4 Days in Maui Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Maui [2024]

Have you been looking for the best 4 Days in Maui itinerary? I’ve got you covered!

This 4 days in Maui itinerary is jam packed with incredible hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and beach combing! If you follow this itinerary, you’ll get to visit some of the best spots in Maui and explore the North Shore, South Shore, West Side, and Haleakala National Park!

I modeled this 4 day Maui itinerary based on what I enjoyed most during my recent trip in March 2024! If you enjoy hiking, getting out into nature, and learning about the local culture and ecosystems–this itinerary is for you! I did spend some time laying out on the beach but I’ll admit, I prefer to be more active during my vacations. However, feel free to use this guide as an inspiration and tailor it to meet your own interests and needs.

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Planning a trip to Maui? You’ll absolutely want to rent a car because Ubers are expensive and limited in certain places on the island!

Eat Breakfast and Spend the Morning on the Beach in Kihei

Your first full day out of your 4 days in Maui starts off slowly with a delicious breakfast in Kihei and a few hours lounging and swimming at the beach. As the day progresses, you’ll venture out into lava fields along La Perouse Bay on a hike and feel like you landed on a different planet. Finally, cap off your first day with a sunset whale watching cruise to witness humpback whales in the wild!

As for breakfast, there are several great options in Kihei but I loved The Cinnamon Roll Place. Yes… that’s what it’s called! Simple and easy to remember.

When you’re done indulging in cinnamon rolls and coffee at The Cinnamon Roll Place, drive down the street to Kamaole Beach Park II (also known as Kam 2). I recommend getting there early to find a spot on the beach because it seemed to fill up pretty quickly. The sand is extremely fine at this beach, and the views of Maui County are incredible. You can see the part of west Maui, Molokini Crater, Lanai, and Kaho’olawe from the shores of Kam 2!

Kam 2 is also a great beach for swimming if that’s your thing! I spent an hour swimming in the waters at Kam 2, and it was divine! Certain sections of the beach are rocky, so be alert when entering the water. There is a lifeguard on duty who isn’t shy about calling people out via megaphone if they get too close to the rocks!

Hike Along La Perouse Bay to Cape Hanamanioa

After a morning swim, it’s time to rinse off, reapply your reef-safe sunscreen, and head over to Hoapili Trail along La Perouse Bay. I did the route along Hoapili Trail to Hanomanio Point Lighthouse and back, and it was roughly 3.5-miles roundtrip. If you were to do all of Hoapili Trail to Kanaio Beach it would be about a 5.5-mile trek. Because of the time of day and peak sun exposure, I opted for the shorter hike out to the Lighthouse!

To get to the trailhead parking lot, take Hwy 31 past Makena State Park and then follow Makena Road south all the way until you reach the parking area. The road is a bit rough in certain sections leading up to the parking lot, but it’s manageable. Typing in “Hoapili Trail” on your GPS or Google Maps will likely also work!

It took me about 1.5-2 hours to complete this hike, but it can easily be done in a shorter amount of time. I loved stopping to admire the views and unique terrain along the way, though. Several sections on this trail are like something out of a movie! Lava rocks as far as the eye can see in some parts, and gorgeous blue waters breaking on the dark brown and black jagged rocks are unique sights to behold.

If you do opt for this hike during your 4 days in Maui, please make sure to wear appropriate shoes and apply a thick layer of reef-safe sunscreen (and reapply every hour!). I wore hiking sandals but there were points where I felt like I would have loved extra toe protection to prevent stubbing of scrapping toes on the rocks. I also got extremely sunburnt despite wearing SPF lotion. The flat landscape combined with the trail being along the water directly underneath the sun creates a perfect set of conditions for a nasty burn. Don’t be like me and get burned badly on your first full day in Maui!

While technically Cape Hanamanioa Point Lighthouse isn’t a lighthouse at all, it is a light beacon used to mark the point of the Cape. Colloquially, the light has become a popular hiking landmark along Hoapili Trail known as the Lighthouse. The more you know!

Sign up for AllTrails to download an offline copy of the Hoapili Trail map and view trail conditions updates!

Embark on a Sunset Whale Watching Cruise out of Maalaea Harbor

If you’re not too tired after hiking along La Perouse Bay, I highly recommend capping off the evening on the water for sunset. There are dozens of different sunset tours and whale watching cruises that set sail out of nearby Maalaea Harbor. Since you’re already over on this side of the island, it makes sense to pair today’s activities together. If you’re staying in Wailea or somewhere close by, the activities of today could be separated into two days.

I chose to enjoy a scenic whale watching sunset cruise on Sail Maui–specifically their ‘Alihilani Sunset Sail tour. If you’re visiting between December and March, you’ll likely witness numerous humpback whales journeying south from Alaska. It’s an incredible experience to witness whales in the wild, and it’s worth scheduling time in on your Maui trip itinerary to make it happen!

I counted about a dozen humpback whales during my 2-hour sailing experience with Sail Maui, including a mama humpback with her calf! Photos just don’t do the experience justice but I included some of my pictures above and below for reference.

This small-group whale watching tour gets you up-close-and-personal with humpback whales in the wild!

Grab Coffee in Wailuku and Window Shop at Local Storefronts

My favorite coffee shop I visited during my 4 days in Maui was Maui Coffee Attic in Wailuku. I loved it so much I probably spent 6-8 hours collectively enjoying the ambience and indulging in their deliciously crafted lattes and coffee beverages. There is live music almost every day of the week starting at 8:30am, and the outdoor deck is the spot to be! It’s certainly a local’s joint, so be mindful and respectful of your surroundings and of the other patrons!

Maui Coffee Attic is open 6am to 2:30pm (closed Sundays) and is located at: 59 Kanoa St, Wailuku, Hawaii

Downtown Wailuku is also a cute area to window shop and admire the beautiful murals that decorate the walls and buildings. Honestly, I think Wailuku is highly underrated. The small town island vibe is much more relaxed and compared to some of the other overly-polished and manicured resort areas of the island. Wailuku is nestled between the West Maui Mountains and Haleakalā Volcano–making it a wonderful spot to spend a morning wandering around before hiking around places like Iao Valley!

Some prominent spots in Wailuku area include the Bailey House Museum, which showcases Hawaiian artifacts and history, and Iao Valley State Park, home to the famous Iao Needle!

If you’re looking for a good cocktail bar to enjoy mid-day or during the evening in Wailuku, I highly recommend Esters Fair Prospect! If you go, order my favorite drink–a Velvet Elvis! They also serve tapas-style appetizers (the ceviche is delicious!).

Esters Fair Prospect is open variable hours starting at noon until midnight (closed on Sundays) and is located at: 2050 Main St STE 1B, Wailuku, HI 96793

Hike Along the River at Iao Valley State Park

I feel like any 4 days in Maui itinerary that doesn’t include time spent at Iao Valley is doing it wrong. You definitely need to make time to visit Iao Valley somewhere in your Maui trip itinerary, and I suggest doing it on the second day of your 4 day Maui itinerary.

The iconic ‘Iao needle (Kuka’emoku) is located within ‘Iao Valley State Park, a 4,000-acre, 10-mile long park in central Maui that’s noted as one of the wettest places on Earth. Reservations are required for park entry. You can book a reservation here! Hawaii residents and those with a Hawaiian ID card can access the park for free without a reservation.

If you visit ‘Iao Valley State Park, please be respectful of the land and surrounding areas. The valley served as a royal burial ground and it was also the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in the late 1700s. The land is still regarded as sacred to the Hawaiian people and is a site for spiritual ceremonies and rituals. It goes without saying, but please practice “leave no trace” principals and do not destroy or deface any of the grounds.

The main point of interest at ‘Iao Valley State Park is viewing the famed ‘Iao Needle, a rock formation formed by erosion over time that skyrockets up 1,200 feet from the valley floor. Iao Needle Lookout Trail is a short 0.6-mile paved walkway that leads to a great viewing point! It’s easily accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Aside from the primary 0.6-mile scenic trail, there is a stunning area known as the Heritage Gardens located just beneath the ‘Iao Needle Lookout Trail. It’s not much of a hike at all but it’s still worth walking through to marvel at the gorgeous landscape!

Spending time down by the river is also a great way to experience the wonders of ‘Iao Valley, but check conditions and regulations before you go to determine if river access is possible. Iao Valley is extremely peaceful and it was honestly one of my favorite spots I visited, which is why I knew I needed to include it as part of this 4 days in Maui itinerary!

This full-day tour offers travelers the chance to experience Iao Valley, Haleakala National Park, and other Central Maui highlights with transportation included!

Tide Pool Along the Kapalua Coastal Trail and Enjoy Sunset

Kapalua Coastal Trail is a 1.76 mile trail (roughly 3.52-miles roundtrip) that follows the water’s edge in the resort area of Kapalua. While hiking this trail, you’ll pass by lava fields, luxury hotel properties, and stunning ocean views. It’s not a challenging trail, though some parts of the trail did seem to get washed out during heavy storms when I was there (so wear sturdy hiking shoes!).

I like to mix adventure with a taste of luxury at times, so I loved this trail because I got to see the ocean-side views of several iconic properties like the Ritz Carlton Kapalua and Montage Kapalua Bay. It was fun envisioning a future stay at one of these properties while I did this hike. I imagine it would be incredible to have 24/7 access to the Kapalua Coastal Trail while staying at one of these properties–think about getting to sip your morning coffee while leisurely hiking alongside the view in the photos below! Truly my dream life.

There are great tide pooling opportunities in the lava fields, so don’t rush through those sections of the trail! Obviously, make sure the tide is out before committing to this activity because safety first! Plus, tide pooling isn’t really possible during high tide anyway.

Whether you start or end at Kapalua Bay Beach, this is a fantastic spot to snorkel if you’re feeling up for it! I recommend starting at Kapalua Bay Beach, doing the hike, and then hiking back and finishing at Kapalua Bay Beach to cap off the 3.52-miles with a snorkel session.

If you’re following this itinerary to a T, you’ll likely end the day in the Kapalua area after finishing the Kapalua Coastal Trail and snorkeling at Kapalua Bay Beach. I recommend enjoying dinner or drinks during sunset at The Banyan Tree at The Ritz Carlton Kapalua or Cane & Canoe at Montage Kapalua Bay. These are both more upper-scale options and reservations are strongly recommended (especially during peak season). I also recommend packing a change of slightly nicer clothes to swap into after hiking and snorkeling if you opt for these restaurants.

Visit the Historic Pa’ia Town for Breakfast

Even if you don’t include the Road to Hana in your Maui trip itinerary, Pa’ia Town is still worth a visit for breakfast and a stroll around the colorful buildings! It’s located on the North Shore, and most tourists pass by it when getting started along the Road to Hana. It’s the coolest counterculture-hippie-surfing town in all of Maui.

Pa’ia has a relaxed hippie vibe to it, which makes for a perfect setting for a chill breakfast. I recommend Belle Surf Cafe for the delicious food and coffee, as well as the adorable kitchsy aesthetic. Fuel up for the day by ordering a mocha and an açaí bowl or avocado toast!

Belle Surf Cafe opens at 7:30am everyday and is located at: 115 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI

After you’re done with breakfast, stroll down Baldwin Avenue to shop at some unique local storefronts and admire the colorful buildings! This is a pretty small community but they love when visitors stop by for a couple hours to enjoy the town.

Stop By Ho’okipa Beach to See Green Sea Turtles and Wind Surfers

After breakfast and shopping in Paia, head to nearby Hoʻokipa Beach. Hoʻokipa Beach is known as the “windsurfing capital of the world” and it’s also a fun spot to watch traditional surfers do their thing! There is a cliffside overlook that gives you an unobstructed view of wave catchers braving the open waters. I recommend parking up there and watching the waves for a bit before walking down to the beach park area.

Once you’re at beach level, keep a close eye out for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles–they blend in with the rocks, especially on a rainy, overcast day! If you’ve never seen sea turtles in the wild before, it’s a pretty neat experience. No better place than Hoʻokipa Beach for this bucket list moment!

If it’s a sunny, clear day, I recommend spending some time soaking up the sunshine on the sand! However, be careful about swimming here. I personally wouldn’t recommend swimming here unless you’re swimming out to catch a wave on a board. Even then–be careful and always check the conditions first.

After visiting Hoʻokipa Beach, you have the afternoon to relax and prepare for a long (but exciting) evening exploring Haleakala National Park! During my trip, I went back for a nap before continuing the rest of the day. A nap was much needed for me by this point after consistent exposure to the Maui sun and indulging in great food and drinks, combined with my general achey-ness from hiking the first few days!

Head up to Haleakala National Park for Sunset

Haleakala National Park is a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Maui, even if you’re only doing 4 days in Maui. Trust me, it’s just as epic as the photos portray. The views and scenery in Haleakala National Park are unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed anywhere else in the world. Breathtaking. Otherworldly. Shocking.

While it’s possible to swap the events of day 3 to enjoy sunrise at Haleakala as opposed to sunset, I recommend going at sunset because you don’t need a reservation. Plus, I like the idea of being able to sleep in a little bit on vacation (I’m not a morning person!). Either way, you’ll have an awesome time exploring Haleakala National Park! If you do visit for sunset though, make sure to stick around for some of the best stargazing you’ll ever experience!

Before sunset, get to the park a few hours early to enjoy a couple short hikes and witness some crazy views of the crater at various viewpoints! A great, easy hike I recommend is Hosmer Grove trail, a short 0.5-mile loop trail that allows visitors to enjoy some amazing bird watching!

Another short, easy hike that leads out to an incredible viewing point is Leleiwi Overlook trail. This is a 0.3-mile hike that starts across from a parking lot located on the righthand side on the road up to the summit.

The final day of this 4 days in Maui itinerary can swing one of two ways depending on your energy levels and interests! Either way, you’ll end your Maui trip with a bang. The first option would be to spend the morning on a Molikini Crater snorkeling expedition!

The second option would involve waking up before to sun to drive up to Haleakala again to see the sunrise and then putting your trekking skills to the test by hiking Sliding Sands (Keonehe‘ehe‘e) trail. This is a full day activity, which is why I’ve added it as an option for a separate day from day 3 in this Maui trip itinerary. If you do decide to spend a second day in Haleakala, make sure to bring food and water with you because you won’t be able to find anything inside the park or at the summit.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater and Enjoying Sunset at Makena Beach

If snorkeling and hanging out at the beach sounds like the ideal day to you, I’d highly recommend opting for a snorkeling excursion out to Molokini Crater. Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic crater off the coast of Maui, and is home to an abundance of vibrant marine life including coral reefs, fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks (plus hundreds of other marine animals and species!). The visibility for snorkeling here is incredible, making it an awesome spot for Maui travelers to spot some cool fish and animals underneath the surface of the water.

Most Molokini snorkeling trips last between 4 to 6 hours, and depart from Maalaea Harbor. Many of these trips leave bright and early around 7:30am, but some leave before or after that time. My personal recommendation is to book a tour that gives you the most amount of time to snorkel (such as this one onboard the Calypso!). Also, you need to factor time into getting to Maalaea Harbor (or wherever your specific tour tells you to meet) because walking from the parking area to the berth can take about 5-10 minutes or more depending on the availability of the parking lot. Most tour companies require you to arrive at their berth at the marina around 6:45am or 7am for a 7:30am departure.

Once you return from your snorkeling adventure, I recommend picking up some lunch/early dinner and spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing on Makena Beach. This is an awesome beach to watch the sunset, and you have great views of nearby Molokini (which you were at earlier!) and Kahoʻolawe. If needed, you could also go back to your hotel to rest before venturing to Makena Beach for sunset.

Sunrise / Hiking Day in Haleakala National Park

To enjoy sunrise at Haleakala, you need to make reservations ahead of time. In fact, you’ll need a reservation to enter the park at all between the hours of 3am-7am. According to the NPS website, reservations can be made online up to 60 days in advance of your sunrise visit on recreation.gov and these reservations are only valid for the day reserved. The tickets are released at 7:00 am HST. ^[source] Some reservations will also be released 48 hours prior, as well.

Sunrise at Haleakala can be pretty cold, so bring pants, a jacket, and a heavy blanket for an optimal viewing experience. It takes about 30 minutes to drive up to the summit viewing area without stopping, so make sure to plan accordingly and arrive early enough to account for the drive to the summit parking lot. Depending on the time of year, sunrise can be as early as 5:45am or as late as 7am. I’d argue that you should plan to arrive at the viewing area at least 30 minutes prior to the time of sunrise but it doesn’t hurt to arrive earlier to guarantee a good parking spot.

After sunrise, eat the breakfast/snacks you brought with you before you begin on your trek along Sliding Sands trail. I’d also recommend bringing warm coffee or tea with you to sip while you watch sunrise.

Sliding Sands is an 11-mile point-to-point trail, and you’ll likely need the whole day to do this challenging hike. The views you’ll experience along this trail are epic because you get to experience multiple perspectives of the crater, including going down to the crater floor! Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and lots of water if you attempt this hike. Certain parts of the trail are completely exposed to the sun, and it can be extremely harsh during the middle part of the day. I also recommend packing a puffer jacket because the summit can be quite chilly occasionally!

The average time it takes to complete Sliding Sands Trail from point-to-point is between 5 to 6 hours. Though, if you’re going at a steady pace with few breaks you might be able to finish quicker. However, I do recommend taking your time, enjoying every second and taking a bunch of cool photos.

If you’re hoping to catch sunrise at the top of Haleakala, this tour will pick you up from your hotel AND provide breakfast at the summit!

Best Time to Visit Maui

I visited the first week of March, and it was incredible. I was there during the humpback whale migration, so I saw dozens of whales during a sunset whale watching cruise I booked. Plus, the rain wasn’t too bad. It did rain for a full day during one of the days of my trip, though. Thankfully I was prepared with all the right gear!

Peak season in Maui (usually the time of year with the best weather) is December through March. Temperatures aren’t too high, rainfall is minimal, and whale watching season is in full-swing. If wildlife encounters and nice beach-going weather is what you’re after, I’d recommend visiting in this window. However, the downside of visiting during peak season is two-fold: more tourists and higher flight/accommodation prices. There’s a reason why prices skyrocket during this window… everyone wants to see whales and experience beautiful weather! Thus, expect to spend more on your airfare and hotel/accommodation bookings as a trade-off.

Technically, off season for Maui is in the height of summer due to incredibly high temperatures and higher humidity levels. However, it should be noted here that off season in Maui isn’t like a typical off season someplace else. Off season is still pretty pricey and crowded, mostly due to families taking breaks from school. It will certainly be warmer than in the winter, so just make sure you’re prepared for the extreme weather.

Shoulder season includes the months of April-May and September-November. These are the periods of time when airfare deals and hotel deals are the best, but it’s also outside of the whale migration window and there are likely to be slightly more poor-weather days. If getting a great deal is your top priority, though, this is the best time to go! There is still a lot to enjoy during shoulder seasons, so don’t let the rain or absence of whales deter you from having an epic trip.

Where to Stay in Maui

There are so many incredible places to stay in Maui, but the accommodation options are certainly not “one size fits all”. Each area and each hotel offers a unique experience tailored to a specific interest or desire–meaning some are tailored to ultra-luxury travelers, some are tailored to adventurous travelers, some are tailored to budget travelers, and some are tailored to families. There are dozens of other examples I could provide but just know that there are options at every budget level for every type of traveler!

It’s likely easier to split this list up based on area with popular nearby spots listed so you know where things are at around the island.

Wailea

The Wailea area offers a more exclusive and tranquil atmosphere compared to other parts of Maui and the accommodations are extremely luxe. This is a great spot for travelers looking for a private, serene oasis removed from some of the more crowded beach resort areas like Kapalua.

• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
• Marriott Wailea Beach Resort
• Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Kihei

Kihei is definitely more laid back and there are several beautiful beaches close to the accommodations in Kihei including Kamaole Beach Park and Keawakapu Beach.

• Hilton Grand Vacations Club Maui Bay Villa
• Luana Kai Resort
• Koa Lagoon

Kaanapali

The most well-known highlight of Kaanapali is Kaanapali Beach. You’ll mostly find resorts in this area, but there are also good restaurants and golfing.

• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Ka’anapali
• The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali
• Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Wailuku

Wailuku is a historic town located in the heart of Maui. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the island’s attractions, including Iao Valley State Park, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, and historic sites like the Bailey House Museum. It’s not far from Kahului Airport (OGG), roughly about 10-15 minutes driving.

• Iao Valley Inn
• Wailuku Guesthouse
• Howzitz Hostel
• Banana Bungalow Hostel

Hana

Hana is pretty remote and most well-known for being the ending point on the famous Road to Hana, a winding and scenic highway with over 600 hairpin turns and narrow bridges. As you can imagine, this means that getting to other parts of the island from a “home base” in Hana will take a while and involve a lot of potentially stressful driving scenarios. For this itinerary, I wouldn’t recommend staying in Hana.

• Hana-Maui Resort
• Hana Kai Maui

Kapalua

Kapalua is known for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and beautiful beaches. Accommodation options in Kapalua mostly include upscale/luxury hotels and vacation rentals. Kapalua Coastal Trail is located in this area, and it’s a super fun hiking spot!

• The Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua
• Napili Kai Beach Resort
• Montage Kapalua Bay

Upcountry Maui

Upcountry Maui would be great for anyone looking for more of a rural retreat away from the coastline. This area is located on the slopes of Haleakalā, and it’s a bit cooler compared to other areas of Maui. Similar to Hana, for this itinerary I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying in Upcountry because it’s quite removed from most of the items listed throughout this guide.

If you’re like me, you’ll love these fun adventure-focused excursions in Maui!

Getting Around Maui

Whether you’re following this 4 days in Maui itinerary word-for-word or simply using it as inspiration, you’ll either need to rent a car yourself or have access to a car (by way of joining tours with transportation) during your Maui vacation. For the most part, Maui is not walkable except in small pockets in resort areas like Kapalua and Ka’anapali. Prepare to do a fair amount of driving, but it shouldn’t be too bad–unless you’re planning to knock out Road to Hana.

Driving in Maui is relatively smooth with only occasional roadway congestion. Some roads, though, do get muddy and washed out during the rainy months. If you’re visiting during a period that’s forecasted to rain, make sure to rent a car with AWD.

Ubers are extremely sparse and inconsistent, and taxis aren’t that common either. Ubers were much more common in Honolulu on Oahu! You can check out prices from Discover Cars here to determine the anticipated cost of a rental car for your trip to Maui.

Many resort concierges can arrange private car transportation but it’s best to have your own vehicle because private transport can be pricey.

If renting a car is simply not an option, there are several half-day and full-day tours that include hotel pick-up and drop-off. Some of these tours might charge an extra fee for this service, so be sure to clarify before booking.

Maui does also have public transportation by way of a bus system. Here is a breakdown of the bus schedule and stops across the island. However, I did not personally take the bus while I was in Maui so I don’t have many personal insights to share here except that the bus system can sometimes run slower than listed, which could cause issues if you’re attempting to get to meal reservations or excursion bookings.

PRO TIP: If possible, plan to rent a car to drive around Maui. Check out available cars on Discover Cars!

FAQs About Planning a Trip to Maui

How can I be respectful to the local environment and wildlife during my visit to Maui?

Being respectful to the local environment and wildlife during your visit to Maui is crucial for preserving its natural beauty and delicate ecosystems. Make sure to stay on designated trails, leave no trace, respect all wildlife from a distance (and DON’T feed the animals!), use environmentally-friendly sunscreen or SPF, and educate yourself about the local environment and wildlife before your trip!

If you follow these recommendations and practice caution and respect toward the local culture and environment, you’ll have no problem enjoying Maui’s natural beauty while minimizing your impact on the environment and wildlife.

How many days in Maui?

There is no universal “perfect” number of days you should spend in Maui. Do whatever works best for you and your schedule limitations and interests. However, I personally would not recommend any visit shorter than 2 days (if you’re island hopping) or 4 days (if not island hopping).

If I had no schedule limitations or obligations, I’d ideally like to have stayed for 8-10 days to have more days dedicated to pure relaxation. But I am happy with how much I fit in on my 4 days in Maui itinerary, and I would recommend my itinerary to others who are thinking of enjoying 4 days in Maui!

Is 4 Days Enough in Maui?

Definitely, but if you can stay longer I would absolutely recommend it! I think that 4 days was the perfect amount of time for me to spend in Maui, and you can still do a lot around the island if you go into the trip with a plan. If you don’t have a loose plan prior to your trip, you might find that 2 days have passed and you haven’t gotten to see or do as much as you’d like because things are so spread out. You really do have to plan ahead of time to maximize your time on the island!

Which area in Maui is best to stay in?

Ultimately, the best area to stay in Maui depends on your individual preferences and what you plan to do during your visit. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, beachfront relaxation, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Maui offers a variety of great hotel and B&B options to suit every traveler!

I stayed in the Wailuku area and I loved it! It was close enough to the airport without feeling too close, which made it convenient for arrival and departure purposes. I also really loved Wailea and Kapalua!

How much money do I need for 4 days in Maui? 

Again, this totally depends on your individual preferences and what you want to do and see during your time in Maui. Accommodations and hotels are likely going to be your highest ticket expense for your trip because hotels in Maui are quite pricey. Food and excursions are pretty variable, so it’s tough to put an estimate on these factors but I’d recommend no less than $100-$150 per person per day. Realistically, this figure will likely average closer to $200 per day (especially if you plan to eat all meals at a resort or hotel). However, some travelers want a more luxury experience and budget more for certain things like food, experiences, luxury accommodations, etc. Do what makes you happiest within your means!

What are Some tours or excursions to Book on Maui?

Some of the most popular tours and excursions on Maui include sunrise tours at Haleakala, Road to Hana adventure tours, group surfing lessons (when in Maui, right?!), and a helicopter tour of the island! Oh, and don’t forget to go on a whale watching tour if you’re visiting Maui during the migration!

You seriously can’t go wrong with any of these tours but my personal recommendation is to pick 1-2 excursions to enjoy during your 4 day Maui itinerary. If you’re staying longer, possibly book 2-4 excursions based on your interests.

BONUS: Did you know that there is also a luxury Road to Hana driving tour that lets you take a helicopter back?! Basically two epic experiences packaged into one day!

How to Get to Maui from the Mainland US?

The main way to get to Maui from the mainland is to fly. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and even some cities in the central and eastern parts of the US offer direct flights to Maui. Some airlines to look at include Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines because these are the primary airlines that fly in and out of Maui – Kahului Airport (OGG).

Direct flights from the west coast typically take around 5 to 6 hours, while flights from the east coast can take around 9 to 11 hours with a layover. From Seattle, my flight was about 5.5 hours long and it was direct!

Keep any eye open for good flight deals, and don’t be afraid to redeem points/miles to lower the cost of your airfare. For my most recent trip to Maui, I spent a total of about 15k Delta miles + $160 USD roundtrip. Not a bad rate if you ask me!

Are there any safety concerns in Maui?

Overall, I’d say Maui is pretty safe but there are a few things to keep in mind! Just like the other Hawaiian islands, Maui is prone to natural hazards such as ocean currents, high surf, and occasional earthquakes. Certain beaches are not safe for swimming, and it’s important that you pay attention to the posted signs and condition markers.

The sun is also extremely intense in Maui, so be sure to wear (and reapply) plenty of sunscreen. I’d also recommend clothing with UPF built-in. Also, it is said that darker colors absorb more UV radiation than lighter colors, making darker shirts and bottoms better at protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful rays.

Rain in the off-season can also be a hazard, especially on the Road to Hana or other unpaved roads. Exercise caution while driving during storms and just after a storm to avoid accidents on washed out paths.

Do I need a visa to visit Maui?

Maui is part of the state of Hawaii, which is a U.S. state. Whether you need a visa to visit Maui depends on your citizenship and the visa waiver agreements between your country and the United States. It’s important to check the most up-to-date visa requirements and application procedures on the official website of the U.S. Department of State or consult with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit the state of Hawaii, which includes Maui!