BOATING
It's easy to be the captain of your own ship off the coast of Maui. There are companies across the island, especially in Lahaina and Maalaea harbors, that rent motorboats, catamarans, sailboats and other vessels. Hotels are another good source for boat rentals. Be sure to ask the indi-vidual companies about rental requirements.

CRUISES
For a beautiful view of Maui and its neighbor islands, try an ocean cruise. Companies offer the tours, which usually last two to five hours, across the island. Good places to climb aboard are Lahaina, Maalaea, Kaanapali and Kapalua. Cruises are a competitive business on Maui, so keep your eye open for bargains.

WHALE WATCHING
whale watching makes a big splash on Maui from November to mid-May when humpback whales migrate here from Alaska to give birth and nurse their young. For an up-close look at these magnificent creatures, head to Maui's south coast or climb aboard a whale-watching boat tour. Most tours leave from Lahaina or Maalaea harbors.

JET-SKIING
One of the newest ways to make waves is making a splash on Maui. Jet skiing is popular here, especially in Kaanapali, and there are companies across the island that rent one- to three-person models of the watercraft. They also have all the equipment you'll need, and some even offer personal instruction. Jet skiing is permitted from May 15 to December 15.

OCEAN RAFTING
If you're ready for the ride of your life, try ocean rafting. This high-horse-power, motorized adventure is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. The solid-body inflatable rafts are big enough to brave the waves but small enough to let you explore isolated coves, sea caves and beaches that larger cruises miss. Look for companies offering Ocean rafting tours in Lahaina and Maalaea harbors.

KAYAKING
Want to see Maui's many out-of-the-way coves and bays? Start paddling. Popular kayaking destinations include La Perouse and Honolua bays, Makena and Hana.

PARASAILING
Parasailing, which provides an unparalleled view of the Pacific's crystal blue waters, has really taken off at Maui resorts. Once you're strapped into a parachute tethered to a motorboat, you'll be lifted more than 400 feet above the ocean's surface. Parasailing season is May 15 - December 15, and most rides last about 10 minutes.

SNORKELING & SCUBA DIVING
Much of Maui's beauty lies below the surface. The waters are swimming with more than 700 species of fish, colorful coral, seashells and more. Ready to dive into Maui's wonders? Grab your snorkeling or scuba diving gear and explore.

DEEP-SEA FISHING
The deep-sea fishing off Maui lures fisherman from near and far. Take a half- or full-day excur-sion and try to bring home the catch of the day. Pacific blue, striped and black Marlin is common in this area of the Pacific, as are swordfish, sailfish, and yellowfin and dolphin tuna.

SURFING
During the winter months, Hookipa Beach and Honolua Bay become Maui's premier surfing destinations, with waves that often exceed 15 feet. But beginners should make a break for the calmer waters of Lahaina and the beaches in West Maui. Ready to catch some waves? Lessons are offered and boards are for rent at shops across the island.

WINDSURFING
Maui's Hookipa Beach, just east of Paia, has been dubbed the windsurfing capital of the world. So, needless to say, conditions here are excellent. So good, in fact, that the O'Neill International Championship is held here each March and April. For beginners, the calm waters and gentle winds at Kanaha Beach in Kahului are the perfect place to learn the logistics of the sport.