Maui Itinerary – 5 Days Of Epic Sunrises, Drives, Hikes and Turtles

If you're looking for the most balanced island in Hawaii that's blessed with natural beauty, outdoor fun, creature comforts, top-notch dining, and warm alohas, look no further. This is what a Maui itinerary in 5 days looks like which combines the top things to do with hidden gems all-in-one.

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Maui Highlights

Maui is the ultimate adventure. With 5 days, you'll just scratch the surface but this itinerary is created to make sure you get to see all of that raw beauty while also making sure you try the island's rich and delicious flavors and have some time to chill.

Here are the top 5 highlights from Maui that is one of my favourite islands in Hawaii (second to only Kauai).

1. Haleakala sunrise
2. Turtle town
3. Road to Hana
4. Pipiwai trail
5. Leoda's

Maui Itinerary in 5 Days

As Hawaii's second largest island, it truly is a place of multiple contradictions. On one hand you have all of the ethereal rainforests, lunar-like surfaces of Healeakala, and volcanic coastline. Then you have the big towns of Lahaina, Kapalua, and Waimea that are dotted with resorts, high-end shops, packed sandy beaches, farm-to-table restaurants, and galleries.

That's precisely the allure of Maui.

I wish I could cram more in 5 days but any more and you won't be able to find time to slow it down as well. Don't worry though, when you get to the end of this article, I'll also get to a few of the things I wasn't able to fit in and a couple of optional add-ons.

Maui is the kind of place that you don't just visit once so leave a things left on the bucket list so you can come back for more.

Trip planning map

One of the cornerstones of our itineraries are maps with all points of interests marked as you'll also find in the French Polynesia 2 week itinerary, Greece island hopping itinerary, 2 day Istanbul itinerary, and Hong Kong in 2 days itinerary.

With this map, you'll be able to bring this with you and have it ready for you on your phone or use it as part of your itinerary planning.

Tip: View the Maui itinerary in 5 days trip planning map in full screen and create a copy (this step is key) for yourself.  Make tweaks for your own trip and in Google Maps, you'll be able to view it by going into the menu, selecting “My Places” and the “Maps” tab.

Day 1 – Welcome to Maui

The first day is always a bit shortened because each of you will be arriving to the island at different but regardless of your itinerary, there's still plenty of things to do and with ample time to get situated.

When you arrive in Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG), you'll immediately pick up your car rental. It's high recommended that you book ahead to make sure you get the car class you want (*nudge* your chance to get convertible) and also to be able to apply those car rental coupon codes.

Once you're on the road, it's time to start exploring!

From the town of Kahului, you'll head to The Sacred Garden of Maliko. Instead of starting with the adrenaline stuff, your first day is much more laid back and this gives you a chance to find your zen after a long flight.

This 10,000 square feet greenhouse nursery is filled with tropical plants but what I love about it are the 2 labyrinths. You don't have to spend too much time here but 30 minutes will give you chance for peaceful reflection.

The garden is just up the hill from Makawao Town. Drop by here and check out a few of the shops near the corner of Makawao Ave. and Olinda Rd. You never know what goodies you'll find here.

You'll undoubtedly be hungry at this point so head to Paia Town in the North Shore.

When you arrive, you'll be struck by the bohemian-style of village with plenty of wellness shops, yoga studios, spiritual centers, and mindful murals.

Parking here isn't difficult as there is a large free public lot which I'd recommend over fighting over street parking.

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For lunch, you'll be eating at Paia Fish Market. With their selection of fresh catches of ono, mahi mahi, red snapper, all prepared in a variety of ways, this is a seafood lover's paradise. Fish portions are plenty here and make sure to not miss their cajun rice.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to roam around Paia. Before you go, make sure to hit up Tobi's Shave Ice.

At this point, you still haven't checked into your accommodations yet. Get back in your car and head the place that you booked. In my case, this was the vacation condos at Aina Nalu Lahaina by Outrigger.

Personally, staying in Lahaina is my preference because I enjoy the town and a majority of attractions are concentrated on that side of the island but really you can't go wrong with anywhere in Maui.

Once you're settled in, you'll have time to walk into the town of Lahaina and catch the sunset as well!

For dinner, there are plenty of choices to choose from which is another reason why Lahaina is so great. Kimo's Maui is a highly-rated restaurant that's right on the water with postcard views of Lanai and Molokai.

Make sure to try their kalua pork lettuce wraps, fish tacos , ahi poke, and of course, something called Hula Pie (macadamia nut pie) which was invented here.

Lastly, make sure to visit the local Foodland so that you're stocked up especially if you have a full kitchen like at the Aina Nalu.

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Day 2 – Road to Hana and Back

The Road to Hana is one of those signature experiences in Maui that you can't miss. Following Hana Highway (HI-360) with its 620 curves and 59 bridges, you'll be spending a jam-packed day driving around the eastern shore of the island.

To make sure you make the most out of your day, start off as early as you can. By that, I mean 6AM.

For breakfast, whip up something quick at your apartment or if you're in a rush, I recommend heading to Zippy's, a Hawaiian fast food chain. Here, you'll be able to pick up a breakfast bento and also something for the road like a Zip Pac or Surf Pac.

Your first stop is Twin Falls, your first waterfall along the Road to Hana that's part of a family-owned farm. You'll find the Lower and Upper Falls here. The Lower Falls is a short walk from the parking lot while the Upper Falls is a one-mile round trip through a trail.

Between mile markers 4 and 5 is Huelo Lookout which is a side-of-the-road rest stop with beautiful panoramic views of East Maui.

Before you go, grab a fresh fruit smoothie at the fruit stand. They even have something called The Hana Highway Potion and the Cure Smoothie to help with those with motion sickness from all of Hana highway's curves.

Passing by the rainbow trees, you'll eventually make it to the Garden of Eden Arboretum. Splashed with colors from tropical varieties of flowers, plants, tress and more, spend time along the 2.5 mile walking trail and views of the waterfalls in the distance and the Rainbow Overlook.

Diverting from the Hana Highway, make your drive into the Keanae Peninsula just past mile marker 16. This is a traditional village known for its taro fields. Driving around, you'll also pass by a historic stone church built in 1856 and more rocky coastline.

Before you swing out of the peninsula, make sure to stop by Aunty Sandy's for their famed banana bread and shave ice.

Continuing along, another scenic stop you'll want to make is the Wailua Valley State Wayside. Climb the hilly terrain to get to one of the best lookouts on this road trip with unforgettable views of both the mountains and the ocean.

Another quick stop you can make is to the Upper Waikani Falls. Also known as Three Bears, parking is a bit tough to get here but if you can make it, this is the best waterfalls along the road.

Read next: If you love waterfalls, make sure to learn about the best Big Island waterfalls.

At this point, it's perfect timing for a real rest stop. The Pua'a Ka'a Falls and State Park is a peaceful location with a quick waterfall hike and freshwater pool. More importantly, they have restroom facilities here and a great spot to picnic to have lunch.

Refuelled, you'll be ready to see something super unique which is the Hana Lava Tubes. This is a family-friendly self-guided adventure that many guides leave out. Descend into the world's 18th largest lava tube with the help of an included flashlight. They even have a large botanical maze that's included with admission.

Next up is Wai'anapanapa State Park that has everything from a black sand beach, sea arches, freshwater caves, a blowhole, hiking trails, cliff jumping, and panoramic views.

Budget about an hour here. You can either hang out on the black sand/pebble beach and in the water or go exploring the various volcanic features that are around.

You'll finally make it to the town of Hana. This doesn't need to be long stop but take some time to walk around the town.

At this point, you're starting to swing back around on the Road to Hana. One stop you'll make is between mile markers 45 and 44 to see Wailua Falls. At 80 feet, there's a bridge platform to see the full cascade. You can also hike to the pool itself but I'd save your energy.

Parking can be a problem here and since it's a quick stop, you can skip it if it's looking bad. Don't worry, there are more waterfalls to come!

The final big push for this Road to Hana itinerary is coming up. Parking at the Kipahulu Visitor Center lot, you'll embark on the best hike in Maui – Pipiwai Trail.

What I love about the Pipiwai Trail is how diverse it is. I'm not going to spoil too much of what you'll encounter along the way but expect to see a few glorious waterfalls, a mystical bamboo forest, and a giant banyan tree.

On more of a practical note, make sure you have enough time to do this because if the gates close at 5 and it takes 3 hours to do, you want to start this hike at 2PM. Also, note that this trail can get muddy and will require good footwear to get over branches, rocks, and tree roots.

When you come back down from your hike and if you have some extra time, make sure to drop by the Ohe' o Gulch a.k.a. The Seven Sacred Pools. You can go for a dip or just walk around to get a view of the rolling cascades.

I wasn't kidding when I said it would be a packed day right?

If you're up for it, the only winery in Hawaii that produces sparkling wines is MauiWine. Have a sample of their delicious pineapple wines like my favourite Maui Splash. A heads up that they're only open Wednesdays to Sundays 11AM to 5PM so if this is something you want to fit in, start earlier in the day or cut out something from earlier.

You'll no doubt be exhausted so drive back to your hotel and if it's in Lahaina, treat yourself to a chocolate mac or banana cream pie at Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop.

For dinner, I have a feeling something low key and easy will be on your mind so drop by Aloha Mixed Plate or Prison St. Pizza for some local and delicious Hawaiian eats.

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Day 3 – Snorkel Day

After a packed day on Hana Highway, it's the perfect time in your 5 day Maui itinerary for a day out on the beach. Today is focused on West Maui.

Start your morning right with breakfast at the popular 808 Grindz Cafe. All the locals on the island will tell you to make sure to get the pancakes with mac-nilla sauce on the side.

Load up your car with all of your beach, snorkel, and exploring gear and start at your furthest point first – Nakalele Blowhole. Here the pressure of the waves jettison water up to 100 feet in the air through a small hole in the lava rock.

On the other side of the blowhole, make sure to catch the heart-shaped hole in the middle of the lava rock that frames the coastal backdrop.

Next, start working your way back counter-clockwise. The rest of your morning will be at Honolua Bay which offers some of the best snorkeling in Maui.

TIP: In your planning, try to make it to Honolua Bay before 10AM because the parking situation can get a bit tricky.

After you descend through the enchanted forest along the access trail, you'll arrive at the protected bay. While this isn't quite the sandy beach you imagined, you'll find excellent snorkeling especially along the right-hand side (north) or left-hand side (south) edges of the bay.

When you've had your fill of snorkeling or your stomach is growling again, hop down towards Kapalua. The Gazebo is a bit of an institution here and while you might have to wait in line, it's totally worth it.

TIP: Parking here can get challenging. First try to find a spot by the street, Napili Place. If that fails, there's some street parking along Lower Honoapiilani Road but just make sure you're parked on the side that's allowed.

Work off that delicious meal by doing some of the Kapalua Coastal Trail which follows Maui's northwest coast.

Do as much of the trail as you'd like and settle back at Kapalua Bay Beach. This is another one of the great spots to snorkel with the added benefit of having a soft white sand beach.

You can stay for much of the afternoon if you'd like or if you'd like to change it up, you could also head to the one beach south of it which is Napili Bay Beach. This is another popular beach in Kapalua that's slightly more low key and offers great sunset views as well.

To wrap up for the day, make sure you have a change of clothes or head back to your hotel. For dinner, you're headed to one of the biggest gems on the island which is the restaurant Koiso.

Koiso is a sushi bar that delivers an excellent 13-piece omakase (chef's selection) experience for $45. Of course, you can order a-la-carte but I'd always start with the omakase. All the fish they have are fresh and simply the best you'll find on Maui.

TIP: To secure a spot, make sure to call to make a reservation at least 30 days ahead.

If you're low on gas, make sure you fill up. Also, don't be up too late because tomorrow starts ridiculously early.

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Day 4 – Haleakala Sunrise

Sunrises are always one of the hardest things especially if you're not a morning person but in this instance, you're going to have to make an exception. The Haleakala sunrise is simply breathtaking.

You'll need to head out the door between 2AM and 3AM so it'll feel like all you got was a nap. Wear off that grogginess by brewing a coffee at your apartment or pick something up along the way.

The drive up to the Haleakala National Park Summit entrance will take up to 2 hours. Take it slow and be alert around all the corners.

In recent years, the National Park Service has had to implemented a lottery reservation system to handle the sheer volume of people going up to see the sunrise. It's for the better but this means that you'll need to be on-the-ball 7 days before you plan on going.

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The sunrise itself is nothing short of spectacular. I've gone up on two separate occasions and it's the kind of thing where never know what you're going to expect. You could get a clear sky or clouds and heavy fog could overtake the summit. Both are amazing.

As you wait patiently in your viewing spot, the darkness will give way to hues of purple and blue. In one moment, the sun will peak up through the horizon and will glow through the fog, reflect off the layer of cloud, and stretch its rays on the crater valley below.

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Snapping way, you'll start seeing the scene develop like a polaroid with sweeping lines of dust, jagged rock, clouds magically disappearing, and hues of red, gold and green. Stay at least 20 minutes after sunrise to see the whole show.

If you're not doing a guided tour or bike ride, spend as much time as you want here, going up to see the Summit Observation Deck, catch glimpses of the telescopes stationed here, try to do a short hike, or perhaps including a visit to the other overlooks at lower altitudes.

When you're happy with your visit, it's time to start driving back down. This time, with the light, you'll see a whole other side to all those switchbacks on the side of the volcano and down ot the far land below.

For breakfast, treat yourself to malasadas from Komoda Store and Bakery. These are a Hawaiian take on Portuguese deep-fried donuts coated with sugar and then skewered together on a stick. Their cream filled donuts are also very popular.

Your next stop will seem a bit unusual but trust me, head to Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors. We're not loading up on alcohol but instead, head to back of the store and load up on poke. Their spicy ahi poke bowl over a bed of brown rice is to die for. Grab a couple of containers to-go for the perfect lunch on the beach.

Since it should still be pretty early, this is perfect timing to snag a parking spot in Kaanapali where you'll camp out for the rest of the day.

Depending on what you feel like, snorkeling at Black Rock Beach has great visibility in the morning. Kaanapali Beach is super relaxed for some sun and beach time. Lastly, there's Whalers Village for some retail therapy.

Make sure to head to the article on the best snorkeling spots in Maui for free parking tips on Black Rock Beach.

Head back to your hotel to clean up and change before heading into Lahaina for your sunset catamaran cruise which departs right downtown.

Kick back and relax on this 2-hour cruise where you'll jam to tunes, watch the sunset, and a lovely dinner – a perfect way to end the day.

If you want to top it off with your own dessert, make sure to visit Uluani's Hawaiian Shave Ice in Lahaina. Nothing beats it!

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Day 5 – Molokini and Turtle Town

A Maui itinerary 5 days long goes by just like that. For your final day, you'll be embarking on an epic snorkelling adventure that you can only do by boat.

Head over to Ma'alea Harbor to make it for your 6:30AM departure. This is a half day snorkeling excursion to see Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.

While there are many places to snorkel in Maui, two of the best spots you simply can't drive up to.

Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged crater, 2.5 miles off the coast of Maui. No longer active, it's become sunken paradise for marine live including a rainbow of fish and coral.

The boat ride is only 15 minutes and once you're there, you'll jump in and snorkel the surrounding waters of the reef with the help of a guide.

The second stop in your cruise is the aptly-named Turtle Town. Here, you'll learn about the famed Hawaiian green sea turtles, their habitat, why they hang out in this area, and also why they're considered endangered species.

You'll be able to snorkel here and have incredibly close encounters with turtles that will rival your previous day's sunrise.

For lunch, make a stop by Ululani's in Kihei before heading over to Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea, a foodies and beer lovers paradise.

The afternoon can be as adventurous as you'd like depending on what you feel like.

La Perouse Bay is at the end of the road on this part of Maui and takes you right up to the lava fields which you can hike.

Adjacent to it is Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, one of the best spots for snorkeling. It's believed to be one of the youngest eco-reef zones on Maui. While more for intermediate snorkelers, there's plenty to see here.

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If you feel like you'd rather just take it easy or you manage to fit everything into the afternoon, your final stop for the day is Makena Beach (aka Big Beach). This is a massive beach that spans over a mile long. This is a great place to hang out for awhile, bringing your boogie board to play, snorkel, or lie in the soft white sand.

TIP: There is ample parking at this park unlike other beaches. Parking is $10 a day. There are also food trucks here if you get hungry.

What better way to cap off your trip than to do a traditional Luau. There are a number of options top choose from including Mokapu Luau and Myths of Maui Luau but if since you're already on the Wailea side of the island, I recommend Te Au Moana Luau.

Located at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort, you'll be treated to an evening where you'll learn more about Hawaiian culture, get to see a pork roasting ceremony, watch plenty of hip swaying dancing, ridiculous flame spinning, and all with the backdrop of the sunset.

After the luau, conveniently nearby is another island staple, Lappert's Ice Cream.

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Add-ons and alternatives

I totally understand that everyone has different interest and requirements for their Maui vacation so I've listed out a few other spots that aren't in the 5 day itinerary that I think are worth of consideration.

Places to go

• Oneuli Beach – If you're looking for a proper black sand beach that isn't as pebble-filled, this is a great option and just north of Makena Beach.
• Waihee Ridge Trail – If you love the outdoors, this trail is less-travelled in West Maui with beautiful views both ways.
• Lahaina Pali Trail – They say that this is one of the best places to see the sunset.
• Maui Brewing Company – Micro-brewery on the island that offers food, beer, and facility tours as well.
• Iao Valley State Monument – A park that doesn't get a lot of attention in Maui but not-so-secretly swim spot in the river.

Activities to book

Here are a couple of activities that you should think about booking ahead of time.

West Maui Horseback Riding – 2-hour guided horseback riding to waterfalls and along the ocean.

Whale Watching from Lahaina – Catamaran cruise from Lahaina Harbor to see humpback whales. Whale season is between November and May, with the best time between mid-January and March.

Helicopter Tour – See the incredible beauty of both Maui and Molokai from the air. This 45 minute tour includes narration from a guide, and flies over rainforests and valleys.

7-Line Maui Zipline Tour – If you're looking for an adrenaline activity with the kids, this is a great option. This is located at a historic World War II base, “Camp Maui.”

ATV Adventure in West Maui Mountains – Another adventure that takes you through waterfalls, and parts of the valley in West Maui that regular cars and busses can't get to.

Road to Hana Adventure – I certainly recommend doing this drive on your own but if you're looking to be more hands-off, this is a great tour option.

Maui Pineapple Tour – This is quirky tour that's different from the rest. Learn about Maui's pineapple cultivation history including a tour of a working pineapple plantation.

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Where to stay in Maui

There are so many choices when it comes to where to stay in Maui. Your choices will be determined by your budget but just as important is the town you want as your base of operations.

The top areas you want to be in:

• Lahaina
• Kaanapali
• Kapalua
• Wailea
• Kihei
• Paia

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Quick Maui travel guide

There are a couple of key things that are good to know as you ramp up your trip planning for Maui.

Money – The local currency in Maui is the US Dollar or USD. This should be an easy currency to get at home if you're not from the United States. Avoid airport money changers. For Canadians, your best bet is to buy USD from your bank. For those outside of North America, exchange your currency at a big bank in Honolulu if that's your first stop or withdraw USD from an ATM.

When is the best time? – Overall, shoulder season is the best time to come to Maui because the weather is not as hot and you don't have to deal with the large vacation crowds. This means April – May and September – November. If you're visiting specifically for whale watching, this is the best between mid-January and March. As for turtles, they're great all-year round.

Getting here – Kahalui Airport (OGG) is the primary international airport for Maui and the only and best way to get to the island. As a popular Hawaiian island, you'll be able to find direct flights from the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. Otherwise, you'll most likely have to fly to Honolulu (HNL) and transfer to Maui. Hawaiia's main carrier is Hawaiian Airlines and service inter-island and international routes.

How do I get around? – If you have something like 5 days or less in Alicante, I wouldn't really recommend renting a car because it's so convenient to use public transit to get anywhere that you would need to go and this also includes a few day trips I didn't feature such as Benidorm, Guadalest, Calpe, and others. Otherwise, everything within the city itself is highly walkable.

Where should I stay? – I've listed all of the recommended accommodations above but in general when it comes to where to stay in Maui, Booking.com is going to be your best bet to find something that fits your budget.  If Airbnb is more your thing, remember to sign up for a new account to get free credit.

Do I need travel insurance? – Travel insurance is highly recommended even if you feel completely safe in a place like Maui. You just never know what might happen especially if you decide to do some of the more adventurous activities such as ATV, horseback riding, and hiking.  The best balance of price and coverage is World Nomads. If you're wondering why, make sure to read this.

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Frequently asked questions

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The 5 Day Maui Itinerary Experience

Maui is one of those places that I could go back to over and over and never be tired of. I've gone twice and there's still so much more I want to explore.

What I really appreciate about the island is just how much variety of things to do and places to eat there are. From all the snorkeling you can do, hiking, beaching, there's equally a ton of top-notch restaurants, eateries, and hole-in-the-wall spots.

In Maui, nature is always at your doorstep while never being too far from comforts.

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This Maui itinerary in 5 days is really awesome for both first timers and return visitors. If you have any questions about trip planning, feel free to drop a comment down below.