A few days in Maui! – How to make the best of a dream trip
Welcome to Maui!
From stunningly beautiful road trips to scuba diving in craters, from traditional arts and culture to international cuisine, from whale watching, up close, to a variety of adventure activities like renting mopeds, ziplining, and more, Maui is the perfect little package!
Day 1
Your first day on Maui could begin with a sunrise at the famous Haleakala volcano, followed by some lazy snorkeling with colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. You’ll have to wake up at 2 am, of course, which can sound intimidating, but it is not that much of a tough call considering jet lag, and the results are definitely worth the effort! The sun rising over an active volcano, that high up, is a spectacular sight, not to mention the colors and changing light in the valley for about 20 minutes after, for which you will literally have the ring-side seats! Arrive early, check for available parking slots and booking, because things can get crowded. Make sure to take warm wear even if you think you don’t need it. That high up, the air is some 30º colder compared to your hotel.
Day 2
Relax at one of the famous white or black sand beaches, or head for the Molokini Crater to experience snorkeling inside a sunken volcano. The calm, crystal clear waters are perfect to enjoy the colorful coral reef with hundreds of species of teeming tropical fish. The trip can include a fresh BBQ lunch on a catamaran deck. Catch the sunset from a moped overlooking Honolua Bay. You can book your amazing excursion here: https://www.808mopeds.com/rentals/mopeds/. Dinner might range from a local eatery offering a taste of the traditional fare, to up-scale restaurants with impressive menus. Don’t forget to close out the day with a Maui sunset from the water!
Day 3
Another perfect day trip is to make the famed Road to Hana scenic drive, which takes you past amazing shorelines, nature preserves, thrilling waterfalls, and some seriously click-worthy vistas. It is one of the most popular things to do in Maui, and consists of 52 miles of winding mountainous roads, one-lane bridges, cliffs, and hairpin turns that take you past some of the most amazing scenery on earth! Although the drive itself can be made in about three hours, make it a day trip to give yourself plenty of time to stop, stretch your legs, and take pictures. The tropical foliage is lush, picturesque black sand beaches make for amazing photographs, and tumbling waterfalls just add to the incredible views on this legendary drive. While on one of the most beautiful road trips in the world, don’t forget to stop at places like Waiʻanapanapa State Park. You can make your day trip into an overnighter, with a stay at Hana town, and it will be worth the extra time it gives you at the Wai’anapanapa State Park. With lush greenery, a small black sand beach, two underwater caves to explore, and swim in, ancient burial sites, and a three-mile trail that winds along the coast, the park has something for everyone.
When to Visit Maui
Although it is stunning any time of the year, the best time to visit Maui for cheap is spring or fall when it is less crowded and deals are easy to find. For the humpback whale migration, choose January – March.