best day trip maui

Best Day Trips on Maui: Uncover Secret Spots & Scenic Views

Ready to explore the magic of Maui beyond the beach? You’re in for a treat! This island paradise isn’t just about the sun, sand, and surf; it’s a treasure trove of adventures waiting to be discovered.

From the lush trails of the Iao Valley to the otherworldly landscapes of Haleakalā National Park, Maui’s day trips are as varied as they are unforgettable. So grab your camera, pack your sunscreen, and let’s dive into the best day trips that Maui has to offer.

Road to Hana

Embark on the legendary Road to Hana and you’re in for one of the most unforgettable day trips Maui has up its sleeve. With every twist and turn, you’re greeted with lush landscapes that’ll make you grateful you packed that camera. But you’ll need more than just a good lens to capture the essence of this journey.

This 64.4-mile drive isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the experience. Hovering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil seaside views are your companions as you navigate the narrow, winding road. Take your time; there’s no rush when you’re surrounded by such natural splendor.

Here’s what you can’t miss:

• Ke’anae Peninsula offers a picturesque stop with an unbeatable view of the ocean smashing against lava rocks. It’s a powerful display of nature’s force and beauty.
• Cool off in the fresh waters at Waianapanapa State Park , where you can explore a black sand beach and hidden sea caves.
• Curious about Hawaiian history? The Kahanu Garden houses the impressive Pi’ilanihale Heiau, the largest ancient temple in all of Hawaii.

Fuel up with some fresh banana bread from the numerous roadside stands—trust me, it’s a must-try treat. And while the snacks are great, it’s the hidden spots that you discover along the way that truly make this trip yours.

Be ready for the unexpected, as the weather can change at the drop of a hat in Maui, especially on this side of the island. Rain showers are frequent but brief, often leaving behind rainbows that stretch across the valleys. Keep an extra shirt handy, and don’t forget those watershoes for impromptu dips.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time to the islands, the Road to Hana is a testament to why you came to Maui—adventures beyond the usual. Your grandparents knew what they were talking about when they spoke of the island’s magic. Now it’s your turn to discover it, mile by incredible mile.

Haleakalā National Park

As you continue to explore Maui’s day trip options, Haleakalā National Park stands out as a majestic destination that’s sure to captivate your spirit just as it has mine since my childhood visits. Perched above the clouds, this park offers an experience that’s both surreal and grounding.

Dawn at Haleakalā , often referred to as the House of the Sun, is a spectacle you can’t miss. Imagine standing at the summit, over 10,000 feet above sea level, as the first rays of sunlight peer over the horizon, setting the sky ablaze with colors you’ve never seen before. It’s no wonder this moment is cherished by both kama’aina (locals) and malihini (visitors) alike.

After sunrise, the park unveils a landscape that’s akin to a Martian terrain. The stark beauty of the volcanic crater viewed from the visitor center is striking, offering a stark contrast to the lush coastal regions you’ve driven through. Take a stroll on one of the Over 30 Miles of Hiking Trails to explore the unique flora and the geological features that tell the tale of Maui’s fiery origins.

Here are some highlights you’ll want to include in your Haleakalā journey:

• The Summit District , which provides access to the peak and the best views of the crater.
• The Sliding Sands Trail , a challenging hike that descends into the crater, revealing an otherworldly landscape.
• The Hosmer Grove , where you’ll wander among native and introduced tree species, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the crisp mountain air.

Remember to bring layers, as temperatures at the summit can be surprisingly chilly, especially before dawn. Your preparation will pay off when you experience the tranquility and the beauty of Haleakalā—a realm where each visit feels like a first, and the memories you make will beckon you back, just like they have for me throughout the years. Enjoy the park’s silence punctuated only by the wind and perhaps, if you’re lucky, the echo of a Nene goose’s call—a sound that resonates with the soul of Maui.

Iao Valley State Park

Nestled in the lush, emerald embrace of the West Maui Mountains lies a retreat that feels like a world away from the beachside bustle: Iao Valley State Park. Here, you’re stepping into a sacred space, rich with history and overflowing with natural splendor.

• Lush Landscapes : Picture towering green peaks shrouded in mists, a serenely flowing stream, and pathways that lead you through an exotic foliage that just beckons you deeper into its embrace.
• Historical Significance : Don’t miss the chance to stand in awe at the iconic Iao Needle, a natural rock pinnacle standing 1,200 feet high. It’s not only a geological wonder but also a monument commemorating the Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha clashed with Maui’s warriors in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

As you follow the burbling sounds of the Iao Stream, be prepared for the microclimates that make this park a refreshing respite. A light drizzle is not uncommon, adding to the valley’s enchantment and creating rainbows that often stretch across the sky.

What to Bring :

• Water-resistant footwear for damp trails.
• A camera, because every step is a photo op waiting to happen.
• A light raincoat because Maui’s weather likes to surprise its guests.

Exploring the valley, you’ll likely encounter locals enjoying the park, which only adds to the authentic experience. Strike up a conversation and you might just uncover stories and tips that aren’t found in any guidebook.

Engaging with local flora and fauna is a part of the Iao Valley State Park adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for indigenous birds and the unique Hawaiian Happy Face Spider, which, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll spot among the leaves.

As you wade through the sensory buffet that is Iao Valley, you’ll find that the deeper you go, the more there is to discover. Scenic overlooks and hidden treasures that have stood silently for ages await your curious spirit. Dive into the natural pools if you’re feeling adventurous, or simply enjoy the sound of water orchestrating the valley’s tranquil symphony.

With every step in Iao Valley State Park, you’re tracing the steps of ancient Hawaiian royalty and forging your own path through Maui’s historic heartland.

Molokini Crater

Imagine yourself aboard a vessel, slicing through the azure Pacific, with the contours of Molokini Crater emerging on the horizon. This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater is a snorkeling and diving paradise off the South Maui coastline. As you don your snorkel gear, you’re about to plunge into a mesmerizing underwater ecosystem that’s teeming with a kaleidoscope of marine life.

Your adventure here isn’t just a visual spectacle—it’s a dive into a protected marine conservation area. Under the surface, the waters are clear, often offering visibility up to 150 feet . Schools of tropical fish dance around you and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot Moray eels peeking out from the rocks. Make sure your underwater camera is fully charged; you’re going to want to capture the vibrant coral reefs that anchor this marine sanctuary.

• Bring sunscreen
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes
• Consider an early morning trip for calmer waters

Don’t forget that Molokini is a bird sanctuary above the water. On the islet itself, you’ll find a host of seabirds nesting away from predators. Although you can’t step foot on the islet due to its protected status, the sight of these birds from the boat adds an extra layer of wonder to your trip.

Eager to maximize your Molokini experience? Dive a little deeper if you’re scuba certified. The back wall of the crater is a renowned spot where you might see larger marine species that tend to shy away from the shallows. With a steep drop-off into the depths of the ocean, it’s an experience that’s as thrilling as it is unique.

Remember, going on a guided tour not only provides an educational narrative to your journey but also ensures safety and respect for the wildlife. Tour operators often provide all the necessary gear, so if you’re a beginner, there’s nothing to worry about. All you need to do is show up ready for an aquatic adventure that’s both serene and exhilarating.

West Maui Mountains

As your journey through Maui continues, the West Maui Mountains beckon with an allure that’s hard to overlook. Known to the locals as Mauna Kahālāwai, this area is a treasure trove of Maui’s best-kept secrets, offering lush landscapes and a break from the coastal sun.

Explore the lush valleys and waterfalls hidden within, where hiking trails wind through the emerald expanse. These paths aren’t just walks; they’re gateways to the heart of Maui, pathways to understanding why the island is so revered. You’ll encounter natural wonders, from Iao Valley’s iconic Needle to cascading waterfalls that seem to hold the essence of the islands within their mist.

Engage in birdwatching and spotting native wildlife ; the West Maui Mountains are home to species you won’t find anywhere else. Pack a pair of binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for the Hawaiian honeycreeper or the rare Maui parrotbill.

Driving along winding roads offers views that’ll have you pulling over frequently—just to take it all in. Every turn unravels panoramic vistas; look out for the Nakalele Blowhole, where the ocean’s power is on full display as it shoots skyward through rock formations.

If you’re into photography, these mountains offer backdrops that seem to leap out of a postcard. The play of light across the valleys at sunrise or sunset provides perfect opportunities for that magic shot which captures the mystique of Maui.

For a more structured exploration, several operators offer 4×4 tours that’ll take you up close to areas seldom seen by visitors. You’ll venture through private lands and past ancient ruins, with local guides enriching your understanding of the island’s history and culture.

Consider packing a meal and enjoying a picnic with some of the most scenic views as a backdrop. But remember, leave no trace behind, respecting the natural beauty that makes the West Maui Mountains an unforgettable part of your Maui explorations.

You’ve got all the insights on where to venture for an unforgettable day on Maui. Whether it’s the serene beaches, the historic Iao Valley, or the majestic West Maui Mountains, each spot offers its own slice of paradise. Remember to soak in the views, snap plenty of photos, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture. Now it’s time to pack your adventure gear and set out to create memories that’ll last a lifetime. Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your Maui day trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some recommended day trips in maui.

Maui offers numerous day trip options such as visiting Haleakalā National Park for hiking and sunrise watching, exploring the scenic Road to Hana for stunning coastal views, and enjoying the beaches of Lahaina and Wailea for snorkeling and relaxation.

Can visitors explore the West Maui Mountains?

Yes, visitors can explore the West Maui Mountains, which provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying waterfalls. Scenic drives and 4×4 tours with local guides are also popular ways to experience this area.

What activities are available in the West Maui Mountains?

The West Maui Mountains offer activities including hiking on trails, birdwatching, waterfall exploration, and the chance to spot native wildlife. 4×4 tours are an option for a more structured adventure through the landscape.

Is photography recommended in the West Maui Mountains?

Absolutely, photography enthusiasts will find the West Maui Mountains ideal for capturing panoramic vistas and the lush island landscapes.

Are there any tips for visiting the West Maui Mountains?

Visitors should pack a meal for a picnic while respecting the natural environment. It’s also recommended to travel with a local guide for a richer understanding of the island’s history and culture. Always plan ahead and verify weather conditions and safety advisories.

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About the author.

Hawaiian Ryan

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Adventures in Destinations Unknown

Making the Most of One Day in Maui

Last modified on July 13th, 2023 at 11:18

As a flight attendant, I’ve grown accustomed to seeing the world from a birds-eye vantage point. In fact, the notion of lounging on a beach merely hours before floating through the sky is nothing really out of the ordinary. It is just part of my life.

But until I drove to the top of Haleakala Volcano for aerial views of the Hawaiian island chain, I didn’t know it was possible to view the world from sea level and 10,000 feet—within the span of two hours—without setting foot on an aircraft.

When Dan decided to accompany me on a 24 hour Hawaii layover, we created a one day Maui itinerary that gave us a sampling of the island’s diverse offerings.

With only one day in Maui, Dan and I had to choose between visiting two of the island’s major highlights: the Haleakala Volcano, or the Road to Hana.

We chose to visit Haleakala on the basis that it would take less time to explore and, thus, allow us more time to see some of the island’s other attractions.

It proved to be the right choice.

Our 24 hour Maui itinerary included nature, wildlife, ocean views, and tasty foods.

Table of Contents

VISITING MAUI IN ONE DAY

Ideally, a trip to Maui deserves at least five days. The beautiful Valley Isle is home to some of the Pacific’s most sublime scenery.

Realistically, however, enjoying an extended Maui vacation might not be an option for everyone (as in the case of flight crew, for example). Island hoppers, day trippers and cruise ship tourists will likely only have 24 hours or less to tour the island.

The good news is that it is still possible to get a taste of Hawaii’s Valley Isle on a limited timeframe.

As with most places, spending just one day in Maui is better than not visiting the island at all.

During our 24 hour visit to Maui, we used the coastal town of Kihei as a base for our adventures. Though we didn’t spend much time in the city itself, we found the town to be ideally located for exploration. Kihei lies within easy reach of the Kahului Airport and Haleakala National Park. It is home to some of the best Maui hotels and AirBnbs, and is a fantastic home base for exploring the island’s attractions.

What’s more, the public beaches in Kihei are first-rate and a wonderful place to watch the sunset after a jam-packed day of sightseeing.

HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

We began our trip to Maui with a visit to the Haleakala Volcano.

Haleakala is the crowning feature of Maui and the island’s only national park. Reaching over 10,000 feet, the volcano is a mist-shrouded geologic wonder that affords some of the most unique landscapes in the Pacific.

Caressed by mist and blanketed in swirling colorful earth that seems to shift in the light, the Haleakala National Park is a masterpiece of geology and a top USA bucket list destination.

SUNRISE AT THE HALEAKALA VOLCANO

Haleakala National Park is a popular sunrise-viewing destination. It has become so popular in the wee morning hours, in fact, that tourists must book tickets in advance to enter the park’s gates at sunrise. Tickets can be purchased online , up to 60 days prior to visiting the volcano.

Due to the last minute nature of our 24 hour trip to Maui, we did not have the opportunity to witness sunrise at Haleakala.

Instead, we stocked up on food from a grocery store and enjoyed a leisurely drive to the volcano’s summit after breakfast.

HALEAKALA VIEWPOINTS

The two hour drive to the summit of Haleakala affords spectacular views at every bend. As the road gradually winds up the mountainside, it passes by fertile fields and farmlands. Over the course of two hours, it climbs more than 10,000 feet above sea level—providing spectacular views of upcountry Maui, the ocean, and beyond.

Once within the boundaries of the national park, views of the volcano’s earthy-colored landscapes replace those of the island’s verdant mountainsides.

The Pu’u’ula’ula summit of Haleakala National Park showcases breathtaking views of both the volcano’s interior and the ocean beyond its crater. On clear sunny days, it is even possible to see the soaring peak of Mauna Kea on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Other worthwhile panoramic viewpoints within the park’s boundaries include the Leleiwi Overlook and the Kalahaku Overlook.

HIKING IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

The summit area of Haleakala National Park boasts over 30 miles of hiking trails. These trails range in difficulty from short leisurely strolls to multi-day overnight treks.

Of all the hiking trails inside Haleakala Crater, the most popular trail is Keonehe’ehe’e—also known as Sliding Sands.

The Sliding Sands Trail begins directly from the Haleakala Visitor’s Center and drops 2,800 vertical feet over the course of four miles. At the bottom of the trail, hikers have the opportunity to connect with other trails that crisscross the crater floor.

Many visitors to Haleakala choose to hike the Sliding Sands Trail and continue onto Halemau’u Trail. The entire journey is 12 miles one way. The trail ends along the park’s main road, six miles from the Haleakala Visitor’s Center. From the Halemau’u Trailhead, most people attempt to hitch a ride back to the visitor’s center.

Since Dan and I only had one day in Maui and didn’t feel like worrying about the trail’s tricky logistics, we chose to undertake an abridged version of the hike that consisted of walking about three miles out and back along the Sliding Sands Trail.

The views—somewhat reminiscent to those of the Newberry Crater Volcanic Monument in Central Oregon —were lunar and otherworldly.

Following a morning visit to Haleakala, Dan and I stopped in the charming town of Paia for a much-needed scoop of Hawaiian shave ice.

Ulululani’s Shave Ice is renowned for serving up some of the best Hawaiian-style snow cones around. I savored my scoop of refreshing goodness and secretly thought about ordering another for the road.

Then, refreshed and ready for the second part of our sightseeing adventure, I hopped back in the car and headed toward Ho’okipa Beach.

HO’OKIPA BEACH TURTLES

Though our one day Maui itinerary was packed with sightseeing, we were still able to enjoy a bit of time near the ocean. The Ho’okipa Beach near the start of the Road to Hana is one of the best surf spots in Maui.

Ho’okipa may not offer luxurious stretches of beach like those found in Lahaina and Kihei, but it offers something even better: large bales of turtles lounging about the sand.

Ho’okipa Beach Park is one of the best places to see turtles in Maui . Each evening, turtles litter the park’s shores and bob about its choppy waters. They are so camouflaged in their surroundings, that they look like boulders and are difficult to spot at first.

At Ho’okipa Beach Park, it is common to find a handful of sunbathing turtles at any given moment. The first time I visited, I remember seeing at least fifteen. On my second visit, I saw seven.

A barrier lies between the main viewing areas and the turtle-strewn beach. Visitors are asked to view the turtles at a distance as to not disturb the animals.

Please respect the turtles and do not break the rules.

THE ROAD TO HANA

The infamous Road to Hana is a top Maui attraction and an undeniable highlight of traveling to Hawaii. The road winds along emerald cliffsides, past waterfalls and jaw-dropping vistas.

Realistically, visiting both Haleakala and the Road to Hana in one day is nearly impossible—unless you’re planning on merely touring by car without relishing views or visiting attractions along the way. With speed limits averaging about 25 miles per hour, it takes roughly five hours to travel the 90 miles from Paia to Hana and back.

However, during our day in Maui, Dan and I were able to enjoy the first few miles of the famous ocean road while searching for one of the island’s colorful rainbow eucalyptus groves.

THE RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS GROVE

Maui is home to a handful of rainbow eucalyptus groves. One of the most famous of these groves lies at the beginning of the Road to Hana, near the town of Paia.

The Hana Highway’s rainbow forest is located near mile marker 7, on the left side of the road (if traveling in the direction of Hana). The grove is easy to miss. It doesn’t have a signpost, isn’t marked on maps, and has no attached parking area. To make matters even more confusing, mile marker ‘0’ on the Hana Highway is a few miles away from the start of the highway on Google Maps.

Mile marker ‘0’ on the Road to Hana is located 10.6 miles east of Paia.

Though Dan and I knew to find the grove at mile marker 7, confusing road signs and the attraction’s nondescript setting caused us to pass by twice before stopping.

The trees in the eucalyptus grove look like an impressionist painting. They are stunning and otherworldly. A unique gift of nature.

Despite our troubles locating the grove, I’m so glad that our Maui itinerary included a brief photo opportunity by the rainbow eucalyptus trees.

MAUI BREWING COMPANY

Back in Kihei, Dan and I ate a tasty dinner of tacos at Coconuts Fish Cafe and enjoyed a quick nap before our return flight to Seattle.

Had I not been required to work an all-nighter following our unforgettable day in Maui, we would have likely spent the evening enjoying a refreshing ale on the lovely grassy lawn of the Maui Brewing Company in Kihei.

The Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. The brewhouse is the perfect place to sit back, sip on a refreshing drink, and reflect on the remarkable and wild beauty of Hawaii’s Valley Isle.

WHERE TO STAY IN MAUI

Maui is an idyllic holiday destination that caters to honeymooners and families with kids.

Where you choose to stay will depend on your travel style and the purpose of your vacation.

If you’re a young backpacker or budget traveler going solo, you’ll be hard-pressed to find affordable accommodation. The Tiki Beach Hostel in Lahaina and the Howzit Hostel in Wailuku offer dorm rooms in shared accommodation. While still expensive as far as hostels are concerned, they are among the cheapest options on the island.

On the northern coast of Maui, the Paia Inn offers a mid-range option that is great for travelers looking to stay away from massive chain resorts. The boutique hotel boasts clean artsy rooms, ocean views, and a fantastic location in one of Maui’s cutest towns.

If you’re traveling to Maui with kids and are looking for resort amenities, the Hyatt Regency in Lahaina is a popular option (not least because it has tropical penguins in the lobby).

Maui is a romantic island that caters to honeymooners, luxury travelers, family vacationers, and adventure-hungry backpackers. Unlike the far-flung Pacific Island destinations of Pohnpei , Rapa Nui , or Arno Atoll , it is easily accessible and well-connected to North America and Asia.  Its resorts are some of the most opulent in the United States, and its landscapes—rivaling those of Tahiti and Palau —are some of the most magnificent on Earth.

With its volcanic monuments, idyllic beaches, plentiful wildlife, and verdant landscapes, Maui has it all. The island is a perfect mix of luxurious, wild, adventure-filled and relaxing.

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The Emerald Palate

Seattle food tours & retreats

Hawaii , Travel Guides · March 2, 2020

The Ultimate 5 Day Maui Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal

I visit Maui every year, so I’ve become an expert at planning a 5 day Maui itinerary. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, outdoor adventures, shopping, or food, Maui has it all…but it can make planning a trip to Maui overwhelming if you want to fit it all in!

To make it easier, I’m sharing all my tips for planning 5 days in Maui. I’ll break down the best area to stay, where the locals eat, the best snorkeling beaches, easy hikes, shopping areas, and more. Then I’ll put them all together into my ultimate Maui 5 day itinerary!

Maui experienced  catastrophic fires August 9, 2023. Please consider donating to help locals recover from devastating loss.

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Planning Your 5 Day Maui Itinerary

Here’s important information about Maui you should know before you embark on your journey.

How Maui compares to the other islands

Depending how you count them, there are as many as 130 islands in Hawaii! However this includes small rocky areas that aren’t really habitable, so in reality, there are 8 islands people are referring to when they talk about visiting Hawaii. These include Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, and Niihau.

The four most popular Hawaiian islands to visit include Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.

Here’s what each of these Hawaiian islands is best known for:

• Hawaii – Referred to as “the Big Island” and is known for volcanoes and weddings/honeymoons.
• Maui – Known for agriculture, golf, and whales. It’s more arid on the west side of the island and lush on the east.
• Oahu – The most touristy of the islands thanks to the state’s capital, Honolulu, and worldwide surfing recognition. Lots of shopping and food.
• Kauai – Where Jurassic Park was filmed because of its greenery, hiking, and rainforests. It’s quieter and lush.

Someone once told me that Maui is the best island if you want a mix of everything with less tourists than Oahu. I have to agree with that.

All of the islands have beautiful beaches, so for me I like spending 5 days in Maui above all the other islands because it has an incredible food and makers scene (so many artists!) and a bit more to do than, say, the quiet island of Kauai. If you love these things too, Maui is likely the island for you!

The best time to book 5 days in Maui

Many people say the shoulder seasons of April – May and September – October are the best times to visit Maui, but I usually visit between January – March. While this is Maui’s “winter” and known as the rainy season, I’ve never had rain completely ruin my trip before. There are so many micro climates on Maui that weather changes quickly.

The reason I like planning my 5-day Maui itinerary January – March is because it’s less hot and that’s when the majestic humpback whales are in migration. Because of the way Maui is situated, its western shores are known as “whale soup” because the water is warmer and attracts these marvelous creatures. I’ve literally been a few feet away from a humpback whale every year I’ve gone during whale season!

A downside to planning your 5 day Maui itinerary in January – March is that it’s a popular time for other people to visit. Most people in the US don’t get tropical weather year round, so they escape to Maui when the kids are on winter break.

The worst part about this is it drives up hotel and flight costs. I’ve never found it to be unbearable, either price or tourist wise, but if you don’t care about seeing whales or milder temperatures, visiting during the shoulder seasons may be the better choice to save money.

Best Area to Stay in Maui for This Itinerary

Planning where you’ll stay is key to making the most of this 5 day Maui itinerary. I have a whole article on where to stay in Maui , with detailed pros and cons of each area, plus information on which area is best for different attributes like affordability, snorkeling, beaches, etc. I highly recommend reading it and checking out the cool places I found to stay in each part of the island.

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite areas on Maui. I’m a busy bee when I travel (versus lounging at my resort’s pool), so I make sure to stay in areas that are easily accessible to other areas of the island. Here are where I consider the best areas to stay in Maui:

• Note, this area is affected by the wildfires, so staying north in Ka’anapali is better at the moment if you want to stay in west Maui.
• Kihei – This area is along the southern coast of the island and has some of my favorite restaurants in Maui. I find this to be the most centrally located, with good access to all areas of the island and full of locals. It’s the location we always consider staying in besides Lahaina.

Pro tip: I usually stay at Lahaina Shores Beach Resort because it’s the most affordable beachfront property I’ve found an isn’t crawling with tourists like the big resorts. However, they aren’t accepting reservations right now because of the fires, so Sugar Beach Resort in Kihei is a similar alternative we stayed at during our last trip.

Here are some other areas you’ll hear about, but why I don’t think they’re the best areas to stay in Maui:

• Pā’ia – This small surfer town is along the north coast about 15 minutes from the airport. It has great vibes and shopping, but the waters are rougher and the main road gets crowded with Road to Hana traffic since it’s at the start of the famous drive. This makes it difficult to explore other areas of the island.
• Ka’anapali – This is where all the ritzy resorts are along the northwest coast of the island. It has some of my favorite snorkeling beaches in Maui, but it’s not as accessible as the rest of the island. It’s close to Lahaina so I usually reserve it for visiting vs. staying.
• Wailea – This is another posh area of the island known for fancy stores, resorts, and golf courses. It’s a bit south of Kihei, but more expensive. It’s too quiet and devoid of local small businesses for me.
• Upcountry – This is where all the farmland is. I love how it’s virtually free of tourists, but it’s far from beaches and not as accessible for exploring other areas of Maui.
• Kahului – This is where the airport is. It has some fabulous restaurants near the Maui airport, but it’s commercial (think where Home Depot would be located) and there isn’t a ton of beachfront accommodations.
• Hana – This is the eastern coast of Maui. It’s beautiful and remote, but on a terribly inaccessible road for exploring the rest of the island (you can’t exceed 30 mph). It also has terrible cell reception and gets windy and rainy.

The Ultimate 5 Day Maui Itinerary

When I think about how to spend my dream 5 days in Maui, this is it! Follow this itinerary and you’ll explore the majority of the island with a mix of both the must-visit attractions and locals-only hang outs.

Some ground rules before jumping in:

• A lot of places, particularly restaurants, are closed Sundays . Some restaurants are even closed Saturdays, so plan your trip accordingly.
• Avoid weekends for major attractions. The Road to Hana, Pā’ia, Molokini Crater, and Haleakalā National Park are very crowded on the weekends, so try to do those on a weekday!
• You must rent a car . This 5 day Maui itinerary assumes you’ll have one!
• Stay in Kihei or Wailea. However, this itinerary will also work if you stay in West Maui. You’ll just need to swap a few breakfast options around.
• I can customize this itinerary for you. If it doesn’t fit your schedule or include your favorite things, l’m happy to create a custom itinerary just for you.

Pro tip: I found Expedia has affordable Maui rental cars . Book your car in advance for the best prices.

Day 1: Check out Maui’s best small towns

Pro tip: Since Pā’ia gets crowded on weekends with people trying to access the Road to Hana, make sure this day’s itinerary lands on a weekday.

Get an early breakfast at Kihei Caffe

website | area: Kihei ( get directions ) | cuisine: Hawaiian-American | reservations accepted? no | known for: breakfast | pro tip: they also have a location inside nearby Maui Coast Hotel

Kihei Caffe is a popular order-at-the-counter breakfast and lunch spot in Maui. They serve comfort food like eggs Benedict, pancakes, loco moco, and more. The hearty fare will be the perfect fuel for a busy day!

My go-to order always includes the macadamia nut pancakes and crab cake eggs Benedict. The kalua pork loco moco is also interesting, as you don’t see that mash up of these two classic dishes that often. Also, don’t miss their coffee. They serve some of the best I’ve had at a restaurant on Maui!

Head to Pā’ia to shop local makers

Picking up gifts and souvenirs whenever I travel is important to me, so I’m always on the hunt for where to find goods made by locals. I always make a stop in the small surfing town of Pā’ia during my 5 day itinerary to Maui because I think it has some of the best shopping in Maui . It’s 15 minutes from the airport along the north coast and is full of artsy shops perfect for picking up the best Maui souvenirs .

I usually just stroll up and down the streets and pop into stores of interest, but don’t miss Wings Hawaii , which makes everything it sells, and Pearl Butik for exquisite linens.

Pro tip: Feeling adventurous? You can rent e-bikes from Maui Sunriders in either Kihei or Pā’ia. One of the funnest things I’ve done on my one 5 day Maui itinerary is bike from Kihei to Pā’ia . But if that’s too much for you, Maui Sunriders also recommends a bunch of shorter bike rides around Pā’ia .

Get lunch at Tin Roof

website | area: Kahului ( get directions ) | cuisine: Hawaiian | reservations accepted? no | known for: cheap eats | pro tip: closed Sun – Mon

Tin Roof is owned by Top Chef finalist and fan favorite, Sheldon Simeon . It’s in a tiny strip mall outside of Pā’ia and only does takeout. But what this spot lacks in ambiance, it makes up for in flavor, so it’s worth the detour.

I make sure to visit this restaurant near the Maui airport in Kahului every year, so make sure to add it to your Maui 5 day itinerary. Everything I’ve ordered is good, but the two must-get dishes include the mochicko chicken and poke bowl. The first dish has double-fried chicken with a crazy flavorful topping of miso sauce, gochujang aioli, and furikake that they charmingly call a “dime bag mix”.

The poke is made with melt-in-your-mouth fresh fish that changes daily. It’s also generous with the sweet sauces and dime bag mix, which makes it much different than other pokes you’ll find on the island (or in Seattle for that matter).

If you have room, I also enjoy their saimin noodles!

Head to Makawao for some more shopping

Another great Maui shopping area to stop at during your 5 days in Maui is Makawao. This is another quaint town full of artists about 15 minutes away from Pā’ia toward the Upcountry. Again, I like to just pop into stores that interest me, so save time to meander! As you do, don’t miss Maui Hands and The Monarch Collective .

Pro tip: You’ll be near all the amazing Upcountry farms. If you’re interested in a tour, check out this Maui Pineapple Tour to taste sweet, Maui grown fruit!

Get dinner at NyloS

website | area: Pā’ia ( get directions ) | cuisine: farm-to-table | reservations accepted? yes, recommended | known for: being the only tasting menu in Maui

What better way to celebrate a day of shopping than to finish with a swank meal? On your way back from Makawao you’ll pass Pā’ia, home to Maui’s only multi-course tasting menu restaurant called NyloS.

You may read you should go to Mama’s Fish House. Trust me, skip it. It’s definitely not worth the exorbitant prices. NyloS is better and just as special, if not more!

While it’s also pricey and doesn’t have the water views that Mama has, NyloS is owned by a certified sommelier and chef who has worked in some impressive kitchens around the world. He uses that experience to create whimsical, over-the-top dishes that are just as flavorful as they are beautiful.

Day 2: Do the Road to Hana

You can’t go to Maui without driving the Road to Hana. Do you need to do it more than once…probably not. But I’ve done it multiple times and have had a grand day every time.

The Road to Hana is 64.4 miles along the eastern coast of Maui. On a highway you could drive that distance in an hour, but since this is considered one of the most harrowing roads in the world, it’ll take you at least 5 hours if you drive the whole way without stops. I don’t remember going over 40 mph anywhere, and most of the time it’s closer to 30 mph.

But don’t worry, the Road to Hana isn’t that scary.

Before I went, I envisioned we’d definitely drive off a cliff, but if you’ve driven the Amalfi Coast it’s pretty similar with less traffic.

If you’d prefer not to drive yourself, check out these tours:

• Road to Hana Day Trip Tour
• Hana, Black Beach, Waterfalls, & Turtle Tour
• Hana Helicopter Tour with Landing

Tips to make your Hana trip successful

I have a whole article on the best Road to Hana itinerary , but here are some of my fast tips:

• If the road is open, drive the Road to Hana “backwards”. Most people start clockwise through Pā’ia in the north of Maui, but I prefer starting counter clockwise in the south to avoid traffic (always check for road closures first, though) . Use Waiakapuhi Lava Fields as your starting point in Google Maps and drive east on Highway 31. The coast on this part of the Road to Hana has more interesting ocean views, so it’s best to see that during daylight when you’re less fatigued. The stretch of the Road to Hana from Pā’ia has the road weaving through rainforest and gets monotonous after a while.
• Start early. It doesn’t have to be the crack of dawn, but I often start my drive around 11 AM and every time I’m like, “We ran out of time.” One of the funnest things to do is stop at random things that catch your eye, so leaving time to do that is key.
• Download offline Google Maps. This is important if you definitely want to make certain stops because the cell service on the Road to Hana is basically non-existent.
• Gas up beforehand. There’s only one gas station in Hana.
• Prepare for all weather. One time I went and it was rainy and freezing. Another time it was humid and I was dying in workout leggings. So bring layers!
• Bring cash. A lot of the fruit stands are cash only.
• Consider this audio tour. If you want to learn more about the area as you drive, consider downloading this Road to Hana Audio Tour .

Now that we got through those ground rules, let’s begin your Road to Hana itinerary!

The backside of Road to Hana is currently closed , so you can’t drive the road backwards at the moment. Therefore, you’ll need to skip breakfast at Grandma’s and do this itinerary in reverse until it reopens. 

Get breakfast at Grandma’s Coffeehouse

website | area: Kula ( get directions ) | cuisine: breakfast | reservations accepted? no | known for: French toast | pro tip: get here early to beat the crowds (they open at 7 AM daily)

If you’re looking for the best breakfast place in Maui, this is it. It’s a little roadside bakery and cafe in Kula on the way toward the Road to Hana (if driving backwards). The must-get order you? Coconut-crusted French toast. It’s so flavorful and the perfect way to start your day before hiking.

Stop at Laulima Farms Fruit Stand

website | area: Hana ( get directions ) | reservations accepted? no | pro tip: cash only

Fruit stands are a big thing along the Road to Hana. I love how entrepreneurial the locals are along the route. You’ll find everything from honor-system stalls at the end of a residential driveway (where you leave money vs. pay an attendant) and more established fruit stands. A lot of them also sell homemade food goods like banana bread (in fact, going on a hunt for the best banana bread on the Road to Hana is a thing).

My favorite fruit stand to stop at is Laulima Farms near the popular Pīpīwai Stream Trail. If you’re doing the Road to Hana backwards, this will be toward the beginning of your journey.

This stand sells goods from its farm, including coffee, fruit, and different cleaning supplies and beauty products. It’s cash only, like most of the fruit stands, so prepare for this. And make sure to get the fruit sampler platter to try fruits you likely haven’t had before. Eat it in the bamboo garden for a truly magical rest stop.

Hike Pīpīwai Stream Trail (the bamboo forest trail)

website | area: Hana ( get directions ) | distance: ~3.5 miles round trip there and back | elevation gain: ~1,000 feet | pro tip: parking is $30 per car

One of my favorite, easy Hana hikes is the Pīpīwai Stream Trail, also known as the “bamboo forest hike in Maui”. It’s part of Haleakalā National Park and has a mix of landscapes to keep things interesting.

For example, it starts in a wooded area and then opens up to a view of a waterfall in the distance. Then it goes back into the forest before opening up to this magical bamboo arching over the path. Lastly, there’s a stream that you can cross to get right under Waimoku Falls.

We didn’t go behind the waterfall because unfortunately it was raining when we went and we were a tad grumpy, but this is a fabulous easy/moderate Hana hike worth stopping at during your 5 day Maui itinerary.

Get lunch in Hana

Hana is the main town on the Road to Hana, so it’s where you’ll find the majority of restaurants. Hours can be unreliable and crowds don’t always mean good food, so stick to these spots to ensure you eat well:

• Kilo’s Kitchen – Excellent Hawaiian grindz and burgers made with local beef.
• Thai Food by Pranee – A food roadside stand notorious for being closed, but worth a stop if not.
• Ae’s Thai Kitchen – A good alternative to Pranee’s. Get the green curry.

Explore Wai’ānapanapa Black Sand Beach

website | area: Hana ( get directions ) | distance: ~3 miles there and back | elevation gain: 200 feet | pro tip: book your reservation 30 days in advance

The Wai’ānapanapa Black Sand Beach is on the Road to Hana and it’s my favorite stop on the drive. You’ll immediately notice the black sand on the small beach near the parking lot, but the coolest part is that the volcanic rock along the coast makes for a gorgeous hiking trail . It’ll make your visit much more enjoyable if you do the hike because the crowds thin out once you get past the beach.

Pro tip: Non-residents need make a reservation up to 30 days in advance to visit Wai’ānapanapa State Park. You’ll need to pay both an entrance fee (~$5) and vehicle fee (~$10).

Visit a lava tube cave

website | area: Hana ( get directions ) | distance: ~0.5 miles there and back | pro tip: there’s a $15 per person entry fee

The Hana Lava Tube is one of my other favorite stops on the Road to Hana. It’s on private property and feels as if you’re trespassing, but on their lot is a hole with stairs down to a cave formed by lava years ago.

Your entry fee includes good quality flashlights. If you go late in the afternoon, you may have the cave to yourself. This makes it both super eerie and super cool! Make sure to wear good shoes because the terrain in the cave is uneven.

Meander the rest of the Road to Hana

The best part of the Road to Hana is stopping at viewpoints, waterfalls, and cute roadside stands that catch your eye. I have a lot of stops pinned on the map below, but here are some of my other favorite stops to try and fit into your 5 day Maui itinerary:

• Hana Farms – One of the more built-up stands that has flushing toilets.
• East Maui Chocolate – A farm stand that grows cacao and sells chocolate.
• Coconut Glen’s – Awesome vegan ice cream made with coconut. Don’t miss the lilikoi flavor if available.
• Wailua Valley State Wayside – A nice viewpoint overlooking the lush valley with waterfalls in the distance.
• Keanae Lookout – A rocky volcanic beach with beautiful water views.
• Aunt Sandy’s – Excellent banana bread served warm.

Get dinner at Nuka

website | area: Haiku ( get directions ) | cuisine: Japanese | reservations accepted? no | known for: sushi | pro tip: this spot gets crowded, so expect a wait or order takeout

You’ll pass by Haiku as you leave the harrowing part of Road to Hana and head toward Pā’ia. It’s a great spot to grab a meal among locals, as most tourists never make it here.

Nuka is a small sushi restaurant in Haiku’s quaint downtown area. I typically avoid getting sushi in Maui because it pales in comparison to Seattle’s best sushi restaurants , but Nuka is the exception.

The quality of fish Nuka serves is superb. The local tuna is some of the best I’ve had at your everyday grade, and I love the little lime art the chef makes. Order the tuna macadamia nut roll and sashimi and you’re in for a satisfying meal to end a long day.

Pro tip: Too long of a wait at Nuka? Colleen’s at The Cannery is a good alternative across the street. If available, don’t miss the warm bacon spinach salad.

Day 3: Go snorkeling and beaching

No trip to Maui is complete without some snorkeling. Here’s how I’d plan my perfect 5 days in Maui around it.

Get up bright and early to snorkel Molokini Crater

It was my first trip to Maui that helped me realize I friggin’ love snorkeling. I’m not sure why because it scares the shit out of me. For reference, it was only this past year that I stopped covering my ears while I snorkel. But there’s something magical about seeing creatures you never get to witness in the wild right beneath you, so this is a must during your 5 day Maui itinerary.

The most popular Maui snorkeling spot is Molokini Crater . It’s a few miles off the southern cost of Maui and is only accessible by boat. Yes, it’s kinda scary to think you’re in the middle of the ocean. But yes I’ve done it multiple times and love it.

Since the water is calmer in the morning, all tours I’ve found start at the ass crack of dawn between 6-7 AM. Book far in advance to reserve your spot.

When choosing what tour group to go with, pay attention to the size of the boat. Some of the boats can hold up to 100 other people! Try to find a boat with under 25 for a more intimate experience.

Molokini Crater Tours

Here are some small group tours worth considering:

• Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour
• Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour
• Molokini Snorkel Tour on a Super Raft

I definitely encourage adding a snorkeling tour of Mokolini Crater to your 5 day Maui itinerary. I’ve seen a manta ray, sea turtles, and even a friggin’ shark! Plus, if you go during whale migration season in January – March, you will definitely see whales as you boat to the snorkeling destination. I’ve seen them every time…as in a few yards away from them breaching like crazy!

If snorkeling isn’t your thing, I encourage you to go on a non-snorkeling, whale-watching tour instead if you’re visiting between December – April. Here are some whale watching options:

• Maui Whale Watching Cruise from Lahaina
• Whale Watching Tour from Maalaea Harbor
• Whale Watching via Raft from Kihei

Get lunch at Da Kitchen

website | area: Kihei ( get directions ) | cuisine: Hawaiian | reservations accepted? no | known for: loco moco | pro tip: closed Sundays

I’ve been coming to Da Kitchen every year since I started coming to Maui. They used to have two locations where they served an extensive menu of Hawaiian classics like loco moco, saimin, and more. The pandemic hurt them and they had to close their locations, but luckily they reopened a smaller location in a strip mall in Kihei.

While they don’t have as extensive of a menu anymore, they still have their famous loco moco. It is seriously the best loco moco I’ve ever had. The gravy is deeply flavored thanks to onions and mushrooms, and the meat is moist. I also like to ask for chicken katsu on the loco moco like they used to have on the menu at their original location. If you can only go to a few restaurants on Maui, make sure this is one of them!

Get dessert at Sugar Beach Bake Shop

website | area: Kihei ( get directions ) | cuisine: sweets | reservations accepted? no | known for: malasadas and key lime pie 

There’s a very popular pie restaurant in Lahaina that you’ll read about having to go to when you visit Maui. However, Sugar Beach is better (yes, I did a very official taste test). This is another spot I know locals eat in Maui because a local recommended it to me and it’s always crowded.

One of Sugar Beach’s specialty is key lime pie with lilikoi (Hawaiian for passion fruit). I love ordering a mini pie and enjoying it on the benches outside. The key lime is more curd-pie like than cream-pie like, which I love, and is the perfect balance of acidic and sweet.

Their malasadas are also a must if you’re able to get them before 10 AM when they typically sell out. The dough is really flavorful and the filling divine.

Pick up local coffee at Akamai Coffee

website | area: Wailea, Kihei, and Kahului ( get directions ) | cuisine: coffee shop | reservations accepted? no

One of the things I was surprised to learn is that Maui coffee is expensive. In my mind I was like, “Maui. Tropical. Coffee!” However, the truth is most Hawaiian coffee is grown on the big island. Since Maui is so remote, grocery food is pricey .

I love coffee, but I typically don’t spend over $20 a bag max. It’s almost impossible to find Maui coffee for this price…I’ve seen it as high as $60 for 12 ounces!

However, Akamai isn’t too bad at ~$24 per bag. They’re making excellent roast coffee from Maui-grown beans and their cafes are super cute with swing chairs and homey decor.

Walk the Hoapili Trail

website | area: Kula ( get directions ) | distance: ~3.5 miles one way | elevation gain: ~100 feet | parking? yes

This is one of my favorite walking trails in all of Maui. It’s part of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve and consists of black lava rock that weaves along the coast. You’ll get stunning views of the coastline, plus see wild goats. The trail is quite long, but you can take it as far as you want and turn back.

Pro tip: A little bit before the parking lot for Hoapili Trail is  Kanahena Cove (also called Ahihi Cove by locals) where you can snorkel. Park in the parking lot just past the cove . It can get rougher in the afternoons, but it’s worth checking out if you’re comfortable with the waves!

Lounge and snorkel at Maluaka Beach

area: Wailea-Makena ( get directions ) | public access? yes | parking? yes, but limited

If you Googled where you can swim with turtles in Maui, you inevitably read about Turtle Town. What’s confusing is it sounds like a specific location, but it’s more the general area where you can see a lot of turtles along Maui’s south shore. However, I did some digging and read that locals consider Turtle Town to be accessible via Maluaka Beach.

Maluaka Beach is a lesser known beach a bit north of the popular Makena Beach in Kihei. It’s small and in a residential area, so bring snorkel equipment with you. Since it’s a bit off the main road, less people go to it, so you may have the snorkeling all to yourself.

This is both a good and potentially bad thing. The good is that you can experience the wildlife without a ton of tourists. The bad is that the snorkeling here is a touch more intimidating because you lose sight of the shore.

What I mean by this is that the coral starts at either side of the beach and then wraps around the coast. If you want to explore it all, you need to swim along the coast in open water without the safety of the beach. It’s not particularly challenging, but I was definitely a touch freaked out being out of sight of the shore when there was no one else in the water. Also, the coral is closer to the surface here so it can be a bit alarming when you think a wave may be pushing you too close.

Again, I don’t consider myself a super strong swimmer and did it.

I think it’s more a confidence thing. I’ll definitely say it felt like a hidden gem compared to other snorkel beaches, but it didn’t have the safety of people and a shore in sight. If you’d prefer to have the safety of other people, consider taking this Maui Turtle Town Kayak and Snorkel Tour or this Clear Kayak and Snorkel Adventure with a professional guide.

Pro tip: Sea turtles aren’t afraid of the surface. I actually almost ran into one because I was so busy looking down while snorkeling! Remember it’s your responsibility to keep a safe distance and avoid touching them.

Get dinner at South Maui Fish Company

website | area: Kihei ( get directions ) | cuisine: seafood | reservations accepted? no | pro tip: this food truck sells out fast, so get there when they open for dinner

South Maui Fish Company is one of my favorite poke places in Maui. It’s owned by friends who grew up in Puyallup, WA. They had a dream of fishing in Maui, so they moved to the island to make it a reality.

Now you can try their fresh-caught fish in various raw and cooked preparations. The must-get is the daily poke specials, which you can get half-and-half on a plate to try both. Besides exceptionally fresh fish, I love how they serve poppy seed pineapple slaw on the side. It’s so interesting and refreshing!

Enjoy dessert at Maui Pie

website | area: Kihei ( get directions ) | cuisine: pi | reservations accepted? no

I love that pies are a thing in Maui. You’ve had Sugar Beach Bake Shop. Now try my other favorite version at Maui Pie.

You’ll find a bunch of pie flavor options for sale by the slice. My go-to order is the lilikoi curd pie and strawberry mango. Both are served on Maui Pie’s signature crust and have the perfect balance of fruity flavors.

Day 4: Haleakalā National Park and the Upcountry

Get ready to experience one of the bucket list adventures in Maui: a visit to Haleakalā National Park! The Haleakalā National Park crater is accessible via the Upcountry, Maui’s farmland, so it makes sense to visit farms on the same day during your 5 day Maui itinerary.

The national park is a popular destination for sunrise viewing, but it requires a reservation months in advance. I’m here to tell you that you can avoid the crowds and have an equally amazing time going later in the day.

However, if you want to go at sunrise, here are some tours to consider that will pick you up at your hotel:

• Majestic Haleakala Sunrise Tour
• Haleakala Maui Sunrise Tour with Breakfast
• Full-Day Haleakala Sunrise and Bike Tour

If you don’t care about sunrise, use this itinerary for making the most of this day.

Grab breakfast at the Cinnamon Roll Place

website | area: Kihei ( get directions ) | cuisine: pastries | reservations accepted? no | pro tip: order ahead to skip the line

The Cinnamon Roll Place is a small bakery in a strip mall serving excellent pastries, including gluten free options. The menu consists of scones, bread pudding, banana bread, an egg wrap, and of course their famous cinnamon rolls. I love how the cinnamon spice is more pronounced with a zing similar to a stick of gum. The tang goes beautifully with the creamy icing!

Pro tip: Looking for something healthier? Check out the smoothie and acai bowl counter at nearby Hawaiian Moons Grocer.

Check out the farmers market & Maui Swap Meet

If it’s Saturday, check out Maui Swap Meet and the Upcountry Farmers Market .

The Maui Swap Meet is a flea market and craft fair that happens every Saturday from 7 AM – 1 PM near the airport in Kahului. It has some junky stuff to sift through, but it’s worth a visit because you’ll pass it on the way to the Upcountry. It gets crowded, so the earlier you get here the better.

The Upcountry Farmers Market is a small farmers market that runs super early from 7 AM – 11 AM on Saturdays. It’s where the locals go for fresh produce and a quick bite. Make sure to grab a sushi hand roll from Maui Cones !

After you check out the farmers market, head to the food cart pod on the other end of the parking lot and then grab a beer at Mahalo Aleworks , which is tucked behind the western part of the shopping center.

Visit the Upcountry farms & farm stands

You’ll be a world away from the ocean as you climb toward Haleakalā National Park. This fertile land is Maui’s agricultural hub, as you probably noticed from the countless sheep, goat, and grassy pastures.

There’s no better way to experience Maui’s bounty than by visiting as many farms as possible. There’s seriously a farm for every type of produce or animal product you can think of. My favorite thing to do is map out a few to visit and hit them up one after the other.

Here are some of my favorite farms to visit:

• Kula Country Farms – A larger farm stand with u-pick strawberries.
• Surfing Goat Dairy – A great stop for cheese or a farm tour where you can take care of the goats!
• Maui Bees – A little farm stand with honey tastings and products for sale.
• O’o Farm – A coffee farm that does tours and farm lunches.

Pro tip: Prefer a guided tour? Check out this private Upcountry tour that visits Kula Farms, a tea farm, and a lavender farm!

Get lunch at Pukalani Superette

website | area: Pukalani ( get directions ) | cuisine: Hawaiian | reservations accepted? no | known for: cheap bento boxes

Pukalani Superette is a serious locals-only hidden gem in the Upcountry. It’s a convenience store a bit off the main drag, so many tourists never pass it on their way to the crater.

However, a stop here is a must for some of the most affordable eats on the island. For ~$8 you can get a large portion of hot food or cold takeaway items. My go-to is the chili chicken and chow fun bento box, so grab that one if it’s available!

Pro tip: Want to fit in more eats? Check out nearby Kalei’s Lunchbox for more local grindz. Get the breaded beef teriyaki!

Go wine tasting at Maui’s only winery

website | area: Kula ( get directions ) | reservations accepted? yes

There’s only one winery on Maui aptly called MauiWine. It’s in the Upcountry on the way to the Road to Hana if you’re driving it counter clockwise. It has beautiful grounds…there’s even an old plantation prison house on the grounds! But what really stands out is the fact that it’s making wine in a climate not exactly hospitable to grapes.

The tasting flight will include wines supplemented with grapes from California since the vineyard’s yields are low, but try the estate grown wines using the grapes they’re able to grow on the island. And don’t miss the pineapple wines…they aren’t as sweet as you’d imagine!

Visit Haleakalā National Park

website | area: Kula ( get directions ) | reservations accepted? No, unless you want to go for sunrise. Then it’s required.

Haleakalā National Park is a large area that spans from sea level to more than 10,000 feet above. There are actually two sections: the Summit and Kīpahulu Districts. Kīpahulu is near the backside of the Road to Hana (you were in it when you did the bamboo forest trail on day 2). On this day, you’ll explore the Summit District.

Since you’ll be close to the top of the volcano, make sure to dress in layers because it gets surprisingly cold. You can buy a pass in advance for $30 per vehicle, or get it upon entering the park with a credit or debit card (the park is cashless). 

There are a bunch of hiking trail options , but even just from the visitors center the peak is wildly impressive. The beautiful red, rocky landscape makes you feel like you’re on Mars! On a clear day you can see uninterrupted views of the ocean to the west.

If you prefer a guide, here are tour options you may find interesting:

• Haleakala Maui Sunset Tour
• Haleakala Golden Hour Downhill Biking Tour
• Haleakala Slingshot Navigation Self-Guided Tour (this car is so dope!)

Get dinner at Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors

website | area: Kihei ( get directions ) | cuisine: poke | reservations accepted? no | known for: poke | pro tip: they also have a Lahaina location , but it’s temporarily closed due to the fires

Tamura’s is my third favorite poke on the island. I know this is where locals eat on Maui because I would have never found it without a local’s recommendation…it’s literally inside a liquor store. Once you walk in and turn left, a seafood counter case will magically appear with at least 8 different pokes.

Eat as the locals do and grab a bowl of 2 pokes and eat on the bench in the parking lot. Tamura’s is probably the best value poke given how much fish you’ll get, so come hungry!

Sample beers at Maui Brewing Co.

website | area: Kihei ( get directions ) | reservations accepted? no

There aren’t a ton of breweries on Maui, but obviously I sought out the ones that exist. Maui Brewing Co. is the largest craft brewery in Hawaii and has two locations in Maui: one in Ka’anapali and one in Kihei. They serve some great beers, my favorite being the coconut porter. You can also do a brewery tour and eat at their full-service restaurants.

Pro tip: Love beer? Take a Maui Brewery Tour and visit 3 breweries, including Maui Brewing Co. Don’t want the night to end? Finish your evening with a Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise or Te Au Moana Luau at a Resort .

Day 5: Check out Maui’s north coast

I prefer the north coast of Maui over the Road to Hana because it’s more accessible and less crowded. Get ready to explore this hidden gem on the last day of your 5 day Maui itinerary!

Get an early breakfast at Sam Sato’s

area: Wailuku ( get directions ) | cuisine: Hawaiian | reservations accepted? no | known for: dry mein

Sam Sato’s is a local institution that’s been around since 1933. This no-frills spot is known for dry mein, a brothless version of saimin with soft noodles made of wheat and egg. You may be thinking, “Noodles? For breakfast?!” I’m here to tell you yes, do as the locals do and get here for shortly after they open at 7 AM.

Chinese cooks working at Sam Sato’s actually invented dry mein. The noodles are tossed with a sauce and topped with things like char siu pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. You’ll also get a small bowl of chicken broth on the side for customizing the brothiness of your meal.

Another item you should add to your order is the Lima Manju. It’s a dessert similar to mochi, but made with flour and lima beans instead. You’ll be hard pressed to find them on many other menus!

Pro tip: Sam Sato’s is notorious for being randomly closed. If that’s the case when you visit, another option is Waikapu on 30 , a locals-only spot with incredible pork laulau. If you want more traditional breakfast options, don’t miss Bamboo Grille .

Hike Waihe’e Ridge Trail

website | area: Kahului ( get directions ) | distance: ~4 miles round trip there and back | elevation gain: ~1,500 feet

This is a hike near the north shore of Maui. I read somewhere before I went that it’s an easy-moderate hike that takes you along beautiful inland ridges.

The latter part was accurate, but let me tell you, this is not easy at first. It’s uphill right from the start so it can burn you out fast. I pulled a muscle in my calf walking up the paved section from the parking lot to the trailhead (not even joking).

However, if you can deal with the burn, it mellows out a bit and is a beautiful Maui hike. It’s like you’re in those mountains they take drone video of in Jurassic Park! The hike should take you about 3-3.5 hours without too many stops.

Stop at Karen Lei’s Gallery

website | area: Wailuku ( get directions ) | best for: picking up souvenirs

After Waihe’e Ridge, you’ll begin your drive along the northeast coast of Maui. One of the first stops you’ll come across is Karen Lei’s Gallery, a seemingly random gift shop full of handmade goods. I love popping in to pick up souvenirs and take in the pretty valley views from their property.

Get Julia’s Best Banana Bread

area: Wailuku ( get directions ) | cuisine: Hawaiian treats | reservations accepted? no, this is a roadside stand

A bit further along Maui’s north coast is a bright green roadside stand selling the best banana bread on the island. Julia sells super moist breads with different mix ins, as well as jams, cookies, and juices. Don’t miss the guava jam if it’s available. It makes a great souvenir! I also loved the pineapple mango juice.

Pro tip: Julia’s was randomly closed 2 times before I finally got to try it on my 3rd visit. Expect typical island hours…which means it may not be open! Also, this green farm stand pictured below is their old location, but they moved further west. Follow the directions above and you’ll find it.

Explore the northeast coast

After you get some souvenirs and snacks, you’ll be ready to explore the rugged northeast coast of Maui. The road is harrowing like Road to Hana, so drive slow and make sure to only pull over at designated spots.

The beauty of a coastal drive is that there are a ton of viewpoints and easy hikes to explore. The beauty of it is that you can stop on a whim at whatever looks interesting. But if you want more guidance, don’t miss these spots:

• Olivine Pools Trailhead – A short 1/2-mile walk to pools and lava rocks.
• Ohai Trail – An easy ~1-mile hike along the coast.
• Acid War Zone Trail – A short ~2-mile trail through rocks that look like they’ve been eaten by acid.

Check out Nakalele Blowhole

website | area: Wailuku ( get directions ) | distance: ~1.2 miles round trip there and back | elevation gain: ~275 feet

The most popular stop on the northern coast is Nakalele Blowhole. It’s accessed via a short and relatively easy Maui hike, with a bit of a scramble down toward the water. You’re going to get sprayed so keep fancy camera gear at home! And keep your eye out for the heart-shaped hole formed between the rocks near the blowhole.

Visit D.T. Fleming Park

website | area: Kapalua ( get directions ) | public beach? yes | parking? yes

This beach is north of Kapalua and is said to be a good snorkeling beach, though I haven’t gone in the water yet to vet that statement. What I did vet was that it’s near Dragon’s Teeth , which is an epic walking trail in Maui. It gets its name from the way the jagged rock formation resembles teeth thanks to the way the lava rushed into the ocean a long time ago. You’ll get sprayed with water, so prepare to get wet!

If time, head to Kapalua Bay Beach for more snorkeling

area: Kapalua ( get directions ) | public beach? yes | parking? limited

This crescent shaped bay is one of my favorite snorkeling spots in Maui. It’s a touch difficult to find because the beach access is through a parking lot that hides the water from the road. However, once you find it you’ll come across a sweet little beach. It can be a bit crowded, but the snorkeling is a ton of fun.

This is one of my favorite snorkeling beaches in Maui because the coral is further below you so there’s some distance between you and the fishies. I’ve also swam with sea turtles here, so if you’re looking for where you can swim with turtles in Maui, this is a good beach for that.

Pro tip: Consider renting snorkel equipment, beach chairs, and umbrellas for the duration of your trip. I always rent from Snorkel Bob because there are convenient locations across the island and you can drop off your gear at any one. You can also visit the nearby Napili Bay Beach for more great snorkeling.

If time, unwind with a treatment at a spa

It’s not a vacation to Hawaii for me if I don’t include a visit to a spa in my 5 day Maui itinerary. Every year I make the rounds at the luxury spas on Maui. Here are my favorites in northeast Maui.

Pro tip: If you don’t have time to fit in a visit to a spa, have it come to you! Book a Private Spa Experience in Your Hotel .

Spa Montage Kapalua Bay

Fun story about my experience at Spa Montage Kapalua Bay . I got violent food poisoning the day I was supposed to go. I was not about to pay the steep cancellation fee, so I went. A distinct memory is writhing in a pool lounge chair, too afraid to go in the water for fear I’d have an accident (TMI?). I was convinced something was about to go down on the massage table.

Yet despite this terrible memory, I remember Spa Montage as pure bliss. You walk into the spa and are immediately greeted with an open-air lobby that has views all the way to the beautiful Hawaiian landscape. The outdoor spa pool is beautiful and there’s a path leading to private massage huts.

I got a massage in one of those huts and, no, I didn’t have an accident. I was so relaxed that I was able to forget how violently ill I was…until I made it home. 😉 If a Maui spa can leave that impression despite dire circumstances, it’s good in my book!

The Spa at Ritz-Carlton

The Spa at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is near Spa Montage in Ka’anapali. It has a female-only or co-ed grotto pool, steam and dry saunas, and a relaxation room with super cozy chaises. They use Eminence products, which is what I use at home so you can feel good about the quality.

Pro tip: Before the pandemic you used to get free access to the Ritz’s grounds with a spa treatment, but unfortunately they stopped doing this. I was devastated to learn this, as being able to live as the other half lives made this my favorite spa in Maui.

Eat dinner at Joey’s Kitchen

website | area: Ka’anapali ( get directions ) | cuisine: Filipino-Hawaiian | reservation accepted? no | known for: casual comfort food

Joey’s is a casual, order-at-the-counter spot perfect for ending your 5 day Maui itinerary. It has the soul of the island in its food and charm, so even if there’s a wait, persevere.

When you get to order, don’t miss their pork lumpia, mac salad, loco moco, and mochiko chicken. All are comforting versions of the Hawaiian and Filipino classics.

And there you have it! My ultimate roundup of Maui tips organized into a 5 day Maui itinerary. Hopefully this helps you when planning your trip to Maui.

As you can tell from the ~7,000 words in this post, I love Maui. It’s a place I feel at peace immediately after I step off the plane. I guess what they say about vitamin D is real because I feel like a happier version of myself.

Save this guide to Pinterest for later as I’ll update it as I discover more places that make me smile.

Pro tip: I can customize this itinerary for you so it has exactly what you like to do. Check out my travel planning services .

My Maui map

Want to curate your 5 day Maui itinerary? Here is the map I curated over many years of planning a trip to Maui. It includes my favorites mentioned here, plus places I need to try or others I visited and thought were just ok (read the pin descriptions for more info!). If you have other recommendations, contact me because I’d love to add them to my map!

Explore more of Hawaii

Still need to play more of your 5 day Maui itinerary? Check out my other guides for more ideas of things to do on this magical island:

• Where the Locals Eat on Maui
• Best Easy Hikes on Maui
• Where to Stay in Maui
• Best Snorkeling in Maui
• Best Maui Souvenirs You’ll Actually Use
• Get a Custom Itinerary to Maui
• My Favorite Shopping Spots in Maui
• The Ultimate Road to Hana Itinerary
• The Perfect Kauai Itinerary

Looking for more warm travel destinations?

Living in the Pacific Northwest can be dreary in the winter, so if you want to escape, I get you. Why not…

• Explore Phoenix, Arizona in One Day
• Spend the Weekend in Scottsdale
• Eat Your Way Around Scottsdale’s Unique Restaurants
• Visit Wineries Near Sedona
• Spend 3 Days in San Diego
• Take a Road Trip from San Diego
• Discover San Diego’s Best Restaurants
• Go to Los Angeles for a Long Weekend
• Take a Trip to Santa Barbara
• Spend the Weekend in San Luis Obispo
• Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Join the club

You may also like.

March 4, 2020 at 6:36 pm

Excellent recommendations, can’t wait to check some out later this month.

March 5, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Thank you! I’m so excited for you, Maui is the best!

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7, 10, 14 Day Maui Itinerary: A Local’s Guide

Planning a trip to Maui but don’t know how much time you should allot for your island adventure?  No worries, I’ve lived on Maui for over 12 years and I put together a Maui itinerary that covers the whole island.

This post contains multiple sample itineraries ranging from a Maui 3 day itinerary, a Maui one week itinerary and all the way to two weeks on Maui.  These itineraries will help you maximize your time, allow for flexibility for unexpected adventures and enjoy those much needed relaxing beach days.

In this article, I recommend staying in a few different places all over the island especially if you are visiting Maui for multiple weeks.   This allows you to experience multiple areas of Maui on a more intimate level.

It is possible to drive around the whole island of Maui in a day, so if you are looking for a Maui itinerary 7 days or less, stay in the same Maui accommodation.  Just pick and choose your day trips.

🌺 Maui Travel Tips to help plan your trip The Ultimate Guide to Maui 10 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Maui Hawaii Travel Tips | What to Avoid

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Sample Maui Itinerary: A Local’s Guide

Below I briefly outlined what each itinerary so if you are just looking for ideas and don’t need all the details now.  If you want all the juicy details and insider tips from a local, keep scrolling.

Maui 3 day Itinerary

• 2 Days: Choose West Maui or South Maui
• 1 Day: Road to Hana or Haleakala Summit

Maui 4 day Itinerary 

• 2 Days: West Maui
• 1 Day: South Maui

Maui Itinerary 5 days 

• 1 Day: Road to Hana 
• 1 Day: Haleakala Summit

Maui Itinerary 7 Days 

• 3 Days: West Maui
• 1 Day: Road to Hana
• 2 Days: South Maui
• 1 Day: Upcountry & North Shore

Maui Itinerary 10 Days

• 4 Days: West Maui
• 1 Day: Hana
• 1 Day: Haleakala Crater
• 1 Day Upcountry & North Shore

Maui Itinerary 14 Days 

• 1 Day: Day Trip to Lanai
• 2 Days: East Maui
• 4 Days: South Maui
• 1 Day: Hike Haleakala Crater

How to get to Maui

Check flights ↓.

SOUTHWEST HAWAIIAN SKYSCANNER

book your jeep ↓

Best time to go to Maui

When to go to Maui will depend on what you want to do.   If you want to escape the cold then visiting in the winter months is a no brainer.   But the BEST part about visiting Maui during the winter months is for the whales.   🐳

Every year over 10,000 North Pacific Humpback Whales make their way to the warm shallow waters of Hawaii to give birth.   Official whale season is mid-December to mid-May.   Make sure you go on as many whale watching tours as you can!

Hurricane season is from June through November and thankfullyHawaii isn’t prone to hurricanes as much as other islands in the Caribbean.  

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Day 1: arrive-head to west maui.

There are several top notch resorts to stay at perfect if you’re on your honeymoon.   If you’re only able on a 4 day Maui itinerary stay in West or South Maui the whole time.

Maui Housing Guides:   Where to Stay in Maui Best Airbnbs in Maui Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget The Coolest Airbnbs in Hawaii Where to Stay in Hana 10 Best Maui Honeymoon Resorts 

Where to Stay in Lahaina

Old lahaina house, where to stay in kaanapali, the royal lahaina, the westin nanea ocean villas, where to stay in napili / kahana, napili sunset beach front resort, napili kai beach resort, where to stay in kapalua, montage kapalua bay.

Luxury, Luxury, Luxury.  Perched above Ironwoods beach you’ll find this picture perfect resort.  World class golfing located 5 minutes away.  You won’t be disappointed.  This is a great place to stay on your honeymoon .

If you’re staying in Ka’anaapall go all the way to the end of the beach by the Sheraton and jump off black rock , this is one of the best things to do in Kaanapali . It’s a 20 feet jump off the cliff into the water.  

Every night at sunset the tiki torches are lit and a man jumps into the water.  This is also a great snorkel sight, I almost always see a turtles! 🐢

Extra day  on 14 day Maui itinerary: Day trip to Lanai

Did you know that there’s a ferry that runs from Maui to Lana’i ?   This is a great way to explore Lana’i on a day trip from West Maui.  

The ferry runs 5 times a day and cost $60 round trip.   You can look up times   here .   The boat ride is a quick 45 minutes until you dock at Manele harbor.

Spend the day relaxing at the picture perfect Manele Bay (pictured above ↑), enjoy a short hike to along the coastline to Puu Pehe, petting cats at the cat sanctuary or renting bikes to explore the island.   However you decide to spend your day, it’ll be a great island hopping adventure.

Lanai Travel Guides:   The Best Things to do in Lanai Camping on Lana’i Where to Stay on Lanai

Day 3: Drive the road to Hana

Locals Tip:  Get off-the-beaten path and avoid the crowds by driving the back road to Hana .

Tips for driving the road to Hana  

• PULL OVER  and let the locals pass. If they are riding your ass it’s not because they’re trying to be mean it’s their way of asking you to “let them pass.”
• Pack plenty of snacks & beverages for the drive, it’s a long day.
• Avoid sites located on or beyond private properties, and areas that lack visitor welcoming signage.
• Park in designated parking stalls.  Don’t be “that guy” and block the road for everybody.
• Don’t expect much service, cell service and WIFI will be very limited on this journey.
• Please respect the Aina (land)!  Theres nothing that irks me more than to see litter and trash strewed about.  Pack it in, Pack it out.
• Lastly,  Do Not  park underneath a mango tree, those sweet things have an evil side!

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Where to stay in Hana

Wai’napanapa state park.

On the iconic black sand beach has camp grounds and cabins which are always a highlight in my book.

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala NP Guides:   Haleakala National Park Tips & Tricks Hiking into the Crater | Sliding Sands Trail Everything you Need to Know about Haleakala Crater

Aina Kupuna

Travaasa hana.

Luxury in the jungle.  The Travaasa (part of the Ritz Carlton) is one of Hana’s only luxury resorts.  Explore during your days and relax in the evenings on the beautiful grounds witch ocean views and an amazing hot tub.  

A perfect stay on your Maui itinerary and one of the best resorts in Maui for your honeymoon .

Day 4: explore Hana

Start your day early with sunrise at the red sand beach.  Getting to this beach is half the adventure as you have to ‘scale’ a cliff to get there.  If you did it right and booked a stay at the  Hana Hotel for a few nights ask anyone at the hotel to point you in the right direction to the beach, its located directly next door.

READ NEXT:   Where to Eat in Hana

Next head 20 minutes down the road to Haleakala National Park stopping to take some pictures at Wailua Falls along the way.  This is the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park .

Park at the visitor center and take the short  Kūloa Point Trail to the Kūloa Point at the mouth of ‘Ohe’o Gulch.  The ‘Ohe’o Gulch or commonly known as Seven Sacred Pools is a series of waterfalls that fall into pools.

Maui Budget Guides: 10 Budget Friendly Maui Adventures How to Travel Maui on a Budget 28 Free or Cheap Things to do in Maui on a Budget Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget 33 Ways to Travel on a Budget

If you’ve chosen to carve out more time in Hana, you’ve made the right choice.  There is so much adventure to have in Hana its a dream.

If you crave thrill then make sure you check out Venus Pools which is my favorite place to go cliff jumping. There are several rocks that you can jump off of  into a natural swimming hole that range in different heights.  Then scramble up the lava rocks.  Rinse and repeat.

I would also rise for yet another sunrise but this time at Wai’anapanapa State Park .  I recommend this sunrise over the red sand beach because there’s more to explore, its more open and its absolutely beautiful.  Just because Hana is remote doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do.   

* As of March 2021 you must make reservations to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park.  You can do so here .

READ NEXT:  8 Amazing Adventures to have in Hana

Day 5: drive to South Maui

Get ready to be in the car for more than a couple of hours.   Drive the back way from Hana to South Maui .  The drive is beautiful.

Make sure you stop at St. Joseph’s to snap a few pictures of the beautiful church perched on the cliff with views of the ocean below.

Another off-the beaten path must stop is at the Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary .  The beautiful grounds overlook the ocean and I was surprised to have only discovered this spot in February!

Great souvenirs/gifts are handmade ‘Hive to Home’ and ‘Bees to Body’ products.  I bought the local lavender honey and put it in my coffee every morning. ☕️  This is one of the most unusual things to do in Maui . 

Where to stay in South Maui

Andaz resort.

If you want a beach front resort that you’ll never want to leave.  The Andaz has 4 outdoor infinity pools, a couple on-site bars and restaurants, and top notch service.  Spend your days relaxing pool side with a lava flow (a Pina colada with strawberry).  Close to the best beaches on Maui, high end shopping and all the best things to do in Wailea .

Hotel Wailea

On you’re honeymoon?  The Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux is an adults only resort with the finest views, luxury and facilities.  This is a top honeymoon resort in Hawaii .

Fairmont Kea Lani

DAY 6: Surise at Haleakala or Explore Upcountry

My preferred way of exploring the crater is by hiking down, through and out of the crater .  You do this by hiking down Sliding Sands Trail and connecting with the Spur Trail towards Holua and eventually onto the Halemauu Trail.

After a grueling 4 or 5 miles worth of switchbacks you’ll end up where you parked your car.  (From the car you hitch hike to the summit to begin the hike).

Upcountry Maui Travel Guides: 10 Ways to Explore Upcountry Unusual Things to do in Maui

North Shore Travel Guides: The Best Restaurants in Paia Top Things to do in Pai, Maui 5 Places to Explore in Haiku

Day 7: beach day all day

Alas its the last day on your 7 day Maui itinerary your so plan on doing nothing today but lounging at the beach or pool.  My favorite beach is  Big Beach located down in McKenna.

It’s a 5 mile long white sand beach that carved into a perfect crescent. You can climb up the side on rocks on the far East side of the beach. It gives a great viewpoint.

If you continue over the rocks you’ll be at little beach which happens to be a nude beach.  On Sunday nights they have a naked drum circle. To  ensure a perfect beach day don’t forget to bring these items to the beach .

Travel Tip:   Respect the ‘Aina and do your part to help protect the ocean by only wearing reef safe sunscreen .  This is a requirement in Hawaii and should be around the world. 

Extra days for the 2 week Maui itinerary

Make sure you carve out a morning to drive down to La Perouse.  The drive is picture perfect and gives you a small town Hawaii feel.  Hike as far or as little as you want on the Kings Trail.  You’ll see goats running around towards the beginning of the path.  Lava rocks surrounded the and sometimes jut into the path.

Maui Travel Guides below ↓

What to Pack for Maui

10 Incredible Places that Exist on Maui

15 Epic Things to do in Maui

Best Hikes on Maui

Exploring Iao Valley State Park

12 Ways to Explore Maui when it Rains

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5 Days in Maui: The Maui Itinerary You’ll Want to Copy

last Updated: April 24, 2024 hawaii maui

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Hawaii and looking for a Maui itinerary that’ll show you the best of the best of the island? Keep reading for the perfect 5 days in Maui, which will cover everything you need to know and then some!

Imagine sunrise at Maui’s famous volcano , snorkeling with sea turtles , a drive down the famed (and for good reason) Road to Hana , and more shave ice than you ever thought possible.

Maui (and Hawaii in general ) is a place I could revisit time and time again. And lucky you, I’ve not only compiled all of my best island tips, but I’ve perfected the most varied Maui itinerary you can imagine.

The island is full of white (and black) sandy beaches, dolphins and sea turtles playing in the water, mouth-watering food (fresh fish, anyone?), and you can’t forget about that cool cool island breeze. I’d go back tomorrow in a heartbeat if I could.

There’s just something about island life that really calls to me. Maybe it’s the fact that I can literally wear sundresses, bikinis, and sandals everyday, or the fact that the sea turtles and tropical fish are just steps away (once you get into the ocean of course).

And with over 275 sunny days a year, Maui’s weather is truly hard to beat (okay, maybe it rivals that of Orange County or San Diego , but who’s counting)?

And thankfully, now that we live on the West Coast, Hawaii is like our new Caribbean, and we aim to visit at least once a year. Fiiiiine by me. 🙂 We’ve recently spent a few days in Kauai , and I’m still telling everyone how I celebrated my 30th birthday by jumping out of a plane and eating everything in sight in Oahu .

Island Hopping in Hawaii:  Planning on doing some island hopping? Check out these additional resources:

• The Perfect 5 Day Oahu Itinerary
• 3 Days in Kauai  (well worth a few days!)
• 10 Days in Hawaii  (ultimate island-hopping resource)
• The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List
• 25+ Places to Eat in Oahu   (foodies trip, anyone?!)

So pack up your swim and snorkel gear, start looking at flights to Hawaii, and use this Maui guide to craft your perfect 5 day Maui itinerary! But first, a whole lotta logistics:

Logistics for your 5 days in Maui

When to visit maui.

Thankfully, there’s not really a bad time to visit Maui, as the weather is pretty much fantastic no matter the month. The warm tropical climate is consistent year round, and you’ll find daytime highs in the mid-80s in the summer, and daytime highs in the mid-70s during the “winter” months.

If you’re looking for dry weather, avoid visiting between November through March, as this is when Maui receives the majority of it’s rain. Thinking of visiting then? Don’t fret – rain showers are short, usually only lasting for a few minutes, and then bringing back the clear skies and sunshine. And plus – that’s prime time for rainbow spotting!

Looking to save a bit of money (aren’t we all)?! Visit Maui in either the spring (late March – May) or fall (September – early November). You’ll likely be able to find deals on accommodation, as well as experience less crowds.

Hoping to catch a glimpse of those majestic humpback whales migrating down the Pacific from Alaska? From January – March, Maui is the best spot in the states to observe this migration.

How to Get to Maui

So here’s the thing: getting to Maui can be pretty expensive. Unless you’re coming straight from the West Coast, most flights will have a layover in Honolulu (on Oahu ), but don’t let that deter you. Maui’s by far our favorite island, just trust me on that!

When you fly into Maui, you’ll be heading into Kahululi Airport (code OGG).  Make sure to look out the window upon descent — the turquoise waters will blow you away before you even touch land.

Flights from SFO (San Francisco) to Maui are roughly 5 hours, 20 minutes, with the flight from LAX (Los Angeles) being slightly longer at 5 hours, 40 minutes. I normally find flights from the West Coast to Hawaii for approximately $450, although I’ve seen them offered as low as in the $300’s roundtrip.

A few tips for saving on airfare:

• I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights , and always always always use these two sites when looking for airfare.  The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two.  
• And now that Southwest has routes from California to Hawaii , flight prices have gotten even more competitive. Look out for those $200 round trip tickets from the west coast (they go fast so snag them up as soon as you see them)!
• Do some flight comparisons . You may want to first check prices from your home airport directly to Maui, and then compare those with the flight prices to SFO/LAX and then onto Maui from there. Sometimes it may be worth it to fly into California first.

Not only will you possibly save a few pennies on the flights, but you can spend a few days in California (while adjusting to West Coast time zone, ultimately helping with jet lag in Hawaii) and get two trips outta one!

Where to Stay on Maui

On Maui, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, including high-end fancy schmancy resorts (with multiple pools and restaurants on site), trendy, boutique hotels, the cutest bed and breakfasts you’ve ever seen, and lots of vacation rentals. 

There are accommodation options all over the island, including Kapalua , Kaanapali , Lahaina , Kihei , Makena and Wailea . Note that if you’re hoping to break up the Road to Hana into two days, there’s not many hotels in Hana (best to book this ASAP).

The bulk of the visitors to Maui stay in either Kaanapali, Lahaina, or South Maui (Kihei or Wailea), which is where the majority of the high-end resorts and rentals are.

West Maui: Kaanapali and Lahaina

Kaanapali and Lahaina are resort communities in west Maui, roughly 10 minutes apart. You can get a place there and essentially never have to leave the area. And plus, this side of the island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, in my opinion (check out the photos of Napili Bay below).

However, there’s not much nightlife as things close early, so our dinners were our primarily “activity” come night time. We found this totally fine because by the end of the day we were downright pooped! In addition, because of it’s high popularity, the streets, beaches, and restaurants are usually fairly crowded, especially in high season.

We’ve stayed at both the Aston Kaanapali Shores (absolutely loved the pool and garden area) and the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (fantastic budget option super close to famous Black Rock beach). We’ve also stayed in vacation rentals Maui a few times when we knew we’d be out exploring (and not taking advantage of resort amenities) each day.

Recommended Hotels in Kaanapali: Aston Kaanapali Shores | The Westin Maui Resort + Spa | Hyatt Regency Maui | Sheraton Maui Resort + Spa

South Maui: Kihei and Wailea

In Kihei you’ll find plenty of laid-back condo rentals and hotel options for those more on a budget (~$100-200ish). Like West Maui, Kihei has tons of restaurants, stores, and supermarkets that are all within a few blocks of each other and easily accessible by foot.

Kihei in general is more of a local’s beach town, so you’ll find less tourists and more peace and quiet for the most part. Do note that you’ll most likely have to drive 5-10 minutes to find beaches suitable for swimming and snorkeling. But because of its central location between Lahaina and Wailea, breathtaking beaches aren’t too far!

Recommended Hotels in Kihei: Maui Coast Hotel | Nona Lani Cottages | Maui Beach Vacation Club (condo rentals)

Wailea is known for its massive five star resort destinations, which often come with a hefty price tag. However, like Kihei, the area is much more laid-back than lively Lahaina and Kaanapali, and thus there’s not as many activities nearby.  If you’re looking for a more quiet and luxurious upscale place to stay, choose Wailea.

Recommended Hotels in Wailea: Hotel Wailea (Adults Only) | Four Seasons Resort | Andaz Maui | Grand Wailea

How to Get Around Maui

Maui is a larger island than you may think. If you plan to drive the Road to Hana , head to Paia , and/or catch the sunrise at Haleakala sans tour, public transport just won’t cut it. Planning on following this Maui itinerary? You’ll undoubtedly need to rent a car.

I like to search  via this site  in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.  Feeling a bit extra? Splurge on a convertible or an open-air jeep – this is Hawaii afterall! Treat yo-self! 

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here !

Realllllly don’t wanna rent a car? Thankfully, Maui had a pretty decent bus system, but unfortunately, it’s pretty time consuming and doesn’t go everrryyyywhere. Rates are $2 per ride and $4 for a day pass. See this site for bus maps and rules: co.maui.hi.us .

Note that the bus does not go up to Haleakala Volcano (you could take this tour though), and it doesn’t drive out to Hana (opt for a tour similar to this one ), which are both imperative on any Maui itinerary in my opinion.

If you’re strongly against renting a car (which I’m not really sure why not…), please oh please sign up for tours as you’d REALLY be missing out on two absolutely necessary Maui must-do adventures.

Although the public bus system does in fact make the trek out to the airport, you’d be better off getting an airport shuttle at the beginning and tail end of your trip when flying out since the regular bus doesn’t allow any luggage (unless you can hold it on your lap!).

Also, there are transfer companies to get you from the airport ot your hotel/condo/vacation rental, but by the time you pay that twice, you could pay for a rental car for the duration of your 5 days in Maui.

Maui Packing List

When packing for your trip, you wanna make sure you’ve got all the right clothing and gear for everything you’ve planned for your Maui itinerary. Think about the activities you’ll be doing, and prepare for those! 

Everyone will need their typical everyday clothing (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, etc). A few pairs of shoes is a good idea — I recommend bringing a pair of flip flops, sandals, dressy shoes (for a nice dinner out), and sneakers/hiking boots if you’re planning on doing some hiking.

Women’s Packing List:  You’ll obviously need all your favorite beach attire, including bathing suits (buy a few new ones!), beach cover-ups, loose cotton dresses, a cute sun hat, casual and dressy sandals, 

Psst: Women — If you’re planning on taking a surf lesson, be sure to pack a bathing suit that stays put and has good support. You don’t wanna fall out if you accidentally wipe out! :p

Men’s Packing List:  Be cool and casual during the day (my husband loves short sleeve button downs for a more polished look), but be sure to check the dress code for any restaurants you really wanna go to. Men might need pants and dress shoes to enter.

Other Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Maui

• Polarized sunglasses  (better for blocking out the harsh UV rays)
• Beach bag   and/or  backpack : make sure it’s large enough to fit a beach towel or two!
• Hat/s : The sun is strong here! I love taking a  wide-brimmed sun hat  for the beach and a  fun trucker hat  when hiking.
• If your Maui itinerary includes a bunch of snorkeling around the island, you’ll probably save some cash by bringing your own  mask and snorkel .
• A  waterproof kindle  or other e-reader for reading at the beach (I’d be worried a physical book may accidentally get wet!)
• Your hotel may give you towels, but we love traveling with a  sand-free beach mat
• Reusable water bottle : better for the environment and a must for hiking!
• Reef Safe sunscreen  (always use when in the water, as other sunscreen is harmful to marine life): We love  ThinkSport  (make sure the bottles are less than 3.4 ounces if you’re bringing them in your carryon)! Don’t forget about  SLP lip balm  as well!
• Aloe Vera Gel : always have some handy in case you get a sunburn; aloe will give the burn some much-needed relief
• Dramamine : This will help with motion sickness if you’re planning to do a snorkeling or boat tour (the waves can get rough!).
• Underwater camera :  All my underwater photography tips and gear here . I’d check out an  underwater phone case , too.
• Portable battery charger : Charge your phone on the go and never run out of a charge
• Noise-cancelling headphones : Great for both the plane and the beach! I’m obsessed with my  AirPods  and Noah loves his  Bose Quiet Comforts .
• Tote bag : Plastic bags are banned in Maui, so bring your own for shopping! I love  this collapsible reusable tote bag  (hardly takes up any room in your suitcase).

An Important Note on Hawaiian Wildlife

One of the big draws of any trip to Maui ( and Hawaii in general ) is the possibility to see wildlife. Think plenty of tropical fish (including Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a – and yes, that’s how it spelled), sea turtles (both in water and resting on land), dolphins and humpback whales jumping in and out of water, and wild boar (be careful when driving on remote roads).

PLEASE keep wildlife WILD. NEVER attempt to chase/touch/pet/feed ANY wild animal. This can potentially do harm to these beloved creatures, and possibly cause unnecessary distress.

Always stay at least 100 feet from any animal you encounter, and when snorkeling, NEVER touch/chase sea turtles (it’s actually a crime, and you can get a hefty fine) or any other fish/dolphin you may come across. Get your photos, but NEVER do it at the expense of the animals.

And while we’re on that note – shy away from plastic straws and other unnecessary plastic when on the island (it’ll most likely end up in the ocean). If you buy a pack of drinks (whether it be POG juice, beers, etc), always make sure to cut up that silly plastic holding all the drinks together. Thank you. 🙂

And now what you’ve been waiting for, a complete 5 day Maui itinerary!

Maui Itinerary: The Perfect 5 Days in Maui

Day 0: fly into hawaii.

As noted above, I 98% have the best luck scoring “cheap” flights to Hawaii using either Skyscanner or Google Flights . “Cheap” is in quotes because I can never seem to find any flights below $400 for our travel dates, but that’s probably because we either go during a holiday weekend and/or don’t have the option to travel mid-week.

I’ve seen offers for as low as $300ish from LAX or SFO, so if you’ve got more flexibility, you may just get lucky! I also heard that Southwest has a new flight route from SFO to the Hawaiian Islands, so be sure to check that out as well!

Sleep : Lahaina or Kaanapali

Important Note : Many of the mornings on this Maui itinerary start in the early AM. While I highly suggest you experience the restaurant nightlife, I also recommend getting a good night’s sleep each and every night. And with the Hawaiian sun beaming down on you all day, I have a feeling that falling asleep each night won’t be a problem.

Day 1: Sunrise at Haleakala Crater, then Beach Time

On our first official full day in Maui, we’re waking up at 2am! Yup, you read that right – 2 o’clock in the morning, my friends. Sure, the super early morning wake up call won’t be much fun, but trust me, sunrise at Haleakala is worth it . And then some.

Imagine watching the sunrise above clouds from an active volcano. Mystical. Intoxifying. Other-wordly. Exactly my point . Haleakala does in fact mean “house of the sun”, so you can be positive that view will be worth waking your butt up for.

Why sunrise on the first day? Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll most likely have a case of major jet lag. Use this to your advantage! If you’re flying in from the East Coast USA, 2am will actually feel more like 8am. Not so terrible now, am I right?

Sunrise at the Haleakala summit is super popular, so arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise. (Check exact sunrise times here – bottom of page, but know that the sun rises between 5:30am – 7am depending on the time of year.) You’ll have to drive the winding 38 mile Crater Road in the dark, so plan to leave even earlier than you think.

Note that since sunrise at Haleakala has become so incredibly popular, you now need to make reservations in advance. Individual spots can fill up quickly since there are only 150 parking spaces available. Make reservations here or take the easy way out and book with a certified tour operator (who takes care of your transportation to and from the summit as well as any documentation/advanced reservation requirements).

Read Next: How to Score Sunrise Tickets to Haleakala!

And once sunrise hits, don’t leave right away! You’ll want to hang around the summit and Haleakala Visitors Center in order to get some great photos – the colors of the valley become more vibrant about 15-20 minutes afterwards. If you decided to make the grueling long drive yourself, grab some hot cocoa from Kula Lodge before you leave the area.

Word of advice: Bring Warm Clothes. Yes, it’s Maui, but the temperature drops about 3º for every 1000 feet of elevation, meaning it’ll be about 30º colder than at sea level from where most people watch the sunrise. I didn’t bundle up enough and I was freezing my butt off.

Take a scarf, alllll the sweatshirts you brought with you, your hotel blanket if you’re feeling a bit extra, and layer, layer, layer. You’ll thank me later when you’re standing there comfortably watching the sunrise at 9,740 feet.

Spend the rest of the afternoon taking it easy and relaxing at the beach, be it Kihei, Kaanapali, Wailea, etc. No matter where you’re staying on the island you’ll find sandy spots and ocean waves nearby.

If you want something low-key to do at night, book yourself on a sunset catamaran dinner cruise . Truuuust me, that Maui sunset is like no else, especially from the water. And how cool would it be to see the sunrise and the sunset in the same day? 

Sleep: Lahaina or Kaanapali

Day 2: Lahaina and North Maui

Since you’re probably utterly exhausted from yesterday’s early morning wake up call, take the morning to sleep in (only a little bit) and plan to spend the day around Lahaina and the areas nearbyi. If you’re staying in Kaanapali or Lahaina you won’t have very far to go today for all of the activities listed below:

1. Short Road Trip Up North: If you’re tired of the beach (say what?!) and up for a mini roadie, jump in the car and head to Napili Bay, Nakalele Blowhole, and Makaluapuna Point. Napili Bay is a super popular spot for snorkeling with the Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles, and you won’t want to miss breakfast at the open-aired Gazebo Restaurant (get the fried rice and white chocolate macadamia nut pancakes – just do it).

2. Get Your Snorkel On: The snorkeling at Black Rock in Kaanapali (right in front of the Sheraton and Kaanapali Beach Hotel) is A++, so you don’t need to go super far to swim around with the fish and turtles! Mornings tend to be easier since the waves and trades aren’t as high yet.

Read Next: All My Favorite Places to Go Snorkeling in Maui

Note that the beach can be somewhat crowded and you’ll be sharing the waters with lots of other beach goers, so the water can appear a bit dark and dirty (from everyone kicked the sand on the ocean floor below).

If you want that crystal clear water you’re probably dreaming about, head north to Kapalua and/or Honolua Bay , which both feature tide-less swimming holes perfect for splashing around (and snorkeling) during the summer, and great surf watch if the waves are too rough (usually in winter).

And if you want to ensure some top-notch snorkeling today, take a day trip from Lahaina to Lanai or, as mentioned before, crystal clear Honolua Bay .

3. Hang in Lahaina: Promise me you won’t miss Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (kinda an institution around these parts with some of the best shave ice on the island), shopping at Whalers Village, the huuuuge banyan tree, Hula pie and fish tacos at Dukes (go on an empty stomach — it’s all absolutely to-die for), and some fresh acai at Baya Bowls.

We also enjoyed some fresh fruit juice at Olowalu Juice Stand a few minutes south.

4. Luau in Lahaina: It’s impossible to travel all the way to Hawaii without experiencing a traditional luau first hand.  With all the music, exotic dancing, and delicious FOOD , this is surely a night not to be missed.

And thankfully, there’s two fantastic options right in the heart of Lahaina: 1. The Feast at Lele and 2. The Old Lahaina Luau .

We ultimately chose the Feast at Lele for a few reasons: the food is brought out individually (meaning no buffet), private comfy tables vs. benched seating with those you don’t know, and there’s a fire knife dance. Yup, it was just as energetic and vigorous at it sounds.

But no matter which luau you choose, be sure to make reservations super early on when planning. They both book up quite fast, and the earlier you book a spot, the better a table you’ll get (closer to the performances). Book Feast at Lele here , and Old Lahaina Luau here .

Read Next: The Feast at Lele vs. The Old Lahaina Luau

Day 3: Snorkel at Molokini and Turtle Town

Early morning wake-up #2 – but don’t worry, today’s another epic day. If you thought the snorkeling at Black Rock was top notch, just waaaaait until you get in the waters at Molokini and Turtle Town. Psst – they don’t call it Turtle Town for ‘nothin!

Today you’ll need to book a snorkeling tour since there’s no possible way to hit up these snorkel spots yourself, well, unless you can afford to charter your own boat ($$$$$).

Choose a tour like this one that includes both breakfast and lunch (BBQ on a boat, anyone?), gets you to the snorkel spots before the masses of other tourists arrive, and includes top-notch snorkeling equipment. Yup, that’s why we’re getting our butts up at 6am! Book tour to Molokini and Turtle Town here

Molokini : Ever thought you’d be snorkeling inside of a sunken Hawaiian volcano? Yup, that was my first thought when I learned more about Molokini. Known for its fabulous underwater life and visibility of up to 150 feet, this crescent-shaped partially submerged volcanic crater (from 230,000 years ago!!!) is one of Maui’s prime snorkeling hot spots.

And that it was. Once I eased into the water, I had a super hard time focusing; there was just SO much to see. On our particular tour we encountered pinktail durgons, black triggerfish, ornate butterfly fish, red pencil urchins, yellow tangs, trumpetfish, coronet fish, a kaleidoscope of coral along the ocean’s bottom, and more unidentifiable (by me) sea creatures.

Told you I didn’t want to return back to the boat. And with over 250 species of endemic fish and marine life, I can guarantee you’ll see a whole bunch.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also see picasso triggerfish (also known as the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa in Hawaiian – try saying that name correctly), which is Hawaii’s state fish, manta rays, and moray eels.

Turtle Town : Ahhhhh – sorry, I have a hard time containing my excitement when I even think about swimming with the turtles (known as honus in Hawaii). There’s just something so majestic about these (larger-than-you-realize but) graceful creatures swimming below the surface.

And when I visited, I found it absolutely crazy how incredibly close the sea turtles came near me.  In more instances than one, I had to swim away in fear that I would accidentally touch it’s fin or shell (a huge no-no in Hawaii).  

Note that it’s ILLEGAL to touch a honu; these Hawaiian green sea turtles are federally protected and it’s harmful (and ILLEGAL) to touch, feed, or harass them. Just don’t do it. For the sake of the sea turtles. Keep your distance as much as possible.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a turtle right away. Sea turtles hide in caves or under big rocks, and sometimes just sit in the sand on the bottom for periods of time. Basically, they are not always visible at first, and you must patiently wait for them to come up for air (which they need to do since they don’t breathe underwater).

Look all around you: below, in front, behind, etc… you never know when they will come up and surprise you.  Feast your eyes on the seafloor too much, and you may see a shark (which may be a good or bad thing depending on your anxiety levels…)

Book tour to Molokini and Turtle Town here

It’s a good idea to note that the waters (at both snorkel sites) are at their calmest during early morning hours, so if a tour doesn’t start until 9am or later, that’s a bad sign. You should essentially get picked up between 6-7am-ish to ensure prime snorkeling conditions.

If you’re wondering what equipment I used to take these underwater photos, all that info can be found right here (along with some tips on underwater photography). It’s not as easy as it looks, trust me!

And sometimes it’s better to just relax and enjoy the experience. Yes, I say take a whole bunch of photos, but remember to put the camera down and be one with the fish as well. 🙂

Since the tour starts early, you’ll have the rest of the day to either continue exploring Lahaina or rest up at the beach. Consider eating at Monkey Pod Kitchen for a fantastic view, Ono Tacos for a food truck lunch or dinner, or Sale Pepe for some intoxifying Italian food.

Day 4: Maui from Above and Paia Town

Morning: Helicopter tour

What’s better than a helicopter ride over Maui? Start your morning wanderings by booking yourself the West Maui and Molokai tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters . Not only will you be utterly amazed at all the wowness below you from 1000’s of feet, but you’ll actually learn a lot about the island too!

When soothing helicopter-esque music wasn’t playing out of our headphones, our pilot was answering all our crazy island questions and teaching us all-things Maui. On the helicopter tour you’ll see misty mountains, towering waterfalls, coral reefs from above (an absolutely spectacular thing), and even have the chance to spot whales and manta ray from afar.

Read Next: Soaring Above Majestic Maui: A Maui Helicopter Tour

Worried about nausea and possible sickness? No need to fret – the entire ride was super smooth and pleasant. Thankfully all of the pilots are super A++++ and the company utilizes the latest safety techniques and procedures.

Soaring over Maui in a helicopter is one of my favorite Hawaii experiences to date! I mean, just look at these photos. 

Visiting a few islands and not sure which to plan your heli adventure on? Check out our heli experience in Kauai (loads of pretty pictures) to help make up your mind! Both are worthy, but there’s nothing like soaring over the Na Pali coastline.

Top Tips: Be sure to wear dark colors during the duration of your helicopter tour, as black will have the least reflection on the glass windows. Wear light colors and you’re risking horrible glares and reflections, making excellent photography downright impossible.

Be courteous to those on your helicopter tour and just wear all black (at least on top), and you’ll keep the nasty glares (from people and the helicopter window) at bay.

If you’re like me and can’t envision yourself wearing black the rest of the day, keep a change of clothes in your rental car and plan to swap into your true summer attire afterwards.

Afternoon: Wander around Paia and Hit Up the Beach Once More

The helicopter tour starts at the airport, so why not stick around the area and explore Paia , a super laid back, surfer hippie town roughly 15 minutes away.

Here you’ll find colorful murals and a not-to-miss surfboard fence (located on Baldwin Ave), a bunch of cute boutique shops (my favorites being To the Moon and Back for jewelry, and Alice in Hulaland for random , and plenty of hip acai and smoothie spots.

Need some coffee? Pick up a to-go cup at the absolute cutest greenery-filled shop in the area, Paia Bay Coffee Company.

Looking for a relaxing outdoor spot for lunch after the helicopter tour? Head to Paia Inn Cafe and get some avocado toast, cold-pressed juices, and the cardamom french toast and eat on the patio. Open from 8:00am-1:00pm daily.

You may want to make a reservation – seating is limited and this place is popular (you’ll see)! And if you can’t score a reservation or the place just happens to be closed for a private event (which it was when we were there), hop across the street to the Paia Fish Market Restaurant for some fresh fish tacos.

If you’re sick of wandering around town (but really, it’s just soooo cute and artsy), head back to the beach! Luckily this area has quite a few of them! Don’t miss Ho’okipa Beach Park (there’s Hawaiian sea turtles over here!), Baldwin Beach, and Lha Bab Peace Stupa!

Don’t mind making a short detour? Drive 20 minutes south of the airport to Wow Wow Lemonade for you guessed it – lemonade!

Read Next: My HUGE Guide to Paia (with all my favorite beaches and eats!)

Night: Dinner at Mama’s Fish House

Make your first official fresh fish dinner in Maui a great one, at no other than the famous Mama’s Fish House. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance, as this place is exceptionally popular (and for good reason).

And while the food’s absolutely mouthwatering and will surely cost a pretty penny, the setting is even more memorable and you’ll leave having eaten one of your best meals on Maui.

Sleep:   Pain Inn in Paia

If you want to get a short head start on the next day’s activities (the infamous but tiring Road to Hana), you may want to consider sleeping in Paia the night before. You’ll save about an hour’s worth of driving which may help you stay ahead of the crowds on the drive. Up to you!

Check out some hotels in Paia here.

Bed early because tomorrow’s a long and exhausting day!

Day 5: The Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is one you will never forget and an absolute highlight on any Maui itinerary. The drive is not for the fearful though- with 52 miles of winding roads (complete with plenty of one lane bridges, hairpin turns, and rocky cliffs), you’ll want to make sure you get plenty of rest the night before!

Highway 36 (known as the Road to Hana) is one of the most famous highways in the entire country and takes about 3 hours, but you’ll want to carve out an entire day on your Maui itinerary to linger around. And trust me, there are lots of stops on the road you just won’t want to miss! Black sand beach, anyone?!

Remember, if you’re staying in Lahaina or Paia or anywhere else other than where you end up on your drive, you’ll need to make your way back to where you came from. And that means even more driving time. Be sure to back some road trip snacks, read my Road to Hana guide in advance (sure to help while on the road).

If you don’t feel comfortable driving back in the dark or would rather let someone else do the driving (letting you take in all the sights care-free), book yourself on a Road to Hana tour.

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September 22, 2020 at 9:37 am

Wonderful article! We will be traveling to Maui May 2021. I appreciate all the information you shared. Thank you Jess!

December 8, 2020 at 12:25 pm

Good itinerary. What I would like to see from all these itineraries are a cost. Throw in what your total cost was. And if there are varying options, go cost per activity after all fees/taxes so we can add up our choices. Not sure why everyone is afraid to put a number on all of this when it is the most important part to travel for the majority of visitors. Let's care about financial wealth as we enjoy travel.

January 7, 2021 at 9:07 pm

Jessica, Remember Hawaii is part of the United States. We are referred to as the mainland. I recommend doing lunch at Mama's fish house. Don't forget the winery on the island.

January 7, 2021 at 10:48 pm

Yes, of course! Did I insinuate that Hawaii isn't part of the USA? We LOVE Mama's, any time of day!

January 10, 2021 at 5:24 pm

Great call on the Gazebo in Kapalua. Fantastic pancakes and fried rice in the same place. Crazy

January 13, 2021 at 1:13 pm

right?! We couldn't believe it either! Two of my favorite things all under one roof!

February 7, 2021 at 2:30 pm

Disagree about such a busy itinerary, renting a car and the benefits of Kihei.

Save the hustle and bustle for Oahu The advantage of staying in Kaanapali (or Napili, etc.) or for the honeymooners or high rollers, Wailea, is that most of the hotels/condos and restaurants are right on the beach ⛱ and one can walk. No need for a car. Or take the shuttle from Kaanapali to Lanai. Consequently, the emphasis is appropriately on the beach and relaxarion, which is why one visits Maui

Pacific overwater sunsets arre Maui's nightly show and should not be missed.

Whale watching boat toura should be included with any trip to Maui. Also "hiking" in the Iron Needle Valley should be included.

Kihei is not recommended. It is where Maui's locals live. Places are not walking distance like Kaanapali or Wailea, but located in mini mall shopping centers. Here a car is necessary.

Kihei ocean front dining is more like dining off Las Vegas Blvd, filled wirh cars, and the ocean in the distance. Not worth it, unless staying for 3 weeks.

February 24, 2021 at 12:49 pm

To each their own….

February 9, 2021 at 10:41 am

We're going to Maui for a week, from March 4-11, 2021. It's a special time, as it's our birthdays. First time going! We're super excited! Thanks for the post!

February 11, 2021 at 11:43 pm

You're going to LOVE Maui! It's one of our favorite places in the entire world! Have a great birthday trip!

February 15, 2021 at 6:01 pm

There are lots of different inns, hotels and bnb's in Hana.. The prices are much much less than Travasa.

February 15, 2021 at 9:54 pm

Ohhh so good to know! Do you have any recommendations?!

April 10, 2021 at 8:40 am

I'm going for my 40th in July. Not the best time, but I've lived in LA for 14 years and still haven't been!! So excited, but totally overwhelmed at all the things to do and what to book. There's going to be 6 of us and none of us like being in touristy hotels or areas, so trying to find somewhere that isn't a line of hotels and sunbathers. What's the best spot on Maui for that? We're trying to decide whether to to a week in Maui or Oahu and then we'll do a week in Kahaui.

Thanks so much for all this info. This is the first Hawaii blog post I've actually read in full! Super informative and well written. Thank you.

Oh, and where is that last picture? – of the trees with the steps through

May 24, 2021 at 7:29 pm

All of those mon turisty spots have disappeared. My local favorite spot is full of people and it used to be my private sanctuary. Just be happy to be here. If locals must share everything with tourists, you will have to share with other tourists as well. The great news is that it will be beautiful no matter what!

May 24, 2021 at 8:18 pm

There's not tons of non touristy spots anymore, but I'd have to say Paia if you like more of a relaxed atmosphere.

In regards to the last photo with the trees and steps, that's on the Pipiwai Trail on the Road to Hana!

Have a wonderful trip! The islands are gorgeous!

June 15, 2021 at 11:58 pm

I used to live there sounds like you wanna stay at the Kapalua villas!! Trust me

May 22, 2021 at 12:23 pm

If you drive to Hana… Be respectful and pull over and let locals pass on narrow roadway. We maybe sightseeing as visitors but locals are commuting to jobs, food market or school. Also, don't venture off of trails, Hawai'i is home to many endangered species, and you may inadvertently step on a few. Make sure your suntan lotion is not a pollutant. Don't visit if not VACCINATED….Hawaiians still remember the foreign diseases that decimated local populations in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Enjoy, Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the BEST).

May 24, 2021 at 7:27 pm

Thank you for this. Masks are a mandate, so definitely add that to your packing list. Maui is isolated and does not have healthcare or infastructure like the mainland. Please wear your mask, vaccinated or not, please dont bring your politics with you. Be kind to locals, its been a rough year, and its not as easy for us to leave as it is for most to get here, so no need complain! Things are not normal here for us yet, so please pack plenty of patience and Aloha, and you will experience that in return! Mahalo!

May 24, 2021 at 8:10 pm

100% agree with everything you said! We will definitely be bringing (and of course wearing) our masks next time we visit!

June 6, 2021 at 5:48 pm

Hi! I was wondering if i need a covid negative test from San Fransisco to Maui/Oahu and in between Maui-Oahu Thanks!

June 10, 2021 at 10:51 am

Yes, you need a negative COVID test to enter Hawaii from anywhere. At this time, you don't need a test to go to Oahu from Maui, but you need one from Oahu to Maui. Regardless, I highly recommend keeping on top of things as procedures have been changing all the time in regards to traveling to Hawaii. Have fun!

June 22, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Another "must" on the way back to your hotel from the "sunrise at the crater" is surfing goats dairy, really good cheese, and Ocean distillery. Great Vodkas and views as well.

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25 Best Things to Do in Maui

As a top destination for everyone from honeymooners to multigenerational families, Maui's diverse landscape and outdoor activities cater to just about every interest. Ocean and animal lovers will enjoy visiting the stunning beaches with green,

• All Things To Do

Haleakala National Park Haleakala National Park

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you're looking for a unique adventure, consider camping inside the crater. There are three wilderness cabins accessible via a minimum 3.7-mile hike from the summit. Advanced reservations are required, and fill up quickly. –  Sharael Kolberg

As a top attraction on Maui, Haleakala National Park is home to a dormant volcano crater with its desert-like landscape, sacred sites and a waterfall-laden tropical oasis near the coastline. Its name means "house of sun" and the entire park occupies 30,000 acres of land on Maui, though most visitors focus on a few specific areas of the park. Of course, there's the volcano: Haleakala's summit stands more than 10,000 feet above sea level (in fact, you can see three different islands from its peak on a clear day). For a once-in-lifetime experience plan your visit to the summit to see the sunrise (keep in mind visitors have to make reservations online in advance and a small fee is required). A winding, sometimes steep road (Route 378) takes visitors to the top. At 10,000 feet the air is thin and chilly, according to park rangers, so layers are advised.  

Road to Hana Road to Hana free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you're driving yourself, there are several downloadable audio guides, such as those offered by Shaka Guide, that will point out sights to see and places to stop along the way. – Sharael Kolberg

Topping many Maui visitor's to-do list is driving the Road to Hana. Sounding like a mythical journey, Hana is an actual town on the scenic highway (Highway 360). Traveling along Maui's beautiful coastline, travelers are met with a road that includes about 600 curves, more than 50 bridges and 60 cascading waterfalls that line the island's lush eastern shore. The Road to Hana might seem short at 52 miles, but the journey will most likely take all day given the number of scenic lookouts and other places to stop. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, there are several tour companies that offer tours in luxury vans, including Valley Isle Excursions and Temptation Tours . Though pricier than driving yourself, taking a tour allows you to focus on the incredible scenery while someone else navigates the winding curves. Plus, most tours are guided.

Ka'anapali Beach Ka'anapali Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Snorkeling around Black Rock is some of the best on the island. On the other end of the beach, if you're staying at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa , ask about the hidden cave in the pool. –  Sharael Kolberg

As one of Maui's most popular strips of white sand, Ka'anapali Beach stretches across 3 miles of the island's northwest coast, offering plenty of space to surf and sunbathe. The coveted sand is just one of this beach's many highlights: Ka'anapali was Hawaii's first planned resort area, and today it features several notable hotels and restaurants, two golf courses and the lively Whalers Village, an open-air shopping center. Another highlight of a visit to Ka'anapali Beach is the daily sunset cliff dive at Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock), which pays tribute to King Kahekili, Maui's last independent king who ruled in the 18th century. Additionally, a few whale watching  and snorkeling  excursions depart from this area and some of the best zip lines on Maui are nearby.

Popular Tours

Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

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Maui Snorkeling Tours Maui Snorkeling Tours

It can be easy to become mesmerized by Maui's multicolored beaches, verdant hiking trails and breathtaking sunsets, but don't forget about the world that lives beneath the surrounding Pacific Ocean floor. Located off the western shore of Maui, the top locations for snorkeling are close to beaches, or visitors can take a snorkeling tour. In fact, many of the island's top hotels will offer guests complimentary use of snorkeling equipment; some, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua , will even arrange boat tours for their guests. With equipment in hand, visitors can explore well-known spots, such as Ka'anapali Beach , Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay, from the shore. Many of the top tours visit crescent-shaped Molokini , which is located off Maui's southwestern coast and is home to 250 species of fish. Lana'i is another top snorkeling tour destination as it's home to the Hulopo'e Marine Preserve.

According to travelers, setting aside a morning or afternoon to explore Maui's underwater creatures is an unforgettable experience. And most enjoyed their day on the water, including the boat ride to the snorkeling spots, saying the scenery added to their experience. Most tour operators offered efficient services and the amenities onboard were well received.

Maui Helicopter Tours Maui Helicopter Tours

After seeing Maui through the eyes of a fish on a snorkeling tour , many consider getting a bird's perspective on a helicopter tour. While flying over destinations like Haleakala National Park , along the Road to Hana or a complete circumnavigational tour of Maui, passengers will see all the top sights in about an hour (and without the land-based traffic). No matter which route you choose, you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Maui's waterfalls, craters, cliffs and valleys.

Recent travelers describe this experience as a "splurge" (most tour prices start at around $300 per person), though they also concede that seeing Maui from the air is an incredible sight. Most described the experience as exciting and the pilots as accommodating and professional. Even first-time helicopter passengers felt safe and enjoyed their excursion.

'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) 'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Tent camping is available at Kipahulu campground, located on the bluffs overlooking the ocean and a short walk to 'Ohe'o Gulch. –  Sharael Kolberg

Within the Kipahulu District of the Haleakala National Park , hikers will find the Seven Sacred Pools, or the Pools of 'Ohe'o in 'Ohe'o Gulch. Though often mislabeled, the area boasts more than seven pools; each is fed by a small waterfall flowing down the gulch. To reach the area, visitors need to take a half-mile hike on the Kuloa Point Trail from the visitor center. Hikers will enjoy sightings of the pools, along with ocean views and archeological sites. Keep in mind that you'll only be able to view the pools from the trail; swimming in the pools is not allowed.

'Iao Valley State Monument 'Iao Valley State Monument

Like Haleakala National Park , 'Iao Valley State Park offers visitors the chance to admire something other than the beach. This 4,000-acre, 10-mile-long park in Central Maui boasts a verdant landscape and striking rock features – the most famous of which is the 'Iao Needle. Rising roughly 1,200 feet into the air, the 'Iao Needle was formed by erosion and is now dressed in the island's tropical foliage. The most popular hiking trail is the 0.6-mile 'Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop, a paved walkway that leads straight to the iconic rock formation and through a botanical garden.

In addition to the stunning landscape, 'Iao Valley visitors will learn about the park's legendary history. It was here that Maui's tribal army lost to the forces of King Kamehameha I during the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790. It was the victory at this battle that helped pave the way for King Kamehameha to eventually unite the entire Hawaiian archipelago under his rule.

Napili Bay Beach Napili Bay Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  It's worth waiting in line at The Gazebo restaurant (which sits within walking distance of the beach) for the best macadamia nut pancakes, coconut syrup and spectacular ocean views. –  Sharael Kolberg

Though not nearly as expansive as Wailea or Ka'anapali , crescent-shaped Napili Bay Beach is particularly popular with families. Napili's waters are much calmer than those at other Maui beaches, so kids and adults alike can take to the seas for swimming, paddleboarding and boogie boarding. Plus, Napili Bay Beach provides a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that sunbathers love with views of Molokai and Lana'i .

Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort on Maui, Hawaii

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Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach

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Maui Luau: Gilligans' Island Luau in Kihei

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Wailea Beach Wailea Beach free

You visit Ho'okipa to see Maui's daredevils hang 10, and you head to Kaihalulu or Wai'anapanapa for multicolored sands. So, which beach do you go to just to swim and relax? This crescent-shaped beach caters to the sun-seeking guests from several of the nearby luxury resorts , including the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea . Wailea feels much less rugged than some of Maui's other beaches: The sand is lined by palm trees and visitors will find a paved walkway connecting the shoreline to the area's hotels, shops and restaurants. What's more, visitors to this beach will have access to water sports equipment rentals and an umbrella service. And because the waters here are relatively calm, Wailea Beach is great for those looking to swim or snorkel . During the winter, whales can be spotted.

Recent visitors said the surrounding resorts do a great job keeping the Wailea Beach clean. Other visitors appreciated the services offered by the resorts like rentals and restaurant access. Families enjoyed the calm waters of the area that allowed for swimming and snorkeling.

Makena Beach State Park Makena Beach State Park

Located about 5 miles south of Wailea, Makena Beach State Park is billed as "one of the largest, undeveloped beaches" on the island by Hawaii's tourism board. This beach is perfect for travelers in search of the more untouched shorelines of Maui. Upon arriving, beachgoers will see white sand and not much else, with a notable absence of hotels, shops and restaurants nearby.

Within its 165 acres, Makena Beach State Park offers two beaches along with a dormant cinder cone known as Pu'u Olai. Big Beach (or Oneloa Beach) stretches for 1.5 miles and is 100 feet wide. Aptly named Little Beach features 660 feet of sand. Though nudity is prohibited on state park beaches, the rules tend to be lax at Little Beach, so you may see topless sunbathers. Little Beach also doesn't offer the lifeguards or amenities that Big Beach does. To travel from one beach to the other, beachgoers traverse a small trail located on the volcanic land mass that separates the shorelines from each other; it takes about five minutes, according to recent visitors. Aside from their size, both beaches are backed by lush tropical vegetation and feature views of Molokini and Kaho'olawe.

Maui Golf Courses Maui Golf Courses

Travelers who prefer greens to beaches will find plenty of places to put their clubs to good use. Maui is home to 14 highly acclaimed golf courses, some of them conceived by such pro designers as Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. Some of the more popular courses include the Gold, Emerald and Old Blue courses at Wailea Golf Club and the Bay and Plantation courses at Kapalua Resort. Architecture buffs might want to check out the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed clubhouse at King Kamehameha Golf Club. No matter the course, golfers will find fantastic views of Maui's coastline or volcanic formations.

Kapalua's Plantation Course is a favorite among reviewers for its spectacular setting and excellent amenities, though serious golfers complain that it's slow to play. Other infrequent golfers complained of the wind and the price tag. The top-ranked Wailea Golf Club earned more consistently high marks, with golfers enjoying everything from rented clubs to the golf carts to the pros.

Wai'anapanapa State Park Wai'anapanapa State Park

In Hawaiian, "Wai'anapanapa" means "glistening waters." But it's not the ocean that draws travelers to Wai'anapanapa State Park – it's the jet black sands . The shoreline here is composed of volcanic sediment, which acts as a stark contrast to the bright blue waves and verdant jungle.

For those with reservations, this is a highlight near the end of the Road to Hana , but there's more to see than the beach. Those who hike along the park's primary trail (which traces the coast past the black sand beach) will discover Wai'anapanapa's two freshwater caves. According to Hawaiian legend, these caves were the site of the grisly murder of princess Popo'alaea who, along with her attendant, was murdered by her cruel husband, Chief Ka'akea. Today, visitors can enter the caves and even swim in the pools. Those who prefer to stay dry can visit the wealth of sites that line the coastal hiking trail, including a religious temple, natural blow holes, sea stacks and more.

Maui Ocean Center Maui Ocean Center

For visitors in love with the ocean, or those dealt a rainy day on the island, consider spending some time at the Maui Ocean Center. This facility helps visitors learn about Hawaii's underwater ecosystems and offers a variety of ways to get up close and personal with the island's marine life. The 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit houses hundreds of fish, rays and sharks, and features a 53-foot-long acrylic tunnel that allows you to observe the animals swimming overhead. Visitors can learn about the popular green sea turtles at the Turtle Lagoon for an above and below water look. Meanwhile, the Humpbacks of Hawai'i Exhibit and Sphere, which debuted in 2019, penetrates the deep ocean and allows visitors to virtually experience the underwater world of humpback whales with a 3D showing every half-hour. For those visitors wanting to get closer to the marine life, the Maui Ocean Center offers a cage-free shark dive in its Open Ocean exhibit, which is home to more than 20 sharks (note that a SCUBA certification is required and additional fees starting at $350 per person apply).

Recent visitors described the aquarium as small, but charming. Several mentioned it was a great indoor activity. Many travelers were especially impressed with the Open Ocean tunnel and the 3D humpback whale virtual experience. And for reviewers who had snorkeled around the island, the aquarium provided a more in-depth education into the animals they had spotted underneath the water's surface. However, more than a few reviewers warned of high prices for the on-site restaurant and cafe and suggest eating elsewhere.

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Kapalua Coastal Trail Kapalua Coastal Trail free

Those who want to explore Maui by foot, but don't want to tackle the difficult hiking trails of Haleakala National Park will love the Kapalua Coastal Trail. This trail encompasses the larger Kapalua resort community, which includes Montage Kapalua Bay and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua , both of which are some of the best hotels in Hawaii . The 1.76-mile one-way trail is mostly paved and almost completely flat, snaking along Maui's northwestern coast. Along the way, visitors will get an eyeful of the glistening waters of the Pacific. Walkable in either direction, entry points are found at Kapalua Bay, Namalu Bay, Oneloa Bay and Honokahua Bay, the latter of which contains D.T. Fleming Beach Park. For those interested in going farther, hikers can continue following the trail to the more strenuous 20-mile Mahana Ridge Trail, which detours inland and features spectacular views of neighboring Molokai from its ridge. 

Recent visitors loved the Kapalua Coastal Trail for its scenery and easy terrain (parents say the path is very kid-friendly). In addition to the beautiful ocean views, travelers also enjoyed exploring the rock formations that live in between the bays. For visitors hiking during whale watching season (December to March), they may be able to spot whales from the shore. Visitors also noted that because of this trail's popularity, it's best to start your walk early, especially since the parking lots are small. Others advised planning a visit at sunset. And while the trail is largely flat and mostly paved, some travelers said sturdy shoes are beneficial for the parts that aren't. 

Turtle Town Turtle Town

For snorkelers who don't want to stray too far from Maui, Turtle Town is a great spot. You'll find this area near Maluaka Beach, which sits between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach in southwestern Maui. The area earned its name from the large population of Hawaiian green sea turtles that call it home. This reef area is protected from the island's trade winds by Haleakala, making for relatively calm waters. Turtle Town is a popular add-on destination to many Molokini Crater snorkeling and diving excursions, but it's also known as an ideal sea kayaking spot.

According to recent visitors who opted for kayak and snorkel tours, they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Many commented that they saw and swam with the green sea turtles and felt confident with their guides.

Pipiwai Trail Pipiwai Trail

One of Maui's most popular hiking trails is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Located along the Road to Hana , the Pipiwai Trail is part of the exceptionally scenic Kipahulu District in Haleakala National Park . Along the approximately 4-mile round-trip trail, hikers pass over footbridges and across boardwalks through lush tropical vegetation, a bamboo forest and past two waterfalls, including Makahiku Falls, 400-foot Waimoku Falls and 'Ohe'o Stream Gulch , also known as the "Seven Scared Pools." The Pipiwai Trail is considered moderately difficult, features an 800-foot elevation gain and can take up to three hours to complete.

Recent travelers described the trail as beautiful. Many loved the waterfalls, but visitors were also keen to point out the tranquility of the bamboo forest. Reviewers warned that while the scenery was outstanding, the hike was not easy. A few travelers said they were warned by National Park Service rangers that the NPS locks the parking gate at the end of the day, regardless if cars are still inside. Reviewers also recommend wearing sturdy shoes as parts of the trail can get slippery depending on how much it has rained.

Kama'ole Beach Parks Kama'ole Beach Parks free

Kama'ole Beach Parks are a series of three beaches that offer a great option for vacationing families thanks to their consistently calm waters and plentiful amenities – two things that aren't always guaranteed at other Maui beaches. The first two beaches (known as Kama'ole 1 and Kama'ole 2) offer the largest beach areas, and are considered to be some of the best beaches in Maui for swimming. The third (Kama'ole 3) is the smallest beach and features regular shore breaks, perfect for bodyboarding. While that may not be suitable for the little ones, the third beach boasts a large grassy park that's perfect for a picnic. Other amenities in this area include restrooms, showers, lifeguards, parking, picnic tables, volleyball courts, an accessible sand chair and playgrounds.

Recent visitors appreciated all the available amenities, as well as the safe swimming conditions. Travelers enjoyed all the activities available here, from taking a stroll along the water to snorkeling. Others reported being able to spot whales off the coast, along with sea turtles. A handful of travelers were delighted that, despite these beaches' popularity, they weren't overcrowded. Another visitor commented the parking was plentiful on the street.

Ho'okipa Beach Park Ho'okipa Beach Park free

The wintertime waves at Ho'okipa Beach are so white and frothy that hardcore surfers and windsurfers can't stay away (waves can reach as high as 30 feet). The water is definitely too rough for swimming, but visitors flock here to see the locals surf. Those on the Road to Hana can stop at Mile 9 to take in the action at this stretch coastline near Pa'ia in Upcountry Maui. For those who consider themselves professional surfers, it's best to have a local guide.

Recent travelers advised it was worth a stop even if you're not one for water sports, saying that the photo opportunities alone are worth it. What's more, the beach is also home to sea turtles, who come ashore and blend in with the lava rocks. Others commented that swimming wasn't suggested, though wading is fun, especially near the tidepools. Travelers suggested buying some food from nearby eateries and parking yourself at one of these benches to watch the action.

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Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town

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Road to Hana Adventure with Breakfast, Lunch and Pickup.

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Molokini Crater Molokini Crater

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The boat ride back from Molokini tends to get very windy and bumpy, which might not be suitable for those prone to seasickness. If you can't handle the boat trip, you'll find there are plenty of amazing snorkeling options closer to shore. –  Sharael Kolberg

Situated about 3 miles off of Maui's southwestern coast, Molokini is a tiny island known as one of the top snorkeling and diving spots in the Hawaiian Islands. A crescent-shaped volcano crater that is partially submerged, Molokini doesn't feature sandbars, meaning the water clarity is superior to some of the other snorkeling spots around the island. The crater is home to 250 varieties of tropical fish, along with 38 types of hard coral. Because it's protected by the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District, the island is only accessible by boat on a snorkeling tour . On a tour, visitors can explore the underwater area by snorkel, SCUBA and even SNUBA (a hybrid between snorkeling and SCUBA that doesn't require certification). Most tours pair a visit to Molokini with a stop at Turtle Town , another coral reef that's best known for its population of turtles.

Old Lahaina Lu'au Old Lahaina Lu'au

The Old Lahaina Lu'au is one of the most popular things to do for first-time Maui visitors. Guests are greeted with a fresh orchid lei, then escorted to private tables, either low mat style seating or standard. The musicians at Old Lahaina Lu'au serenade their guests while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. While diners admire the performers' hula skills, servers share Hawaiian specialties, such as pua'a kalua  (pork roasted in an underground oven), fresh ahi poke (raw yellowfin tuna with green and Maui onions) and poi (mashed taro plant). The drinks are free-flowing at the Old Lahaina Lu'au for those 21 and older, and the meal is topped off with a selection of desserts featuring mango and coconut. Aside from the food and drinks, the Old Lahaina Lu'au is also a great place to learn about the culture of Hawaii. Stories about Hawiian legends, gods and royalty are told through dance and chants.

Though some reviewers described the experience as overpriced, others praised the attentive service, plentiful food and the talented performers. Reviewers also said this a valuable educational experience that helps visitors understand Hawaiian culture.

Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden

While on the long and winding Road to Hana , consider stopping for a break at the Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden, home to 26 acres of trails. Located near mile marker 10.5, this tropical oasis features several picturesque overlooks, a waterfall, a banana patch, a duck pond, expansive ocean views and an art gallery. Along the paths, you'll encounter exotic plants and trees, including Hawaii native and indigenous species. "Jurassic Park" fans may recognize the garden from the opening scene of the film.

Previous visitors praised the gardens as a scenic place to take photos. Reviewers also said it's a wonderful place to stop for a picnic lunch and reported spending about an hour here. Others remarked on the colorful peacocks that roam the property. Some felt the entrance fee was too steep, given that you can enjoy the same views along the Road to Hana for free. 

Maui Pineapple Tour Maui Pineapple Tour

Fresh pineapple is so sweet, you could eat it for dessert. At the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm, visitors learn how pineapples grow (in the ground, not on palm trees, as some tourists think) and how they're harvested. Along the approximately 1 1/2-hour tour, you'll travel via an air-conditioned bus into the fields. You'll also get a chance to get off the bus for a look at the packing plant. The best part is that you get to take a fresh pineapple home with you.

Tourgoers praised the informative and entertaining guides and the tasty pineapple samples. The tour is an especially fun outing for kids, according to reviewers.

O'o Farm O'o Farm

More than 20 years ago, a pair of surf buddies decided to branch into farming. They bought a parcel of land with some fruit trees and coffee plants and it expanded from there. Now the 8.5-acre O'o Farm provides produce to several farm-to-table restaurants in the area. Visitors interested in agritourism, coffee enthusiasts or those wanting to understand more about Maui, can arrange a tour of the farm.

The first tour of the day starts with a cup of locally grown and roasted coffee, followed by a tour of the growing operations that focuses on the bean-to-cup coffee process. Following the morning tour, the lunch tour walks the growing fields to learn about the unique climate of the Upcountry region of Maui. Visitors will experience bicoastal views on a clear day from the farm's elevation, about 3,500 feet above sea level. They will see a variety of vegetables, leafy greens, herbs, as well as some fruit, coffee and even edible flowers. Menu items are seasonal, though breakfast can include dishes like a farm egg frittata flavored with local produce along with coffee cherry flavored honey buns. For lunch, the farm offers a fresh catch of the day with Maui onions, along with chicken dressed with a coffee and allspice rub.

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Hana Lava Tube (Ka'eleku Caverns) Hana Lava Tube (Ka'eleku Caverns)

For a unique adventure along the Road to Hana , stop for a self-guided tour of the Hana Lava Tube, which can be found near mile marker 31. It takes no more than 40 minutes to explore about 1/3-mile of the accessible underground landscape with stalagmites and stalactites. The cave was supposedly formed about 960 years ago, from hot lava that cooled to form a top layer, and then once the lava stopped flowing it created a tube. Don't worry, there are no bats or mosquitos.

Many past visitors raved about this one-of-a-kind experience, saying that the stairs and uneven ground were relatively easy to navigate.

Nakalele Blowhole Nakalele Blowhole free

For visitors looking for the perfect photo of a whitecapped ocean lapping over the rocky shoreline while a geyser of misty water pops in the foreground, northwestern Maui's Nakalele Blowhole is the destination. The blowhole, which is a natural geyser formed from an underwater lava tube, can spray water up to 100 feet in the air, depending on the strength of the wind and surf.

Recent visitors admitted the blowhole is located a bit off the beaten path, though most said it was worth the effort to get to the tip of Maui. More than one reviewer said the scenery was dramatic and beautiful. Most enjoyed climbing around the rock formations watching for the blast of seawater. One recent visitor urged caution when parking after their rental was broken into. Several others reminded visitors to stay mindful of the ocean and to wear appropriate hiking footwear as the path is not smooth and requires walking over uneven rocks.

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The Ultimate 7 Day Maui Itinerary | Plan the Perfect Maui Vacation

Planning a trip to Maui, Hawaii and looking for a solid Maui 7 day itinerary …!? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together the ultimate guide to a Maui trip. You’ll find the best things to do, where to stay, food recommendations, the best day trips, and so much more! 

With its scenic coastal roads, dozens of beautiful beaches, wondrous luxury resorts, gorgeous national parks, and pristine marine biodiversity – there truly is a little something for everybody on the island! 

I just recently returned from an amazing weeklong stay, and it really was an unbelievable vacation that I’ll never forget. I’m completely hooked on Hawaii travel now, and can’t wait to return to paradise in the near future!

While it may be difficult at first to decide which island to visit in Hawaii, I’d say you’ll be more than happy with your decision to make it down to Maui! It’s a paradise for sun-seekers, road trippers, aquatic lovers, food fanatics, and lots of family fun. I’m sure you’ll find this “7 days in Maui itinerary” helpful. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you’ve got!

The Best Time to Plan a Trip to Maui

One of the best parts about a Hawaii vacation is that you can pretty much go any time of the year! For Maui weather, you can simply expect the beautifully warm tropical climate, and it’s pretty consistent all year long with daytime highs around 75-85°F (23-29°C). Bear in mind that Maui does receive a lot of rainfall especially during the winter months of December, January and February. This can bring some cloudy days and heavy showers in certain areas…

“Rain showers are typically short and are quickly followed by more sunshine, and, if you’re lucky, rainbows. Rainbows are always said to be a sign of good luck in the islands, meaning you’ll return one day if you spot one.” – Hawaii Travel Guide

Do you need a Rental Car in Maui?

To get the full Maui experience, you’ll 100% want to rent your own vehicle! I found the rates to be surprisingly affordable for Hawaii (I was expecting much worse), and it’ll provide for a lot more freedom. Besides, if you add up the costs of taxis and shuttle costs to the island’s main highlights, it’ll honestly be more than the entire car rental fee. 

While gas prices on the island are expensive (it’s an island in the pacific ocean after all), it’s such an amazing feeling to drive along around these gorgeous highways at your own pace. Maui is the second biggest island in Hawaii, so there’s definitely a lot to explore, and some fun roads to drive along! 

While it can be easy to just sit back and chill at the resort pool the entire trip (which I’ll admit I did quite a bit during my recent Maui vacation), I’d strongly recommend getting out and exploring everything the island has to offer!  

Where To Stay on Maui Island

There really are dozens of incredible accommodation options to choose from on Maui Island, and it really just depends on where you want to be located, the price you’re willing to spend, and what you want to be close to. 

I’d personally recommend staying on the west coast of Maui , which consists of the major hotel/ resort hubs of Kapalua , Kaanapali , and Lahaina. This is easily the most scenic region on the island and is packed with tons of pristine beaches, coves, restaurants, and resorts. While it’s about a forty-minute drive from the airport, it’s the most lively and beautiful area and should be included in any Hawaii trip planner!  

There are a lot of different resorts and condos down from Kihei all the way down to Wailea, but I wasn’t impressed by the beaches that much. While they are a bit more centrally located, I’d definitely recommend staying up in Kapalua or in the Lahaina area.  While you’ll need to do some research and find the best place for you, here are a couple of solid options that would provide for comfortable and enjoyable stays!

My main recommendation for accommodation in Maui is by booking a VRBO, as there are tons of incredible options available and can be more affordable than the expensive hotels. Here are are a few of my personal favorites:

• Luxury OCEAN FRONT Condo Truly 5 Star
• Stunning Views From Only Double Lanai Penthouse Unit
• Direct Beachfront Spectacular Ocean Views Newly Renovated!!  

Ritz Carlton Kapalua: The Best Luxury Resort

During our most recent trip to Maui, we stayed at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua for five nights on Maui, and it was absolutely spectacular! Staying at the Ritz really turned our trip to Maui into an “ultimate vacation” experience, and I was blown away by everything the resort has to offer. 

From its unbeatable customer service (seriously, all the staff are super friendly), luxuriously comfortable rooms, an award-winning full-service spa, relaxing multi-tiered pool, fantastic dining options, beach access, helpful concierge desk, and lots more – it’s essentially got everything you look for in a 5* Resort in paradise! 

While it may be one of the more expensive options in the area, the Ritz Carlton will provide an unforgettable stay for your Maui vacation, and is absolutely worth every penny!

Read Reviews & Check Availability

Ritz Carlton Kapalua Pool

Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort: Best Budget Resort 

If you’re looking for a more affordable option in the area, then book yourself into one of the beautiful apartments at the Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort . 

The units are clean and kitted out with everything you may need. Fully equipped kitchens, free wi-fi, an outdoor pool, and quick access to some of the best sandy beaches in the Kapalua area – this place would be a fantastic budget option! 

You are just a few steps away from the Napili Bay beach, you can’t find a better location at a better price. Enjoy long days on the beach or get active with the water sports and snorkeling activities offered by the hotel. 

The service is exceptional and it’s a top-pick for Maui,  also rated for the best value in Lahaina, so ideal for couples, families & solo travelers who are looking to save a bit of money!  

Maui Vacation Planner & Travel Accommodation Tips

One important thing to note about staying on the west side of Maui is that it is a considerable distance away from the starting point from the Road To Hana (one of the island’s major tourist attractions). 

Some people recommend to split up the entire journey into two days and actually stay out there at the Travaasa Hana Resort (which you’ll want to book well in advance as it sells out frequently). While it’s definitely possible to do the Road to Hana in one day, it’ll be a LONG day on the windy roads if you do the self-drive option, and it’s just something to keep in mind. 

Depending on how long you have on Maui, it could be nice to break up where you stay. For example, if you’re following this 7-day Maui itinerary, you could choose to do 4 Days in Maui in one area, and 3 days in another. 

But without further ado, let’s get started…

Maui Itinerary Day 1: Helicopter Views & Iao Valley State Park

There really is no better way to start your Maui vacation than getting a bird’s eye view of the island. Prepare yourself for a magical experience as you soar over this pristine and unspoiled Hawaiin landscape on a helicopter tour!  

It was one of the highlights of my trip, and I loved how it’ll give you a much better understanding of the sheer size of the island, all the different areas there are to explore, and a full appreciation for the rugged coastlines. 

Several different companies offer scenic helicopter tours and lots of different routes. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip with Maverick Helicopters, and doing the Molokai Voyage tour! 

I loved flying over TWO islands, and the waterfalls along the tall coastlines of Molokai were incredible to see in person! As well, you’ll get to fly over the resorts on the west coast of Maui, and fly across the channel which I really enjoyed.  

Two Island Hawaii Helicopter Experience Over Maui and Molokai : “This Hawaiian helicopter tour lets you explore the beauty and scenery of two Hawaiian Islands on this multi-island expedition. Begin your adventure departing the Kahului Heliport on your way to the world’s largest sea cliffs, located on Molokai, also known as the Friendly Isle. 

Molokai’s waterfalls, including Kahiwa Falls are the tallest among all the Hawaiian Islands . Get bird’s-eye views of the remote north shore, Halawa Valley and the vast Molokai fish ponds.  Fly over the Pailolo channel featuring some of the most scenic waters between the islands including Elephant Rock. 

Over Maui, get intimate views of the western portion of the island including the famous lao Valley State Park, a vegetation-covered lava rainforest.”  

Iao Valley State Park

Once you’ve landed back on the ground, it’s only a short drive from the airport to the Iao Valley State Park ! You will have just flown over this stunning green landscape, and now it’s your chance to walk (and swim) through it!  

With a short scenic lookout trail, several swimming holes, and being surrounded by tropical gardens – it’s the perfect place to spend a couple of hours escaping from the Maui heat!  

It’s also home to one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. “This iconic green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks Iao stream and is an ideal attraction for easy hiking and sightseeing.”

After taking a dip in the streams, and learning all about the historical significance, head back to your resort for the rest of the day, as you’ll probably be ready for some rest if you’re experiencing any jet lag!

Maui Itinerary Day 2: Haleakala National Park [Sunrise or Sunset]

While it may require a rather long drive to reach the summit, it’s absolutely worth it! The Haleakala National Park is home to Maui’s highest peak, and no visitor to Maui should leave without being mesmerized by the views from up there!

“This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place – renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest with an unforgettable hike through the backcountry”

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Maui island is watching the sunrise from Haleakala National Park, but if you decide to do that you’ll need to wake up and be ready to go by around 2-3 A.M!  

It’s quite the experience, and comes highly recommended! There are plenty of companies that offer sunrise tours, but I’d just recommend making your own Haleakala Sunrise Reservation, and saving the money for other day tours on the island!  

If you decide to sleep in every day of your vacation (which is perfectly acceptable, lol), make sure you still get up there for a visit. 

You can take a read through this article the “ Top 10 Things to Do on Haleakala ” for some more information, but I’d definitely recommend taking a hike through the park!  You’ll be amazed at the views, but just bring plenty of SPF as you’ll be in lots of direct sunlight!

While you won’t need ALL day at the national park, I won’t include anything else as I’m sure the drive and hike will take lots of your energy!  

Haleakala Crater

Maui Itinerary Day 3: Pool Day & Kaanapali Resort

After two pretty eventful days so far in Maui, spend some time in “vacation mode” and soak up your resort or accommodation amenities! 

I’d also recommend taking a drive over to Kaanapali Resort and taking a stroll through there! When I visited I really enjoyed my time down there, but I was also pretty happy that I wasn’t staying at one of the resorts there (as it’s quite busy)!  

There are tons of amazing shops, restaurants, and beach bars though, and you also find plenty of beach chairs to rent (if you’re staying at an Airbnb that doesn’t have beach access)!  

Just try and take it easy today and relax, because what’s next on the itinerary is going to be a long but amazing day!!

Maui Itinerary Day 4: The Road To Hana

“it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”  ―  ralph waldo emerson,.

The “ Road To Hana ” is a world-famous highway that is carved into the coastlines of Maui, and provides some of Hawaii’s most jaw-dropping oceanfront views! When it comes to scenic coastal road trips, it really doesn’t get much better than the Road to Hana, and it’s become one of the biggest tourist draws to this lush green Hawaiin island!

While the distance traveled on this legendary road is only 52 miles, don’t let that fool you ― this is an all-day adventure, and will require an early start! The journey can take anywhere between two to five hours one-way (depending on how many stops you make), and is filled with narrow one-lane bridges and hairpin turns!

“The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. The road leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools, and dramatic seascapes. Please keep in mind that you’ll encounter challenging turns and narrow bridges along the way, so it’s important to exercise caution and take your time. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the lovely views, so get an early start and take your time on your drive. While it’s all about the journey, once you reach the beautiful and quiet town of Hana, you’ll see why it’s worth the trip.”

Check out this article by Matador Network titled, “ The ultimate guide to the Road to Hana, Maui ” for some more information and how to plan for the adventure! 

The Road to Hana is seriously a MUST-DO while you’re in Maui Hawaii, because you’ll love the journey to Hana, which is considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers!

Maui Itinerary Day 5: Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour

While there are tons of places around Maui that are great for a quick snorkeling session, there’s no better snorkeling in the area than Molokini Crater! Located just a quick boat ride away in between the islands of Maui and Kahoʻolawe, the Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater that has unbelievably crystal clear water and fantastic marine life!

If you’re a certified Scuba diver, I’d definitely recommend looking into booking a fun dive here as well! 

“It’s world-famous due to the wall and drift dives available. The backside of Molokini drops nearly straight down to 360 feet. The inside reef of Molokini also offers great diving opportunities. We suggest only advanced divers dive the backside of  Molokini , where you’ll likely see many different types of shark, moray eels, many species of tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins, and vibrant reef. Within the crater, search for octopus, moray eels, sharks, and hundreds of exotic fish.” 

Check out this Instagram video below to see what I mean about the water!  It’s truly spectacular and definitely worth the snorkeling day-trip! 

View this post on Instagram The devil is in the details ? (swipe to see dem, and don’t forget to follow @shangerdanger for more epic underwater imagery) on this day we got to this popular dive site in the afternoon and had to wait for the tour boats to clear out so that we could tie off to a mooring ball. From above and below the blue of the water was the most amazing I had ever seen. I would guess the visibility was over 200ft, but what’s funny is that it’s almost always like that at Molokini Crater. It’s located far from the south coast of Maui and is a protected nature preserve. #hawaii #underwater #boomerang #freediving #molokinicrater #makena #kihei #maui #southshore A post shared by Shangerdanger (shane) (@shangerdanger) on Jul 20, 2019 at 10:07am PDT

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tours 

• Price : $79.95

• Price : $121.13

Maui Itinerary Day 6: The Aquarium of Hawaii, Maui Brewing Company & Lahaina

Selected as one of the Top 10 Aquariums in the world, no visit would be complete without a visit to Maui Ocean Center!  Head over here in the morning after breakfast, and spend a few hours learning all about Hawaiin marine life! With over 60 different interactive exhibits, shows, naturalist presentations, and cultural activities – there really is a little something for everyone!  It’s open daily from 9 am – 5 pm.

Tickets can be purchased there, but you can save $5 per ADULT ticket if you book in advance online.  

• Price: $29.11 

Maui Brewing Co

After you’ve had your fix at the aquarium, make the quick 20-minute drive around Maalaea Bay and arrive at the Maui Brewing Co in Kihei for Lunch.  This is Hawaii’s Largest Craft Brewery, and has become a hotspot among tourists and locals! 

There’s a full-service restaurant and tasting room where you can take a 45-minute guided  Brewery Tour  for $15, which I personally loved! You’ll get to learn all about the history of the company, sample lots of beer, and learn about the brewing process (and what makes MBC unique).   

The burgers at the restaurant are delicious, but the main reason to come here would be to try out a beer flight or two (as the beer is incredible).  

If you’re making decent time, you could also drive along the Kihei Road down towards The Shops at Wailea! It’s a nice cruise along the beach, and it’s the other main touristy area filled with vacation condos and luxury resorts.     

Exploring & Sunset Dining in Lahaina

Once you’re done with your time in Kihei, make the short drive back to the west coast and stop in Lahaina! It’s my favorite major city on Maui, and a fantastic place to just walk around, watch surfers, enjoy a sunset, and have some dinner/ nightlife.  

I’d strongly recommend enjoying a meal at the rooftop bar at  Fleetwoods on Front Street !  We had dinner there one night (which was incredible), and the vibe really was awesome up there. Beautiful ocean breeze, sounds of waves hitting the beach, and beautiful sunset views of Lanai in the distance! 

“Owned by Mick Fleetwood of the popular band Fleetwood Mac, this Front Street staple offers some of the best views possible from its stunning rooftop deck. Not only did they win the 2014 Aipono Gold Award for Best Cocktails on Maui, but they won our vote as well! Grab an ocean-view seat on the roof for happy hour, daily from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and enjoy live entertainment while sipping a specialty cocktail. We recommend the Fleetwood’s Pimm’s Cup with muddled strawberries, mint, and cucumber, Pimm’s No. 1, Grand Marnier, Lemon, Orange Juice and Ginger Beer, or the Starshine with Ocean Vodka, Local Starfruit, Housemade Vanilla & Mint Simple Syrup, Fresno Chile and Li Hing Mui salted rim.” – Lahaina Own

Maui Itinerary Day 7: Relaxing Spa Day & Hawaiin Luau Dinner Show

So it’s the last day of the week your in Maui itinerary, and I personally think you can’t end your vacation without a bit of pampering! Whether you’re looking for just a basic 60-minute massage or a full-day spa package, check out this article for the Top Spas on Maui and find something you think sounds good to you.

During our stay at the Ritz Carlton, I thoroughly enjoyed their 80-minute “Man’s Massage”, and it really set the tone for the rest of the day!

Hawaiin Luau Dinner Show

For your last night in Hawaii, I’d recommend soaking up the culture at an iconic “Hawaiin luau”.  There are tons of different options available, but I’d recommend this one:

Old Lahaina Luau Maui : “Soak up Hawaiian history and culture at the 3-hour Old Lahaina Luau in Maui. Enjoy hula dancing, an oceanfront setting, and fresh island fillets, as well as other traditional dishes. You’ll be greeted with a Hawaiian lei and tropical drink from the bar before settling in for a lively performance against the Maui sunset. Traditional Lahaina Luau on Maui Enjoy local cuisine, cultural dancing and island crafts Learn about the rich history of Maui Take in fabulous ocean views Watch traditional and contemporary hula performances!” 

OR – if it’s not your first in Hawaii or you just aren’t interested in a Luau, you could always reserve a spot at the award-winning restaurant Banyan Tree , because they’ve got a fire show every night which was super fun to watch.  

More Things to Do & Places to Visit on Maui 

While I do think I outlined a pretty amazing Maui itinerary, there really is a lot more to explore on this island! Here are few more epic things you should get up to while on the island! 

This is one of the last major towns located towards the beginning of the Road to Hana, and is definitely worth a visit!  It’s got some really great shopping, fun restaurants, a few lively bars, and a top-notch health food store! It’s got a great relaxing surfer vibe, and this is probably where I would lIve if I moved to Maui. I ended up eating at several of the shops in town, and everything was delicious, and this is the perfect place to stop for a classic Hawaiin shaved Ice!

Waihee Ridge Trail

If you’re feeling extra adventurous and looking for a good hike, the Waihee Ridge Trail is particularly awesome!  It starts off with a pretty intense climb, but the views you’ll get of the Maui mountains, as well as the coastline, are well worth it.  I only hiked this for the first mile or so (and then had to circle back since I had forgotten to bring a water bottle and it was super hot), but will definitely be completing the circuit when I make it back to Maui!  You’ll definitely need your own car to get to the start of it though!

Kapalua Coastal Trails

This flat and breezy 1.76-mile walk along the various beaches of Kapalua is an absolute must for people staying in the area! It’ll only take about 30+ minutes or so, but you’ll get some really stunning viewpoints, and might even be able to spot some turtles and dolphins out in the water!  The trail leads from the Ritz Carlton all the way to the scenic Kapalua Bay, a famous place for snorkeling with turtles, and also the location of  Merriman’s Maui – which regularly wins awards for having the best Mai Tai!  If you’re a big fan of hiking though, you could also check out the other hiking trails in Kapalua !  I’ve heard great things about the Mahana Ridge trail, but it just sounded a bit too intense for me on a hot day!

Am I Missing Anything From This Maui Itinerary…?

There really are so many awesome things to do, places to eat, places to visit, fun bars, and epic day trips on Maui, and I love hearing from people who have recently visited places I’ve written about and recommend I update my articles with new information!  I like making sure my itineraries are filled with fun and helpful information, so please do reach out to me if you think I need to add anything to this list! 

Planning a Trip To Hawaii…?

You won’t be disappointed by a trip to Maui Hawaii, especially if you use my 7 day guide to plan your trip. Make sure to check my article “17 Best Hawaii Cultural & Music Festivals to Experience Before You Die” to see if your trip overlaps with any of the amazing events on the list! 

That would be a great way to add a bit of fun to your vacation! Also, I didn’t get up to too much nightlife, but I’d recommend you read up on this article The 10 Best Nightlife spots for Maui if you’re looking to drink and dance a bit more.  

Also, I’d definitely recommend picking up a guide book before your trip! While I do hope I’ve helped you tremendously with your trip planning, having a guidebook while you’re in Hawaii can be a really great resource! Here are a couple solid options to pick up:

• Fodor’s Essential Hawaii (Full-color Travel Guide)
• Fodor’s Maui: with Molokai & Lanai (Full-color Travel Guide)

Thanks so much for reading my Maui Itinerary! 

Share this maui itinerary with your hawaii travel squad.

Hi Dave, Super article. This is the first time I’ve heard about Maui. The photo’s you’ve uploaded are just making me wanting to travel now! But unfortunately we cannot travel due to the current travel restrictions. But surely I’ll be travelling in April 2021 ;), And i would like to know about the helicopter tour cost which is there on the 1st day? Because I haven’t yet travelled in the helicopter. Please Provide me the details. TIA

I loved reading this 7-day itinerary. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!

Thanks for sharing your Maui itinerary! It looks amazing and I’m sure I’ll have a great time exploring the island. I especially like the idea of driving the Road to Hana and then spending the day at Haleakala National Park. I’ve never been to Maui before, so this itinerary will be a big help as I plan my trip.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Hawaii (HI) » 15 Best Day Trips from Maui

15 Best Day Trips from Maui

A veritable nature lover’s playground, Maui is a wonderland of lush green jungle, gorgeous majestic mountains, and of course, pristine beaches that are regularly voted as some of the best on Earth.

As the second largest of the islands that make up Hawaii, there’s a stunning range of diversity on Maui, from coral-filled coves and windswept surf spots to charming coastal communities.

The laidback island is close enough to some of the other islands that you can easily visit them in the space of a day, opening up the possibilities of discovering volcanoes, a myriad of beaches and sites of historical and cultural interest.

Here are 15 of the best day trips on and around sun-drenched Maui.

Affectionately known as the “Friendly Isle”, Molokai is the fifth largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

With a tiny population of around 7000, the delightfully slow pace of life is an attractive trait in a day trip, particularly for those who are looking for some peace and quiet.

There also happens to be an incredible number of interesting sites for the intrepid traveller seeking some insight into the island’s past.

Head over to Kamalo, where, thanks to the high concentration of native Hawaiians, you can find traditional taro patches and other agricultural marvels.

It is said that hula was also born here, and this ancient dance can be observed at the island’s Ka Hula Piko event, where you can also experience an abundance of delicious, authentic cuisine.

2. Pearl Harbour

The number one attraction in Oahu, indeed, in the whole of Hawaii, the chance to visit the incredibly significant site of Pearl Harbour should not be missed.

The site itself commemorates the lives lost, as well as the precursors and repercussions of the Japanese attack on the harbour in 1941. It is extensive and intriguing in its level of detail.

There are two museums: the “Road to War” and the “Attack Museum,” which depict the events of the Second World War.

The Pearl Harbour Visitor Center gives you the chance to go on narrated tours to various nearby areas, such as Ford Island or the USS Oklahoma memorial center.

Available tour : Full-Day Pearl Harbor Memorial Tour

3. Molokini and Turtle Town

The surreally beautiful underwater kingdom of Turtle Town is home to blooming coral gardens, fantastical lava formations, and an abundance of Hawaii’s friendly giants – Green Sea Turtles.

With most tours consisting of a catamaran trip to the legendary dive site, you can expect a day of sun-drenched ocean views and captivating underwater vistas.

You’ll also have the chance to explore the nearby submerged volcanic crater of Molokini, where you’ll find over 250 marine species populating the dramatic landscape.

As some of the best dive sites in the world, these destinations are unmissable day trips easily reachable from Maui.

Recommended tour : Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure

Known as a prime destination spot as far back as the 1800’s, when it was used by Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki is famed for its white sand beaches, world-class surf, and spectacular hikes that are enjoyed by locals and travellers throughout the year.

Only a short flight from Maui, a day in Waikiki can be equal parts culture and leisure, if you want it to be.

Aside from the popular Waikiki Beach, you can visit the impeccably restored Iolani Palace, originally built in 1882 – a glittering example of how the Hawaiian monarchy lived.

When you’ve had your fill of natural beauty and culture, you can head on to enjoy some unbeatable retail therapy at the Royal Hawaiian Centre.

5. Halaekala

A visit to the enormous dormant volcano that created the majority of Maui is humbling to say the least.

The best time to climb to the summit is, without question, first thing in the morning, when the sun rises above the clouds and paints the entire landscape orange in one of the most beautiful sunrise locations on the planet.

The hike is around 30-miles long, and bursting with Hawaiian flora and fauna, making the experience even more rewarding.

Another spectacular highlight happens once the sun has set, when the cloudless sky fills with billions of stars for you to gaze at.

6. Snorkelling at Lanai

The island of Lanai is one of the most sparsely populated of all the islands.

As a result, its original natural beauty has been kept meticulously intact, making it a popular destination for travellers looking for isolated coves and calm days.

It’s also home to some of the best coral reefs in Hawaii, which can be reached and enjoyed in a mere day from Maui.

Soak in the sights of tropical schools of fish, turtles and breath-taking coral in the crystal-clear waters around the island, and remember to take some lunch with you to enjoy on the beach.

Suggested tour : Lanai: Half-Day Hawaiian Snorkeling Adventure

7. Road to Hana

One of the most jaw-droppingly stunning excursions available on any of the Hawaiian Islands is the gorgeous road that runs from West to the East on the northern coast of Maui, ending at the sleepy town of Hana.

The Road to Hana takes you on a breathtaking rollercoaster through vibrant rainforest and jungles, past waterfalls, and to stretches of highway where the treeline opens and offers incredible views of the ocean.

With numerous tours on offer, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the iconic road trip, though renting your own car is infinitely preferable, as it gives you the freedom to pause, marvel and even get out and relax at your favourite spots.

Available tour : Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Road to Hāna

8. Rainbow Falls

Though you’ll need to catch a flight, the journey only takes around one hour, and the falls themselves are one of the most iconic in Hawaii.

What gives these 80-foot cascades their name are the rainbows that are clearly visible most mornings.

They give the already beautiful falls a surreal ambience favoured among both professional and amateur photographers.

Rainbow Falls’ other winning trait is the fact that you can view the cascade from almost any angle, with the small bordering jungle being exceedingly easy to hike and discover new viewpoints.

9. ‘Iao Valley State Monument

If you’re looking for complete detachment from Maui’s towns and want to discover some otherworldly geological marvels, then head up to ‘Iao Valley State Monument, where you’ll have the chance to explore over 4000 acres of rainforest-carpeted mountainscapes.

The highlight of the park is the ‘Iao Needle, a stunning volcanic spire that rises high above the flora and fauna around it, measured at around 1200 feet.

10. Polynesian Cultural Center

Only a short flight away from Maui, on the north shore of Oahu, you’ll find one of the island’s most popular and, indeed, most intriguing cultural attractions.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is made up of six traditional island villages that embody the spirit of Polynesia and span over 40-acres of lush, tropical splendour.

Get the chance to mingle with these distinct Pacific cultures and enjoy a range of activities, from craft-making to canoeing.

11. Maui Pineapple Tours

Popular because it’s the only place in the entire United States where you can tour a functioning pineapple plantation, Maui Pineapple Tours gives you the chance to discover the Hali’imaile Pineapple Plantation.

Found in the town of Hali’imaile, tours involve learning about the process of growth, cultivation, and harvesting of the delicious pineapples found on Maui.

With tasting sessions and complimentary souvenir pineapples, it’s an unmissable day trip for those with a sweet tooth.

12. Ho’okipa Beach Park

An unmissable day trip for beach lovers, the pristine white sands of Ho’okipa Beach Park attract all manner of visitors.

But the name of the game here is, without a doubt, ocean sports.

Generating some of the best waves in the whole of Hawaii, Ho’okipa has hosted Red Bull and Aloha surf competitions, to name a few, as well as being frequented by amateur and pro-surfers alike.

Spending your time in the sea or relaxing on the beach watching the action in the Hawaiian sun is an excellent way to spend a day in Maui.

13. Kīpahulu District

Officially listed as part of Haleakala National Park, the Kīpahulu District is a wonderland of archaeological sites, waterfalls, panoramic ocean views and dive pools.

People tend to visit more than once due to the unique trails that you can take through the lush rainforest.

The Pīpīwai, Kuloa Point and Kahaki trails all offer something different, though the most popular is the Kuloa Point Trail because of its final destination at the ‘Ohe’o Gulch.

Here you’ll find the Seven Sacred Pools, which are a network of swimmable pools and waterfalls.

14. ‘Ulalena

Differing somewhat from the traditional luau, ‘Ulalena is a theatrical production that depicts a fairly complete history of Hawaii’s roots, civilisations, monarchy and more, through the medium of theatre.

The traditional dances, music and mythology is beautifully produced, and said to be much more evocative and authentic than the average beach luau.

For a taste of culture and top-class entertainment, ‘Ulalena is definitely worth checking out.

15. Lahaina Banyan Court Park

A hotbed of cultural and historically significant attractions, Lahaina Banyan Court Park is an old missionary town.

As a result, it is an excellent place to learn about the early days of American settlement here.

You’ll also find a beautiful 150-year-old Banyan Tree – the largest and oldest surviving in Maui – spreading out for almost an acre over Lahaina Town.

15 Best Day Trips from Maui:

• Pearl Harbour
• Molokini and Turtle Town
• Snorkelling at Lanai
• Road to Hana
• Rainbow Falls
• ‘Iao Valley State Monument
• Polynesian Cultural Center
• Maui Pineapple Tours
• Ho’okipa Beach Park
• Kīpahulu District
• Lahaina Banyan Court Park

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20 Best Things to Do on Maui — Gorgeous Beaches, Delicious Seafood, and Scenic Hikes Included

The Valley Isle is a nature lover’s paradise with incredible food.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

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Travelers visiting the Aloha State are spoiled for choice between the Jurassic lushness of Kauai , Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park , and the legendary swells on the North Shore of Oahu .  But if you only have time to explore one island, it’s got to be Maui. This vacation paradise offers a surreal mix of stunning beaches — some for surfing and others with calm water for snorkeling and swimming — hiking trails, scenic drives, Hawaiian culture, and farm-to-table food (oh, and don’t forget shaved ice). With the help of Margaux Pfeiffer, director of concierge and guest experience at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea , and Ashleigh Gay, activities manager at Montage Kapalua Bay , we’ve put together a list of the best things to do on Maui.

Related: T+L's Guide to Maui

Watch the sunrise from Haleakalā.

dypics/Getty Images

Rising early gives guests the chance to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Haleakalā, the active volcano that covers much of the island. “It’s one of the most coveted experiences in Maui,” says Pfeiffer. 

Drive the Road to Hana.

BackyardProduction/Getty Images

The Road to Hana is a beautiful one-lane road with many twists, turns, and bridges that connects Kahului to Hana on the east side of Maui. Pfeiffer suggests devoting a full day to the journey to have plenty of time to stop at the countless waterfalls, jaw-dropping lookouts, and delicious banana bread stands along the way.  

Take a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour.

Courtesy of Blue Hawaiian Helicopter

Take in the incredible views during a helicopter tour of the island. “Though you get an aerial glimpse of the island on your arrival flight, nothing compares to a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour carving into mountainsides and waterfalls and absorbing the magnificent landscape of Maui,” says Pfeiffer. 

Check out the Ho'okipa Lookout.

Marlon Trottmann/Getty Images

Where in the world can you watch a bale of turtles sunbathe and surfers ride 30-foot waves? Find that at Ho’okipa Lookout, an easy and scenic pull-off area on the North Shore of Maui.  

Shop the Upcountry Farmers Market.

For fresh, local produce, few places beat the Upcountry Farmers Market, which is open on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. “Numerous vendors from all over Maui arrive early to begin selling their handmade and handpicked items. It’s not to be missed,” says Gay.

Lounge on Kaanapali Beach.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

One of the best beaches in Hawaii , Kaanapali Beach is a favorite for swimming in the clear water, sunbathing on the soft sand, snorkeling, and kayaking. Arguably its most famous attraction for thrill seekers and voyeurs? The daily cliff jumping at sunset. 

Cool off with Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice.

If you go to Maui and don’t get shaved ice, were you even there? Head to Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice for the tastiest sweet treat in the Aloha State. With dozens of yummy flavor combos, one visit is never enough.  

Admire the surf at Big Beach.

Michele Falzone/Getty Images

Located just south of Wailea, Big Beach, often referred to as Makena Beach, is the ultimate wide, sandy expanse to bask in the Hawaiian sun while watching local bodyboarders ride the famous waves.  

Go hiking at La Perouse Bay.

D. Lentz/Getty Images

Situated south of Wailea at the end of Mākena Alanui Road, La Perouse Bay, also known as Keoneʻōʻio Bay, ranks among the most picturesque places to hike through lava formations and soak in the volcanic scenery and blue water. 

Snorkel at Molokini Crater.

The result of a volcano eruption that occurred more than 200,000 years ago, the Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped, volcanic caldera that’s well known for snorkeling. “The clarity and visibility of the waters around the crater is excellent. And it’s an amazing marine sanctuary,” adds Pfeiffer.

Walk along the black-sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park.

Black volcanic pebbly shores and turquoise tides make Waiʻānapanapa State Park one of the most gorgeous beaches in Maui. Better for photography than sunbathing (but feel free to toss out a towel and test that theory), it's also prime for swimming, exploring the freshwater caves, and hiking the King's Trail.

Taste the fresh seafood from Paia Fish Market South Side.

Paia Fish Market South Side in Kīhei Kalama Village is the perfect casual lunch spot to hit in between sightseeing or on the way to the beach. Order a mahi mahi plate and grab a seat at the communal tables under the shade and enjoy the laid-back ambiance or grab your food to go and walk across the street to watch the kite surfers. 

Visit the Punakea Palms coconut farm.

Punakea Palms is a coconut farm situated in Launiupoko Valley. Visitors can do coconut tasting tours and try coconuts at different ages. “It’s a wonderful and delicious experience for the entire family,” says Gay. 

Stroll through Lahaina.

Peter Unger/Getty Images

Lahaina (which translates to “Cruel Sun”) used to be the royal capital from 1820 to 1845. Today the historic town on the west side of Maui is a hotspot for tourism with restaurants, galleries, beaches, and boat cruises, as well as whale watching during the winter. 

Indulge your sweet tooth at Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop.

Courtesy of Leoda's Kitchen

People line up for the fresh-from-the-oven baked goods and comforting plates of home-cooked food from Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop , an institution in Olowalu, Maui. Don’t leave without trying the coconut cream pie. 

Trek along the Kapalua Village Trails.

A hike to the duck pond along the Kapalua Village Trails is challenging, but the views are worth the sweat. It’s best to strike out in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Since all the trekking is bound to work up an appetite, you can enjoy a delicious meal from the Honolua Store near the trailhead afterward.

Learn about local marine life at Maui Ocean Center.

Courtesy of Maui Ocean Center

The Maui Ocean Center is Hawaii's best aquarium and the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It’s truly an incredible place to learn about local marine life. See sharks, sea turtles, tropical fish, and other amazing creatures that live under the sea. 

Try the poke at Tamura's Market Wailuku.

Tamura's Market Wailuku is a grocery store and an in-the-know destination for some of the best poke on the island that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. 

Go to a lūʻau.

FatCamera/Getty Images

Going to Maui provides an unmissable opportunity to soak in local cultural traditions. Many hotels and resorts on the island host lūʻaus, celebrations of Hawaiian food, music, hula, and storytelling. Old Lahaina Lūʻau is a popular sunset feast.

Grab a table at Mama’s Fish House.

There are many delicious places to eat in Maui, but Mama’s Fish House has earned the reputation as one of the very best restaurants on the island. Pro tip from Pfeiffer: Be sure to secure reservations well in advance, as it books up six months out.

Related Articles

The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2024 update)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Snorkeling, volcano sunrises, and scenic drives await you on Maui! Welcome to the Valley Isle.

With sparkling beaches, clear water, a volcano, and waterfalls, there is no shortage of things to do, see, and experience here.

While Maui is the most expensive island to visit ( price compare islands here ), it offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and sights, so there are plenty of ways to design your Maui vacation.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious honeymoon at the only adults-only resort in Hawaii or you’d prefer to book a cabin on the beach, we’ve got your planning covered with this Maui travel guide. 

Maui Travel Update following Lahaina Fire

Due to the devastating fire, travel to Lahaina is closed. We will be providing updates to travel as well as outlets for community support on our Maui Travel Update page .

You’ll find everything you need to know about planning your trip to Maui here.

Want to cut to the chase? We’ve got you covered with these quick links: – When: Pick the best time to visit Maui – Where: Pick what part of the island , and your lodging – What: Check out 33 Things to Do on Maui , or filter and sort with our Activities & Tours database – How: Decide how you’ll get around, with a rental car or check out how to skip it!

Want to hop around? Use our handy table of contents below to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the maui itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Maui.

Maui Travel Guide: Facts

Impress your seatmate on the plane or win trivia night with these facts about Maui:

• More than any Hawaiian island, Maui has 120-miles of accessible beaches with 81 white, black, and gold-sand beaches.
• There are no private beaches in Hawaii. By law, no one has the right to own a beach or keep people off the beach so come enjoy the beaches!
• Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island with the third-largest population, 144,000 people
• Maui is home to the largest humpback whale migration in the world from mid-December to mid-April. Come to Maui to see acrobatic feats and guaranteed whale sightings – The Ultimate Whale Watching Guide .

• Haleakala is the largest dormant volcano in the world with a summit of 10,023 feet. The summit depression can hold the island of Manhattan, at 21-miles across and 4,000-feet deep. Check out our Guide to Maui’s Volcanoes
• The Hana Highway was rated a Drive of a Lifetime by National Geographic, drive the Road to Hana to experience 620 curves and 59 bridges ( How to Do the Road to Hana in One Day ).
• Maui is the largest of Maui County’s four islands, which include Moloka’i, Lana’i, and the unpopulated Kaho’olawe. Maui is perfect for day-trip adventures to Lana’i or snorkeling at Molokini Crater ( here is our favorite Molokini snorkel tour )

Maui Geography

Let’s get a lay of the island so you can plan your trip easier!

Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is uniquely shaped. It was formed by two volcanoes, Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. 

Like all of the Hawaiian islands, there are two sides: a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side of the island is drier and the windward side is wetter. 

There are five distinct areas on the island: West Maui, South Maui, Central Maui, Upcountry Maui, and East Maui (Hana). 

On West Maui, you’ll find long stretches of beaches, warm weather, numerous snorkeling spots, plenty of resorts and vacation rentals, and jaw-dropping sunsets. West Maui suffered the devastating Lahaina fire in 2023 , which will take years to recover from. The historic town of Lahaina has been destroyed and is not open to visitors .

Other areas of West Maui are open to visitors, including the Ka’anapali resort area, snorkeling spots like Kapalua Bay, and the picturesque Napili Bay . Please visit the west side with care and aloha as they rebuild . Check out our favorite things to do in Kapalua and Napili if you want to enjoy the areas of West Maui that are welcoming visitors.

Another popular spot with visitors, South Maui dials up the luxury. Here you’ll find the most luxurious hotels on the island, stunning beaches, and views of Molokini Crater and Kahoolawe.

Popular spots here include the resort community of Wailea, the small town of Kihei, the expansive Makena Beach, and plenty of tour boats leaving for snorkeling at Molokini Crater. 

Check out our favorite beaches and things to do in South Maui .

Central Maui

You’ll fly into central Maui when you land at Kahului Airport (OGG), the main commercial airport on the island. But that’s not all you’ll find here. Once you leave the main airport area, you’ll find plenty of small restaurants and shops, dramatic mountain views, and great hiking.

Visit the sacred Iao Valley or hike the Waihee Ridge Trail. Or head up to the north coast to stroll through the town of Paia and eat at the most famous restaurant in Hawaii: Mama’s Fish House ( Is Mama’s Fish House Best for Lunch or Dinner? ). 

Kahului is a main cruise port in Hawaii , so if you’re visiting on a cruise ship, be sure to check out all our Hawaii cruise resources , including our favorite Maui shore excursions .

Upcountry Maui

Bring your sweater and head up the slope of Haleakala to Upcountry Maui. You’ll climb in elevation as you get beautiful views of the ocean below you.

You can visit the small cowboy town of Makawao, visit one of the many farms on the island to sample fresh tropical produce, or continue heading up the mountain to the top and visit Haleakala National Park.

In Upcountry, the drive is often just as beautiful as the destination. Most of our favorite Maui farm tours are in Upcountry. And don’t forget to check out our favorite things to do in upcountry Maui .

Visit East Maui by taking the famous Road to Hana (decide here if the Road to Hana is worth it for you!). This drive takes you around 620 curves, over 59 bridges, and delivers views of a stunning coastline, lush landscape, and stunning waterfalls .

This windward part of the island is remote and rugged and an adventure. See our Maui Itinerary on how to plan your stops to Hana or check out our favorite Road to Hana Guided Tour .

We also put together a comprehensive guide on the Road to Hana , and we’ll help you choose the right route for your group.

Our 33 Things to Do on Maui is organized by location to make your planning easier!

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Maui?

While you may be visiting from a place that has four seasons each year, in Hawaii there are just two: summer (kau) and winter (hooilo):

Luckily, the weather on Maui is warm and pleasant year-round, so there’s truly no bad time to visit. But our favorite months to visit are April/May and September/October, because there are fewer visitors, the weather is great, and it’s a little less expensive to travel in this off-peak season period.

Related Articles:

• This is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit in the Winter (Psst, it’s Maui but read for a lot of juicy details)
• Visiting Maui in the Winter: Is it a Good Idea?

While the winter months get slightly cooler temperatures and there is a little more rain, staying on South or West Maui will increase your chances of sunny days and tank top temperatures. That’s why Maui is such a great place to visit year-round. 

And if you’re curious about ocean temperatures and conditions, we have good news. The ocean temperature is always between 75 to 80 degrees, year-round. That means you can swim comfortably in January and in June.

But aside from temperature, consider waves.

During the summer months, you can usually find calm water around the island. The exception is if there is a storm (or remnants of a storm) passing by or if the island is getting a south swell.

South Maui is known to get swells during the summer months, which can bring in larger waves and choppy conditions. West Maui will generally have calmer ocean conditions in the summer. 

In the winter, north swells can bring choppy water and large waves to the north, west, and east side of the island, while the south usually stays a bit calmer. 

Get the full scoop on the best time to visit Maui . 

Getting to Maui

There are two airports on Maui, though one is used very infrequently. The main airport is Kahului Airport (OGG) . This airport is located in central Maui, approximately 30 minutes from Wailea and 45 minutes from Ka’anapali. Kahului airport serves inter-island, domestic, and international flights.

The second airport, Kapalua Airport, is located in West Maui, just a short distance from Ka’anapali. You’ll primarily find flights to Kapalua Airport from Honolulu on Mokulele Airlines. Island Hopping in Hawaii: How To Do It Right .

Renting a Car and Getting Around the Maui

Should you rent a car in Maui? Most likely, yes. While Maui does have a bus system and has uber and taxis, renting a car makes traveling around on your vacation easier. 

We’ve done the math for you to help you decide if renting a car in Maui is right for you . 

Our favorite tip for anyone visiting Hawaii is to book with Discount Hawaii Car Rental . When we travel inter-island or we have friends in town, we use them 95% of the time. They offer the most competitive rates, they work with national agencies, you don’t have to pre-book, and you can cancel at any time. There are also great local companies to rent from, like Kihei Rent a Car. See our Should You Rent a Car on Maui video for more information.

If you can’t get a car (remember that great rental car shortage of summer 2021?) or you just don’t want to get one, here are 11 tips for getting around Maui without a car . 

For the most part, the roads on Maui are well paved and easy to navigate with any type of car — no 4-wheel drive required! Though if you want to rent a jeep…it really is fun. 

If you don’t want to rent a car but still want to get out and see the sights, a guided tour is a great option. Two of our favorite tours that will pick you up from your hotel and take you around are the Haleakala Guided Sunrise Tour and the Road to Hana Guided Tour .

Where to Stay on Maui

Ready to book your stay on Maui? Maui has plenty of five-star resorts, outstanding vacation rentals, and a range of options in between. But what is right for you?

For details on our favorite hotels and vacation rentals on Maui, see our Where to Section Maui ! If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the camping options Maui offers !

Should you stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Maui?

Go for a hotel if you’re looking for the traditional resort experience with big pools, nearby beaches, and restaurants within walking distance. Opt for a vacation rental if you want access to a kitchen, are looking for space, or are looking to save money. 

We routinely stay in both. We’ll book a vacation rental for the majority of our stay so we have access to a kitchen and a little more space for the kids. Then we’ll treat ourselves to a great resort for a few days to enjoy the pool and other amenities. This has been a winning combo for us recently. 

If you’re still not sure what you want to do, we break down the difference between choosing a hotel and a vacation rental in Hawaii .  

Should you stay in Ka’anapali, Wailea, Kihei, or…?

While there are five main areas on Maui, most visitors stay on either West Maui or South Maui to maximize their odds of sunshine, warm weather, and lack of rain. 

Whether you should stay in West Maui (Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Napili, Kapalua) or South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Makena) is often a heated debate. We try to help you make the right decision for you with these two articles:

• Where to Stay on Maui: your accommodation guide
• Ka’anapali vs. Wailea: pick your perfect spot

Plus, get a list of some of our favorite places to stay when on Maui: 

• Our Favorite Maui Honeymoon Hotels
• The Best Family-Friendly Hotels on Maui (kid-tested and approved)
• Maui Vacation Rentals for Large Groups
• Maui Vacation Rentals with Private Pools
• Guide to Glamping Camping on Maui
• The 7 Best Vacation Rentals in Wailea and Makena

How Many Days Should You Stay on Maui

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in January 2022, the average length of stay for a visitor to Maui was nearly 10 days! While you might not be able to get away for that long, we recommend starting with at least a week on the island. There is so much to see and that gives you time to balance relaxation with adventure.

Read more about why we recommend spending at least a week on Maui . And don’t miss our Hawaii packing list as you’re getting ready to go.

Beaches and Snorkeling Spots on Maui

If you’re coming to Maui to snorkel, you’re in luck! In our opinion, Maui is the best island for snorkeling. Add in the stunning beaches, and you are in for a treat. Our favorite beaches include:

• Kapalua Bay : There’s a reason this beach was named the best beach by Dr. Beach in 2018. A beautiful crescent-shaped beach that is partially protected from larger waves for most of the year, this is the perfect spot to spend the day. It’s also a fantastic snorkeling spot. Get the full details on Kapalua Bay . 
• Kahekili (Airport) Beach Park : This Ka’anapali Beach is a gem. It’s usually less crowded than the beaches in Ka’anapali, it has a large, free parking lot. And there’s a nice reef for snorkeling. Plan your visit with our Airport Beach on Maui: The Full Guide .
• Wailea Beach : There’s a reason some of the biggest resorts on Maui are located on this beach. It’s large, beautiful, and has water that is generally easily swimmable. It’s a beautiful place to spend the entire day.

Maui is full of great beaches. Don’t miss our 17 favorite beaches on Maui , with directions and other details like amenities, parking, and lifeguard services. We also break down our favorite beaches in South Maui ! 

And if you’re coming to snorkel, we have you covered:

• Get a full list of our 11 favorite snorkeling spots on Maui
• Read all about where you can find sea turtles on Maui (and view them respectfully)
• If you’re looking for a tour, these are our 7 favorite tried-and-tested snorkeling tours on Maui

Remember that while the beaches in Hawaii are beautiful, they are not without risk. Currents, dangerous shore break, and changing ocean conditions make swimming in any ocean dangerous. Practice beach safety by swimming on beaches with lifeguards, obeying lifeguard flags, and when in doubt, don’t go out. This website has more excellent information to help keep you safe. 

Things To Do on Maui

There is no shortage of fun to be had on Maui. From whale watching to snorkeling to hiking, there is enough here to keep you busy and exploring for years. 

But here are some highlights that you don’t want to miss and then see our full list of 33 Things to Do on Maui .

• Whale Watching: If you’re coming to Maui between December and April, you’ll be able to see the thousands of humpback whales that migrate to Hawaii from Alaska to mate and birth their young. Whale watching is such a special experience, and we have a full whale watching guide for you . Then explore our 7 favorite Maui whale-watching tours .
• Haleakala Volcano : Visit Maui’s dormant volcano, Haleakala (means: house of the sun). You can enjoy the day in Haleakala National Park with a trip to the Visitor’s Center, enjoying one of the numerous hikes offered in the park, or by enjoying sunrise or sunset. This article helps you decide what time of day to visit: sunrise or sunset.  
• Farm Tours: Explore a different side of Maui with one of the many farm tours. You can visit a coconut farm, a bee farm, a pineapple farm, and more. Or, enjoy a farm tour and lunch combo for a truly memorable day out on the slopes of Haleakala. Get a list of our 15 favorite farm tours on the island . 
• Snorkeling Lana’i : There are actually four islands that makeup Maui County. The island of Lana’i is located just a short boat or ferry ride away and provides a completely different experience. It’s one of our favorite places to snorkel by taking a day trip on the ferry . Explore all our favorite things to do on Lanai , including a snorkeling tour.
• Road to Hana : You can explore the east side of the island on this famous drive past waterfalls , over bridges, and along the jagged coastline ( The 5 Best Road to Hana Routes ). It’s a completely different experience than what you’ll find when staying on west or south Maui. Check out our Road to Hana in one-day article or a guided tour . 

Want help seeing how to fit all of the best sights into your vacation? Our Maui itinerary was created just for that.

Don’t just take our word for it! See what others have to say:

Best Tours and Activities on Maui

While we embrace DIY travel, there’s something to be said for a great tour when you’re in Hawaii. Not only are you supporting a local business, but you’re getting time with a guide who truly knows the island. Whether they’re teaching you the history of the islands during a canoe tour or they’re educating you on the marine life during a snorkeling trip, a good tour experience can stick with you for years. 

We’ve done the hard work for you by finding the best of the best tours on the island. Here’s a sampling of our favorites to get started, but don’t forget to check out our full list of Maui Activities and Tours . 

Maui Family Vacations

We love the adventures you can have while traveling with your family.

With two little kids that we take everywhere, we also know that sometimes you need a few extra kid-friendly recommendations to make your trip fantastic. So from our family to yours, we have you covered:

• The 10 Best Maui Resorts That Will Thrill Your Kids
• 67 Things to Do on Maui with Kids (sorted by age)
• The 8 Best Kid Beaches that will Make Your Maui vacation
• 3 Easy Hikes on Maui (that even little legs can do)

If you want an itinerary fit for kids, our Maui Itinerary includes seven excursion days young kids will love. Plus, we include great family-friendly beaches as well as kid-friendly restaurants. We know the importance of a good Keiki (kids) menu.  Get it here!

Popular Maui Videos

Get to know Maui and see some of our best recommendations with our popular Maui videos.

Or, explore our full library of videos on Hawaii .

Full Library of Maui Articles

Want to binge-read everything we’ve written on visiting Maui? Pour yourself a Mai Tai and browse all Maui articles here .

The Maui Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, we’ve got you covered. Our island itineraries help you navigate the planning process and make your trip smooth once you’re on the island.

Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.

We hope you have an amazing trip!

~Jordan & Erica

Love this guide? Don’t forget to Pin it!

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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What NOT to Do on Maui: 9 Mistakes That Could Spoil Your Trip!

Are you starting to plan your maui vacation and want to avoid rookie mistakes keep scrolling to find out the top maui mistakes that can ruin your trip (and what to do instead)., this list of maui mistakes was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Aloha, Maui adventurers!

If you’re planning your first trip to the beautiful island of Maui, you’re in for a real treat. Known as the “Valley Isle,” Maui offers a bit of everything—stunning beaches, lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and charming towns.

However, like any destination, some common mistakes first-time visitors make can detract from an otherwise perfect trip.

As someone who’s visited Hawaii over 40 times, I’m here to help you avoid these pitfalls and make the most of your Maui experience.

Let’s chat about the top mistakes people make on Maui and how you can steer clear of them.

The 9 Worst Mistakes You Can Make on Maui (And How to Avoid Them!)

Underestimating the drive on the road to hana.

The Road to Hana is one of the most famous scenic drives in the world, and for good reason. The journey takes you along Maui’s northeastern coast, through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and along dramatic cliffs.

But here’s the thing: many people underestimate just how challenging this drive can be.

The Road to Hana is about 64 miles long, but with over 600 curves and 50 one-lane bridges, it’s not a quick or easy drive. It’s narrow, winding, and can be stressful if you’re not used to this type of driving.

Many visitors make the mistake of thinking they can whip through it in a few hours, but to really enjoy the experience, you should plan for a full day . Start early in the morning, take your time, and stop frequently to enjoy the sights.

A key tip is to make a rough plan of your stops beforehand, but also stay flexible. Some of my favorite spots include Twin Falls (mile marker 2), the Garden of Eden Arboretum (mile marker 10), and the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park (mile marker 32).

Pack snacks, water, and maybe even a picnic lunch, so you can take your time and savor the journey without feeling rushed. There are also places to stay in Hana if you want to extend your adventure.

Not Booking Haleakalā Sunrise Reservations in Advance

Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā is one of Maui’s most iconic experiences. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world as you watch the sun slowly rise above a sea of clouds.

But here’s a crucial tip: you can’t just show up. You need a reservation , and these spots fill up fast!

Haleakalā National Park started requiring reservations for sunrise viewing a few years ago to manage the crowds and protect the environment.

Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, and I highly recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates. If you miss out on a sunrise reservation, don’t worry—you can still visit the summit later in the day for equally stunning views.

Another option is to catch the sunset at Haleakalā, which doesn’t require a reservation and is just as breathtaking. Or you can book a Haleakala sunrise tour and leave the driving to a professional. Here’s the one I did .

Remember to dress warmly—temperatures at the summit can be freezing, even during the day. Bring layers, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable while you take in the views.

Skipping the Upcountry

When people think of Maui, they often picture the beaches and the Road to Hana, but there’s another side to the island that’s just as magical: Upcountry .

This region, located on the slopes of Haleakalā, offers a completely different vibe from the coastal areas, with cool temperatures, rolling hills, and charming small towns.

Many visitors make the mistake of overlooking Upcountry, but I urge you to set aside at least a day to explore this area.

Start your day with a visit to the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm , where you can stroll through fields of fragrant lavender with sweeping views of the island below.

Next, head to Makawao, a quirky little town known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) history. Here, you can browse art galleries, visit local boutiques, and enjoy a meal at one of the farm-to-table restaurants.

Another must-see in Upcountry is MauiWine , located at the historic Ulupalakua Ranch. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious, the tasting room offers a variety of wines, including their famous pineapple wine.

Take a tour to learn about the history of the ranch and the winemaking process while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Overpacking or Underpacking for Maui’s Diverse Climates

Maui’s weather is famously pleasant, but it can vary greatly depending on where you are on the island.

The beaches are typically warm and sunny, but if you head up to Haleakalā or into the rainforests of Hana, you might find cooler temperatures or sudden rain showers.

Many visitors make the mistake of packing only for beach weather, which can leave you unprepared for other parts of the island.

To ensure you’re ready for anything, pack layers that you can easily add or remove as needed. A light jacket or sweater is essential for cooler areas like Upcountry or the summit of Haleakalā. Rain gear is a must if you’re planning to explore Hana, where showers are frequent.

Don’t forget comfortable, sturdy shoes for hiking, and of course, plenty of swimwear and sun protection for your beach days. Here’s my go-to Maui packing list .

Ignoring Local Advice About Ocean Safety

Maui’s beaches are stunning, but the ocean can be unpredictable, and ignoring local advice about where and when to swim can be dangerous.

Unfortunately, every year there are incidents involving visitors who underestimate the power of the waves or the strength of the currents.

One area to be particularly cautious is Honolua Bay during the winter months when the waves can be massive. Even at popular beaches like Kaanapali, conditions can change quickly, and what seems like a calm day can turn rough.

Always check with lifeguards about the current conditions, look out for posted warning signs, and when in doubt, it’s better to stay on the shore.

If you’re new to ocean swimming or snorkeling, consider starting at calmer spots like Kapalua Bay or Napili Bay, where the waters are usually gentle and great for beginners.

Remember, safety first—Maui’s beauty is best enjoyed when you take the necessary precautions.

Only Eating at Resort Restaurants

It’s easy to stick to the familiar, especially when resort restaurants offer convenience and variety.

However, one of the biggest mistakes visitors make is not venturing out to explore Maui’s vibrant local food scene. Trust me, you’ll miss out on some of the island’s best flavors if you only dine at your hotel or resort.

Maui’s food culture is a delightful mix of traditional Hawaiian, Asian, and other influences. Start your culinary adventure by visiting some of the island’s famous food trucks, like the ones in Kihei or near Lahaina .

You can’t go wrong with the fresh fish tacos at Coconut’s Fish Cafe or a plate of garlic shrimp from Geste Shrimp Truck .

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to Paia to try the famous banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s or the mouthwatering pastries at T Komoda Store & Bakery in Makawao.

For a true local experience, check out the Maui Swap Meet in Kahului on Saturday mornings, where you can sample everything from fresh coconut to homemade jam.

By venturing beyond the resort, you’ll get a taste of Maui’s rich culinary scene and support local businesses at the same time.

Not Allowing Enough Time for the I’ao Valley

The I’ao Valley State Monument is one of Maui’s hidden gems—a peaceful, lush valley with rich cultural history and stunning natural beauty. However, many visitors make the mistake of thinking they can pop in for a quick visit and move on.

To truly appreciate the I’ao Valley, you need to give yourself some time to explore.

The highlight of the valley is the I’ao Needle , a towering rock formation that rises 1,200 feet from the valley floor. There are several easy walking trails that offer great views of the needle and the surrounding landscape.

But the valley is more than just its natural beauty—it’s also a place of deep cultural significance, as it was the site of one of the most important battles in Hawaiian history.

I recommend spending at least half a day here. Take your time walking the trails, enjoy a picnic by the river, and learn about the history of the area. It’s a serene escape from the busier parts of the island and a chance to connect with Maui’s natural and cultural heritage.

Skipping the Old Lahaina Luau or Not Booking in Advance

No trip to Maui is complete without experiencing a traditional Hawaiian luau, and the Old Lahaina Luau is widely considered one of the best luaus on Maui .

But here’s a tip: you can’t just show up and expect to get a seat. Luaus are incredibly popular, and spots fill up fast, especially during peak travel seasons.

The Old Lahaina Luau is known for its authenticity, with a focus on traditional Hawaiian music, hula, and food. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture while enjoying a delicious meal.

To make sure you don’t miss out, book your tickets as early as possible—months in advance if you’re traveling during a busy time. And even longer if you want to get seating on the ground.

If the Old Lahaina Luau is fully booked, don’t worry. There are other great luaus on the island, like the Feast at Lele , which offers a more intimate experience with table service, or the Grand Wailea Luau , known for its spectacular oceanfront setting.

Whichever you choose, a luau is a must-do on Maui, and booking ahead ensures you won’t be disappointed.

Underestimating the Importance of Sun Protection

Maui’s sun is strong, and it’s easy to underestimate the importance of sun protection, especially when you’re spending long hours outdoors.

Whether you’re lounging on the beach, hiking, or snorkeling, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial.

Many visitors make the mistake of applying sunscreen once in the morning and forgetting about it for the rest of the day. However, to stay protected, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

It’s also important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and, even better, to choose a reef-safe sunscreen to help protect Maui’s marine life.

In addition to sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing can help shield you from the sun. Staying hydrated is also key to preventing dehydration, which can sneak up on you in the tropical heat.

Maui Travel Tips FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit maui.

Maui is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the spring ( April to June ) or fall ( September to November ). Summer (June to August ) is popular with families, while winter ( December to March ) offers whale watching season.

How long does it take to drive the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana is about 64 miles long, but due to its winding nature and many scenic stops, it can take a full day to complete. Plan for at least 7-10 hours if you want to fully enjoy the experience. Consider staying overnight in Hana if you want to explore at a more leisurely pace.

Do I need to rent a car to get around Maui?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended on Maui. Public transportation is limited, and many of the island’s top attractions, like the Road to Hana, Haleakalā, and the beaches, are best accessed by car. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.

What should I pack for a trip to Maui?

Maui’s weather varies by region, so pack for diverse conditions . Bring lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to visit Haleakalā or explore the Upcountry, pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures. Rain gear is also recommended for the Hana area.

Are there any safety tips for swimming in the ocean on Maui?

Yes, ocean safety is important on Maui. Always check with lifeguards about current conditions before swimming, and look for posted warning signs. Be aware that some beaches have strong currents or large waves, especially during the winter months. It’s safer to swim at beaches with lifeguards, such as Kaanapali Beach or Wailea Beach.

How far in advance should I book activities like the Haleakalā sunrise or a luau?

For popular activities like the Haleakalā sunrise and luaus, it’s best to book as far in advance as possible—ideally several weeks to a few months before your trip, especially during peak travel seasons. Reservations are required for the Haleakalā sunrise, and spots at popular luaus like the Old Lahaina Luau fill up quickly.

Can I drive the Road to Hana and back in one day?

While it’s possible to drive the Road to Hana and back in one day, it can be exhausting. The road is winding and full of attractions that you’ll want to stop and enjoy. For a more relaxed experience, consider staying overnight in Hana or taking the back road (Pi’ilani Highway) on the return trip to avoid retracing your steps.

Visiting Maui Wrap-Up

Maui is a paradise that offers something for everyone, from breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Remember to plan ahead, take your time, and immerse yourself in all the beauty and culture that Maui has to offer.

If you have any questions or need more tips for your trip, feel free to reach out—I’m always here to help! Mahalo for reading, and I wish you an unforgettable journey on the beautiful island of Maui.

Looking for more Maui travel resources? Check out 10 Jaw-Dropping Maui Secrets Every Parent Needs to Know Before Booking! , 10 Essential Things to Know BEFORE Planning a Trip to Maui , and 14 Best Maui Adventures to Book Before Your Trip !

'Encouraging tourists to behave well': West Maui reopens amid backlash

Tourists were officially welcomed back to West Maui on Sunday, exactly two months after devastating wildfires displaced thousands of residents, killed 98 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings.

Historic Lahaina Town – once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom – was, and is still, unrecognizable. Cleanup of debris has barely begun. 

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced on Sept. 8 that the unaffected areas just north from where the fire took place would reopen to travelers so “people from Hawaii and around the world can resume travel to this special place and help it begin to recover economically,” he said in a news conference. 

To kick off the reopening, five hotels and eight timeshare condos in West Maui started accepting guests and owners , starting with 3 miles of the northwestern coast.

Tourists and residents alike have been grappling with the island’s reopening plans, with some wondering if it’s insensitive to bring back visitors months after the deadliest wildfire in recent U.S. history. Besides palpable grief, residents fear the government will prioritize visitor dollars over their urgent needs, like education and housing, but what hangs in the balance is the livelihoods of many of them. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

How important is tourism to Maui?

“Maui on its own is clearly the biggest tourism hub of the neighbors, even in comparison to Honolulu,” said Peter Fuleky, professor of economics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. While the island only accounts for 12% of the state’s jobs, it makes up one-third of the visitor spending statewide, according to a recent report by the Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaii. In 2021 and 2022, Maui was the most visited island over Oahu. 

Visitor arrivals on Maui in August dipped more than 60% compared to the month prior, according to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

The reopening of West Maui – home to over half of all the accommodations on the island – has been controversial as recovery from the fires has been slow and emotional for residents. Some West Maui residents accept respectful visitors looking to support local businesses and volunteer while others want to delay the reopening for more time to heal . 

Prior to the reopening, the state and county released sensitivity messaging, asking tourists to be respectful and not take inappropriate photos.

“I know we are still grieving, and it feels too soon, but the reality is there are those in our community who are ready to get back to work. Bills need to be paid, keiki (children) have needs and our kupuna (elders) face continued medical care,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said in a video statement . 

What does the reopening of West Maui mean?

The reopening of West Maui has been billed as a “phased setting” by Bissen. During the first phase, all travel restrictions to Kaanapali, Napili, Honokowai and Kapalua have been lifted. Hotels will open in groups . 

“No one should be discouraged or reluctant to go and support the businesses and workers that rely on tourism in West Maui for their families’ livelihood,” according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority website . 

Meanwhile, Lahaina remains closed to the public “until further notice out of respect to the town’s residents.” About two weeks ago, the first group of Lahaina residents were allowed to visit their properties and survey the damage in protective gear due to highly toxic ash.  

Even though state officials dated the reopening on Sunday, tourism recovery is expected to be “very slow,” according to Carl Bonham, professor of Economics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and founding member of the Economic Research Organization. 

An 80% recovery of pre-fire visitor levels isn’t expected in Maui until the end of 2024, according to the Economic Research Organization. 

“Even if they didn’t do a phase reopening, there’s no reason to believe there would suddenly be tens of thousands of visitors rushing into West Maui,” he said. 

The date is to help travelers plan future trips to the island. “It’s about learning some of the lessons from the pandemic where we didn’t make the announcement that we were reopening on a date in the future until well behind the point when we were ready, then it takes time for people to plan,” Bonham said. 

'We need responsible tourism': Maui businesses plead tourists to help economy after fires

Merriman’s Kapalua , an oceanfront restaurant in West Maui since 2009, is one of those businesses ready to reopen its doors. Since the fires, the restaurant has been delivering hundreds of free meals and operating as a place with free Wi-Fi for West Maui residents. When in operation, about 90% of the produce used is sourced from local farmers. 

“It’s absolutely not too soon (to reopen West Maui),” the restaurant’s owner, Peter Merriman, told USA TODAY. He said many of his employees want to go back to work. “If people feel like it’s too soon, that’s fine, they don’t have to go back to work.” 

Merriman said that without the official reopening, the restaurant would have stayed closed for a little longer, but he feels like it’s his “civic duty” for travelers to West Maui to have somewhere to go eat. “We’re probably going to lose money for the first several months we’re open, but it’s our responsibility,” he said. 

Even though his doors will be open, Merriman’s “really worried” how many patrons will even walk through his doors. “I think it’s going to take close to a year where people will feel comfortable to go to West Maui,” Merriman said. 

Jesse Imbach, a 46-year-old Maui resident, lost his restaurants in Lahaina to the fire and is looking for a new location to relaunch the business. Imbach said he’s OK with a phased reopening but worries that it will take away resources from locals or bring over “macabre-type tourists” who are interested in seeing the aftermath of the tragedy.

The day before the reopening, Bissen shared in a statement how he wants “visitors to understand that our island is making its way through a devastating tragedy.” Officials have launched several online resources for visitors to find more information about how to donate, volunteer and plan their trips to Maui, such as the Maui Strong website and the Hawaii Tourism Authority website . A list of local businesses to support can be found at Maui Nui First.  

“We should be really thoughtful about impacting the folks who are still emotionally reeling from the loss of their heritage and their livelihood, and their history and their family home,” Imbach said. “The key thing is encouraging tourists to behave well is really important, because the community is definitely still hurting.”

How soon is too soon to reopen?

To access the parts of West Maui that are reopening means people will have to drive through burn zones, which have mostly been covered by fencing. Many residents aren’t ready to enter the tragedy-stricken area yet. 

Earlier this month, people gathered at the state Capitol in Honolulu to speak out against the Oct. 8 reopening and drop off a petition with 14,000 signatures to the Governor’s office. 

One of those in support of the petition is Blake Ramelb, who was born and raised in Lahaina but lives in Napili. He told USA TODAY that the "timeline of this just felt so rushed in so many ways, two months is definitely not enough time."

"People didn’t get a chance to grieve, not only because it’s just been two months but they don't know where they’re going to live tomorrow," he said. He added that the quick reopening has also taken a toll on the mental health of many residents, who are already struggling from the tragedy itself.

The Maui City Council voted unanimously for a resolution on Friday that echoed pleas to delay the reopening, saying the two-month anniversary was not “trauma-informed.” 

“It's really hard to know what is the right decision, honestly, because you're balancing between protecting your community and people who are completely devastated, and economic, financial implications of not opening,” said Jan Jones , a lecturer and coordinator for hospitality and tourism management at the University of New Haven.

But some argue that small businesses need tourists , especially after taking a hit from the pandemic. One recent study found the island lost more than $13 million of visitor spending per day in the weeks after the fire, according to the Economic Research Organization.   

“The small businesses can’t weather another storm. They just can't,” said Jerry Agrusa, a hospitality and tourism management professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business. 

Agrusa said tourists can help the island’s recovery by being mindful of where they spend their money.

“Eat lunch in a family-owned restaurant. Look for the smallest person that does tours. Look for the local guy who gives surf lessons. Look for the ones that are greatly affected, where they don't have these great companies behind them,” he said. “That would be so helpful right now.” 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] . Bailey Schulz is a general assignment money reporter based in Las Vegas. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Contributing: The Associated Press

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5 Day Maui Itinerary

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Maui five-day itinerary suggestions.

With five full days (six nights) on Maui, you'll need to be prepared and our Maui 5-day itineraries should help you feel ready to tackle the Valley Isle with a plan of action.

At some point in planning your vacation to Maui , it’s probably going to hit you, “Wow, this is a lot harder than I thought it’d be... there’s so much to do.”  Welcome to the state where the possibilities for activities and adventures are limitless, to where you’ll likely never find yourself bored unless you refuse to leave your hotel room. This portion of our website is here to help you focus on planning your trip and should allow you to organize what you want to do into simple itineraries. Planning your vacation doesn’t have to be a chore, and hopefully, our recommendations will be of assistance in your preparation.

We’ve designed our  Maui itineraries  around a set number of full on-island Maui days: offering  one ,  two ,  three , four , five (this page), six , and seven-day itineraries for exploring the island, soaking in the best sights, and ensuring your precious time on Maui is utilized wisely. We’ve tried to balance our itineraries between those who seek adventure and those looking to find a good beach and relax. Overall, we want your experience to be exactly what you’ve dreamed of when planning your Maui trip.

In this five-day Maui itinerary , we've selected   East Maui  (along the coast)  for the first day , on a journey that takes you to the highlights of this famous shoreline along the popular Road to Hana, followed up by  West Maui   for one full day of sightseeing, including Ka'anapali  on the second day, and then  we'll explore the best lookouts and hikes in   Haleakala National Park & Upcountry Maui  (including the summit area), with a great hiking option  for our third day , while for the fourth day we've selected a beach and coastal outing along the  South Maui   shoreline, and finally, on your fifth and last full day on Maui, we've selected several attractions located in Central & North Mau i , including Waihee Ridge Trail, the 'Iao Valley State Monument, and a few other attractions that are worth a visit while you're on Maui.

We think you'll find all five days full of great activities, beaches, trails, and sights to see.  We've also provided a couple of  alternate days  to select from if something in one of our five suggested days doesn't fit your fancy. Think of our itineraries as a rough guide, and don't be afraid to switch, swap, and exchange days or stops in our itineraries so that you ultimately build the itinerary YOU want for your trip.

We’ve provided all Maui directions via Google Maps when possible, as Google Maps works on all platforms and across all devices. You should be able to pop the directions into your phone or tablet and go. To help you visualize each day’s itinerary, we’ve also provided overview maps that help you get your bearings.

Our five-day Maui itinerary below includes many of the recommendations in our three-day  and four-day Maui itineraries, plus some other must-see sights, attractions, and activities for the extra two days on the island. Skip ahead to the 5-day itinerary now →

Overview of Maui - the ‘Valley Isle’

Maui is the second-largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain, which consists of eight major islands and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawaii in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Maui is composed of two major volcanic areas, the older and extinct West Maui Mountains and a very expansive volcano named Haleakala on the eastern side of Maui. In between the two is a valley filled with deposits. The center of the island is where Maui earns its nickname the "Valley Isle." The isthmus stretching from Haleakala to the West Maui mountains is likely where you'll begin your journey- at the airport.

The island of Maui features an abundance of beaches, especially along the West Coast. Sun is abundant here, too, as the volcanoes in the center of the island block the majority of precipitation from ever reaching the leeward side of the island. While portions of Maui's west coast are often dry and barren, the eastern portions of the island are a lush and green paradise boasting waterfalls in numerous valleys. Many visitors enjoy the Hana Highway (aka The Road to Hana) as it winds its way along the coast to the sleepy town of Hana in the bay.

Accommodations on Maui & Where to Stay

On Maui, you’re probably staying on either the west side of the island in Ka’anapali, Kapalua, or Napili, or you’re accommodations are located instead on the south shore, in either Kihei or Wailea. If you haven’t yet decided where to stay on Maui, we can help with that too, be sure to check out our  Where to Stay on Maui  article for the best tips and suggestions on where to book your stay. Don’t worry if the two locations above aren’t you’re starting point, as there are a number of accommodations, b&bs, inns, etc scattered across the island. Regardless of where you’re staying, we’ll still help you plan accordingly.

Be sure to also read our  Best time to Visit Maui  article for an in-depth look at which time(s) of the year is best for your travel party on Maui.

Getting Around Maui

On Maui, a rental car is definitely the best option for getting around the island and viewing all the sights we detail in our itineraries. The rental rates in Hawaii are often some of the cheapest anywhere in the world because the competition is fierce.

There is no reliable bus service on the island and taxi services are both expensive and illogical for sight-seeing purposes.

Summary of what to pack on your Maui trip

Regardless of how much you’ve traveled in the past and where you’ve been, there is one good rule to follow when coming to Hawaii, leave as much as you can at home. Seriously, bring only what you’ll need during your stay and nothing more. For starters, schlepping around three suitcases is NOT what you want to be doing after getting off a long plane ride. Next, consider that long pants, dress clothes, and anything else formal really have no use in Hawai‘i (unless you are staying in a very exclusive resort). Chances are a pair of shorts and an old Aloha shirt are all you’ll need for even some fine dining.

As far as clothing goes, that’s usually a few pairs of shorts, several T-shirts, sandals or flip-flops (slippahs as Hawaii residents call them), and a good visor or hat, anything made of a cotton blend is usually good. A light jacket might also be nice for those visits to higher elevations.

With the motto, “less is more” in mind, here are a few other items to bring. Sunblock (the UV on Hawai‘i is typically 10+ in the spring, summer, and fall), a backpack (for any hikes) and a water bottle, slippers (flip flops, shower shoes, zoris), mask, snorkel, and fins (or rent locally instead), two bathing suits (one to wear while the other dries) and a cover-up, your phone or a camera, lightweight raincoat or poncho (for mountain/rain forest hiking), bug spray with DEET (for any forest hikes), flashlight (if the sun goes down before your hike ends or for night walks on the beach), hiking boots and hiking rods, and most importantly a list of all your troubles to leave behind.  For more information on what to pack, seeing our What to Pack When Visiting Hawaii article.

Five Day Itinerary for Maui

5-day maui wayfinder guide.

We'll officially kick off our itinerary suggestions by quickly covering the day you arrive and at the end of this page, we'll also cover the day you depart. While both days are not completely a wash in terms of planning something to actively do or participate in those days, we like to keep them open and use them for relaxing after we arrive and before we depart.

Arrival Day on Maui

Let the first day you arrive be a day to adjust to the islands. Grab a bite to eat, pick up supplies and/or groceries, enjoy your first Hawaiian sunset that evening, and get to bed early as it has likely been a long day. If you’re flying in from another island, as we often do, then some light sightseeing probably won’t be a problem once you’re set up with your new rental, etc. But generally, we advise people to take it easy the first day, soak in their local surroundings, and acclimate to Hawaiian time.

Day #1 - East Maui Coast

This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches of  East Maui , including the world-famous  Road to Hana . Because this region prominently features the Hana Highway (a.k.a 'Road to Hana'), we often refer to it as the 'Hana Highway' region of Maui.

When it comes to driving the Hana Highway on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction. There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Alaskan coastline. Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, a multitude of trails, and beautiful gardens and you've discovered the highway to heaven itself.

East Maui Coast Itinerary

Day #2 - West Maui Highlights

This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches of  West Maui . With plenty of sunshine and an abundance of rainfall (as much as 390 inches a year), West Maui was once a major Hawaiian population center and the proverbial playground of royalty (the ali'i) in old Hawai'i.

Today, west Maui has become the playground of visitors from around the world.

Along the shores of West Maui, you'll find the resort area of Kapalua (northwest), Kahana and Honokowai (mid-way), the visitor community of Napili, and of course, the bustling resort town of Ka'anapali.

Please remember that, at this time, we urge visitors to refrain from going to portions of West Maui impacted by the  devastating August 2023 wildfires  as a means of respect to the people and places lost in Lahaina during that devastating tragedy.

West Maui Itinerary

Day #3 - Haleakala & Upcountry Maui

This day's Maui itinerary explores the breathtaking sights, overlooks, gardens, and trails of  Upcountry Maui  and  Haleakala , including the  Haleakala National Park summit area .

The term  Upcountry Maui  refers to the towns, ranches, vineyards, parks, farmlands, and visitor attractions on the upper slopes of  Haleakala  volcano, including  Haleakala National Park . Enchanting and rural, Maui's Upcountry is the heart of the island's agricultural industry, as well as a thriving artists' community.

Many compare the beautiful landscape of Upcountry Maui to the countryside in Scotland. You'll also be sure to discover several unique floral gardens in this part of Maui. Plus, some of the best views of the South Pacific anywhere on the island can be found from the high elevations of the upcountry.

Haleakala & Upcountry Maui Itinerary

Day #4 - South Maui

This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, beaches, and hiking trails of  South Maui . South Maui is best known for its miles of  white sandy beache s, spectacular coastal areas,  snorkeling  on its reefs, and  expansive lava fields  like  La Perouse Bay .

Sheltered on the leeward side of Haleakala volcano, this side of Maui is quite drier and sunnier than the rest of the island. This side of the island additionally provides spectacular views of the islands of Lanai, Molokini, and Kahoolawe offshore. There is world-class golfing available in Wailea, and some of the finest restaurants and dining in all of Maui can be found in this region. South Maui includes the coastal communities of Ma'alaea and Kihei and the growing resort communities of Wailea and Makena.

In South Maui, travelers can discover the true warmth of Aloha and genuine Hawaiian hospitality.

South Maui Itinerary

Day #5 - Central & North Maui

This day's Maui itinerary explores the remarkable hiking trails, state monuments, and attractions located in  Central & North Maui . Central Maui is best known for the Iao Valley , which is technically in West Maui, but access is via central Maui. The Waihee Ridge Trai l is also technically in northwest Maui, but because you'll also access it from central Maui, we've included it here.

The proverbial 'heart' of Maui, Central Maui, is the isthmus that connects Maui's two volcanoes. Your visit to Maui likely began here at the airport in Kahului. Central Maui includes residential communities, sugar and pineapple plantations, county and state government offices, and various visitor attractions including the  Kahului Airport  (OGG), the  Maui Tropical Plantation , golf courses, parks, shopping areas, and more.

Central & North Maui Itinerary

Departure Day from Maui

Like your arrival day, this day is meant to wind down from your trip and prepare for your jump to another island or for the journey home. We suggest grabbing a bite to eat from one of your favorite local restaurants near your accommodation and maybe some final souvenir shopping at some of the many stores and local shops around the island. Undoubtedly, the local community would appreciate your business. In Hawaii there are no “Goodbye’s” - so we’ll say A Hui Hou, which in Hawaiian means ‘Until we meet again.’ Aloha!

Alternative Itinerary Options for Maui

5-day alternate maui itineraries.

If something in the five days we've selected doesn't quite feel right to you, we've provided alternate day itineraries below. Just swap the day below with the one you don't like from above. Our itineraries are meant to mix, swap, and shuffle as needed to create the perfect trip for your travel party.

Alternate Day: East Maui 2-Day Adventure

This day's Maui itinerary  replaces TWO days above  (including any day you select + the one-day East Maui itinerary). This  two-day East Maui itinerary  explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches along the world-famous  Road to Hana  and the  Pi'ilani Highway  beyond; over the course of two days instead of just one.

This two-day East Maui itinerary permits you to  see additional attractions ,  spend more time at your favorite stops , and more thoroughly explore the  Ohe'o Gulch  in the Kipahulu portion of Haleakala National Park. Not to mention, we've got an excellent trail recommendation along the  Pipiwai Trail  for this two-day itinerary.

Remember, you'll need to use this itinerary to  replace both the East Maui One-Day Itinerary  PLUS  one additional day (your choice) from above!  If you were looking for a way to see more of the Road to Hana & Beyond, this itinerary is designed precisely for that purpose.

East Maui 2-Day Itinerary

Alternate Day: Maui Tour & Activity Day

This day's Maui itinerary provides an overview of our recommended  Maui Tours & Activities . For visitors who have five or more days on the island, a Maui tour may be the perfect way to experience parts of Maui that you'd otherwise never get to see.

Select from one or more of the tours we've listed on this page, and we're sure you'll have an incredible time. We've hand-selected these Maui tours  due to their popularity and high ratings with visitors like yourself!

Here you'll find an incredible assortment of tours and activities to enjoy:  whale watching , a Road to Hana tour ,  ziplining , boat & sailing tours , and Molokini snorkel trips are just a few of the many amazing adventures available on Maui.

Maui Tour Day Suggestions

Additional Maui Itineraries

Recommended maui tours, terms of use & disclosures.

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10 Best Places To Visit In November In USA

San diego for beach time.

San Diego is perfect for a warm November getaway, with 17 miles of coastline and dozens of soft, sandy beaches to enjoy. The weather is still beautiful, with breezy temps around 70°F, making it ideal for sunning and tide pooling.

New York City for the Macy’s Day Parade

November is a great time to visit New York City, with beautiful weather and tons of unique activities. You can watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, visit the Christmas markets, enjoy leaf-peeping tours on the Circle Line, and go for walks in Central Park.

Key West for Sun and Fun

Key West is ideal in November, with cooler weather and less rain than the summer months. You can enjoy walking around Duval Street, visiting the Key West Film Festival, and watching the powerboat races at the Race World Offshore Championships.

Asheville, North Carolina for Peak Colours

Asheville is a great destination to visit in November, with the fall leaves reaching their peak colours. You can hike or drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the Biltmore Estate, and enjoy the Christmas decorations.

Socorro, New Mexico for Bird Watching

Socorro is perfect for nature and bird-watching lovers, with the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge nearby. You can see thousands of sandhill cranes and geese migrate here for winter.

Maui for Whale Watching

Maui is a great place to visit in November, with warm weather and fewer crowds. You can see the migrating humpback whales, catch the sunrise at the Haleakala, and attend a luau.

Everglades National Park for Wildlife

The Everglades National Park is a unique destination, with cooler weather and lower humidity in November. You can explore the mangroves, see hundreds of Florida alligators, and visit the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge.

Texas Hill Country for Fall Hikes

Texas Hill Country is perfect for fall hikes, with cooling weather and peak fall foliage. You can visit the Lost Maples State Natural Area, explore the small towns, and enjoy the wineries and barbecue joints.

Sedona, Arizona, for Red Rock Vistas

Sedona is a great place to visit in November, with sunny weather and temperatures in the mid-60s. You can enjoy mountain biking and visit the Sedona.

Top 10 Warm Places To Visit In December in The USA