One of the best things about visiting Hawaii is how close all the islands are to each other. If you're spending the majority of your trip on Oahu or Kauai, all it takes is 20-40 minutes to pop over to Maui!
Each island is different! Each Hawaiian island has unique things to offer. Oahu has the big city, Kauai is full of stunning vistas, and Maui has the idyllic charm and gorgeous spots to see.
With small town vibes, delicious food, and plenty of island to explore, no trip to Hawaii is complete without a stop on Maui!
If you only have a few days to explore the Valley Isle, check out our two-day itinerary for a full visit to Maui. (Of course, if you need more time at the beach, you can always cross a few things off the list!)
Fly into Maui as early as possible to make the most of your time. With flights from neighboring islands starting at 6:00 am, choose the earliest you can manage.
First stop? Coffee!
You've got a bunch of adventuring ahead, so get yourself some fuel to keep you going. Momona's is a cute Argentine bakery and coffee shop just a few minutes away from the airport.
They've got locally roasted coffee and delicious pastries. The luna de miel (a croissant dripping with honey) is a fantastic option, but they also offer avocado toast and savory sandwiches for those who need something heartier.
With only two days on-island and so much to see and do, you probably won't have time to do the full road to Hana. That's a full day adventure if done right (think 12+ hours), but just because you're short on time doesn't mean you can't experience part of it! Hop in your car after your cup of joe and head towards Hana.
Ho'okipa Pit Stop
As you drive, you'll pass Ho'okipa, a beautiful beach and surf spot. Pull over and take in the views, look at the sea turtles basking on the beach (there's almost always a few), and watch the surfers shred the waves for a minute before hopping back in the car.
Only 15 minutes past Ho'okipa, you'll come to Twin Falls. This beautifully manicured trail has three easily accessible waterfalls for you to explore.
Parking costs $5, and there's even a snack stand if you need some more grindz. Follow the trails through the lush jungle, pass aromatic ginger flowers, and reward yourself by jumping in the pools at each waterfall.
This hike is great for parties of any size and age. Take it slow, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy!
Once you've finished up your hike and dip in the refreshing river water, head back to the cute town of Paia.
Stop at Flatbread for a delicious meal (the mopsy, their twist on Hawaiian pizza, is absolutely incredible), get more coffee at Belle Surf, and shop the cute botique stores for some Maui souveniers.
With cute murals, charming wooden shops, and some of the best restaurants on the island, Paia is charming. Need a nap? Check out Baldwin Beach and soak up some sunshine!
Sunset at the Lighthouse
Once you're done in Paia, drive to McGregor Point and Lighthouse for a beautiful sunset spot. See the stunning cliffs that go towards West Maui, and see the waves crashing below.
During Whale season, this is a great lookout spot for the majestic creatures.
Pro Tip: It's best to store valuables in your trunk as you're adventuring around!
Day Two: Beach and Sunshine
Day two of your Maui adventure will include plenty of sunshine, so lather up! Explore the south shore, get some delicious food and drinks, and frolic in the warm Pacific Ocean.
Breakfast Of Champions
For breakfast, head to Akamai Wailea. Not only does this coffee and breakfast spot have gorgeous views from their lanai seating areas, but their food is really tasty as well.
You'll find classics like avocado toast or ham and cheese croissants, as well as their take on huevos rancheros, a Latin American staple. The coffee is also delicious, featuring a blend of Maui-grown coffee beans with beans sourced from Mexico.
It's a one-stop shop, as they source their own beans and roast them on the island as well.
There are also plenty of cute shops nearby if you want to do a bit more perusing before you head out for the rest of your day.
La Perouse Hike or Morning Snorkel
Next, you'll head towards La Perouse Bay. The drive itself is absolutely stunning as you pass crystal clear water crashing against striking black rocks right next to your car.
If you opt for the morning snorkel, stop at Ahihi-Kinau Natural Reserve. There's a paid parking lot on the right-hand side of the road, just past a small inlet where you can park, and then it's just a short walk down the side of the road to the snorkel spot.
At the entrance to this small cove, you'll see a sign with information about snorkeling, and there's a concrete slab in the water so you can stand without touching any coral. (Please don't stand or touch coral, as it is very harmful to them.)
Pro Tip: Put your fins on once you're already in the water! It's really hard to walk on land with fins on.
If you decide you'd rather hike, keep on driving and follow the road all the way to the parking lot at the end. (Literally, the road ends at La Perouse.) With lava fields stretching in all directions and Haleakala rising above, it's truly a unique sight.
Follow the trail and walk through the lava fields, past isolated beaches and kiawe wood trees, wild goats, and impressive waves. At the end of this 3.4-mile hike, see the Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse and the more impressive vistas at this isolated part of the island.
There is no shade for the majority of this hike, and the lava rocks are rough underfoot, so you'll want to wear sneakers and a hat for this hike.
Makena Beach Swim
As you drive back towards Kihei and Wailea, you'll pass Makena Beach Park. This lovely beach is colloquially called "Bigs" and features white sand, cliffs at both ends, crystal clear water, and large waves with a shorebreak.
Swimming here can be challenging as getting into and out of the water involves some risk, but on a calm day the ocean is unparalleled. Hang out here for an hour or two and get your tan on!
Lunch at Monkeypod
For a well-deserved lunch, drive up to Monkeypod by Merrimans (just across the road from Akamai Wailea). Serving farm-to-table meals and fantastic cocktails, this is the perfect spot to reward yourself for your adventurous morning.
Find and eat delicious salads, fresh fish, house-made pizzas, and pastas in a light and airy restaurant with a fun and relaxing vibe.
Happy hour goes from 3:30-5:00 (although you might want to eat lunch way before that!).
Beach Nap at Charley Young
As you drive back up the island, stop at Charely Young in Kihei and swim or nap off the delicious meal you just had! With plenty of parking, typically calm waters, and soft sand, Charley Young is a great beach for swimmers of all ages.
The beach isn't very rocky, and the waves aren't an intense shorebreak like at Bigs, so you can boogie board, snorkel, paddleboard, do laps, and more at this beach.
Shave Ice at Ululani's
For some of the best shave ice on the island, stop at Ululani's at the north end of Kihei. Each flavor is made in-house, and they offer Roselani's ice cream for a special sweet treat in the middle of your dessert. Top your shave ice with mochi, li hing mui, or even sweetened condensed milk and enjoy!
Conclusion
There's enough to do on Maui to keep you busy for two weeks, but if you only have two days, you can still see and do a lot. With gorgeous beaches, delicious food, unique hikes, and stunning natural beauty, this island will not disappoint you.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing? Tell us in the comments below!
