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The Ultimate Maui, Hawaii Travel Guide
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items Planning a trip to Maui? This guide covers everything you need to know — from creating the perfect itinerary to choosing where to stay, what to pack, top things to do, and the best local bites. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, you'll find...
Sections
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Maui Vacation Planning & Itinerary
Things to Do In Maui, Hawaii
Where to Stay in Maui
Best Beaches in Maui
What to Pack For Maui
Best Restaurants in Maui
Maui Vacation Planning & Itinerary
Your starting point for planning the perfect Maui getaway. Find the best time to visit, how many days you need, itinerary ideas for 5–7 days, and helpful planning tools to map out your Maui adventure.
My 7 day Maui vacation itinerary, plus a travel guide with everything you need to know to plan your trip to Maui.
The Ultimate Maui, Hawaii Travel Itinerary - Postcards From Carrie
I use Expedia to compare prices for flights for all airlines.
Browse Flights to Maui
You will need to rent a car in Maui, public transportation is not easily accessible . This is the best site to search for a rental car--it compares prices of all of the rental car companies on the island.
Car Rentals in Maui
Things to Do In Maui, Hawaii
Must-see sights, essential experiences, and island adventures. From the Road to Hana to snorkeling at Molokini Crater, sunrise at Haleakalā, hidden waterfalls, and beach hopping — these are the unforgettable activities that make Maui magical.
Hands down the best experience on Maui, the sunrise on top of Haleakala Crater is a bucket-list experience. Find out everything you need to know--how to get required sunrise road reservations, what time to get there, how to dress and what to do if you can't get sunrise reservations.
Sunrise on Maui's Haleakala Crater: Everything You Need to Know
Video I took of the sunrise on Haleakala. We did this on Easter Sunday and it was truly incredible. I can't recommend this experience highly enough! If you can't get sunrise tickets, go for sunset instead.
Video I took of the sunrise on Haleakala Crater.
A trip to Maui is incomplete without driving the epic Road to Hana… 64 miles of coastline featuring 620 curves, over 50 one-lane bridges, and access to dozens of waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests. It’s one of the most scenic — and ...
Maui's Epic Road To Hana: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go -
One of the top things to do in Maui, snorkeling at Molokini Crater is a must-do! Be sure to book well in advance, they fill up! Also, book your snorkeling tour at the beginning of your stay in case weather forces a reschedule. If you have it at the b...
Molokini Crater Zodiac Adventure: Snorkel and Turtle Cove Swim
Tour a pienapple farm in upcountry, sample all things pineapple and take home an airport-ready pineapple on this highly rated experience.
Maui Pineapple Farm Tour in Haliimaile
Unbelievable experience! There are doors-on options, too if you are not quite that adventurous
Doors Off Helicopter Tour West Maui and Molokai
Located on the Road to Hana, this stunning bamboo-forest trail leads to an incredible waterfall.
Pipiwai Trail- What to Know BEFORE You Go
Waianapanapa State Park is located on the Road to Hana. You have to secure reservations to enter this park 30 days in advance at gowaianapanapa.com. This is a gorgeous park with hiking trails and a stunning black sand beach to swim at. Be sure to get your reservations!
Wai'anapanapa State Park & Black Sand Beach
Hands down the best luau in Maui, but you have to book WELL IN ADVANCE --like 6 months or more in advance. We received fresh flower leis, had the most delicious feast and the hula show was very entertaining. This luau is on the beach and the sunset that is the backdrop is stunning! It was just an all around amazing experience--if you can get over the sticker shock. It is very expensive, but worth it!
Old Lahaina Luau
Ride the express tram through Maui's Tropical Plantation to learn about growing sugar cane, coffee, bananas and more. Zipline through the plantation, explore the shops and eat lunch at the Plantation restaturant.
Maui Tropical Plantation
The Nakalele Blowhole is worth seeing, but for planning purposes, this is a short visit. An hour at most. You do have to hike over rocks to get down to the blowhole, so be sure to wear sneakers or hiking sandals.
Nakalele Blowhole
Located close to the airport, this is a great activity to kill time before you catch your flight.
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
Located in central Maui, the scenery at this battlefield monument is INCREDIBLE! Worth visiting for sure!
Iao Valley State Monument
4 mile challenging hike with incredible scenery and views. What makes it challenging is it is almost straight uphill the whole way.
Waiheʻe Ridge Trail
2 mile scenic hike that starts and ends at Kapalua Beach. Pretty easy hike, and worth doing if you will be at Kapalua Beach.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
If you aren't comfortable driving the Road to Hana, or just want to be able to sightsee and not have to keep your eye on the road, a tour is a great option!
Small-Group Road to Hana Tour with Pickup & Lunch
If you are a thrill seeker, you will love seeing whales at eye level from this eco-raft. This whale watching tour in a small boat is definitely an incredible experience!
Eye-Level Whale Watching Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina
Snorkeling tour out to the small island of Lanai, just 45 minutes from Maui by boat!
Ultimate 4 Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter
If you can't get reservations for the Old Lahaina Luau, this is a good back up.
Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort on Maui, Hawaii
If you can't get sunrise reservations for Haleakala OR you just don't want to drive up the windy road in the dark on your own, this tour is highly rated and includes breakfast and hotel pick up!
Haleakala Sunrise Tour with Breakfast and West Side Pickup
If you like ziplining-this is a must-do for you in Maui!
Maui Zipline Eco Adventure: 8 Lines through the Jungle
Gorgeous views while horseback riding in Maui!
Maui Horseback Adventure at Circle M Ranch With Real Cowboys
Gorgeous sunset views, along with food and drinks on this sunset cruise!
Coast of Ka'anapali Beach Sunset Dinner Sail
Best bang for your buck! A guided tour of the Road to Hana and then a scenic helicopter ride back from Hana. You get both Road to Hana and the epic helicopter ride in one tour. This tour also includes reservations for Waianapanapa which are hard to get. Win-Win! Highly recommend!
Road to Hana Luxury Limo-Van Tour with Helicopter Flight
Learn to surf in Maui! These instructors guarantee you will be surfing by the end of the first session or they will give you a second session for free!
Group Surf Lesson: Two Hours of Beginners Instruction in Kihei
Private Road to Hana tour, with access to all sites along the way. Customize your itinerary to see what you want.
VIP Private Road to Hana Tour with Pick Up
One of the most highly rated Molokini crater snorkeling tours in Maui.
Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei
Stunning Doors-on helicopter tour
West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour
Learn how chocolate is made with this fabulous cocoa farm tour and tasting
Maui Ku'ia Estate Guided Cacao Farm Tour and Tasting
Maui's Ocean Center is named one of the Top 10 Aquariums in the World
Maui Ocean Center All Day Admission Ticket
Clear kayaks in crystal clear water allows you to see all of the marine life underneath you!
Clear Kayak Tour with Pontoons and Optional Snorkeling-Unlimited
Biking down Haleakala at Sunrise is one of the top things to do in Maui
Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour
ATV tour of Maui allows you to see sights that are not accessible by car
West Maui Mountains ATV Adventure
Ziplining with ocean views!
Maui 8 line Zipline Adventure: Soar above valleys & Island views
For all of you adventurers, this is an epic Maui adventure! Rappel down multiple waterfalls in Maui with this guided tour.
Rappel Maui Waterfalls and Rainforest Cliffs
Zipline with a friend in this dual-zipline adventure that also includes an ATV ride through the jungle and a trek over Maui's longest suspension bridge
6 Dual-Zipline Mountain Adventure in Maui
Perfect for beginners, non-swimmers, or anyone not comfortable snorkeling in open water. Snorkel lessons by paddle board, then if you are comfortable, snorkel off of the beach.
Snorkeling for Non-Swimmers Guided Tour - Wailea Beach
Snorkeling without the exhaustion! These scooters allow you to dive deeper, and snorkel longer.
Sea Scooter Snorkeling Guided Tour - Wailea Beach
Professional photographer beach photo shoot-- check your Christmas card off your list early!
Maui Family and Couple Beach Photo Session
Large catamaran whale watching tour, highly rated and highly recommended!
Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach
Scuba dive to the epic Cathedral on Lanai
2 Tank Lanai Cathedral Scuba Dive Via Boat for Certified Divers
Private Road to Hana luxury tour--pay per group, not per person makes this a great value!
Epic Private Luxury Road to Hana Adventure Tour
For nature lovers, learn how butterflies are raised on this immersive butterfly farm
The Maui Butterfly Farm Tour
Private guided tour of the Road to Hana in a convertible Jeep
Maui Road to Hana VIP Private Tour in Convertible Bronco or Jeep
Learn to scuba dive in Maui in this beginners course!
Beginner Scuba Dive in Lahaina: Swimming Required
Paddle boarding guided tour in beautiful Makena Beach
Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui
Guided water bike tour along Maui's black sand beach!
Water Bike Tour in Maui
Farm-to-table tour and tasting!
Taste of Hawaii: A Maui Farm Tour
Perfect for celebrating an anniversary or birthday
Charcuterie Board and Sunset at Pristine Beach with Photos
For those who prefer a larger boat and less adventurous--this is a great alternative to the raft tours.
Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town On Large Boat
Explore my post on the top things to do in Maui, Hawaii
The Top Things to Do In Maui, Hawaii - Postcards From Carrie
Popular cliff jumping spot in Ka'anapali. Also a great place to find sea turtles.
Black Rock Beach
Where to Stay in Maui
Handpicked hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. Whether you want luxury in Wailea, family-friendly vibes in Kāʻanapali, or quiet local charm in Upcountry, here are top-rated places to stay for every type of traveler and budget.
Adults Only resort--named #1 hotel in Maui by Travel & Leisure magazine
Hotel Wailea - Tripadvisor
One, two and 3 bedroom villas with kitchens, perfect for families!
MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY
Located in the calm Napili Bay, this beautiful hotel is a getaway from the high-rise hotels that you see in other parts of the island
Napili Kai Beach Resort
Located in Hana, perfect for breaking your Road to Hana experience into two days!
Hana-Maui Resort
Starting point for the Road to Hana!
Paia Inn
One of the top resorts in the coveted Ka'anapali area
OUTRIGGER Ka'anapali Beach Resort
Great for families, the resort has rope swings and jungle style pools.
GRAND WAILEA, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT
Villas with full kitchens allow you to save money by eating breakfast at home
Kaanapali Alii Resort
This hotel is suite-only rooms, features 3 swimming pools including one adults-only pool
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Wailea
Luxury at its finest--with an incredible beachfront property
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Expansive beachfront, this hotel also has a heated infinity pool
Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka'anapali Beach
Great value for this gem! Within walking distance to shopping and entertainment
Maui Coast Hotel, Kihei
The Pros and Cons of staying in each region in Maui, along with hotel and vacation rental recommendations for each region.
Where to Stay in Maui, Hawaii | The Best Hotels & AirBnbs - Postcards From Carrie
Best Beaches in Maui
We stayed in Ka'anapali, and it was lovely! Ka'anapali is a great beach.
Ka'anapali Beach -All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
In Northwest Maui, great for families, calm waters and a good place to spot sea turtles.
Napili Bay-What to Know Before You Go
Ho'okipa Beach is the BEST place to see sea turtles. It's located on the Road To Hana, and dozens of sea turtles lay right on the beach. There are so many of them, at first we thought they were rocks!
Ho'okipa Beach Park- All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
I swam with a sea turtle starting in knee-high water at this beach! The snorkeling here was incredible, be sure to bring snorkel masks. The beach, located near the Ritz Carlton is calm, no waves, but perfect for snorkeling.
Kapalua Beach
Easily one of the top 5 beaches in Maui, we really enjoyed this one! You have a good chance of seeing sea turtles here.
Makena Beach
Best beach for kids, calm water. There are 2 Baby Beaches in Maui, be sure to go to the one in Lahaina, the other one is rocky and rough.
Baby Beach In North Lahaina
Great beach for boogie boarding
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
Popular spot for cliff jumping and to find sea turtles
Black Rock Beach
What to Pack For Maui
I have this dress and get compliments every time I wear it
CUPSHE Women's Maxi Dress
Prevents chafing from the sand
The Original Belly Jelly- Aloe Vera Rash Gel
Love this travel mirror because it is lighted--perfect for makeup on the go and for that terrible hotel room lighting
LED Foldable Travel Makeup Mirror
My go-to hiking sandals-perfect for waterfalls and streams
KEEN Women's Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal
Mens hiking sandals--perfect for streams and waterfalls
KEEN Men's Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal
Especially good for beginners or kids--breathe normally while you snorkel!
Full Face Snorkel Mask
Camera with a great zoom lens --great for whale watching in Maui
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
For all of your group selfies you will take in Maui
Selfie Stick Tripod
Reef-safe sunscreen is required in Maui--it's the law
Sun Bum Hawaii Sunscreen 6 oz - Reef Safe
Easy to pack beach towel--lightweight, sand-free and dries fast
Sand Cloud Lightweight Sand-Free Beach Towel
Best camera for snorkeling and action shots
GoPro HERO13 Black - Waterproof Action Camera
Beach tote
Beach Tote Bag
Go-Pro Knockoff--perfect for snorkeling if a Go-Pro is out of your budget
WiFi Action Camera EIS Ultra HD Waterproof
Great for rocky beaches
Water Shoes
Must-have cooler to pack drinks and food for the Road to Hana and beaches. This one folds completely flat and easy to pack
Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag
Must-have dry bag for raft tours, kayaking
HEETA Dry Bag Waterproof
Bring your own snorkel gear--you can snorkel from all of the beaches
Greatever Dry Snorkel Set
My must-have for hikes, boating, sight-seeing, travel. Keeps your phone handy for photos while keeping your hands free
Phone Lanyard 2 Pack
A portable charger is essential with all of the photos you will be taking. This one is magsafe and has built in chargers
10000mAh Magnetic Power Bank
Pack an extra phone charger to keep in your rental car!
Phone Charger Fast Charging 2Pack
An AirTag is a must-have for your luggage. After my luggage was lost for 6 weeks on a flight to Nashville, I will never travel without an AirTag in my luggage again. The AirTag is a GPS tracker, allowing you to track the location from your phone.
Apple AirTag
Best Restaurants in Maui
Local favorites, must-try food trucks, and island fine dining. From fresh poke and shave ice to oceanfront dinners and farm-to-table spots, these are the can't-miss places to eat in Maui.
A Maui staple! Pricey but a must-do for seafood lovers.
MAMA'S FISH HOUSE
A Maui favorite! Great views, great food, live music and yummy cocktails. The Hula Pie dessert is legendary in Maui.
DUKE'S BEACH HOUSE, Ka'anapali
There are 2 Monkeypods in Maui, one in Wailea and one in Lahaina
MONKEYPOD KITCHEN, Wailea
Be sure to make reservations for this fabulous restaurant
LEILANI'S ON THE BEACH, Lahaina
Upscale, fine dining with delicious food. Not overly kid-friendly
MERRIMAN'S MAUI, Kapalua
Fun atmosphere, tables located right on the beach
HULA GRILL KAANAPALI, Lahaina
Great brunch spot in Maui
THE PLANTATION HOUSE, Kapalua