Day 1: Explore Lahaina Town
Lahaina is a charming town with plenty of shops, art galleries, and cafes to visit. Don't forget to see the Banyan Tree, which is over a century old and takes up an entire city block. For dinner, head to Leilani's on the Beach for delicious seafood and stunning ocean views.
Day 2: Road to Hana Adventure
Take a scenic drive along the Road to Hana, a 64-mile stretch of highway with over 600 turns and 59 bridges. Some must-see stops include the Garden of Eden Arboretum, the black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park, and the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch. End the day with dinner at the Mama's Fish House, known for their fresh fish and Polynesian-inspired decor.
Day 3: Beach Day
Spend the day soaking up the sun and relaxing on one of Maui's beautiful beaches, such as Ka'anapali Beach or Wailea Beach. For lunch, grab a poke bowl from The Fish Market Maui, a popular spot for fresh seafood. In the evening, take a sunset dinner cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks while watching humpback whales frolic in the ocean.
Day 4: Haleakala Sunrise
Wake up early to watch the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala, a volcanic crater that offers breathtaking views of the island. Afterward, explore the unique landscapes of the park, including the Silversword plant and the moon-like terrain of the Sliding Sands Trail. For dinner, try Kula Bistro, a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases the best of Maui's local produce.
Day 5: Snorkeling Adventure
Dive into Maui's crystal-clear waters and discover a colorful underwater world full of tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. Book a snorkeling tour with Maui Adventure Cruises, which takes you to the pristine waters of Lana'i Island. For dinner, indulge in some authentic Hawaiian cuisine at The Plantation House, located in Kapalua Resort.
Time and Costs Estimates:
Lahaina Town (3 hours, free)
Leilani's on the Beach ($$$)
Road to Hana Adventure (10-12 hours, gas price varies)
Mama's Fish House ($$$$)
Beach Day (full day, free)
The Fish Market Maui ($$)
Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise ($$$)
Haleakala Sunrise (4-6 hours, park entrance fee $30 per vehicle)
Kula Bistro ($$)
Snorkeling Adventure (4-5 hours, tour price varies)
The Plantation House ($$$)
Total Estimated Costs: $$$$, excluding accommodations and transportation.
Transportation:
A rental car is recommended to explore Maui. Gas prices on the island can be slightly higher than the mainland. Make sure to plan plenty of time for the Road to Hana drive, as it can take up to 12 hours with stops along the way. Private transportation options, such as taxis and shuttles, are also available but can be more expensive.
Useful Tips:
If you have extra days in Maui, consider adding a visit to the Iao Valley State Park, where you can see the iconic Iao Needle rock formation. For foodies, a visit to Maui's Upcountry region to explore local farms and wineries is a must-do. If you have less time in Maui, consider skipping the Road to Hana and spending more time on the beaches or at the Haleakala National Park.
Airports:
Kahului Airport (OGG) is the main airport in Maui, located in the city of Kahului, which is about a 30-minute drive from Lahaina. Visitors can also fly into the Kapalua Airport (JHM), located in West Maui, which is convenient for those staying in the Lahaina or Ka'anapali areas.