The Ultimate 2025 Maui Itinerary: 3, 5, or 7 Days

With its sparkling, sandy beaches and lush, rain forested Road to Hana, Maui is one of the best Hawaiian islands. (But I also love Kauai!) Island life here feels both relaxed and upscale, depending upon whether you’re scrambling through a bamboo forest or sipping sunset cocktails at one of the many local resorts. Your Maui itinerary should include a little bit of both!

Wondering how long to stay in Maui? Here’s what to do if you have just 3 days, what to do with 5 days, and how to spend a full week in Maui…Welcome to your ultimate Maui vacation guide!

Here’s the short answer: With just 3 days, base in Kihei in South Maui for two days of beach time and allow one full day to drive the Road to Hana.

With 5 days, you’ll also have time to snorkel Molokini Crater and visit Haleakala National Park.

With a full week, explore more beaches, drive the West Maui Loop Scenic Drive, take a helicopter tour or go whale watching in winter.

Full details on these experiences are below + where to stay and a map of Maui.

Maui Itinerary

Where to Stay on Maui

Here’s a brief run down on the best areas to stay in Maui.

For more detail on each area, head directly to my post on Maui resorts and condos with map. Also see my suggested vacation rentals in Lahaina and in Kihei.

The most popular areas to stay in are south and west Maui as you’ll find dozens of incredible beaches there.

However, you should definitely visit the lush (but rainier) east side of the island to drive the Road to Hana. (More detail in the itinerary below.)

• South Maui is where you’ll find Kihei and Wailea, probably the two most popular areas for where to stay in Maui on a first time visit.

Wailea is where you’ll find plenty of upscale resorts. Kihei is mostly family-friendly condos along the beach

• West Maui is the runner-up to South Maui accommodations when it comes to choosing where to stay.

There are even more results in West Maui than in South Maui at Kaanapali and Kapalua.

West Maui also includes Lahaina, a quaint historic town and tourist hotspot.

It can feel more crowded in Lahaina with tourists but it also has more character than the endless sprawl of condos in Kihei.

The downside of West Maui is it can mean a lot more driving to get to South Maui beaches…and especially to Mount Haleakala and Road to Hana.

It’s just a little two lane road that connects this area and it can be jammed during rush hour. It’s beautiful in West Maui though with more stunning beaches!

• Along the Hana Highway. Truth be told, most people don’t base on this side of this island but honestly, it’s a shame.

The Hana Highway is jammed with day trippers but you can have this gorgeous area all to yourself if you spend the night! That’s why I recommend it if you have 7 days (detailed in the itinerary below).

• Central Maui. This area includes Kahului (where the airport is) and Wailuku smack in the center of the island.

While there’s no ocean view from many properties here, it’s very convenient to everywhere you’ll want to go and can make a great budget alternative if you’re looking to save on accommodations.

• Upcountry. This is off the tourist grid. It’s a rural area near Kula and Haleakala, also not a typical first time visitor pick for a base due to lack of beach access.

However, you’ll feel more like a local than a tourist if you love to get off-the-beaten path!

Again, see my post on where to stay in Maui for a lot more detail on each of these areas.

Maui 3 Day Itinerary

With only three days for planning a Hawaii family vacation, you’ll want to see the very best of Maui. So spend two days at the beach on the west coast and one day driving the famous Road to Hana on the other side of the island.

Stay in Kihei all three days. This oceanfront penthouse delivers breezy panoramic ocean views from every room! It’s the perfect backdrop for epic sunsets from your lanai.

Guest review: “Our fifth stay at Sugar Beach Resort. The grounds are well maintained, great pool. Away from crowds, yet ten minutes from restaurants, and groceries. The beach is lovely for walking and swimming.”
— Marj C.

Check prices and availability on the Kihei ocean view penthouse here.

Day 1: Enjoy South Maui Beaches

Kihei makes the perfect base for a short trip to Maui because it’s a quick drive south to Wailea and north to Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua in West Maui.

There are oodles of great Hawaii beaches here for snorkeling and swimming. Kama’ole Beaches I, II, and III are nice options if you’re staying in Kihei

Or head to South Maui. Big Beach is gorgeous.

Makena Landing, near swank Wailea, is a wonderful spot to see sunbathing Hawaiian green sea turtles. But please keep your distance.

Maui is in danger of being loved too much. It’s illegal to disturb wildlife or take coral. Please leave no trace of your visit to protect this treasure for future generations.

If you’ll be renting gear on island, the best way to find the perfect spot for snorkeling is to ask your local dive shop about local conditions that day.

They understand weather and wind patterns on the island and can offer great advice with free maps since conditions change. A great snorkeling spot one day may not be so hot the next day.

After beach time, head to one of the Wailea resorts for a sunset cocktail. The Four Seasons is magical here.

The Grand Wailea Maui or Andaz Maui Wailea Resort also make wonderful choices.

Sadly, the 5 Palms in Kihei is now closed. It was a great place for sunset drinks. We watched whales breech just outside the window!

Monkeypod Kitchen (which also has locations in Ka’anapali and Wailea up north) makes a delicious spot for dinner and also serves inventive cocktails.

How to Rent a Car on Maui

Yes, you’ll need a car on Maui. Unless you want to rely on the somewhat limited bus service, rent a car and pick it up at Kahului Airport when you arrive.

You’ll have so much more freedom to get around the island and see sights like Haleakala National Park and drive the road to Hana (although you can arrange guided tours to those places if you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else.)

My top two recs for renting a car are:

1. Discover Cars has no hidden fees, 24/7 customer service, and free cancellation. They search all the major rental car companies so you don’t have to.

Check price and availability on rental cars here.

2. Turo is like Airbnb for cars. It saved us $$ during the pandemic on our Hawaii rentals when rental car prices were sky high.

Day 2: Head to West Maui

Some would say that this area is the best of Maui. But as with all things, it depends on your persepctive.

West Maui hosts even more luxury resorts and golfing than Wailea in South Maui.

While there are plenty of nice beaches here, you’ll notice a scenic and dramatic rocky coastline that’s distinct from points south as well.

Be aware that it’s about a one hour drive (and that’s without rush hour local traffic) on the narrow, one-land road between Kihei and Kapalua near the top of the island.

Lahaina here used to be a major tourist draw with its cute boutiques but one year after a massive wildfire tore through here, this former center of the Hawaiian Kingdom is still mostly debris.

Residents are hoping that restoration efforts might rejuvenate this area—instead of pushing residents out through predatory investors—but not much has happened yet.

The ancient banyan tree at the corner of Front and Canal Streets is the oldest living banyan tree on Maui and is huge! While it sustained some scorching in the fire, it’s showing signs of regrowth and is still worth a visit.

Read more on Hawaii travel:

• 26 Unique Things to Do in Maui

• One week on the Big Island

• The best Oahu itinerary

• How to spend, 3, 5, or 7 days in Kauai

There are lots of great hikes in West Maui.

In fact, an easy, flat hike with a big pay-off is the Kapalua Coastal Trail, a spectacular two-mile trail that meanders along the ocean’s edge and through a bird sanctuary behind the nearby resorts. Waves crash against the black lava rock. Don’t miss it!

For dinner or sunset drinks, head to nearby Merriman’s. The oceanview terrace offers stunning views.

(Skip it if it’s a windy day though as the wind can really barrel through there and they usually close the outdoor dining area, which, in my opinion, is the main draw here.)

Otherwise, this is the perfect evening for a luau.

Check out the Te Au Moana Luau at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort. It’s an oceanside luau show that includes a three-course Hawaiian dinner, and a fire knife performance.

You can reserve your spot at Te Au Moana Luau here.

Day 3: Drive the Epic Road to Hana

The Hana Highway is a 64 mile long stretch of absolutely stunning highway on the east side of Maui connecting Kahului (where the airport is) to the town of Hanna at the eastern tip of the island.

It’s the most famous drive in all of Hawaii and one of Maui’s most important landmarks and also one of the best places to see in Hawaii. So you gotta go!

This narrow road winds over 59 bridges through lush, tropical foliage with breathtaking views of sheer cliffs, turquoise ocean, waterfalls galore, and black sand beaches.

Rumor is that there are 620 curves on this road!

It’s quite easy and safe to drive but it might not be for you if you or someone in your group has a fear of heights.

This drive is all about the journey. Not the destination. If you do this as a day trip, plan on a half day driving to Hana and a half-day back, spending no time in Hana itself.

Grab a coffee in cute little Paia as you head out.

Recommended stops (but you may not have time for all of them in a single day) include:
• Twin Falls (mile marker 2),
• rainbow Eucalyptus grove (mile marker 7),
• Ho’okipa Beach Park (mile marker 9) to watch the windsurfers,
• Maui Garden of Eden (mile 10) and
• Wai’anapanapa State Park (mile marker 32) for the black sand beach.

Please know your limits and respect the power of the wilderness here. There are frequently flash floods in this area that have required rescues of hikers.

The bamboo forest here is beautiful but it’s also the #1 rescue spot on the Road to Hana.

In fact, it’s recently been officially closed. So be smart, be safe, and avoid a helicopter rescue.

And that’s it! That wraps up your three days in Maui.

If one of those days involves flying to the island or home, you could move Day 3 for your Road to Hana tour to Day 2 and spend just a half day in South or West Maui to accommodate airport time.

Maui 5 Day Itinerary

If you have two additional days, add a Molokini snorkel tour and visit to Haleakala National Park to your itinerary above.

Stay in Kihei all five days.

Day 4: Snorkel Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater is an extinct volcanic crater just off the coast of Maui and the snorkeling is epic!

Even if you have some members of your group that aren’t really into snorkeling, they’ll love this day out on the boat.

Since the wind often kicks up in the afternoon, I recommend booking a morning half day Molokini tour for calmer water and a better experience.

I highly recommend skipping the huge, crowded boats in favor of choosing a more intimate tour experience on a catamaran.

Many of the day cruises to Molokini leave from Maalea Harbor just north of Kihei so plan drive time accordingly from wherever you’re staying.

Check price and availability on a Molokini snorkel tour here.

Day 5: Drive and Hike in Haleakala National Park

Maui’s Haleakala National Park is essentially a national park that is also a dormant volcano.

It’s more than 33,000 acres of wilderness that you’ll access via countless switchbacks as you climb through clouds to this impressive peak. Expect the drive up to take almost two hours form Kihei.

Haleakala is best known to Maui tourists as a bucket list destination to view early morning sunrises.

But just like many good things in life never last, this experience is a victim of its own success.

The sheer volume of people determined to catch sunrise at Haleakala summit has led to a ticket reservation system through the national park’s website, if you can believe it.

And that means sharing that beautiful pink moment with hordes of other tourists.

Instead, consider heading up here at a more reasonable hour—say, mid-morning—exploring the park and enjoying a hike—and then watching the sunset instead. The experience will be so much more rewarding with far fewer crowds.

Fair warning though: This area can be pretty socked in by clouds…at any time of day.

I’ve struck out on two out of two attempts myself. So check the weather if you’ll be embarking on a long drive to get here. Clouds are great for sunset; a solid fog bank is not.

If you’re determined to see the sunrise here, consider making Haleakala National Park the very first day of your Maui itinerary.

If you’re arriving from the continental United States, the time change will mean you’re up quite early anyway, making that two hour drive less exhausting.

A guided tour by a local is a great way to leave the long drive to someone else. You check price and availability on a guided tour to Haleakala here.

And that’s your five days in Maui itinerary! With more time, keep reading.

Maui 7 Day Itinerary

Where to stay: Stay in Kihei. Then move to Hana.

With an additional two days on Maui, I recommend you base in Kihei for four or five days and then spend the last two or three days on the Road to Hana or in Hana itself.

If you visit Haleakala on day 5, moving to Hana that night makes perfect sense. And it’s easy to get to the airport in Kalihui for the flight home at the end of your trip.

(Although it’s just as easy if you’re coming from Kihei. It’s a relatively small island!)

Staying the night here means you’ll enjoy a whole extra day to explore the area around Hana after the day trippers have gone home.

Be sure to check out the “Seven Sacred Pools”, or Oheo Gulch. These are seven swimming holes connected by waterfalls and hidden within a dense bamboo forest.

My top pick for couples: A romantic, luxurious, and eco-friendly Hawaiian dream temple in near the beginning of the Road to Hana.

It’s rated as one of the top 7 places to go glamping in Hawaii. You’ve got to see it to believe it!

Guest review: ““In our 50 years together, my husband (retired pilot) and I have traveled the world…but THIS place…OMG THIS place is ‘it’. It was all divine, magical.” —Mike & Lilian, Georgia

Check prices and availability for the Hawaiian dream temple here.

So what should you do with your two additional days?

You could most definitely explore more of the fabulous beaches on island. You came here for sun and surf, right?

If you’re staying north of Lahaina, explore the northwestern tip of the island and check out Ka’anapali Beach, Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, and Olowalu (which is south of Lahaina).

If you’re staying in Kihei or southwest Maui, spend time at Makena Beach State Park (if you haven’t yet),
Palauea (White Rock, a local’s beach), Oneuli Beach (a “secret” beach), or Kamaole Beaches 1,2, and 3 near Kihei. Or head out on additional hikes.

Or enjoy the West Maui Loop Scenic Drive.

Another option is to spend a day enjoying the West Maui scenic drive. This is a loop that takes you all the way around the island.

Plan on a full day of about six to eight hours with plenty of stops.

Some visitors actually prefer this drive to the Drive to Hana! Tip: Drive this road clockwise so you’re on the inside of the road.

You can pick up this drive in Kahului (near the airport), Kanaanapli or Kapalua.

And then stop along the way to see the Olowalu Petroglyphs, and visit the Nakalele Blowhole (which shoots water 50 feet high!).

Do a little shopping in Lahaina, see the Olivine tide pools, perhaps take the Dragon Tooth Trail in Kapalua, hit the beach (so many great choices) and make a few food stops.

Caution: If you’re afraid of heights, skip this drive!

Also, while most of the drive is a normal two lane, paved highway, there are some areas that are more challenging with tight switchbacks and no guardrails.

If you’re a confident driver that understands how to maneuver in sometimes heavy traffic, honk around blind turns, stick to the speed limit, demonstrate courtesy in passing, and downshift on steep grades, you’ll be fine.

If not, please skip this drive for your safety and everyone else’s. Or, just turn around whenever you get to a section that is beyond your comfort level.

If you’ve had your fill of beahces, here are other ideas:

Day 6: Take a Helicopter Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of a helicopter tour, this is the time to finally indulge your fantasy! Imagine watching hidden waterfalls rush down lush green cliffs at eye level as you dip and soar over jungled valleys.

Look for spinner dolphins and whale flukes far below you in the turquoise sea.

Some helicopter tours explore the West Maui mountains while others head to the east side of the island for rain forested Hana. It’s totally up to you!

This is a great way to see the real Hawaii, as your flight will be narrated by a local pilot. Always be sure to check the safety record of the tour you book.

Check price and availability on this popular West Maui helicopter tour here.

Day 7: Go Whale Watching or Explore Io Valley

If you are visiting Maui in winter—December to March—you’ve absolutely got to spend a day whale watching.

(Side note: Maui also makes one of the best November vacations in the U.S. due to offseason deals but unfortunately you’ll just miss the whales.)

The Auau Channel (not far from Lahaina) is where the action is here. On our January trip, it was whale soup out there!

I can’t say enough wonderful things about our half-day tour experience with Pac Whale Eco Adventures on Maui. There was a naturalist who taught us how to spot whales on the horizon.

We learned all about how whales behave, their migration and breeding behaviors, and lifespan. Highly recommended.

Also, you can feel good about spending your tourism dollar with Pac Whale Eco Adventures as this company is a not-for-profit group.

All profits support the conservation and research of the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Check prices and availability on the Pac Whale Eco tour here.

Iao Valley State Park is a lush 4,000 acre park in central Maui. In fact, it’s the wettest part of the island!

Note: Out-of-state visitors require an advance reservation.

Walk through the rain forest canopy here and gaze up at the “Iao Needle” (Kuka’emoku), a tall lava remnant rising 1200 feet from the valley floor.

There are plenty of hiking trails here, including the easy, paved 0.6 mile Iao Needle Lookout Trail that will take you through a botanical garden and to the Iao Needle.

Most visitors swing through here in an hour or two so after your visit you can head to nearby Wailuku for a bite to eat or to check out the art galleries and boutiques in town.

Nearby Maui Tropical Plantation features more than 60 acres of tropical fruits so consider a farm tour or coffee tasting adventure here.

Then stop on your way back at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice for a treat.

Your Maui Packing List

I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to! See my list of 34 essential items to pack for a Maui vacation here.

You can read the complete list above, but here are a few highlights and items most frequently purchased by my readers that they rave about.

1. Packable cooler. Here’s the thing: Everything is expensive in Maui because all goods must be flown in due to the remote location. And that includes food and alcohol…both in restaurants and the grocery store.

Personally, I frequently make a stop at Costco—conveniently located right by Kahului Airport—when I arrive on Maui to stock up deli items for sandwiches, and wine or alcohol.

You can save a ton of money by packing your lunch for the beach in an insulated cooler. The one recommended above packs easily.

Then, just remember to grab a couple cooler packs at the grocery store, once you’re on island. You can find a packable cooler on Amazon here.

2. Rash guard. Unless you spend a lot of time in the ocean at home, you might not own a rash guard but I promise you, you’re going to want one during your Maui vacation.

A rash guard protects your skin—including your chest, arms, and back—when you’re spending a long time in the water.

I prefer the zip-up version so it’s not too tight but most people are just fine with a body glove rashguard.

Remember that the sun is HOT(!) here, far hotter than you’re used to at home.

I have seen so many first time visitors on Maui underestimate the sun here and end up burned on the very first day of their hard-won vacation. Don’t let that be you! Get a rash guard on Amazon here.

3. Reef-safe sunscreen. I read recently that there are more than 14,000 tons of sunscreen deposited into Hawaii’s oceans…each year.

That’s because Hawaii is straining under the threat of over tourism with more than 50,000 visitors each week.

And Oxybenzone, an ingredient in most sunscreens, kills coral!

So it’s perhaps no surprise that the State of Hawaii has passed a law outlawing any sunscreen that is not reef-safe.

The sunscreen I recommend is not only reef-safe but it’s also mineral-based and paraben-free with a high SPF and TSA compliant at four ounces. You can grab some on Amazon here.

4. KEEN shoes. If you’re going to be both hiking and swimming on Maui, KEEN shoes are the perfect solution.

Otherwise, you’re probably going to need hiking boots and also water shoes. Find them on Amazon here.

The coral is sharp—plus there are stingrays—so I absolutely recommend you wear something to protect your feet when you’re swimming in the water.

Plus, it rains on and off throughout the day—that’s how Maui stays so green—so expect to encounter a lot of mud on hikes. KEENS do double duty here!

The Best Maui Travel Itinerary

Whether you’re spending 7 days in Maui or just a long weekend, I hope you’re inspired with plenty of ideas on where to go and what to see.

But if you find yourself unable to roust yourself from Maui’s sugary white sand beaches, and you just don’t make it to Haleakala, go easy on yourself.

The very best kind of vacation—one that’s rejuvenating—is never a checklist of what to see and where to go.

So take the Maui trip you need in your life right now and if that’s seven days listening to the waves and swimming in the turquoise ocean, I promise you won’t regret it!

Maui FAQ

1. How many days do you need in Maui?

A week in Maui is ideal with enough time to range around the island and experience the diverse attractions here.

But if you’re island hopping—or only have a long weekend to spare—you can make do with just three days. You might not want to leave though!

Plan to rent a car as it’s the only real way to get around on island. (And reserve well ahead of time or prepare for sticker shock on island.)

2. What should you not miss in Maui?

I’d recommend priorities in this order: Beach and snorkeling time in West Maui, driving the Road to Hana on the east side of the island, and a visit to Haleakala State Park.

If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to book a whale watching excursion.

A snorkeling boat trip to Molokini Crater is a bucket list experience. With more than a few days, plan some scenic hikes or add an overnight in Hana.

(Most people do the drive to Hana as a day trip but you’ll have this gorgeous wilderness to yourself if you spend the night.)

Also, Maui has dozens of great food trucks sprinkled around the island.

They make a delicious and inexpensive option to high island prices for food…leaving more room in your budget for sunset cocktails.

Don’t miss the pod of food trucks right next to Costco and the airport! It makes a great first or last stop for food on your way to or from Maui.

3. What is the best time to visit Maui?

The best time to go to Maui is whenever you can get there! But seriously, it depends on your goal.

The best whale watching happens between mid-December and mid-May.

Be aware that winter is primetime for tourists looking to escape stateside snow. Traffic in Kihei can reflect that.

Plus, rainy season is November to March. And summer—when school’s out—can be equally as busy. Dry season is April to October.

Personally, I love to visit in shoulder season, specifically April/May or September/October. In spring and fall, you’ll enjoy warmer weather and warmer ocean temps with far fewer crowds.

4. What part of Maui is the best to stay?

Most visitors base in South or West Maui…It’s where you’ll find the best beaches and resorts. Kihei is popular because it providse easy access to Maui attractions all over the island. (See “Where to stay in Maui” for more details.)

If you’re staying a week, consider spending a day or two over on the rainier—and lusher—side of the island on the Road to Hana (or Hana itself.)

Or upcountry near Mount Haleakala for a more tourist-free experience.

5. When is the rainy season in Maui?

Dry season in Hawaii is in summer, roughly April to October while rainy season is in winter (November to March).

The good news is that Hawaii is always warm, even in the rainy season.

Don’t be too concerned if you check your weather app as you board the plane to Maui and see rain is forecast daily.

Even in dry season, showers can blow through. They are brief and create daily rainbows everywhere!

6. Can you day trip to Maui from Big Island?

Sadly, there are no ferry services available between these two islands. The only way to see both islands is to fly. Check prices on Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest.

7. What’s the Haleakala drive time?

Plan on a one hour drive from Kihei to Haleakala National Park and 10 minutes more from Wailea just south of Kihei.

If you’re coming from West Maui, say, Kaanapali, it’s a 90 minute drive (and can be longer if you hit commuter hours).

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