Maui in 7 Days

The plans to see and do in Maui become interesting from the very moment you step off the plane and start breathing the tropical air that characterizes this beautiful archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

If you want to have a clearer idea of what you could do with each of your days during a week-long visit, then I invite you to continue reading this post. I have planned an itinerary that will take you all the way around this community so that you can come back and say that Maui is a destination you would love to return to.

The west of the island of Maui is a rather peculiar place because it is characterized by being a little more virgin than other places like Kahulai or the hotel zone of Kihei and Wailea-Makena. However, that does not mean that there are no urban settlements that combine the sandy and challenging sea with the best of the beauty that characterizes the tropical forests that surround West Maui Mountain.

Starting the first day of your trip in this section of Maui is an excellent idea to get an idea of the type of entertainment you will enjoy for the rest of your days on this beautiful island. It owes its name to a mythological demigod of the Polynesian culture.

Kapalua is a good place for breakfast

Kapalua is a very privileged community in West Maui where all kinds of real estate developments have been created due to its convenient proximity to Napili Bay, Oneola Bay and Fleming Beach.

All these places are beaches with relatively calm waters that have offered a space for recreation and fun to the whole community.

As you can imagine, there are several restaurants in the area and that is why it is an excellent idea to have breakfast here if you are looking for a proposal that combines the best of American buffets with the gastronomic style of the Polynesian Pacific.

I advise you to take some of the hotels in the area as your base for your trip if you have no idea what to do or see in Maui during your honeymoon. I guarantee that the luxury and comfort that characterizes them will meet all your expectations.

Kaanapali Beach is perfect for a half-day dip

If you head south from Kapalua for a couple of minutes you can reach Kaanapali Beach, a beach that is characterized by the tranquility of its waters and transparency that makes it very similar to a real natural pool.

It is one of the favorite places to see turtles in Maui due to the fact that it is a breeding and nesting area for these beautiful sea creatures. If you are lucky, it is very likely that you will also spot dolphins in the distant surf and even a couple of humpback whales.

Lahaina is a must-see town

For the rest of your afternoon I advise you to continue another couple of kilometers south because you will be arriving in downtown Lahaina. It is a city that has a very typical Hawaiian architectural style and if you walk through it you will realize that its streets are full of restaurants and stores with a very strong Polynesian and North American identity.

In fact, at some point in its history it was the capital of the kingdom of Hawaii and the truth is that in the itinerary of your second day it is an ideal place to rest from your visit to the beach and to enjoy a delicious lunch. A shopping session and a quick visit to Banyan Tree Park are not to be missed, as the latter is home to one of the largest trees on the planet.

Olowalu Beach is great for watching humpback whales at sunset

The west side of the island is a place characterized by being perfect for whale watching in Maui during most of the year. In turn, Olowalu Beach is an ideal place to dedicate yourself to this task, as it is free to access and the water is favorable for you to take another dip in the sea if you wish. In addition, it is a perfect spot to marvel at the beautiful sunsets of the western end of Maui.

This beach also offers you the opportunity to participate in one of the best kayaking activities in Maui. This is such a paradisiacal place that it is practically reserved for you and the academy with the rentals of these boats is just in a corner of the beach so you can choose your turn when you want.

Part ofSouth Maui is also an area that is less urbanized than the western end or the North Shore isthmus. That doesn't mean that there aren't interesting and beautiful places that are worth visiting during your 7-day visit to the island.

That's why I suggest that you turn the prejudice that Maui can only be enjoyed inside a resort around. To achieve this, it is necessary that you dedicate your second day on the island to visit the most important attractions of the area that sits on the coast of Maalaea Bay.

Visit the Maui Ocean Center

It is anaquarium that extends over an area of 2 hectares and has in its interior a wide variety of animals that make up the marine fauna and flora of the entire Pacific Ocean.

There are ponds that are intended for animals from the most diverse and captivating coral reefs of the warm waters of the South Pacific. But there are also all kinds of larger species such as sharks that inhabit a tank designated exclusively for their preservation.

It is a good plan if you are thinking of things to do in Maui with children for the simple fact that it is a safe and educational space where they can be exposed to the beauty of the marine world without the need for scuba diving or other more complex activity.

Enjoy a snorkeling session departing from Maalaea Harbour

From the Maalaea dock there are daily excursions that are designed for those who are looking to dive in Maui in a safe and planned way.

Keep in mind that in order to participate you have to have accreditation that you are someone who is qualified to dive in open water and also that this is an activity that could take up a good part of your day.

Therefore, it is prudent for some people to stay with the children at the aquarium, while those who wish to dive bring this activity forward so as not to lose too much time in the day's itinerary.

You can also have an excursion to Molokini Crater

Excursions to Molokini Crater from Maui are an excellent way to combine family entertainment with the opportunity to dive or snorkel in the southern waters of this beautiful island.

This crescent-shaped volcanic crater is considered one of the 10 best places in the world for diving-related activities. The diversity of fauna and flora, consisting of some 250 marine species, makes it a site worth visiting during the afternoon of your second day in Maui.

Keep in mind that most of these excursions start at the Maalaea Pier and therefore can be a good alternative to diving sessions that are only intended for diving professionals.

Enjoy an evening strolling the streets of Kihei

Kihei is one of the two large communities that are developed along the coast of Maalaea Bay. It is one of the most populated points of the island and really has a cultural and commercial offer as diverse and interesting as that of Lahaina.

Touring the Wailea-Makena area when you've had enough of Kihei is also another good idea of things to see or do in Maui by Night. It won't take you long to find lots of lodging options and plenty of options for fine dining.

The Road to Hana is one of the most iconic roads in all of Hawaii and specifically in Maui it is a tourist destination that has gained too significant relevance over the decades. It is therefore fair and necessary that you travel a good part of its extension during the third day of your visit in this cozy community.

Start the day admiring the waves at Peahi

Peahi is one of those typical beaches of northern Maui that have a swell that is so aggressive and constant that have become a favorite destination for surfers who know the real secrets of the Hawaiian coast.

If you want to start the day with good energy and enjoy a real spectacle of nature then it is advisable to have a short stop at this viewpoint. It will give you a good perspective on how surfing has become so strongly associated with the identity of this community.

Ho'okipa Beach Park is a great place to see sea turtles.

On the other hand, if you are looking to spend a good part of your morning on the sand and you are also interested in the opportunity to see sea turtles in their nesting areas then it is advisable to replace Peahi Beach with Ho'okipa Beach Park.

This new space has different picnic areas that will allow you to comfortably enjoy a nutritious breakfast. The truth is, you don't even need to take a detour on the Hana Highway that will take you to the section of the Road to Hana that is full of tourist wonders.

Start the Road to Hana tour

What is known as the Road to Hana begins at the end of Route 36 and leads to Route 360. There are different ways to travel this tourist route and bus or minibus tours are one of the most appropriate for those who are touring the island without a rental car.

However, the Road to Hana in Maui is also a perfect and highly recommended space for those who are looking for a route to drive their rental car. This way you can stop at every corner that catches your attention without the need to follow the guidelines of a tour guide.

Take the Twin Falls Trail

The Twin Falls are identical waterfalls that fall parallel to each other in a completely unspoiled scenery that is accessible to tourists from the Road of Hana.

You can reach them if you park your car in the space that has been designated for this purpose free of charge on one side of the road. The hike to this waterfall is not excessively long. It is a short trail of about 1 km in length.

End the day at Keanae Lookout Point

The Keanae Lookout offers panoramic views of the north shore of the eastern end of Maui. At the same time, it can be a good midway point if you consider that at this point of the day it is better to return to continue with the rest of the Road to Hana the next day.

In fact, this viewpoint is very close to a mythical ice cream parlor called Halfway to Hana. Which has a name that refers to its location in the area that is halfway on this route that leads to the town of Hana on the eastern tip of Maui.

If you have decided to stop your Road to Hana tour on the third day of your trip, it is highly recommended that you resume it at sunrise. Not only for the natural beauty that characterizes the second half of this route, but also for the fact that you will reach the eastern tip of Maui, which has countless other secrets to share with you and your travel companions.

The Hana Lava Tube should be your next stop on the road

If you choose to dedicate the fourth day of your visit to the rest of the Road to Hana, then you must stop at the Hana Lava Tube.

It is a kind of subway tunnel that was formed with the passage of lava through this terrain hundreds and hundreds of years ago. The most interesting thing is to observe the textures on the walls and ceilings of this natural formation.

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach is a once in a lifetime scenery

This black sand beach, a product of the volcanic activity of the region, contrasts sharply with the greenish and tropical vegetation that surrounds it from the ground. As well as with the calm and clear water along the coast.

I advise you to take advantage of this stop before arriving at Hana to take a dip in seawater and also to keep photographic memories of a place worthy of being remembered for the rest of your life.

Don't hesitate to catch the sunset at Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach

In the town of Hana you will have the opportunity to get comfortable and safe lodging to continue your adventures along the east coast of Maui.

You will also be able to have lunch and dinner in some of the restaurants that are characterized by their food offerings based on local gastronomy and ingredients of maritime origin.

In this context it is very appropriate that you take advantage of your stay in Hana to visit the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach, as it is a red sand beach where the locals usually gather to enjoy the sunset and there is almost always a bonfire or two to continue the party for the rest of the night.

By the fifth day the adventure is calling you and that is why I have found the most interesting and appropriate destinations to get to know in depth the tropical beauty that distinguishes East Maui.

Dive into O'heo Gulch or the 7 Sacred Pools

It consists of a system of wells that form 7 completely natural pools with the water that flows down one of the river streams of Haleakala National Park. Its access is conditioned by the weather at the time, but although you can not bathe in any of the wells, it is still a site to be admired.

Have a hiking session on the Pipiway Trail

The Pipiwy Trail is one of the best known hiking trails in all of Maui and even in all the Hawaiian Islands. If you hike it you will encounter all kinds of waterfalls, bamboo jungles, a significant amount of suspension bridges and even a forest full of tropical trees with twisted trunks.

Enjoy the views of Piilani Highway

After the Alele Falls viewpoint, the Hana Highway becomes the Piilani Highway. This is an equally interesting route from the point of view of the scenery and the number of kilometers covered. Therefore, it is a good place to enjoy your surroundings as you drive back to the central region of the island that sits between the isthmus separating Maui's two volcanoes.

Stop at Waiakapuhi Lava Field to understand what the solidified lava fields look like

Waiakapuhi Lava Field marks the area where Pillani Highway disappears and begins another route that connects to the capital of Maui. The interesting thing about this area and what makes it a stop worth visiting on your trip is that it is a solidified lava field that also offers panoramic views of this area of the southeastern part of the island.

All an ideal setting to enjoy before returning to civilization to dine and participate in some entertaining activity such as the best Luau shows in Maui.

Maui has two volcanoes and up to this point of the trip you have not known either of them up close. So it's a good idea to dedicate part of your sixth day on the island to the plan of familiarizing yourself with these geological formations that have so much to do with the geographic and cultural identity of this community.

Participate in a hike to Haleakala Volcano

This volcano is the largest in the world in a state known as rest in modern volcanology. It covers 75% of the land of this island and is formed by a national park that is accessible privately or through a guided tour in buses or minibuses.

I advise you to bring warm clothes and hydration because the top of the volcano is usually completely cloudy during most of the day, especially in the mornings.

Reserve the afternoon or noon for a surf lesson

When you're done with your hiking trip to Maui's tallest volcano, it's advisable to sign up for a surfing lesson. You can find them at most of the island's beaches and I can't condition you to choose a specific one.

However, many of the best surf lessons in Maui take place on the shores of Kahului. This is due to the simple fact that it is the urban epicenter of the island and because the swell is favorable for beginners.

You can also visit some of the pineapple farms outside Kahului

A good plan to finish the afternoon is to visit some of the native pineapple farms in Maui. This is for the simple fact that this is a resource that has formed a million-dollar industry throughout the archipelago.

In addition, the isthmus that separates the two ends of this island is a terrain that has the ideal conditions for the plantation of this delicious fruit. This explains why Kahului is the most urbanized and industrialized area of the whole community.

For the third day of your visit to Maui there are still some activities to do and the best I can advise you is to opt for those that best suit the Hawaiian lifestyle that you will leave behind when the plane takes off.

Have a snorkeling session at the beaches of your choice

If visiting Molokini Crater is not enough and you still want to snorkel in Maui, you will be happy to know that you will soon find a good alternative no matter where you are on the island. Both in the western end of the island and in the Wailea-Makena beaches there are several options with different types of duration and with all kinds of attention and personalized care.

Paia is another good place in the north of the island for snorkeling without having to travel several kilometers out of Kahului.

Spend the afternoon touring the mountain slopes in a Jeep

The slopes of Maui's two volcanoes create an ideal terrain for off-road vehicles. So the best jeep tours in Maui can be a good plan for the afternoon of your seventh day if you feel a little extreme fun is still missing from your trip to make you feel accomplished.

The area near Kepaniwai Park is usually a favorite geographic area for this type of sightseeing itinerary, as it is next to the ʻĪao Valley State Monument and is also next to the built-up areas of Kahului.

Take advantage of your last Hawaiian sunset to take a helicopter tour

Saying goodbye to Maui from the heights can be the perfect closure to a 7-day trip that has offered you everything from the tranquility of an afternoon on the beach to the peculiar experience of walking on top of a dormant volcano.

That's why the best helicopter tours in Maui are an advisable plan for you to take advantage of your last sunset on the island before you have to return to the hotel to pack your belongings to go to the airport the next day.