TOP 10 MOST LUXURIOUS THINGS TO DO ON MAUI
For some, a Maui vacation means little more than basking in the sun with toes in the sand, soaking up copious amounts of vitamin D. For others, a visit to the Valley Isle is an excuse to pamper themselves, indulge their mind, body, soul, and palate, and luxuriate in the plushest activities the island has to offer. If you’re the latter, read on for the top ten Maui luxury activities.
1. Stay at a luxury resort.
For an ultra-lavish Maui stay, look no further than the luxury hotbed of Wailea. From the fresh, chic digs at the Andaz to the elegant oasis at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Wailea is pocked with top-end resorts. A Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria (the Grand Wailea), and a Marriott are also on Wailea’s resort-peppered strip. Regardless of which Wailea accommodation you choose, expect to find heavenly spas, fine-dining options, and sprawling pools on each property. If Maui’s West Side calls your name, set your sights on the Montage Kapalua Bay or the Ritz-Carlton. Regardless of which Maui resort area you choose, you’ll be in the lap of luxury.
2. Hit up a lavish spa.
This would be on most visitors’ best Maui luxury activities list. The good news is there is no shortage of spas on the Valley Isle. Most are found tucked within five-star resorts. Yet, few outshine the Spa Montage in Kapalua, renowned for its service, design, and treatments. The spa’s five-acre facilities reflect the local environment, with outdoor treatment hales and manicured gardens of bamboo, ginger, and palms. Grab a day pass to enjoy a full reign of the facilities, which include a cedar wood sauna, cascading whirlpool, infinity pool, bamboo waterfall, and fitness center. Or, book an island-inspired treatment, namely a Lomi Lomi massage, and experience a taste of true Hawaiian luxury.
3. Book a private sailing charter.
Is there anything more lavish than hiring your own boat charter?! While you won’t find any yachts like the ones on Below Deck for hire in Maui’s waters, private sailboats abound. Maui Custom Charters is at the top of the heap, offering a slew of private sails aboard the 42′ Nova. This is one of the best action-packed Maui luxury activities. Whether you want to scour Maui’s coast for off-the-beaten-track snorkeling locations or sit back and enjoy a sunset sail, the crew aboard the Nova can make it happen. The Nova carries a maximum of six passengers— a far cry from other boats’ 100+ guest capacity— for the ultimate exclusive experience.
4. Rent a luxury car.
Sorry, Jeeps. Move over, Mustangs. Porsche Speedsters are the only way to go. If you live on Maui or have visited recently, you might have seen shiny 1957 Porches cruising Maui’s roads. Enter Maui Roadsters, which employs a rental fleet of 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster Convertible reproductions. From the sinuous road to Hana to meandering Upcountry roads, these sleek rides turn heads everywhere they go. One of our favorite Maui luxury activities.
5. Sip champagne in an ultra-exclusive beach house.
Perched above the turquoise waters of Namalu Bay in Kapalua sits one of Maui’s most exclusive, coveted beach houses- the Kapalua Cliff House. This unique, two-story house was a product of the plantation era and once served as a hangout for Honolua Plantation managers. Today, it is owned by Montage Kapalua Bay and is the site of the resort’s Champagne Hale event. This seasonal pop-up transforms the Cliff House into a champagne lounge. Guests can sample a variety of champagne, indulge in tasty delights, and enjoy a panoramic sunset from the venue’s wrapping porch. Champagne Hale takes place on select weekends throughout the year.
6. Take a helicopter tour.
Maui helicopter tours are the best way to soak in Maui’s dramatic scenery and the only way to feast your eyes on isolated, inaccessible locales like Honokohau Falls in the West Maui Mountains. For a luxurious experience, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers a full island tour with a classy twist. The aptly named ‘Maui Spectacular’ tour features a landing at an exclusive Ulupalakua location. Guests are offered a glass of champagne and encouraged to enjoy the view before continuing the aerial tour.
7. Enjoy a top-notch luau.
In the past, ‘luxury’ and ‘luau’ were rarely used in the same sentence. But the model of the luau experience is starting to change. Strides taken by both the Andaz’s Feast at Mokapu and the Montage’s Beach Club Luau are redefining the celebration itself by incorporating culinary and luxury elements into the events. The Feast at Mokapu is a foodie event if there ever was one, while the Beach Club Luau’s intimate crowd of only 40 guests stands in stark contrast to productions that welcome up to 200 people.
8. Indulge at one of Maui’s fine dining establishments.
From Mama’s Fish House to Merriman’s and beyond, scores of world-renowned restaurants have set up shop on the Valley Isle. And when it comes to Maui luxury activities, almost every corner of the island boasts a handful of five-star establishments. Look no further than Lahaina Grill, which, year after year, competes with Mama’s Fish House for recognition as the top restaurant on Maui. Meanwhile, over on the South Shore, The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is an oft-overlooked gem, renowned for its cocktails and farm-to-table menu.
9. Island hop for a stay at Sensei Lanai by Four Seasons.
At Sensei Lanai, wellness is the focal point. This adults-only resort was designed as a retreat to enhance all elements of well-being. The 24-acre oasis-like property features an onsen garden with soaking tubs, yoga pavilions, well-appointed private spa hales, a salon, and a library. In addition, a slew of wellness experiences is offered, underscoring themes that range from meditation and nutrition to forest bathing. A Nobu restaurant is also located within the enclave— in a glass pavilion perched on a reflecting pond— and serves clean, organic eats with produce that is grown on-site at the Sensei Farm. With tasteful accommodations and five-star service in a dreamlike setting, Sensei Lanai deserves a spot on any luxury Maui itinerary.
10. Enjoy a custom-tailored private dining experience.
Swaying palms and ocean views are sure to elevate any dining experience. But add a personalized menu, private service, elegant floral arrangements, and a live violinist to the mix, and the meal soars to new heights. All of this and more is possible at the Grand Wailea’s private, al-fresco dining experience. Wine pairings, custom four-course menus, and floral arrangements are included. Guests can choose to add live music, cultural entertainment, and even hire a photographer. Whether you’re a couple looking to share an unforgettable evening or coming together with a group of family and friends, the private bespoke dinners at the Grand Wailea are one for the books and one of the best Maui luxury activities.
