Obviously, the main sports are water based. Snorkeling, scuba, kitesailing, windsurfing, surfing,...the list goes on. Around Kihei, there are some good beaches for the beginning surfer and along the main drag (S. Kihei Rd) there are some places to rent boards and arrange for an instructor. This is a great way to get kids as well as adults involved with the sport as the waves are usually very small.

A really great place with fantastic beaches. A recommended source for finding the best places to hike, snorkel, kayak and sightsee is the Maui Trailblazer guidebook.

Advantages:

1. Designed for families and outdoor adventurers, all levels of expertise. It covers all of Maui as well as the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai (reachable by ferry) and has more activity listings than any other guidebook.

2. Well designed with clear driving directions and accurate trail descriptions. Photos illustrate the text and provide a complete preview of Maui.

3. Hiking trails: 137. Takes you to see tropical rain forests, remote valleys, Haleakala crater and the Hana Highway, waterfalls, beaches, quaint towns, whale-watching perches, historic sites, and archeological ruins.

4. Snorkeling: They list 44 snorkeling spots, hike-to coves and places that tour boats go.

5. Kayaking: All the put-ins are mapped out.

6. Beaches: 38 beaches to boogie, board, or body surf. Spectators will find the best places to watch all the action.

7. Illustrated: There are 10 maps and 240 photographs. Nine driving tours take sightseers to all the attractions, natural wonders, and historic sites.

8. Traveler's resources: This section provides telephone numbers for free visitor information and recreational outfitters.

9. Sports and activities for kids: Special section provides families with itineraries and places to go.

10. Written by seasoned travel writers who have researched and published adventure guides for every Hawaiian island.