Five-Day Itinerary for Maui, Hawaii

  • Day 1: Road to Hana
    2 hours (52 miles) from Maui Airport

    The Road to Hana is a scenic drive that takes you through lush Hawaiian forests, past waterfalls, and along the coastline. There are plenty of stops along the way to hike, swim, or sample local cuisine.

  • Day 2: Haleakala National Park
    1 hour 45 minutes (51 miles) from Road to Hana

    Haleakala National Park is home to the highest peak on Maui and offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park's trails and see rare Hawaiian wildlife.

  • Day 3: Lahaina Town
    48 minutes (32 miles) from Haleakala National Park

    Lahaina Town is a charming historic district with plenty of art galleries, shops, restaurants, and museums to explore. Visitors can learn about the town's whaling history or take a sunset dinner cruise.

  • Day 4: Molokini Crater
    25 minutes (5.5 miles) from Maui Airport

    Molokini is a partially submerged crater that is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or take a glass bottom boat tour to see the colorful fish and coral formations.

  • Day 5: The Road to Hana Part 2
    45 minutes (19 miles) from Molokini Crater

    Use this day to explore the parts of the Road to Hana you didn't get to see on Day 1. The road offers a different experience each time you drive it, and there are many hidden treasures to discover.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • The Road to Hana (full day, free)
  • Haleakala National Park (half day, $30 per vehicle)
  • Lahaina Town (half day, free to explore)
  • Molokini Crater (half day, $160 per person for snorkeling tour)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $190 per person

Transportation

Most visitors to Maui rent a car to explore the island. Rental cars start at around $50 per day, and Maui's roads are easy to navigate. Some areas, like the Road to Hana, can be challenging to drive, so it's important to take it slow and be mindful of other drivers. Uber and Lyft are also available on the island, but are limited to certain areas.

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby island of Lanai or visiting the famous beaches of Kaanapali. Those with less time may want to skip the Road to Hana and focus on other attractions like Haleakala or Lahaina Town.

Airports

Kahului Airport (OGG) is Maui's main airport and is located in central Maui, about 30 minutes (17 miles) from Lahaina Town. There are direct flights to OGG from many US cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. Maui's smaller airport, Kapalua Airport (JHM), is located in the northwest part of the island and serves inter-island flights only.

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