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My Little Guide to Maui | Beaches, Food, Lodging & MORE

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Maui is a stunning island in Hawaii! I spent a few weeks in Hawaii and wrote a number of articles about my time, but wanted it to be kind of all together in one article. There are links throughout this guide to Maui so you can read more.

Which Area to Stay in Maui:

I’ll start out with a little map I made to show the areas of Maui. This can help you choose which area to get a hotel.

I stayed in four different areas and wrote about that plus reviews of specific hotels:

• Guide to where to stay in Maui   (reviews of hotels near airport & staying in a small house/apartment)
• Staying in Ka’anapali Maui at the Sheraton
• Paia Inn | A Hippie Chic Must in Maui

Here are a couple of photos from “upcountry”:

Renting a Car in Maui

Once you figure out where to stay, you have to find out what you want to do with your time! Keep in mind that parking is really expensive, but so are Ubers and random taxis. We rented through Budget and actually didn’t take the car because it was so dirty.

We used Dollar once and Thrifty once and it was fine. For the smallest “compact” car they have either little chevy’s or Mazda’s. Because we came from out of country without insurance, we needed to take out the full insurance. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do this through the company your rent from.

If you want to see Maui in-depth, you need to rent a car! Plus, the road to Hana is one of the biggest attractions in Maui and you’ll need a car for that. Update: since writing this post, I have found rentalscars.com and use them since they compare all the other sites.

What to do in Maui

There is so much to get up to and some that is very affordable, so that you’ll never go bored here. First up I’ll talk about adventure since I’ve already written about it. Check out:

• My Top 10 Adventure Activites in Maui (catarmarn sailing, zip-lining, and more!)
• and a detailed post on a helicopter ride over the island: Seeing the Island Differently with Air Maui

Tip: for something different drive NW from the airport- it’s a gorgeous ride but no cars like the road to Hana! On the way is a ranch called Mendes that has horseback riding. I didn’t have time to try! You can also see places they filmed Jurassic Park

Beaches & watersports:

You’ll want to spend a lot of time at the beaches! On the North West you have Ka’anapali where all the fancy resorts are. This has some of the best snorkeling and is called “Black Rock”. We could see the catamarans come in to the rocks to snorkel from our hotel window.

Also checked for snorkeling in Wailea, but couldn’t find anything worthwhile. Better to just go for Lahaina.

Spa treatments in Maui:

Maui has amazing spas, most of which are located in fancy hotels. If you have a lower budget you can also get treatments at places which stand alone.

• Absolute Bliss at 3 Top Spas in Maui

Secret local waterfalls:

There are falls on the Road to Hana like Twin Falls which can be crowded. We had a local take us to some secret waterfalls. It was a little pricey, but worth seeing these cool spots that had NO tourists. We had the place to ourselves and could swim up to these waterfalls, swing on vines, and if you’re me- fall down and scrape your leg up. Be sure to wear mosquito spray.

Having the “local secrets of Maui” is worth paying for a tour (if you can find one). You can ask around to surf instructors as they might do tours on the side. Getting off the beaten path in Maui is what we remember the most about our trip!

Check out a luau:

Food & Shopping in Maui (By Area)

Old lahaina:.

• There’s an outlet mall here. It was great but had Coach, Michael Kors, Gap, Tommy, Calvin Klein, and more.
• The main strip has lots of shops! My favorite was LUSH where I got solid shampoo and facial masks which are all natural. You can buy local art here. It’s quite pricey. Also at Island Sole you can get all brands of flip-flops. I got new reefs! Also famous: Lahaina Tub and Scrub .

• The main gelato shop wasn’t impressive, but the  Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice  was so good and worth the wait. It’s the #1 place to eat in Lahaina and it’s just ice!! lol I got lemonade, fruit punch, and blue raspberry.

• Check out the Honolulu Cookie Company there are delicious samples so you can decide what to buy.
• To eat: Longhi’s, Spanky’s for live music and booze, Hard Rock Cafe, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Bubba Gump, Ruth Chris, and Lahaina Grill (famous & pricey) which is right next to the Lahain Inn. Round Table Pizza delivers and was very good!

• Some hotels in Ka’anapali have shuttles to here.
• The luau I went to was here (information above).
• There is a HUGE Banyan tree, one of the biggest in the world in Lahaina. Don’t miss checking it out- but then it’s pretty hard to miss!

• Check out the shrimp truck pictured below! The tacos were the bomb!

• The  triangle  is here. It’s called that I guess based on the Bermuda triangle, you drink and get lost in all these bars!
• Tiki’s Bar had really good live music and happy hour deals:

• Great spot to chill out and watch surfers and drink!
• There is shopping in the main area. It’s mostly self run shops like a market and I found a couple I loved. One was Re-Psyched “sea the beauty” where this girl was making designs from beachy stuff like shells and sea glass. I got a hook for keys made from driftwood and a seaglass magnet as my only souvenirs in Maui!

I have a whole guide on Paia which includes best food and shopping. Make sure to check it out because some of our BEST MEALS were in Paia!!

• Guide to Paia Food and Shopping
• Market Fresh Bistro was all I had time to try. If you’re going to Makawao for zip-lining which is why many go, head there early to explore the town.
• There are many cute shops in Makawao. I got a very cute druzy stone bracelet by Rue Belle at the shop Mercantile , which was a lot at $50 USD but it’s the only big purchase I made in Maui. There are about 10 shops all together. Give yourself about 1-2 hours here.

• I won’t lie we spent a lot of time eating fast food while staying here! This is the airport area and it was kind of our relax and not play tourist place.

• check out famous  Da Kitchen for local favorites. There is a famous ice cream place called Guri Guri , which only has two flavors.
• The mall here is Queen Kaahumanu Mall and it isn’t bad. There’s also a Target and Walmart if you need to stock up on things for say, a camping trip!

Pin these adventures in Maui off the beaten path for later:

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12 Comments

WOW looks amazing! I would especially love the waterfalls and the whole experience of the luau! I really must get to Hawaii soon! :)

the luau was the best part :)

Great travel guide! I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Maui a few times and every time I’m blown away. You’ve definitely captured all of my favourite activities and sights, and introduced me to a few more!

Great Kate!! I hope you go back and try some out

This is a great resource for planning trips to Maui. I love the sound of doing a helicopter ride, definitely noted some things down for future trips.

thanks emma!

Just got back from the big island about two weeks ago; Interesting to read/compare your experience with mine. Our week didn’t begin to scratch the surface. Stayed on the Kona side, in a beach resort, in the middle of a lava field. Highlights include Hapuna Beach, snorkeling at Captain Cook, sightings of turtles snorkeling and from the shore, Botanical Garden on the east side and Hilo farmers market. Learned that strawberry papaya is delicious – green papaya, not so much. Also that passion fruit kind of grows on you, even though it is kind of slimey. Love the Lilikoi flavor and all things plumeria. Saw the local Nene, black & brown lava goats and anoles (lanai.) Also seeing a lava tube/watering hole near the beach was cool too.

wow that sounds incredible! I am not crazy about passionfruit myself but loved plumeria!! it’s sooo nice!

What a lovely post on Maui! I’ve gone a few times with my family, and I remember the Old Lahaina Luau being a highlight! If I remember correctly, there was a cool place we enjoyed going to for lunch in the same area near where that luau was, called Aloha Mixed Plate. They do the typical Hawaiian lunch plate of a main accompanied by scoops of white rice and macaroni salad.

Your sunset photos are gorgeous!! I hope to go back soon – it’s been too long! :-)

Bonnie and I really liked talking to you and Ben this past weekend. I had a chance to read some of your comments on travels to Hawaii and I’m sure we’ll be following up on some of the ideas and places you have in your blog. Thanks again for the travel thoughts.

Hi Steve! Glad you found my website! It was great to see you and Bonnie. Hope these Maui tips will help, the Ali Nui (can’t remember how to spell it now) catamaran was definitely one we loved! See you in August.

I thought Lahaina didn’t have great beaches, it was more known for being the biggest “city” on Maui. Confused by your first paragraph :/

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

last Updated: December 1, 2023 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 only one resort in Hana in East Maui, the Travaasa 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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14 of the best things to do in Maui: soothe your soul with surf, nature and culture

Dec 1, 2021 • 9 min read

From sailing in an outrigger to hiking through a national park, here are the best things to do in Maui © drewsulockcreations / Getty Images

Maui  serves up an appealing mix of adventure, beauty and urban fun. Add in intriguing historic sites and soul-stirring cultural attractions, and it’s easy to see why the Valley Isle consistently ranks as a top global destination.

Highlights include the beaches, where you can sunbathe, snorkel and surf, and Haleakalā National Park, home to a stark crater plus a swath of lush coastal acreage. Adventuring is best complemented with local food and an evening immersed in the island’s many cultural offerings. Here are our 12 picks for the best things to do. 

Paddle an outrigger canoe along the coast

You’ll see them packed tight on beaches across Maui: long, narrow canoes with lateral support floats. Known as outrigger canoes, these colorful watercraft are the descendants of the cargo-filled canoes used by Polynesian explorers thousands of years ago to reach and eventually settle the Hawaiian Islands. These early settlers paddled more than 2400 miles! The canoes were subsequently used for fishing, transport and carrying cargo. Today, outrigger canoe clubs hold races and keep the outrigger tradition alive. Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures in Wailea and Hawaiian Paddle Sports in Makena offer guided outrigger canoe tours, sharing cultural insights as you paddle along the coast. 

Learn about the lives of missionaries and whalers in Lahaina

Everything starts at the banyan tree. Planted in 1873, this leafy Lahaina landmark has 16 trunks and scores of shade-providing branches. Learn the history of the city at the adjacent Lahaina Heritage Museum inside the Old Lahaina Courthouse . Pop into the visitor center here for a walking-tour brochure. Whalers and missionaries crossed paths in Lahaina beginning in the 1820s – often acrimoniously. Home to a missionary doctor, the 1834–35 Baldwin House is the oldest surviving Western-style building in Lahaina. Drunken sailors were held nearby at Hale Pa'ahao Prison . On Front St, storefronts that once housed saloons, dance halls, and brothels now teem with galleries, shops, and restaurants. There are also still plenty of watering holes – The Pioneer Inn Bar celebrates the sailor’s life with whaling-era decor. 

Step into the past on the Road to Hana

Carving a narrow path between the ocean and lush tropical slopes, the Road to Hana is famed for its wild waterfalls and zen-like pools. And yes, you should stop at a few along the way. But it’s the unique historic sites that may linger in your memory longest. Standing beside Polynesia’s largest temple – five stories high – it’s impossible not to feel dwarfed by the scale of  Pi’ilanihale Heiau . Its construction likely began in the 13th century, and it is probably the most significant stop on the entire Road to Hana. Tours explore the extraordinary relationship between the ancient Hawaiians and their environment. It’s possible to drive this route yourself , but due to overcrowding and traffic concerns, we recommend visitors join an organized tour. 

Another worthwile stop on the Road to Hana is the Piʻilani Trail at nearby Waiʻanapanapa State Park , which follows an ancient footpath known as the King’s Trail that once circled the island. Some of its worn stepping stones date from the time of Piʻilani, a king who ruled Maui in the 16th century.

Snorkel in Turtle Town at Maluʻaka Beach

Graceful honu (green sea turtles) inhabit Maui’s coastal waters, and they are regularly seen feeding in shallow coves and bays. Adults can grow to more than 3ft – an awesome sight when one swims past you just a few feet away. The reef-filled coast of Maluʻaka Beach , also known as Turtle Town, in Makena is a popular spot for snorkelers eager to spot the animals, which are native to Hawaii. You’ll find terrific coral about 100 yards out, and the best snorkeling action is at the southern end of the beach. Remember that sea turtles are an endangered species in the US, and it is a federal offense to harm, harass or touch them. 

Explore the mesmerizing volcanic valley at Haleakalā

A volcanic valley layered with cinder cones and old lava flows, the yawning mouth of Haleakalā is a geographic stunner. It’s also a visual feast, home to a stark landscape that dances with the light and tugs you in for a closer look: multi-hued cones; luminous silverswords; crumbly red slopes – the appeal borders on the mystical. You won't be alone at the summit for the sunrise – and reservations are required by the national park – but the majestic pre-dawn performance is one to be shared, with a cottony blanket of clouds giving way to rich tones of amber and ocher blazing across the crater floor below. Afterwards, hike down the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail to the crater floor. What will surprise you most? The profound silence, interrupted only by the sound of volcanic cinders crunching beneath your feet.

Sample Maui’s bounty on an Upcountry farm tour 

Farmers in the Upcountry grow crops in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. But these growers all have one thing in common: an appreciation for the land that they want to share with others. On the morning coffee tour at Oʻo Farm you'll stroll the coffee fields, sip French-press coffee and savor a garden frittata. Late risers may prefer the gourmet lunch tour, where visitors harvest their own produce for a chef-prepared meal. Baby goats frolic near samples of fresh chèvre at Surfing Goat Dairy , where child-friendly tours explore the workings of a dairy farm. Tours end with samples of vodka sipped beside sugarcane stalks at Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm & Distillery , where the flagship Ocean Vodka is made with deep-ocean mineral water sourced off the coast of the Big Island.

Hike through tropical splendor on the Pipiwai Trail

Your shoes will get muddy on the walk up the Pipiwai Trail , which runs alongside the ʻOheʻo Gulch streambed in the Kipahulu section of Haleakalā National Park. But jungle conditions are half the fun on this four-mile round trip hike in East Maui, which features mango and guava trees, gnarled banyan trees and a postcard view of Makahiku Falls powering down basalt cliffs smothered in lush greenery. This artistic scene is later complemented by the sounds of bamboo stalks knocking gracefully overhead in the thick Bamboo Forest. The trail ends at 400ft-tall Waimoku Falls dropping over a soaring cliff face.

Watch for whales from a kayak, catamaran or trail

With their tail slaps, head lunges and spy hops, humpback whales know how to enthrall crowds off the west and southern shores of Maui. Each winter (December to March are the best times) , about 12,000 of these leviathans come to the shallow waters off the Hawaiian Islands to breed and give birth. A whale might breach heart-stoppingly close to your kayak on a paddle-snorkel tour with Aloha Kayaks in Makena Bay. Couples can scan the seas while sipping wine on a sunset catamaran tour off the coast of Kaʻanapali with Teralani Sailing . Do-it-yourselfers can simply keep watch from coastal trails in Kihei and Wailea. Papawai Point is a roadside pull-off overlooking Maʻalaea Harbor, a favored nursing ground. Staffers from the Pacific Whale Foundation may be on-site to answer questions. 

Dig into local food

Day-to-day eats reflect Maui’s multicultural heritage, with Asian, Portuguese, and Native Hawaiian influences the most immediately evident. Cheap, tasty, and diet-busting local food is also the stuff of cravings. The classic example is the plate lunch, which includes a protein, mac-and-cheese and two scoops of white rice. Loco moco is a hearty dish of rice, fried egg and a hamburger patty topped with gravy. Try it at Kihei Caffe . Poke is raw fish marinated in shōyu (soy sauce), oil, chili peppers, green onions, and seaweed. For a delicious variety of poke, stop by the Foodland grocery seafood counter. Sample the world's most spectacular snow cone: finely shaved ice packed into a paper cone and drenched with colorful fruit-flavored syrups. Add Kauaʻi cream, azuki beans and ice cream for added decadence. Ululani's does them oh-so-right.

Watch the pros ride the waves at Hoʻokipa Beach 

Someone is always checking out the wave-riding action from the Hoʻokipa Beach overlook. But spectators are no surprise. This North Shore beach reigns supreme as the world’s premier windsurfing beach, with strong currents, consistent winds, dangerous shore breaks and razor-sharp coral offering the ultimate challenge. This is also one of Maui’s prime surfing spots. While the action in the water is usually only suitable for pros, intermediate surfers can enjoy tamer days. The lookout point is on the eastern side of the park, and it offers a great bird’s-eye view. The beach here is a good spot to see green turtles, too.

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture

The best sensory experiences in Maui reflect the creativity of its diverse inhabitants. Native Hawaiian song and dance are always powerful, embracing a deep aloha ʻaina (respect for the land). Subsequent ethnic groups added significant contributions. Hula dancing was a solemn ritual in ancient Hawaii as well as light-hearted entertainment. The dancing is captivating at the Old Lahaina Luau , where authentic Hawaiian history, culture, and cuisine are the focus. Spanish and Mexican cowboys introduced the guitar to the islands in the 1830s. The steel guitar eventually became popular and is often played here today with slack-key tuning – a simultaneous playing of bass and melody. Check it out at the weekly Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert in Napili.

Stake your claim on Maui’s wildest beach

A short walk through a thick tangle of kiawe trees drops you on Big Beach (Oneloa) in Makena State Park . What will you see? Conjure up the idyllic Hawaiian beach – an endless expanse of gleaming sands, no development in sight, unbelievably blue water, and bodysurfers riding the powerful waves. If one beach captures the spirit of Maui, this is it: wild, vast, and in a completely natural state. But unvisited? No. This is where Mauians come to celebrate Maui the way it used to be. Join them. Worship the waves. Applaud the sunsets. Big Beach is big enough for everyone.

Go diving in the Molokini Crater

Hawaiian legend says  Molokini  was a beautiful woman turned to stone by a jealous Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Today Molokini is the stuff of legends in the diving community. The crescent-shaped rock, which sits about three miles from the South Maui coast , is the rim of a volcanic crater. The shallow waters cradled within are a hospitable spot for coral and a calling card for more than 250 fish species. For an iconic Hawaiian dive, this is the place.

Set your eyes on the glorious ‘Iao Needle in ‘Iao Valley State Park

Nowhere is Maui’s verdant, moody beauty better captured than at  ʻIao Valley , where the ʻIao Needle – a phallic-shaped, emerald-green pinnacle – shoots straight up from the valley floor. The pinnacle is the centerpiece of this mystical state park. Snuggled into deep folds of lush rainforested mountains, ʻIao is such a sumptuous sight it’s easy to understand why Hawaiian kings placed a kapu (taboo) on the valley, forbidding commoners from laying eyes on it. Luckily for you, the kapu has been lifted. You brought your camera, right?

You might also like: How to get around Maui with or without a car: travel on island time    These stunning Maui hikes visit waterfalls, rainforests and volcanoes    The best time to visit Maui for whale watching, hitting the beach or avoiding crowds   

This article was first published July 2019 and updated December 2021

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6 Day Maui Itinerary

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Maui six-day itinerary suggestions.

With six full days (seven nights) on Maui, you'll need to be prepared and our Maui 6-day itineraries should help you feel ready to tackle the Valley Isle with an action plan.

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 , six (this page), 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 six-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. We've also included an alternate day below that entails TWO days on the Road to Hana if you're interested. After our first day (or two), we've followed up by visiting West Maui   for one full day of sightseeing, including Ka'anapali  on the second day.  Next, 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. On your  fifth 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. And for our final sixth day, we've hand selected some excellent tours and activities that are definitely worth considering while visiting the Valley Island. With six full days to visit, spending at least one of them partaking in a tour is a good choice in our opinion.

We ultimately think you'll find all six days full of great activities, beaches, trails, sights, and tours to experience. Just in case, we've also provided a couple of  alternate days  to select from if something in one of our six 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 six-day Maui itinerary  below includes many of the recommendations in our  three-day Maui itinerary , plus some other must-see sights, attractions, and activities for the extra two days on the island.  Skip ahead to the 6-day itinerary now →

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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.

Six Day Itinerary for Maui

6-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

Day#6 - 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

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

6-day alternate maui itineraries.

If something in the six 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

Additional Maui Itineraries

Recommended maui tours, terms of use & disclosures.

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Is there a Best Time to Visit Maui? Yes (and here’s when)

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Planning a trip to Maui often starts with one big decision: when should you go? While there are personal things to consider, like school schedules and vacation time, you’ll also want to know the optimal time to visit Maui for your vacation goals. 

The best time to visit Maui is during a shoulder period: April, May, September, or October. Not only will these months still provide good weather, you’ll also enjoy lower costs, and fewer crowds.  

But, there’s a little more to consider when picking the right month for your Maui vacation. 

Don’t miss a beat with your Maui vacation planning: We’ve done all the work for you with our Maui Trip Planning article. Check out our Maui Travel Guide for everything you need to know for your trip. Get your notes ready: these are our favorite things to do on Maui . We can even help you find an amazing place to stay .

Maui Weather by Month:

Maui temperature by month:.

In the summer, Maui can get hot. Expect average temperatures of up to the high 80’s or low 90’s. If you’re coming for the heat, that will be welcome news. 

In the winter, the leeward side of Maui drops down to the high 70’s and low 80’s. It’s still very warm, but there will be days in there with stronger winds and some cooler temperatures. It’s smart to expect that you’ll want a light layer for the evenings. 

Maui rainfall by month:

While you may always think that Maui has abundant sunshine, it does rain. And fairly frequently, though there are times of the year and locations that get more rain than others. If you want to have the lowest chance of rain on your vacation, visit Maui between April and October and plan to stay on the leeward side of the island, in Ka’anapali/Lahaina or Wailea/Kihei.

The windward side of the island gets significantly more rain year round, which is why Hana has such beautiful waterfalls and lush landscape. 

The chart below shows average rainfall in inches on three major parts of the island: Ka’anapali, Kihei, and Hana. 

If you do get caught in the rain on your vacation, we have you covered with our favorite things to do in Hawaii when it rains .

Maui hurricane season months:

Hawaii hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30th . While hurricanes don’t occur or cause damage or destruction every year, it’s something to be aware of as you book your trip. Hurricanes causing destruction in Hawaii are rare. The last three hurricanes that have caused damage on Hawaii are: Hurricane Lane (2018), Hurricane Iniki (1992), and Hurricane Iwa (1982). 

Even if a hurricane doesn’t cause destruction or harsh weather (many of them veer off the path of Hawaii), it can still be disruptive to your vacation. When you get a hurricane warning while on your trip, you can expect to have things disrupted for a few days until the threat passes. For example, if you have a boat trip planned, it will likely be canceled as they wait for storm warnings to pass. 

Picking the right time to visit Maui is but one step in our Maui Trip Planning Guide. Let me help finish your planning.

What is the best time to visit Maui?

We think that the best time to visit Maui is during the shoulder months of April , May , September , or October . This is when the weather is still favorable, the costs are lower, and the crowds are fewer. But it can also mean that you’re missing out on certain events, like whale season. You’re also catching the tail end of hurricane season in September and October, though you have a low chance of experiencing a hurricane during your visit. 

Best time to visit Maui for whales?

Up to 12,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii each year and Maui is the best Hawaiian island for whale watching. But you can’t see them year-round. They migrate during the winter months to breed, birth, and nurture their calfs.

Whale season officially runs from mid-December to mid-April , though the peak is usually January , February , and the earlier part of March . So the best time to visit Maui for whale watching is January, February, and March. 

We love Maui for whale watching, so check out all our best content on the topic! The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching on Maui: Best Tours and Tips The 7 Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui: get our exclusive discounts Hawaii Whale Watching Guide: The Best Hawaiian Island For Whale Watching 

Best time to visit Maui for snorkeling?

Snorkeling on Maui can be great anytime of year. But weather, storms, and swells can affect water visibility and whether it’s safe to snorkel. The best time to visit Maui for snorkeling is the summer thanks to smaller swells and fewer storms. 

During the winter months, Maui can be hit with large swells on the north and east sides of the island, making snorkeling challenging and in some cases unsafe. But you can also find large waves on the south and west side beaches if the swell wraps around the island. 

During the summer, the water is usually calmer and any swells that you find will be coming from the south. There are also fewer storms during the summer, which means you’ll have more days of better snorkeling conditions. Wind and rain make snorkeling unpleasant and often unenjoyable as there are fewer fish and sea life out braving the stormy weather. 

Even though summer is the best time to enjoy snorkeling, make sure you are always paying attention to ocean conditions and abiding by snorkeling best practices. It can be a dangerous activity for anyone, but especially those who have never snorkeled before . 

Related reads: The best snorkeling spots on Maui The Best Snorkeling in Hawaii by Month (plus snorkeling spots!) Tried and Tested: The 9 Best Snorkeling Tours on Maui

If you’re looking for more ways to explore Maui, we’ve vetted the best tours on the island. Check out all of our tours and activities to find the perfect one for your trip.

Best time to visit Maui for the cheapest costs?

Maui is by no means a cheap vacation. But there are times where costs are high and other times where your dollar can stretch a bit further. Likely your largest expense when visiting Hawaii is going to be your accommodations. And prices vary widely depending on the time of year you’re planning your trip. 

For example, hotel rates in December skyrocket and are the highest that you’ll find during the year. If you’re looking for the best deals on a hotel stay, May, September, October, and November offer the lowest rates. 

If you’d rather stay in a vacation rental, the cheapest months are also May, September, October, and November. Interestingly, you can also find some good rates over the summer months, but winter is a peak for vacation rental rates. 

So if you’re looking to plan a trip to Maui when you can find the cheapest prices, May, September, October, and November are the best months to visit. 

We know you want the inside scoop on Hawaii travel deals, so check these out: Cheapest Time to Fly to Maui (And It’s Not What You Expect) How to Get A Cheap Ticket to Hawaii: 5 Insider’s Tips Here’s How We Book our Hawaii Travel (and beyond) Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupon Codes: The Full List

Best time to visit Maui for the fewest crowds?

If you are hoping to skip the crowds on Maui, there are some peak months that you should avoid. The table below shows visitor arrivals by month comparing 2022 to 2023. Visitor counts were on the rise in early 2023 but dropped off in August due to the Lahaina Fire , so we included 2022 visitor data to create a more complete picture of Maui tourism in a “normal” year.

According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority , if you want to visit Maui with the fewest crowds, you should visit in January , February , September , October , or November . 

The busiest months on Maui are March , June , July , August , and December . 

Best time to visit Maui for the weather?

The best time to visit Maui strictly for the best weather, meaning the best chance for sun and no rain, is May through September. Coming in at a close second are April and October.  

Related read: The 17 Best Beaches on Maui 5 Best Maui Food Truck Parks The 12 Best Maui Beach Hotels (+ 5 beachfront condos)

Worst time to go to Maui

The worst time to Maui is subjective. Are you trying to avoid crowds and high costs? December, specifically the time over Christmas and New Years is the worst time to visit because this is when Maui sees a surge in visitors as well as a surge in high prices.

While there are good things about visiting Hawaii during Christmas , be prepared that there are downsides to visiting during this busy period as well.

Curious about the other islands? Is there a best time to visit… Kauai? (Yes…here’s when) Oahu? The 4 Best Months The Big Island of Hawaii? Yes…and here’s when

Tips for Visiting Maui During Any Time of Year

We love Maui and after living there for three years, we’ve picked up some tips that will make traveling to Maui even better:

How long should you stay on Maui?

It’s a big trip out to Hawaii when you have a long flight and jet lag to battle. Make sure you’re staying for long enough. We recommend a minimum of 5 full days, though the average trip to Maui is 8.1 days per the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Stay on the leeward side

There are two sides of the island: the leeward and the windward. When you think of sunny beaches year round, you’re imagining the leeward side. On the leeward side it’s drier and less chance for rain. That’s why most of the hotels are built here! The windward side is lush and beautiful, but it gets a lot more rain. Save that for a day trip (or a one night trip) and soak in the sun on the leeward side.

Check out our recommendations for where to stay on Maui .

Make sure you get a rental car

Yes, you do need a rental car on Maui. No, you don’t need a Jeep or a 4×4, though renting a jeep is a lot of fun! Public transportation on Maui isn’t great and ubers and taxis aren’t great to rely on for your full trip. Check out our recommendations for Maui rental cars.

Get out and explore the island

There is so much to do on Maui. Whether you’re visiting the farms upcountry , doing a sunrise tour of Haleakala National Park, swimming in waterfalls on the Road to Hana , or just relaxing on a beautiful beach, there is so much to see. Make sure to leave your resort and go home with an unique experience (or two).

If you’re island hopping…

If you plan to visit more than one island, make sure you check out our island hopping guide . Unfortunately, island hopping isn’t fast. You’ll still need to get to the airport at least 90 minutes before your flights departure. While the flight is short, it can take a half day to transfer islands. But it’s worth it! Each island is so unique and if you’ve already made the long journey out to Hawaii, you might as well see as much as you can.

The Best Maui Itinerary

If you’re looking to make your trip planning easy and enjoy yourself when you get to Maui, check out our done for you itinerary . This instant download gives you 7+ excursion days that take you around the island to give you a tour of what makes this place so special. 

“The itineraries were great and gave us many great ideas to plan our adventures each day! They were helpful in planning our 2 week trip to Maui and Oahu. Thanks a million, we were very happy.” – David B. 

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.

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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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10 Best Maui Hikes for Insane Views

Maui is one of the best destinations in the world for hiking and we want to share some of our favorite Maui hikes with you.

Hawaii’s second-largest island has one of the most diverse landscapes imaginable.

The volcanic peaks and ancient craters make for some of the best Maui hikes, while the steaming, tropical jungle offers you the chance to be immersed in nature as you tramp your way towards crashing waterfalls.

The coastline offers an equally diverse number of hikes too, with the chance to enjoy gentle strolls past iconic, white sand beaches, or the opportunity to walk along dramatic cliff tops and past black sand beaches.

Maui hikes are some of the best out there, so to inspire your trip to Hawaii, here are our favorite trails on the island.

Don’t leave home without:  Lonely Planet Maui (Travel Guide)

10 Best Maui Hikes

Table of Contents

1. Kapalua Coastal Trail

One of the easiest, simplest, but also most spectacular Maui hikes is the Kapalua Coastal Trail. This is a great walk for anyone staying in the north-west or visiting for the day, as the trail takes you along the best of the coastline.

The trail can be completed in just one to two hours, depending on your fitness and how many stops you make to take photographs, as you cover just under two miles.

It is great for hikers of all abilities, as the Kapalua Coastal Trail follows well-marked boardwalks and paths, along an almost consistently flat route. The trail starts in Kapalua Bay and ends at DT Fleming Beach.

Along the way, you’ll pass by some of Maui’s best scenery, as you walk along the sands of Kapalua Beach, see the jagged, volcanic rocks at Makaluapuna Point before ending at the beautiful climes of DT Fleming Beach.

2. Waihee Ridge Trail

Waihee Ridge is one of the ultimate Maui hikes, and this spectacular trail has long been a firm favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.

Found in West Maui, this trail is perfect if you are staying in the popular Lahaina or Kapalua areas, or in Kahului or along the coast near Paia.

This is a challenging hike and the 5-mile round trip trail will take you up high along the Waihee Ridge for incredible views across the island.

The trail involves a steep, sharp ascent, and you’ll be walking up to almost a thousand meters at the highest point.

The rewards are bountiful though, as you pass waterfalls and can see the Waihee Valley far below.

3. Twin Falls

If you love waterfalls, then one of the best Maui hikes for you is the walk to Twin Falls.

The waterfall is found on the Road to Hana Highway , and if you have a vehicle then you can make the epic drive here, hike the trail, then carry on exploring the rest of this beautiful road on the east coast as you head further south.

The actual trail is relatively easy, and it will take you through the jungle from the car park to the lower section of the waterfall in just 15 minutes. You’ll be immersed in the thick forest before it opens up to reveal the plunge pool.

The upper falls can be reached with a short, but steep walk upwards, and you’ll have great views of both levels.

4. Sliding Sands Trail

The Sliding Sands Trail is one of the toughest and most adventurous Maui hikes you can tackle on the island. The trail runs through the epic Haleakala National Park, and it takes you to the summit of the Haleakala Crater.

This is southern Maui, and it’s great if you’re staying either in Hana to the east or Wailea to the west, so you can get an early start to beat the heat. It’s a long day, as you’ll be walking 10 miles, with some serious elevation.

You start at the national park’s visitor center, before walking through volcanic landscapes until you reach the top of the crater, which is over 3000 meters in height.

5. Lahaina Pali Trail

If you’re based in West Maui, then one of the best hiking routes is on the Lahaina Pali Trail.

As well as being spectacular, this is a historic trail too, as the hike follows the path of an old road built over two hundred years ago to connect the coast with the interior, and onwards.

The trail itself is 5 miles long, and there are two entrance points, either on the west coast by Ukumehame Beach, or inland north of Maalaea.

If you’re in good shape and have the whole day, then you can make the 10-mile return journey from either trailhead, otherwise, you’ll need to arrange transport to get you to the start and to pick you up at the finish.

6. Acid War Zone Trail

The interestingly named Acid War Zone Trail is a great Maui hike that’s found along the coast in the north-west of the island, with the trailhead not too far from Kapalua.

This is one of the most fascinating hiking trails in Maui, as you’ll pass by volcanic outcrops, visit blowholes and eventually end up at an iconic heart-shaped rock.

The intriguing name of the trail comes from the fact that you are walking past a battered and eroded volcanic coastline – reminiscent of a war zone.

The 2-mile round trip will have you walking through all manner of different terrain, and it’s one of the most fascinating short hikes on Maui.

7. Pipiwai Trail

The Pipiwai Trail makes for a great hike on the south-east coast of Maui. Found between Kaupo and Hana, the trail leads you through some of the best scenery in the Haleakala National Park.

You’ll walk past crashing waterfalls, through serene valleys and end up at the Seven Sacred Pools where you can jump in for a refreshing swim.

The two waterfalls on the trail are the dramatic 120-meter high Waimoku Falls and the equally stunning 60-meter tall Makahiku Falls.

This is one of the best trails on the island, and it will take you on a four-mile round trip through beautifully untouched parts of Maui that can’t otherwise be reached.

8. Hoapili Trail

South of Wailea, you can find the Hoapili Trail, a hiking route that’s full of historic treasures. The Hoapili Trail is part of the old Kings Highway, which was built by a Maui king hundreds of years ago to encircle the entire island, and to connect the kingdom.

The Hoapili Trail is a 5-mile round trip, and you’ll be walking through diverse landscapes along the coast, with few other hikers around.

You begin the hike in La Perouse Bay, walking past beaches and dramatic scenery, before reaching the end of the trail at the Hanomanioa Lighthouse.

9. Mahana Ridge Trail

If you are looking for a more challenging hike in Kapalua – rather than the simpler coastal walks – then the Mahana Ridge Trail is a great option. The route begins at the Maunalei Arboretum and will take you to DT Fleming Beach.

You can even take a shuttle to the Maunalei Arboretum to make this an easier, one-way hike, as the route along the Mahana Ridge lasts for 7 miles – or 14 miles return – but the tough walk will give you amazing views of the area.

10. Kaupo Trail

The Kaupo Trail is the toughest Maui hike you can make, and it’s not for the inexperienced or the unfit. If you’re after a challenge and an adventure, then this is for you.

The hike starts in Kaupo on the southern coast and takes you through the most extreme landscapes of Haleakala National Park.

It’s 11 miles return, and there is some steep elevation, making this a long day hike. There’s little shade, huge ascents, and dangerous descents, as you walk along rocky paths, through a volcanic environment like few others on Maui.

Tips for Planning Your Maui Hikes

Best time of year to hike in maui.

Maui is very much a year-round travel destination, as the island’s wonderful climate ensures that it enjoys warm weather all through the year.

There are only really two distinct seasons in Hawaii, winter, and summer, but in reality, the temperatures are very consistent, with winter being only marginally colder than summer.

With that in mind, it’s possible to take on Maui hikes all through the year, but there are a few considerations to factor into your planning.

Winter – between November and March – being fractionally colder, will be a better time to visit if you want to miss the worst of the heat, while it’s also much less humid than summer.

It tends to be much, much busier in the winter months though, particularly over Christmas, as people head to Hawaii to escape the cold elsewhere.

Summer can be humid, but certain months – the July and August peak season excluded – can be quieter, and this would be a good time of year to hike the more popular trails, which can get crowded in the busiest months.

If you are planning to do more than a hike in Maui, like to surf, snorkel or see whales, then you will also want to look at the best time of year to visit the island for your other planned activities, as they can have seasonal considerations.

Read more Best Time to Visit Maui: Month by Month Breakdown

Safety Tips for Hiking in Maui

• Never hike alone, bring a friend for safety and company
• Stay on the trails
• Obey all warning signs, they are there for a reason!
• Do not trespass on private property
• Be prepared for sudden weather changes
• Stay hydrated by bringing a minimum of 2 liters of water on your hike
• DO NOT drink water from freshwater ponds or streams during your hike
• Avoid entering streams or ponds with open cuts
• Carry electrolyte packets 
• Bring enough food and snacks for the duration of your hike
• Do not leave valuables in your car – even if you think they are hidden
• Start your hikes early to avoid peak heat and darkness
• Leave enough time to return to your car before sunset
• Consider bringing a GPS with SOS capabilities
• Be aware that you will not have cell service in some remote areas
• Try to wear or bring bright clothing so you can be found in an emergency
• Call the National Weather Service at 1-866-944-5025 to check the weather before you head out
• Call the Maui County Automated Information line at 808-986-1200 ext. 1 for Maui Emergency Management Agency notifications

MAUI HIKING ESSENTIALS:

• Good hiking shoes with tread
• Light pants or shorts with quick-dry material
• Light shirt with quick-dry material
• Fleece to layer under a rain jacket
• Light rain jacket or poncho and mosquito repellent
• Backpack to carry your gear
• Work gloves
• First Aid Kit

See also 40 Hiking Essentials: The Ultimate Packing List for Hiking

More on Hawaii:

• 21 Bucket List Things to do in Hawaii
• 13 Epic Things to do in Honolulu (Plus travel tips!)
• 50 Incredible Things to Do in Maui
• 20 Best Beaches in Maui: Ultimate Maui Beach Guide
• Where to Stay in Maui – Our Top Recommendations
• Ultimate Road to Hana Guide – Maui, Hawaii
• Maui Jeep Rental- Should I or Shouldn’t I?
• Extreme Doors Off Helicopter Tour in Maui, Hawaii
• Maui Whale Watching in Hawaii
• Best Luau in Maui: Pick from the Top 10!
• Molokini Crater Underwater Adventure in Maui
• 13 Best Cities to Visit in the USA

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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Planning a Trip to Maui: 10 Things to Know

Alert for Visitors: Maui has experienced significant wildfires in August 2023, causing major disruption for both locals and tourists. For your safety and up-to-date information, please visit the Maui County website before planning any activities or travels. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Stay safe!

Are you planning your first trip to Hawaii ? Want to know the best tips and tricks to help get you started? Keep scrolling to learn about the secret advice you need to know when going to Maui!

This list of things to know before planning a trip to maui was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) 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..

As someone who’s gone to Hawaii more times than I can count, I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities to experience what Maui has to offer. And with that, I’ve learned the do’s and don’ts that many first-timers might not know about.

I get tons of requests from people asking me how to plan a trip to Hawaii weekly. And that’s because I’ve gone to Hawaii over 40 times! And with my experience, I’m here to share with you how to get the best deals and make sure your trip to Hawaii is great.

If you want to learn what I would’ve wanted to know when I traveled to Maui for the first time, keep scrolling to learn! 

One of the hardest things to decide when you’re starting to plan a vacation to Hawaii is to choose which island you want to stay at. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, I’ve got a ton of great advice every traveler needs to know.

Whether it’s just your first time taking a trip to Maui or you’re completely new to vacationing in Hawaii, this article will be sure to help anyone who’s going to Maui.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

How to Start Your Maui Vacation Planning

1. road to hana is a full day trip.

Many visitors underestimate the time the Road to Hana takes to drive through and its popularity. Tourists are both on the slower side and quite plentiful, making traffic inevitable. Additionally, they only have one-lane bridges, making traffic even worse. 

But while getting to your destination is where the drive ends, the goal is to enjoy the gorgeous views along the way. 

The Road to Hana is so widely known and famous because of just how beautiful the spots you get to see during the drive are. You can see beautiful Maui waterfalls , beaches, botanical gardens , and more along the drive. 

And not only that but there are also some amazing fruit stands you pass by during your drive! This is also where you get the best Hawaiian banana bread! 

The Road to Hana has so many views and things to do that many people decide to stay for a whole day just to experience the most out of this lovely road. There are also tons of things to do in Hana town .

You can schedule a Road to Hana tour if you’d rather have someone guiding you along the road instead of doing it independently.

2. Wailea is Where Celebs Go

If you’re looking for the higher-end and more luxurious side of Maui, Wailea is your place to go. Here, you can find luxury resorts, 5-star dining (some even in the resorts), and incredible luau shows .

This hub for luxurious Maui resorts is only 25 minutes from the airport and is one of the hottest places in high-end Hawaii. It’s so luxurious that it’s where celebrities stay in Hawaii!

And don’t worry about finding things to occupy your time here; there are plenty of things to do in Wailea! Wailea’s got surfing lessons , golfing , kayaking , and even a sunset dinner cruise . 

But, just a little way away is even more stuff to do! You can head down and enjoy high-end shopping, drinks, and luxurious dining. And you can travel by walking beautiful paths with some of the best sceneries Maui offers.

If you’re looking for luaus, Wailea’s also got some amazing luaus such as the Feast at Mokapu and Grand Wailea Luau .

3. Maui Gold Pineapples are the Sweetest

When you think “Hawaii,” there’s no doubt that one of the first things that come to mind is the sweet and juicy pineapples. 

Pineapple plantations used to be plentiful in quantity, but as the years went on, the only plantations that remain are the Dole Plantation in Oahu and the Maui Gold Plantation . 

Pineapples can easily be found at any Maui grocery store, and I’d advise you to get two pineapples instead of one. The pineapple is so good, it’ll be gone before you know it. 

We like to cut the pineapple and top it off with some li hing mui powder as a delicious and refreshing treat.

Additionally, pineapple can be used in multiple foods. Blend them in a tropical smoothie, incorporate them in a yogurt breakfast, or use it to top off your Hawaiian cocktails. 

If you want to take a pineapple home, or any Hawaiian fruit for that matter, you must go through an agricultural inspection at the airport and make sure the fruit has a sticker. 

What I’d recommend doing is to pick up a case of pineapples inside the airport. They’re not usually considered carry-ons, and they’ve already gone through agricultural inspection, so you don’t need to worry about going through the process.

4. Each Maui Luau is Different

One of the most common misconceptions I heard is that you only need to go to one Hawaiian luau because once you’ve seen one of them, you’ve seen all of them. 

As a hula dancer, I can confirm that isn’t the case! Maui luaus are all diverse and unique in their own special ways.

If you want a good luau for your first time, Old Lahaina Luau gives a great look into Hawaiian culture and is what many recommend for their first time at a luau.

If you’ve already experienced a traditional Hawaiian luau and you’re looking for something a little different, Feast at Lele is a great option. It features a 5-course dinner and beautiful entertainment showing off a variety of Polynesian cultures. 

Or you could try the Feast at Mokapu , which provides a cozy, intimate luau experience for you to remember. They feature hands-on crafts and a 3-course meal, all sourced directly from local farms.

But besides these three luaus, there’s still more to see! Many luaus feature storytelling, wonderful theatrics, and, of course, performances with fire. 

Book a Hawaii Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll have more than just selfies. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

5. Ka’anapali is Almost an Hour from the Airport

Ka’anapali is situated along the West Shore, one of the best places to stay in Maui.

And while you may think the drive will be quick since it’s only 16 miles away from Kahului Airport , the drive is at least 40 minutes long. And the drive can get up to 2 hours long if there’s traffic. 

Not to scare you, but because of a fire that blocked the only road to and from Ka’anapali and the airport, it took me 12 hours just to get to my hotel in Ka’anapali! 

The West Shore, where Ka’anapali is located, is pretty sectioned off from the rest of Maui. So while that’s alright if you plan to just stay at a resort for most of your trip, it’s not the best for those looking to do a lot of things on their trip to Maui.

If you’re looking for places with easy access to many attractions in Maui, aim for Kihei .

If you’re looking to go to Maui on a budget , this is also where you want to stay. They have vacation properties that are on the more affordable side. 

6. Get a Maui Rental Car

No matter where you’re going on your trip to Maui or any other island one of your top priorities should be to rent a car in Hawaii .

Many things to do in Maui require you to use a vehicle to get from place to place, and the public transportation in Maui isn’t the best.

And in Maui, tours don’t usually offer to pick you up from your hotel/resort , so having your own means of transportation is a must. 

But driving doesn’t come without its perks. Maui Shaka App is an audio tour guide that will teach you bout places and attractions in Maui as you drive. You can see what you’d like to see when you’d like to see it using this app.

It’s affordable and a great Hawaii travel app for anyone looking to upgrade their Hawaii trip. 

Not only does the app give you perks, but you can also go directly to what you’d like to see at your own pace. 

From my experience, your best place to go for rental cars in Hawaii is Discount Car Rental. They have great prices and offer top car dealerships like Alamo, Avis, Budget Dollar, Enterprise, Payless, and Thrifty. Check out the latest prices and more details.

If driving isn’t an option for you, try to pick out a resort within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions or one near public transportation. Or, if you’re going on a tour, select tours that will pick you up from your hotel. 

7. You Can Take a Day Trip to Maui

While if you want to get the most out of your stay in Hawaii, you should plan for at least seven days; many people like to go island hopping and try to maximize how many Hawaiian islands they see!

If this is what you plan to do, try to maximize your time by getting a flight to Hawaii as early that day as possible and catching one of the latest flights back home. 

To plan out your trip so that you see as much as you can/want, make a master list of all the things you want to do in Maui and then try to get what you want to do down to your top 1 or 2 activities.

Many things in Maui are either full-day or half-day activities, so there’s a high chance you won’t be able to do all the things you want to do. 

So if you want to make the most out of your time in Maui, I’d advise you to do things special to Maui you can’t do on other islands. Examples of things exclusive to Maui are snorkeling at Molokini , exploring Haleakala , or driving the Road to Hana .

But a different option you can try is to skip staying in Maui and just do a quick activity there, like hiking an easy trail, trying Ululani’s Shave Ice , or grabbing a bite at Mama’s Fish House .

8. Check Costco for the Best Maui Trip Packages

One of many people’s top priorities when preparing for their trip to Maui is getting the best deals. Make sure to do your research and look for the best prices!

The cheapest times to plan a Maui trip are during the shoulder seasons, which consist of mid- April to June during the spring months and September to mid-December during the fall months. Unfortunately for many, this poses an awkward time for students. 

Costco offers many great deals on Maui vacation packages . They offer rental cars and even bonus perks in their packages, making them worth checking out.

I’d recommend checking out Costco Travel and seeing their variety of condo and hotel options. They also help you out and price check and compare the different places available to figure out which is the best for you! 

These packages also come with great deals on honeymoon getaways if you purchase a bundle with airfare.

9. It’s Freezing During the Sunrise at Haleakala

Every time I plan a trip to Maui, I prioritize my family watching a sunrise atop Haleakala at least once. The view leaves you speechless, and it’s one of my favorite things to do in Maui!

To everyone coming in from the west coast, I recommend you try catching this sunrise on one of the earlier days during your trip.

With Maui being 2-3 hours earlier than the west coast, the jetlag will cause you to wake up earlier in the day. So you should take advantage of this and get as much sleep as possible before you make your way up to Haleakala.

Also, bundle up warm when you go up because it is COLD, especially in the earlier hours. It’s so cold, I’d recommend long pants, coats, and even trying to bring a blanket from where you’re staying because it’s just that cold!

Though you can drive up Haleakala, you’re going to make a reservation. Alternatively, I’d recommend booking the Sunrise at Haleakala tour .

10. Whale Watching Only Happens in Maui During Winter

In any tourism brochure about Maui, you’ll be sure to see a whale or three. 

The migration path for whales goes directly past Maui, and anyone lucky enough to see these whales will be blown away. But whale migration happens in the winter, from December to May. 

For the best chance of spotting whales, aim to plan your trip to Maui in February, when you have a high chance of seeing whales in Maui .

While there are a few spots on the beach where you might be able to spot some whales, the best way to see whales is by registering for a Maui whale-watching boat tour . If you want to get even closer to the whales, you can even try a tour where you get to see whales from a raft .

These tours may be canceled if the weather is poor, so aim the book the tour early in your trip in case you have to find a different time to watch the whales.

My Quick Tips for Planning a Trip to Maui

And that’s all the hot tips you need to know when planning a trip to Maui. Here are a few tips to ensure your trip to Maui runs smoothly. 

• Annual national park passes grant you access to national parks all across the US. The pass grants you access to Haleakala National Park in Maui and Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island here in Hawaii. If you own a national park pass, take advantage of it and save on the admission fees.
• Prepare to dress warmly! While, in the daytime, it can be quite warm, the nights tend to get a lot colder. And if you plan to spend any time on mountaintops like Haleakala, it can get very chilly quickly. So make sure to bring a jacket or hoodie, some long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt, just in case!
• Slather on the sunscreen, but make sure that the ingredients won’t harm the sea life. Things like non-nano Zinc oxide or non-nano Titanium dioxide are what you should be looking for. Make sure to respect the island and check the ingredients list on your sunscreen.
• If you’re going on the Road to Hana, I recommend you stop at the Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park. But before you go, do note that they require you to have an online reservation two weeks before your entry.

How to Plan a Trip to Maui FAQ

If you want to experience as much of Maui’s luxury as possible, staying for around 7-10 days is recommended. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, travel to beaches, learn about the cuisine and culture, and relax.

The Road to Hana may seem overrated if you don’t plan properly or do it right. Make sure to mark off where to look for views before the drive (if you’re driving without a tour guide) to get the most out of the trip.

As Hawaii is a part of the United States, you only need a legal ID if you’re going from somewhere in the U.S. to Hawaii. However, all the standard legal documents are required if you’re coming internationally to Hawaii.

Use My Tips When Planning a Trip to Maui

And that’s a wrap! There are some of my best tips that you need to know that many people don’t talk about. Hopefully, this advice will help make your Maui trip easier so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. 

Vacations are supposed to be low-stress and fun. So make use of the suggestions of a veteran Hawaii traveler and make the most of enjoying your trip to Maui to the fullest!

Looking for more Maui travel resources? Find out my best Road to Hana tips , how many days in Maui you need , Maui vs Big Island , cheap and free things to do on Maui , budget Maui restaurants , and the best things to do in Maui with kids .

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• Things to Know About Visiting Maui in 2024

by AMauiBlog | Jan 3, 2024 | Blogging , Community , Family Fun , Maui Travel Guide | 39 comments

So you are wondering about taking a vacation on Maui … should you or not? Here are some of my thoughts about things to know when visiting Maui in 2024. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comment section. These “reminders” are in addition to the basic things visitors need to know, such as “use reef-safe sunscreen, donʻt touch the turtles, and many more, which I previously shared in my book Maui 2021 and Beyond.

Maui is in the process of healing and recovery from the August 8, 2023 Lahaina Wildfire.

What does this mean? Many problems related to the fire need to be addressed and solved.  As of this writing (and recording), there are still about 6,000 people living in hotels impacted by the fire. Housing is just one of the many problems.  I am sharing this not to discourage you from visiting Maui … I just want you to be aware so that you have a better understanding of why sometimes you see people airing out frustrations on social media and some are telling potential visitors not to come.  This leads us to my second point …

Maui needs “respectful visitors” to come visit Maui.

A big part of Mauiʻs economy is tourism, and for us to help the small local businesses struggling right now, we need more visitors to come. But not just regular visitors – we need “respectful” visitors to come. Interestingly, I read a thought in this article that made me ponder this “visit respectfully” quote. In the article at the Beat of Hawaii  it says:

Maui walks a fine line between necessary tourism, long-suffering fire victims, overall housing shortages and irate anti-tourism advocates.

Using cloaked and potentially offensive terms, HTA says it only wants to attract “respectful” tourists to Maui. This comes as an element of their outreach campaign to both US and Canadian visitors. Canadian visitors typically make up just under 10% of Maui’s visitors and spend just under $1 billion annually. Meanwhile, massive US tourism has an annual estimated value of $16 billion.

“Maui is welcoming visitors who are compassionate, who can come respectfully, who can really abide by some of the sensitivities and restrictions in place to protect the community at this time… So long as you do it mindfully. And so, for the time being, tourism’s role in helping Maui’s overall recovery is to ensure that the right kind of respectful visitor returns .” – Ilihia Gionson, Hawaii Tourism Authority public information officer

We find the messaging strange and potentially offensive as, for many people, coming to Maui is to vacation in paradise and simply a step away from everyday life. It involves a long flight, expensive accommodations, and airfare. The money they spend contributes to the Maui economy to keep it strong, help locals have employment and provide social welfare benefits to many in need. When visitors are asked to change or confirm their vacation habits because of “sensitivities and restrictions,” this could backfire and send tourists elsewhere.

While HTA still does want to promote tourism, putting seemingly meaningless restrictions in these terms on which visitors it wants could simply turn people away. Visitors might also get the idea, based on this kind of messaging once again, that Maui isn’t really ready for visitors at this time. And that there is simply more that needs to be done before people can have the kind of vacation that they are used to having on Maui.

In my opinion, if a potential visitor gets offended by the message about “being respectful”, then they really should not come here. I understand this “call” will limit the visitors, but it is what it is – Maui is in a stage of healing and recovery and we canʻt accommodate “entitled” visitors for the sake of economy. But really, most of the visitors I talked to do not complain about having to be respectful. It is natural to them, and so they get to enjoy the beauty and resources of Maui as they respect the people of Maui.

Consider the source when researching about visiting Maui in 2024.

With the information overload on the internet, and the rise of social media, it is becoming hard to see a balanced view of things here on Maui, what the real situation is, and what is current and relevant. The information is overwhelming. On one hand you will hear a plea for you not to come to Maui, on the other hand you will hear a plea for you to come to Maui.

Interestingly, those who avoid internet news and social media and decide to get their information the traditional way, like travel books, are not exempted from getting the wrong information.

Because I am writing a book about visiting Maui in 2024, I always check out the available books out there in the bookstore. Sadly, with the rise of AI use, there is an increased amount of Maui Travel Guide Books written by AI.  There is a newly published book that mentioned “Visiting Front Street Lahaina” as part of Things To Do on Maui in 2024 ! (click the link and see the sample pages page 9, item 7) Say what????

And the famous Maui Revealed guide hasnʻt released an updated version of their guidebook. The popular book is now irrelevant.

Anyway, back to my point of making sure the information source is reliable when planning your visit to Maui, my personal recommendation is following MauiInformation Guide , All About Maui , and Hawaii Vacation Guide Youtube Channel .

I am sure I will be coming back with more reflections on this.

39 Comments

My husband and I are traveling to Maui for a work trip next month. I would like to ask what things we should do off resort property. Are there locally owned shops and restaurants we can visit to support local economy? Are there certain areas of the island we should plan to visit and those to stay away from?

Aloha Heather, I apologize for the delayed reply. I will send you an advance PDF copy of the Maui Travel Guide book that I am writing. It is still in draft but you will find it helpful. I will also send you some quick tips along with it. Mahalo for commenting. Aloha, Liza

Would you be willing to send me a copy as well? I plan to visit end of April.

I would love a guide also. How much? We arrive March 9 for two weeks

we don’t need you to tell the world, how they are supposed to be, when they come to Maui.

I would love a copy, too. I will be visiting Maui in May.

I am happy to see how the residents of Maui have managed to get through this awful, tragic firestorm that caused the loss of so many lives. I lost my home to explosion and fire in January, 2022 and am still in recovery mode over two years later. We were home at the time of the explosion, caused by a gas leak, and the house burned so quickly that we barely got out. We lost most of our pets and my partner died abut six months later. I live in a vacation area of the NorthGeorgia mountains, and when I see some of the locals’ behavior, it bothers me but I try to help maintain a welcoming, warm environment for tourists. The fire I went through was an isolated incident, and it has taken a long time to feel somewhat normal again. For those of you who want to visit Maui, I would suggest that the best, most helpful thing you could do is just to pay attention to your surroundings. Make the best d eye contact, smile, hold a door open and let someone go ahead of you at the grocery store. If someone bites your head off, just understand that their insurance company might be giving them the runaround, a contractor might have taken their money and not finished their job, or they might’ve lost friends and family in the fire. These folks aren’t even in their proverbial bodies right now, and I would ask you to please, please give them the benefit of the doubt. Just know that being there as a tourist is a big vote of your confidence in the strength and determination of the residents of Maui to rebuild and thrive.

May we have an advanced copy as well? We’re going to be there April 5th-19th. Also, can you recommend any volunteer activities we can participate in while we’re there?

I would love a xopy also Visting ub Oct

My daughter and I are visiting in April and would love to have a guide as well.

Hello! My husband and I will be in Maui for just 2 days before leaving for Kauai for a work trip. I would love to read your PDF of your book. Would you be so kind to share?

Dear Liza, Thank you very much for your blog and your recommendations for visiting Maui. I would be interested to have an advanced PDF copy of your guide if possible. I will go to visit Maui this month, in April 2024. Thank you. Sincerely, Marion

As someone who travels frequently to Maui (four times last year) and Oahu (once a year) I find that local residents are friendly and courteous to me. Being pono in all I do while in Hawaii is the best way to be a mindful visitor. Served in the Army on Oahu (Schofield Barracks) 1976-79 and learned then about Island culture and norms. Don’t take Pele’s hair from volcanoes or black sand beaches, no bananas on a fishing boat, don’t carry pork over the pali, etc. Even taking your slippahs off when entering someone’s home. Common courtesy and decency should come naturally. You know, the Golden Rule, treat people as you’d like to be treated. Much aloha to you, Liza. Love your site and blog. See you next month on Maui.

Mahalo Tom; You are a good example of a respectful and mindful Maui visitor. And yes, remembering and putting the “Golden Rule” into action is the way to go. See you soon! Aloha, Liza

I’ve stayed in Kihei, south of Lahaina, for 25+years and enjoy a more local atmosphere. Gorgeous beaches. On the way there from airport you will see Maalaea Harbor. You can get am or pm whale watch cruises. So awesome.

This is my first, and last trip to Maui. We are on a cruise which stops at the islands. We’ve never been on such an expensive and extensive trip in our lives. We didn’t expect the locals to outright hate us so much or I would’ve gone somewhere else. I don’t want to insinuate myself somewhere where I’m not wanted! (Maybe just a heads up for others). Merely standing in line for a rental car drew the wrath of a local who barreled in and referred to us in a term I found out later was a derogatory term for tourists. He was upset about a long wait for a rental paid for by insurance. I would’ve felt for the man if he hadn’t come in, immediately threatening the one single person working there that day and then calling me some words I’ve never been called in my life when those of there tried to tell him to calm down. Unfortunately the day before on the Road to Hana I saw multiple hand painted signs pointing out the locals did NOT want visitors.

I think people need to know this before visiting. I do not feel welcome and am wondering if I should even get off the boat at the other ports. I’ve lived in many different locations that attract visitors including Virginia Beach, which, although clearly not on the same level, attracts tourists. I did not treat them disrespectfully; I was not rude to them; I did not swear at them and call them names. As a woman, I’m not used to men screaming at me, threatening, and calling me names. I am leaving with a very bad taste in my mouth.

Stories like this are exactly why i booked a week long trip to dive Cozumel Mexico instead of traveling to Hawaii. I dont want to go somewhere where we aren’t welcome. The service and attitude at the resort we stayed at in Cozumel was way better than anything i could imagine. We bought another week to use in the future and needless to say, wont be going back to Hawaii anytime soon. Plus the diving and snorkeling are way WAY better.

Reading your comments and as usual someone always has to bring in politics. Been going to Maui since 1991. Go every other year. Going this year soon. When Lahaina was lost and many lives my wife and I cried for 3 days. We also sent a large donation to help out. We travel a lot. Lahaina not only was our favorite it was special. We will be very respectful. God bless Maui and the nightmare the people went through that night.

Aloha Frank, Thank you so much for your love and support to Maui. Your Aloha is very much appreciated.

We also have been going to Maui for years & just returned in February. It’s always been expensive but this time was out of control. No matter if your eating out or getting groceries triple the price on both. We did not experience anyone being rude, but did experience alot of homeless. The beaches were great!

Hello! I have an upcoming trip to Maui in April. Any information you could share will be greatly appreciated. I look forward to exploring Maui respectfully and being mindful of what locals have gone through last year. Thank you in advance

I agree, some of the rudest folks I’ve ever met have been in Maui plus it’s a heavy democratic state where there a lot of liberals that seem to have a chip on their shoulders.

Hi John, No politics please. And while there maybe some rude people here, there are also some of the nicest people youʻll meet (as share by other commenters here). Mahalo for taking the time to comment.

Aloha Dawn, I am so sorry for this unfortunate and bad experience that you had on Maui. I believe you that this happened, and I am sad about it. However, I would like to add that that is not a common occurrence. It is an isolated case. That upset rude person, whoever that is, has a problem (could be anger problem, or maybe he is dealing with something we do not know about and you happened to be the one he vented out). What he did was wrong. Please know that is not a representative of Hawaiian culture. I have lived on Maui for 30+ years, and while there are some rude people (there are rude people in many places, not just Maui) but generally, the people here are very nice. It breaks my heart that you were disrespected. I understand why you shared your experience to “warn” others. Thank you for your concern. Again, I would like to clarify that it is not the “norm”. But you have the right to share what you experienced, so thank you for taking the time to comment here.

We just got back from Maui and loved every minute of it. Locals were welcoming and friendly. We had been before and knew it would be different but we found trails to hike, beaches to walk, whale watching trips, and just relaxing. Love Maui and can’t wait to go back!

Aloha Maria, Thank you for sharing your experience. It validated my reply to Dawn.

We just returned as well. Fist time in Maui, third time on the Hawaiian Islands.It is the friendliest place we have been to. Road to Hana was great, no negativity signs. We will return!

My husband and I lived in Maui for 12 years, we miss it every single day. We had to leave fir medical reasons, otherwise we would still be there. Our biggest complaint was visitors had no conception that actual, real, normal working people live in Maui. It is NOT a playground for thoughtless, entitled tourists. Respect the people, respect the land, respect the culture… if you cannot do that, stay away!!!

Aloha Christine, mahalo for taking the time to comment. May all the warm memories you have of Maui bring smile to your face where ever you are. And prayer for healing for what ever the medical reason that caused you to leave Maui. Continue to live aloha and stay in touch. Who knows, you may come back and live here again someday, or maybe come for a visit. A hui hou.

Have been going to Maui since 1991, our most recent trip … Jan 6-13/2024. We stay at Kaanapali Beach resorts, and like the Locals, Transplants and Tourists , we were heart broken and are still sadden by the devastation in Lahina. We love Maui, the Culture, the locals and every aspect that Maui has to offer Respect for the locals, the workers, family owned businesses, the culture are always foremost in our travels plans, which makes the Island as beautiful as it gets. Cannot wait for our next visit in October.

Mahalo Denis for chiming in, and mahalo for your love for Maui. We too canʻt wait for you to visit again in October.

Aloha. I’m an annual visitor and love these beautiful loving islands. When visiting and embracing “Aloha” this means being respectful with compassion for all life with gratitude and the grace of love, always.

Aloha Cynthia, you are right: “When visiting and embracing “Aloha” this means being respectful with compassion for all life with gratitude and the grace of love, always.” – Mahalo for regularly visiting Maui and living Aloha.

I have been visiting Maui every two years for 25 years, in fact, my husband and I got married there in 2013. We are returning for the first time since the fire, I would be curious if there’s anything you think we should really know.

We actually had a flight and condo reservations for September 19-26 of 2023 and we ended up canceling that birthday week. We really felt like it wasn’t the right time to visit, over crowd or even come to the island because we wanted to give the locals and others the respect that was deserved for the loss of that tragedy. we ended up donating that condo rental for that week to someone who really needed it during that time. My husband and I visited Maui four times in a tear year span. Our last trip was in 2019, February 14 week. Lahaina has always been one of our favorite places to visit each time, especially the restaurants and the oyster pearl jewelry store. When this disaster happened in August 2023, we were both in tears of the devastation and death that occurred. The locals were the sweetest people ever as we always stayed and rented condos and homes, because we weren’t really resort people we did stay at the Westin Maui resort, because my husband was on business and to tell you the truth, everything was located at that hotel, which made you not want to visit the outside. I felt rather guilty at that time because there is so much to see outside of resorts, and we vowed that we would definitely stay with the locals and speaking, the locals while walking to supported business at the coffee shops, farmers market and fish market, we learned so much about the respect of the island just speaking into the locals one on one.. Maui is one of our favorite places to visit and we even renewed our wedding vows there in 2016. We will definitely come back and visit Maui in the future, nothing planned yet, but we definitely have Maui in our hearts. We will be back!!! Hopefully next year in 2025. Mahalo

If each visitor contributed at least one single element of support while on the island-the healing would grow exponentially.

We have been to Maui several times now. I learn a little more with each visit. It saddens me that so many people are not respectful when visiting not only Maui bit other places as well, especially when a tragedy has occurred. Freemont street us where I would get lost for a day and ship and enjoy. Our trips were always centered around Fleetwoods and Lahaina Pizza Company were always a must do. I am wanting to come back this year and would like more information on alternatives especially shopping locally!!!! Other local hidden treasures we would love to explore. Are there still volunteer opportunities? We are torn between Maui and Kauai which we have not been to. I would love a copy of your guide!!! Do you have a guide for Kauai? We usually stay in the Whalers area either the hotel or the condos. And would like to find something similar.

Hi, We are visiting Maui in April 2024 with young kids, we have booked accommodation in Lahaina. My heart goes the people effected. I am now worried about the holiday for which we have saved for a long time. Please could you share your travel guide to help easy the stay. Also would you recommended moving the accommodation to else where?

My sister and I will be visiting in May and would love a PDF copy of your guide. Please let me know the cost so I can pay you for your work in creating this guide. Thank you for sharing information to make the trip enjoyable for both tourists and those who are trying to put their lives back together.

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Maui vs Oahu: Which Is Right for Your Hawaiian Getaway?

October 11, 2023

Amy Fujimoto

Booking a trip to Hawaii and not sure whether you should visit Oahu or Maui?

Oahu vs. Maui is a frequently asked question and for good reason - these two islands take the cake when it comes to popularity, so how do you choose just one?

This Oahu vs. Maui guide will review both islands in a nutshell, then break down each island by travel elements so you can decide for yourself which is the better island for you.

What Oahu does exceptionally well is convenience. No matter where you are on the island, it’s easy to find a:

• convenience store
• find a gas station
• shop for souvenirs
• get to places
• and find something to do

Nicknamed the “Gathering Place”, Oahu is where the bulk of locals live for the simple fact that the largest job market is there. While you would think that would mean Oahu is an island of buildings - it’s not.

Drive out of Downtown Honolulu and there are country roads, secluded beaches, and quiet hikes if you know where to go.

Oahu has a mix of everything - city life, world-class shopping, international cuisine, pristine beaches, and scenic hikes. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shaka Guide | Travel Guide App (@shakaguide)

RELATED: The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide

Maui is beautiful with the added benefit of convenience in the larger towns such as Kahului.

While some of Maui’s biggest attractions are isolated (Haleakala National Park and the Road to Hana), the rest of your visit will be a comfortable mix of countryside with a small-town vibe.

It’s a great destination for those who love the outdoors, but also want to do some shopping or want a variety of options to eat at. You’ll find plenty of natural beauty on Maui as you explore.

RELATED: The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide

Oahu vs. Maui: Which is better?

It can be really difficult to decide between Oahu and Maui. In order to help you make a decision, we’ve compiled a list below comparing the similarities and differences between this Oahu vs. Maui staredown.

As you go through the list and sift through activities, attractions, and things to do, don’t forget to include what you need on an island.

Consider convenience, food options, and accommodation availability because what you need will often end up being more important than what you’d like.

Accommodation

Oahu is the most-visited island in Hawaii and you can find all kinds of accommodation arrangements from camping to luxury resorts.

The most famous location for lodging is Waikiki, where there’s a large selection of oceanfront resorts, small hotels, and vacation rentals.

If you’d rather have a less crowded experience, Ko Olina on the west side of Oahu markets itself as another resort playground. With only 4 resorts you’ll be encouraged to do a lot of driving to explore the island.

As for vacation rentals, most will charge upwards of $100 a night, but if you’re okay with the bare minimum (and a longer walk to the beach), it is possible to find rooms in the $80 - $90 range.

Maui also has locations devoted to resorts and hotels. The most popular is Ka?anapali where oceanfront hotels and resorts look out to the ocean from the west coast. Head south and you’ll find Wailea, known for luxury resorts with a quieter environment.

If you’re looking for vacation rentals in Maui, look in Lahaina and Kihei. You also may find something suitable in Central Maui, especially if you’re looking for lodging within your budget.

Accommodation in Maui tends to run higher than in Oahu so expect to pay at least $150 a night, but probably more. In 2021 the average cost of a hotel room in Maui was $488 a night .

What it often comes down to is budget. If you’re worried about how much your vacation is going to cost, Oahu is likely the better choice for you.

Not only because of the hotel rates but also because there are a lot of tour and activity options on Oahu, which help to keep prices down. 

Beaches And Ocean Activities

Oahu’s beaches are often more crowded, but you won’t feel hemmed in or claustrophobic (except maybe at Waikiki Beach). There’s plenty of space and you’ll find decent spots at some of the nicer beaches.

The farther away you move from Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu, the easier it is to find a beach that’s relatively secluded.

Oahu is also a little better for surfers at a variety of levels. Whether you’re a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between, there’s a shore for you.

RELATED: Best Oahu Beaches For Beginner Surfers

Discover Oahu’s beautiful beaches with our Legendary North Shore Loop driving tour.

Maui’s beaches can also be crowded at the more popular shores, but it’s nothing to be hyper-aware of as you make your decision.

Many visitors believe that the snorkeling and turtle viewing opportunities are better on Maui though.

Maui is home to Molokini - arguably one of the best places to snorkel in Hawaii. There’s also Turtle Town and pockets of beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for newbies.

Explore Maui’s beaches with our West Maui Coastline driving tour.

If you really want to see turtles, Maui is a great option especially if you want to see them while snorkeling.

Both islands have beautiful beaches - crowded and not so crowded, but Oahu has better surfing opportunities, while Maui has better snorkeling spots.

Hikes And Outdoor Activities

Oahu has plenty of hiking trails to choose from, but the popular ones can get a little crowded. Luckily, Diamond Head (the most popular) has put into place a reservation system , which will hopefully keep the crowd down.

Koko Head also has an amazing view, but it’s not safe for beginner hikers. Manoa Falls is gorgeous, but the waterfall can sometimes be less than impressive if it hasn’t been raining a lot.

A few more top-favorite hikes on Oahu are the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, Lanikai Pillbox, and Pink Pillbox hikes.

RELATED: Seven Oahu Waterfall Hikes

Shaka Guide’s East Oahu Shoreline Drive has some amazing hikes and views.

Maui hiking is more spread out as many of the hikes are located on the Road to Hana or within Haleakala National Park. Most tourists only visit these attractions for one day, which means the hikes people choose to keep the crowds down in these areas.

Sliding Sands on Mt. Haleakala is very popular, but it’s a day hike that will take you a minimum of 6 hours, so it’s not for everyone (however you can hike part of it and turn around when you’re ready - we’ll guide you there on our sunrise and sunset at Haleakala tours).

On the Road to Hana, the Pipiwai Trail is very popular. However, because it’s part of Haleakala National Park and located past Hana Town - a 2-hour drive from Kahului (near the airport) without any stops - many people end up skipping it.

RELATED: Best Day Hikes In Haleakala National Park

If you’re short on time and love hiking, Oahu will be hard to beat. No matter where you are on the island, there’s a hike near you (including Honolulu!). Maui might be the better choice if you only plan on doing 1 or 2 hikes during your trip.

Restaurants

Oahu’s restaurants , bars, and snack shops greatly outnumber Maui’s. So if you’re here for a foodie trip, Oahu is the better choice.

From cheap eats to fine dining, you can find something nearby that suits your palate and meets your budget.

There’s also a wide range of lunch wagons all around the island. They often sell local food such as plate lunches, shaved ice, or Hawaiian food for a decent price.

RELATED: Best Places To Eat In Waikiki For Any Budget

Maui’s restaurants have a pretty good range in specialization, but in some areas, you’ll find long lines or few choices because of how isolated the area is.

On the Road to Hana, it’s a good idea to bring food along or eat early (or late) because the lunch hour is packed!

On Mt. Haleakala, you’ll have to drive back down the mountain to Kula to find a restaurant. 

While both Oahu and Maui have plenty of places to eat, Oahu is more convenient in finding one that fits your taste and budget. There are lots of choices in each town and the options are endless in Honolulu and Waikiki.

Oahu has the best nightlife for sure. There are:

• karaoke bars
• sports bars
• and evening performances if you’re in Waikiki or Downtown Honolulu.

Even late at night, you can conveniently walk outside and find many shops on the Waikiki strip open for business.

However, as you get farther away from Downtown Honolulu, suburbia takes over and you’ll find fewer nightlife opportunities.

Maui’s nightlife is somewhat muted and spread out in comparison to Oahu’s. There are a few bars and lounges in Ka?anapali, Kihei, Wailea, and Kahului, but not so much that you’ll have a huge selection.

Don’t be surprised if you only have one or two spots pop up in your search results.

If partying late at night is something you want to do while on the islands, Oahu is the clear winner.

Just be sure you’re in Waikiki or Downtown Honolulu, otherwise, you’ll find nighttime to be rather quiet.

Weather And Seasons

Oahu and Maui weather is typically the same. However, it is important to note that the danger of flash floods is higher in Maui because there are more accessible hikes with streams and waterfalls.

Flash floods can overtake or separate you from getting to safety in just a few seconds, so check the weather forecast in advance before you find yourself in trouble.

Seasonality is also important, too. During the winter, the north shores of the Hawaiian Islands receive the winter swells that attract professional surfers.

Winter is also prime time for whale watching in the islands. The humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and give birth in Hawaii’s warm waters.

You can spot them on a whale-watching cruise or even from shore on both islands. 

Transportation

Oahu has great public transportation. The Bus is extremely convenient with several routes that can take you almost anywhere on the island. Major bus stops are strategically placed and are easy to find.

There are express buses, handicap buses, and specialized buses with unique routes to serve the 1.5 million people living on the island.

In addition to buses, the Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu area has Biki Bikes , rideshares and carshares, too. Uber, Lyft, and Holoholo are all pretty common so getting around with a car is very possible.

Both areas are also extremely walkable - try out our walking tours for Waikiki and Honolulu . 

In 2023, Oahu’s rail system, Skyline, also went live. Stops are limited, but it is a transportation option you can use in tandem with The Bus.

RELATED: Hawaii Uber and Lyft Guide

Maui is possible without a rental car, but having a car will make a world of difference when it comes to exploring the Road to Hana or Haleakala National Park.

Rideshare services are less common, but you can generally find them near the main towns and resort areas.

Maui does have a bus system, but unlike Oahu’s, it’s not as robust with routes running several times a day.

Instead, the routes tend to come in hourly, which could put a damper on your travel plans depending on how long you plan to stay on the island.

Use our Classic Road to Hana Itinerary to see why you need a car for this trip.

If you can’t afford to rent a car, Oahu is your best bet. There are plenty of public transportation options, especially in Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu.

Without a rental car, it becomes significantly more difficult to explore all of Maui.

Hawaii in general is expensive. You’ll see high prices reflected in food, accommodation, tour packages, and even gas.

But you’ll see a slight bump in price on Maui because most things being shipped to Maui will have to travel that extra distance from Oahu.

RELATED: Oahu On A Budget - More Fun, Less Money

Oahu And Maui Itineraries

So how did this Oahu vs. Hawaii post help you decide?

As you can see, it’s difficult to choose between Oahu and Maui. In fact, it will probably come down to what you’re looking for in an island. Again, besides thinking of what you want, also consider what you need.

Do you need a convenient island because you’re traveling with kids, have walking issues, love shopping, etc.? Then Oahu is your choice.

Are you more interested in outdoor activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and visiting local shops? Maui might be the one for you.

To help you decide, check out our Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour Itinerary and What You Need To Know Before You Visit Maui posts. We’ve gathered the best things to do on each island and planned it all out for you so you can have a fantastic trip without worrying if you’re missing something important.

RELATED: Which Hawaiian Island is Best?

Want to see more of Oahu and Maui? Check out our 6 tours on Oahu and 6 tours on Maui that will take you all over the islands.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at [email protected] .

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