Island hopping? What should you do if you have just ONE day in Maui?
For your sake, we hope you have more than just a day to explore this beautiful island. But if your Maui trip is confined to just 24 hours, we have the perfect itinerary.
Here are the most essential things to do in Maui in one day.
One Day Itinerary
We suggest staying in Kihei or Wailea if you spend the night in Maui.
This region is one of the best areas to stay on the island, thanks to its abundance of beaches, great snorkeling, restaurants, and sunshine. Plus, South Maui is more centrally located than other popular areas, and you’ll be near the points of interest in this itinerary.
For this itinerary, you will need a rental car. Fortunately, we offer a selection of premium rental cars. Book with us, and your car will be waiting for you at the airport — no waiting in long lines or worrying about shuttles and Ubers. We help you start your Maui vacation on the right foot!
Let’s dive into your one-day Maui itinerary.
7:00 am
No time to waste! For breakfast, make a quick stop at Island Gourmet Market in The Shops at Wailea.
Here, you can try island-style breakfast favorites like loco moco, kimchee fried rice, ube pancakes, or grab-and-go goods like spam musubi. There’s also a coffee bar here for you to fuel up. Order at the deli and be on your way.
Don’t forget to grab some snacks to get you through the day!
7:30 am
Head to Ulua Beach – just down the street from The Shops – for snorkeling. Ulua Beach is known for its beginner-friendly snorkeling and a great variety of sea life. Stick to the shallows or swim out along the point, where you’ll likely spot turtles and a range of colorful fish.
9:00 am
After you’ve had your fill of snorkeling, get cleaned up (Ulua Beach has showers, restrooms, and a changing area), then head to La Perouse for some epic sightseeing.
La Perouse is located just a few miles beyond Makena State Park. You’ll drive through lava plains and see where molten lava spilled from Haleakala several hundred years ago.
The drive to La Perouse alone is stunning. The road winds along the coast, passing picturesque coves and offering spectacular views of Haleakala.
Spend some time exploring the area – perhaps take a short walk on the Hoapili Trail, which travels along the rocky lava coast for several miles.
10:30 am
Next, drive just two miles to Makena State Park. Makena State Park is home to the largest beach on Maui, aptly named Big Beach.
While Big Beach is not ideal for swimming due to its dangerous shorebreak, it’s a must-see in South Maui. Sit back and relax on the sand or walk on the beach.
Before leaving the state park, there’s one more beach you need to see. Hop in your car, head north towards Wailea, and look for a yellow gate just after the first entrance to Big Beach.
Follow a short dirt road and arrive at Oneuli Beach – the only black sand beach in South Maui. Most visitors miss this beach, and few realize you don’t need to drive to Hana to see black sand.
12:00 pm
For a quick, easy, and delicious lunch, stop at 808 Deli in the Rainbow Mall. 808 Deli is a local favorite, and it has won a multitude of awards for its incredible sandwiches.
Other favorite options in South Maui include Coconut’s Fish Cafe (pictured above), Fred’s, or Nalu’s.
1:00 pm
Next, it’s time to visit one of Maui’s most stunning attractions: Iao Valley.
Iao Valley State Monument is about a 30-minute drive from South Maui. Here, you can explore lush walking trails, soak in incredible mountain views, and learn more about Hawaii’s storied past.
Reservations are required for out-of-state visitors, but unlike other parks, reservations here are usually easy to come by. Same-day time slots are often available.
3:00 pm
At last, the final stop of the day. Make the 40-minute pilgrimage to Maui’s north shore.
Beeline it to Ho’okipa Beach Park to watch surfers and windsurfers do their thing. In winter, you can see surfers charging huge waves here. In summer, you’ll almost always see windsurfers zipping across the water with their colorful sails.
Ho’okipa isn’t great for swimming, but there is a nice tidepool on the western edge of the beach where you can dip your feet or let keiki play.
Next, backtrack to Paia – a historic plantation town with loads of character. Paia is a great place to shop around and find local goods and souvenirs.
It’s been a long day, and you deserve a cocktail. Fortunately, Paia is a great spot for happy hour. Check out Milagros or Cafe des Amis for margaritas. For dinner, stop into the original Paia Fish Market or Flatbread Pizza.
Still have some time to kill? Walk down to Paia Bay Beach and watch the sun sink behind the West Maui Mountains.
We know this is a jam-packed day, but it’s one you’ll never forget. And although we missed some of Maui’s best attractions – like the Road to Hana and Haleakala Crater – you have a great excuse to return.
We hope to see you here on the island soon! A hui hou.
