The perfect 3 day Maui itinerary! It’s just enough time to fall in love with the island and maybe even start planning your return before you leave.
Swaying palms, black sand beaches, warm banana bread on the Road to Hāna Maui is paradise, but it’s also so much more than a postcard destination. This island has a deep cultural heartbeat, a complex history, and communities that have lived and cared for this land long before it became a dream trip on a Pinterest board.
On my first visit, I had just 3 days in Maui but that was all it took to feel completely enchanted. Since then, I’ve come back to explore more, and every time, I learn something new: a bit of the language, the story behind a place name, or a deeper way to travel more respectfully.
This Maui itinerary is all about that balance. It’s filled with the big highlights like sunset above the clouds at Haleakalā and snorkel tours to Molokini but also the quieter moments: pulling over for fresh fruit on the Hana Highway, listening to Hawaiian music in the car, and practicing proper pronunciation of place names that hold meaning.
If it’s your first time here, this 3-day guide will help you see some of the best the island has to offer without rushing through it. And if you’ve been before, maybe you’ll find something new to love.
Things to Know Before Visiting Maui
- Yes, you need a rental car. Maui is not walkable and public transportation is limited.
- Learn a few Hawaiian words and the correct pronunciation of place names. The glottal stop (‘okina) is more than punctuation it’s meaningful.
- Support local businesses, especially Hawaiian-owned tours and restaurants.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is required by law and helps protect Maui’s coral reefs.
- Be mindful in areas recovering from the 2023 Lahaina fires, respect signs and closures.
What Foods (and Drinks) Do You Need to Try in Maui?
One of the best things about visiting Maui? The food. It’s a delicious blend of traditional Hawaiian ingredients, plantation-era influences, and local comfort dishes that you’ll dream about long after you leave.
Here are my personal favorites and where I found them:
- Shave Ice – Ululani’s is my go-to. Soft, fluffy ice with tropical flavors and that sweet condensed milk snowcap on top. Pure joy in a cup.
- Poke – Fresh, flavorful, and usually better than anything you’ll find on the mainland. I loved my bowl from Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors in Kihei.
- Kalua Pork – Smoky and rich, usually served with rice or poi. Try it at Poi by the Pound near the airport it’s the real deal.
- Banana Bread – Don’t leave the Road to Hāna without stopping at Aunty Sandy’s. That warm, fluffy loaf was worth the detour.
- Malasadas – Portuguese-style fried dough balls, sometimes filled with lilikoi cream. I grabbed mine at Sugar Beach Bake Shop (get there early they sell out!).
- Loco Moco – A comfort classic: rice, hamburger patty, egg, gravy. The one I had in Wailuku was extra hearty after a morning hike.
And let’s not forget Maui Gold pineapples. While they’re famously sweet, they’re not actually native to Hawai’i just a reminder of the island’s complicated agricultural history.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Maui?
Maui is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are typically April – May and September – November. That’s when the island has great weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to peak seasons.
That said, I’ve visited in June and still had a great time it just meant a bit more planning around crowds and slightly higher rental car prices.
Rain Tip: Winter months (Nov -Mar) tend to be wetter, especially in East Maui. Always have a backup activity in mind in case plans shift.
Do You Need a Car in Maui?
In short: yes, absolutely. Maui isn’t walkable, and you’ll miss so much without your own wheels like sunrise at Haleakalā, remote beaches, or all the waterfalls along the Road to Hāna.
I’ve used traditional rental cars and also booked through Turo, which worked great when I needed something last minute. Just make sure to reserve early, especially during high season.
Bonus tip: Queue up a Hawaiian music playlist when you hit the road. Driving through lush jungle or along the coast with slack-key guitar playing in the background? Instant island vibes.
How Long Do You Need to Visit Maui?
If you only have 3 days like I did on my first trip, you can still see a lot but you’ll want more. It’s just enough time to catch a sunset, explore a few beaches, and do something iconic like the Road to Hāna or Haleakalā.
That said, if you have the flexibility, a full week (7 days) is the sweet spot. That gives you time to mix in beach days with big adventures, try more local food, and not feel rushed between activities.
Pro tip: Maui is expensive. Sometimes shorter trips make more sense budget-wise, and you can always return (trust me, you’ll want to).
Day 1: Arrival + Upcountry Maui + Haleakalā Sunset
Arrival & Getting Settled
Most flights into Maui arrive midday, giving you time to ease into island life. I picked up my rental car straight from Kahului Airport highly recommend reserving one ahead of time.
Before checking into my hotel in Kihei, I made a quick pit stop at Peace Love Shave Ice to cool off with a passionfruit + coconut combo. The jet lag? Gone.
Depending on where you’re staying:
- South Maui (Wailea/Kihei) is sunny and relaxed with calm beaches and good food.
- West Maui (Kaanapali/Lahaina) is more dramatic, lush, and great for resorts (note: some areas are still recovering from the 2023 fires).
Tip: Stop at a local grocery store (like Foodland or Safeway) to grab snacks, water, and reef-safe sunscreen. You’ll thank yourself later.
Explore Upcountry Maui
From the coast, I headed up to Makawao, a quirky cowboy-artsy town with colorful storefronts, handmade crafts, and amazing pastries.
Komoda Store & Bakery has been around for over a century, and their cream puffs and stick donuts are legendary. I picked up a few for the road.
Next up was Kula Botanical Garden. It’s peaceful and a perfect introduction to the flora of Maui’s higher elevations. You can see protea flowers, jacarandas, and even koi ponds all with sweeping views of the coast below.
Sunset at Haleakalā
After some time in Upcountry, I made my way to Haleakalā National Park for one of the most unforgettable sunsets of my life. You’ll need a reservation for sunset access (make it online at recreation.gov). Give yourself at least 90 minutes to drive up from sea level to the 10,023-foot summit.
The drive winds through fog, forests, and lava-rock moonscapes. By the time you get to the top, the clouds stretch out below you, and the sky turns pink and orange in slow motion. It feels otherworldly.
Bring layers. It was 82°F when I left Kihei and 42°F at the summit. A windbreaker and hat were lifesavers.
There’s no gas or food after Pukalani, fill up before heading up!
Evening Wind-Down
After the sunset, I drove back down in the dark (slowly!) and grabbed dinner at Tin Roof Maui in Kahului before checking into my stay in South Maui. The garlic noodles and mochiko chicken hit the spot after a full day.
It was a perfect first day: slow-paced, full of local flavor, and capped off with a sky full of stars.
Day 2: Road to Hāna Adventure
If you’re feeling tired from yesterday’s adventure, good news! All you have to do today is sit in a car. Well, mostly. You’ll be spending the day driving the Road to Hāna, which can be as adventurous or relaxed as you like.
Note: Some people think the Road to Hāna is scary or dangerous. It’s really not. It’s a well-maintained road with curves and cliffs not cliffs of doom. Think scenic, not sketchy. It’s more like California’s Highway One.
The full Road to Hāna takes all day and then some. While staying overnight in Hāna is ideal, it wasn’t doable during my 3-day trip. Plus, I’m not exactly an early riser, and I hate feeling rushed. So I decided to drive only the first half and honestly, it was perfect.
With no pressure to finish the loop, I took my time, lingered at every stop, and just enjoyed the ride. Here’s how my half-day Hāna adventure unfolded:
Ho’okipa Beach Park
Our first stop was just past Paia at Ho’okipa Beach Park. We dipped our toes in the ocean, watched the surfers, spotted a few sea turtles lounging on the beach, and bought jewelry from a local artisan selling pieces from the back of her van.
If you’re already in your swimsuit, this is a great place for a quick swim or snorkel.
Twin Falls
This farm-style stop is just off the highway. It’s a short hike to two beautiful waterfalls, and you can swim at the lower pool. Bring your water shoes things get muddy.
There’s also a small stand at the entrance where I grabbed a banana pineapple popsicle with a sugarcane stick. Cold, sweet, and exactly what you want on a humid morning.
Hule‘ia Lookout & Shave Ice Stop
A little yellow shack just before Ke‘anae Peninsula claimed to have the best shave ice on the island and honestly, it was incredible. I took my shave ice and Maui Gold pineapple behind the stand to a picnic table with a killer view (and two very sleepy cats).
This would be a perfect picnic stop if you brought poke from Tamura’s or snacks from Paia.
Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread
This little detour was mandatory. The banana bread here is legendary for a reason hot, fresh, and gone in about three bites. It was the highlight snack of the day and 100% worth the stop.
They also have a few lunch items if you want something heartier, but we were honestly so full from road snacks, we didn’t need more.
Turnaround Point
After Aunt Sandy’s, we turned back. We had started around 9 AM, stopped often, swam, ate, and took tons of photos. By mid-afternoon, we were heading back at a leisurely pace.
If you’re an early riser or okay driving back in the dark, you could keep going to Wailua Falls or even Ohe‘o Gulch. But for us, the half route was relaxing and satisfying.
Dinner at Mama’s Fish House (Optional)
We passed Mama’s Fish House on our way back, which is one of Maui’s most famous (and expensive) restaurants. We didn’t have a reservation, so no walk-in luck but I made a note to return next time.
When I finally did eat there, I understood the hype. It’s beachfront, romantic, and the seafood is next level. Even if you don’t dine there, you can walk down to the public beach for sunset and turtle spotting.
Day 3: Beach Time + Snorkeling + Luau
This was my final day in Maui, and I wanted it to feel equal parts relaxing and celebratory. So I carved out time to enjoy the beach, get out on the water, eat something delicious, and cap it all off with a classic Hawaiian luau.
Morning Snorkeling Adventure
I started my day early with a Molokini Crater + Turtle Town snorkel tour. I went with Redline Rafting, which runs smaller boats that feel more personal than the big catamarans. The visibility at Molokini is incredible you can see dozens of feet down into crystal-clear water.
At the second snorkel stop, Turtle Town, I swam alongside green sea turtles. It was surreal and surprisingly calm definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
Tip: Bring a rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, and motion sickness meds if you need them. The ride out can get choppy.
If you’d rather snorkel on your own, Honolua Bay (West Maui) is a great spot that doesn’t require a tour. Just go early to beat the crowds.
Afternoon at Big Beach
After snorkeling, I drove down to Big Beach in Makena State Park. It’s exactly what it sounds like massive, open, and absolutely stunning. The waves can be intense, so I stuck to the shoreline and enjoyed a laid-back afternoon reading, walking, and soaking up the sun.
I grabbed lunch nearby at Coconuts Fish Cafe in Kihei. Their fish tacos are stacked high and totally lived up to the hype.
Note: Big Beach has very little shade, so bring your own umbrella or hat, and plenty of water.
Dinner and Luau Night
To end the trip with something special, I booked a ticket to the Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz Maui. It’s more modern and intimate than some of the larger luaus, and the oceanfront setting is incredible.
The show shared stories from Hawaiian history and culture, paired with plated dishes and craft cocktails. It felt thoughtful and immersive not cheesy or overdone. If you’re staying on the west side, Old Lāhainā Lūʻau is another excellent choice (just book far in advance).
Luau Tip: Book your luau at least 2 -3 weeks ahead. They sell out fast especially during high season.
After dinner, I walked along the beach under the stars. It was the perfect way to end a trip that somehow felt both jam-packed and peaceful. I already knew I’d be back.
What to Do If It Rains
Weather can change quickly in Maui. If you need a backup plan, I recommend:
- Maui Ocean Center: Indoor aquarium and marine education hub.
- Upcountry winery or farm tour: Like Surfing Goat Dairy or MauiWine.
- Spa day: Many resorts offer day passes even if you’re not staying there.
- Local eats crawl: Try poke spots, food trucks, or hole-in-the-wall bakeries.
Where to Stay in Maui
There are plenty of fantastic options for places to stay in Maui. I recommend basing yourself in Kihei, Lahaina, or Pā’ia depending on the kind of trip you’re planning.
Stay in Pā’ia
This artsy, low-key town on the north shore is a great home base if you’re prioritizing the Road to Hāna or prefer staying in a less touristy area. You’ll find handmade shops, colorful murals, and some of the best food trucks on the island. It’s close to the airport, Mama’s Fish House, and the start of the Hāna Highway.
There’s no beach right in town, but Baldwin Beach is just a short drive away and makes a great morning stop.
Stay in Lahaina
Update: Lahaina is still recovering from the 2023 wildfires. Some hotels may be operating, but always check the latest advisories and travel respectfully.
Lahaina has a rich history as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a deep cultural legacy. Before the fires, it was a charming, walkable town full of boutiques, art galleries, and historic sites like Banyan Court Park.
It’s a good base if your itinerary includes a lot of West Maui activities or boat tours leaving from the harbor. Just be extra mindful of local recovery efforts.
Stay in Kihei
If convenience is your priority, Kihei is perfect. It’s central, affordable, and close to many of my favorite beaches and restaurants. While it doesn’t have the same walkable charm as Pā’ia or Lahaina, you’ll be near everything from snorkeling tours to shave ice to epic sunsets.
Need a place to stay? I love:
- This spacious oceanfront condo in Kihei with a front-row seat to the waves.
- This charming garden cottage, tucked in a quiet neighborhood but still walkable to the beach.
What to Pack for Maui
I trust you can count out your own swimsuits and tank tops but here are the essentials I swear by for a beach trip to Maui:
- Reef-safe sunscreen – It’s legally required and protects the coral reefs. I pack a full-size bottle and a mini one for my carry-on.
- Mineral sunscreen – Better for your body and the ocean. I use separate formulas for body and face.
- Rash guard – For swimming, snorkeling, or just shielding your shoulders from the sun.
- Swim leggings – Especially helpful for sensitive skin or extra sun protection.
- Travel towel – Hotel towels rarely wrap all the way around me. This quick-dry one is my go-to.
- Travel clothesline – For drying swimsuits and towels. Your hotel bathroom won’t cut it.
- Dramamine – A must if you’re driving the Road to Hāna or heading out on a boat.
- Snorkel gear – Not required, but this full-face mask is a game-changer. Also bring anti-fog spray.
- Sand-repelling beach mat – If sand makes you cranky (hi, it’s me), this will change your life.
- Swimsuit cover-up – Lightweight and versatile. I wear mine constantly.
- Sun hat – The wide-brimmed one with a chin strap has saved me from many sunburns.
- Wear-anywhere sandals – I live in my leather Tevas. They’re waterproof, hike-able, and cute.
- Cute bathing suit – I’m obsessed with this one from Amazon (I own it in three colors). For plus sizes, Swimsuits For All is a favorite.
Maui Itinerary Summary
Ready to hop the plane and head to Maui? Or maybe you just skipped the last 3k words to jump down here and take a sneak peek? You sly duck, you! Either way, here is our complete Maui itinerary in bite-size summary form.
Day 1
- Arrive and grab a snack (Peace Love Shave Ice is a solid option!)
- Head to Upcountry Maui to explore Makawao and Kula Botanical Garden
- Sunset at Haleakalā National Park (reservation required)
- Dinner at Tin Roof or a local favorite in Kahului before checking into your hotel
Day 2
- Drive the Road to Hāna (we did the half route and loved it)
- Stop at Ho‘okipa Beach Park, Twin Falls, Hule‘ia Lookout, and Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread
- Optional dinner at Mama’s Fish House (reserve early!)
Day 3
- Morning snorkel tour to Molokini + Turtle Town or snorkel Honolua Bay on your own
- Afternoon at Big Beach in Makena State Park
- Fish tacos at Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Kihei
- Sunset luau: Feast at Mokapu or Old Lāhainā Lūʻau (book ahead!)
Conclusion: A Quick Trip, But So Full of Life
Three days in Maui fly by. But if you slow down, stay curious, and let the island lead you, you’ll leave with so many moments that linger. I didn’t do everything, but that’s just one more reason to come back. Whether you’re here for the first time or the fifth, Maui always has something new to show you.