Heading to Maui and need a Maui itinerary?
Well, you’ve made a great choice – while it’s hard to choose one, I think this is my favorite Hawaiian island!
From the Road to Hana and its lesser-known counterpart on the west coast, to Mama’s Fish House and driving above the clouds at Haleakala, there are so many epic things to do when you visit Maui! You’ll definitely have the best time on the island.
You’ll find stunning views, delicious food, and a pretty much endless list of activities on Maui that highlight just how great a vacation spot this place is.
So pack your swimsuit and reef-safe sunscreen, and let’s get to it!
Here’s a Maui itinerary that lists all of the best things for visitors to do on the island so that you make the most of your time there!
Maui Itinerary Map
Here’s a map of all of the different locations.
If you open the map, you can click on specific days to show only the activities for that day.
- Lodging is colored red
- Beaches and waterfalls are in blue
- Parks/towns/points of interest are in green
- Food is orange
Daily Summary
Here’s the general overview of each day of my Maui itinerary. Feel free to click on a specific day to jump right to it!
Scheduling Tips
You can mix and match most of the days on my Maui itinerary, but I’d recommend keeping Iao Valley right before the West Maui Day so that you can spend a night in Kaanapali. It’ll save you some driving time!
Moreover, if you’re only on Maui for a few days, you can merge Paia Town into the Iao Valley or West Maui Days to make the most out of your trip.
The only day that you’ll be booked from dawn ’til dusk is the Road to Hana day, so keep that in mind!
And if you have more days on the island, go ahead and stretch this Maui itinerary out to spend more time relaxing – or even allot some time to take surf lessons! Do what makes you happy in this tropical paradise – you deserve it.
Tip: Also, if you’re working on a budget, you may want to go to Maui during its off-season. April to May and September to November are months when demand is down. Consequently, things may be cheaper, and there would also be fewer crowds by then!
Lodging for this Maui Itinerary
This six-day itinerary is based on my experience in Maui and includes a few hotels that we absolutely loved. Day 0 is when you’ve flown in from Kahului Airport, so rest up while you can since we have a packed schedule!
Accordingly, my six-day Maui itinerary is set up so that there are:
- Four nights in Wailea (we’ve stayed at two hotels in Wailea, the Andaz Maui and the Grand Wailea)
- Then, two nights in Kaanapali (we’ve stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui and the Ritz-Carlton a bit further west in Kapalua).
The hotels mentioned in this post invited us to stay, but all of my opinions here are my own! I genuinely recommend them to y’all!
Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
The Grand Wailea is a great resort in Wailea- perfect for couples, friends, or families!
It’s my husband’s favorite place to stay on Maui for two reasons: its breakfast spread and its epic water slides. Both are good for all ages!
Book your stay at the Grand Wailea here!
The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
While the Grand Wailea is my husband’s favorite resort in Maui, mine is the Andaz! That’s because it exudes luxury and resort perfection!
Also, it has the nicest interiors of all of these resorts, which I love! I talk more about what you’ll find at the Andaz here.
Book your stay at the Andaz here!
The Hyatt Regency Maui
The Hyatt Regency Maui was our choice for the Lahaina/Kaanapali area. It’s in a great location with a short walk to Whaler’s Village!
Oh, and there are penguins in the lobby! 🙂
Book your stay at the Hyatt Regency Maui here!
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is the most remote resort we’ve stayed at in Maui and is perfect if you love golf or want a resort-focused vacation.
They’ve got an award-winning golf course, delicious food at the Banyan Tree (the best bread we’ve ever had), and a relaxing spa.
Book your stay at the Ritz-Carlton here!
Other lodging options in Maui include condos that offer stunning ocean views and gorgeous amenities. If that’s to your liking, check out Maui Oceanview Condos for more information on their pricing and location!
Okay, now let’s get to the ultimate Maui itinerary!
Day 1: Wailea and Molokini
- Start at your Wailea hotel
- Makena Stables or snorkeling at Molokini
- Makena Beach
- La Perouse Bay
- Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
- Sunset at Wailea Beach
- Dinner at Monkeypod
Rise and shine! You’re probably up early because of the jet lag, so you can get an early start on the first day!
If you’re staying at the Grand Wailea, pick up some breakfast from the Grand Wailea’s Cafe Kula, which opens at 8:00 am.
Makena Stables, Makena Beach, and La Perouse Bay
Makena Beach in the early morning hours is an absolute paradise! The waves are certainly beautiful this time of day. Enjoy your breakfast at the beach and soak in that Hawaiian morning sunlight!
Next, right after your beach time, drive a bit further to Makena Stables. There are morning and sunset trail rides that go out every day. Be sure to reserve your ride here!
Rides last 1.5 hours and the morning ride is at 9:30 am, but check-in is at 8:45 am.
Your ride will take you through La Perouse Bay, but if you skip horseback riding, be sure to stop by the Bay! It has a rough, volcanic shoreline that is absolutely beautiful!
For an alternate morning…
Take a boat out to Molokini for some of the island’s best snorkeling! There are multiple tours that boat out to the Molokini Crater, These tours last 5+ hours and depart in the early morning.
If you are up for a jam-packed day, you can combine snorkeling and horseback riding if you choose the sunset horseback riding option.
Molokini Snorkel Tour Options (Snorkel Gear included!):
- This best-rated Molokini tour departs from Kihei in South Maui and stops at Turtle Town, where you’ll see Hawaiian sea turtles!
- Here is the cheapest Molokini snorkeling tour I’ve found with stellar reviews; it departs from Maalea Harbor and also stops at Turtle Town.
- This catamaran tour is a great option for anyone who gets seasick- it also stops at Turtle Town.
Lunch and Back to Your Hotel
After your morning is complete, head back to your hotel for lunch. One great option is the Grand Wailea’s Bistro Molokini.
If you’d prefer lunch outside of the hotel, Coconut’s Fish Cafe has a delicious fish taco!
After lunch, enjoy some pool time and relaxation.
Sunset at Wailea Beach and Dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen
About an hour before sunset, head to Wailea Beach for an epic sunset, then drive to Monkeypod Kitchen for a delicious dinner!
Reservations are recommended but if you don’t have one, still head over and check on the wait time!
The food is worth the wait, and they are known for their Mai Tais!
Day 2: Kula and Haleakala National Park
- Maui Goat Yoga
- Ali’i Kula Lavender
- Kula Bistro
- MauiWine
- Haleakala Crater
Today you’ll spend the morning in Kula and afternoon at Haleakala National Park.
Morning in Kula
Start off with Maui Goat Yoga, which is yoga with goats (yup, exactly as it sounds!).
Generally, yoga starts at 9:30 am and is about a 50-minute drive away, so get an early breakfast before heading out.
Next, head over to Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. Entrance is $3/per person (and free for under 12s).
You’ll see lavender regardless of the time of year since they plant different lavender species which bloom at different times.
Grab a homemade lavender scone and some lavender lemonade at the gift shop and enjoy out on the terrace.
Guided Walking Tour
If you want to learn about the different types of lavender and plants that Ali’i Kula grows, join a 30-40 minute guided walking tour!
Check this page often for when the guided tours become available again. Hopefully, it will be soon.
Next, stop for lunch at Kula Bistro or Kula Lodge.
If you eat at Kula Lodge, then request for outdoor seating. They have a really neat patio with circle tables and a beautiful view.
Interested in stopping for a taste of some Maui wine?
MauiWine is located in Kula and they’ve got a great tasting menu! They are open from 11 am-5 pm Tuesday to Sunday. They also do $12-$15 tasting flights and offer wines by the glass from $6-$20.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is a MUST on any Maui itinerary!
For the final few hours of sunshine, drive the climb up to Haleakala National Park to see the Haleakala Crater! This is because the view from the summit will absolutely blow you away, regardless of the time of day!
However, if you do plan to go to Haleakala for sunrise or sunset, go early or leave plenty of extra time for waiting at the entrance booth, on account of the fact that there will most likely be a long line of cars doing exactly that.
Afraid of missing sunrise? Book this sunrise Haleakala tour!
Things to know if you want to watch the sunrise at Haleakala on your own
For sunrise, you MUST get an online reservation ahead of time. Tickets are just $1 to reserve your sunrise admission. If the day you plan to go is already sold out, the park releases 80 more tickets 2 days before the date at 7 am Hawaii time. Book them right at 7 am because they will all be gone by 7:02 am!
Make sure you set up your login for recreation.gov before booking the ticket, otherwise you’ll have to create a login while purchasing which takes time, and the tickets will be sold out by the time you finish (that was what happened to us!). If you don’t have a sunrise ticket, you’ll have to wait until the park officially opens at 7 am.
Day 3: Road to Hana
- Twin Falls Maui Waterfall
- Upper Waikani Falls
- Honomanu Beach
- Pua’a Ka’a Falls
- Honokalani Beach
- Kaihalulu Beach
- Braddah Hutts BBQ Grill
- Wailua Falls
- The Pools at ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools) in ʻOheʻo Gulch
- Waimoku Falls (at the end of Pipiwai Trail)
- Ono Organic Farms
- Hali’imaile General Store
The above spots are all my recommendations for where to stop on the Road to Hana!
The Road to Hana
Today on my Maui itinerary, you’ll explore one of Maui’s most well-known attractions: the Road to Hana!
There are a few different routes that people choose to do:
- Halfway to Hana and turn back
- Hana town and turn back
- Pools at ‘Ohe’o/Kipahulu and back
- Complete a full loop and drive the not-recommended stretch of road between Kipahulu and Kula.
Timing
We made a last-minute decision to drive the Road to Hana one day earlier than we had planned due to the weather.
My original plan had us out on the road at 6 am. However, because of the last-minute decision, we started our Road to Hana trek at noon instead!
Hence, with a noon departure time, our last stop was Honokalani Beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park (try saying that five times fast!)
Because of our experience, I’d definitely recommend starting as early as possible in order to beat the traffic and get as much out of your day trip as possible! We started a bit late, but it was still great seeing the black sand beaches and blow holes at Waiʻānapanapa State Park while the sun is out.
Also, the more daylight there is, the more time you’ll have to see all that Hana Highway has to offer!
Booking a Road to Hana Tour
If you don’t want to concern yourself with driving, then you can join a Road to Hana tour.
Here is a great small-group tour of the Road to Hana. The smaller the group, the better the trip is in my opinion!
See the Road to Hana via Helicopter
For a truly unique Road to Hana experience, book a helicopter tour! This luxury helicopter tour includes a limo-van tour of the Road to Hana.
Driving Tips
People say that the Road to Hana is a long, scary stretch of road. But it should be a breeze as long as you’re careful around turns and focused on the road!
There are various places to pull off, and I’ve included the most notable stops on my list of places to visit.
If you drive slowly, give way to locals by pulling off at the next pull-off.
Today’s Meals:
For breakfast, stop at a banana bread stand on the side of the road for some fresh Hawaiian banana bread!
For lunch, grab some barbecue at Braddah Hutts BBQ Grill.
Dinner is actually after you complete the Road to Hana.
After a long day of driving, the delicious, organic, locally-sourced food at the Hali’imale General Store is just what the doctor ordered. Their Maui Gold cocktail (with pineapple and orange curacao!) was simply divine!
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Day 4: Paia Town
- Water activities
- Mama’s Fish House
- Hookipa Beach Park
- Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
- Paia Town
- Vana Paia
After a long day of driving the Road to Hana yesterday, take it easy today with water activities, some of the yummiest food on the island, and a trip to Paia Town!
Start off the day with water activities! It’s a great time of day for SUP or other water activities that are best on calmer waters.
Water Activities
If you’re staying at the Grand Wailea, Aqualani offers water activities at their shack right at the beach.
Try to get out on the water in the early morning hours (ie. typically before 9 am) because that’s when the water is calmest.
**Even if you’re not staying at the Grand Wailea, you can still rent from Aqualani.**
My husband and I did Aqua Glider rentals (think of an easy elliptical on the water!) and paddleboard rentals. We enjoyed our hour of peace and light exercise on the calm water.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see a manta ray or sea turtle swimming underneath you!
You can find great water activities wherever you’re staying in Maui!
Here are some awesome water activity/snorkel tours based on your location:
- This glass-bottom kayak and snorkel tour departs from Kihei
- For kayaking and snorkeling near Lahaina, here is a great tour for you
- If you want the chance to see spinner dolphins, then this catamaran snorkel tour heads to Lanai, a different Hawaiian island, with a resident spinner dolphin population!
If you didn’t snorkel at Molokini on the Wailea & Molokini day, consider one of those tours for today as well.
Afterward, head on to Mama’s Fish House (when they open) for lunch!
Mama’s Fish House
I cannot stress how highly I recommend that you dine at Mama’s Fish House. It is undoubtedly a must on your Maui itinerary!
It has become both my husband’s and my favorite restaurant EVER.
The food is PERFECT. Fresh, delicious, and made by culinary geniuses.
Reservations are generally required (and it gets booked up months ahead of time), but even if they are booked up, you can stop by and wait for a seat at the bar or in their lounge seating area.
After Mama’s Fish House, head to the famous Hookipa Beach Park.
Hookipa Beach Park
This beach is famous for its world-class windsurfing, surfing, and kitesurfing conditions and its stunning views of the ocean and the mountains. In the winter, the swells are absolutely stunning!
You can watch the pros perform amazing tricks on the waves, or join them if you have the skills and experience.
Or enjoy other activities like sunbathing, picnicking, turtle watching, and whale watching (in season)!
You can also visit the Ho’okipa Lookout for a panoramic view of the beach and the bay. It’s a great spot to watch surfers from above.
Next, explore the adorable town of Paia.
Explore Paia
This surfer town has a ton of cute shops and is very walkable.
Paia is a charming town on the north shore, known for its laid-back vibe, colorful shops, and delicious eateries.
You can stroll along the main street and browse for souvenirs, art, jewelry, and clothing. You can also stop by the Paia Fish Market for some fresh seafood or the Mana Foods for some organic groceries.
Also while in Paia, enjoy a bowl of Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. Shave ice is a must when in Hawaii!
Dinner n Paia at Vana Paia
After your shopping and explorations in Paia Town, walk over and grab a table at Vana Paia at the Paia Inn for exquisite sushi and sashimi. I highly recommend the salmon collar!
This is another favorite restaurant of ours! If you enjoy sushi, you will love Vana Paia!
Day 5: Iao Valley
- Iao Valley
- The Mill House
- Whale watching *if it’s winter time*
- Old Lahaina Luau
- Stay at a hotel in Kaanapali
Today, you’ll step back into the Jurassic Period!
And if you’re following my itinerary just as we did it, you’ll check out of your hotel this morning because you’ll be staying in Kaanapali tonight.
After checking out, head to Iao Valley State Park!
Iao Valley State Park
Start the day at Iao Valley State Park!
Iao Valley State Park is absolutely stunning and looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park.
With lush green canopies and low fog hanging around the towering mountain peaks, it’s easy to picture a Brontosaurus roaming around here.
This park is home to the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot-tall green peak that rises from the valley floor. You can hike to a lookout point to admire the stunning views of the needle and the surrounding mountains!
There are a few hikes you can go on, and bring your bathing suit if you want to swim in the river!
You can also explore the lush rainforest, where you can find native plants and birds, as well as historical sites related to Hawaiian culture and history.
You can learn more about the park’s significance at the visitor center, where you can also find restrooms and picnic tables.
Lunch at The Mill House
After you explore Iao Valley State Park, the next step on this Maui itinerary is to grab a delicious farm-to-table lunch at Cafe O’Lei at The Mill House!
They serve up elevated island fare with views of the beautiful Waikapu Valley.
Ka’anapali
Next, you’ll drive down to Kaanapali to check into your hotel (I recommend the Hyatt Regency Maui or the Ritz Carlton Kapalua).
Cool off by the pool and relax until the late afternoon.
I used to recommend walking around the Lahaina harbor and Front Street at this point in my Maui itinerary, but unfortunately, due to the tragic fires in August 2023, this is no longer an option.
Some areas have reopened or are in the process of doing so, like Whaler’s Village, where you can walk around instead.
Alternatively, go whale watching!
Whale watching season is during the winter in Maui, so if you are visiting from January to March, chances are you will almost certainly be able to see some humpback whales! While many tours used to depart from Lahaina, you’ll find that a lot leave from Ma’alaea now, like this tour, or directly from Ka’anapali Beach, like this tour.
Old Lahaina Luau
The big event tonight is the Old Lahaina Luau- known as the best luau on Maui!
Please be advised: because of the tragic wildfires in August 2023, the Old Lahaina Luau is not taking reservations until February 17th, 2024 (get the latest updates here). But once it reopens, you can get reservations here!
We loved our experience at this Luau. This is not your typical touristy show, but a genuine celebration of the history and traditions of the islands!
You’ll be greeted with a lei and a mai tai, and then you can explore the grounds, where you’ll find crafts, games, and demonstrations. You can even learn how to hula!
The highlight of the evening is the feast, which features authentic dishes like kalua pig, poi, and lomi lomi salmon.
And of course, the entertainment is spectacular, with live music and dancers performing stories from ancient Hawaii to modern times.
Get ready for three hours of activities, dining, and, of course, hula dancing!
Day 6: West Maui
- Olivine Pools
- Nakalele Blowhole
- Heart Shaped Rock
- Kapalua Bay Beach
- Sea Maui
For your second day in Lahaina (and the last day of my Maui itinerary!), you’ll be exploring the northwestern side of Maui.
Driving Maui’s North West Coast
This route is way more difficult than the Road to Hana- at a lot of parts, you’re on a one-lane road, including during a lot of curves in the road!
So exercise extreme caution while driving this route; use your horn to signal to other cars that you’re coming around a curve, and drive slowly!
Now that that’s out of the way, get ready for some gorgeous views!
Notable Stop-Offs
While you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the cool views along the drive, here are some awesome stop-offs on this route:
- Nakalele Blowhole (and Heart-Shaped Rock)
- Olivine Pools
- Karen Lei’s Art Gallery
When you go to Nakele Blowhole, please remember that you are not allowed to get close to the blowhole. It is extremely dangerous, and people have lost their lives in the past by getting too close!
Also, some of these stops include short hikes, so you may want to wear/bring sneakers or shoes you can hike in. (I wore comfy sandals all day on this day and was totally fine doing the short hikes, but just be mindful of your own comfort level!)
Back to Kaanapali
After today’s little road trip, you’ll return to Kaanapali where you can spend some downtime relaxing at your hotel.
Tip: If you’re at Ka’anapali Beach and you have time, you may want to head north to reach Black Rock Beach. This is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, though casual swimmers may want to be careful since the waters here can be unpredictable!
For dinner, if you’re up for a sea adventure, book a sunset sail for tonight!
Sunset Sail
Here are three different options:
- Open-bar sunset sail from Ka’anapali Beach
- A sunset dinner cruise that departs from Ma’alaea
- This sunset sail departs from Ma’alaea (and comes with hors d’oeuvres and beverages!)
Alternatively, Dinner at the Banyan Tree
Whether you choose to stay at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua or not, a great dinner option is dining at the Banyan Tree.
While it’ll be a pricier meal, the food is absolutely exquisite! We still talk about the bread at the Banyan Tree… it’s a must if you dine here!
The menu features local and organic ingredients, prepared with creativity and flair.
In conclusion…
I hope that you found this Maui itinerary helpful!
If you have questions or have a favorite place in Maui that’s not on my list, comment them below!
Mahalo for reading!
With aloha,
Jasmine
P.S. Looking for Hawaii itineraries, including ones for Kauai, Oahu, and Big Island? You can check out my other posts covering different Hawaiian islands (among other topics) here!
Also, if you found my Maui itinerary helpful, please share it to Pinterest! Here are some images for easy pinning!
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7 Responses
Gorgeous photos !!
Thank you so much!!!
This is very helpful for my vacation itinerary project. ????????
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks Ashlynn!
your photos are stunning
Thank you so much, Kristina!! I’m so glad you think so!
This is so helpful. My family’s heading to Maui for Christmas and New Years. I can’t wait!