Top Things To Do in Maui Hawaii:
Maui, known as the "Valley Isle," is renowned for its world-class beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. It's a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts and also offers the famous Road to Hana, a scenic drive with stunning views. Some of the top things to do in maui hawaii include exploring the historic town of Lahaina, snorkeling at Molokini Crater, and indulging in local cuisine at a traditional Hawaiian luau.
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Maui Travel Itinerary
Explore incredible hiking trails through lush forests, seaside cliffs, and sandy craters. Discover Maui's craft breweries, breathtaking beaches, local cuisines, and optimal lodging locations for a trip full of adventures.
J&L Tip: When looking for a flight to Maui, use Google Flight's Explore Feature to determine the best round-trip.
Day 1: Kihei, Maui (Arrival)
On Day 1, arrive on the paradise island of Maui. Maui is home to a lush rain forests, volcanic craters, spectacular beaches, and historic villages. It is also home to luxury resorts, shopping malls, and golf courses, however, this guide explores the unique parts of Maui and preferences excursions that cannot be easily found at home. We recommend planning five full days in Kihei in order to view the top sights, as well as, take in the beauty of this southern town on Maui.
Where to stay in Kihei
Kihei is the ideal spot to stay in Maui. It rains much less frequently on the south side of Maui, is an ideal spot for day trips like Road to Hana and Haleakala, and is close to some of Maui's best beaches. We stayed at a wonderful VRBO just seconds from the beach. If our travels bring us back to Maui, we would book this VRBO again in a heartbeat.
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Getting around Maui
The best way to get around Maui is by car. If you are planning to visit multiple areas of the island, the best thing to do would be to rent a car. Depending on the activities you plan on doing on the island, a SUV or truck may be your preference due to less maintained roads. However, if your plan is to visit the popular attractions and parks of Maui, a sedan will suffice.
Day 2: Kihei
On Day 2, we recommend utilizing your jet lag to wake up before sunrise and head to Haleakala National Park! If traveling from the US, your body clock will be set 3-6 hours later than your 6am wake-up call, making this the perfect day to trick your body into waking up early :)
Have you ever seen the sun rise over an ocean of white, puffy clouds? Atop Haleakala's summit may be one of your only chances to witness this spectacular phenomenon. Of course, check your local weather app for the exact time of the sunrise on the day you plan on going to the Haleakala summit.
Sunrise Reservations Required for Entry: Book tickets ($1/vehicle) here 60 days prior to your scheduled trip
After admiring the breathtaking colors of the Haleakala sunrise, head down to the Haleakala Visitors Center to start the Keonehe'ehe'e Trail (more popularly known as "Sliding Sands").
In the afternoon, head to the "Hawaiian cowboy town" of Makawao. Spend some time meandering through this town and enjoy the eclectic shops & art galleries, or even grab a bite to eat at Komoda Store & Bakery, The Maui Cookie Lady, or Expresso Mafia.
Also Read: Haleakala National Park Day Trip Itinerary
Prefer a Guided Tour?
Day 3: Kihei
On Day 3, your body may be starting to adjust to the local time, however, our biggest tip is go to bed with the sun and wake-up with the sun while in Maui! Not only will this allow you to seize the day, but most beaches, hikes, and parks within Maui are best enjoyed in the mornings.
Spend the day exploring the beaches of southern Maui, such as Wailea Beach, Keawakapu Beach, Makena Beach, & Kamaole Beach Park I (our personal favorite).
Also Read: Best Beaches of Maui Hawaii
If you are looking to break up your beach day with some activity, the perfect choice in southern Maui is the Lava Fields and Hoapili Trail. This area of Maui is a hidden gem that we consider a must-do in order to truly appreciate the vast Maui terrain.
The southern-most end of Makena Rd takes you through the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, which leads to the trail-head. As you wind through this beautiful terrain, admire the crashing waves, blowholes, and coral washed up along the pathway.
J&L Tip: Arrive here around 7AM for a chance to see dolphins swimming in the bay!
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Day 4: Kihei
Spend Day 4 driving the famous Road to Hana. In order to see the top sites in just one day, we strongly recommend arriving at the first lookout on the Road to Hana by 7AM. Not only will this place you ahead of the traffic and crowds, it will allow you to see breathtaking lookouts, hidden beaches, spectacular waterfalls, and even allow time for the famous Pipiwai Trail's bamboo forest.
Discover all of the hidden stops, required reservations, routes, and parking tips in our Road to Hana Day Trip Itinerary.
The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. Discover all of the hidden stops, required reservations, recommended routes, and parking tips in our Road to Hana Day Trip Itinerary.
Prefer an Affordable Audio Guide?
Download these audio guides via the top-rated Shaka App for history, stories, music, and navigation. A great alternative to a guided tour!
Day 5: Kihei
On your last day in Kihei before moving to Lahaina, embark on our favorite hike in all of Maui, Waihe'e Ridge Trail. You will certainly find every moment of this 4.2 mile hike worth the effort. We have never seen such a perfect combination of vibrant green vegetation contrasting the picturesque blue waters of the ocean. On a clear day with high visibility, this hike is truly awe inspiring.
J&L Tip: Get here prior to 9AM for a spot to park and the best visibility at the summit.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Waihee Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge for a peaceful walk along the coast, or head back to Maui Brewing Company in Kihei for lunch and a beer! Get $1 off beers and 50% off appetizers daily during happy hour from 3:30 to 5:30PM.
J&L Recommended Brew: Coconut Hiwa Porter 6% ABV; 30 IBU
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Day 6: Kihei to Lahaina
On Day 6, we recommend moving your lodging to Lahaina. Although you could stay in Kihei for your entire duration on Maui, there are several days worth of activities available in Lahaina that make staying there more convenient.
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Where to stay in Lahaina
Although Lahaina is impacted more by the island's trade winds, which leads to a higher probability of rain compared to southern Maui, it holds history and charm that allows you to immerse yourself into a more authentic Hawaiian experience. We recommend spending at least two full days in Lahaina.
Getting to Lahaina
The best way to get around Maui is by car. If you are planning to visit multiple areas of the island, the best thing to do would be to rent a car. The drive from Kihei to Lahaina is roughly 40 minutes along a paved highway. The drive is nothing short of breathtaking as you wind around the Maui coast.
J&L Tip: Stop at Papawai Point for a chance to see whales! (higher chances in January through March)
We recommend driving to Lahaina in the morning, which allows for a full day of activities once you arrive. Explore the quaint town of Lahaina, its local shops, and famous banyan tree. Grab some lunch at one of the best restaurants in Maui called Down the Hatch, which features open-air dining, daily live music, adult shaved ice, and delicious seafood items fresh off the grill. The experience only gets better once you head here between 2-5PM for their daily happy hour. Enjoy some Hawaiian cocktails like their Lava Flow, Mai Tai, or Pina Colada.
Try: Down the Hatch's Lava Lava Shrimp or Lobster and Crab Grilled Cheese.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at some of Maui's best beaches, such as Kaanapali Beach, Kahekili Beach Park, or Black Rocks Beach. Once evening hits, Black Rocks Beach offers a free evening Luau with lighted torches and cliff divers.
Also Read: Best Beaches of Maui Hawaii
Day 7: Lahaina
On your final day in Maui, get up early for some of the best snorkeling! Head 15 minutes north of Lahaina (driving) to Kapalua and the start of the Kapalua Coastal Trail. Kapalua Bay Beach was our favorite snorkel spot in Maui. From the second we put our heads under water, we saw a sea turtle swim directly in front of our eyes. Kapalua Bay Beach is in a protected bay that allows for great swimming and snorkeling alike.
From here, continue north on the coastal trail and wander along the many footpaths of the Ironwood Cliffs. Make your way to Oneloa Beach and admire some morning surfers catching waves. This beach is spectacular and secluded.
From Oneloa Beach, make your way to D.T. Fleming Beach. D.T. Fleming Beach is yet another gorgeous swimming beach and home to the famous Dragon's Teeth Access Trail. It is in fact open to the public, however, there are signs near the start of the trail warning of private property, which are referencing the neighboring resort/golf course. Stay on the trail leading to Dragon's Pointe and you will not be trespassing.
Make your way back to your car via the Kapalua Coastal Trail and continue exploring the nearby area! The Nakalele Blowhole is a 20 minute drive up the road and allows you to taste some of the best banana bread on Maui from Julia's Banana Bread Stand.
Also Read: Top Snorkeling Beaches on Maui
Last but not least, end your time on Maui with a truly incredible experience, a Luau! Going to a Luau in Hawaii is much more than just experiencing dinner and a show, it is experiencing a part of Hawaiian culture. Luaus date back to the early 1800s and are a feast accompanied by hula dancers and story tellers.
There are many luaus to choose from on Maui, however, we chose to experience the Old Lahaina Luau as it is the most authentic luau on the island. With an open premium bar and all-you-can-eat fresh local foods such as poi, Laulau, Lomilomi, salmon, poke, and Kalau pig, this meal is one you will never forget.
J&L Tip: Purchase tickets at least 3 months in advance. Selecting "traditional seating" provides the closest seating to the show!
Day 8: Lahaina (Departure)
Depending on your travel preferences, you will either be flying out of Kahului Airport on Day 8 or have one more full day to spend in Maui. Should you have one more full day, we recommend spending it at one of Maui's best beaches.
More Time in Hawaii? 2 Week Hawaii Travel Itinerary
How to visit Maui in 1 Week
Whether you are backpacking and staying at hostels or treating yourself to an upscale experience, one week in Maui is the perfect amount of time to experience the best offerings of this tropical island. Of course, there is much more that Hawaii has to offer, however, this would require months rather than weeks of vacation time. Maui is the ideal island to visit for adventure and nature enthusiasts who want to see some of the best hiking trails, parks, and beaches that Hawaii has to offer.
Tip: If you have more time in Hawaii, we recommend spending your second week on Kauai!
Getting to Maui
Maui has one major airport, Kahului Airport, which is the only way to arrive on Maui from the mainland. A couple of our favorite tools for discovering affordable flights to Hawaii are Google Flights and Scott's Cheap Flights. Both are free to use and allow you to create alerts for your destinations.
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Getting Around Maui
The best way to get around Maui is by car. If you are planning to visit multiple areas of the island, the best thing to do would be to rent a car. Depending on the activities you plan on doing on the island, a SUV or truck may be your preference due to less maintained roads. However, if your plan is to visit the popular attractions and parks of Maui, a sedan will suffice.
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Our Favorite Maui Accommodations
There are so many wonderful places to stay in Maui. Depending on your budget, you may prefer VRBO (mid budget), or resort/hotel (high budget). We have listed our favorites for both below:
Kihei: Maui Banyan VRBO, Maui Sunset
Lahaina: Beachfront Resort VRBO, Mountain View VRBO, The Plantation Inn
Also Read: 10 Tips to Travel More Sustainably
How Much Does 1 Week in Maui Cost?
Compared to other destinations within North America, Hawaii is known for being a bit more expensive. The island-life leads to higher priced lodging, meals, and activities. However, there are still plenty of budget-friendly options for those looking to save a few bucks.
Expenses for a Maui 1-Week Itinerary
 | Resort/Hotels: $300-500 USD / Night |
| VRBO/Airbnb: $150-200 USD / Night |
 | Price per meal: $20-50 USD |
 | Rental Car: $40-70 USD / Day |
Budget Tip: Booking your rental car and lodging far in advance will allow you to secure the best deal. Booking services with free cancellation will allow you more flexibility if needed.
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Best Time to Visit Maui
To take advantage of the pleasant weather while experiencing a minimal amount of tourists, we would recommend visiting Maui during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November.
The beauty of Maui is that there are comfortable temperatures year-round, however, rain is much more frequent in the winter. The heaviest tourist seasons are winter (for whale watching) and summer (least amount of rainfall), however, you might get the best of both worlds along with minimal crowds by visiting Maui in the spring or fall.
J&L Recommended: April - May & September - November
What to Pack for a 1 Week Maui Trip
Below is a list of the essential items to consider adding to your luggage:
Apple AirTag - If you are checking any bags, this will allow you to track your luggage if the airlines misplace it.
Waterproof Hiking Backpack - With waterfalls and beaches throughout Hawaii, you will want to keep your belongings dry while exploring. This lightweight, waterproof pack is perfect for traveling.
Quick-Drying Adventure Towel - This quick-drying towel packs down to the size of your phone as the perfect addition for any day-pack.
💡 Missing any items? Here is a list of items we're glad we brought with us! |
Portable Power Bank - For long days spent exploring, a portable power bank can come in handy to recharge your phone in order to keep your maps, directions, and itinerary available.
Waterproof Sun Hat - Protecting your face from the Hawaii heat is important. This lightweight hat is waterproof and easily packable.
Comfortable Footwear - Hawaii has more to offer than just stunning beaches. Packing comfortable footwear helps avoid getting sore feet on your first day.
Waterproof Dry Bag - Despite the age-old trick of storing your valuables in your shoes while swimming, you may consider a more secure way of stashing your valuables by keeping them by your side.
Reef Safe Sunscreen - Reef safe sunscreen protects the beautiful wildlife you are witnessing while swimming. Regular sunscreen contains chemicals that are harmful to ocean wildlife. The animals are sharing their home with you so please do not pollute the waters with harmful chemicals.
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