Maui Hawaii 7 Day Itinerary
A suggested itinerary to explore Santa Fe, NM
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 1/23/2025
7 day Maui Itinerary - Click here to Print Itinerary
The following is a suggested itinerary based upon maximizing your time on Maui and proximity to these individual destinations;
Day 1: Arrival
- Arrive and get your bearings. Check out the beach and have your first umbrella drink if this is the first island you are visiting.
Day 2: Haleakala Visit
- Visit Haleakala in the morning - leave before sunrise so that you can see the sunrise there. It’s one of the most amazing things we have ever witnessed and worth getting up at 4:00 AM to see it. Since you will likely be jetlagged - visit early in your trip before you get into the Hawaii time zone.
Day 3: Beach, snorkel, swim, relax
- Paia Fish Market - there are several of these fish markets on the island (Lahaina, Paia, Kihei) Find one for lunch or dinner.
Day 4: Head to Kapalua and do the Coastal Walk
- See the Lahaina banyan tree
- Take a Whale watch tour
- Get some ice cream, fudge, coffee
- Don’t forget your t-shirt!
Day 5: Head to Kihei/Wailea and Makena
- Visit the Maui Ocean Aquarium - it’s great for adults and children. They’ve added a unique 3D whale experience to the museum that is worth experiencing.
- Visit the lava fields south of Makena beach
- Hit Makena for some beach time
Day 6: Enjoy your last day doing whatever you enjoy.
- Soak in the last of your Maui time in the beautiful weather.
- This is your last photo opportunity, take advantage of it!
Day 7: Return Home
If you have some extra time, or you are looking to add some variety to your own itinerary, here are a few suggestions to consider;
- Road to Hana - The road to Hana is 64.4 miles long and has 620 turns and 59 bridges of which 46 are one lane bridges. The road to Hana is about the road and not the destination at all. There is nothing in Hana to do or see in Hana itself. The road is slow going through hairpin turns that snake through mostly lush jungle. There are limited views of the ocean. At each turn you may catch a glimpse of something interesting or not in the jungle; it’s not easy to know where you might want to stop and there won’t always be parking places or easy paths to see a waterfall or site along the road. The locals can get annoyed with tourists and may drive up behind you and ride your tail until you get out of their way. It’s hard to blame them but it can be nerve racking. It can get crowded and lines can form by the one lane bridges. There are many other areas in Hawaii where you can see more waterfalls (Hilo, the big island) or beautiful coastal scenery (Kapalua Coastal Walk) that won’t take an entire day to see and won’t be as stressful of a drive. If you want to do it to say you did…and get the t-shirt then go for it if you have an entire day to kill. If you do, leave early. Consider driving to Hana in one direction without stopping and then come back and stop as often as you want. You will be ahead of others doing the same drive and can determine on the way up to Hana what you might want to stop and see on the way back.
- Our recommendation for those that want to spend less time driving but would like to see some waterfalls would be to go to Twin Falls early in the morning. There is paid parking there with room for 55 cars (get there early) Hike to the falls (1.8 mile loop), take a swim, visit the farm and then visit some of the beaches on the windward side of the island if you want. This would be a much less stressful and enjoyable day.
- Consider a snorkel trip to Molokini from Maui - here is a Google Search Results list of companies that provide that service.
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