Maui's Top 5 Extreme Sport Adventures

Maui, a melting pot of people, food, climates, and exciting outdoor adventures. From snorkeling in the crystal clear waters along the coast, windsurfing over the North Shore waves, rappelling down gigantic waterfalls, or biking down the winding Haleakala slopes, the natural beauty is endless. It helps that there are countless options when it comes to outdoor scenery you can choose to spend your days. Between the outstretched coastline, the dense rainforests, and the big blue skyline, Maui holds endless opportunities for experiencing adrenaline-filled island activities. 

While many might favor the slow-paced and relaxing lifestyle, there are exhilarating excursions for the extreme visitor that can only be done on the island of Maui. Being a small island, you’d be surprised how much of a punch Maui packs when it comes to extreme sports, most of which you probably never knew existed. It is truly adventure galore. 

 If you’re ready to put down the Mai Tai and buckle up your seatbelt, we are here to lead you to a  world of invigorating adventures. We’ve rounded up our top 5 extreme sports activities on Maui and where to book them today!  

1. Rappelling On Maui

Rappelling is the ultimate way to go chasing waterfalls. What is it exactly?

“It's a practice used in the outdoor adventure sport of canyoneering to explore vertical terrain using fixed or anchored ropes and other equipment. We've modified the sport to make an exciting and eco-friendly way to enjoy the tropical rain forest of East Maui.”

Get up close and personal while rappelling down incredible waterfalls all over Maui. Many tours have highly trained guides that will take you on a never-before-seen journey through dense rainforests and magical ponds. Learn how to navigate the walls of jungle vines, sky-high trees, and lush trails. Once you’re done, swim in freshwater pools that wipe away the sweat and adrenaline of the day. This is an adventure that leads to paradise, every step of the way. Bring the whole family, no matter experience or athletic ability because rappelling on Maui is made for everyone. 

Rappel Maui!

2. Biking Down Haleakala

Experience the thrill of Haleakala’s sloping hills for yourself on exciting guided bike tours. Feel the fresh crisp mountain air whip past your face as you fly by eucalyptus, rolling pastures, and the occasional Maui steer. Tour guides will lead you on quality bikes, with a reliable escort van, and give you an experience you could only find on the Valley Isle. 

“Explore the epic volcanic landscapes of Haleakala with guided or self-guided bike tours. Begin your experience with our guided vehicle trek up to the 10,000ft. summit, then cruise down the mountain on our top-of-the-line Kona bikes.”

Bike Maui!

3. Wild Boar Hunting

Get a glimpse of an authentic old Hawaii through guided wild boar hunting. As a traditional way of providing for one’s family and exercising cultural practice, wild boar hunting is an experience most will never get to do. You’ll find yourself walking through areas of Maui’s dense forests that you would most likely never get to witness. Gaze at beautiful lush ferns, untouched countryside, and scenic views from the top of the mountain. Trained local guides will lead you to wild boars and teach you how to hunt using only traditional tools, knives, and trained dogs. 

“Wild pig hunting is a way of life for many Hawaiians as well as a passed-down tradition. We track the pigs using our knowledge of the land and the dogs' highly trained senses. It is a heart-pounding, exhilarating rush when the dogs have cornered a big pig.”

Requirements: 

• Must be 10 years or older. 
• Must be able to comfortably walk at least 4 miles through the mountains. 
• Must obtain a Hawaii state hunting license. 
• Must complete a hunter safety course from your home state. 

Lopakas Aloha Adventures!

4. Spearfishing

You’ve never seen Maui’s oceans until you’ve gone spearfishing and freediving with the best guides on the island. A beautiful and sustainable activity that lets you dive into the crystal clear Hawaiian waters and witness the plethora of sea life around you. Honor the Hawaiian culture by fishing invasive species and helping the ocean’s ecosystem. Feel the sun’s warm rays on your face as you swim along the Maui coast and see a colorful world you’ve never seen before.  

“One lesson with us and you will have all the knowledge needed to continue safely and successfully in the sport of spearfishing! You will be instructed on the topics of; fish identification, fish preservation, gun safety, breath-holding techniques, and hunting techniques. Spend about 2 hours in the water, just long enough to avoid getting cold, as you hunt fish, experience beautiful snorkeling, and simply have fun.”

Maui Spearfishing Academy!

5. Paragliding

If adrenaline is always at the tip of your fingers, you will never find a sport as breathtakingly extreme as paragliding Maui’s sky. Soar above the Maui clouds and beam at a view many will never experience in their entire lives. Breath the freshest air and bask in a view worth a thousand words as you paraglide down to sea level. Flying with a certified instructor brings you the safest yet most exciting excursion you could find anywhere on the island. 

“Proflyght Paragliding offers tandem and solo instruction. Each participant will fly with a certified instructor, no experience is necessary. After running six to eight seconds, the guest will find themselves soaring high above Maui. After an amazing experience, the guest and instructor land in a grassy field next to the “Ali'i Lavender Farm." Proflyght Paragliding has been in continuous operation for over eighteen years, seven days a week, year-round, and has an impeccable safety record.”

Proflyght Paragliding 

Island Sotheby's International Realty does not take any responsibility in promoting these activities and defer to the individual tour companies for applicable risks and safety precautions for its participants.