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Current Travel Advisories, Restrictions, & Updates

What are the travel restrictions & requirements in hawaii, last updated:  march 2, 2024.

We've covered all of the latest Hawaii travel news and announcements below, including the steps travelers should follow to safely visit Hawaii in the future.

Maui Travel Updates

Lahaina remains closed.

Lahaina will remain fully closed to the public until further notice out of respect to the town's residents. County, state, and federal emergency responders continue with efforts to identify victims and the missing, and conduct clean-up efforts of debris and hazardous materials resulting from the wildfires.

— article continued below —

Garden of Eden - East Maui

Before you visit…

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority advises travelers to check with individual accommodations, activities and businesses in West Maui for their availability and hours of operation. As travelers return to Maui after the devastating August wildfires, they will help to sustain jobs, keep businesses open, and support the community.

We urge all visitors to be especially mindful and respectful in the islands as the community continues through this tragedy.

Maui Wildfires

In August 2023, wildfires damaged a significant portion of West Maui, many lives were lost, and 2,200+ structures were destroyed -  making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century and Hawaii's worst natural disaster in modern history . 

More information can be found on our   August 2023 Maui wildfire  page.

Remainder of West Maui Reopened November 1, 2023

In late September 2023, Maui's Mayor, Richard Bissen,  released brand-new details  about how the island will go about reopening the resort areas surrounding Lahaina, which will remain closed indefinitely.

The plan initially involved three phases, but the Mayor  reopened the rest of West Maui on November 1, 2023 .

Latest Pandemic Developments in Hawaii

Last updated:  december 16, 2022.

At this time, there are no pandemic travel-related restrictions for domestic travelers, and neither the Governor's office nor island mayors have indicated they plan to reintroduce any restrictions.

Travelers can check the state of Hawaii's confirmed cases here .

'Safe Travels' program & mask mandate both officially ended March 26, 2022

According to Governor Ige, the state of Hawaii dropped the 'Safe Travels' program for domestic U.S. travelers at midnight on  March 25, 2022 . Governor Ige has also announced the indoor mask mandate has ended as of March 26, 2022 . Masks may still be required on public transportation, such as buses, and within Hawaii’s airports.

That now means domestic travelers to Hawaii will no longer need to fill out online forms via Safe Travels, no longer have to worry about QR codes, no longer have to provide proof of vaccination, and ultimately, there won't be any additional requirements or restrictions to fly to Hawaii on a domestic flight.

On the county level, the County of Kauai, the County of Maui, and the County of Hawaii have repealed their COVID-19 Emergency Rules. The City and County of Honolulu's Safe Access Oahu program ended on Sunday, March 6, 2022.

" Safe Travels is one part of a multi-layer approach to COVID safety. The program played a key role in keeping Hawaii's residents safe before vaccinations were widely available, and during the surges we've seen through this pandemic ," said John De Fries, Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO. " Bringing the Safe Travels program to a close reflects the progress we have made as a state , and Governor Ige’s decision is a good balance of maintaining reasonable health precautions while reopening our society and economy ."

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Upcoming months of travel.

We think it is safe to say that any month of the year you will not be disappointed when you visit the Hawaiian islands. Here's an overview of what to expect in the coming months. Not sure when to visit? Read about the  Best Month to Visit , where we present an overview of each month OR take the quiz on our  Best Time to Visit Hawaii  page.

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What to do if you have a trip planned for Hawaii

Maui was hit hard by devastating wildfires fueled by hurricane-force winds. The fires caused catastrophic damage. Heartbreakingly, they are the deadliest the U.S. has experienced in many years.

The worst fires occurred in West Maui, as the historic area of Lahaina was completely destroyed by flames that are still only 90% contained. According to the Maui Emergency Management Agency's most recent alert Monday, a fire in the Upcountry area of Kula is still only 85% contained.

President Joe Biden signed an emergency disaster declaration for the state of Hawaii, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is coordinating recovery operations. On Monday, the president and Jill Biden traveled to Maui to survey the damage firsthand.

During the president's visit and joint press conference, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green again addressed the growing community concern about ensuring the economic well-being of Maui and the state, emphasizing the importance of travel.

"No one can travel to West Maui right now. We will share when that is possible again. Only returning residents and authorized emergency relief workers should come here now. But all of the other areas of Maui ... and the rest of Hawai'i are safe," Green said. "When you come, you will support our local economy and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now."

A statement from the Hawaii Tourism Authority said that Green's sixth emergency proclamation , issued Aug. 19, remains in place, with all nonessential travel to West Maui being strongly discouraged for the duration of the proclamation (through Oct. 17).

Daily update videos on the disaster recovery are also being posted to the governor's Facebook page .

Given Maui's popularity as a vacation destination, numerous would-be tourists likely have upcoming trips scheduled. Given the scale of the disaster on the island, they now need to make some decisions about their upcoming plans to visit to allow the island to focus on recovery efforts.

Here's what to know if you have an upcoming trip to Maui.

Is it safe to travel to Maui right now?

It is currently not safe to travel to West Maui due to the multiple uncontained wildfires and evacuation orders that are in place.

Still, the governor has declared other areas of Maui safe and open for travel.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority released an updated travel advisory after Green's press conference, along with a map of the affected and restricted areas.

In alignment with Governor Green, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority urges visitors to refrain from going to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) as a means of respect to the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy. The impacted area of Lahaina remains off limits to the public as the search and recovery efforts continue.

We encourage travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia and Hāna), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island.

Even when it is safe to travel to West Maui again, that part of the island will have limited resources and infrastructure.

Residents and visitors with upcoming travel bookings are encouraged to check with their airline for any flight changes and cancellations, or assistance with rebooking.

When might it be OK to travel to Maui?

At this time, it is unclear when West Maui will reopen, but the devastation to historic Lahaina is very substantial. As a result, disaster recovery operations will likely be very lengthy.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority released a statement last week that included a section devoted to common questions and answers and appears to be updated on a regular basis.

At this time, hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations and are housing their employees and families, evacuees, and first responders working on disaster recovery – well over 1,000 people so far with more to come.

Other areas on Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia and Hāna), as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island remain unaffected. We urge visitors to be especially mindful and respectful in our island home as our community continues through this tragedy.

Based on the updated information shared by the governor and the statement released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, they are encouraging travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui. Such areas include Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana.

Some hotels in other parts of the island, such as the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, have posted regularly updated statements on their websites.

It has been over a week now since wildfires decimated the historic town of Lahaina. Disaster recovery efforts are ongoing in West Maui, and supplies are flowing into the affected areas on a regular basis. And while the restoration of the land and community will take years, we know that Maui's tight-knit community will get through this together. We are grateful that the Wailea region of South Maui was not impacted and that all of our team members are safe and accounted for. Grand Wailea continues to welcome guests with aloha.

As we look toward the future of our island, it is more important now than ever that guests and groups continue to visit Maui. In a statement, the HLTA [Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association] noted, "Yes, we must be sensitive to the plight of those suffering from the wildfires. But bear in mind that so many of the victims and their families depend on the visitor industry for their jobs and futures. While they may have lost their homes and more, losing their incomes would only add to the pain and hardship of their situation. That's why it's important to keep tourism functioning to keep our economy alive and give our people hope and the ability to rebuild their lives." Governor Green shared in his daily briefing that, "what we're saying now is travel should not be to West Maui. But the other parts of Maui are safe."

Is it safe to travel to the other Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii?

Travel to the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Lanai and parts of the Big Island is not affected at this time in terms of safety. However, there may be some near-term capacity issues with so many tourists trying to relocate from Maui and even Maui residents seeking shelter on the other islands.

If you have a trip planned to another Hawaiian island, operations are likely currently unaffected. However, contact your hotel or check its website or social media channels for any updates should the situation change.

Additionally, be aware that while statements from officials say other Hawaiian islands are open and available for tourism, there is a sentiment among some Hawaiian residents that now may not be the time to vacation in the state. The area is grappling with this tragedy and working to support Maui with the resources and infrastructure that it needs.

Airlines allowing changes to Maui flights

A previous update from the Hawaii Tourism Authority stated that 46,000 residents and visitors have already been flown off the island since the fires began. If you have a flight to Maui booked in August or September that you wish to change, you are encouraged to contact your airline and revise your travel plans if needed. The airlines have all updated their travel waiver policies, with some extending dates into September or November.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has instituted a flexible travel policy for guests who would like to change or cancel flights to or from Maui. Currently, it is processing changes if your ticket was purchased prior to Aug. 11 and your plans are between now and Sept. 16.

American Airlines

American Airlines passengers can change their origin or destination to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) or Lihue Airport (LIH) at no cost for tickets bought by Aug. 9 for travel originally scheduled through Sept. 16.

New flights must be booked for travel by Nov. 18 for the same cabin. Alternatively, passengers can cancel their originally scheduled trips and request a refund. This only applies to flight changes made by Sept. 16 for travel completed within one year of the original ticket date.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has issued a change policy specific to flights in or out of OGG, HNL, KOA, LIH.

The fare difference will be waived when rebooked travel occurs on or before Nov. 18 in the same cabin of service as originally booked. A fare difference may apply when the waiver is class-to-class restrictive and the original booking class is not maintained in the rebooked itinerary. There are additional conditions and restrictions listed as well.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines travelers can reschedule their flights at no cost for flights in and out of OGG between Aug. 9 and Dec. 15 to new dates. There will be no change fees or fare differences on the same city pair and the same cabin of service.

Tickets can be booked for new travel to or from the following airports: OGG, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), Hilo International Airport (ITO), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Lihue Airport (LIH). However, tickets must be rebooked into the same compartment (Main Cabin or Business Cabin) by Sept. 1; travel must occur between Aug. 9 and Nov. 16 or between Nov. 29 and Dec. 15. The airline notes that itineraries with travel outside these periods would not be eligible for a waiver of a fare difference.

Alternatively, these travelers can cancel their flights in exchange for a future flight credit, expiring one year from the original date of purchase. Those with flights booked to or from OGG between Aug. 9 and Sept. 15 can also request a refund . The request must be submitted by Sept. 1.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines customers with reservations to, from or through OGG between Aug. 9 and Oct. 17 can rebook in the original class of service or travel standby for free; this is as long as the new travel falls within 14 days of the original date of travel between the original city pairs.

Additionally, these customers can change their original departure or arrival flight to any of the below Hawaii airports without charge:

United Airlines

United Airlines is allowing travelers to reschedule trips and will waive change fees and fare differences for trips originally scheduled into Maui through Sept. 16. You can then alter your plans to travel by Nov. 18 at no additional cost to one of these airports:

If your new trip is after August 10, 2024, or is to a different destination, United will still waive any change fees, but you might have to pay a fare difference depending on the flight. Alternatively, if you cancel or don't take your trip, you can request a full refund .

What to do if you have a hotel or an Airbnb booked in Maui

Most of West Maui is still without power and has limited phone service, so you may not be able to contact your hotel directly to cancel your reservation. It is recommended to call the central reservations number for your hotel company. If you are unable to reach the hotel, your next best option is to monitor your specific hotel's social media channels and websites for any updates.

According to the latest statement released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority , hotels in West Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations. Hotels are being used to house their employees and families, evacuees and first responders working on disaster recovery — more than 1,000 people so far, with more to come.

Additionally, vacation rental owners and operators and anyone with available space are encouraged to make these accommodations available to temporarily house displaced West Maui residents. Since Aug. 14, the state has offered a referral program to make those connections possible to support West Maui residents in need of housing, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority statement.

Hotels in the Kaanapali area have now updated their websites with further guidance. The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa added an alert that the hotel is temporarily closed and that cancellation fees will be waived through Sept. 15. The Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka'anapali Beach posted that all reservations through Sept. 3 have been canceled, and the hotel is allowing guests beyond that date to cancel or reschedule by contacting them. Any deposits and prepayments for canceled stays between now and Sept. 30 will be refunded.

If you booked a chain hotel directly, you can work with the corporate 1-800 number to alter your plans. If you booked through a third-party online travel agency or aggregator like Expedia or Travelocity, it's important to understand the cancellation policy. The OTA still owns your reservation prior to your travel , so contacting the hotel directly will likely result in you being referred back to the OTA or travel portal for assistance.

For those travelers who booked accommodations with Airbnb, the company has activated its " Extenuating Circumstances Policy " for parts of Maui. Eligible guests with reservations will receive a full refund, and both hosts and guests can cancel bookings penalty-free, the company said on Wednesday.

Will your credit card or trip insurance cover changes?

Generally, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance will cover nonrefundable expenses, such as airfare, accommodation and activities, if you need to cancel your trip (or the remainder of your trip) due to a natural disaster like the wildfires. However, credit card insurance policies can vary, so check the benefits guide for the card you used to book your airfare for specific exclusions.

Also, note that you must have booked your trip before the natural disaster starts in order to be covered. This means that if you booked a new trip today, it likely wouldn't be covered due to the wildfires already being labeled a declared emergency.

If you need to file a trip cancellation or interruption claim:

• Check your credit card's benefits guide to see if you are eligible for coverage and what the limits are.
• Call your credit card's benefits administrator, or start a claim online.
• Determine which documents you need to collect.
• Submit the documents within the required timeline.

"Many travel insurance policies can cover travelers who need to cancel or interrupt their trip due to a natural disaster, such as the Hawaii wildfires," Steven Benna, marketing manager for Squaremouth Travel Insurance, told TPG. "This can include cancellation coverage for travelers who are unable to travel because their destination is uninhabitable or under a mandatory evacuation due to the fires, as well as interruption coverage for travelers whose trips are cut short."

"However, travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events," he added. "In order for coverage to be available, the traveler must have bought their policy before the fires began."

Depending on the needs of your trip, sites like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth allow you to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs and compare coverage and pricing for multiple policy options at once.

Various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA and Costco, also offer travel insurance policies for purchase. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for any future trips.

There's also a type of coverage referred to as "cancel for any reason" coverage . You might only get 75% of the trip cost back, so depending on the trip, it might not be worth the hefty premium.

Related: 4 times your credit card's travel insurance can help with travel woes, and 7 times it won't

What to do if you have a cruise to Hawaii

For cruise passengers, it's important to understand the cancellation or rebooking policy for the specific cruise line you will be traveling on.

Cruise lines might reroute to avoid Maui and affected areas. Per the terms of the cruise contract to which you consent before sailing, cruise lines do not owe you compensation if they alter your itinerary. If changes are made, you will be refunded for any shore excursions you booked through the cruise line that were to take place in the ports you're skipping. (Check with your tour provider directly if you've booked a third-party excursion.)

TPG's guide on what happens if a cruise gets canceled is the next place to refer to for guidance if you receive notice that your cruise is canceled.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line shared this statement with TPG regarding Pride of America, its Hawaii-based cruise ship that sails weekly on a seven-night all-Hawaii cruise from Honolulu:

We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui. We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences. We are closely monitoring the situation in Maui, impacting the west side of the island, opposite the Kahului Harbor, where we call. At this time, there is no impact on our scheduled itineraries. As always, our top priority is the safety and security of our guests and crew. We will communicate further updates as appropriate.

Princess Cruises offered the following statement:

Given the severity of these fires and their significant strain on local resources, Emerald Princess will cancel her scheduled call to Maui (Lahaina) on Monday, August 14, and will instead call to Kona.

As we continue to monitor the situation, we are actively reviewing the itineraries of our upcoming voyages. If any adjustments need to be made to our published itineraries, we will advise guests and our Travel Advisor partners.

Related: What happens if my cruise line changes my itinerary or ship?

How to help support Maui's recovery efforts

In collaboration with the Hawaii Community Foundation, state leaders and nonprofits, the Maui Strong Fund is accepting donations to assist with recovery and relief efforts.

"The Maui Strong Fund was created to provide community resilience with resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery," according to the Hawaii Community Foundation. "The fund is currently being used to support communities affected by the wildfires on Maui," with 100% of funds being distributed for community needs.

TPG and Lonely Planet have teamed up to donate $25,000 to the Maui Strong Fund, and if you also want to help, you can learn more about the organization and donate here .

Aloha United Way has established a Maui Fire Relief Fund on its website , and 100% of the proceeds are directed to Maui United Way. The organization's partner agencies — such as the Maui Food Bank, the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army — are distributing relief funds according to the community's most urgent needs.

Donating miles or cash via airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has updated its website with a message allowing loyalty members to donate HawaiianMiles, which will be used to transport volunteers and staff to Maui. Up to 30 million miles in donations will be matched by the airline for the month of August. You must log in to your account to donate.

American Airlines is also supporting the American Red Cross' disaster relief efforts, and American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn 10 AAdvantage bonus miles for every dollar donated to the Red Cross via its microsite . (Note there's a minimum donation amount of $25.)

Alaska Airlines has contributed 5 million miles to Kanu Hawaii and Maui Rapid Response, which are leading the efforts to relocate displaced Maui residents while they work to rebuild. Alaska Airlines will match the first 1 million miles donated by Mileage Plan members through Aug. 31. Donate miles to Kanu Hawaii .

Bottom line

This is a devastating, life-altering event for the people of Maui. The most important things to consider right now are the safety of everyone on Maui and efforts to help those affected by the disaster, both by considering tangible donations and allowing space and time for relief and recovery efforts.

Now that local government officials have released updated travel guidance, only West Maui communities are off-limits. Other areas of Maui are open and accepting guests.

Based on the updated information shared by the Hawaiian governor and the statement released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the economy would suffer without tourism in the Hawaiian Islands. They are encouraging travelers to consider visiting other areas of Maui, including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana.

Related reading:

• Hawaii declares emergency due to wildfires, discourages all nonessential travel to Maui
• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• The best credit cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Additional reporting by Caroline Tanner, Matt Moffitt, Erica Silverstein and Meghna Maharishi.

36 Hours on Maui

By Shannon Wianecki April 25, 2024

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By Shannon Wianecki Photographs by Michelle Mishina Kunz

Shannon Wianecki grew up in Hawaii and writes about the islands regularly.

Maui is the Goldilocks island: It is neither too big nor too small, and for its three million annual visitors, its perfect year-round temperature, rainbow-splashed volcanic summits and sugary beaches are just right. But last August, Maui’s equilibrium met disaster. Catastrophic wildfires reduced the historic town of Lahaina to ash, claiming more than 100 lives . Conflicting messages urged visitors to stay away and let the island heal, but also to come and help sustain the economy. Eight months later, the message is more unified that Maui is ready to greet tourists again. Housing remains a critical need for displaced residents. Lahaina will take years to rebuild. But Maui’s inherent beauty and hospitality remain as vibrant as ever. It’s a great time to explore Central and South Maui, where new cocktail bars, outrigger canoe tours and Indigenous art exhibits reveal the community’s creativity and resilience.

Recommendations

• The 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā National Park (pronounced with an emphasis on “la”) has a view of the rising sun, volcanic vistas and some of the planet’s rarest plants and birds.
• The Hale Hō‘ike‘ike museum showcases Hawaiian artwork, carved deities and a redwood plank surfboard owned by the legendary swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku.
• Balai Pata is a new restaurant that celebrates Filipino flavors with savory soups, desserts big enough for two and monthly karaoke nights.
• The Wailea Beach Path meanders along South Maui’s photogenic coast between posh resorts and the deep blue Pacific.
• The hiking trails at ‘Īao Valley State Monument (pronounced EE-ow) penetrate the lush West Maui Mountains, winding past waterfalls and taro patches.
• Enormous murals by Small Town Big Art , a public art project, in colorful and historic Wailuku town, are worth taking a stroll to see, and they’re navigable by an online map.
• Blue Water Rafting ’s exhilarating tours of the Kanaio Coast explore hidden coves, sea caves and charismatic marine life.
• Ho‘okipa Beach Park , one of the world’s top surf spots, is also a great place to spy on napping sea turtles.
• Oao Sushi Bar & Grill offers beautifully prepared Japanese fare, such as inventive sushi rolls and purple-yam pot de crème, in a Wailea shopping center.
• Tikehau Lounge serves seasonal craft cocktails made with local spirits and garnished with tiny katana swords and surfboards.
• Kaohu Store is a mom-and-pop grocery that produces the island’s best poke, raw fish mixed with traditional seasonings such as ground kukui nuts and seaweed.
• Tails Up Maui , a partnership between a local chef and a fisherman, serves excellent fish sandwiches and chicken plates.
• Wailuku Coffee Co. is the place to stop for Maui-grown coffee or espresso while exploring Wailuku.
• Esters Fair Prospect , a charming tropical bar on Wailuku’s Main Street, serves daiquiris made with a choice of three dozen rums and appetizers featuring fresh marlin.
• Mama’s Fish House , a celebrated restaurant on a secluded lagoon, lists the names of the fishermen who caught the snapper and octopus on its menu.
• On Saturday mornings, the Upcountry Farmers Market is a miniature street fair with live music and vendors offering a bounty of Maui-grown produce and prepared foods.
• ‘Oko‘a Farm Store sells a cornucopia of organic tropical fruits and vegetables in fresh, dried and powdered form.
• T. Komoda Store and Bakery , which has served the Maui community for more than a century, sells out of its cream puffs and butter rolls daily.
• Sabado Art Gallery is where the local artist Philip Sabado paints, teaches workshops and sells his color-saturated impressions of Maui landscapes and hula dancers.
• Native Intelligence offers a wealth of Hawaiian art and fashion: Locals come here for Aloha shirts and sarongs, fine jewelry and fresh flower leis.
• Four Seasons Resort Maui sets the standard for service with poolside spritzes, immaculate housekeeping and a terrific complimentary kids’ camp. Guests can book spa treatments in oceanfront huts and outrigger canoe excursions that launch from the resort’s adjoining beach. Rooms start at $1,095 a night.
• Hotel Wailea is an adults-only boutique hotel on a hill overlooking South Maui. While not directly on the beach, it’s only a short shuttle ride away. Elegant suites are spacious (750 square feet with kitchenettes) and the Birdcage lounge is a prime spot for toasting the sunset. Rooms start at $799.
• Maui Kamaole is a condo complex across the street from Kama‘ole Beach Park III, between Wailea and Kihei on Maui’s south shore. One- and two-bedroom units feature full kitchens, laundry facilities and lush landscaping. Rooms start at $500.
• Since the recent fire intensified the housing shortage, visitors should avoid short-term rentals in residential areas. Instead, book hotels that offer in-room kitchens, such as Fairmont Kea Lani or Mana Kai Maui .
• The best way to explore the island is by car . The major rental companies each have kiosks at Kahului Airport. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available, but long distances between destinations make this an expensive option. Maui’s public transit is limited. The Maui Bus operates 12 routes, including two that stop at the airport. One-way fares cost $2; day passes are $4.

Wailea Beach Path

The Wailea Beach Path , which meanders along the island’s southern coast, reflects Maui’s almost contradictory personas: On one side, opulent resorts flaunt swim-up bars and nightly torch-lighting ceremonies. A subtler drama unfolds on the opposite side, where native flora like honey-scented naio bushes, spiky hala trees and hibiscus blossoms flourish along the rocky shoreline. Sit and listen to the sea rush through the lava rocks as the sun drops between three islands: Lanai, Kahoolawe and tiny Molokini. In the 1970s, nine Native Hawaiians occupied Kahoolawe in defiance of the U.S. military, which had been using the island as a bombing range for decades. Their daring protest sparked what is now known as the Hawaiian Renaissance — a revival of Indigenous culture that continues today.

Head to Oao Sushi Bar & Grill in the Wailea area for beautifully prepared Japanese fare. The owner and head chef, J.R. Oao, sharpened his knife at Maui’s best sushi bars (including a stint at Nobu Lana‘i) before opening his first brick-and-mortar restaurant last year (he also has a food truck in Kihei, a few miles north). His signature rolls are balanced and inventive: Try the baked California roll ($22), served hot and loaded with shrimp and scallops. Juicy seared lamb chops rest on a smear of umami-rich red miso ($42). Even the salads impress — bright cilantro vinaigrette with a hint of horseradish enlivens a simple mix of Maui-grown greens, roasted corn and goat cheese ($16). For dessert, the ube pot de crème ($14), made from purple yam, is luscious, light and almost cartoonishly bright.

The name of Tikehau , a new lounge in Wailea, means “peaceful landing.” The bar, which opened in November and is quietly raising the standard for craft cocktails statewide, was true to its name for Mari Howe, its manager, and other staff who came to work here after losing jobs or homes to the Lahaina fire. Everything is thoughtfully selected, from the gold-leaf wallpaper to the crystal stemware. Garnishes are coveted souvenirs; a tiny surfboard floats atop the Thousand Peaks ($19) — a lagoon-blue Paloma topped with jasmine-tea “sea foam.” The Hawaiian Samurai ($50), a top-shelf-whiskey libation, comes with a miniature katana sword. Ms. Howe’s seasonal menu incorporates local spirits and mixers: fresh pineapple juice, Kō Hana rum and okolehao, a moonshine made from Hawaiian ti plants. Upscale snacks include poisson cru, a raw-fish dish ($25), and smoked taro hummus ($15).

Explore the rugged Kanaio Coast’s hidden coves and sea caves with a rafting tour.

This morning mission requires preparation. First, book a sunrise reservation at Haleakalā National Park well in advance ($1 permit, $30 park entrance). Then pack really warm clothes. In the darkness, drive slowly up the 10,000-foot volcano; fog often obscures cattle and native geese loitering in hairpin turns. Your efforts will be rewarded at the peak — first by the velvet sky awash with stars, then by the sun’s rays spilling across the fire-forged mountain. Notice how the silverswords (hedgehog-like plants that grow only here) sparkle in the golden light. As you descend, stop at Hosmer Grove , where a short hike leads to a forest full of Hawaiian honeycreepers , birds that are among some of the planet’s rarest.

Midway down Haleakalā, stop at the Upcountry Farmers Market . Every Saturday morning, the Kulamalu Town Center parking lot turns into a miniature street fair with live music and vendors offering a dizzying array of Maui-grown produce and prepared foods. You’ll find things to eat immediately — fresh coconut, vegan sweet-potato cheesecake and Venezuelan arepas — as well as things to stash in your suitcase, like passion-fruit butter and macadamia nuts. Don’t miss the ‘Oko‘a Farm Store , which migrated from the market into an adjacent storefront. The store’s 46-acre farm supplies a cornucopia of tropical fruits and vegetables; its shelves teem with jars of pickled, powdered, and freeze-dried treats and tonics.

Baldwin Avenue

Take the scenic drive back to sea level through historic Makawao and Paia towns. Bordered by a rodeo arena and a polo field , Makawao is the charming headquarters of the paniolo, Hawaiian cowboys who continue to rope and ride across the island’s lush ranchlands. On the corner of Makawao and Baldwin Avenues you’ll see T. Komoda Store and Bakery ; this beloved family-run business, which has served the community since 1916, sells out of its cream puffs and butter rolls daily. Follow Baldwin past the defunct sugar mill to Paia. Once a busy sugar plantation hub surrounded by green cane fields, it’s now home to surfers and artists. As you pass Baldwin Beach, admire the view of the rain-carved West Maui Mountains. The morning light often reveals the hidden interior of ‘Īao Valley, your next destination.

Wailuku River

Head to Kaohu Store in Wailuku for lunch to go. This mom-and-pop grocery offers the island’s best poke — raw fish mixed with traditional seasonings such as ground kukui nuts and seaweed (from $18 a pound). Add two scoops of rice and crunchy fern salad for a truly local meal. If you prefer a cooked lunch, visit Tails Up Maui for a classy fish sandwich ($19) or mochiko (rice flour) fried chicken ($17). Take your picnic to Kepaniwai Park , where model houses commemorate the diverse cultures of Hawaii’s sugar plantation era, and dip your feet into the Wailuku River. Continue to ‘ Īao Valley State Monument (out-of-state visitors need reservations; $5 entrance fee, $10 parking). Paved walkways wind through a traditional lo‘i kalo (taro patch), past multiple waterfalls and up to a stunning lookout.

Peruse the art and artifacts at Hale Hō‘ike‘ike , a captivating repository of Hawaiian culture in the former home of the missionary-artist Edward Bailey. Exhibits showcase Hawaiian feather work and quilts, carved deities, and paintings depicting 19th-century Maui. Imagine trying to paddle the legendary swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku’s redwood plank surfboard into the waves (entry, $10). From there, stroll through Wailuku, Maui’s somewhat sleepy seat of local government. Narrow side streets yield many treasures: See enormous street murals (use the online map by Small Town Big Art , a public art project), admire the color-saturated paintings at Sabado Art Gallery and find refreshment at Wailuku Coffee Co. or Esters Fair Prospect , a cocktail bar. After shopping for Hawaiian books and clothing at Native Intelligence , buy yourself a fragrant flower lei to wear for the duration of your trip.

At Balai Pata , a new Filipino restaurant in Kahului, a celebration of the flavors that the chef and owner Joey Macadangdang grew up with is a welcome addition to Maui’s restaurant scene. Plump Kauai prawns sauteed in garlicky fish sauce ($17) set the stage for savory sinigang ($30) — tamarind broth loaded with long beans, okra and fish. For dessert, two can share the halo-halo ($18) — crushed ice topped with avocado, ube ice cream, coconut cream and fruit jellies, served in a coconut shell. The décor reflects a bright, homespun aesthetic, and once a month, local families fill the restaurant for late-night happy hour and karaoke battles — check Instagram for dates.

Jumping into a pool in Kepaniwai Park.

Blue Water Rafting

A trip to Maui isn’t complete without ducking underwater to spy on clouds of striped manini fish, eagle rays and turtles. While most snorkel tours start at Mā‘alaea Harbor, Blue Water Rafting boards at the Kihei boat ramp — offering easier access and one of the only tours of Kanaio Coast’s hidden coves and sea caves ($179, four hours). Climb into the rigid-hulled raft beside two dozen other passengers (fewer than the big tour boats) and watch for dolphins. In winter, close encounters with whales are common. As you peer into the pristine bay formed by Maui’s youngest lava flow, imagine the Polynesian wayfinders sailing here centuries ago, followed by the French explorer La Pérouse in 1786. The ride is exhilarating but bumpy.

Don’t be shy: Wear your flower lei to lunch at Mama’s Fish House . Old-style hospitality reigns at this celebrated restaurant on a sheltered lagoon. Servers greet you in vintage Aloha wear and offer complimentary bowls of poi (pounded taro — a staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet). The menu is pricey but worthy; long before it was fashionable, Mama’s listed who caught each fish and where. A recent menu featured sea bass hooked by Ivan Ventura in Hana ($68). If you ordered only dessert, you’d still leave happy; the Polynesian Black Pearl ($24) is an edible version of “The Birth of Venus”: chocolate mousse and passion fruit ensconced in a cookie seashell. Tables can book up a year out. After lunch, drive two minutes east to Ho‘okipa Beach Park , where surfers carve waves and sea turtles bask on the sand.

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Congratulations on picking which Hawaiian Island to visit . With whale watching, the Road to Hana, phenomenal beaches, and so much more, Maui trip planning can be stressful. Here are the essential details on how to plan a trip to Maui.

We called Maui home for numerous years and now our family returns every few months. Here are the steps we take, plus extra details, to plan your trip to Maui. Whether this is your first trip or your 50th, we have you covered.

Planning a Quick Trip? We have you covered. Jump into Maui trip planning with quick links to all of our best Maui information: Our full Maui Travel Guide Maui Done-for-You Itineraries A curated list of our favorite tours & activities Your guide to Maui Whale Watching

Maui Trip Planning: What You Need to Know Before You Book

With this step-by-step guide, we will have you confidently finish your Maui trip planning. With ways to save, videos, and insider tips, we have your back for the best trip ever to the Valley Isle.

If you’re a visual learner, see our Maui Travel Guide video below. At a minimum, the video will get you excited about planning your trip to Maui.

1. Best Month to Visit Maui

The best month to visit Maui is September for the best prices on hotels, rental cars, and flights. You will also find the fewest visitors on the island and excellent weather in September.

The best times to visit Maui are the shoulder seasons of September and October and May and April. With schools in session and decent weather on the mainland, demand goes down for a Maui vacation so hotels and rental car companies drop their rates. If you don’t have the ability to visit during the shoulder season, here are ways to have a Maui vacation for less .

We go back and forth on the worst time to visit Maui . You be the judge if a holiday vacation is worth it for your family: How to Plan a Hawaii Christmas Vacation . 

Many Maui trip planners want to visit Maui for whale season. Officially, whale season on Maui is from mid-December till the end of March. See our Maui Whale Guide for details.

For more details on the best month to visit Maui, see our Is There a Best Time to Visit Maui? Yes, and Here’s Why .

2. Cheapest Time of Year to Visit Maui

Maui is by no means a cheap vacation. But there are times when costs are high and other times when your dollar can stretch a bit further. 

The cheapest time to visit Maui is May, September, October, and November. Those months offer the lowest rates on accommodations. 

September has historically been the cheapest time of year to visit Maui due to low hotel rates.

Maui is the most expensive Hawaiian Island to visit ( here is the cheapest Hawaiian Island ). Maui is ranked third in the world as the most expensive sun and sea destination . 

You can save money when planning a trip to Maui by finding a good deal on a hotel. Here are ways to save on hotels in Hawaii !

When are the cheapest flights to Maui? Based on the data, this is the cheapest time to fly to Maui .

3. How Many Days Do You Need on Maui

We recommend staying for a minimum of 5 days on Maui. The average trip to Maui is 8.1 days per the Hawaii Tourism Authority .

Do you want to go-go-go each day and do every activity on Maui? Do you need some days to sit on the beach and do nothing? Or are you purely coming to relax with your feet in the sand and sip a tropical drink?

Once you know the pace you’re going for, you can start building your list of activities to decide how many days you’ll want to stay on Maui .

Our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary includes 8 excursion days that take you all over the island, from Lahaina Town in West Maui to Upcountry Maui . To be honest, it would be exhausting to do all eight days on your trip (pick your favorites!). Hence, figure out what you want to do in the Things to Do Section to better gauge how much time you need on Maui.

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.

4. How Far in Advance to Book a Trip to Maui

We recommend booking six months in advance for a trip to Maui. When traveling during Maui’s busy seasons of Christmas and summer, book nine months in advance. 

A caveat, if you’re reading this two months before your trip then don’t sweat it. Our advice here will help you with your Maui trip planning.

We recommend booking six months in advance to secure the best prices for rental cars and hotels. Plus, you will be able to pick your preferred hotel room for the dates you want. 

Things do sell out on Maui so book ahead for peace of mind. As we share in our newsletter often, Book Early is our motto at The Hawaii Vacation Guide. As visitor demand increases to Maui, you will find prices will skyrocket. 

For a nice restaurant, like Mama’s Fish House , then book six months in advance for a table and your preferred date. 

Want something that doesn’t require a booking far in advance? Book a Hawaii lei greeting at the airport. A lei greeting is a fun way to start your vacation!

Our favorite Maui snorkel tours and guided tours don’t sell out until weeks in advance (depending on the time of the year), but you want to ensure your whole family can go on the date you prefer.

Final booking tip: By booking early in your Maui trip planning, you can check to see if prices have changed. Lock in a price and then check to see if the price of the discount rental car or hotel has dropped. Then you can cancel and rebook.

5. Where Should You Stay on Maui?

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

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

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

Watch our Where to Stay on Maui video (or our 6 Best Maui Luxury Resorts video ) for an overview of the places to stay on Maui for your Maui trip planning.

6. Should you stay in a hotel or vacation rental on Maui?

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

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

If you’re still not sure what you want to do, we break down the difference between choosing a hotel and a vacation rental in Hawaii . We also share how to spot an illegal vacation rental .

7. Do You Need a Rental Car on Maui?

We get this question asked a lot. Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island for not having a rental car . We believe you need a rental car in Maui to do the best things to do , especially things to do with kids on Maui . 

A rental car will be more cost-efficient than using Uber, Lyft, or taxis to navigate Maui. We recommend using Discount Hawaii Car Rental as they have the lowest prices and no pre-payment (tip: book early and watch prices) or a local Maui rental car company .

You can get by without a rental car on Maui by staying in the resort areas of Wailea and Kaanapali. Enjoy a more casual beach vacation with Uber or taxi rides to restaurants or beaches in the area. Here are 11 Tips for Getting Around Maui Without a Rental Car .

8. What to Pack for Maui Vacation

We are all about packing light for a Maui vacation. Erica loves to bring packing cubes to keep us organized and I like to bring sandals (slippers in Hawaii) and t-shirts. 

We witness visitors packing sweatshirts and jeans for their tropical vacation to Maui. The temperature in the resort areas gets down to the low 70s during the night. Maui is a warm place. Unless you’re easily cold, save room in your suitcase with only the essentials.

Here is your essential list of what to pack for Maui:

• Shorts and T-shirts
• One Gorgeous Island Style Outfit
• Comfortable Footwear: sandals and hiking or walking shoes
• Swimsuit (of course)
• Sun-Protective Clothing
• Mineral-Based Sunscreen
• UV-Protective Sunglasses
• Water Bottle

See our What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation for our full list. Browse our Travel Gear for recommendations on sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and snorkel gear.

Trip Planning When You’re on Maui

The main elements of your Maui trip planning are now complete (airlines, flights, and rental car), here is what to consider once you’re on Maui. 

9. Understand the Geography

Geography on Maui is important because it will affect the weather you experience and what you do while on vacation. One big thing to understand about geography is that each island has a windward (wet side) and a leeward side (dry side)

On Maui, the leeward side of the island includes some great beaches, like Wailea Beach and Ka’anapali Beach. Hence, the resorts are located here to soak up the sunny days as rain is less frequent. 

The windward side of the island is home to the Road to Hana and a lot of beautiful waterfalls. The Road to Hana is a jungle drive thanks to all the rain on the windward side of the island. While mentioning the Road to Hana, decide here if it is worth driving during your Maui trip.

10. Eat Local on Maui

No Maui trip planning is complete without where to eat. Maui has some of the best food in the Hawaiian Islands. Here are some tips on where to eat on Maui. Eating local is one way to have an authentic Hawaiian experience .

• Fresh, locally caught fish : If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss out on the fresh fish. You can enjoy it at either a restaurant or at a fish market. You’ll see options like Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opah, Ahi, and more.
• Maui food trucks are the best in the Hawaiian Islands. Enjoy fresh ingredients, experimental chefs, and food truck parks for the whole family. See our Ultimate Maui Food Truck Guide on where to eat.
• Locally grown produce : Enjoy dragon fruit, coconut, lilikoi, pineapples, locally produced honey, and more. We love doing Maui farm tours , but if that’s not part of your vacation itinerary, try a farm-to-table restaurant like Pacific’O in Lahaina or Ula’Ula Cafe . You’ll get to sample some island flavors while supporting the agriculture industry here. There is a large farmers market in Kula on Saturdays and another in Napili.
• Traditional Hawaiian food : You don’t need to go to one of Maui’s best luaus to sample some traditional Hawaiian dishes. Look for dishes like poi (taro that has been pounded into a paste), laulau (meat wrapped and cooked in taro leaves), kalua pig (slow-roasted pork cooked in an underground oven), and poke (diced, raw fish that is wonderfully flavored).
• Shave ice : Not shaved ice. You may think that this is like a snowcone, but it couldn’t be further from it. Soft fluffy ice shavings that are flavored with different syrups and creative flavor combinations. You might also have the add-on of fruit and ice cream. It’s so, so good. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice is our favorite on Maui and is located all over the island.

Want to know the best Maui restaurants? Here are our Kihei and Wailea restaurants and Lahaina restaurants to eat at.

For a local experience, watch our 5 Favorite Maui Food Experiences for ideas to wow your partner.

11. Things to Do on Maui

Perhaps you jumped straight to this one for your Maui trip planning. Understanding what you want to do on your Maui vacation helps decide where you want to spend your time and money, and even where you want to stay. 

Here are the most popular things to do in Maui.

• Humpback whale season is from mid-December till the end of March. We found Maui to be the best Hawaiian island for whale watching. Our Maui Whale Guide will tell you how to do it right or enjoy one of our seven favorite Maui whale tours .
• Haleakala National Park is a stunning destination. See the endangered Nene bird and Silversword (‘ahinahina in Hawaiian) that only grows at the summit. Go hiking for the day and decide if the Haleakala sunrise or sunset is right for you.
• Napili Bay is a beautiful bay on Maui’s northwest shore. Come for the day to swim and snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (stay 10 feet away in the water). As a bonus, The Gazebo is great for breakfast and the Sea House is excellent for happy hour and dinner to end your day. Both are located on Napili Bay.

See the articles below for so many more things to do on Maui!

• 33 Things to Do on Maui: Leave the Crowds Behind
• 68 Things to Do on Maui with Kids
• 14 Things to Do on Maui on a Budget
• 16 Things to Do in Lahaina, West Maui

12. Can’t-Miss Activities and Tours

A tour is not required for your Maui vacation. Maui is full of things to do that are free or low cost. But, Maui has some amazing tours and excellent tour companies to take you out on the water or explore the island. 

See all our researched and vetted Maui tour companies here . We also have Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupons for many Maui tour operators. 

Here are the most popular Maui tours:

• Road to Hana is best done with a local guide. The dangerous road is now more challenging with traffic and no parking tickets (see our Road to Hana Etiquette ), so let an expert take you to all the best stops. Save 10% with promo code HVG10 at checkout.
• Molokini Crater is a unique Hawaii snorkel destination. The crystal clear water and vibrant reef are worth a morning snorkel trip. Let our favorite catamaran crew take you out from South Maui for a sunrise or mid-morning tour .
• Whale Watching is a must when you visit Maui from December through March. See our seven favorite whale-watching tours to pick the tour right for you.

13. Use the Right Sunscreen on Maui

Starting in 2021, Hawaii required only reef-safe sunscreens to be sold in the state. We share Hawaii reef-safe sunscreen brands here .

Maui has taken further action to protect the reefs around the island. Maui requires only mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) to be sold on the island. We share our two favorite mineral-based sunscreens in our Travel Gear , one is a local Maui brand.

14. Learn About Maui Culture

The people of Maui are what makes the island such a special place to visit. From the Hawaiians to the plantation migrants who came in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the culture is uniquely Hawaii. 

Check out the museums and cultural activities below during your vacation as the icing on the cake for your Maui trip planning.

• Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House in Wailuku to learn Hawaiian history, local history, and see original artifacts.
• Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center to learn about the ocean and Maui’s reefs at this interactive exhibit in Kaanapali’s Whalers Village.
• Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Ride – learn how the Polynesians travel the Pacific and between the island while you paddle as a team on an outrigger canoe. See Ali’i Outrigger Canoe in West Maui.

15. The Ultimate Maui Trip Planner

Maui trip planning is not easy. We hope this step-by-step guide has helped you feel confident in planning the best honeymoon, anniversary, or family vacation to Maui. 

If you’re looking for an easier way to plan your days on Maui, our Maui itineraries will do 80% of the work for you. We don’t book your rental car, flights, or hotel for you but our guides will tell you how to have the best Maui vacation ever with what to do and how to do it!

Even experienced Maui trip planners get our itinerary!

I just wanted you to know that my family and I purchased the Maui itinerary and we are wrapping up 12 days on the island. We did so much of what you recommended and it was awesome for everyone. We have three college-age kids and everybody enjoyed the things you suggested, including the restaurants. Thanks for all of the work that you put into this. Mahalo. Gunnar A.

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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Updated: Maui Travel Must Remain On Hold For Now

Updated 8/11 at 1 am. Our focus, love, and aloha are with the island of Maui. Understandably, the island is in crisis management mode given the still unfolding magnitude of the devastation after the fires.

We know many of you love Maui and have long-awaited plans to visit. You are asking questions about what to do in the short term, how long this crisis could endure, and how much it does and will impact other parts of Maui in the future. Good questions but still few answers today. Here’s what we know for now, we will continue to update this information.

First, Maui, in many ways, has very limited infrastructure. So to look at the fires as being isolated to Lahaina, for example, doesn’t take that fact into account; the whole island is greatly affected. Examples are medical care, service providers, equipment, first responders, and much more. That infrastructure is responsible for the entire island and simply needs time for recovery and reset.

Second, the island and state still need time to assess the damage after the fires in order to find out how quickly to move forward. Tourism is vital to Maui, and most hotels and condos were not damaged.

Our suggestions on how to plan Maui vacations in the short term.

If you have a Maui trip planned after August, excluding Kaanapali resorts and West Maui, we suggest you consider keeping those plans for now, as more will be revealed over the next few weeks. Most of Maui is accessible, and it’s a matter of getting island-wide infrastructure normalized in order to receive visitors once again.

If you have trip plans beyond August for West Maui (including Kaanapali), we suggest checking with your airline and hotel/vacation rental about cancellation policies since the State of Hawaii is clearly asking visitors not to come, and the surrounding infrastructure is in ruins.

If you are staying elsewhere on Maui, for example, Wailea or Kihei, check directly with the property.

Regarding vacation rentals, Airbnb and VRBO have different policies in place. “Parts of Maui” are covered by Airbnb for full refunds. VRBO is letting hosts cancel without impacting their ratings, but again, it’s up to the host to decide. Let us know what you are finding.

How long will the crisis endure in West Maui?

All of Lahaina will need to be rebuilt and that will take years. That leaves the Kaanapali resort area with Kihei, an hour away, as the nearest town. Reports are that the famous Banyan tree in Lahaina was severely burned but may survive, which may also stand as a testament to the strength of Maui and her people.

Kaanapali resorts are also undamaged, but the road to them is closed, and those evacuated had to leave their rental cars and much of their personal belongings behind, which will take time to sort out logistically. Power needs to be restored to all of West Maui, which will not be done quickly, and complete restoration of cell phone coverage too, which right now is minimal (although we have at last been able to reach people as of Thursday). We are also wondering if some hotel rooms will be needed by residents who lost their homes. Again, this all needs time to get sorted out and the situation remains extremely fluid as of Friday morning.

We spoke with a friend in Lahaina Thursday whose home burned down.

He lost his residence of thirty years while he and his wife barely escaped as the house burned. Police had told him they did not believe there would be any problem; they were not notified to evacuate and were unprepared when the gusts of 80+ miles per hour changed directions suddenly. He is now sleeping in his car while his wife has been hospitalized. Countless other stories like this are being told, which adds a personal face to this enormous and unfathomable disaster.

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156 thoughts on “Updated: Maui Travel Must Remain On Hold For Now”

We are planning to come to Mauii in the middle of September despite the terrible disaster. We have already paid for airfare and our place at Maui Ocean Club and offered our place for the week in an exchange for another Island another date but they did not budge. What can I bring with me that would be helpful and most useful. I feel heartbroken about this terrible disaster happened to this beautiful island

We have reservations in Kahana for the end of November. The resort does not know whether or not we will be able to travel there at that time. We want to support Maui with our purchasing but we also want to respect the wishes of the people there. Not sure what to think at this point.

We have a reservation in the Kihei area from 3 Sept. I know the devastation that has been cause by the fires, especially around Lahaina and do not want cause any problems for the people of Maui at this time. Could you please advise me if it is possible to travel to Kihei at that time. I also realise that tourism is one of the main incomes of the people of Maui and if our visiting might be of some benefit. your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

regards, Ian F

Yes, Kihei is fine so it is totally up to your discretion.

Do no refund policies apply in situations where the resort is not accepting guests due to the fires?

If the resort can’t accommodate you on the contractual basis you agreed to, some remedy should be available to you via the resort or your credit card. That’s different than it being physically available and you choosing not to go for a variety of reasons.

Hello, I have plans to stay at the Hyatt regency Maui the first week in October. Should we consider canceling?

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Home » North America » Maui

EPIC MAUI Itinerary! (2024)

Maui is a tropical paradise located in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. This island offers unlimited sunshine, ample outdoor activities, and extensive coastlines. The exotic and rare beauty of the beaches caters to all sun-seeking guests. If you’re trying to decide what to do in Maui, you’ve come to the right place! 

This Maui itinerary will have you spending your days soaking up the sun, snorkeling the warm waters, exploring exotic bamboo forests, and eating an endless supply of tropical fruit! This island is a place of ultimate relaxation!

Whether you’re spending two days in Maui, or two months, we’ve come up with the ultimate Maui travel blog to help you make the most out of your exciting island vacation!

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Best Time To Visit Maui

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Maui experiences warm temperatures year-round. The weather is never extreme, and apart from rain, it’s very predictable. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, here’s a quick look at the different seasons!

The summer months (June – August) produce the warmest temperatures and little-to-no rain. If your ideal vacation in Maui is laying beachside all day, this is the best season to plan a trip! In fact, it’s one of the top destinations for August , July and June vacations!

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Heading into Fall (September – November) the weather is still very enjoyable, and the summer crowds will be gone. Although this island is touristy year-round, this is considered the least busiest time to travel to Maui.

During the winter months (December – February) the holiday crowds flock to the island to escape the cooler temperatures in the northern hemisphere. This is the start of Maui’s rainy season, but not to worry, each day will still provide plenty of sunshine!

If you’re touring Maui in the Spring (March-May) you can expect warm temperatures and little-to-no rain. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, this is a great season to vacation there!

Whether you’re spending one day in Maui, or one week, you’re going to want to stay in a location that will make your Maui itinerary as accessible as possible.

When looking for accommodation, try and pick a place as close to the beach as possible. This way you’ll spend less time driving and more time relaxing.

The west side of Maui is the touristy side. This is the best area to stay in if it’s your first time visiting Maui, as you’ll have access to the best Maui attractions! This is the area you’ll find the best luxury resorts and seaside cottages. Keep in mind, since this is the most touristy area of Maui, it’s also the most expensive.

The west side includes Kaanapali, Honokowai, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua, and Lahaina . This may seem like a lot of options, but Maui is a smaller sized island and everything is clustered close together.

The south of Maui is another great option. Accommodation tends to be slightly less expensive than the west, and the scenery is just as beautiful! Kihei, Wailea, and Makena are three great areas to stay in South Maui.

If you’re only able to plan a three-day itinerary in Maui, you’ll be able to see more of the island by staying in these locations.

Best hostel in Maui – Tiki Beach Hostel

This Maui accommodation is great value-for-money! This hostel provides guests free use of boogie boards and access to beach chairs, as well as snorkeling equipment. They are located in the heart of Lahaina Maui, right next to Lahaina Beach! This is the best place to stay in Maui if you’re traveling solo, and you’ll be sure to meet loads of fellow travelers!

If you prefer to stay in hostels, check out these cool hostels in Maui .

Best Airbnb in Maui – Private condo in a great location

With white sands, crashing waves, and beautiful sunsets right outside the front door, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better apartment in Maui . Split bedrooms and beach access make this ideal for a group looking to make the most of the waves.

Best budget hotel in Maui – Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront

This Maui hotel is located in south west Maui on Keawakapu beach, meaning guests will enjoy easy beachfront access. All rooms include air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, microwave, and a coffee machine. There is a fitness center, barbecue facilities, and a launderette on-site for guests’ convenience. There is also an on-site restaurant and free parking available.

You can also check out the huge range of VRBOs in Maui and vacation rentals !

Whether you’re spending three days in Maui or backpacking through Hawaii with no end in sight, you’re going to need to figure out how to get around.

The best way to reach the most popular Maui points of interest is by car. The public transportation in Maui isn’t as convenient as other cities in the United States.

Car rental companies can be found at the Kahului or Kapalua airports, and renting a car is easy and convenient. Maui has a very simple layout and navigating the island is fairly straightforward. Renting a car is strongly encouraged if you have more than a five day itinerary planned, as you’ll have a lot of time for exploring the island!

However, if you’re not able to rent a car, don’t panic, there are other options available! If you’re only planning to spend a few days in Maui, you can use Uber to get around. This ride sharing app makes traveling in a new area hassle-free and is a great option for traveling shorter distances. 

Maui’s bus system is an option, but it’s more suited for shorter distances. Not much information is available online, so if you plan to use it, it’s best to ask a local or someone at the accommodation you’re staying at.

Nakalele Blowhole | Honolua Bay | Kapalua Beach | Lahaina Town | Experience a Hawaiian Luau Show

Start day one of your Maui trip itinerary by checking out the best spots on the west side of the island. Grab your sunscreen and shades, and get ready to spend a gorgeous day outdoors in west Maui!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Nakalele Blowhole

• Why it’s awesome: This natural blowhole shoots water up into the sky on a regular basis!
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: The Honolua Farms Kitchen is the closest restaurant to the Nakalele Blowhole. This organic and eco-friendly restaurant serves delicious and wholesome meals, including vegan and vegetarian options!

The Nakalele Blowhole is set on the island’s northwestern coast. It’s a natural geyser where seawater trapped in an underwater lava tube makes a forceful explosion that erupts on a regular basis! A column of water is powerfully jettisoned up to 100-feet in the air!

There are numerous trails that lead down to the blowhole. We recommend taking the trail from mile marker 38.5, it’s considered the safest route and also offers a look at the famous heart shaped hole in the rock! This is a popular photo posted by many Instagrammers and is one of the ultimate things to do in Maui .

The hike down from the main road takes about 10-15 minutes. We strongly recommend you wear proper shoes for this excursion, as hiking down in sandals or flip-flops can be dangerous, especially when the ground is wet.

Despite the geyser’s beauty, it’s important to remember the blowhole is dangerous and tourists need to keep a safe distance, as accidents happen frequently. If you stand too close, you risk slipping and falling on the rocks. Tiny micro-ecosystems live inside of geyser’s avoid getting to close to protect them fragile ecosystems.

Admire and appreciate the blowhole from a distance, and avoid venturing too close. As a rule of thumb, the safest way to view the Nakalele Blowhole is to simply to stay on the dry rocks.

Insider Tip: If you’re traveling to Maui from December to May, make sure to be on the lookout  for whales leaping in the distance!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Honolua Bay

• Why it’s awesome: Honolua is a rocky bay that’s perfect for snorkeling and surfing.
• Food nearby: The Plantation House is a popular Hawaiian eatery with breathtaking views and delicious island inspired meals.

Honolua Bay is located on the northwest corner of the island. During the summer months, this is a great area to snorkel in. It’s one of the few sheltered bays to snorkel on Maui. The waves stay calm, the visibility is great, plus the water is loaded with beautiful coral and marine life! Since this area is protected by a bay, this is a great spot for snorkeling beginners !

The best snorkeling reefs are a bit of a swim from shore. Keep this in mind so you don’t give up too early on your swim. After entering the water, swim near the rocky shore on the right side of the bay until you reach the reef, it will be about 600-feet from the beach. It’s common to see big catamarans dropping off snorkelers in this spot.

During the winter months, the waves pick up and this area turns into a popular place for surfing. Surfers from all over the world travel here, and many surf league competitions take place in Honolua Bay.

Come early to secure a spot in the parking lot, or, park along the road. To access the water you’ll take a short hike through a lush green forest. There are two trails to choose from that will take you to the beach for snorkeling. Both trails are basically flat and easy to navigate.

The first trailhead is near the first bend in the road past the overlook and is a 700-foot hike to the beach. The second trailhead is just past the second big left bend in the road past the overlook and is a 1,500-foot hike to the beach. The beach is rocky, so this area is more geared towards water activities.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Kapalua Beach

• Why it’s awesome: Beautiful sandy beach in a protected cove along Maui’s west coast, perfect for lounging in the sun and snorkeling.
• Food nearby: Merriman’s Maui is a renowned oceanfront restaurant featuring farm-to-table cuisine in an elegant setting. Stop by during the afternoon and check out their daily happy hour specials!

This is the kind of beach that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii. Kapalua Bay was named Best Beach in the World by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine and the Best Beach in America by the Travel Channel!

Kapalua Beach is located on Maui’s west shore and is known for its golden, white sandy beach front. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the Maui sun! It attracts a fair sized crowd, but there is always plenty of room to spread out your beach towel.

The bay is protected by two reefs that extend out on both ends forming a C-shaped cove, giving the water a feeling of being sheltered from the open ocean. This makes it another fantastic spot on Maui for snorkeling! This is a great spot for kids to snorkel in particular, as the ocean will literally be a few feet from your beach towel. Swim masks or goggles are recommended to look out for coral and rocks that fill the bay. 

There is a 1.7 mile long paved oceanfront pathway that begins at Kapalua Beach and stretches north along the coastline, bridging across three different bays; perfect for a nice stroll before or after lounging on this luxurious beach!

There is beach parking conveniently located next to the public restrooms and showers. Kapalua Bay includes a small beach activities desk offering a variety of water-sports equipment and activities. This picturesque beach is a must-visit location on your Maui vacation itinerary!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Lahaina Town

• Why it’s awesome: Lahaina Town is a touristy area of west Maui with a compact and pedestrian friendly Main Street. This area is filled with restaurants, bars, shops, art-galleries, and more!
• Cost: Free to visit!
• Food nearby: Located right on Front Street, Kimo’s Maui is a relaxed seafood spot with gorgeous ocean views and friendly service.

Lahaina is the second most visited spot on the island. This town was the former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845. Today, it is a compact and touristy area of west Maui. The main area of the town is Front Street. This walkable street is filled with eclectic eateries, buzzing bars, and souvenirs stores selling everything from local handicraft items to touristy trinkets.

You’ll find plenty of art galleries that feature the works of local artists and world-renowned artists, and they’re all free to visit! Lahaina is home to the primary harbor in west Maui and is where the majority of west Maui snorkeling and whale watching tours depart.

The most famous feature in Lahaina is the Banyan Tree, located in Lahaina Banyan Court Park. This historic tree was planted in 1873 to memorialize the 50th anniversary of the first American Protestant mission in Lahaina. The banyan tree is not only the largest banyan tree in Hawaii, it’s one of the largest banyan trees in the United States; Its extensive trunk and aerial root system covers 0.66-acres!

Free Lahaina Maui walking tours are also available and a great way for tourists to discover the rich history of this popular ocean town. Add this stop to your Maui itinerary to take a break from the beach and explore an exciting area of the island!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Experience a Hawaiian Luau Show

• Why it’s awesome: Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian dinner and beachside Luau performance.
• Cost: Approximately USD $125.00 for adults and USD $80.00 for children.
• Food nearby: Food is included in every Luau that showcases the island cuisine. Popular staple items include a kalua pig, island style fried rice, poke, ahi, poi, and more! The open-bar serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including tropical drinks, cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

A Luau is an exhilarating blend of traditional Polynesian food, storytelling, dance and Hawaiian culture. As the sun sets behind swaying palm trees and flickering tiki torches, you’ll enjoy a spectacular night unlike any other!

Enjoy a Hawaiian feast accompanied by an immersive dinner show. Dinner is offered buffet-style and is made up of a large assortment of island specialties, including desserts! An open bar is available for guests throughout the night.

Witness hula and Polynesian dancers tell traditional stories through rhythm and song with a backdrop of crashing waves and the warm ocean breeze. Luaus are offered in the evenings and last for approximately three to four hours.

There are several venues around the island where you’ll find luau’s, the majority are offered on the west and south side of Maui. It is recommended to buy your luau tickets as far in advance as possible, as this is a popular attraction for tourists, and shows can fill-up fast. A luau is an essential experience on any Maui itinerary, and the perfect way to end your first day in Maui! 

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Iao Valley State Park | Maui Tropical Plantation Tour | Wailea Beach | Makena State Park | Keawakapu Beach

Now that you’ve explored all the main highlights on the west of Maui, check out a few inland activities and then head south for more island fun! Let’s continue with the perfect two day itinerary in Maui!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Iao Valley State Park

• Why it’s awesome: This state park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Maui Valley and easy hiking trails that are suited for all skill levels.
• Cost: Entrance is free, parking fee is USD $5.00 per car.
• Food nearby: 808 on Main serves gourmet sandwiches, salads, burgers, and snacks. Hit up this casual restaurant for a quick bite to eat before or after you enter the park, or order to-go and take something with you!

Iao Valley State Park is located in central Maui just west of Wailuku. This serene 4,000-acre, 10-mile long park is home to one of the most recognizable of Maui’s landmarks, the 1,200-foot tall Iao Needle. This stunning green-mantled rock overlooks Iao stream and is the perfect place for easy hiking and sightseeing.

There are numerous hiking trails, many of them leading to or offering excellent views of the Iao Needle and the Maui valley. The most popular path is the 0.6 mile Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop. There is a paved walkway that leads from the parking lot straight to the Iao Needle and through a botanical garden.

The majority of the hikes are suited for all skill levels, making this activity perfect for older folks and kids! The park is well maintained, with paved walkways, steps, and signage with historical information. Enjoy a peaceful walk in nature and be surrounded by tropical plants and a beautiful soft-flowing stream! 

The Iao needle is sometimes covered in clouds, so an early start is your best bet for a good view. The park has restrooms located at the beginning of the Lookout Trail. There are no drinking fountains or other refreshments offered on the grounds, so it’s best to bring plenty of water with you. Walk around at your own pace or take a tour .

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Maui Tropical Plantation Tour

• Why it’s awesome: Learn about the tropical fruits and staple crops of Maui. 
• Cost: USD $24.00 for adult tickets and USD $12.00 for children (3-12 years old).
• Food nearby: The Mill House is a restaurant located on the Maui Tropical Plantation. Enjoy dishes inspired by fresh and local ingredients while taking in the beauty of the farmland and the breathtaking Waikapu Valley!

Discover all things related to Maui’s most precious commodities. The Maui Tropical Plantation is a 60-acre working plantation. Take a narrated tram tour and learn about the origins of Hawaii’s most popular commercial fruits!

Learn interesting facts about Hawaii staple crops, including pineapples, bananas, coffee, macadamia nuts, sugarcane, papayas, and more! Witness the art of husking a coconut and sample some of Hawaii’s tastiest fruits!

The Maui Tropical Plantation is perfect for coffee drinkers! Visit the Mill House Roasting Company on the property and experience craft coffee at its finest! The coffee beans are grown naturally on the island and roasted in small batches to achieve the best quality! Enjoy a drink from their full-service coffee house and learn more about Hawaii’s most popular bean!

This plantation also contains several zip-lines! Try out the introductory zip line where you’ll soar through the Maui tropical plantation groups. Or, try out the longest, highest and fastest zip-line course on Maui! This exhilarating course features 8 zip-lines stretching the West Maui Mountains! This family-friendly zip-line course has an age limit of 5 years old.

Visit the Gift Shop and pick up all your authentic made in Maui souvenirs, snacks, and aloha wear!  This tropical plantation tour is perfect for everyone, but families in particular will love this addition to their Maui itinerary!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Wailea Beach

• Why it’s awesome: Wailea Beach is a well maintained public beach in Maui with a wide coastline, soft sand, and a water activities desk!
• Food nearby: Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is a popular eatery that offers friendly service as well as a bar with a vast beer and cocktail menu. Enjoy gourmet pub grub with a Hawaiian spin; the majority of ingredients are sourced from organic and local ingredients!

Wailea Beach is located in south Maui. This is another beautiful Hawaiian beach that is a must-see on your Maui itinerary! Characterized by gold-colored sand and outlined with tall palm trees, this beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some aquatic activities! 

The shoreline caters to the guests of several nearby resorts, making it very well maintained and geared towards tourists. Wailea beach offers a much less rugged coastline compared to some of Maui’s other beaches. There is a paved walkway that connects the beach to the area’s hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants.

An added bonus is that visitors to this beach will have access to water sports equipment rentals of the neighboring resorts! The waters of Wailea Beach stay relatively calm, making it a great spot for aquatic enthusiasts! Snorkel, swim, paddle-board or just relax, this beach is perfect for everyone!

There are well maintained public facilities, including a paved walkway that runs the length of the beach. Bathrooms, showers and plenty of free public parking is also available! If you’re feeling adventurous, take a helicopter tour !

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Makena State Park

• Why it’s awesome: Spacious and scenic stretch of coastline with numerous beaches and attractions.
• Food nearby: Try out Big Beach BBQ for some tasty island barbecue. This casual eatery serves classic Hawaiian comfort food out of a large green street-side food-truck!

Makena State Park is located approximately four miles south of the Shops at Wailea. The beaches in this State Park have a wild, isolated feel you don’t often find on Maui. You’ll find glassy waters, turtles, and fantastic views of Molokini Crater and Kaho’olawe! Be cautious when the surf is up. Although there are lifeguards on duty, some areas of the beach are known for strong undertows and pounding surf.

If you feel like hiking, head to the top of the 360 foot Pu’u Ola’i cinder cone. Although it looks relatively easy, the hill is made of a cinder called tephra, and is basically like walking up loose gravel. The walk is a bit of a battle, but the view from the top is simply stunning, and there’s always a cool dip in the ocean waiting for you below!

There is a black sand beach, also known as Oneuli Beach, located to the north of Earthquake Hill. Although the “sand” is mostly coarse black cinders, this beach is still gorgeous and a unique place to visit in Maui.

Makena is also home to Turtle Town, one of the best places on the island to see turtles! It is not uncommon to see more than ten turtles in one visit! If you’re spending a weekend in Maui and plan to visit Makena, keep in mind that the beaches will be busy! Nonetheless, this stop is a great addition to your itinerary for Maui!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Sunset at Keawakapu Beach

• Why it’s awesome: Not all sunsets are created equal, and the enchanting transformation of the day-to-night sky in Keawakapu Beach is solid proof!
• Food nearby: Sarento’s On the Beach is an ocean-side Mediterranean restaurant. Enjoy beautiful views, excellent service, and an extensive wine list.

After finishing up at Makena State Park, you’ll probably be heading back up north, as there won’t be too many more attractions if you continue down south. This is a great chance to stop at Keawakapu Beach for an epic sunset!

This beach is slow paced and relaxed, with plenty of shaded areas and grassy space to sit and enjoy the views. Since this beach doesn’t normally get as busy as other Hawaiian beaches found in the area, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy a sunset.

Make sure to keep an eye out for marine life, as turtles can be spotted bobbing their heads in the water and if it’s whale season (November through May) you might see North Pacific Humpback whales grace the Maui waters during their annual winter migration! There’s also a memorable scuba diving tour available !

The beach is roughly ½ a mile long. There is a parking lot and shower facilities available. Behind the beach you’ll find numerous resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Relax with the warm ocean breeze and take in the aloha spirit. If you’re going to Maui, make sure to visit this beach for a sunset you’ll never forget!

Tiki Beach Hostel

This Maui accommodation is great value! This hostel provides guests free use of boogie boards and access to beach chairs, as well as snorkeling equipment. For more awesome hostels, check out our favorite hostels in Hawaii.

• Free Parking

Now that we’re done covering your two day itinerary in Maui, you’re going to need a few more activities to fill your Maui itinerary. Here are some more noteworthy attractions, as well as some really cool day trips from Maui !

Waianapanapa State Park

• Located along the scenic 64.4-mile long Road to Hana.
• Experience a mesmerizing black sand beach!
• Swim in fresh water caves.

Waianapanapa State Park offers the sort of scenery you see on Hawaiian postcards. This tropical oasis is one of the most picturesque sites on the Road to Hana and a must-see attraction if you’re renting a car and taking a Maui road trip!

There are a number of activities to partake in. The black sand beach is the biggest draw for visitors, although, the ‘sand’ is actually tiny black pebbles. This is a great place for stunning photo opportunities, as the black sand contrasts beautifully against the turquoise blue water.

There is an impressive lava tube site that opens up to the tranquil ocean waters. A natural sea arch and sea cliffs that overlook Pailoa Bay. Rejuvenating freshwater caves, numerous hiking trails, and so much more!

This State Park has so much packed into one-stop, you could easily spend your whole three-day itinerary in Maui at this location! 

If you need some recommendations for places to stay near Waianapanapa State Park, check out our guide on where to stay in Hana .

The Pools at ‘Ohe’o

• Also named the seven sacred pools (although there are more than 7 pools).
• A series of waterfalls and pools in a tucked away scenic location.
• The Pools of ‘Ohe’o are located in Haleakala National Park along the Road to Hana.

The remote valley of the Haleakala National Park features cascading waterfalls and freshwater pools that are surrounded by rainforests and unbelievable natural beauty. Take a dip in the tranquil water of these tiered pools that are fed by waterfalls.

The Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park also contains plenty of self-guided hiking trails that weave through the bamboo rainforest and past roaring waterfalls! The Pipiwai Trail is a great choice for avid hikers and one of the island’s best trails! This three to five-hour hike leads to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls .

Since this attraction is located inside a national park, you’ll need to pay a USD $15.00 admission fee. This fee allows you access inside the park for three days (make sure to save your receipt)! There are full National Park facilities available, including a Ranger Station with lots of great information, a campground, large paved parking lots, and a bathroom.

It is recommended to wear closed-toed shoes or sneakers, especially if you plan to hike, as the rocks can be slippery. This is a popular tourist spot on the Road to Hana, the earlier you go the less crowded it will be. It’s debatable how many days you need in Maui , but if you’re planning an itinerary for four days or longer, this is such a scenic and beautiful area of Maui, make sure to take advantage of visiting this location!

Ho’okipa Beach Park

• World-renowned windsurfing and surfing destination.
• Located in north Maui.
• Free parking, showers and bathroom facilities.

Ho’okipa Beach is a long and narrow white sand beach. It is generally uncrowded with plenty of space to spread out. An exposed reef runs along most of the shore-bank, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles can be frequently seen bobbing their heads in the water.

Swimmers usually stick to the shallow margins of the shoreline. On the Pavilions side there are small areas of sandy-bottom ocean with sheltered swimming areas, and small tidepools running the length of the middle of the beach. There are also lifeguard towers at both ends of the park.

Beach is a Mecca to the windsurfing and surfing world. However, if you choose to partake in this activity, make sure you’re skilled enough to handle the conditions, especially if you see the orange flags are out.

If you’re more keen on watching surfers instead of partaking in the activity, head to Ho’okipa Lookout. This lookout is on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean and is a great place to relax and watch people catch some pretty epic waves!

You might also find some calming USA yoga retreats nearby.

Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii

• 3 acres facility that is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.
• The Maui Ocean Center is open 365 days a year, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
• Located in southwest Maui.

The Hawaiian Aquarium is the only aquarium in the world dedicated to fostering understanding and respect for Hawaii’s marine life. Enter the Marine Mammal Discovery Center and enjoy more than 60 interactive exhibits, including interactive modules, video monitors, and narrative boards!

There are hundreds of underwater animals, including live coral reef fishes. Learn about reef, blacktip, whitetip, hammerhead, and tiger sharks; considered the most dangerous sharks to inhabit tropical waters!

Get up close to playful green sea turtles and stingrays. Walk through an impressive 54-foot tunnel to a gigantic 750,000 gallon underwater world!

There are also two restaurants where you can enjoy an ocean view dining experience. Don’t leave without checking out The Maui Ocean Treasures gift shop, the perfect place to pick up some fun and educational aquarium themed souvenirs !

• Scenic vineyard and commercial winery.
• Located in south Maui.
• Reservations are not required for groups of less than 8 people.

If you’re a Maui bound wine enthusiast, make sure to check out Maui Wine for a tropical wine tasting experience! Taste their famed pineapple wines, exclusive small production wines, and sparkling wines. Step inside the King’s Cottage tasting room and enjoy a piece of history! This tasting room was originally built in the 1870s to accommodate the last reigning king of Hawaii!

Tastings are offered every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and complimentary guided tours of the historic estate are offered everyday at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

For a more personalized experience, book a private wine tasting at the historic “Old Jail,” which once served as captain James Makee’s private office. In this intimate but casual setting, guests will taste four wines, along with small taste pairings that enhance the palate! Reservations are required for the Old Jail tasting and are only available once a day, at 2:15 pm.

Whether you’re spending one day in Maui, or many, safety is an important thing to keep in mind!

Overall, Hawaii is a very safe place to travel to. However, it is always recommended that tourists take precautions when traveling to a new destination.

If you are traveling with a car in Maui, never leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. Keep them locked in your trunk, or even better, at your accommodation. Car break-ins are known to happen, especially if things are left in plain view.

If you are traveling solo, make sure to keep to the tourist areas. Follow our guide for recommended places to stay in Maui to be sure you’re heading somewhere safe. Maui is filled with beautiful hiking paths and endless coastlines; but it’s best to keep to the more popular trails and beaches. 

Exploring unfamiliar territory by yourself can be fun, but there is a safe way to do it. Leave a note in your hotel room saying where you are going, or message a family member or friend back home.

The vast majority of people experience nothing more distressing than sunburn! Follow these simple guidelines and you should have nothing to worry about. Keep your wits about you and enjoy your time in Maui!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Maui

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re spending four days in Maui, or even a month, a day trip can be a fun way to see more of this tropical paradise! These trips are a great addition to your Maui itinerary, and there are lots of options to choose from!

Road to Hana Sightseeing Tour

On this ten hour day tour you’ll travel the road to Hana , a breathtaking winding coastal road full of lush rainforests and waterfalls! Go off the beaten path in a small group setting of eight people and discover the less touristy areas of the island.

Enjoy a refreshing swim at a beach or near a waterfall and feast on a Tahitian BBQ lunch.

Learn about Hawaiian culture, history, legends and myths from your local tour guide who will offer insights into traditional Maui life! Hana is one of the most scenic places to visit in Maui, it’s the perfect addition to your vacation!

Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel with Lunch

On this 5.5-hour tour you’ll snorkel in the extinct volcanic crater of Molokini and discover Maui’s marine life! Go to Turtle Town, swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, and admire the colorful coral that surrounds the island. Experience the dramatic landscape of an extinct volcanic crater!

You’ll travel to Molokini on a catamaran and enjoy the use of top quality snorkeling equipment. Included in this trip is a continental breakfast and deli lunch with a free soft drink. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on the boat. This thrilling adventure is a great addition to your Maui itinerary!

Dolphins and Snorkeling Cruise to Lanai

On this 5-hour tour you’ll discover the island of Lanai! Enjoy wonderful views of the pacific and enjoy the warm breeze as you sail to this small Hawaiian island on a catamaran. Marvel at the marine life from a glass-bottom viewing area on the boat as you cruise through the water.

Snorkel with the amazing marine life of the reef gardens and witness spinner dolphins in their natural environment! Enjoy USD $2.00 beers, mai tais after snorkeling and eat a delicious tropical breakfast and lunch! If you’re a fan of dolphins, make sure to add this trip to your Maui travel guide!

Sunrise & Breakfast Tour to Haleakala National Park

On this 8-hour tour you’ll experience the awe-inspiring Haleakala National Park ! Begin your journey with a scenic, early-morning drive through the Kula District and past the Puu Ulaula Overlook. You’ll make it to Mt. Haleakala just in time to take in the breathtaking sunrise!

Learn about the Hawaiian culture and history from your local tour guide. See rare silversword plants and other unique scenery throughout your trip. A breakfast of coffee and pastries is provided. Add this early morning excursion to your Maui itinerary, and you’ll start your day off right! Since this tour departs early in the morning, you’ll be returned to your accommodation with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day!

Island Hop to Oahu: Full-Day Pearl Harbor Memorial Tour

On this 10-hour day-trip you’ll travel to Oahu to tour the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Enjoy a hassle-free day of travel where everything is taken care of for you. All transportation is provided for you and the tour is fully narrated, either by live tour guide, video or personal headset.

This tour covers three main attractions in the Pearl Harbor complex of Oahu: the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin submarine, and the USS Missouri Battleship. Your guide will take care of everything for you,  from your airline ticket to your lunch! If you’re a history-buff visiting Maui, make sure this trip is included in your itinerary for Maui!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Maui itinerary.

What should you include on a 5 day Maui itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome things to do in Maui: – Visit the Nakalele Blowhole – Surf at Honolua Bay – Hike at Iao Valley State Park – Take a dip in the pools at ‘Ohe’o

What are the best things to do on a honeymoon in Maui?

There are heaps of romantic things to do in Maui; discover scenic viewpoints in Makena State Park, picnic in Waianapanapa, and enjoy a tasting at Maui Wine. And of course, end the day with a stunning sunset at Keawakapu Beach.

When is the best time to visit Maui?

Maui is amazing year round. If you want to avoid tourist crowds, plan your trip between September-November. June-August are slightly busier, but these are the warmest months with the lowest chance of rain.

Where is the best place to stay in Maui?

South Maui is our top pick, offering cheaper accommodation than the touristy West Maui. It’s also close to numerous Maui attractions. Top areas include Wailea and Makena.

Conclusion of Your Itinerary for Maui

Maui is a tropical slice of paradise nestled in the secluded warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. With an exceptionally slow-paced and laid-back island vibe, Maui is the perfect place to go for a relaxing vacation. Enjoy endless beaches, epic sunsets, and tasty tropical fruits!

If you’re looking for a Maui itinerary five days long or more, this should provide you with plenty of activities to keep you occupied for your whole vacation! Soak in the sun, waddle in the waves, and take in the tropical scenery that surrounds you!

We hope you enjoyed this Maui vacation blog, whether you’re looking for leisure or adventure, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

A trip to Maui nourishes the soul and the body, relax with the warm ocean breeze and soft lulling of the waves. With Hawaii’s raw beauty and unique scenery, this is a place you’ll want to keep coming back to! Once you’ve booked your accommodation at one of the best places to stay in Hawaii , pack your bags!

Aiden Freeborn

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Hawaii asks Maui visitors to postpone travel plans

Aug 10, 2023 • 2 min read

Passengers at Kahului Airport (OGG) in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui. © Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

If you have upcoming plans to travel to Maui , the state of Hawai'i’s tourism organization is asking you to reconsider your trip to the island so that its resources can be devoted to helping Hawai'ians impacted by devastating wildfires.

Wildfires are burning both on the island of Maui and on Hawai‘i Island ’s Kohala Coast. Many roadways are closed, and evacuations continue from deadly wildfires which have already killed at least 36 people and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina. 

Though the Kahului airport on Maui remains open, Hawai’i Tourism Authority asks tourists who are on the island to leave and those with immediate travel plans to Maui to push back their travel plans so that attention and resources can remain focused on helping the local community. 

What should I do if I have an upcoming trip to Hawaii?

It depends on what part of Hawaii you plan to visit. Hawai’i Tourism Authority is providing updated travel information on its website. It asks current visitors to leave and those planning to stay in West Maui in upcoming weeks to consider rescheduling their visit. 

If you have upcoming travel to other parts of Maui or on the Kohala Coast of Hawaiʻi Island, which is also experiencing wildfires, the tourism agency recommends you contact your hotel for updated information about how your travel plans might be impacted. 

However, if you have travel planned to the other islands – this includes Kauaʻi , Oʻahu , Molokaʻi , Lānaʻi , and Hawaiʻi Island outside of the Kohala Coast – your travel plans are not impacted by the current travel advisory. 

If you are scheduled to fly there or anywhere on the islands, make sure you check with your respective airline for any flight changes or cancellations. Update your contact information – including phone number and email address -–and download the airline's app to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information. 

Many airlines are allowing customers to change their tickets without additional fees. For instance, Southwest is allowing customers who had travel plans to Maui to rebook to destinations on other islands in Hawaii that are not impacted by the emergency. 

Also, check with your travel insurance or credit card company to see what they might cover in terms of rescheduling your travel plans. 

How can I support the local community

The best way to support the local community at this time is to make a financial donation to support the established local organizations on the ground who are assisting those who are impacted by the wildfires.

Lonely Planet and The Points Guy have teamed up to donate $25,000 to the Maui Strong Fund, and if you also want to help, you can learn more about the organization and donate  here.

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How to adjust your travel plans for Hawaii during the wildfires

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The Hawaiian island of Maui is asking visitors to stay away as it tries to recover from devastating wildfires.

Officials said Thursday morning that two of the three fires on Maui were largely contained. But the damage to portions of the island is extensive, particularly in the tourism-heavy region of West Maui, where fire appears to have incinerated much of the historic town of Lahaina .

The Kahului Airport on Maui remains open, at least in part because of all the people being evacuated (officials have asked all visitors on “non-essential” trips to leave). With the wildfires causing more than 50 deaths and an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion in damage and economic losses, the Hawaiian government is strongly discouraging tourists from coming to the island.

If you had a vacation planned, this is what you need to know.

World & Nation

Mapping how the Maui fires destroyed Lahaina

The Lahaina fire in West Maui ignited as firefighters focused on the Upcountry fire. What happened next — the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century — left the historic town in ashes.

Aug. 14, 2023

Should I cancel my trip to Hawaii?

The state tourism authority emphasized that most parts of Hawaii continue to welcome visitors. “Travel to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi” and parts of Hawaiʻi Island other than the Mauna Kea resort area “are not affected at this time,” the authority said on its website Wednesday. By Thursday, the Mauna Kea Resort on the big island was open again after three fires in the area were brought under control, the authority said.

Maui, and particularly West Maui, is a different story. The tourism authority said Wednesday night that visitors bound for West Maui in the coming weeks “are encouraged to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time.”

“In the days and weeks ahead, our collective resources and attention must be focused on the recovery of residents and communities that were forced to evacuate their homes and businesses,” the authority said.

Death toll in Maui fires rises to 67: ‘We have not yet searched’ buildings

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green says the fires are probably the state’s deadliest natural disaster in decades.

Aug. 11, 2023

What can I do about my flight to Hawaii?

Some major airlines offer customers the ability to obtain refunds for travel to Maui in the coming weeks, as well as the option to reschedule their flights. The exact terms depend on the airline.

At United Airlines , if you had paid for a flight to Kahului Airport between Aug. 11 and Aug. 31, you can cancel and get a refund, according to the United website. You can also reschedule your trip and the change fees and fare differences will be waived under certain circumstances.

If your new trip is after Aug. 31 or is to a destination outside Hawaii, United will still waive any change fees, but you may have to pay a fare difference, depending on the flight.

At Delta Air Lines , customers who can’t reschedule their trips to Maui may cancel their reservations and apply the ticket cost to the purchase of new flight — but that flight has to be booked no more than a year after the Maui ticket was purchased, the airline’s website says.

If you schedule a new flight on or before Aug. 18 at the same level of service as the Maui flight, Delta’s website says it will waive the change fee and any difference in fare. After that, only the change fee will be waived.

The American Airlines site suggests that refunds are possible for flights to or through Maui if you cancel by Aug. 13. You can apply for one on the airline’s website .

If you want to reschedule your flight, American will waive the change fee if you rebook by Aug. 13, but you may have to pay any difference in the fare. To see if your flight is eligible for a refund or fee waiver, use the “ Find your trip ” tool on the airline’s website. If you can’t change your trip online, call Reservations for help.

At Alaska Airlines , if you’d purchased a ticket to or from Maui by Aug. 9, you can obtain a refund as long as you cancel before the original flight’s departure date, the airline’s website says. You can also reschedule onto a new flight to or from Maui or three other Hawaiian airports through Aug. 31 at the same fare if you stay in the same cabin. But you have to exchange their tickets prior to the departure of their original flight.

Hawaiian Airlines is allowing customers to cancel their flights in exchange for a refund or a credit for future flights, or to change their flights to a different island, its website says. To change or cancel your flight, call the airline’s reservations line at 800-367-5320.

A spokesperson for the airline said, “We ask guests with non-urgent inquiries to please call back later so that we can assist travelers with immediate needs. Guests traveling through Kahului should continue to check their flight status on our website or app before coming to the airport.”

How to help Maui residents displaced by the devastating wildfires

Wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui have killed at least 36 people, displaced thousands of residents and destroyed hundreds of structures, including homes, businesses and a school, prompting President Biden to declare a “major disaster.”

Aug. 10, 2023

Will my hotel charge me a fee to cancel my stay in Maui?

Under normal circumstances, many hotels penalize last-minute cancellations by charging fees that can be considerable. Some in West Maui are waiving those fees at the moment, but figuring out the policy at the hotel you’ve booked can be a challenge — the closer it is to the fire, the more likely that its power and phone lines are down.

The Hyatt family of hotels is waiving cancellation fees for arrivals “in the coming days,” the company said in a statement. It suggested that guests with reservations call its customer support line at 800-233-1234 “for additional details and assistance in alternate accommodations.” It also noted, however, that canceled reservations made through online booking sites and other third parties may be governed by those sites’ policies.

An Expedia spokesperson told The Times in an email that it is working with hotels that book through Expedia and Hotels.com to institute a “flex policy” for reservations on the full island of Maui through Aug. 31. “This means that travelers with upcoming bookings in the impacted area can change or cancel their hotel booking without penalty,” she said. “The flex policy can be accessed when you engage with a virtual agent once you log into your account or provide your itinerary number to the virtual agent.”

Expedia and Hotels.com ’s customer service agents are available 24 hours a day by phone or online to help with travel arrangements.

According to a spokesperson for Marriott hotels, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Ka’anapali, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and the Ritz-Carlton Maui in Kapalua have been evacuated and will close temporarily due to extended power outages. Cancellation fees at the three hotels have been waived through Aug. 31. She advised travelers to the area to follow the news and MauiCounty.gov for local situation updates. To adjust reservations, guests should visit Marriott.com or the Marriott app.

If you’re headed for other parts of Maui or the Mauna Kea resort area on the island of Hawaii, the state tourism authority says, you should talk to the hotel you booked for updates about how you might be affected.

Hotels in Maui may still be taking reservations, and some are providing refunds up to the date of travel. For example, you could book a room for next week at the Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort on Thursday afternoon, even though the power and phone lines at the resort were out, according to a reservation agent.

‘Gone forever’: Fire devastates historic Lahaina, former capital of the Hawaiian kingdom

The wildfire that ripped through Maui devastated Lahaina, a town boasting centuries of history and that was once the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom.

Can I cancel my Vrbo or Airbnb?

Expedia Group, which owns Vrbo, said in a statement that it is “applying an extenuating circumstances exception for eligible Vrbo reservations in Maui where travelers will be able to get a full refund.” It added, “We will continue to work with our Vrbo hosts who have upcoming bookings in impacted areas to make sure all of our travelers are treated fairly.”

Airbnb customer service says that they will provide penalty-free cancellations in parts of Maui for hosts and guests who request them. However, people need to call the site’s customer service line at (844) 234-2500 to make sure that they are eligible.

Travelers whose accommodations aren’t directly affected by the fires may have a harder time obtaining a refund.

One reader told The Times that he and his wife wanted to heed the government’s request and cancel their trip to Maui, but their Airbnb host declined to give them even a partial refund on their $2,000 stay. According to Airbnb’s site, cancellations and refunds are up to the hosts , not Airbnb.

Will travel insurance cover me?

According to the insurance comparison site Insuremytrip.com , “If a wildfire that affects your trip is known before you purchase a plan, your coverage may be extremely limited.” So if you are thinking of purchasing travel insurance now for a trip in the coming weeks, don’t bother.

What you can do is see if wildfires fall under the definition of “natural disaster” on your travel insurance policy. You may also be eligible for coverage under “trip delay” if your flight is canceled, “trip interruption” if your accommodations or primary residence are damaged, or “trip cancellation” if your destination has been evacuated, Insuremytrip says.

About The Times Utility Journalism Team

This article is from The Times’ Utility Journalism Team. Our mission is to be essential to the lives of Southern Californians by publishing information that solves problems, answers questions and helps with decision making . We serve audiences in and around Los Angeles — including current Times subscribers and diverse communities that haven’t historically had their needs met by our coverage. How can we be useful to you and your community? Email utility (at) latimes.com or one of our journalists: Jon Healey , Ada Tseng , Jessica Roy and Karen Garcia .

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Emma Fox was a 2023 summer intern on the Utility Journalism team at the Los Angeles Times. A student at Loyola Marymount University, she majors in journalism with a Chicano/Latino studies minor and was the arts and culture editor at the on-campus publication, the Lion. Fox is the president of her school’s chapters of the National Assn. of Hispanic Journalists and the Society of Professional Journalists and previously was an intern for the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

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Maui Travel Tips: START HERE If You’re Planning a Trip to Maui

In early August 2023 devastating wildfires swept through the historic town of Lahaina in West Maui.

Here’s what you need to know: 1) Lahaina is almost completely gone and the area is 100% off limits to visitors. 2) The resort areas of West Maui north of Lahaina (Ka’anapali, Napili & Kapalua) are undamaged from the fires but are still slow to reopen to tourism. Reopening is happening in phases (already underway) and likely to still take several months. 3) The rest (majority) of the island is unaffected and open to visitors. 4) Locals on the island (both those personally affected and not) are grieving this tragedy and likely will be for a long time to come. Even though the return of tourism for the economy is largely necessary, your compassion and kindness during your interactions go a long way. 

I’ll keep this updated as the situation progresses. Right now, all of the information on this site either remains unaffected or has been updated. 

They say “Maui No Ka Oi” (Hawaiian for “Maui is the best”), and honestly…they’d be right ; ) 

Don’t tell the other islands, but Maui is my favorite. It was the first Hawaiian Island I ever visited, I spent some time living there, and it’s still my favorite place to travel. 

It’s a BIG island with a lot going on…natural wonders, luxury resorts, local towns, and I’ve written quite a bit about it. 

Seriously, I’ve got over 20 posts on this blog just about Maui, but this is the best place to start. 

Maui Travel Tips

Here’s a quick “table of contents” for what’s in this post:

When to Go to Maui

How many days to spend on maui.

• Flying to Maui (Which Airport)
• Lay of the Is(land)

Where to Stay on Maui

• Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui

Maui Itineraries

• Do You Need a Rental Car?
• When to Book Activities

What to Pack

Good news…there’s never a bad time to go to Maui! The weather is pretty much consistent within a few degrees (air and water temperature) all year round. 

The seasons follow the seasons in the northern hemisphere (mainland US) and “winter” means more rain and slightly cooler temperatures. Summer means less rain and slightly warmer temperatures. August/September is when it’s the muggiest/most humid but this is Hawaii and humidity is pretty much nonexistent compared to places like Florida. 

Locals are very attuned to subtle shifts in weather/temperatures but whether it’s winter or summer, most resort areas are built on parts of the island that are sunny and dry 90% of the time. 

Whale season is December through April with peak season being February. 

Any time kids are out of school is high season. The winter holidays (mid December through New Years) are obscenely expensive and book out FAR in advance. Summer is the high season. 

January through mid March is technically less crowded and not “high high” season, but it’s still the optimal time to leave cold weather on the mainland to head for warmer weather so it’s not inexpensive. 

Generally speaking, I’ve found April/May and September/October to be the best months to find deals.

September/October is my personal favorite time to visit because it’s when I find the best deals on resorts and there are fewer kids/people in general on island since the kids have just gone back to school. They call it “couples season” for a reason. 

August through October is also technically hurricane season, but they’re pretty rare. Again, it’s not like Florida. 

Well, you’ve only got however many days you’ve got, but if you’re wanting the best overall vacation, I wouldn’t suggest less than one week (probably 6 full days, but you could do a lot in 5 full days too). 

If you’re short on time (doing a quick long weekend getaway from the west coast), you can still have a great trip just as long as your expectations are more about resting and relaxing. And if you’ve got weeks to spend, you’ll find plenty on Maui to keep you busy. 

But in general, if you’re wanting to explore the island and still feel like you’ve had a relaxing vacation, you’ll want at least 6 full days. I also don’t recommend splitting up a one week vacation between two different islands. Just stick to one and really experience it. 

Flying to Maui

Maui’s main airport is the Kahului Airport (OGG). This is where you’ll fly in coming from the mainland and on 99% of interisland flights. 

From Kahului, it’s about a 25 minute drive to the Kihei/Wailea area (South Maui) and about a 40 minute drive to the Kaanapali/Kapalua are (West Maui). 

There is a small airport in Kapalua on the west side and an even tinier airport in Hana on the east side but they are for very very tiny planes. 

Lay of the (Is)land

Maui is a BIG island. 

Most people either stay on the west side (Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kapalua, Napili) or the south side (Wailea, Kihei, Ma’alaea). Central Maui (Kahului) is where you’ll fly into and do your grocery shopping. The north shore (Paia, Haiku) has a local, surfer town vibe. Upcountry (Makawao, Pukalani, Kula) is where the farm/ranch land and Haleakala National Park are. And East Maui (Hana) is basically the jungle. It’s where all the waterfalls are, the black and red sand beaches, etc. Most people visit as a day trip driving the “Road to Hana.”

For me, this is where it all starts whenever I’m planning a trip. 

Like I said before, you’ll likely either stay in south or west Maui where the two main resort areas are (Wailea and Kihei in the south and Ka’anapali and Kapalua on the west side) because that’s where the majority of resorts, hotels, and condos are. 

The west side seems to be more popular and has some of the best beaches on the island, but I prefer the south side because it’s quieter, a little more upscale (Wailea, not Kihei), and more centrally located. But you won’t go wrong with either. 

One of the best posts on my site is a full breakdown of Wailea vs Kaanapali . 

The other post you need to read is Where to Stay on Maui . It’s got specific recommendations for resorts, hotels, and condos in all price ranges on all different parts of the island so you can find exactly what works best for you. 

And then I’ve got EVEN MORE DETAILS FOR YOU…

If you’ve narrowed down your search to the Wailea area, good news. I’ve stayed at all the big beach resorts in Wailea and I’ve ranked them in this post >> The Best Resorts in Wailea

Plus I’ve got these detailed resort reviews:

Four Seasons Maui

Fairmont Kea Lani  

Wailea Beach Resort

And a few comparison posts too:

Four Seasons vs Andaz Maui

Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here . Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money. 

Things You can ONLY Do on Maui

If you’re in the early planning stages (even trying to figure out if Maui is the island for you), I think the best way to figure it out is by looking into the things that you can ONLY do on Maui. 

So many things (beaches, snorkeling, golf, zipline, surfing, luaus, etc) you can do on every island. I mean seriously, whatever your “dream version” of a Hawaii trip is…you can get it on any of the main Hawaiian islands. 

So to break it down, here are the things you can ONLY do on Maui (plus a few that I think are must dos even if there’s something similar on another island):

Road to Hana

Driving the road to Hana (from Paia to Hana on the east side of Maui) is easily the #1 must do thing on Maui. Block out an entire day and drive the 50 or so miles along the winding road to Hana. 

Spend the day hiking through bamboo forests, waterfall spotting, and gazing at black and red sand beaches. I’ve got several posts specifically about driving the Road to Hana including the best stops, which ones to skip, when you should start out on the road, if it’s safe to drive the whole road around, driving etiquette and more. 

But here are a couple of things worth mentioning twice. Since March 2021, you now NEED RESERVATIONS TO STOP AT THE BLACK SAND BEACH. That’s Waianapanapa State Park, and you can make reservations 14 days in advance here . 

Also, while driving along this BEAUTIFUL road is considered one of Maui’s top attractions, it’s still an actual road and there are people that live in these remote communities that use it everyday. They’re driving to work, taking their kids to school, going to doctor appointments, etc. They’re not on vacation. And while they’re very welcoming, they’re getting increasingly frustrated at the huge numbers of visitors coming to Maui (and the current infrastructure’s inability to handle them). 

So a few simple rules: Don’t trespass on private property. Even if you’ve read about a waterfall that you think you should be able to access or heard about a pond to swim in. If there’s a sign and you have to climb around a gate, don’t do it. Don’t park illegally on the road. There are now MANY signs making it clear where you can’t park. Don’t stop in the middle of the road to take a picture of a waterfall, a rainbow eucalyptus tree, a gorge, an ocean view, a mongoose, a rainbow, or anything else. If you’re driving slowly and there’s a local behind you, pull over and let them pass. They have somewhere to be. 

Road to Hana posts: 

My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary

Tips for Driving the Road to Hana

Should You Drive the Backside of the Road to Hana? 

Haleakala National Park

Visiting Haleakala National Park is without a doubt the most unique experience you’ll have on Maui. It’s completely unexpected. When you’re up at the summit/crater, you’ll feel more like you’re on Mars than Maui. 

Sunrise is by far the most popular time to visit the park and seeing the sun rise through the clouds at the summit of Haleakala is a moving experience for many people. 

But you need to be prepared. It is COLD! Think 20-30 degrees with a strong wind. Bring winter clothes and take blankets. Also, drink plenty of water and have snacks as the quick 23-mile drive from sea level to summit has been known to give some people (ahem, me) altitude sickness. You’ll also need to make reservations to enter the national park for sunrise (3AM-7AM) 60 days in advance here . 

Read more about sunrise and sunset at Haleakala here . 

Whale Watching

Whales can be seen throughout all of the Hawaiian Islands in season, but they’re most prevalent in the shallow waters between Maui and Lanai and Molokai. Whale season is officially December 15 through May 15, but these whales rarely carry a calendar with them. February is HIGH SEASON though so if you’re a super whale fan, that’s when you want to go. You’ll be able to see them from many of the beaches.

All islands have some form of whale watching tours you can go on, but it seems like for every one whale you’ll see on another island, you’ll see 5-10 on Maui. So if you’re visiting multiple islands, definitely go whale watching on Maui. 

More info on whale watching here .

Snorkeling Molokini Crater

Maui’s most popular snorkeling spot is a partially submerged volcanic crater that’s home to not only amazing species of fish but also some of the best visibility in Hawaii. 

Where to find turtles on Maui

The slopes of Haleakala are home to an area called the “upcountry.” It’s by far the largest area of Maui, it’s a predominantly local area, and if you couldn’t look out and see the ocean you’d probably think you where in the Texas Hill Country or Colorado high meadows instead of Hawaii. The lava rock has created super fertile soil and that combined with the moderate climate make for spectacular agricultural conditions. You’ll find every type of farm tour you can think of here. 

On my “don’t miss” list is the Ali’i Lavender Farm, Maui Wine, and Maui Pineapple Tour. 

Read all about my favorite things to do upcountry here . I really can’t say just how much I loved the Maui Pineapple Tour. I don’t think it’s talked about nearly enough, but I would say it’s a “don’t miss.” Skip that tourist trap at the Dole Plantation on Oahu and come here instead. 

Old Lahaina Luau

Not only my favorite luau on Maui, but my favorite luau in HAWAII. While I don’t think a luau is necessarily a don’t miss item (you know whether or not it is for you), IF you’re going to do one, this is the one to do. And if you’re going to multiple islands and trying to decide which island to do the luau on, make it the Old Lahaina Luau. 

Dinner at Mama’s Fish House

As funny as it sounds, this is pretty much the only thing I do EVERY TIME I’m on Maui ; ) By far the most popular restaurant in Hawaii, if you tell 10 people you’re going to Maui that have been there before I bet the first thing 9 of them will tell you to do is make reservations at Mama’s Fish House. It’s not cheap, but it never disappoints. Read my full review here . 

Okay, that’s the quick rundown…read my full post about things you can ONLY do on Maui with way more details here >> Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui  

I’ve noticed that people either seem to book their airfare and hotel first and then figure the rest out, or they want to lay out an itinerary and then decide how to book their flights (how long to stay) and where to stay. 

Either way, having a solid itinerary (even if it’s just a lot of built in relaxation time peppered with some activities) can make your vacation sooooo much better. 

I’m working on a whole suite of Maui itinerary options for different lengths and interests, but for now check out this one:

4 Day Maui Itinerary

Do You Need a Rental Car on Maui?

You absolutely will need a rental car. Hawaii is not an all-inclusive destination where you’ll arrive by shuttle and never leave your resort (I mean you could do that…but it’s pretty expensive just to get to Hawaii so most people want to actually see Hawaii. If you want a cheaper resort only vacation, just go to Mexico). 

It’s a pretty large island, and it can take a while to get around. Driving from Wailea to Lahaina can take around 40 minutes. Kahului to Lahaina can take around 30-40 minutes, and Kahului to Wailea can take around 30 minutes. And that’s not to mention destinations on the north shore, upcountry, or towards Hana. So taking Ubers and Lyfts if you’re going from place to place isn’t really feasible (you’re probably talking $100 one way). Maui also does not have a very good bus system.

So you’ll most definitely want a rental car for your stay even if you’re staying in a resort area. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals . They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

When to Book Activities?

One of the top questions I get asked is when the best time to book activities/tours/excursions is. Honestly, if there’s something you know you want to do for sure…you should book it as soon as you can. 

There’s no advantage to waiting until the last minute. You won’t find better deals and more than likely you’ll end up missing out because things sell out. In the post COVID landscape, so many activities and tours in Hawaii (luaus, snorkeling tours, ziplining, atv rides, even RESTAURANTS) are fully booked 2-4 months in advance. 

You’ll want the usual beach vacation clothes, but a trip to Maui also means a lot of exploring and there are some odd/specialty things you won’t want to forget (do you really need a fleece jacket? Yes ; ) 

Read my full Hawaii packing list plus tips on what to wear here . 

Want to read more posts about Maui? I’ve got plenty!

Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui // 4 Day Maui Itinerary // My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary // Things to Do Upcountry // Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park // Snorkeling Molokini Crater // Whale Watching

My Favorite Hotels on Maui // Where to Find Condos on Maui // Wailea vs Kaanapali // Every Resort in Wailea Ranked // Four Seasons Maui Review // Andaz Maui Review // Fairmont Kea Lani Review // Wailea Beach Resort Review // Four Seasons vs Andaz Maui // Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort

Best Restaurants in Wailea // Best Breakfast in Wailea & Kihei // Mama’s Fish House // Best Luaus in Wailea

My Favorite Things to Do in South Maui // Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei // Road to Hana Tips // Driving the Backside of the Road to Hana // Where to See Turtles on Maui

Maui vs Kauai // Everything You Need to Know BEFORE you go to Maui

Here’s one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip…

Reservations You Need to Make BEFORE Your Hawaii Trip

You’ve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Wrong!

Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii so a lot of state and national parks used the closure and reopening to institute reservation systems at some of the island’s most popular spots to make things a little more sustainable.

That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) that require advance reservations. And some sell out well before you arrive on the island so you really need to have some sort of a plan.

I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didn’t know they had to make reservations for things in advance…they thought they could just show up and “go with the flow.” I was tempted to say, well, “as long as the flow doesn’t take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can!” ; )

But I don’t want YOU to be that person, so I’ve pulled together a list of all the places you need to reserve entry in advance (plus all the details on booking windows, price, links, etc.) and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too.

Haleakala National Park (Maui)

To visit Haleakala National Park for sunrise at the summit, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are required to enter the park gates between 3AM and 7AM (sunrise hours).

Online reservations are $1 per reservation/vehicle PLUS you’ll pay the park entrance fee of $30/vehicle when you arrive (National Park annual passes are also accepted at the gate).

The reservation booking window opens 60 days in advance at 7AM HST. There are also a limited number of tickets released two days before.

You can make one reservation every three days with the same account. So if you want to make reservations for back to back days (in case of weather/conditions), you’ll need to do so with separate accounts (email addresses).

If you can’t get reservations for sunrise, you can enter the park anytime after 7AM without reservations. The summit is spectacular during the day and you don’t need reservations for sunset.

I strongly recommend creating an account before and making sure you’re logged in at 7AM HST because it’s not uncommon for reservations to sell out quickly.

Waianapanapa State Park (Maui)

To visit Maui’s famous black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are required to visit the beach and are distributed in windows from 7AM-10AM, 10AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-3PM, and 3PM-6PM. And they are pretty strict about exiting by the end of your window time (you can arrive anytime within your window).

It’s $5/person to enter plus $10/vehicle to park and those fees are paid when you book your time slot.

Reservations open up 30 days in advance.

Iao Valley State Park (Maui)

To visit the lush, green mountains and hike at Iao Valley State Park, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are offered for 90 minute time slots beginning at 7AM and ending at 6PM. They ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your time slot.

Entry is $5/person plus $10/vehicle to park.

Diamond Head (Oahu)

To hike to the top of Waikiki’s famous Diamond Head, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are offered in two hour increments beginning at 6AM (6AM-8AM, 8AM-10AM, etc.) and ending at 6PM. If you’re parking onsite, they ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation window.

Tip: I recommend booking one of the first two time slots because there isn’t much shade on this hike and it gets pretty hot.

Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

To snorkel at Oahu’s pristine Hanauma Bay, you must make reservations in advance here.

Entry times are staggered in 10 minute increments from 7AM to 1:20PM with roughly 1000 slots being assigned in advance every day.

Reservations can be made two days in advance and they open at 7AM HST. They’re usually gone in minutes (if not seconds).

If you’re unable to get an advanced reservation, you can try for a day of, walk in ticket. They open at 6:45AM and they only have a limited number available. Everyone in your group needs to be present when you purchase your tickets in person.

There are no reservations for parking and it’s first come, first serve. $3/vehicle.

It’s $25/person to snorkel at Hanauma Bay (12 and under, active military, and locals with HI ID are free).

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday (CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY) from 6:45AM-4PM. Last entry is at 1:30PM, the beach is cleared at 3:15PM and you have to leave the facility by 4PM.

Jellyfish patterns can also affect whether or not the bay is open so double check the day before/day of.

USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

If you want to take the boat tour at Pearl Harbor out to the USS Arizona, it’s recommended to make advance reservations here.

Online reservations are guaranteed a specific boarding time to go out to the USS Arizona. If you’re unable to get an advance reservation, you can wait standby when you arrive. The line could be short (15 minutes or so) or long (hours) and it just depends on the day (if they’re having problems with the loading dock sometimes they don’t take many from the standby line) and the time of day.

Reservations are supposed to open up 60 days in advance, but keep an eye on your exact dates, because lately they’ve actually been opening up about 57ish days in advance???

They also release a small batch of tickets the day before.

The boat ride out to the USS Arizona is free, but it’s $1 to make the reservations online.

They recently started charging $7/vehicle for parking at Pearl Harbor.

Haena State Park / Kalalau Trail (Kauai)

If you want to hike Kauai’s famous Kalalau Trail, you must make advance reservations here. You’ve got three options here:

1) Parking & Entry: This is the most flexible option and also the most limited. THESE RESERVATIONS SELL OUT IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. There are three time slots available: 6:30AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-5:30PM and 4:30PM to sunset. You can purchase multiple time slots if you want to stay longer. It’s $10/timeslot (parking) plus $5/person and you have to reserve every person when you initially book. Everybody has to arrive in the same car and your ID needs to match the reservation.

2) Shuttle & Entry: If you can’t get parking at the trailhead, there’s also a shuttle option. Shuttle reservations are $35/person (16+), $25/person (ages 4-15), 3 and under can ride free. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes 6:20AM to 6:40PM.

3) Entry Only: If you’re a Hawaiian resident (with HI ID) or someone WITH a Hawaiian resident, you can purchase entry only for $5/person with no advance reservations. Also, if you’re walking or biking to the trailhead you can do this option. But there is NOWHERE to park in the area to walk in. So this really only works for those with bikes or who are staying close enough to walk. They will tow your car if you park outside the designated areas.

The reservation window opens 30 days in advance at 12AM HST. The parking & entry option usually sells out in a minute, but the shuttle availability will last longer.

There are a TON of FAQs here including the possibility of snagging a canceled reservation.

Other Things to Book in Advance

Hawaii is a busy place these days! Besides the state and national parks above, here’s a handful of miscellaneous things you should make reservations for in advance (if they’re on your radar):

Mama’s Fish House (Maui) : The iconic spot is the most popular restaurant in Hawaii and dinner reservations usually start filling up about 6 months in advance (they open up bookings 18 months in advance). Make reservations through their website and if the dates you want are already booked, you can join a waitlist. Most people have pretty good success getting in on the waitlist (even if it’s for lunch).

Old Lahaina Luau (Maui) : Honestly, any luau you’re planning to attend you should book early, but most people are usually shocked how far out the Old Lahaina Luau books out. Book it as soon as you know your dates (I think they open at the six month window). They also have a waitlist.

Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (Oahu) : Everybody loves Jurassic Park so getting to ride UTVs where they filmed the movies is very popular. The ranch offers a lot of different tours but the UTV tours usually book out a couple of months in advance.

Spa Reservations : If you’re staying at a resort with a spa (or planning on visiting one), don’t wait until you arrive to make your reservations. I’d make them at least a month in advance.

Tee Times : Same for golf, reserve your tee times well in advance.

Dining Reservations : Any “fancy” or resort restaurant is likely to be booked up these days so if you like having a nice dinner every night, make your plans in advance.

P.S. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here . I’m there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share!

Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@ caitylincoln ). My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! Your support really helps me keep this blog running!

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Time to Plan a Trip to Maui

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

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

Do you need a Rental Car in Maui?

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

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

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

Where To Stay on Maui Island

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

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

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

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

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

Ritz Carlton Kapalua: The Best Luxury Resort

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

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

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

Read Reviews & Check Availability

Ritz Carlton Kapalua Pool

Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort: Best Budget Resort 

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

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

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

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

Maui Vacation Planner & Travel Accommodation Tips

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

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

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

But without further ado, let’s get started…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iao Valley State Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Haleakala Crater

Maui Itinerary Day 3: Pool Day & Kaanapali Resort

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

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

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

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

Maui Itinerary Day 4: The Road To Hana

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maui Itinerary Day 5: Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour

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

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

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

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

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

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tours 

• Price : $79.95

• Price : $121.13

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

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

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

• Price: $29.11 

Maui Brewing Co

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

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

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

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

Exploring & Sunset Dining in Lahaina

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaiin Luau Dinner Show

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

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

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

More Things to Do & Places to Visit on Maui 

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

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

Waihee Ridge Trail

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

Kapalua Coastal Trails

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

Am I Missing Anything From This Maui Itinerary…?

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

Planning a Trip To Hawaii…?

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much for reading my Maui Itinerary! 

Share this maui itinerary with your hawaii travel squad.

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

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

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

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Politicians wade into debate over Lanai air service amid bid for federal funds

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Maui Mayor Richard Bissen is siding with Mokulele Airlines in its bid for a federal subsidy for its Lanai routes.

Mokulele has been losing money on its Lanai routes since the COVID pandemic.

It’s now asking for a subsidy from the federal government, but that’s opened the door to competition from an entirely new airline.

Pacific Air Charters, a local charter carrier, has ordered twin-engine nine passenger aircraft and plans to enter the market even if it does not receive the federal subsidy.

It’s riding a wave of criticism of Mokulele from passengers like Alberta DeJetley, who owns a taxi service on Lanai and says erratic flights means passengers must call her for pick-up when they are about to take off for Lanai.

She also said it’s not reliable enough for people who have doctors appointments on Oahu or to make make connections with other airlines.

“Its so hard for elderly people to travel if they are unsure of what time they are actually going to leave or actually arrive,” DeJetley said.

Mokulele Chief of Staff Keith Sisson says the arrival of replacement aircraft has restored their reliability.

“All of the issues of the past were tied to supply chain deficiencies that affected our operation,” Sisson said, adding that in some recent days Mokulele flights were 95% on time.

HNN studied the two company’s bids side-by-side and Mokulele seems to win on price.

It’s asking for a subsidy of between $3.5 and $3.9 million while Pacific Air Charters is requesting $8.1 million.

CEO Marshall Ashley said that will partly cover start-up costs like check-in counters at Honolulu, Lihue and Kahului terminals.

Mokulele is also promising a lower one-way fare of about $75 dollars, while Pacific Air Charters plans to charge about $100.

Sisson said Mokulele’s existing network, larger fleet, cadre of pilots and other staff gives it an advantage on costs.

“So, we have the economies of scale in this situation,” Sisson said. “So, we don’t need to ask for a large subsidy request in order to make this route sustainable.”

Mokulele also has Bissen’s endorsement, who told the U.S. Department of Transportation “Mokulele’s operation has improved considerably as their spare aircraft have been restored to service. While at times reliability had not been favorable, we recognize that some of those circumstances were out of their control.”

State Sen. DeCoite, who represents Lanai and Molokai, also endorsed Mokulele in a letter to DOT.

But among politicians, there are still plenty of Mokulele critics, including Lanai’s representatives to the Maui County Council, state Legislature and Congress.

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda said she doesn’t believe Mokulele’s claims of recent improvement, based on her own problems traveling to Lanai and Molokai and what she still hears from constituents.

“I think there needs to be some kind of metrics or accountability really baked into any kind of essential air service contract,” Tokuda said.

“I don’t think there should be a ‘trust me will be better’ kind of situation.”

Gabe Johnson, the Maui County Councilman for Lanai, also endorsed Pacific’s bid despite its higher costs. He said he thinks an even bigger federal subsidy is appropriate if it can lead to lower fares for Pacific Air’s passengers.

“I think that’s, it’s time for change, because Mokulele just hasn’t been delivering for us lately,” Johnson said.

State Rep. Mahina Poepoe, who lives on Molokai and represents both Lanai and her home island said she hasn’t seen recent reliability improvements.

“The domino effect of delays and flights being rescheduled or cancelled is still very persistent,” she said. “Without competition in the market, there is little to no incentive for Mokulele to improve services.”

The period to comment on who should get the bid for the lanai routes closed on Friday. Mokulele’s Sisson said the Department of Transportation could issue a decision in five to six weeks to make a decision.

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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