Maui is the second largest island of Hawaii, encompassing 727 square miles. Maui Island has more unique experiences to offer to its visitors than any other island, including the spectacular sunrise from the summit of Haleakala, the scary drive filled with natural scenery on the Road to Hana, the legendary Hawaiian cuisine, and many of the best snorkel destinations for witnessing green sea turtles. The reasons I love Maui are as diverse as the island itself.
To insure you have a wonderful experience on Maui, you need to plan your itinerary before you land on the island. Here is a perfect 4-day itinerary that covers all the main attractions on Maui. You can take it directly as your itinerary without going through a time-consuming planning process.
The Overall 4-day Itinerary:
Day 1 – Watch the Sunrise from the Summit of Haleakala and Relax on Ho’okipa Beach
Day 2 – Visit the Seaside Town Lahaina and Chill on Ka’anapali Beach
Day 3 – Discover the Best Natural Scenery on the Road to Hana
Day 4 – Enjoy the Beauty of Pa’ako Beach and Snorkel in Molokini or Visit Maui Ocean Center
Day 1 – Watch the Sunrise from the Summit of Haleakala and Relax on Ho’okipa Beach
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala is home to the dormant Haleakala Volcano, the largest dormant volcano in the world. The summit of Haleakala is 10,023 ft above sea level, making it the highest point on Maui Island.
Called “House of the Sun” by locals, Haleakala offers a spectacular sunrise experience on the mountain top. Unlike most other mountains, you can drive to the summit of Haleakala. The road up to the summit is paved and in good condition.
The first day of your vacation on Maui starts a little early, around 2AM. Drive up to the summit and watch a spectacular sunrise from the highest point on Maui. If you are not a morning person, don’t worry, the sunset view is just as impressive as the sunrise view.
There are only 150 parking spaces available at the top of the mountain, and watching the sunrise requires a reservation. You can make a reservation up to 60 days in advance to access the summit during the sunrise hours (3AM to 7AM HST)
After sunrise or before sunset, you can walk around the summit area and enjoy the stunning view from one of the loneliest mountain tops on the planet.
Tips for Visiting Haleakala National Park
- Wear comfortable hiking boots
- Bring a warm light jacket, hat, gloves if you have any of them, or a hotel blanket; the temperature at the summit of Haleakala is significantly cooler than at sea level
- Pack enough water and snacks
- Drive a 4X4 rental car with low range (D3 gear.) It is not required to drive a 4X4, but a 4X4 with low range is much easier and safer to drive up and down the mountain.
Ho’okipa Beach Park
After a Mountain expedition, you can fill the rest of your day with a relaxing time on the beach.
Ho’okipa Beach Park is located in Paia Town, about a one-hour drive from Haleakala National Park. Ho’okipa Beach Park a spacious state park with a white sand beach, picnic areas, and pavilions. Ho’okipa beach is long and beautiful filled with soft fine white sand. You can relax and soak up some sunshine. Ho’okipa beach is also famous for its windsurfing, here you can watch some of the best surfing on Maui.
Paia Town is where the Road to Hana starts, and Ho’okipa Beach is one of the classic “must-see” attractions. If you spend time on Ho’okipa Beach now, you can save some precious time on your Road to Hana day and explore more of the many amazing places along the Road.
Day 2 Visit the Seaside Town Lahaina and Chill on Ka’anapali Beach
Lahaina
Lahaina is a charming seaside town nestled in between the coast and the mountains of West Maui. It is known for its long history as an ancient Hawaiian settlement and the bustling Front Street.
Lahaina was a small fishing village and the royal capital of Hawaiian Kingdom from 1820 to 1845. Today, Lahaina is a popular place for visitors, filled with local shops, art galleries, tasty restaurants, and stunning ocean and mountain scenery.
If you are visiting Lahaina during the winter months, you can have one of the best experiences in Maui by taking a whale watching tour where you can spot the humpback whales.
Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach is a short 10-minute drive up the road from Lahaina. After exploring Lahaina, you might want to find a beautiful beach to get some relaxation and recharge. Ka’anapali Beach is a perfect place for anyone looking for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. You can even go cliff jumping there.
Ka’anapali Beach extends from Black Rock Beach in the north to Canoe Beach in the south. It is a beautiful, long white sand beach. There are many high-end retail stores and tasty restaurants in the area.
After touring Lahaina town and relaxing on Ka’anapali Beach, enjoy a fresh taste of Hawaiian cuisine and watch a traditional Polynesian dance; the best way to end an island vacation day.
Day 3 Discover the Best Natural Scenery on the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a 64-mile-long narrow winding costal drive with 620 curves and 59 bridges. The Road begins at Paia Town on the northeastern side of Maui, heads to Hana, and ends at the Back Side of Haleakala on the southeastern side of the island. Unlike any other road you can drive, the Road to Hana is full of adventures, leading you through 64 miles of vast green jungle, countless hidden waterfalls, several stunning arboreta, and many amazing island state parks. A Drive along the Road to Hana will surely surprise even the most avid nature-lovers.
The Road to Hana is a long incredible journey. There are many attractions you may want to stop and explore. However, if you plan to pack the drive into one day, you need to plan your time wisely and choose the “must-see attractions” as your priorities. Below I have listed the most attractive spots on the Road of Hana that you don’t want to miss.
The Highlights on the Road to Hana
1. Ho’okipa Beach Park
The Ho’okipa Beach Park is located in Paia town, at the very beginning of your journey. It is a beautiful white sand beach with some of Maui’s best windsurfing. If you already have spent time on Ho’okipa Beach, you can skip it and move on.
2. Twin Falls
Twin Falls is the first string of waterfalls you will see on the Road to Hana. Twin Falls is located in Haiku town, 15-20 minutes after passing Paia Town. Look for Mile Marker 2 – that is where the Twin Falls is located.
A 1-mile hike from the Road leads you to the waterfalls and a large pool to swim in. You can find a Twin Falls Farm Stand which sells fresh squeezed sugarcane juice and other tasty snacks.
3. Garden of Eden Arboretum
The Garden of Eden Arboretum is located in between Mile Markers 10 and 11. It is a stunning arboretum designed by Maui’s first certified arborist and landscape designer, Alan Bradbury. In this garden, you will discover a 100-year-old mango tree, bamboo forests, and Puohokamoa Falls.
4. Pua’aKa’a State Wayside Park
The Pua’aka’a State Park is located at Mile Marker 22. It is a rest stop that offers a short hike to a waterfall and a freshwater pool that you can swim in, as well as a picnic area to have lunch or snacks. Public bathrooms are available here.
5. Hanawi Falls
Around Mile Marker 24, keep a look out on the landward side of the Road. You can see Hanawi falls from the Road. The major waterfall is approximately 30-feet high, plunging down from the rocks to a deep pool underneath. You can enjoy swimming in the pool.
6. Wai’anapanapa State Park
Wai’anapanapa State Park is located just after Mile Marker 32. Wai’anapanapa State Park is an expansive state park, encompassing 122 acres. The park is one of the best spots on the Road to Hana. You can walk on the black sand beach, swim in the glistening water, hike in the green jungles, and have a spectacular panoramic view from the lookout point at the end of the black sand beach.
7. Hana Town
How could you not stop at Hana Town when you are driving the Road to Hana? Around Mile Marker 34, you will reach Hana Town. The long twisting drive finally leads hardy adventurers to Hana Town, one of the most isolated towns in the United States. This small town is full of Hawaiian history. You can sip a cup of coffee and enjoy some locally made candies at Hana Farms.
After leaving Hana Town, after Mile Marker 51, the Mile Markers start counting back down.
8. Hamoa Beach
A few miles drive through Hana Town, just after Mile Marker 50, take a left turn onto Haneoo Rd. Very soon you will see Hamoa Beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The secluded Hamoa Beach is surrounded by rainforests and cliffs.
9. Wailua Falls
When you approach Mile Marker 45, you will be close to Wailua Falls. You can see the falls from the Road. Wailua Falls is approximately 80 ft. high, plunging down from the cliff into a pool underneath. Wailua Falls is one of Maui’s tallest and majestic waterfalls. It is also easy to access.
10. Ohe’o Gulch – Seven Sacred Pools
The Ohe’o Gulch is located around Mile Marker 42. There are seven beautiful small waterfalls and seven swimming pools under the waterfalls in the hidden dense bamboo forests of Ohe’o Gulch.
Tips for Driving on the Road of Hana
- The drive on the Road, including stops for hikes, tours, and swimming, can easily take 8 to 10 hours, so you may want to start the day a little early.
- Fill your gas tank right before you start your trip, in Paia town, there are no gas stations on the Road until you reach Hana town.
- Drive very carefully; a wonderful experience starts with a safe drive
- Don’t leave any valuables in your car
- Bring or wear your swimming suit, a towel and bug repellent; there are a few freshwater pools that you can swim in
- Wear some shoes that have good traction and are water resistant; you may need to walk a little on slippery surfaces to get close to waterfalls
- Pack enough water and snacks. There are a few farm stands and shops along the Road, but they are spread out, you can’t count on being near one of them around mealtime.
- Make sure your camera battery is fully charged; you will take endless pictures and videos
- If you are not comfortable driving on the Road to Hana on your own, you don’t have to miss it. You can take a tour and enjoy the beauty of nature, let the pros do the driving.
Day 4 Enjoy the Beauty of Pa’ako Beach and Snorkel in Molokini or Visit Maui Ocean Center
Pa’ako Beach
Located on Maui’s south shore, Pa’ako Beach is a sublime hidden beach and a popular wedding venue. It is a perfect beach to relax after a long drive on the Road to Hana. This private picturesque beach, with exotic trees overhanging the sand and lava rocks sprinkled along the shoreline is a perfect scene for a photo-shoot, or simply relaxing on your last day on Maui.
Molokini
After relaxing on Pa’ako Beach, you can take a snorkeling tour. The tour guide will take you to Maui’s top-rated snorkeling destination, Molokini.
Molokini is a crescent-shape islet, famous for its crystal-clear water and frequented by many lovely sea creatures. Enjoy snorkeling at Molokini and discover green sea turtles, hundreds of fish, and unique reefs and lava arches.
Maui Ocean Center
If you are not up for a snorkeling tour or you are traveling with young children, you can visit Maui Ocean Center where you will encounter most of Hawaii’s marine life. Recognized as one of the “Top 10 Aquariums in the World” by TripAdvisor, Maui Ocean Center features a large variety of marine animals, including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and reef fish. It is home to the finest collection of Hawaii’s corals. In the Maui Ocean Center, you can join a Behind-the Scenes Tour, experience a virtual, 3D encounter with Hawaii’s humpback whales, and dine at the award-winning Seascape Restaurant. Maui Ocean center offers an excellent experience interacting with marine life for both children and adults.
Maui is an amazing island. We spent our honeymoon there, and we plan on going back to Maui and driving on the Road to Hana again. Let me know whether you have plans to visit Maui someday. I will see you in my next post!
