The Ultimate 3 Days in Maui Itinerary

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Looking to spend 3 days in Maui, one of Hawaii’s beautiful islands? This is the ultimate itinerary for you!

Maui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush jungles, people flock to vacay here.

If you only have a few days to explore the island, how should you plan your itinerary? Let’s jump into planning your 3 days in Maui!

Quick Overview: 3 Days in Maui

Day 1 – West Maui: Kapalua Trail, Snorkeing, Luau

Today you’ll be exploring the sandy white beaches and crystal clear water of West Maui. This area is one of the best places to be while spending 3 days in Maui. You’ll want to make the most of your time here!

Hiking the Kapalua Trail

West Maui is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. Spend your first day exploring ocean life and hanging out on the beach.

The Kapalua Coastal Trail will take you back down to Napili Bay. You’ll see gorgeous coastal views, finger-like lava rock formations, and many picturesque palm trees on the trail! If you’re lucky, you might even see a family of dolphins!

Before heading over to Kaanapali Beach for snorkeling and beach time, grab brunch at the Seahouse Restaurant right on Napili Beach.

Brunch at the Seahouse Restaurant

The Seahouse Restaurant looks out to Napili Bay. This is one of my favorite restaurants on the island! Their best meal is breakfast which runs from 7-11 am.

For a local dish, try the Loco Moco Napili Kai. The Molokai Sweet Potato Frittata is also delicious. For something more unique, I loved the Seahouse Fried Rice. The best dish to share is the Haleakala Pancake with cinnamon, sugar, pineapple, and banana!

Snorkeling at Kaanapali Beach

Ka’anapli Beach was once voted one of America’s best beaches with 3 miles of white sand and beautiful views–it’s my favorite beach on the island! Wear your swimsuit, bring a towel, and relax on the beach or go for a swim.

One of the best things to do on Kaanapali Beach is to snorkel near the Black Rock, an iconic volcanic rock formation. You can rent snorkel gear at locations like Auntie Snorkels or Boss Frog and take your time exploring the waters.

I highly recommend this snorkeling experience with a guide who will take you into the open water to see sea turtles, tropical fish, and more! Snacks are also included on this tour so you can eat if you get hungry.

With an expert tour guide, you’ll get the best snorkeling spots. The best part is that snorkel gear is included, so you just have to show up!

Luau at Old Lahaina Luau

End your day by experiencing Hawaii’s traditional luau, something you can’t miss when visiting Maui! There are several luaus in Maui, but my favorite is the Old Lahaina Luau. You’ll enjoy a traditional and authentic Hawaiian feast of poi, kalua pork, and other local delicacies.

After your 5-course dinner, there will be live entertainment with Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and storytelling of Hawaii’s history. All of this is set with the backdrop of a Hawaiian sunset across the ocean.

Day 2 – Road to Hana

A trip to Maui is not complete without an excursion to Hana. For a lush, rainforest adventure, take a road trip to Hana on the east side of Maui.

The best way to experience the road to Hana is by driving it yourself with this guide.

What is the road to Hana?

This winding, 65-mile road is full of twists and turns with one-lane bridges, and it’s not for the faint of heart! But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in Hawaii.

The Road to Hana starts in Kahului and winds through lush jungles, past waterfalls, and to black sand beaches until it reaches Hana on the east side of Maui.

Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop and explore. Bring your camera because you’ll want to capture every moment!

How to prepare for the road to Hana

Even though it’s over 60 miles of terrain, the road to Hana can be a long journey due to the curves and nature of the drive. It can take up to 5 hours of driving to get to the town of Hana if you make multiple stops along the way, but it’s well worth it!

It’s best to start your journey early in the morning, between 7 and 8 AM, so you can take advantage of all the good sights the road to Hana has to offer!

I recommend stopping in the small town of Paia for gas or last-minute snacks. This is the last town of civilization before you are on the road to Hana.

Be aware that there is little to no cell service when you drive the road to Hana. Because of this, I highly recommend getting this guide to narrate your drive for you.

It talks about the best stops to make and tells some Hawaiian history along the way. The best part is that there is an offline map/GPS so you’ll know where you’re headed.

To be prepared for the drive on the Road to Hana, you’ll want to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. You should also pack Bonine if you are prone to motion sickness. For me, I typically don’t get motion sickness and I was fine on the drive.

If you plan to swim at the waterfalls or the beaches along the way, then you should also pack a swimsuit, towels, and a change of clothes. For hiking on the Pipiwai Trail, you’ll want to wear sturdy hiking boots as the trails can get pretty muddy.

Be sure to check out my guide for driving the Road to Hana and make the best stops (aka – know which ones to skip!).

The best stops on the road to Hana

There is so much to see on the road to Hana. This list may look like many stops, but most of the time, you’ll only stop for 10-15 minutes before you continue on your way. The ultimate goal is to get to the Pipiwai Trail before 1 PM.

Here are a few of the best stops to make the most of your time on your second day in Maui.

• Ke’anae Peninsula: Just before the halfway mark on the road to Hana, you’ll find this beautiful peninsula, which is home to a black sand beach and an old Hawaiian church that survived a terrible tsunami in the 1940s. Grab some warm banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s to get you to the next stop.

• Nahiku Marketplace: This marketplace is known for its smoked pork ribs, coffee, and delicious bread. You can wander through the strip of shops and buy something to eat. We got some coconut bread here and it was delicious! You can also grab lunch here or wait for food from the food trucks in Hana on your way to the Pipiwai Trail.

• Wai’anapanapa State Park: This state park offers stunning views of Maui’s black sand beach and stunning views along the coast. Reserve your time for visiting Wai’anapanapa State Park ahead of time and you must enter the park during your 2-hour slot. My recommendation is to select mid-day around 10 or 11 AM to give you plenty of time to get here.

• Wailua Falls: There are SO MANY waterfalls on the drive to Hana, and you can’t possibly stop at all of them. For the best one, make a stop at Wailua Falls. The parking lot is just past the bridge of the falls. You can then get out and snap a few pictures before continuing on your journey.

• Pipiwai Trail: After Wai’anapanapa State Park, you’ll want to head directly to the Pipiwai Trail. This 4-mile roundtrip hike in Haleakala National Park is home to babbling streams, lush vegetation, and the beautiful 400-foot Waimoku Falls. If you arrive here between 1-2 pm, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the banyan tree, the gorgeous bamboo forest, and the awe-inspiring Waimoku Falls.

• O’heo Gulch (7 Sacred Pools): At the end of your out-and-back hike on the Pipiwai Trail, you’ll see another loop trail to the O’heo Gulch also known as the 7 Sacred Pools. Despite this being a shorter hike and less rigorous, the views are beyond imagination.

• The Town of Hana: Head back to the town of Hana after you’ve had your fill of hiking and beautiful views. There isn’t much to see in Hana since it’s such a remote town, but you can grab dinner here before driving back to West Maui. Stop at the food truck park and grab a bowl of Thai food from Ae’s food truck.

• Koki Beach: If you would prefer to skip Hana Town, you can head to Koki Beach to see the red sand beach. You’ll also see Alau, a small island with a palm tree atop. There is a huli huli chicken stand here for dinner, but in my honest opinion–the food trucks are a better bet!

Skip these stops: Garden of Eden, waterfalls along the way, especially Twin Falls, and the Hana Lava Tube for lack of time.

Helpful tips for driving the road to Hana

First, be careful while driving. There are curves, narrow one-lane bridges, and blind corners. If you are pulling off to see something, look around to see that there are no cars before getting out of your own car.

If you see someone tailgating you, pull over to let them pass. Chances are it’s a local person trying to get home or to work somewhere.

Keep track of your time. We were late on our way back to West Maui and I was driving in the dark–it’s pretty much pitch black out there! Be sure to at least be on the road back to West Maui between 4-5 PM. Luckily for us, it wasn’t raining.

Should I stay overnight in Hana?

For 3 days in Maui, it is not ideal to stay overnight in the town of Hana. You’ll want to make this a 1-day trip and see everything on your way to the Pipiwai trail.

When it’s time to head back to West Maui, you won’t want to make any stops because you might get caught in rain or worse yet, have to drive the Road to Hana in the dark. Trust me, from my personal experience, it’s a lot scary!

Day 3 – Sunrise at Haleakala, Kahalui, and Kihei

On your last day in Maui, you’ll experience the heavenly sunrise at Haleakala and then take it slow by exploring Kahului and the beaches of Kihei.

Sunrise at Haleakala National Park

One of the most majestic things to do in Maui is watching the sunrise in Haleakala National Park. The journey up to the summit of Haleakala is an adventure in itself, but it’s well worth it to see the sunrise coming up over the clouds.

Since you’ve most likely got your ticket from hiking the Pipiwai Trail, your receipt is good to enter here, too!

To see the sunrise, I highly recommend driving up to the summit of Haleakala for the best timing and flexibility! The earlier you arrive, the better chance you’ll get a good spot, but be warned because it will be cold!

The sun rises around 5:30 AM during the summer months and the drive takes about 1 hour from Kahului. We left our hotel in Kahului around 3:30 AM and many people were already waiting for the sunrise when we arrived.

Once you reach the summit, you can walk around and take in all the views. At the gated viewing site, it’ll feel like you’re above the clouds. There is also a short hike up to a higher viewing point, which may have fewer people and still give you the same heavenly feeling.

There are restrooms, but it’s best to bring food and water as there are no restaurants or vending machines at the summit.

Bring a jacket and maybe even a blanket to keep warm. You will get cold quickly before the sun rises! You’ll also want to wear hiking boots or closed-toe shoes for protection.

After you watch the sunrise, you may be ready to eat something! Make a stop and grab delicious malasadas in the historic town of Makawao.

Komoda Store & Bakery boasts of having some of the best malasadas on the island!

Kahului

As you head back to civilization, make a stop in Kahalui and stop at the Saturday Swap Meet. Here you can find local hand-crafted goods, souvenirs, and of course plenty of food. Spend a couple of hours here shopping around and snacking on the goodies!

Some of the best food found at the swap meet are guavas, pineapples, mangoes, and Hawaiian butter mochi–a little bit of heaven on earth!

For some culture, explore the Maui Arts and Cultural Center which holds thousands of events year-round. Check the schedule to see if anything catches your eye.

You can also head to the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center in Kahalui for retail therapy. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or clothing, you’ll find it here!

Kihei

For your last day in Maui, it’s time to make one final stop–Kihei! Here you can relax on the beach or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) or surfing lesson.

Some of the best beaches are found in Kihei, including Wailea Beach and Makena Beach. Makena Beach has soft sand and the water is warm relax after your early morning being up in Haleakala.

You can swim as long as you’d like. There is a parking fee of $10 at Makena Beach and no showers are available.

For food, head to the food trucks in Kihei. These are some of the best food trucks on Maui and they’re all centrally located so you can try a few different things. Some of my favorites are Guadalajera Tacos, Vietnamese Food to Go, and Da Nani Pirates.

If you’d prefer a sit-down dinner, I highly recommend making a reservation at Sansei, which is a Japanese-focused restaurant. The sushi here is unlike any other I’ve tried. You’ll also want to order the shrimp dynamite and the crab ramen. In fact, you can’t go wrong with anything at Sansei!

To end your evening, head to the Wailea Resorts and take a walk on the coastal trail overlooking the cliffs for a sunset view. Do note that the swimming pools and amenities are for paying guests only. However, the views are majestic!

After the sun sets, you can walk back to the shops at Wailea and walk around to do some shopping. Since it’s your last day on the island, get all the souvenirs you need before going home!

More Time? Options to Extend Your Maui Trip

There is always so much more to explore on the island of Maui. If you have more than 3 days to vacation on this beautiful island, here are a few things to add to your itinerary.

Adventurous: Do an ATV Tour

Spend a few hours driving an ATV through the mountains of Maui. You’ll be taken through some old pineapple plantations and learn about invasive plants and how to take care of the natural Hawaiin plants instead. It’s quite a thrilling experience to drive through dirt roads and see West Maui from on high!

Scenic: See IOA Valley

Ioa Valley is a scenic viewpoint known as the Ioa Needle which rises about 1,200 feet off the valley of the park. There is some climbing up the stairs to see the view below. You can also walk through the botanical garden here and experience the historic site of the battle of Kepaniwai where the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790.

Foodie Experience: Make reservations at Mama’s Fish House

Mama’s Fish House is a destination restaurant in Paia that offers delicious seafood dishes with a side of stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This upscale spot is perfect for a special lunch occasion, so make sure to book your reservation months ahead of time! The menu changes often but the fish is always caught so fresh!

Food Tour: Visit a Pineapple Plantation

Maui is known for its Gold Pineapples, so why not take a guided tour of one of the many pineapple plantations on the island? Learn about how pineapples are grown and harvested and their history in Hawaii. Most tours include samples of fresh pineapple so you can taste how sweet Maui’s Gold Pineapple is!

Guided Tour: Helicopter Tour

There’s nothing quite like taking in the beauty of Maui from above. Taking a helicopter tour will show you the stunning views from up high and take you to places like Molokini (an underwater volcanic crater) where you can snorkel or dive. You’ll be treated to 45 minutes of an aerial view of the island that you won’t soon forget.

Water Activity: Clear Kayaking

Getting out on the ocean and seeing tropical fish doesn’t mean you have to get wet. Book a clear kayaking tour where you can have the sea life magnified through the clear bottoms. These kayaks also have pontoons to help level out the waves. Go with a guide to visit the best viewing spots!

More Water activities: Snorkel in Molokini

Molokini is a great place to snorkel and see the local wildlife. It’s an underwater volcanic crater so the waters here are crystal clear with plenty of colorful tropical fish, coral, and other sea creatures around.

One of the best tours to get to Molokini is booking a ride on a catamaran. This snorkeling tour also stops at Turtle Town where you can swim with the turtles.

Tips for 3 Days in Maui

Arrive early in Maui if possible. This will give you plenty of time to get your rental car so you’re not standing in long lines all day! Yes, it would be too early to check into your hotel, but it’s much better to be early than wait 4 hours for your car.

After arriving, have a plan for food. Chances are you’ll be starving by the time you get your baggage and pick up the keys. Since you are in Kahului, you can check out the food trucks in the Costco Food Truck Park, which is just across the street from the Costco Gas Station.

Take this 3 days in Maui itinerary and switch up the days to make it fit your schedule. For example, the Kahului Swap Meet is only open on Saturdays. You can switch the order of how you plan each day. However, stick to one area (like West Maui) for the day so you aren’t driving back and forth so often!

Do not touch the sea turtles! There’s a fine of up to $10,000 if you are caught touching them. Take care of the wildlife while you are visiting their habitat.

How to Get to Maui

When flying to Maui, the easiest airport to fly into is Kahului Airport (OGG). If you are visiting Maui from the Big Island, the only way to get there is by flying.

The only other interisland ferries are the Molokai Ferry, which leaves twice a day, and the Maui-Lanai Ferry, which leaves 5 times a day.

How to Get Around Maui

The absolute best way to get around Maui, especially if you’re going to drive the road to Hana by yourself, is to rent a car. Read this post if you’re thinking about the pros and cons of renting a car in Maui.

I highly recommend booking your rental car through Discover Cars.

There may be rules to driving in Maui, such as most rental companies won’t let you drive on the backside of Hana, which is why this itinerary has you driving back to West Maui the same way you got there.

Where to Stay in Maui

For 3 days in Maui, the best spot to stay is right smack in the middle of the island: Kahului. This way you are at an equal distance from West Maui, Kihei, and the Road to Hana. Your starting point will always put you in the best position to save time driving to places.

Maui Seaside Hotel (Budget Stay)

Located in the center of Kahului, Maui Seaside Hotel is an ideal stay for 3 days in Maui. The rooms are comfortable with standard amenities. There is an outdoor pool on-site where you can jump between swimming at the beach and in the chlorine waters.

We chose to stay here at the Seaside Hotel and the best part was being so central to everything–even the airport was only a 5-minute drive away!

Courtyard Marriott Maui Kahului Airport (Luxury Stay)

Also centrally located is the Courtyard by Marriott. Marriott hotels typically have high ratings and this is no different. You’ll receive amazing service and a very comfortable stay.

Though there isn’t direct access to a beach on the location, Hoaloha Park is only a few minutes’ drive to beach access. There is also an outdoor pool in the Courtyard so you can lounge after days of exploring!

What to Eat for 3 Days in Maui

With only 3 days to experience Maui, it’s best to know Hawaiian local food to try while you’re on the island! Below is a condensed list of all the goodies you can try while visiting Maui.

For restaurants, check out my post on the best restaurants in Maui for my top recommendations! Be sure to make reservations well ahead of time.

• A local Hawaii fare is loco moco, which is a large bowl of white rice, a hamburger patty, and topped with gravy.
• Since you are in Maui, order poke bowls to get some of the freshest seafood! One great restaurant for the best poke is Star Noodle in Lahaina.
• Malasadas are a Hawaiian dessert made of fried dough and dusted with sugar. These can be found at many local bakeries in Maui.
• Given that coffee is a major industry in Maui, it is essential to try the coffee here! Enjoy some cold brew or iced coffee from one of the local cafes like Kula Bistro in Kula.
• Ululani’s is the place to go with the finest shave ice. They will also add fruity syrups on top (kind of like a snow cone, but much finer ice) and toppings like mochi, boba, and more!
• Poi is a traditional Polynesian dish made from taro root being pounded over and over again. This is an acquired taste so don’t feel bad if you don’t like it on the first try!
• Try traditional Kalua pork where the meat is smoked underground, seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt, and wrapped in banana leaves.
• There are numerous tropical fruits to try on Maui. Add these to your list: dragon fruit, guava, Maui pineapple, papaya, lilikoi (passionfruit), lychee, mango, and banana.

When is the Best Time to Spend 3 Days in Maui

The best time to visit Maui is between April and May, as well as September and October. During these months you will experience better weather with more sunshine, less wind, and fewer showers.

However, summertime in Hawaii is an amazing experience too! The months between June and August are warm and sunny with a chance of afternoon showers.

You can witness some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets on Maui during the summer months!

What to Pack for 3 Days in Maui

Beaches, humidity & heat, hiking… all things to consider when packing for a trip to Hawaii! Here are my best tips for what to pack for 3 days in Maui.

👙 Swimsuits: You’ll want to pack several swimsuits for Maui–at least 3 different swimsuits! For one, you’ll have a variety as you’ll most likely be hanging on the beach or near a swimming pool when relaxing! For another, it’s just nice to have extras in case something happens!

👗 Dresses & summer clothing: The temperatures in Maui are pretty mild with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. You’ll want to stay cool so pack a couple of light dresses, shorts, and T-shirts or tank tops.

🧥 A sweater: On the other hand, you’ll want to keep warm with a sweater when watching the sunrise at the Haleakala Summit. Of course, you can do what we did and carry a blanket with you up there, but it’s a good idea to have a thicker sweater to brace against the cold.

🏃‍♀️ Athletic wear: Pack athletic shorts or leggings for the hike on the Pipiwai trail.

☀️ Sunscreen & Hat: Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the wildlife. A sun hat is also important to pack to keep your face from burning up!

🥾 Comfortable Shoes: These Tevas sandals are perfect for the beach or if you prefer Birkenstocks. You’ll also want to bring hiking boots for the muddy trails!

🦟 Bug Repellent: Mosquitos can be pesky in Hawaii. Be sure to protect yourself from bug bites with insect repellent–especially when you’re hiking on the Pipiwai Trail!

🚰 Water Bottle: Keep hydrated while in Maui with a water bottle, especially when you are hiking the Pipiwai trail.

🏖️ Beach Towel: Bring a quick dry and sand-free beach towel for when you want to jump into the ocean after a long day of exploring!

🎒 Bring a day bag or backpack with you, especially on the road to Hana!

FAQS: 3 Days in Maui

Is 3 days in Maui enough?

If you want to see all that you can in a short 3 days in Maui, this itinerary does that for you. The highlights are all included from the road to Hana and Haleakala sunrise to exploring the west and south Maui.

In honest truth though, 3 days in Maui is not enough time to relax and take your time exploring all that this stunning island has to offer. If you are looking for a calm and peaceful time in Maui, then this itinerary is not for you as everything is pretty packed.

I would highly recommend 5 to 7 days in Maui to truly have a relaxed vacation and include everything mentioned in this itinerary.

What is the cheapest month to spend 3 days in Maui?

The cheapest month to visit Maui is in May. The temperature at this time is perfect and the weather is not too hot or too cold. Plus, flights are cheaper during this time and you can save money on accommodation as well!

Other cheap months to visit Maui are in February and April when flights are at a lower cost since travel season is not in full swing.

When is the rainy season in Maui?

Maui’s rainy season runs from November to March when you’ll experience more rainfall than normal. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable and there may be days with heavy showers or thunderstorms.

But don’t let that deter you! Even in the winter months, Maui still offers plenty of sunshine, and you can usually find a few days of sunshine in between the showers.

Do I need to rent a Jeep in Maui?

No, you do not need a jeep to successfully drive in Maui. Any car will work well as long as you abide by the rules set by the rental company.

The backside of Hana is not as developed, which can cause trouble and rental car companies do not like that.

Ready to get going on your trip to Maui? Check out these posts to get started!