THE ULTIMATE 7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY

Maui is a dream destination for many vacationers. As a child, I dreamed of the day I would get to travel to America’s most beautiful island paradise. With so many inviting activities on the island, deciding on the best things to do can be overwhelming! My Ultimate 7 Day Maui Itinerary is complete with the best beaches, restaurants, and adventures the island has to offer! Many tourists come to Maui for the beaches (and don’t get me wrong, the beaches here are beautiful), but there is so much more to this diverse island worth exploring! If you can peel yourself away from the luxurious resorts, you’ll find lush rainforests, delicious local food, and unforgettable adventure.

If you find yourself planning how to spend a week in Maui, you might be wondering what the perfect 7 day Maui itinerary should include. In order to get the most out of your island vacation, I recommend balancing your time with a good mix of relaxing beach days, organized excursions, and self-exploration. Snorkeling is a must when visiting Hawaii! I recommend going on at least one snorkeling tour during your stay in Maui, if not more.

Aside from hitting the beach and exploring the vast marine life, the number one Maui activity I suggest doing is exploring the Road to Hana. This is the part of Maui that is brimming with adventure and is perfect for those wishing to see lush green rainforests. When I first arrived in Maui, I was disappointed by the lack of greenery – I had pictured Hawaii to be a place bursting with color. When I began the journey on the Road to Hana, however, I found the beautiful lush scenery I had been hoping for!

See Also: The Ultimate Oahu Itinerary

Planning Tips

One of the best pieces of advice I can give for planning your 7 day Maui itinerary is to book your experiences early! I planned my trip to Maui about a month in advance and still had a hard time booking my first-choice experiences. This might have been because I went right when COVID-19 travel restrictions were easing up and EVERYONE was traveling. Nevertheless, Maui is always a popular travel destination so booking your must-do activities early is still recommended.

My next piece of advice when planning your 7 day Maui itinerary: rent a car! Many people stay glued to the resorts while in Maui, but I promise you, renting a car and exploring the island is worth it! Maui has so much to offer and you can’t experience the unique beauty of this island from your resort.

Where to Stay

One of the biggest things to decide when planning your 7 day Maui itinerary is where you will stay. It can 1-2 hours to get from one town to another on Maui so you’ll want to plan accordingly so that you’re not driving back and forth all of the time. There are about four main areas to consider in Maui when deciding where to stay.

POPULAR TOURIST LOCATIONS

The most popular part of the island to stay is West Maui in the towns of Lahaina or Kaanapali. This is the area where a lot of tours and excursions will start and also has the most popular restaurants nearby. The second most popular area would be South Maui which includes the towns of Kihei and Wailea. Kihei is more budget-friendly and casual while Wailea is sprawling with luxury resorts and high-end shopping. There will also be good options for dining and activities in South Maui and will also have a more laid-back feel.

LAID-BACK LOCATIONS

Another area to consider is the small surfer town of Paia. This is an incredibly charming hippie town and definitely a town worth exploring. However, this part of the island is a bit windy and is a bit far from some of the main tourist activities. Last on the list is the town of Hana. I wouldn’t recommend staying here your whole trip unless you feel like being completely cut off from the rest of the island. Lodging, restaurants, and activities in Hana are extremely limited. However, if you’re doing the Road to Hana I absolutely recommend staying a night or two if you can swing it! It is a beautiful remote little town and is the perfect place to rejuvenate while traveling the Road to Hana.

Now that you have all of the basics down, it’s time to start planning your trip. In my opinion, this is the best 7 day Maui itinerary that will take you from Lahaina all the way to Hana and beyond!

See also: The Best Beaches in Maui: A Map & Guide

HERE IS MY 7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY

Travel Day:

ARRIVE IN MAUI

Your 7 day Maui itinerary will begin with a day of travel and we will not count this day as part of the itinerary. This day is all about traveling to your destination. Once you arrive in Maui, settle into your accommodations, relax, and get something to eat at a nearby restaurant. Tomorrow the real fun will begin!

Day 1:

BREAKFAST AT PAPA’AINA

After a long day of travel yesterday, it’s time to start exploring! Begin your day by getting breakfast in the historic town of Lahaina. I recommend trying Papa’aina. This charming breakfast spot offers a farm-to-table daily brunch with open-air dining, local ingredients, and immaculate presentation. You can sift through the beautiful photos of their menu to get an idea of the kinds of dishes they serve, however, their menu is crafted daily so there is no guarantee they will have everything you see online during your visit.

EXPLORE LAHAINA HISTORIC DISTRICT

One of the best things to do in Lahaina is to go shopping in the historic district. After breakfast, stroll through the walkable sea town and discover unique shops, cultural museums, and over 40 fine art galleries. When you need a break from shopping, it is definitely worth stopping by the famous Banyan Tree located next to the old Lahaina courthouse. At first glance, it looks like this small park is filled with several Banyan trees, however, it is actually just one tree which includes over a dozen trunks and spans over an acre!

MYTHS OF MAUI LUAU

What better way to end your first day in Maui than with a traditional Hawaiian Luau? Yes, Luaus are touristy, but no 7 day Maui itinerary is complete without attending a Luau, and everyone should experience at least one in their life! It’s the perfect way to get in the Aloha spirit and kickstart your Maui vacation!

We chose the Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Our first choice was The Old Lahaina Luau, however, it was sold out during our trip so we did some research to find the next best one. The Myths of Maui Luau was also very highly rated and offered an open bar of exotic cocktails for the duration of the Luau (something not many Luaus offer) so the choice was simple! Once you grab a complimentary Mai Tai (or three), it’s time to enjoy the incredible Hawaiian feast while getting lost in the swirling flames of the fire knife dancers!

Day 2:

BRUNCH AT DUKE’S BEACH HOUSE

After recovering from bottomless Mai Tais last night, it’s time for an oceanside brunch! Duke’s Beach House is known for its incredible ocean views and tiki-style decor. The ambiance really makes you feel like you’re on vacation and it is one of my personal favorites!

MAKENA BEACH

Makena Beach (or Big Beach) at Makena Beach State Park is by far one of the best beaches in Maui. Its golden sand stretches about 2/3 of a mile long and is surrounded by trees and black lava rocks. This is the perfect beach in Maui to get away from the crowded resorts of Lahaina. Because it is so large and secluded, Makena Beach feels more like a tropical paradise than the more popular resort-row beaches. If you’re staying in Lahaina or West Maui, then the drive to Makena Beach takes about an hour – but it is well worth the drive. After a relaxing day of soaking up the sun, you can explore the South Maui town of Kihei for some light shopping or food and drinks.

SOUTH SHORE TIKI LOUNGE

The South Shore Tiki Lounge is probably the best place to grab drinks on Maui. It has even been voted “Best Pizza” as well as “Best Bar” on Maui. If you’re looking for a laid-back tiki lounge, this is the place to go! The atmosphere is fun and casual with locals and tourists alike gathering at this lively watering hole. Located in Kihei, it is the perfect spot to end the night after a dreamy day at Makena Beach.

Day 3:

ROAD TO HANA

The Road to Hana is a must-do activity on a trip to Maui. This is one of the most important items that you must include in your 7 day Maui itinerary! In my opinion, it is the best activity you can do to really explore and soak in the true beauty of Maui. The Road to Hana is, essentially, a scenic road trip with countless picturesque stops along the way – all leading to the remote town of Hana.

The Road to Hana is much less about arriving in Hana than the journey there! To get to Hana Highway, you will drive through the charming town of Paia which is the last town before reaching Hana. From there, you will continue onto the windy roads of Hana Highway. The road is incredibly narrow, features over 600 winding turns, and over 50 one-lane bridges making it one of the most dangerous roads in the world. However, if you are cautious, don’t speed, and let more hurried travelers pass, you should be completely fine! During our road trip, the most hazardous thing to happen was when a wild pig suddenly came scurrying out of the jungle and dashed across the road in front of us! This caused us to come to a screeching halt to avoid hitting the pig!

ROAD TO HANA TIPS

Aside from the sometimes hazardous conditions of the road, you’ll find the Road to Hana to be absolutely beautiful. There are so many incredible stops you can take along the way that I recommend breaking up this road trip into two days. One option is to fit in half of your stops in one day, stay the night in Hana, and drive back the next day making your remaining stops along the way. This is the option I would recommend if you want to get the most out of the experience and is also the best option if you want to catch the magnificent sunrise at Haleakala National Park. The other option is to make as many stops as you can in one day and then turn back and make the drive again the next day to finish the remaining stops of your journey.

GYPSY GUIDE TOUR

One tip I suggest while planning your Road to Hana road trip is to download the Gypsy Guide app and purchase the Road to Hana – Maui tour. It only costs $9.99 to purchase and is absolutely worth it! You’ll want to start playing the tour as soon as you begin the Road to Hana and it will notify you when you’re approaching a popular stop or lookout worth seeing. The app will also provide some commentary on the destinations and landmarks you are passing through to provide some information and background of what you are seeing.

MAKE RESERVATIONS

My other piece of advice is to look up some of your must-see destinations before you go. Some of the best stops require a reservation ahead of time and spots can fill up fast! One place you will want to reserve in advance is Waianapanapa State Park which includes the black sand beach. You will also need to make a reservation if you’re hoping to catch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park so make sure you plan these in advance!

Finally, here are some of my favorite stops I recommend making during your Road to Hana journey!

See also: The Ultimate Road to Hana Guide

TWIN FALLS

The Twin Falls hike is one of the first stops along your Road to Hana journey. I recommend getting here early as parking can fill up. The trail is about 1.8 miles and will take you about an hour to complete if you don’t stop for pictures or swimming. Along the trail, you will encounter three waterfalls. All three are worth stopping at but the final waterfall at the end of the trail steals the show. This is where you should plan on spending most of your time and I highly recommend taking the time to swim in the natural pool beneath the falls!

GARDEN OF EDEN

Next up on my list is the Garden of Eden which is a beautiful Arboretum and botanical garden. The whole garden is popping with color and is filled with lush trees, plants, and tropical flowers. You can also find some incredible views of the ocean and waterfalls from the garden. My favorite viewpoint was of the stunning Puohokamoa Falls.

WAILUA FALLS

Wailua falls is one of Maui’s most accessible waterfalls as you can see it right from your car on the Hana Highway. However, to truly enjoy the beauty of this waterfall, I recommend taking the time to park your car and take the short walk to the base of the falls. If you have time, take a moment to swim in the majestic plunge pool beneath the cascading falls. This is also the last major stop before reaching Haleakala National Park!

Day 4:

FINISH THE ROAD TO HANA

Whether you chose to stay the night in Hana or have made the long drive back the next day, it’s time to begin the second day of your Road to Hana adventure! This part of the journey includes all of the fantastic destinations you will discover after passing through Hana. This is my favorite part of the journey and includes some of the most unique and breathtaking scenery of the whole trip!

Here are my favorite stops for the second day of your Road to Hana journey!

HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

There is so much to explore at Haleakala National Park. One of the most popular attractions is to watch the sunrise (or sunset) from the top of the summit. Sunrise at Haleakala offers dreamy out-of-this-world views and makes for an unforgettable experience. Due to its popularity, reservations are required for both sunrise and sunset so make sure to plan early to secure one of these coveted spots.

The next activity you’ll want to experience at Haleakala National Park is the Pipiwai Trail. This is one of my favorite trails ever, and in my opinion, the best hike in Maui! The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile trail leading through lush bamboo forests and ending at the base of the stunning Waimoku Falls. This trail will transport you into the heart of the jungle and is not to be missed! Once you’re done with the trail, take the short hike in the opposite direction to the Pools of Oeh’o (also called Seven Sacred Pools) for even more magical views!

KAIHALULU BEACH (RED SAND BEACH)

Kaihalulu Beach is one of the most unique beaches you will ever find! It is surrounded by red sand and lava rocks contrasted by green trees and surreal bright blue water. Getting to this beach can be tricky as it is well hidden. You’ll reach this beach directly from the town of Hana. You will have to park somewhere along the road and walk to the Hana Community Center. You will continue to the right of the community center through the field until you reach a narrow dirt trail.

The trail is often unmaintained so it does not look like much from the start. Follow this trail going the opposite way of the cemetery. You will begin to see signs warning you that the trail is dangerous. If you are physically impaired or have small children with you, I would advise not completing this trail. However, if you’re in good physical condition and use caution, the trail is not as bad as all of the signs (and many online reviews) will lead you to believe! If you’re up for it, carefully make your way along the narrow cliffside where you will be rewarded by some of the most exquisite views in Maui. If you go early in the day, you might even be lucky enough to have this little slice of heaven all to yourself!

WAI’ANAPANAPA STATE PARK: BLACK SAND BEACH

After reveling in the rare beauty of the Red Sand Beach, it’s time to discover another unique-looking beach. Head to Wai’anapanapa State Park to take in the extraordinary panoramic views of the Black Sand Beach. The contrast of colors here is absolutely stunning with dark black sand mixed with lime green vegetation, and turquoise blue waters. Don’t forget to make a reservation as this is a very popular stop and spots fill up fast! However, the required reservation provides a better quality experience since crowds will be limited. This gives you better access for quality pictures as well as a more tranquil experience.

Day 5:

LANA’I ISLAND DAY TRIP & SNORKEL TOUR

If you really want to get away from the crowds and are up for a unique island-hopping adventure, I suggest booking a day trip to the island of Lana’i. This is one of the most unique items I included in my 7 day Maui itinerary. Lana’i is one of the most remote of the Hawaiian islands with a population of only 3,200. The only way to get to Lana’i is by a 45-minute boat or ferry ride. There are also no traffic lights on the island which gives it even more of a remote or deserted island vibe. Lana’i also offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. There are only two accessible beaches in Lana’i – the most popular of which is Hulopo’e Beach Park in South Lana’i. This crescent-shaped beach offers crystal clear waters which are perfect for snorkeling and observing the beautiful marine life.

You have the option to take the ferry to Lana’i and explore on your own, however, I highly recommend taking a guided sailing and snorkeling tour. In my opinion, the Best Lana’i Snorkel Tour from Maui is The Sail Trilogy Discover Lana’i Tour. They offer a high-class experience including breakfast on the boat ride over, guided snorkeling on Lana’i, a traditional Hawaiian BBQ made just for your group, and ice cream and cocktails on the ride back to Maui. They even include an underwater photographer to document your day! Another bonus to this tour is that they also keep the tour groups somewhat small so you won’t feel overcrowded like on some of the other sailing and snorkeling tours. I can’t recommend this experience enough and it was probably my favorite day of our whole trip!

Day 6:

BREAKFAST AT ISLAND FRESH CAFE

The town of Paia is located on Maui’s north shore and is definitely worth exploring. I highly recommend wandering through the town on foot while soaking in its hippie culture and surfer vibes. While you’re there, grab a relaxing breakfast at the Island Fresh Cafe. The cafe offers an irresistible laid-back hippie vibe and is the perfect place for a leisurely tropical experience.

IAO VALLEY STATE MONUMENT

Iao Valley State Monument is a great short stop with some incredible views! This is the kind of place that will make you feel like you’re walking through Jurassic Park. The soaring Emerald Peaks have become an iconic landmark in Maui and are an easy sightseeing activity. You shouldn’t need more than 30 minutes here to take in the scenery but don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to make sure to take the time to snap some photos with the Iao Needle in the background!

HIKE THE WAIHEE RIDGE TRAIL

Hiking is one of the best ways to stay active and get your sweat on while on vacation. There is also no better way to explore and soak in the unique beauty of the place you’re visiting than hiking through its natural terrain. If you want to experience gorgeous sceneries and breathtaking views, then hiking in Maui is a must-do activity on your 7 day Maui itinerary. In my opinion, the best hiking in Maui which offers stunning ocean views and lush jungle trails is the Waihee Ridge Trail.

The Waihee Ridge Trail is located in the West Maui Mountains and ascends 1,500 ft. up the mountain and into the clouds. Now, I won’t lie, the trail is difficult if you’re not used to steep hikes. It is about 5 miles round-trip and the good majority of the hike climbs sharply uphill. Don’t let this stop you though! If you can push through it, you will be rewarded with some of the most incredible views on Maui. Once you reach the top, take some time to relax amongst the clouds, have a snack, and snap some pictures to prove what you just accomplished!

DINNER AT HUIHUI

Since you just climbed to the top of a mountain today, you deserve a nice dinner out tonight! Head to Huihui located at Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. Enjoy this beachfront restaurant with open-air dining, live music, and local Hawaiian flavors. Huihui was voted Hawai’i Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant Statewide for 2022” and it’s easy to see why. The menu features modern Hawaiian fusion paired with an incredible contemporary yet tropical ambiance.

Day 7:

LUNCH AT SOUTH MAUI FISH COMPANY

You can’t leave Maui without trying some of the freshest poke in the world. South Maui Fish Company located in Kihei offers some of the best Poke (as well as fish tacos) on the island. This food truck offers sustainably caught fish from local Maui fishermen. The fish was usually caught that same morning so you know it’s fresh! This is a popular spot for locals in Kihei and it is definitely worth fitting into your schedule.

JUNGLE ZIPLINING

After lunch, why not take on a more adventurous activity and do some jungle ziplining?! Maui is the perfect destination to try out ziplining and is a great way to add some adventure to your 7 day Maui itinerary. When we went, the most extreme-looking zipline tour was sold out so we decided on a zipline tour soaring through Maui’s tropical jungle! We booked with Jungle Zipline and picked the 8-line zipline eco-tour. The location of this zipline tour was gorgeous and flying through the tropical trees and lush greenery was a magical adventure. If you’re looking for a more intense zipline course, however, I would suggest booking with Kapalua Ziplines. This is the only dual zipline on Maui and offers a more extreme zipline course.

BALDWIN BEACH

If you have some time to spare, head to Baldwin Beach after ziplining to relax for a bit before dinner. The beach here is beautiful with gorgeous blue waters and a golden stretch of sand. Baldwin Beach is close to Paia and is another beach that will feel more secluded than a lot of the resort area beaches. The beach is surrounded by a backdrop of trees so it makes for a peaceful setting to unwind and catch the sunset. Keep in mind, this beach is located on the windier side of the island so, depending on the day, you may experience some windy weather which also makes this a popular kite surfing destination!

DINNER AT TAVERNA

By now, you might be ready for a dinner that doesn’t include poke, sushi, or fish tacos. If that’s the case, consider trying Taverna located in Lahaina. Taverna is an upscale Italian restaurant sitting on a sprawling golf course at the Kapalua Resort. The setting is both contemporary and elegant providing an ideal atmosphere but it’s the lush views and great service that steal the show here. This is also the perfect restaurant for a romantic date night as well as the perfect final dinner in Maui.

Travel Day:

FLY HOME

If you have time before your flight today, now is the time to do any last-minute sightseeing, shopping, or exploring that you found yourself running out of time for this week. Make sure to soak in every last bit of that Hawaiian sun before beginning your journey home!

Conclusion

By now you probably have a pretty good idea of the best things to include for your 7 day Maui itinerary. To sum up, here is a list of the most important takeaways from this guide!

7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: BEST BEACHES

• Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach)
• Baldwin Beach
• Wai’anapanapa State Park: Black Sand Beach
• Kaihalulu Beach: Red Sand Beach
• Hulopo’e Beach Park in Lana’i

7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: BEST RESTAURANTS

• Duke’s Beach House
• Papa’aina
• Huihui
• Island Fresh Cafe
• South Shore Tiki Lounge
• South Maui Fish Company
• Taverna

7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: BEST HIKING TRAILS

• Waihee Ridge Trail
• Twin Falls Trail
• Pipiwai Trail
• Pools of O’eho (Seven Sacred Pools)

7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: BEST WATERFALLS

• Twin Falls
• Puohokamoa Falls
• Wailua Falls
• Waimoku Falls

7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: BEST TOWNS

• Lahaina
• Kihei
• Wailea
• Paia
• Hana

7 DAY MAUI ITINERARY: BEST ACTIVITIES

• The Road to Hana
• Sailing Excursion
• Day trip to Lana’i
• Snorkeling
• Attend a Luau
• Ziplining

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