Maui

Airport and Costco stop(1 hour)

Costco Kahului is right near the airport — stock up on snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen. Everything on Maui is 30-60% more than mainland prices

Drive to Ka'anapali/West Maui(45 minutes)

Take Highway 30 west. The drive from Kahului is only 40km but takes 45 minutes. Check into your hotel or vacation rental in Ka'anapali, Lahaina, or Napili area

Afternoon at Ka'anapali Beach(2 hours)

5km crescent of golden sand. Free public access. Snorkel at Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a) on the north end — turtles, parrotfish, and triggerfish right from shore. Use Whalers Village parking ($3/hr with validation)

Black Rock cliff diving ceremony(30 minutes)

At sunset, a diver lights torches along the cliff and dives into the ocean from Pu'u Keka'a. A nightly tradition at the Sheraton. Free to watch from the beach

Dinner at Star Noodle(1.5 hours)

312 Keolani Pl, Lahaina. Asian fusion with island ingredients. Garlic noodles ($17), pork belly bao ($16). Reservations recommended. One of West Maui's best

Drive to Haleakala summit(2 hours)

Leave by 3AM from West Maui. Reservation required for sunrise viewing ($1 online + $30 park entry). Book on recreation.gov up to 60 days ahead — sells out within hours. Temperature near freezing at summit even in summer — bring warm layers, blankets, and gloves

Haleakala sunrise viewing(1.5 hours)

Arrive by 5:30AM. Mark Twain called it 'the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed.' Watch the sun emerge from the clouds filling the 11.2km-wide crater. Bring a thermos of coffee

Crater viewpoints(1 hour)

After sunrise, drive between the summit observation areas. The Pa Ka'oao (White Hill) trail (0.4km) gives panoramic views. The crater floor has cinder cones in surreal reds and silvers

Return and rest(2 hours)

Drive back down (1.5 hours). Nap at your hotel — you earned it after a 2AM alarm

Late lunch at Tin Roof(1 hour)

33 Lono Ave, Kahului. Run by Top Chef's Sheldon Simeon. Mochiko chicken plate ($14), pork belly bowl ($15). Counter-service, fast, and extraordinary

Evening at Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice(30 minutes)

819 Front St, Lahaina. The 'No Ka Oi' (mango, lilikoi, coconut) from $5. Get ice cream and azuki beans on the bottom. The finest shave ice in Hawaii

Drive the Road to Hana(10 hours roundtrip)

Start from Pa'ia by 8AM. The full drive to Hana and back takes all day. Rent a Jeep — not a convertible. Some stops require reservations. Bring snacks, water, swimsuit, and towel

Twin Falls(45 minutes)

First major stop at mile marker 2. Easy 20-minute hike to two waterfalls with swimming holes. Free. Arrive early — parking fills up by 10AM

Garden of Eden Arboretum(45 minutes)

$20 entry at mile marker 10. Botanical garden with the famous view of Puohokamoa Falls. Well-maintained paths and labeled plants. Worth it for photographers

Wai'anapanapa State Park(1.5 hours)

Black sand beach at mile marker 32. Reservation required ($5 entry + $10 parking, book at gowailea.com). Lava caves, sea arch, and jet-black sand against turquoise water. The most dramatic beach on Maui

Lunch in Hana(1 hour)

Hana Ranch Restaurant ($16-22 plates) or the food trucks at Hana Farms for banana bread ($6, the best on the island)

Return drive to hotel(3 hours)

Return the same way (the backside road is unpaved and rental companies prohibit it). Drive carefully — the road is narrow, winding, and you'll be tired

Molokini Crater snorkel tour(5 hours)

Depart Ma'alaea Harbor by 7AM. Morning trips have calmer water and better visibility. Tours $80-200 per person including gear, snacks, and a second snorkel stop. Book 2+ weeks ahead in peak season. Pacific Whale Foundation or Pride of Maui are reputable operators

Return and beach time at Kamaole III(2 hours)

South Kihei's best beach. Lifeguards on duty, grassy park behind the sand, good snorkeling at the rocky point on the south end. Free

Shave ice at Local Boys(30 minutes)

1941 S Kihei Rd. Generous portions, creative flavors. The Kihei competitor to Ululani's. From $5

Dinner at Mama's Fish House(2 hours)

799 Poho Pl, Pa'ia. Maui's most famous restaurant. Menu lists which fisherman caught your fish and where. Entrées $55-75. Reserve 2+ weeks ahead. The setting — tiki torches, beachfront, palm trees — is quintessential Hawaii

Iao Valley State Monument(1.5 hours)

15 minutes from Kahului. $5/person + $10 parking. The 370m Iao Needle — a moss-covered rock pinnacle — rises from a lush valley. Short paved walk (0.6 miles) to the viewpoint. Best in morning before clouds roll in

Beach day at Big Beach (Makena)(3 hours)

South Maui's most dramatic beach — wide golden sand with powerful shorebreak. $10 parking. Strong waves — body-surf or boogie board if experienced. Little Beach (clothing-optional) is over the rock point to the north

Sunset at Papawai Point(30 minutes)

Mile marker 8 on Highway 30. Free pullover lookout. December-April, humpback whale spouts are visible from shore. The sunset silhouettes Lana'i and Molokai

Dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen(1.5 hours)

Wailea Gateway Center. Happy hour 3-5:30PM — $7 cocktails, $5 flatbreads. Regular menu: macadamia-crusted fish ($34), excellent craft beer selection

Whale watching tour (seasonal Dec-April)(2 hours)

From Lahaina or Ma'alaea Harbor. $40-80 per person. Humpback whales migrate here to breed and calve. Peak activity January-March. Breaches, tail slaps, and mother-calf pairs. Or: upcountry farm tour if off-season

Pa'ia town exploration(1.5 hours)

The hippie surf town on the North Shore. Browse Maui Crafts Guild (handmade local art), Paia Bay Coffee (best espresso on Maui, $5), and the vintage boutiques on Baldwin Avenue

Lunch at Flatbread Company(1 hour)

89 Hana Hwy, Pa'ia. Wood-fired flatbreads with organic local toppings ($16-22). Tuesday is Aloha Night with a portion going to local nonprofits

Ho'okipa Beach Park(1 hour)

Free. The windsurfing and kiteboarding capital of the world. Watch from the overlook above the parking lot. Green sea turtles haul out on the beach at sunset — keep 3m distance

Dinner at Hali'imaile General Store(1.5 hours)

900 Hali'imaile Rd. Chef Bev Gannon's upcountry institution. Asian-inspired Hawaiian cuisine in a 1929 plantation store. Duck tacos ($18), macadamia nut-crusted lamb ($42). Reservations essential

Sunrise beach walk(1 hour)

One last morning on your favorite beach. Ka'anapali at dawn is nearly empty — golden light, calm water, turtles surfacing

Breakfast poke from Foodland(30 minutes)

Foodland or Tamura's poke counter — buy by the pound ($15-20/lb). The ahi poke is as fresh as it gets. Eat on the beach or at the park across the street

Souvenir shopping at Maui Specialty Chocolates(30 minutes)

Kahului. Hawaiian chocolate truffles and macadamia nut clusters. Better gifts than the airport shops. $15-25 boxes

Return rental car and airport(1 hour)

Return your car at OGG. Agricultural inspection for departing passengers — you cannot take most fresh fruits, plants, or soil off the island

Airport and Costco Kahului(1 hour)

Stock up on snacks, drinks, reef-safe sunscreen. Island prices are 30-60% higher

Drive to Ka'anapali(45 minutes)

40km on Highway 30. Check into West Maui accommodation

Ka'anapali Beach afternoon(2 hours)

Snorkel at Black Rock — turtles and parrotfish from shore. Whalers Village parking ($3/hr with validation)

Black Rock cliff diving ceremony(30 minutes)

Nightly sunset tradition at the Sheraton. Free to watch from the beach

Dinner at Star Noodle(1.5 hours)

Asian fusion. Garlic noodles ($17), pork belly bao ($16). Lahaina

Drive to Haleakala summit(2 hours)

Reservation required ($1 + $30 park entry). Book on recreation.gov 60 days ahead. Bring warm layers — freezing at summit

Sunrise viewing(1.5 hours)

Arrive by 5:30AM. 11.2km-wide crater. Bring coffee thermos

Crater viewpoints and trails(1 hour)

Pa Ka'oao White Hill trail (0.4km) for panoramic views

Lunch at Tin Roof(1 hour)

Top Chef Sheldon Simeon. Mochiko chicken ($14). Kahului

Ululani's Shave Ice(30 minutes)

No Ka Oi (mango, lilikoi, coconut) from $5. Lahaina

Twin Falls(45 minutes)

Mile marker 2. Easy hike to two waterfalls. Free. Arrive early

Garden of Eden Arboretum(45 minutes)

$20. Mile marker 10. Famous waterfall view

Wai'anapanapa State Park(1.5 hours)

Black sand beach. Reservation required ($5 + $10 parking). Lava caves, sea arch

Lunch in Hana(1 hour)

Hana Ranch Restaurant or Hana Farms banana bread ($6)

Return drive(3 hours)

Same road back. Narrow, winding — take it slow

Molokini snorkel tour(5 hours)

From Ma'alaea Harbor, 7AM. $80-200 including gear. Book 2+ weeks ahead

Beach at Kamaole III(2 hours)

South Kihei. Lifeguards, good snorkeling at rocky point. Free

Dinner at Mama's Fish House(2 hours)

Pa'ia. Menu lists the fisherman who caught your fish. Entrées $55-75. Reserve 2+ weeks ahead

Iao Valley(1.5 hours)

$5/person + $10 parking. 370m Iao Needle. Short paved walk. Morning is best

Big Beach (Makena)(3 hours)

Dramatic wide beach. $10 parking. Strong shorebreak

Sunset at Papawai Point(30 minutes)

Free. Mile marker 8. Whale spouts Dec-April

Dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen(1.5 hours)

Happy hour 3-5:30PM ($7 cocktails). Macadamia fish ($34)

Whale watching (seasonal)(2 hours)

From Lahaina or Ma'alaea. $40-80. Humpbacks breed here Dec-April

Pa'ia town(1.5 hours)

Surf town. Maui Crafts Guild, Paia Bay Coffee ($5), vintage boutiques

Lunch at Flatbread Company(1 hour)

Wood-fired organic flatbreads ($16-22). Pa'ia

Ho'okipa Beach Park(1 hour)

Free. Windsurfing capital. Sea turtles on beach at sunset

Dinner at Hali'imaile General Store(1.5 hours)

Upcountry institution. Duck tacos ($18), mac-nut lamb ($42)

Wailea Beach Walk(1.5 hours)

Free 2.6km paved path connecting five crescent beaches through resort grounds. Start at Ulua Beach (best snorkeling) and walk south to Polo Beach. Public beach access at each

Snorkeling at Ulua Beach(1.5 hours)

Free. Calm, protected cove perfect for beginners. Turtles, reef fish, occasional octopus. Gear rental from South Pacific Kayaks ($12/day)

Lunch at Gannon's(1.5 hours)

100 Wailea Golf Club Dr. Chef Bev Gannon's South Maui restaurant. Ocean views from the terrace. Ahi Benedict brunch ($22), fish tacos ($18)

Drive to La Perouse Bay(45 minutes)

The road literally ends at a lava field where the last eruption reached the sea in 1790. Free. Walk the King's Highway coastal trail over the lava (2km one-way). Dolphins frequently swim in the bay at dawn

Dinner at Ferraro's at Four Seasons(1.5 hours)

Italian beachfront dining in Wailea. Pasta ($28-36), fresh catch ($42). Live Hawaiian music at sunset. The ocean views justify the prices

Drive upcountry to Kula(45 minutes)

From Kahului, climb to 900m elevation. Temperature drops 10°C — bring a layer. The views down to the coast are stunning

Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm(1 hour)

$3 entry. Walking garden with 45+ lavender varieties at 1,200m. The lavender scones ($6) from the gift shop café are exceptional. Panoramic views to the ocean

Surfing Goat Dairy(1 hour)

$15 casual tour (call ahead). Taste award-winning goat cheeses made from a herd grazing on the slopes of Haleakala. The truffled goat cheese ($12/container) is a revelation

Lunch at Grandma's Coffee House(1 hour)

9232 Kula Hwy. Family-run since 1918. Coffee grown on-site, homemade pastries ($5-8), and plate lunches ($12-16). The oldest coffee farm in Maui

O'o Farm lunch tour(2 hours)

$68. Walk the 8.5-acre organic farm picking ingredients, then sit down to a gourmet lunch prepared with what you just harvested. Reservations required. One of Maui's most unique experiences

Morning at Kapalua Bay(2 hours)

Consistently ranked the best beach in America. Calm, protected crescent with excellent snorkeling. Free public parking (limited — arrive by 9AM). Turtles and reef fish in crystal water

Dragon's Teeth(45 minutes)

Free. Short walk from Kapalua to jagged lava rock formations carved by waves. The Labyrinth (stone maze) nearby is maintained by an anonymous artist. Wear sturdy shoes

Lunch at The Sea House(1.5 hours)

Napili Kai Beach Resort. Beachfront dining at Napili Bay. Coconut shrimp ($22), fresh catch ($32). The outdoor seating is feet from the water

Nakalele Blowhole(1 hour)

Mile marker 38 on Highway 30. Free. Short hike to a coastal blowhole that shoots seawater 30m into the air. Do NOT get close — the rocks are slippery and people have died. View from the marked trail above

Olivine Pools(1 hour)

Natural lava rock tide pools on the northwest coast. Free. Scramble down from the road (unmarked — look for cars parked near mile marker 16). Only safe in calm conditions — check wave height first. The volcanic rock contains green olivine crystals

Sleep in(1 hour)

No alarms today

Pool or beach morning(3 hours)

Choose your favorite beach from the trip so far. Bring that book you've been meaning to finish

Lunch at South Maui Fish Company(1 hour)

1280 S Kihei Rd. Casual fish market and restaurant. Fish and chips ($16), poke bowl ($18). Fresh, local, affordable

Afternoon spa or self-care(2 hours)

Treat yourself to a lomi lomi massage (traditional Hawaiian massage, $120-180 at most resort spas) or simply nap in a hammock

Expeditions Ferry to Lana'i(1 hour)

Departs Lahaina Harbor. $40 roundtrip. First boat at 6:45AM. Whale sightings common during crossing Dec-April. Book at go-lanai.com

Hulopoe Beach(2 hours)

One of Hawaii's best beaches — calm, turquoise, with spinner dolphins in the bay. Free. Snorkel gear rental available at Manele Harbor. Tidepools on the left side

Sweetheart Rock (Pu'u Pehe)(45 minutes)

Free. Short trail from Hulopoe Beach to a dramatic sea stack with a Hawaiian legend. The viewpoint is stunning — don't climb the rock itself

Lunch at Blue Ginger Café(1 hour)

409 7th St, Lana'i City. Local plate lunches ($12-16), burgers, and homemade pastries. Cash only. One of two restaurants in town

Lana'i City walk(1 hour)

The entire town is 4 blocks. Norfolk pines line the streets. Dole Park in the center. The community vibe is small-town Hawaii at its purest

Return ferry and dinner in Lahaina(2 hours)

5:45PM ferry back. Dinner at Lahaina Fish Co. on the harbor — fresh catch ($28), sunset views from the patio

Drive to Hana and beyond(3 hours)

This time drive past Hana town to the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. Same $30 park pass is valid for 3 days

Pools of 'Ohe'o (Seven Sacred Pools)(2 hours)

Cascading freshwater pools flowing into the ocean. Swimming allowed when conditions are safe (check with rangers — flash floods close the pools). The Pipiwai Trail (3km one-way) is the real highlight

Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls(3 hours roundtrip)

6.4km roundtrip through a bamboo forest so thick it blocks the sky, ending at the 120m Waimoku Falls. The bamboo cathedral section is otherworldly. Muddy — wear trail shoes. One of the best hikes in Hawaii

Late lunch at Hana Farms(45 minutes)

Food trucks and banana bread at mile marker 34. Their wood-fired pizza ($16) is a recent addition. Cold coconut water ($5)

Return drive(3 hours)

Back through Hana and the Road to Hana in reverse. Different perspective on the waterfalls

Morning snorkel at favorite spot(2 hours)

Kapalua Bay, Ulua Beach, Black Rock — wherever you saw the most turtles. Go early for calm water

Poke from Tamura's Fine Wines(30 minutes)

Multiple locations. Fresh ahi poke by the pound ($15-20/lb) — eat on the beach for a perfect Hawaiian lunch

Afternoon beach relaxation(2 hours)

Final hours on the sand. Soak it in

Farewell dinner at Merriman's Kapalua(2 hours)

1 Bay Club Pl. Legendary chef Peter Merriman's farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine. Ocean-front terrace overlooking Kapalua Bay. Mac-nut crusted fish ($42), Merriman's Caesar ($16). Sunset seating is magical. Reservations 2+ weeks ahead

Sunrise at your favorite beach(1 hour)

One last golden Hawaiian morning

Breakfast at Gazebo Restaurant(1 hour)

5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Napili. Iconic oceanfront breakfast. Macadamia nut pancakes ($16) with waves crashing below. Line starts at 7AM — worth the wait

Gifts from Maui(30 minutes)

Maui Specialty Chocolates in Kahului. Hawaiian chocolate truffles ($15-25). Better than airport shops

Return rental car and airport(1 hour)

Agricultural inspection before departure. Cannot take most fresh fruits or plants

Airport and Costco Kahului(1 hour)

Stock up — island prices are 30-60% higher than mainland

Drive to Ka'anapali(45 minutes)

Highway 30 west. Check in to West Maui accommodation

Ka'anapali Beach(2 hours)

Snorkel at Black Rock. Turtles, parrotfish from shore. Whalers Village parking ($3/hr)

Black Rock cliff diving(30 minutes)

Nightly sunset torch lighting and dive. Free from the beach

Dinner at Star Noodle(1.5 hours)

Garlic noodles ($17), pork belly bao ($16). Lahaina

Drive to Haleakala summit(2 hours)

Reservation required ($1 + $30). Freezing at summit — warm layers essential

Sunrise viewing(1.5 hours)

Arrive by 5:30AM. 11.2km-wide crater. Bring thermos

Crater viewpoints(1 hour)

Pa Ka'oao trail (0.4km). Cinder cones in surreal colors

Lunch at Tin Roof(1 hour)

Mochiko chicken ($14). Kahului

Ululani's Shave Ice(30 minutes)

No Ka Oi from $5. Lahaina

Twin Falls(45 minutes)

Mile marker 2. Easy waterfall hike. Free. Arrive early

Garden of Eden Arboretum(45 minutes)

$20. Famous waterfall view at mile marker 10

Ke'anae Peninsula(45 minutes)

Mile marker 17. Detour to a remote taro-farming village on a lava peninsula. Aunty Sandy's banana bread ($6) from the roadside stand is legendary

Wai'anapanapa State Park(1.5 hours)

Black sand beach. Reservation required ($5 + $10). Lava caves, sea arch

Overnight in Hana(evening)

Stay in Hana for one night at Hana-Maui Resort or a local B&B ($150-350). This avoids the tiring same-day return drive

Pools of 'Ohe'o(1.5 hours)

Cascading pools flowing into the ocean. Same $30 Haleakala park pass. Swimming when conditions allow

Pipiwai Trail(3 hours)

6.4km roundtrip to 120m Waimoku Falls through a bamboo cathedral. One of Hawaii's best hikes. Muddy — trail shoes essential

Lunch at Hana Farms(45 minutes)

Wood-fired pizza ($16), banana bread, coconut water ($5)

Return drive to West Maui(4 hours)

Drive back through Hana. Different perspective on the waterfalls in afternoon light

Molokini snorkel tour(5 hours)

From Ma'alaea Harbor, 7AM. $80-200. Book 2+ weeks ahead

Kamaole III beach(2 hours)

South Kihei. Lifeguards, snorkeling at rocky point. Free

Dinner at Mama's Fish House(2 hours)

Pa'ia. Menu lists your fisherman. Entrées $55-75. Reserve 2+ weeks

Iao Valley(1.5 hours)

$5/person + $10 parking. 370m Iao Needle. Morning for clear views

Big Beach (Makena)(3 hours)

Wide golden sand, powerful shorebreak. $10 parking

Sunset at Papawai Point(30 minutes)

Free lookout. Whale spouts Dec-April. Lana'i silhouette

Dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen(1.5 hours)

Happy hour 3-5:30PM ($7 cocktails). Wailea

Whale watching (Dec-April)(2 hours)

From Lahaina. $40-80. Humpback whales. Or beach time off-season

Pa'ia town(1.5 hours)

Maui Crafts Guild, Paia Bay Coffee, vintage boutiques

Lunch at Flatbread Company(1 hour)

Wood-fired organic flatbreads ($16-22)

Ho'okipa Beach Park(1 hour)

Free. Windsurfing capital. Sea turtles at sunset

Dinner at Hali'imaile General Store(1.5 hours)

Duck tacos ($18), mac-nut lamb ($42)

Wailea Beach Walk(1.5 hours)

Free 2.6km path connecting five beaches. Start at Ulua Beach for snorkeling

Ulua Beach snorkeling(1.5 hours)

Calm, protected. Turtles, reef fish. Gear rental $12/day

Lunch at Gannon's(1.5 hours)

Wailea Golf Club. Ahi Benedict ($22). Ocean views

La Perouse Bay(1.5 hours)

Road ends at 1790 lava flow. King's Highway trail over lava. Dolphins at dawn. Free

Dinner at Ferraro's, Four Seasons(1.5 hours)

Italian beachfront. Pasta ($28-36). Live Hawaiian music at sunset

Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm(1 hour)

$3. 45+ lavender varieties at 1,200m. Lavender scones ($6). Ocean views

Surfing Goat Dairy(1 hour)

$15 tour. Award-winning goat cheeses. Truffled goat cheese ($12)

Lunch at Grandma's Coffee House(1 hour)

Family-run since 1918. Coffee grown on-site. Plate lunches ($12-16)

O'o Farm lunch tour(2 hours)

$68. Pick ingredients, eat gourmet lunch from your harvest. Reservation required

Kapalua Bay(2 hours)

Best beach in America. Calm snorkeling. Arrive by 9AM for parking

Dragon's Teeth(45 minutes)

Free. Jagged lava formations. Stone Labyrinth nearby

Lunch at The Sea House(1.5 hours)

Napili Bay beachfront. Coconut shrimp ($22), fresh catch ($32)

Nakalele Blowhole(1 hour)

Free. Shoots seawater 30m. View from trail — DO NOT approach

Olivine Pools(1 hour)

Natural tide pools. Free. Only when calm. Green olivine crystals in the rock

Pool or beach morning(3 hours)

Your favorite beach. Bring a book

Lunch at South Maui Fish Co(1 hour)

Fish and chips ($16), poke bowl ($18). Kihei

Lomi lomi massage(1.5 hours)

Traditional Hawaiian massage. $120-180 at resort spas

Expeditions Ferry(1 hour)

$40 roundtrip from Lahaina. 6:45AM first boat. Whale sightings Dec-April

Hulopoe Beach(2 hours)

Spinner dolphins in the bay. Tidepools on the left. Free

Sweetheart Rock(45 minutes)

Free. Dramatic sea stack with Hawaiian legend. Short trail from beach

Lunch at Blue Ginger Café(1 hour)

Lana'i City. Plate lunches ($12-16). Cash only

Lana'i City walk(1 hour)

4 blocks. Norfolk pines. Dole Park. Small-town Hawaii

Return ferry and dinner(2 hours)

5:45PM ferry. Dinner at Lahaina Fish Co. Fresh catch ($28), harbor sunset

Surf lesson at Lahaina(2 hours)

Maui Surfer Girls or Goofy Foot Surf School. $85-100 for 2 hours including board. The break at Lahaina is gentle and perfect for beginners. Most people stand up on their first lesson

Lunch at Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop(1 hour)

820 Olowalu Village Rd. Savory pot pies ($14) and their banana cream pie ($8) is the best slice on Maui. Between Lahaina and Ma'alaea

Maui Arts & Cultural Center(1.5 hours)

1 Cameron Way, Kahului. Gallery exhibitions (free) of Hawaiian and Pacific Island art. Check schedule for hula performances, film screenings, or concerts

Lei-making class(1.5 hours)

Several hotels and cultural centers offer lei-making workshops ($35-50). Learn to string plumeria or ti leaf lei from a local kupuna (elder). A meaningful cultural skill to take home

Dinner at Ka'ana Kitchen(1.5 hours)

Andaz Maui, Wailea. Open kitchen concept. Farm-to-table Maui cuisine. Tasting menu ($95) featuring local farmers and fishermen. The breakfast buffet ($55) is also famous

Drive to Haleakala Visitor Center(1.5 hours)

Same $30 park pass valid for 3 days. No sunrise reservation needed after 7AM. Leave by 8AM

Sliding Sands Trail (Keoneheʻeheʻe)(4 hours)

Hike into the crater on this surreal trail through cinder cones in reds, yellows, and blacks. 6.5km to Ka Lu'u o ka O'o cinder cone. Strenuous — the return is steep uphill at altitude. Bring 3+ liters of water, sun protection, layers. The crater floor feels like Mars

Silversword plant viewing(30 minutes)

The Haleakala silversword (ahinahina) grows only here and on Mauna Kea. These silver-leafed plants live 50+ years before flowering once and dying. Look but never touch — they're critically endangered

Late lunch at Kula Lodge(1.5 hours)

15200 Haleakala Hwy. Mountain lodge at 1,000m with fireplace and ocean views. Burgers ($18), Kula strawberry pie ($9)

Evening at Kihei Kalama Village(1 hour)

Open-air shops and food trucks in Kihei. Hawaiian shirts ($20-30), local art, and Da Kitchen food truck for plate lunches ($14)

Upcountry Farmers Market(1.5 hours)

Saturday 7AM-11AM at the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani. Local organic produce, Maui onions, dragon fruit, handmade soaps, and plate lunches. The real Maui

Afternoon at Napili Bay(3 hours)

Quieter than Ka'anapali, more local than Kapalua. Small crescent beach with good snorkeling. Free street parking. Sea turtles frequent the right side

Dinner at Sansei Seafood(1.5 hours)

1881 S Kihei Rd. Japanese fusion. Rock shrimp tempura ($22), panko-crusted ahi ($28). Early bird special (5:30-6PM) is 25% off

Kayak and snorkel tour to Turtle Town(3 hours)

Departing from Makena Landing. Guided tours $85-120 including gear. Paddle 2km to Turtle Town — a series of lava arches where green sea turtles come to have algae cleaned off their shells by reef fish. You'll swim with 5-10 turtles. Book through Kelii's Kayak Tours

Late morning at Secret Beach (Pa'ako)(1.5 hours)

Between Makena and Wailea. No sign — look for the opening in the lava rock wall at the end of the unmarked road past Makena Surf. Tiny, hidden cove with white sand. Free

Lunch at Jawz Fish Tacos(45 minutes)

Food truck in Kihei near Kalama Park. Fish tacos ($8 each) — blackened mahi with mango salsa. The best casual fish tacos on the island

Afternoon at the Maui Ocean Center(2 hours)

192 Ma'alaea Rd. $40 adults. Walk-through tunnel aquarium with sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Excellent Humpback whale exhibit. The living reef display is fascinating. Good rainy-day backup

Dinner at Kimo's(1.5 hours)

845 Front St, Lahaina. Waterfront institution since 1977. Macadamia nut-crusted fish ($32), Hula Pie dessert ($14 — share it, it's massive). Sunset views from the upstairs patio

Helicopter tour of Maui(1 hour)

Blue Hawaiian or Maverick Helicopters from Kahului. 45-60 minute flights ($250-350). Fly over the West Maui Mountains' hidden waterfalls (the Wall of Tears has 17 waterfalls), Haleakala Crater, and the Hana coastline. Choose a doors-off flight for photographers. Book 1 week ahead

Spa afternoon at Willow Stream Spa(2 hours)

Fairmont Kea Lani, Wailea. Full-service spa with hydrotherapy circuit. Treatments from $180. The outdoor relaxation area overlooking the ocean is restorative

Dinner at Migrant(1.5 hours)

Wailea Beach Resort. Chef Sheldon Simeon's upscale Hawaiian-Filipino restaurant. Tasting menu ($85) celebrating immigrant food traditions. A cultural and culinary highlight

D.T. Fleming Beach(2 hours)

North of Kapalua. Wide sandy beach with bodyboarding waves. Lifeguards, restrooms, BBQ grills. Less crowded than Ka'anapali. Free

Lunch at Taverna(1.5 hours)

2000 Village Rd, Kapalua. Italian with ocean views. Handmade pasta ($22-28), wood-fired pizza ($18-22)

Slaughterhouse Beach (Mokule'ia)(1.5 hours)

Below Kapalua. Steep staircase down to a secluded cove. Excellent snorkeling in summer when calm. Free. Not lifeguarded — only swim in calm conditions

Sunset from Lahaina(1 hour)

Stroll the rebuilt Front Street. The massive banyan tree (planted 1873, covers a full city block) in the central square

Moloka'i ferry or scuba diving(5 hours)

Option A: Moloka'i ferry from Lahaina ($80 roundtrip, 90 min each way) — visit the historic Kaunakakai town and Papohaku Beach (3-mile deserted golden beach). Option B: Two-tank scuba dive at Molokini Crater or Five Graves ($120-160) for certified divers

Late lunch at Poke by the Pound(45 minutes)

305 Keawe St, Lahaina. Fresh poke, by the pound or bowl. Simple, perfect

Afternoon free time(2 hours)

Pool, beach, or wander

Dinner at Feast at Lele(3 hours)

505 Front St, Lahaina. Five-course beachfront luau dinner with traditional dances from Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa. $140 adults. The most upscale luau experience on Maui — real food, real culture, not a tourist trap. Reserve 1 week ahead

Sunrise at your favorite beach(1.5 hours)

Golden light on the water. Sea turtles surfacing. Take your time

Return to Kapalua Bay or Black Rock(2 hours)

One last snorkel session with turtles

Lunch at Tin Roof(1 hour)

One more mochiko chicken plate ($14) from Sheldon Simeon. Kahului

Final sunset at Ka'anapali(1 hour)

Watch the cliff diver one more time. The torch lighting ceremony as the sun drops

Farewell dinner at Merriman's Kapalua(2 hours)

Farm-to-table, ocean-front. Mac-nut fish ($42). Reserve 2+ weeks. Sunset seating is magical

Sunrise beach walk(1 hour)

Last Hawaiian morning. Golden light, warm water, palm trees

Breakfast at Gazebo Restaurant(1 hour)

Napili. Macadamia pancakes ($16) with waves crashing below. Line from 7AM

Gifts from Maui(30 minutes)

Maui Specialty Chocolates, Kahului. Or Maui Coffee Roasters for beans ($14/bag)

Return rental car and airport(1 hour)

Agricultural inspection. No fresh fruits/plants allowed off-island