Explore Maui in 5 days
5 days

Day 1
Arrival & settle in
Hana
Day 1 of this 5-day Maui itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around Hana at a medium pace.


Begin at Waiʻānapanapa State Park — This stunning park offers dramatic coastal scenery with black sand beaches and sea caves. It's a must-see for its unique geological formations and breathtaking ocean views.
Close the day around Wailua Falls — Wailua Falls is a stunning, easily accessible waterfall on the Road to Hana. It's a perfect quick stop to admire the natural beauty of Maui. — about 7.2 mi from the previous stop.
If you want a guided option nearby, consider Maui: VIP Private Road to Hana Tour with Pick Up. Experience the best of Maui on a customizable VIP Private Road to Hana tour, stopping at stunning spots like Pua'a Ka'a, Wai'anapanapa State Park, Ke'anae Point, Upper Waikani Falls, and Koki.












Day 2
Maui Tropical Plantation & nearby
Wailuku
Day 2 of this 5-day Maui itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around Wailuku at a medium pace.
Begin at Maui Tropical Plantation — Maui Tropical Plantation offers a glimpse into the island's agricultural heritage with its lush grounds and diverse plant life. It's a great spot to learn about local flora and enjoy a peaceful escape from the beach scene.
Continue on to Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii — Explore the diverse marine life of Hawaii at this aquarium. It's a great way to learn about the ocean's inhabitants without getting wet. — about 3.9 mi from the previous stop.
Continue on to Ho'okipa Beach Park — Ho'okipa Beach Park is a world-renowned spot for windsurfing and watching the sunset. It's a great place to observe skilled athletes and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. — about 11.4 mi from the previous stop.
Wind down with dinner at Mama's Fish House — Seafood — Mama's Fish House is a renowned seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches and beautiful oceanfront setting. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable meal after exploring the charming town of Paia. — about 10.6 mi from the previous stop.
If you want a guided option nearby, consider Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup &. Embark on a full-day adventure along Maui's road to Hana, featuring lunch, stunning coastal views, lush landscapes, and over 600 curves and 59 bridges.
Day 3
Haleakalā National Park & nearby
Wailuku
Day 3 of this 5-day Maui itinerary links stops best covered with short drives at a medium pace.
Begin at Haleakalā National Park — Haleakalā National Park offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from its summit. It's a must-visit for its unique volcanic landscape and stunning panoramic vistas.
Close the day around Upper Waikani Falls — Upper Waikani Falls, also known as the "Little Niagara" of the East, is a stunning roadside waterfall that's easily accessible. It's a great spot to stop and admire the natural beauty of the island. — about 7.8 mi from the previous stop.
Day 4
Nakalele Blowhole & nearby
Wailuku
Day 4 of this 5-day Maui itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around Wailuku at a medium pace.
Begin at Nakalele Blowhole — Nakalele Blowhole is a stunning natural attraction on Maui's northwest coast. Witness the powerful ocean spray erupting through lava rock formations for a truly memorable experience.
Continue on to Makaluapuna Point — Makaluapuna Point offers stunning coastal views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stop on your Maui itinerary. — about 4.5 mi from the previous stop.
Break for lunch at Merriman's Kapalua — American — Dinner ~$95 per person — Enjoy stunning ocean views and delicious Pacific Rim cuisine at Merriman's Kapalua. It's a perfect spot for a memorable meal with a view. — about 5.4 mi from the previous stop.
Wind down with dinner at Tin Roof Maui — Hawaiian — Dinner ~$13 per person — Tin Roof Maui offers a taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine. It's a great spot to experience local flavors during your Maui adventure. — about 13.1 mi from the previous stop.
Day 5
Final highlights & departure
Hana
Day 5 of this 5-day Maui itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around Hana at a medium pace.
Begin at ʻOheʻo Gulch — Experience the stunning natural beauty of the Seven Sacred Pools at ʻOheʻo Gulch, a breathtaking series of waterfalls and pools cascading down the mountainside.
Wind down with dinner at Nalu's South Shore Grill — Hawaiian — Dinner ~$12 per person — Enjoy authentic Hawaiian cuisine at Nalu's South Shore Grill, a popular spot in Kihei with a great Google rating. — about 27.4 mi from the previous stop.
Scenic drives
Route 30

Route 30 — This scenic drive along Route 30 in Northwest Maui offers a more relaxed alternative to the Road to Hana. It's a winding 21.5-mile route from Kaanapali, featuring one-way bridges and stunning coastal views. Start your day early, especially if you plan to snorkel, as conditions are best in the morning. Be aware that break-ins can occur in less populated parking areas. Parking lots are free, but food kiosks may overcharge for snacks. Source: thedailyadventuresofme.com
Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay — A beautiful bay known for excellent offshore snorkeling and a scenic walk through a jungle filled with chickens and flowers. The bay is part of the Honolua-Mokuleʻia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. For the best snorkeling, enter the beach to the right and swim out to where the snorkel boats are. Water shoes are highly recommended due to the rocky entry. If you're not snorkeling, you can still enjoy a gorgeous view by passing the parking lots and taking the next dirt road. Source: thedailyadventuresofme.com
Olivine Pools

Olivine Pools — These natural pools are a beautiful stop along Route 30, but their safety is tide-dependent. The parking lot here often has a food kiosk. Visit the Olivine Pools at low tide for safety. The parking lot has a food kiosk where you can buy snacks, but bring cash and expect to pay a premium. Source: thedailyadventuresofme.com
Where to stay
Rare & scenic Airbnbs
A few rare, scenic Airbnb-style stays (4.5★+, 100+ reviews). When pricing is sourced, we lean toward steal or reasonable nights — amenities included so you can compare at a glance.
Beautiful Modern Remodeled Maui Banyan Suite

Beautiful Modern Remodeled Maui Banyan Suite — Well-reviewed Pricing: Typical nights from ~$263. Amenities: Wifi; Air conditioning; Washer; Dryer; Kitchen; Flat screen TV. Perks: Self check-in; Walkable; Mountain view; Beach access; Two outdoor swimming pools; Tennis courts. This beautifully remodeled condo is just steps from Kamaole Beach Park II, offering a walkable location with mountain views and convenient access to beaches, pools, and spas for a perfect island retreat.
Modern Beautiful Renovated Maui Vista

Modern Beautiful Renovated Maui Vista — Well-reviewed Pricing: Typical nights from ~$338. Amenities: Wifi; Dedicated workspace; Free parking on premises; Air conditioning; Kitchen. Perks: Beach gear included; Complimentary parking. This newly renovated condo is just a minute's walk from Charley Young Beach and offers easy access to other beautiful shores, making it a perfect base for your Maui beach escape. Enjoy the convenience of included beach gear, complimentary parking, and a walkable location with plenty of dining and shopping nearby.
Maui, Scenic View 1 bedroom.

Maui, Scenic View 1 bedroom. — Well-reviewed Amenities: internet; cable television; DVD/Blu-ray player; telephone; balcony/lanai; partial kitchen. Perks: beach access from the resort; food trucks within walking distance; grocery store within walking distance; free parking; whale watching from the balcony; no resort fees. Enjoy spacious comfort and convenience at this Maui resort, offering beach access, a pool, and on-site dining. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the island, with amenities like free parking making it easy to get around.
Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath Condo in Maui Hawaii!

Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath Condo in Maui Hawaii! — Well-reviewed Amenities: Wifi; Free driveway parking on premises; Shared outdoor pool; Kitchen; Self check-in; Drip coffee maker. Perks: Shared beach access; Walkable area; Tropical garden view. This beautiful 2-bedroom condo in Kihei offers a fantastic location, just across the street from Kamaole Beach Park III. It's a guest favorite, known for its walkability and proximity to both South Kihei and Wailea.
Find stays on VRBO · Find stays on IHG Hotels & Resorts · Find stays on Expedia · Find stays on Booking.com
Where to eat
Top-rated restaurants (4.5★+, 500+ reviews) near Maui for this itinerary.
Mama's Fish House

Mama's Fish House — Excellent · highly reviewed · Paia, HI Vibe / cuisine: Seafood. Mama's Fish House is a renowned seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches and beautiful oceanfront setting. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable meal after exploring the charming town of Paia.
Nalu's South Shore Grill

Nalu's South Shore Grill — Great · highly reviewed · Kihei, HI Vibe / cuisine: Hawaiian. Pricing: Dinner ~$12 per person. Enjoy authentic Hawaiian cuisine at Nalu's South Shore Grill, a popular spot in Kihei with a great Google rating.
Merriman's Kapalua

Merriman's Kapalua — Great · highly reviewed · Lahaina, HI Vibe / cuisine: American · $$$$. Pricing: Dinner ~$95 per person. Perks: Ocean Views. Enjoy stunning ocean views and delicious Pacific Rim cuisine at Merriman's Kapalua. It's a perfect spot for a memorable meal with a view.
Tin Roof Maui

Tin Roof Maui — Great · highly reviewed · Kahului, HI Vibe / cuisine: Hawaiian. Pricing: Dinner ~$13 per person. Tin Roof Maui offers a taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine. It's a great spot to experience local flavors during your Maui adventure.
Best beaches
Kamaole Beach III

Kamaole Beach III — This beach in Kihei is a great spot for families and boogie boarding. It's known for having soft sand perfect for sandcastles and is often reliable for producing suitable waves for boogie boarding, especially in the afternoons. Look for suitable waves for boogie boarding in the afternoons when the wind and surf usually pick up. Source: paradise-found-in-maui.com
Baby Beach

Baby Beach — There are multiple beaches named Baby Beach on Maui, known for their perfectly calm waters. A lava rock shelf near the shore blocks waves, creating a safe pool for babies and toddlers to play in. One notable location is in Lahaina, and another is at Maui's Baldwin Beach Park on the North Shore. Source: paradise-found-in-maui.com
Honolua Bay Marine Reserve

Honolua Bay Marine Reserve — This is one of the top choices for snorkeling directly off the beach. While not a sandy beach, it's excellent for exploring underwater life. Source: paradise-found-in-maui.com
Pāpalaua Beach

Pāpalaua Beach — This 1 km long beach is the first you'll encounter on Maui's west coast via Highway 30. It offers shady spots under trees and beautiful turquoise water contrasting with nearly white sand, making it a peaceful escape, especially during the week. Avoid weekends when locals frequent the beach. Parking is available along the roadside on the sea side. Source: trip-hawaii.com
Hiking trails
Iao Valley State Monument

Iao Valley State Monument — This is a must-visit spot in Maui, located in the West Maui Mountains. The iconic needle stands 1,200 feet tall and offers spectacular photo opportunities. While you can enjoy the views from a lookout, a path also leads down to the stream for a more adventurous experience. Reservations are required, so plan ahead. Source: approachableoutdoors.com
Waiheʻe Ridge Trail

Waiheʻe Ridge Trail — This challenging 4.3-mile trail offers sweeping views of green mountains, the blue ocean, and distant waterfalls. It's described as a rewarding hike with stunning scenery from beginning to end. Source: approachableoutdoors.com
Makamakaole Falls Trail

Makamakaole Falls Trail — This 3-mile trail features 13 stream crossings and leads to two waterfalls, offering a chance to cool off. It's a classic Hawaiian waterfall hike. Source: approachableoutdoors.com