The trick to planning a fun trip for couples is making sure you have a fun mix of things that both people would find fun! For me, I think massages, hiking, and snorkeling! For my hubby, he thinks golfing, ATVing, and eating sushi! 😉
In this guide, I list a bunch of things that are fun activities to do with each other, and mix things that both men AND women like to do.
At the bottom of this guide, I go over all the important things you should know when planning your Maui trip like best area to stay in & a few must-pack items! 🙂
Here are some more Maui Itineraries that I think you would love!
- 5 Day Maui Itinerary – Perfect for First Timers!
- Road to Hana Itinerary
- 30 Fun Things to do in Kaanapali!
- Which Hawaiian Island is best?
There’s a chance this free guide contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through some of these links, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) that goes towards little Rosie’s dog treats! This trip was also graciously hosted by Kaanpali Resort Association, Hyatt Regency and Aston at the Whaler. As always (and per FTC guidelines), all opinions are my own!
1. Catamaran Cruise
This was by far my favorite thing that Joseph and I did on our 5 Day Maui Trip! There are a few catamaran companies that take off in Kaanapali beach that I am sure do a good job, but I couldn’t recommend Teralani Sailing enough! They provided dinner, bottomless drinks (not just pre-made Mai Tais, but actual cocktails), had a photographer on board, and we even saw a huge pod of spinner dolphins playing in the wake of the boat! 🙂
We did the sunset dinner cruise, but they have a few other tour options available! Click here to see more.
2. Grab fish from a local fish market and cook dinner at your place
If you are staying where we stayed, Aston at the Whaler, you will have a full kitchen & a beautiful wrap around balcony!
The fish is as fresh as can be in Maui, so I would recommend going to a local fish market and grabbing stuff for a nice meal. I don’t know about you, but I always get so sick of eating out on a vacation and like to mix up my meals with something home cooked.
If you don’t want to cook a full dinner, you can also grab some fresh fruit, pastries, and some coffee to enjoy on your balcony instead! 🙂
This was our hotel balcony at the Aston at the Whaler! Isn’t it gorgeous?! The hotel comes with a full kitchen for cooking!
3. Drums of the Pacific Luau
A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without a Luau! It’s a Hawaiian staple!
Joseph and I did the best luau on the island, Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt! It was right on the ocean, had a great mix of culture / history with modern jokes, and the food was great.
TIP: I would get to the Hyatt a little early to explore their gorgeous hotel! They have a large swan lake, penguin habitat, & flamingos!
4. Go Swimming in Waterfalls along the Road to Hana
Just like attending a Luau, you can’t go to Maui without doing the famous Road to Hana! This challenging road trip is on the “wet” side of the island, which means there are hundreds of waterfalls dotting the highway.
A few swimming waterfalls along the Road to Hana are Twin Falls, Pua’a Ka’a Falls, Wailua Falls, and Seven Sacred Pools.
The Road to Hana is a FULL day, filled with so much adventure! You can explore black sand beaches, hike through bamboo forests, rope swing into waterfalls, and so much more. There is nothing more romantic than experiencing all that together 🙂
Click here to read my full Road to Hana Itinerary that lists all the best stops!
Want to edit like I do?! Click here to check out my one-click presets!
5. Arrange a Luxury Picnic on the Beach
This probably takes the cake for the most romantic thing to do in Maui for couples! I think this is such a cute idea to celebrate a special occasion like a Birthday or anniversary. 🙂
Maui Luxe Picnics will set up the most dreamy set up right on the beach! All you have to do is show up and they take care of EVERYTHING. Food, drinks, lighting, fresh flowers, decoration set up, and clean up!
6. Rent a Day Bed on the Beach
This was the day I felt like I was truly on “vacation.” Getting a day bed right on the water is 1000x better than just having chairs at the pool, promise you that.
The day beds are nice a cushiony, have shade, and you have so much privacy to just enjoy the ocean views! Joseph and I rented a day bed from the pool at the Hyatt, which we were treated like royalty!!
We rented our Day bed from the Hyatt Regency, which were surprisingly affordable, only $225 for the entire day (2021 rates). Click here to book!
Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more photography inspo!
7. Golfing in Kaanapali
“Happy Husband Happy Life,” that’s the saying right?!
I don’t mind golfing… and when I say golfing, I mean sipping on a mimosa and watching my man golf from the golf cart. 🙂 But if I were to golf, Kaanapali is the place to do so! The courses are GOREGOUS. Almost every hole had ocean views!
Another bonus to golfing in Kaanapali is manifesting our future lives by looking at all the insanely huge homes along the golf course 😉
Here are the main golf courses on the west side of Maui:
- Kaanapali Golf Course (where we went)
- Plantation Course
- The Bay Course
8. Couples Massage
This is the perfect thing to do in Maui to get rid of jet lag! 🙂
I always like to keep the first day of a vacation, especially one with a time change, pretty relaxing! And what better activity than a relaxing spa day?!
There are plenty of local, boutique massage parlors along Kaanapali. Or you can opt in for a full spa day at one of the resorts, which you usually get access to their amenities for the day.
9. Couple’s Surfing Lesson
Trying out surfing together is such a fun idea for things to do in Maui for couples! There are private surfing lessons that take off right on Kaanapali Beach and will teach you all the basics.
I’ve done a surfing lesson before, and man is it humbling! You don’t realize how challenging it is and how much there is to know until you get out their yourself!
Here is a private surfing lesson right on Kaanapali Beach!
10. Watch the sunset or sunrise at Haleakala
This is one of the main things I did not do on my trip to Maui and felt like a really missed out on something! The sunrise from Haleakala looks absolutely incredible. You get to sit above the clouds and watch the sunrise over the island, seems magical!
Since this is a popular attraction, you will need to make a reservation for Haleakala National Park, specifically a sunrise reservation. If you don’t want to have to drive and deal with permits, there are plenty of tours that will pick you up right in Kaanapali Beach area. Click here to check those out!
TIP: Be sure to bring many layers if you plan to go for sunrise! You will be freezing your butt off waiting for the sun to rise, but once it rises, you may get warm!
11. Take a Helicopter Tour
This is another one of those things I felt I missed out on, but ever since Kobe Bryant’s tragic accident… My fiance will not step foot on a helicopter.
SO, if you get the opportunity to see Maui from above, let me know in the comments so I can live vicariously through you 🙂
There are certain waterfalls and hidden beaches that can only be seen by helicopter! Doing a helicopter tour allows you to see a completely untouched side of Maui, which I think is so beautiful.
If you do a helicopter tour, be sure to ask about their safety ratings and make sure they have good reviews. Here is a list of helicopter tours of Maui with reviews listed!
12. Have a sunset dinner at Japengo
WOW. I am not what you call a “foodie,” but this was one of the highlights of my trip! If you are a sushi fan, you MUST make a reservation at Japengo for dinner. The food, the service, the ambience.. everything was completely 5 star.
The restaurant is at the Hyatt regency, and has a large outdoor patio just steps from the beach. This place books up well in advance, so the second you book your flight to Maui.. book your reservation at Japengo. 🙂
12. Hire a Local Photographer
What better souvenir to take home than amazing photos of you and your partner in one of the most beautiful places on the planet?!
There are TONS of photographers that live in Hawaii, which most you can probably just find on Instagram by searching “Maui Photographer.” Or if you would rather see their portfolio online and read reviews, Viator is my go-to!
Here is a Maui photographer that has great reviews!
This photo was taken from our Balcony at the Hyatt Regency! Looks at that view! 🙂
13. Horseback Riding
Hawaii has a state law the prohibits any horseback riding on the beaches. Partly because the waves can be too big and the other part it is not very sanitary for such a popular beach.
Don’t worry though, there are still plenty of chances to get your horse fix! Most tours will be in the beautiful valleys or ranches that surround Kaanapali, or this tour takes you to waterfalls. 🙂
Luckily, in a great state like Hawaii, you don’t have to stress too much about making sure the tour companies are ethical. But always remember to look into animal excursion tours to make sure they are following ethical standards!
14. Do a Whale Watching Tour
Maui is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales since there is a natural sanctuary, called Maui Nui Basin, on the west side of Maui. The surrounding Hawaiian islands keep the whales safe and make for perfect whale watching opportunities!
If this is something that is high on your bucket list, be sure to book your trip to Maui between November – March during their annual migration.
Here are whale watching tours that take off from the west side of Maui.
15. Go Zip Lining
If you are going to try out zip lining anywhere, Maui is the place to do it! What is more romantic than swinging through the jungle, seeing panoramic ocean views, and getting to experience the adventure of lifetime together?
Kapalua Ziplines is not too far from the west side of Maui, has ocean views during the zipline and the best part… has the largest dual zip lines in Maui!
16. Wine Tasting
Did you know there’s a winery in Maui? Ya, most people don’t!
If you’re a fan of desert wine and unique flavored wine, this spot is for you! MauiWine specializes in pineapple, raspberry, and grape wine. Tastings range from $12 to $15, where you get to try 3 different wines. Click here for their flight options!
The winery is in a pretty remote area of Maui, on the southwest side of the island. You need to drive all the way towards the airport and around the side of Haleakala. For reference, if you are staying in Kaanapali Beach area, it is a little over an hour drive each way.
If you want to make the trip over there, but want a few more ideas to fill up your day, here are a few attractions nearby:
- Maui Lavender Farms
- Surfing Goat Dairy Farm – Exactly what it sounds like… goats on surf boards, ha!
- Waihou Springs Reserve
17. Snorkeling
When Joseph and I went to Maui, it was the first time he has ever snorkeled! There is nothing more amazing than seeing your partner’s face light up when they get to see all the life under the water for the first time.
The best snorkeling on Maui is easily Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach (or as the local’s call it, Pu’u Keka’a). In the afternoon, it’s almost guaranteed to see friendly sea turtles.
If you want to venture out, you can also do a snorkeling cruise to Molokini or take a scuba diving lesson!
This photo was edited with my Tropical Blues Preset Pack!
18. Parasailing
There are endless adventure opportunities in Hawaii (many have been named on this guide), and parasailing is on that list!
What makes this such a fun activity to do with your partner is that most parasailing tours allow you to go up in a pair. There are a few parasailing tours throughout the island, all of them taking off right from the beaches. If you are staying in Kaanapali Beach area, UFO Parasail is what I would recommend!
Recommended Read: 30 Things to do in Kaanapali Beach!
19. Day trip to Lanai
Why not check another Hawaiian island off your bucket list? Lanai is a neighboring island that you can easily see right off the coast of Maui! There are snorkeling tours that will take you over there, or you can just take the ferry to explore for a few hours.
If you take the ferry, you can book tickets right online and the ride is only about 45 minutes. Round Trip tickets are $60 and can be booked here!
Rather do a tour that includes snorkeling in the reefs surrounding Lanai? Here is one that takes you snorkeling, most of the time sees pods of dolphins, includes meals, and takes you to Lanai.
20. Share Hawaiian Shaved Ice
You can’t go to Hawaii without getting a shaved ice! Well, you are on vacation.. so no judgement if you get a few 😉
There are so many shops to get shaved ice, especially in the touristy areas. But I asked the locals what the best spot was on the island and they all recommended Ululani’s Hawaiian Shaved ice!
They have many locations throughout Maui, one located right at the Hyatt Regency!
Where to Stay on Maui?
West Maui is the most popular place to stay, specifically Kaanapali Beach! This is where you will have access to all the best resorts, best restaurants, best beaches, best snorkeling, best golf courses, and more (are you seeing a trend here?)!
There are many resorts along this stretch of beach, so I decided to split my time between two hotels to see which one I liked best!
The first one I stayed at was the Aston at the Whaler, which was amazing! It is a condo style hotel, so you will have a huge balcony, full kitchen, living area to relax in, and it is a very quiet property. The hotel was also in the best area of Kaanapali beach, located right in between Black Rock Snorkeling (best on the island) & Whaler’s Village (where all the restaurants & shops are).
The rush after COVID (when I went) was WILD. You would have to make reservations 2 weeks out or… you aren’t eating! It was really nice to have a full kitchen and dining area to eat breakfast / lunch at.
For the second half of my stay, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency, which was BEAUTIFUL! It’s a resort-style hotel, so you will have a large pool with waterslides, swim up bar, cabanas along the beach, and several restaurants on the property. Not to mention they also have penguins, flamingos, and swans on the property.. which for an animal lover, that’s all I could ask for! 🙂
The Hyatt is on the southern end of Kaanapali Beach, which has it’s pros and cons! It’s a little less than a mile walk to Whaler’s Village (where all the restaurants and shops are), but I think it’s worth it because the beach area in front of the Hyatt is so quiet and peaceful! Plus, a walk on the scenic Kaanapali Boardwalk isn’t the worst thing 😉
My Pick?
Overall, I think it will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for!
Looking to head to a local fish market and cook yourself an amazing dinner in a full size kitchen? Then the Aston at the Whaler is for you!
Want to relax on a lawn chair and keep the Pina Coladas coming? Hyatt is for you!
Aston at the Whaler on Kaanapali Beach
Hyatt Regency on Kaanapali Beach Maui
What to Pack for Maui?
I never want to bore you with a long packing list, especially because you came here to read an itinerary! But, I do always like to recommend just a few must-have’s for this specific trip! Here are my top 5 absolute must-have’s for Maui:
In 2018, Hawaii banned standard sun screen that contains chemicals that are harmful to reefs. It was the first state in the USA, which was long over due! It is SUPER important that you are only using reef safe sunscreen not just because it’s illegal not to, but because the chemicals in regular sunscreen can cause hundreds of years of damage to a coral reef.
I solely used Sun Bum, which you can get right on Amazon! It has a good smell, doesn’t make you feel super greasy, and didn’t make me break out!
If you are weird about using the same mouth piece and snorkeling gear as other people, bring your own! You can get some good pairs on amazon before your trip and the best part is.. you can read reviews to make sure you are getting a good quality pair! Click here for the cutest baby pink set!!
3. Cute Sun Hat
I get all my hats from Olive and Pique, which are seriously the cutest hats! My specific hat I wore on all my travels is the “Jana!” These are on the pricier side, and a lot of people don’t like to bring expensive hats on vacation because they can get banged up in your suit case.
The closest dupe I could find for you was this one from ASOS (SUPER affordable)!
I am not a sunglass snob AT ALL. I buy 99% of my sunglasses off amazon because I am the most irresponsible sunglass owner on the planet! When you are traveling, you should bring a cheap pair to take with you in the ocean / pool, shove in your bag when you’re in a rush, and not care if you lose!
I have this adorable two pack! They are super sturdy, so adorable, and the best part.. extremely affordable!
5. Go Pro
If you plan on doing any snorkeling.. I’m sorry, but you NEED a go pro. If you see a friendly turtle swimming up to, you are going to want to take a photo of that epic moment!
At the very least, be sure to get a waterproof phone case to take your phone for some photos!
Okay, that’s a wrap! Joseph and I reviewed this long list of things to do in Maui for couples and agreed that these are things that both sides of the relationship would find fun! 🙂
If you are planning a trip to Maui, here are some guides I think you would love:
- 5 Day Maui Itinerary – Perfect for First Timers!
- Road to Hana Itinerary – BEST STOPS ALONG THE ROAD TO HANA!
- Things to do in Kaanapali, Maui!
- Which Hawaiian Island is Best?
I hope you loved this guide & have an amazing trip! Let me know if you have any questions by commenting below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
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6 comments
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I have taken three helicopter tours over the years while on Maui. My first was before kids (oldest is 24 now), a circle deluxe tour of the whole island with Mauiscape Helicopters (no idea if their even still around). I had a grin from ear to ear for the whole 70 minutes! One with my oldest son (at the time he was 7-8 I think). That was with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, an East Coast/Haleakala tour. Pilot was funny and knowledgeable about all things Maui. The last was with my wife on Sunshine Helicopters. A West Maui Mountain/ Molokai tour. This was spectacular due to Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls on Molokai and the ‘Wall Of Tears’ in the West Maui Mountains! Helicopter tours are certainly not cheap, but they are pretty phenomenal!!! Highly recommend it! <3
WOW! Sounds like an incredible experience Brad! Thanks for sharing, hope to do the same some day!
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