1 Week Itinerary for Maui
You have a week in your schedule to completely give to explore Maui, and we have a full week of ideas to give to you! Let us take the guesswork out of where to try surfing lessons, how to spot sea turtles, and more! Oh, and don’t miss our post on all the Must-Do Adventures on Maui!
But let’s not waste any more time telling you how to spend yours— Read on for seven days of recommendations all around the island:
DAY ONE
You’ll fly into Kahului Airport (OGG), and can take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to the hostel, which is only about a 15 minute drive. A rental car is recommended for getting the most out of your time on the island, as it opens up other destinations that the Maui Public Bus doesn’t go to (like Hana and Haleakala, for example), but the bus will take you around the island to towns like Lahaina, Kihei, Paia, and more. Check out how to ride the bus here.
Depending on what time you arrive to Maui and what your travel time has been like, you may wish to rest this evening. Here are some things to do in the area, including Iao Valley State Monument and wandering the murals around North Market Street, and here you can find some places to eat and drink nearby!
DAY TWO
After some rest, you should be ready to hit the ground running for your first full day on Maui!
You can start your morning with a hike to Waihe’e Ridge Trail or 13 Crossings and travel northwest to visit some of the following spots:
Nakaele Blowhole
Punalou Beach
Dragon’s Teeth
Kapalua Coastal Walk
Honolula Bay (great snorkel spot!)
Black Rock Beach or Cliffhouse for cliff jumping
From there, have dinner in Lahaina (we recommend Down the Hatch!) or shop until the sun sets.
DAY THREE
It’s the middle of the week— let’s move mountains! Today, you’ll visit Upcountry and hit Haleakala National Park.
Ditch the beaches for the day to head into the clouds as you explore Maui’s only winery, a lavender farm, and straight to the summit of Haleakala for the most spectacular sunset and stargazing after!
*Pro Tip: It is $30 per vehicle to enter the park, but the pass is good for three days, so make sure you save it!
DAY FOUR
This is the perfect time to do Road to Hana. Depending on your preference, you can tackle the journey in one day, or camp in Hana and make it a two day affair. (If you choose the latter, skip and/or alter Day #5!)
* Pro tip: Use your pass from Haleakala the day before if you plan on doing any hiking there! We recommend the Pipiwai Trail.
DAY FIVE
Kihei Beach Day and/or Day trip to Lanai/snorkel Molokini Crater
If you camped in Hana, then skip ahead a day or save this for later!
Feel like cruising off island today? Take the ferry to the nearby island of Lanai, or join a snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater, which boasts some of the best snorkeling Hawai’i has to offer.
If adventuring today after your Hana day seems like too much, kick back and relax at Kihei’s stretch of beaches, and grab a drink at the many bars or restaurants that line the coast!
DAY SIX
Northshore & Paia
Play some volleyball or catch some rays at Baldwin Beach, spot turtles and surfers at Ho’okipa Beach, or stroll the shops & grab a bite to eat in Paia town. You can’t go wrong with Paia Fish Market or Cafe Mambo!
DAY SEVEN
You made it through a jam-packed week of adventure on Maui including driving the winding Road to Hana, standing on top of Haleakala for sunset, and snorkeling through rainbow fish. You’re probably returning home sunburned and exhausted, but full of memories.
Take this day to stock up on some souvenirs from Lahaina, check out food trucks in Kahului or the local swap meet, take a dip in the Iao Valley, or relax on your favorite Kihei beach. Just don’t miss your flight!
We can’t wait to have you experience Maui for yourself!
Looking for a little more guidance? Feel free to stop by the Howzit Hostel reception desk. Our staff can provide more customized tips to help you make the most of your Maui vacation.