Planning is always one of the most stressful parts of traveling. It can be hard to decide what to do and what to skip when you visit Maui.
What Not To Miss On Your 7-Day Trip
Luckily, we’ve created a sample Maui itinerary to help you speed up the planning process.
We’ve included activity and restaurant recommendations, as well as advice on where to stay. Use this itinerary to plan your next Maui vacation and mix and match days to suit your travel style.
Here’s what not to miss on your next Maui vacation.
Stay: South Maui – South Kihei, North Kihei, Wailea, or Makena.
We recommend staying in South Maui because of its central location, great beaches, and restaurants. This area also has a range of accommodations, from resorts to condos to vacation homes. Some of our favorite places include the Mana Kai, Maalaea Surf Resort, Polo Beach Club, Makena Surf, and Ho’olei. We have even more rental options for you to choose from on our site!
Day 1
Settle into your first day on Maui. Spend this day exploring the local area and nearby beaches. We recommend checking out Keawakapu Beach, the Kamaoles, Sugar Beach, and Polo Beach. Stick to one, or visit them all! For eats, check out Kihei Caffe for breakfast, Coconut’s Fish Cafe for lunch, and Monkeypod for dinner.
Day 2
Wake up early to get out on the water when it’s calm. Water activities are one of the best things to do in South Maui. Our personal favorite? Kayaking. You can take a guided kayak tour from Makena Landing. There’s no better way to start the day than leisurely cruising through crystal clear waters, enjoying views of the South Maui coast. In the winter season, you’ll be able to see humpback whales.
In the afternoon, drive from South Maui to Iao Valley for sightseeing and light hiking (reservations required). Iao Valley is one of the most historic sites in Hawaiian history, and it’s a stunning valley with sheer emerald-green cliffs. For lunch, stop in Wailuku at 808 on Main or the Mill House.
Day 3
Enjoy a leisurely morning, then head to your private beach photoshoot. Family and couple photoshoots are extremely popular on Maui. Not only do we have a crop of talented local Maui photographers, but who wouldn’t want to commemorate their trip of a lifetime with photos?
After your photoshoot, make the long and winding drive to Haleakala Crater. Most people only visit Haleakala at sunrise or sunset, but at midday, you’ll be able to explore with fewer crowds and even better views. Take a short hike on the Sliding Sands Trail or Halemauu Trail, or explore the walking trails at Hosmer Grove. Bring plenty of water!!!
At sunset, head to Maui Goat Yoga – one of the quirkiest and most memorable Maui activities. You can listen to live music and practice your downward dog alongside silly miniature goats. After goat yoga, stop by Restaurant Marlow for dinner (Chef Scheer was just added to the James Beard Award semi-finalist list) and a beer at Mahalo AleWorks.
Day 4
It’s time to hit the waves! Wake up for a morning surf lesson at Cove Park in Kihei. The Cove is one of the best places in Maui for beginner surfers. Take a private lesson from one of Maui’s top-rated instructors, and you’ll be ripping the waves in no time.
Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Enjoy a round of golf at one of South Maui’s world-class golf courses, shop at the Shops at Wailea or Kihei Kalama Village, or explore a new beach.
For dinner, try out Lineage, a popular Filipino-Chinese-Hawaiian fusion restaurant in the Shops at Wailea.
Day 5
Ready for snorkeling? Hop aboard a luxury catamaran for a sunrise snorkel tour at Molokini Crater. This offshore islet offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii, and visibility can extend over 100 feet.
After your snorkel tour, drive to the north shore and shop around the town of Paia. Check out the nearby beaches to watch surfers and windsurfers, then enjoy lunch at the Hali’imaile General Store.
For dinner, stay in and make yourself a home-cooked meal. Watch the sunset from your lanai or front lawn, and toast to a time well spent in Maui.
Day 6
It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for — the Road to Hana adventure. Save yourself the trouble of planning and driving and book a guided tour instead. Guided tours are among the best ways to experience the Road to Hana. You’ll get a unique insight into the area and be shown all the best stops.
Day 7
Spend one last morning at the beach. Head to Makena Beach (aka Big Beach) for a long beach walk. Swimming isn’t recommended here, so visit your favorite South Maui beach afterward.
Enjoy a leisurely day soaking up your favorite parts of South Maui. In the afternoon, head back to Upcountry for a tour at Ocean Vodka – a popular distillery with great views. After your tour, stay for dinner, enjoy epic sunset views, and say a hui hou to Maui.
We hope this makes your Maui vacation planning even easier. Be sure to check out our complete list of tours and accommodations to narrow down your selection. See you here on the Valley Isle soon!
