strict itinerary.

#8 Go Roller Skating

Sometimes there’s no better way to shake off those sea legs than strapping yourself in a pair of skates. Maui Inline Hockey Association hosts public skating at its outdoor rink in Kalama Park in Kīhei on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 9 pm, excluding holidays.

Bring your own skates and admission is free, or rent a pair for $10, payable by cash or Venmo. The rink is just steps from views of the ocean making this fun for the kids, and adults who don’t mind channeling their inner kid.

#9 Dinner and Sunset

After a morning at Molokini, Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse is an easy lunch, happy hour, or dinner option right at Māʻalaea Harbor. They’re open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, with last seating at 8:30, and the restaurant overlooks the harbor from the lower level of the Maui Ocean Center Shops.

The current dinner menu focuses on fresh fish and chophouse cuts, with dishes including steamed Kona kanpachi, Fish & Poi with grilled ahi, diver scallops, cioppino, and a Harborside Catch of the Day, along with Prime and Wagyu steaks. Sides include Lapaʻau Farm grilled broccolini, local corn, crispy potatoes, and crab mac and cheese.

Parking is free for everyone after 5 pm in the Maui Harbor Shops lot. During the day, parking is free for locals and hourly for visitors. That makes Havens an especially convenient stop for dinner and evening harbor views after a day on the water.

We hope you have a life-changing trip, and enjoy many of the magnificent views and adventures Maui has to offer! Mahalo for reading, and please let us know what activities we missed in the comment section below.

#10 More Time on the Water!

If Molokini leaves you wanting more time on the ocean, there are plenty of ways to keep the day going. Maui Custom Charters offers private sailing and snorkeling trips where you can explore other reefs and snorkel spots around Maui, or simply relax and sail the coastline at your own pace.

During whale season, Redline Rafting is another great option. Their smaller rafts sit low to the water, making it especially exciting when humpbacks surface nearby.

And if you still haven’t had enough ocean time, finish the day with a Maui sunset dinner cruise from Māʻalaea, complete with dinner, drinks, and sunset views from the water.