Maui in 3 days

The Valley Isle: the Road to Hana, Haleakalā sunrises, golden beaches and Hawaii at its most beautiful. Best time to visit: April-May and September-October. Average daily budget: $250 to $450 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Lahaina & Kāʻanapali, The west coast's resort heart with golden beaches and sunsets (note: rebuilding after the 2023 fires, check current access).

Morning: Drive the Road to Hana. A legendary coastal road of 600 curves, waterfalls, rainforest and black-sand beaches, start early.

Afternoon: Explore Lahaina & Kāʻanapali, The west coast's resort heart with golden beaches and sunsets (note: rebuilding after the 2023 fires, check current access).

Evening: Watch sunrise (or sunset) at Haleakalā. Stand above the clouds at the 10,000-foot volcano summit, sunrise needs an advance reservation.

Eat: Fresh poke bowls

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Wailea & Kīhei, The sunny, drier south shore with calm beaches, resorts, snorkelling and great value condos in Kīhei.

Morning: Snorkel at Molokini or Turtle Town. Crystal-clear water, coral and green sea turtles, best on a morning boat tour before the wind.

Afternoon: Explore Wailea & Kīhei, The sunny, drier south shore with calm beaches, resorts, snorkelling and great value condos in Kīhei.

Evening: Relax on the beaches of Wailea and Kāʻanapali. Golden sand, calm swimming and spectacular sunsets along the leeward coasts.

Eat: Plate lunch with kalua pork

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Pāʻia & the North Shore, A bohemian surf town, the gateway to the Road to Hana and windsurfing at Hoʻokipa.

Morning: Go whale watching (winter). From December to April, humpback whales fill the waters off Maui, prime viewing in the islands.

Afternoon: Explore Pāʻia & the North Shore, A bohemian surf town, the gateway to the Road to Hana and windsurfing at Hoʻokipa.

Evening: The bamboo forest and Waimoku Falls hike in the Kīpahulu (Hana) area.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Huli-huli chicken from a roadside stand

Hidden gems

The bamboo forest and Waimoku Falls hike in the Kīpahulu (Hana) area.
Sunset and farm-to-table dining Upcountry around Kula and Makawao.
Lesser-known south-shore snorkel coves like Makena (Big Beach) early in the day.
A lavender or pineapple farm tour on the cooler slopes of Haleakalā.

Getting around

A rental car is essential on Maui, the island's highlights are spread across long distances and public transport is very limited. Book your car well ahead, especially in peak season, as demand is high. Allow a full day for the Road to Hana and start early for both Hana and the Haleakalā sunrise (which requires a timed reservation). Fill the tank before remote drives, as gas stations are sparse on the east side.

Safety

Maui is very safe in terms of crime, but the biggest risks are in the water and on the roads. Respect ocean conditions, heed lifeguard flags, beware of strong currents and shore breaks, and never turn your back on the waves. Drive the Road to Hana cautiously on its narrow, winding bends, protect against strong sun, and bring layers for the cold Haleakalā summit. Be mindful of areas still recovering from the 2023 Lahaina wildfires and respect local guidance and closures.

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