Top Outdoor Activities in Kihei

Blue Water Rafting

This is not your average snorkel cruise. It offers you the opportunity to see the Kanaio Coast and some of the most amazing natural scenery on the island. Lava arches, sea caves, turtles, dolphins and other undersea life are all a part of these half-day tours. The Kanaio tour visits pristine coves and bays, as well as volcanic formations and excellent snorkeling. Molokini tours steer clear of heavily touristed areas, seeking out pristine waters and unique views. Tours depart from the Kihei boat ramp. Tour packages include all equipment, drinks and lunch. Call for reservations and other details.

Big Kahuna Tours & Rental

If you have two left feet or an unreasonable fear of the ocean, do not worry about it; this surf and kayak company prides itself on "catering to the cowardly or uncoordinated." Located just across from Kihei Cove, the Big Kahuna store is perfectly located for visitors to South Maui. Several different kayaking adventure tours are available, and the company also specializes in surf lessons and scuba trips and operates a rental/retail store. Stop by or call for more information.

Ocean Activities Center

Operating marine charters for nearly 30 years, this company offers several daily excursions aboard two 65-foot power catamarans. The full-day Molokini snorkel cruise (leaving from Ma'alaea Harbor) serves meals and refreshments, provides all snorkeling gear and instruction, and features a live marine specimen presentation. Whale-watching charters are conducted from December to April. Last but not least, the company offers full-day fishing charters (private or shared).

Mike Severns Diving

A husband-and-wife team of biologists owns this dive company. For experienced divers who don't want to disturb the underwater environment, it is an ideal option. Indeed, in the 20+ years that the Severns have been operating tours, they have garnered praise from customers worldwide. Small groups of experienced divers are led to various places around the island, exploring underwater caves, nudibranch colonies and other natural wonders. The purpose of the tours is to educate as well as entertain.

Makena Golf Courses

The North and South Makena courses span 1800 acres of gorgeous beachfront property. Together, the two courses offer 36 holes of challenging play. Both courses were designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Makena often hosts the Hawaii State Open. With its ample practice facilities, well-stocked pro shop, lovely clubhouse and professional staff, the course keeps people coming back. Greens fees for non-hotel guests are $155. Call to reserve a tee time well in advance.

B&B Scuba Diving Services

While scuba diving is not quite the high-profile activity that surfing is, it's still one of the islands' most popular activities. Whether you're an experienced diver or a novice, this company is prepared to meet all your diving needs. PADI certification classes are available, ranging from three-day courses to long-term dive master courses. Guided dive tours are also offered, as are boat tours and gear rentals. The shop is fairly quiet, due to its location in Kihei's Azeka shopping center.

Elleair Maui Golf Club

Located in the central city of Kihei, Elleair is a convenient, affordable alternative to the high-end resort courses. This course features narrow, rolling fairways and scenic ocean views woth no homes or hotels on the course. The greens are well-groomed, and the course is usually more enjoyable to play during the mornings when the wind is not blowing as hard, although many holes were designed with the wind in mind. Usually in good shape, the course offers a challenging and diverse layout that will provide a memorable experience on the links. Watch the whales jump out of the ocean offshore, while you play, from December to March.

Makena Golf Club - South

Sharing the same spirit that embodies the Makena Resort, the South Course also provides the serenity and tranquility many golfers are looking for. It's not to say that the course doesn't provide quite a measure for golfers of every level. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the South Course is a 6,739-yard, par 72 course with natural rolling fairways, undulating greens, and capitivating ocean and mountain views. The course boasts one of Hawaii's top driving holes, the par-5 number ten. According to members of the PGA Aloha Section, number ten was selected as one of the top par 5's in Hawaii. The proximity to the ocean is exactly why this course is so special. Besides having two oceanfront holes, numbers fifteen and sixteen, the South Course also affords an excellent view of humpback whales that visit here each winter. And since they keep coming back year after year, they must be on to something good!