The Ultimate Maui, Hawaii Travel Itinerary

Maui, Hawaii ultimate travel guide

Planning a vacation to Maui, Hawaii? Known as The Valley Isle, Maui has it all–upscale resorts, lush rainforests, the incredible Road to Hana, and the most spectacular sunrise atop Haleakala Volcano.  This ultimate Maui, Hawaii travel itinerary ensures you will see all of the top spots on the island as well as hidden gems.  Grab your swimsuits and beach bags because we are getting down to all things Maui!

This post contains affiliate links that, at no cost to you, I may earn commission from.  Thank you for supporting my blog!

map of Hawaiian Islands

Best Time to Visit Maui

The best time to visit Maui depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. If you are looking for the best weather, then you will want to avoid rainy season, which is November through March.  Click here for the average rainfall in each Maui town by month.  The hottest and driest months in Maui are May through September.  
 

For those coming to Maui with the hopes of seeing whales, the best time to visit will be during whale season, which is mid-January through the end of March. 

If you are looking to avoid crowds, the shoulder months of April and October are the cheaper and quieter months in Maui.   We visited Maui at the end of April and the weather was beautiful-warm and sunny every day!
  

Where to Stay In Maui

The island of Maui is broken up into five regions. 
 

West Maui

Being on the leeward side of the island, the weather in West Maui is known to be the sunniest on the island.  West Maui is home to the majority of hotels and resorts in Maui, as well as several beautiful beaches.   Ka’anapali, Kapalua and  Lahaina are all  popular beach resort towns in West Maui.  
 

South Maui

South Maui is also on the leeward side of the island, giving it an abundance of sunshine, and receiving only slightly more rain per year than West Maui.  South Maui is a golfer’s paradise and home to four major golf courses.  There are several upscale and luxurious resort communities located in South Maui.  It is also home to some of Maui’s most beautiful beaches including Wailea Beach, Makena Beach, Ulua Beach (also known as Big Beach) and Keawakapu Beach.  Kihei, Wailea and Makena are popular resort towns in South Maui.  
 

East Maui

East Maui is known for its lush rainforests, scenic waterfalls, rugged coastline, and the famous Road to Hana.  It is a more rural region, with a limited amount of hotels and restaurants compared to the other parts of the island.  The quaint town of Hana has a few hotels and restaurants and is a great place to stay to break up your Road to Hana drive.  East Maui is home to some of Maui’s most famous destinations: the Road to Hana, the Seven Sacred Pools (O’heo Gulch), Pipiwa Trail, Wailua Falls and Waianapanapa State Park with its black sand beach. 

Central Maui

Central Maui is a pivotal region on the island, serving as the commercial, cultural, and transportation hub of the island.  The town of Kahului is home to the Maui Airport, along with hotels and restaurants located close to the airport. There is a multitude of shops located in Kahului, including Costco. 
 

The town of Wailuku is dotted with historic buildings along Market Street which showcase historic Hawaiian charm.  Central Maui is also home to the beautiful Iao Valley which is known for its lush rainforest, the iconic ‘Iao Needle (a volcanic rock pinnacle), and hiking trails offering scenic views of the valley and ‘Iao Stream.

Upcountry Maui

Upcountry Maui refers to the higher elevation areas of the island, primarily located on the slopes of the Haleakalā volcano. This region offers a stark contrast to the coastal areas of Maui, with cooler temperatures, verdant landscapes, rural communities, and breathtaking views.  There are not many options for hotels in this part of Maui, although you will be able to find some vacation rental homes. 

map of Maui by Shaka Guide
Map by Shaka Guide

Driving Times

One of the biggest factors to consider in deciding where to stay in Maui is the driving distance between the different regions of the island.  
 
West Maui to East Maui (Hana):  4 to 5 hours 
 
South Maui to East Maui (Hana): 2 to 3 hours 
 
Central Maui (airport) to East Maui: 3 hours
 
Central Maui (airport) to West Maui:  45 minutes to 1 hour
 
Central Maui (airport) to South Maui: 25 minutes
 
West Maui to South Maui: 1 hour
 
West Maui to Upcountry Maui (summit of Haleakala Volcano):  3 hours
 
South Maui to Upcountry Maui (summit of Haleakala Volcano) 2 hours 
 
Maui, Hawaii Travel Itinerary

Where to Stay in Maui

Deciding which part of the island to stay on ultimately comes down to what you are looking for out of your vacation.  If your biggest concern is weather, I recommend staying in West Maui or South Maui.  If you are most focused on beaches, West and South Maui are the best places.  For those looking to minimize driving times, I recommend staying in South or Central Maui.  And if you are looking for a remote getaway, or an overnight stay to break up the Road to Hana drive, I recommend staying in East Maui in Hana.  Spending at least one night in Hana allows you the opportunity to fully experience all of the beaches and breathtaking stops along the Road to Hana. 
 
These are the top rated hotels in each region.
 

West Maui

Ka’anapali

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas

Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort 

Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa Maui

Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach

Aston at the Whaler Ka’anapali Beach

Ka’anapali Alii

Aston Mahana at Ka’anapali

Aston Ka’anapali Shores

Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali

Kapalua

 
 

South Maui

Wailea

Hotel Wailea

Four Seasons Resort at Wailea

Fairmont Kea Lani 

Residence Inn by Marriott Wailea

Wailea Beach Resort by Marriott

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Kihei

Maui Coast Hotel

East Maui

Hana

Hana Kai Maui

Hana Maui Resort

Central Maui

Paia

Kahului (airport)

Courtyard by Marriott Kahului Airport

Maui Seaside Hotel

 

If you are traveling as a family, consider renting a vacation home or condo.  Click here to view the top rated Maui vacation homes on VRBO.

Maui, Hawaii Resorts

Flight into Maui 

All flights into Maui will arrive at Kahului Airport (OGG).  For flights arriving in Maui from the mainland, be sure to select seats on the left side of the plane for the best views of the island on arrival.  That is on the left side of the plane if you are sitting facing the front of the plane.  Click here to search flights to Maui.
 

Maui Rental Cars

Regardless of where you stay on the island, you will need to rent a car during your stay in Maui.  The island attractions are spread out, and you will be doing a significant amount of driving throughout your stay.   My favorite place to search for rental cars is either discovercars.com or rentalcars.com.  Both of these sites are search engines (similar to Travelocity or Expedia) which will search all of the local Maui car rental businesses for the lowest prices.  Turo is also available in Maui, which is where you rent from a private person (similar to a vacation rental but for cars) instead of a business.
  
Maui, Hawaii Travel Itinerary Tips

Important Maui Travel Tips

Guide Along App

I highly recommend downloading the Guide Along (formerly GyPSy Guide) driving audio tour.  We used this on our trip to both Maui and Kauai after a recommendation from a friend and it really made our trip!  This audio tour is also a GPS, so it not only gives you directions where to go, but it also provides background information on the places you are driving by.   We used it every time we were in the car, but you will definitely want to use it for the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park.   
 
We named the narrator “Bill” (he just sounded like his name would be Bill) and every time we got in the car, the kids would remind me to “Turn Bill on.”  We learned so much about Hawaii from “Bill.”

Maui Essentials

There are 4 essentials for Maui that I highly recommend bringing with you.  

1. Collapsible Fold-Flat Travel Cooler

A collapsible fold flat travel cooler is a Maui essential.  You will use it to pack lunches and drinks for the beach and long drive days like the Road to Hana and Haleakala.  It folds completely flat so it can fit easily in a suitcase. Trust me, you will be so glad you brought it!

2.  Water Shoes

Water shoes are another Maui essential.  You will use them for swimming in waterfalls along the Road to Hana, at the rocky black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, and for cliff jumping at Ka’anapali Beach. 

3. Snorkeling Gear

If you plan to do any snorkeling off of the beach in Maui, I highly recommend bringing your own snorkel gear.  Many of the beaches in Maui have protected areas for snorkeling.   These full face snorkel masks are all the rage and perfect for beginners-nothing goes in your mouth and you can breathe completely normal. 

4. Lightweight Turkish Towel

Beach towels are bulky and heavy when they are wet.  Lightweight Turkish towels like Bay Laurel or Sand Cloud are essentials for Maui.  They are incredibly lightweight, both wet and dry.  They also dry quickly and can be used as a towel or a picnic blanket.  Turkish towels pack easily and are especially great for the Road to Hana.

Click here for my entire Maui packing list.

Sand Cloud Towel
Travel Cooler

Day 1: Arrival & Check In

Most flights from the mainland arrive in the afternoon or evening.  After arriving at the airport, pick up your rental car and head to your accommodations.  If you are are a Costco member, you can stop at the Costco near the airport on your way to your accommodations.  Don’t forget to pack your Costco card!  For those staying in a resort or rental with a kitchen, there are big grocery stores in South Maui, West Maui and Central Maui.  There is a small grocery store in East Maui.  
 
Since most people arriving in Maui will be experiencing a time change, you will likely be tired from your long day of travel and the jet lag.  If you have time on Day 1, hit the pool or beach at your accommodations.  
Haleakala Crater Sunrise in Maui Hawaii
Sunrise at Haleakala Crater

Day 2:  Upcountry Maui: Sunrise at Haleakala Crater

Sunrise at Haleakala Volcano in Haleakala National Park

One of the most epic and bucket-list things to do in Maui is to watch the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park.  The summit of the Haleakala Volcano is located at 10,000 feet above sea level, which is literally above the clouds! You will watch the sun rise in a glorious display of pink, orange and lavender, from the clouds below you.  It is truly a breathtaking and once-in-a-lifetime experience.  
 
I highly recommend doing the sunrise at Haleakala Volcano on your first full day in Maui.  Since most people will be traveling from the mainland, the time change will have you waking up extremely early anyway on your first day.  We traveled to Maui from Washington DC. Maui is  6 hours behind Washington DC.   8:00 am on the east coast of the US is 2:00am in Maui.  If you are staying in West or South Maui, you will have to leave your accommodations by 3:00 am in order to make it to the summit of Haleakala by sunrise.  This is not so bad when it actually feels like 9:00 am for you.  
 
If this early wake up call does not sound appealing to you, trust me–you don’t want to miss this sunrise.  It is 100% worth the long drive and very early start.  You will be so glad you did! 
 
Sunrise at Haleakala Crater in Maui, Hawaii
Sunrise at Haleakala Crater

Mandatory Vehicle Reservations

Due to the popularity of sunrise at Haleakala, and in order to control crowds, the National Park Service has required mandatory vehicle reservations to enter Haleakala National Park between the hours of 3:00am to 7:00 am.  You will not be permitted to enter the park until after 7:00 am if you do not have a vehicle reservation.  Since the sun rises between 5:30am and 6:30 am, you will miss the sunrise if you can’t enter until 7:00am.

Vehicle reservations cost $1 per vehicle and can be purchased at recreation.gov.  The vehicle reservations are released 60 days in advance at 7:00 HST (Hawaiian Standard Time) and they do sell out almost immediately.   Log on to recreation.gov a few minutes before they are released and start refreshing your screen until you see the tickets available.  
 

Tip:  Create your account a few days prior to the release.  You have to create an account prior to adding the tickets to your cart.  That will cost precious time the morning of the release and will likely cause you to lose the tickets in the registration process. 

Haleakala National Park in Maui, Hawaii is at the top of your Maui travel itinerary

Other Options to View the Sunrise at Haleakala 

If you are unable to secure vehicle reservations, or simply are not comfortable driving the steep and winding road up to the summit in the dark, there are other options for you.  The best option is to book a tour.  Since vehicle reservations are per vehicle-not per person-you do not need a vehicle reservation if you book a tour.   Some of the tours include pick up at your hotel.  
 
Check out these top rated and most popular Haleakala Sunrise tours:
 
 
 

Bike sunrise tours are extremely popular.  A van takes you up to the summit to watch the sunrise, then after the sunrise, they give you bikes to ride back down the mountain.  The bike ride is all downhill, requiring you to only pedal a half mile.   

Check out these Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tours:
 
Another option is to watch the sunset at Haleakala instead of the sunrise.  Because there are less people at sunset, vehicle reservations are not required.  While the sunset is not quite as spectacular as the sunrise, it is still stunning.  If you decide to visit Haleakala for sunset, but don’t want to drive yourself up the winding road, consider booking a tour like this one. 
 
For those not wanting to visit at sunrise or sunset, these bike tours are offered during the day:
Sunrise atop Haleakala Crater in Maui, Hawaii

Important Tips For Haleakala 

1. At 10,000 feet above sea level the temperature is about 30-40 degrees colder than it is at sea level.  When we went, the temperature at the summit was in the upper 30s and windy! The wind chills were probably in the mid to low 30s.  Make sure you pack a jacket, hat and gloves.  Also, wear socks and sneakers, no flip flops!  You may feel ridiculous packing a jacket, hat and gloves for Maui, but trust me–you will want them for the sunrise at Haleakala.  If your hotel has an extra blanket in your room, bring that too!
 
2.  When you get to the Visitor’s Center at the summit, keep driving until the road ends at the Observatory.  The best viewing is from the very top at the Observatory.  Parking at the observatory fills up first, so you may be forced to park at the Visitor’s Center, but you could always walk up to the Observatory from the Visitor’s Center.  There are no restrooms at the Observatory. Restrooms are located at the summit Visitor’s Center. 
 
3.  Gas up your car before you go.  There is nowhere to get gas near Haleakala National Park.  The last chance for gas before Haleakala is the town of Pukalani.
 
4.  Pack snacks and drinks in your travel cooler.  You will be there for several hours and there is no where to get food or drink within the park. 
 
5. Be sure to look up what time the sunrise will be for the day you visit Haleakala.  Remember that the time listed as sunrise is the time the sun will be all the way up.  Sunrise starts a good hour before that.  At Haleakala, the beauty is not when the sun is all the way up, rather it is the most stunning as it begins to peek out.  That is when the colors are absolutely glorious.  Remember–it is an hour drive from the entrance to Haleakala National Park to the summit.  We arrived to the parking lot at the Observatory at 5:00 am and the parking lot was already about half full.  
 

6. The $1 fee only covers your vehicle reservation.  All guests entering Haleakala National Park will also have to pay a $30 entrance fee per vehicle.  This entrance fee can be paid at the entrance gate upon arrival as they check your vehicle reservation.  The entrance pass is also good for the Seven Sacred Pools and O’heo Gulch but it must be used within 3 days.  So, you will want to plan your Road to Hana trip within 3 days of Haleakala. 

7. Be sure to stop by the  Haleakala Crater overlooks on your way back down the volcano.  The scenery from within the crater is other worldly!
 
Haleakala Crater in Maui, Hawaii
@postcardsfromcarrie Bucket list, once in a lifetime experience in Maui, Hawaii ☀️Sunrise on Haleakala Crater, 10,00 feet above sea level ☀️Drive 37 miles up the volcano from sea level to 10,000 feet to watch this epic sunrise ☀️The tenperature at the summit is 40 degrees colder than at the entrance to the park. Dress warm! It was in the 30s at the top! ☀️ Mandatory vehicle reservations are required. Check out my blog for more information on this breathtaking sunrise. #maui #mauihawaii #hawaii #hawaiitiktok #hawaiilife #sunrise #sunriseview #haleakala #volcano #nature #vacation #bucketlist #bucketlisttravel ♬ Here Comes the Sun - Relaxing Instrumental Music

Beach Afternoon

After your sunrise at Haleakala, spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach.  You will likely be tired from jet lag and your early morning, so relaxing at the beach is a perfect way to spend the afternoon of day two.  I recommend going to a beach that is near your accommodations.  If you are staying in West Maui, head to Ka’anapali Beach, Napili Beach or D.T. Fleming Beach.   If you are staying in South Maui, head to Makena Beach or Wailea Beach.
Maui, Hawaii travel itinerary

Day 3: Molokini Crater & South Maui 

Molokini Crater Snorkeling

We will start Day 3 with a snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater.  Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater located about 2.5 miles off the southwest coast of Maui. It is considered one of the top snorkeling and diving destinations in the Hawaiian Islands and is a designated Marine Life Conservation District.  

There are several boat tours that will take you out to snorkel at the Molokini Crater, ranging from large catamarans to Zodiac rafts.   You can choose from large group boat tours to private tours with just you and your family.  All of the  Molokini Crater tours listed below leave out of South Maui, most out of the Ma’alea Harbor.  

All of the tours provide you with snorkeling gear, but you can also bring your own.  These full face snorkeling masks are great for beginners as you can breathe completely normally with them, and nothing goes inside your mouth.  Be sure to bring a GoPro with a floating handle for underwater pictures and videos.  

Check out these top-rated Molokini Crater tours:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Molokini Crater in Maui, Hawaii
Molokini Crater, Maui
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater on your Maui, Hawaii Travel Itinerary

South Maui Beach Afternoon

After the Molokini Crater boat tour, spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach in South Maui.  Wailea Beach, Makena Beach and Keawakapu Beach are the most popular beaches in South Maui.  All 3 beaches have areas for snorkeling, so bring your snorkeling gear or rent some along the beach.
 
Alternatives to the beach in South Maui include golfing at any of the 4 golf courses or visiting the Maui Ocean Center aquarium.  
 

Day 4 :  East Maui: Road to Hana

Day 4 you will drive the famous Road to Hana.  Hana Highway, also called Road to Hana, is a scenic highway that stretches approximately 52 miles along the northeastern coast of Maui. It is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, including lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, dramatic coastline, and panoramic ocean views. The road has 600 curves, 52  bridges, and more than 18 waterfalls.   Road to Hana, along with the Haleakala Sunrise, are the top 2 must-do activities in Maui.

Road to Hana begins in the town of Paia, located on Maui’s northeast shore, and winds its way through breathtaking landscapes, eventually reaching the remote town of Hana. About 15 minutes past the town of Hana is O’heo Gulch’s Seven Sacred Pools and the Pipiwa Trail.  Both of these are technically part of Haleakala National Park, and require the same entrance fee as you paid to get into Haleakala on Day 2.  The entrance fee is good for 3 days, so make sure you bring it with you to use on the Road to Hana.  

I highly recommend using the Guide Along app (formerly GyPSy Guide) or the Shaka Guide app for their audio driving tours of the Road to Hana.  

Seven Sacred Pools on the Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Waterfall along Road to Hana

How Long Is the Road To Hana Drive?

Even though it is only 52 miles, it takes about 3 hours to drive the Road to Hana from Paia to O’heo Gulch, which is just past the town of Hana.  This is due to not only the many curves and bridges, but also the stops you will make along the road.  Once you reach O’heo Gulch and the Seven Sacred Pools, most people turn around and drive back the same way they came, making it over a 6 hour drive out and back to Paia.  

The Road to Hana Backside

It is possible to continue driving on the backside of the Road to Hana back to Central Maui, but the road is very remote and not paved in some parts.  Most car rental companies discourage or ban you altogether from driving the backside.  

Some car rental companies allow you to drive the backside of Hana Highway but with the caveat that if you get a flat tire or have car issues that the damage is at your expense and they will not come tow you. Most people drive the Road to Hana to O’heo (just past Hana) and then turn around and drive back out the same way they came in instead of driving past O’heo where “the backside” of the road begins.   

If you are not up for a 6 hour drive, this combined van/helicopter tour takes you along the Road to Hana drive in a luxurious van, stopping at all of the best spots.  When you get to Hana, instead of having to turn around and drive back on the same road 3 hours, you will hop onto a helicopter and take a scenic 30 minute helicopter flight over Haleakala crater and landing back at the pickup point.  Be sure to book this tour well in advance as it will definitely sell out. 

Road to Hana on the ultimate Maui, Hawaii travel itinerary
Road To Hana

Mandatory Vehicle Reservations

One of the most beautiful places along the Road to Hana is Waianapanapa State Park.  (Pronounced Why-uh-noppa-noppa) Waianapanapa is home to Maui’s only black sand beach.   Mandatory vehicle reservations must be obtained in advance for Waianapanapa State Park at gostateparks.hawaii.gov.  These tickets are PER PERSON not per vehicle. The reservations cost $10 per person and are good for a 3 hour time slot.  It is possible to purchase more than one time slot.  You can enter the park anytime within the window of your time slot(s) but you have to leave by the time your time slot is over.  
 
Tickets go on sale 30 days in advance at midnight HST (Hawaiian Standard Time) These tickets sell out immediately so be sure to create an account before the release day. Log on a few minutes before they are released and start refreshing your screen until you see the tickets appear. 
Waianapanapa State Park along the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii
Waianapanapa State Park

Road to Hana Tours

If you are not comfortable driving the Road to Hana yourself, or you are unable to secure vehicle reservations for Wainapanapa State Park, consider booking a tour. The tours are very popular and give you the best of the Road to Hana without having to drive it yourself.  This also gives the driver the chance to enjoy the scenery and not have to worry about taking their eyes off of the road. 
 
Check out these top-rated Road to Hana tours:
Small Group Road To Hana 
 
Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii

One Day in Hana or Two?

For the Road to Hana, not only will you be driving 6 hours in one day, but if you are staying in West Maui or South Maui, you will have a few more hours to drive after that to get back to your resort.  This makes for a very long day of driving, but trust me, it is absolutely worth it!  You cannot come to Maui and not drive the Road to Hana!

There are so many different things to do and see along the Road to Hana, it is impossible to do them all in one day.   The road to Hana is not ideal to drive after dark, so you will want to time your trip  so that you make it back to Paia by dark.  This means you will have to pick and choose what stops you will make.  

When we drove the Road to Hana with our 3 teens, we really wished that we had  booked a hotel and stayed overnight in Hana. This would have allowed us to spend more time at each of the stops.  We could’ve truly explored Wainanapa State Park, the Seven Sacred Pools of O’heo Gulch and spent time swimming at the beaches along the way.  We felt like we really rushed through so many of the spectacular sights along the Road to Hana due to time constraints.  

To be clear, most people do the Road to Hana in one long day.  It is doable, but in order to truly take your time and enjoy the experience, breaking it into 2 days is ideal.

Day 5:  West Maui 

Nakalele Blowhole

Spend day 5 exploring sunny West Maui.   We will start the day exploring the Nakalele Blowhole. This natural phenomenon shoots water up to 100 feet into the air!  The descent down to the blowhole is rocky, so be sure to wear sneakers or sturdy hiking sandals–no flip flops!  Nakalele Blowhole is a quick stop, you will be in and out in an hour.   

nakalele blowhole on the ultimate Maui Hawaii travel itinerary

West Maui Beach Day

After visiting the blowhole, visit one or more of these famous West Maui beaches:

Ka’anapali Beach 

Black Rock Beach-known for cliff jumping

Napili Beach-great for snorkeling

Kapalua Beach-great for snorkeling

D.T. Fleming Beach 

 

Kapalua Beach, West Maui

Other options for West Maui

If you have time after the beach, check out these popular West Maui experiences:
 

Hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail

The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a 2 mile hike has stunning ocean views.  Wear sneakers and your swimsuits, you can jump into the water at the end of the hike.  This hike is located at Kapalua Beach so you can do this hike prior to your beach afternoon. 
 

 Maui Ku’ia Chocolate Factory

Take a tour and get involved in the process of making chocolate at the Maui Ku’ia Chocolate Factory. 

Zipline Adventure

 

Day 6:  Central Kauai

Helicopter Tour

Start the day with a helicopter tour of Maui. For the more adventurous travelers, try a doors-off helicopter tour!  Be sure to reserve your helicopter tour well in advance, they do sell out and will be hard to book last minute.

Air Maui: Maui & Molokai Helicopter Tour

Air Maui: Doors Off Maui & Molokai Helicopter Tour

Maverick Helicopter: Maui & Molokai Helicopter Tour

Maverick Helicopters:  Hana Rainforest Helicopter Tour

Air Maui:  Complete Island Helicopter Tour

Maui Helicopter Tour on ultimate Maui Travel Itinerary

Maui Gold Pineapple Farm Tour

Tour a working pineapple farm in Central Maui and taste some of Maui’s famous Maui Gold pineapple! 

Iao Valley State Monument

Next, head to the Iao Valley State Monument.  Located in the breathtaking Iao Valley, this park is known for its towering emerald peaks, lush rainforest, and the iconic Iao Needle- a 1,200 foot rock formation from the valley floor.
Iao Valley State Monument on the ultimate Maui, Hawaii travel itinerary

Other Central Maui Experiences

Ocean Vodka Distillery

Take a tour and a tasting of the Ocean Vodka Distillery in Central Maui.

Waihe’e Ridge Hiking Trail

The challenging Waihe’e Ridge hiking trail has breathtaking views, however it is steep and very slippery.  Hiking poles and boots are must for this trail.  Read the reviews before hiking.  

Day 7: Check Out and departure

Day 7 will be your departure day.  If you have a late flight, consider visiting the Maui Tropical Plantation for a tour and lunch. Other options for departure day include the Pineapple Farm Tour, the Ocean Vodka Distillery or the Maui Kui Chocolate Factory. 
A luau is a top thing to do on a maui, hawaii itinerary

Attend a Luau in Maui

A Hawaiian vacation would not be complete without attending a traditional luau.  Hawaiian luaus usually include a lei greeting, a Hawaiian dinner feast and live entertainment like hula and fire dancers.  I highly recommend experiencing a luau one of the days on your itinerary.  Don’t plan the luau on the same day you do the Road to Hana, that is too long of a day.  However, a luau would easily fit into any other evening on this itinerary. 

There are several luaus on the island to choose from.  Below are the most popular luaus by region.  

West Maui Luaus

Maui Nui Luau at Sheraton Resort in Ka’anapali

Myths of Maui at Royal Lahaina Resort

Wailele Luau

Old Lahaina Luau

 

South Maui Luaus

Te Au Moana Luau at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort

Gilligan’s Island Luau in Kihei

Andaz Maui Luau 

Luau at Grand Wailea

Sunset Dinner Cruise & Luau-Pride of Maui

 

Considering a Hawaiian island hopping vacation? Click here to view my Maui & Kauai Island Hopping Itinerary.

PIN IT!

Save the images below to pin this article to Pinterest for later! 

VISIT MY AMAZON STore

Shop my idea lists for all of your travel and family needs

Book your maui trip today

Search Flights, Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Kauai and Maui

Search & Compare Car Rentals in Maui 

Drop a Comment Below!

Have you been to Maui?  Did you find this article helpful? I would love to hear from you. Drop a comment below!

Check Out My Other Hawaii Articles

Don't Miss A Post!

Add your email address to receive notifications of new content. 

Get New Post Alerts