If you’ve never been to Maui before, you might not know how long you need to stay.
There’s plenty to do in paradise, from soaking up sun on tropical beaches to exploring dense rainforests. So, how many days do you need in Maui to experience everything the island has to offer?
In this article, I’m covering Maui itinerary ideas for one to seven days.
Keep reading to find out how to plan the trip of a lifetime.
How many days do you need in Maui?
When planning a trip to Maui, you will first need to establish the kind of vacation that you want. Do you want a relaxing vacation full of beach days and relaxing in your resort? Or, you might want an action packed trip full of exciting activities.
Or, a healthy mixture between the two.
There are a ton of things to see and do in Maui. If you want to plan your own itinerary, below are some of the top activities that visitors to the island love:
- Driving the Road to Hana
- Snorkeling from the beach
- Twin Falls hike
- Visiting Ka’anapali Beach
- Learning how to surf
- Visiting Nakalele Blowhole
- Kayak Olowalu and swim with sea turtles
- Touring a pineapple farm
- Snorkeling in Molokini, Lanai, or Honolua Bay
- Taking a day trip to Lanai
Once you have decided the kind of trip you want to take, you can then choose how many days you’d like to spend in Maui.
That being said, the average length of stay on Maui is around eight days. On this basis, I will cover some Maui itinerary ideas for one to seven days!
Maui itinerary ideas
Day 1 – Snorkeling
For your first day, you’ll likely still be tired from your journey to Maui. Holidays are all about recharging. You might want a day to relax that isn’t too intense, so why not try snorkeling? Maui is home to a variety of beautiful tropical fish that you won’t want to miss.
You can also kick back with your favorite book and a cocktail in between snorkeling sessions, and catch a tan. It’s a win-win for your first day in Maui.
Day 2 – Twin Falls hike
The Twin Falls hike is the perfect second day activity once you have settled into Maui.
At 1.3 miles, the Twin Halls hike is a quick trek through the jungle to the waterfalls the hike is named after.
Day 3 – The Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a scenic drive located on the northeast coastline of Maui.
If you’re planning to drive the very popular Road to Hana, you should plan to spend the entire day doing so.
You don’t want to rush the sights, including waterfalls and the Maui’s famous black sand beach, and you’ll want enough time to complete the Pipiwai trail.
Day 4 – Beach day
After two days packed full of plans, you might want a relaxing day on the beach. Ka’anapali Beach is a great choice, although it can get touristy.
If you want more of a quiet choice, you can always opt for Kapalua Bay to see some of the island’s most impressive sea creatures, such as sea turtles.
Day 5 – Surfing
You can’t go to Maui without trying your hand at surfing. Ka’anapali Beach is a picturesque surf break in Ka’anapali, and is one of the best places to learn to surf in the world.
You can also try Launiupoko, which is a family-oriented beginner surf break in West Maui.
Day 6 – Explore the North shore
The North shore of Maui is home to less crowded beaches, stunning hikes that are off the beaten track, and is rich in agricultural history. Pack your snorkel gear and hop out at Honolua Bay for a quick snorkel.
You could even visit the quaint town of Paia, which is the unofficial capital of the North shore of Maui. The town has multiple shops to browse and is full of great restaurants to grab a bite to eat.
Day 7 – Nakalele Blowhole and Maui markets
On your last day, why not visit Nakalele Blowhole? When viewing the Nakalele Blowhole during the morning, there is often a rainbow that forms in the mist, and whales are often seen leaping in the distance.
To enjoy the blowhole safely, you should admire and appreciate it from a distance.
On your way home, you could stop by one of the market stalls and sample some delicious treats and pick up souvenirs before you head back to your accommodation.
The latter part of your last day can be dedicated to packing and getting ready to leave Maui until your next visit. (Don’t forget to plan your last-day shower ahead of time.)
