10 Things You Can Do for Dad on a Father's Day Vacation to Maui

Maui is a fantastic place to spend Father's Day. You might think that simply being on Maui for Father's Day should be enough, but why not go the extra mile to make this the best one ever! Whether you're bringing the kids with you, or they've already flown the coop, there are plenty of Maui activities that the special father in your life can enjoy. He might be in the mood for outdoorsy adventures, sightseeing, a night on the town, or he might just prefer some nice rest and relaxation. Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of ways to make the day memorable on a Maui vacation. Here are our suggestions to help you come up with some great plans.

Ziplining - This is a fun choice for the adventurous dad, and requires very little physical exertion. Few outdoorsy activities can say the same, especially when you compare to things like surfing, horseback riding, and hiking. Despite the low exertion, Ziplining is exhilarating, and gives you a chance to see the island from a whole new perspective. Several, in fact. There are several courses to choose from, and each will have you soaring through air surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Maui.

Fishing - Cliché? Yes, but the fact remains that some guys really love to fish! It just so happens that a lot of them are dads. One of the best things about hopping on a fishing charter is that it's a very different experience in Hawaii waters compared to other places in the US, especially if you're accustomed to river fishing. The conditions are different, the options are different, and the fish are different. Sometimes, they're a whole lot bigger.

Road Through Hana - For the dad who likes to drive and take in the sights on a new exploration, you can't beat the road through Hana. You'll often hear it referred to as the road to Hana, but that implies that the destination is the point. In fact, this is all about the journey. You'll discover far more breathtaking sights all along the road than you will in the town itself. Although it's very charming! As for the drive, think lush, tropical jungles full of towering emerald canopies, trailing vines and cascading waterfalls. In fact, you could make a game of counting the waterfalls, and seeing whether you can keep track of them all. Just remember to fill your gas tank, pack some food, and plan this as a full day trip.

Sunset Dinner Cruise - For the dad who could use some good old fashioned wining and dining, there are several Maui charters that will take you out on a luxurious ocean cruise for dinner at sunset. Here in West Maui, boats depart from Lahaina Harbor, and the water tends to be blissfully calm in this area. From out in the ocean, you and the special dad in your life can soak in breathtaking views of Maui, along with the neighboring islands of Lanai, Molokai, Kaho'olawe and even tiny Molokini in the distance. The sunsets are renowned for their vibrant pink and orange hues. Can you imagine a more beautiful place to dine?

Twin Falls - Sometimes, you just want to make a little trek out to some classic Maui waterfalls and swim in their cool, refreshing pools. Twin Falls is a popular spot on the way to East Maui, but the drive is much shorter than if you were going all the way to Hana. One of the perks is that the first pool is a very easy trek from the little parking lot on the side of the road. The second is just an easy to moderate hike.

Massage - A great massage is one of those things that's so easy to forget about until you finally have one and wonder why you don't get one every day. If the dad in your life is a hard worker, or he's always going places, doing things, and making logistically sound plans without remembering to do anything to sooth his body, this might be just what the doctor ordered. A nice relaxing massage can work wonders for tense muscles and a stressed (or just overactive) mind. A good massage can trigger the body to release all kinds of natural, feel-good chemicals that melt away your worries and sometimes even make you feel like you're in a totally different body by the end. Luckily, Maui is full of world-class spas that offer a number of specialty massages alongside many other kinds of pampering treatments.

Poolside Lounging & Grilling - For some dads, the best way you can treat him is to let him treat you! If he wants to show off his amazing skills on the grill and feed the whole family while the kids frolic around the pool, it could be the picture perfect day for him. Just be sure to praise those techniques he's honed over the years! Conveniently, if you're staying at one of our West Maui vacation rental condos, you'll find that our units come with fully equipped kitchens, and the vast majority have swimming pools and outdoor grills nearby. You can stock your own full-sized refrigerator ahead of time in preparation for your afternoon or evening of grilling.

Maui Theater Show - Some dads love a stimulating evening of lively or thought-provoking entertainment. It's usually a favorite of the dads who tend to be cerebral and/or social. Conveniently, there are all kinds of live performances that take place on Maui regularly. Try the Maui Theater in Lahaina for live entertainment, or the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului for shows, concerts, and special events that focus on specific interests.

Snorkeling - For Maui, it's an oldie, but a goldie, because where else can you get in a relatively warm, clear ocean to see a rainbow of stunning fish? Sometimes, you'll spot sea turtles, urchins, sea cucumbers, crabs, shrimp, octopus, and even manta rays, depending on where you go. And let's not forget the fascinating coral reefs that house all these delightful creatures. You can't beat this option for a dad that loves animal life and seeing new ones for the first time. A convenient perk is that there are countless places all around the island with coral reefs and beaches that are ideal for snorkeling. Just do a little research on your chosen location ahead of time so you can be prepared for its unique set of conditions.

Dining Out - After all the other items on our list, this may seem like the most basic, but it's worth a mention because what dad wouldn't appreciate a great meal at one of Maui's many wonderful restaurants? Not only that, but you may want to take advantage of a special Father's Day all-you-can-eat buffet at Tiki Terrace restaurant in the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. From 8am to 1pm, they'll be serving a delectable brunch, including char sui glaze tender pork, kiawe slow-roasted prime rib, pork lau lau, and leg of lamb glazed with macadamia nuts, honey mustard and rosemary. They'll also feature some live, traditional Hawaiian music to make it a little more special. Their tickets are $52.95 per adult, while children ages 12 and under are $25 each. There's no charge for kids under 5 years old if each is accompanied by an adult.

If you can't make up your mind between some of these ideas, you may want to combine them. For example, you could do a spa day followed by a live performance in the evening, or perhaps a ziplining tour followed by a sunset dinner cruise. At the end of the day, no matter what you choose to do, it's the little things that make the day memorable for that special dad in your life, and the effort you make matters more than the money you spend. Mahalo!