The beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui is undoubtedly on most people’s bucket lists – but with so much to do and often limited vacation time, it can be hard to decide what to do on your trip! Luckily, I’ve mapped out the perfect 10 day Maui itinerary for you to use to plan your next island getaway.
Without further ado, here’s my itinerary for 10 perfect days in Maui, Hawaii!
Maui Itinerary Days 1-5: Upcountry Maui
Upcountry Maui is the perfect place to start your 10 day Maui itinerary. Located on the northeast side of the island, this region spans the slopes of Haleakala volcano and is much wilder and less populated than its coastal neighbors. You’ll get a feel for true Hawaiian life while staying here! It was easily my favorite region of the trip.
Day 1:
Arrive in Maui
This amazing meal at Like Poke is waiting for you just minutes from the airport.
Most flights from the mainland US arrive in the afternoon or early evening, so this is a short day! If you’re like me, you’ll be starving when you get off the plane, which is why our first stop is a food truck park five minutes from the airport! For a perfect introduction to Hawaiian cuisine, stop at Like Poke, a food truck that has some of the freshest and most delicious poke on the island. I’m pretty sure we just sat in silence as we ate this little slice of heaven. You can also grab refreshing açaí bowls or shave ice at this food park!
Rest up and spend the night at a local Airbnb – there aren’t many resorts or megahotels on this side of Maui! We stayed at an amazing coffee farm with a house on a ridge where you have incredible views of both the ocean and the mountains.
Day 2:
Lei making class at Haku Maui
I think our flower crowns turned out pretty well for first-timers, don’t you?
Flower leis are an important piece of Hawaiian culture: they’re given on special occasions as a sign of love and celebration. Instead of just hoping you’ll get one from your resort, why not learn to make your own? This local flower shop offers all types of classes, from traditional necklace style leis to flower crowns! All the flowers you’ll need to make the lei are provided. All you need are a good attitude and some nimble fingers! You’re guaranteed to have a great time and leave with a beautiful product.
Explore Paia
Eating all the fresh fish on this trip.
Spend the afternoon exploring Paia, a little surfing town on the northern coast of Maui. The pastel-colored restaurants and shops are filled with beachy souvenirs and decor, and there are also several surf shops with equipment and gear. We particularly liked Hi-Tech Surf Sports!
Make sure you also stop for a meal at the famous Paia Fish Market! This popular restaurant serves up a variety of fresh, local fish. I particularly love the simplicity of the menu: you select your fish, the way you want it cooked, and your sides. And that’s it! Simply delicious. Try either the ono or the opah for native Hawaiian fish!
Explore Makawao
Make sure to squeeze in a few hours in downtown Makawao! This little mountain town is full of shops and art galleries where you can buy locally made souvenirs! Stop by the delicious Cowgirl Coffee for a pick-me-up – this coffee shop is in a horse trailer turned food truck and couldn’t be cuter! (The ‘My Little Pony’ (a lavender honey latte) was my favorite!)
Day 3:
Road to Hana (part 1)
Only 2 of the 600+ twists and turns on the Road to Hana.
There is so much to see on the Road to Hana, it’s almost impossible to do it all in one day (especially if you’re trying to beat the crowds). I recommend breaking it up into two days so you have a chance to enjoy all the stops thoroughly! Start the first day as early as possible (at sunrise or before) and then spend the night in Hana to avoid driving back the next day.
I also recommend downloading a guide app to use along the drive, such as the Shaka Guide to the Road to Hana. This app uses your phone’s GPS (not cell phone data, as you likely won’t have signal anyway) to provide helpful and entertaining commentary as you drive! It’s just like a tour but without all the other tourists.
Basking in the beauty of the Keanae Peninsula (but mostly thinking about eating more of that amazing banana bread).
On day one, make sure to visit Twin Falls, the Keanae Peninsula (including Aunty Sandy’s banana bread, yum!), Three Bears Falls (pictured at the end of this post), Waianapanapa State Park (home of Maui’s only true black sand beach, which due to its popularity requires an advance reservation), and Wailua Falls (the most photographed waterfall in Maui!).
Day 4:
Road to Hana (part 2)
This view of Waimoku Falls was really what got me through the steep portions of the Pipiwai Trail!
Wake up early again and head to the eastern entrance of Haleakala National Park. The highlight of this area is the Pipiwai trail, a 4-mile out-and-back trail that will take you past a giant bonsai tree, through a bamboo forest, and end at the 400-foot Waimoku Falls! This trail is very popular, so the earlier you get there, the less crowded it will be.
Add on a 0.5-mile loop to see the O’heo Gulch (also known as the Seven Sacred Pools) and hike along the coastline.
Fun fact: there are a lot more than seven pools that make up the ‘Seven Sacred Pools’ – it’s actually more like 20!
While many people end their drive on the Road to Hana here and turn back the way they came, you do have the option of driving the infamous Backside of Haleakala, where the terrain turns to dry plains. This road is very rough and narrow for the first 10 miles – it will take you about an hour to navigate the hairpin turns and sheer dropoffs. Be aware that many rental car companies may charge extra for damage due to driving the road, and tow trucks will be hours away. That being said, we did drive this path, and it’s doable if you take it slow.
Drinks at Maui Wines and Upcountry Ranch
One of my vacation staples: bubbly.
If you choose to drive the backside of Haleakala, you’ll end your trip by passing the adorable Maui Wines. Here, you can try a variety of delicious locally made pineapple and grape wines on the terrace of a beautiful historic farm. They do get quite full, so I recommend making a reservation beforehand to avoid a wait.
Walk across the street to Upcountry Ranch for dinner, which has some of the best local Maui beef on the island. Their juicy burgers are perfect after a long day of exploring!
Day 5:
Watch Sunrise at Haleakala National Park
It’s hard to believe terrain like this is on Maui!
Sunrise at Haleakala’s summit is hands down one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had and is an essential part of any Maui itinerary. At 10,000 feet, you’ll be above the clouds and feel like you’re on another planet.
As this is a very popular activity on Maui, the National Parks Service has created a reservation system to prevent overtourism. You should reserve this as far in advance as possible to ensure you don’t miss out! (Although if you do, I’ve heard sunset is also a beautiful way to experience the summit, which doesn’t require a reservation.)
The drive to the summit is full of steep zig zags up the volcano – after all, you’re going from sea level to 10,000 feet in less than an hour!
Since you’ll likely be outside for at least an hour and a half, it’s imperative that you dress warmly. It’s typically at least 30 degrees cooler at the summit than at sea level. When we visited, it was 32 degrees Fahrenheit!
One of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen.
As the sun prepares to rise, a park ranger will give some cultural background on the importance of sunrise on Haleakala to the native Hawaiian people. After all, Haleakala means, “house of the sun” in Hawaiian. The volcano is a culturally sacred spot to the natives, so please keep this in mind and be respectful during your visit.
Once the sun is fully risen, you can explore the area around the summit. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the mountains in west Maui, the ocean, and even some of the other Hawaiian islands! There are also several good hiking trails near the summit (more on that below). Biking down the volcano is another popular option! While we didn’t personally do this, I have heard Bike Maui is a good place to book this experience.
Dinner at Mama’s Fish House
And one of the most beautiful desserts I’ve ever seen!
Mama’s Fish House is one of the most famous restaurants on Maui, and with good reason! The open-air restaurant is located right on the beach and serves upscale dishes highlighting fish caught within the last 24 hours just off the coast. The menu even highlights where the fish was caught and by whom! For dessert, don’t miss their popular chocolate mousse black pearl! It’s gorgeous and melts in your mouth.
Reservations should be made as soon as possible to ensure you get a spot! If they’re booked, I recommend setting up a notification on OpenTable to let you know if a cancellation creates an opening. That’s what we did, and we were able to get in!
Read more: Check out my detailed guide to upcountry Maui!
Maui Itinerary Days 6-7: Kihei
At this point in your Maui itinerary, it’s time to head to the beach! Kihei is the perfect place to stay for this portion of your visit – I recommend an Airbnb by the ocean for that quintessential Hawaiian experience.
Day 6:
Relax at the Beach
Maui is so much more than its beaches (but let’s be honest, they’re pretty great too).
After a busy first few days, a day relaxing on one of Maui’s many gorgeous beaches is much needed!
One of the great things about Hawaii’s beaches is that they are all accessible to the public! That’s right – there are no private beaches (although most hotels and resorts have a section of the beach where they suggest their guests visit). That means there are essentially endless options of beaches for you to choose from!
Makena Beach (also known as Big Beach) near Wailea is a popular option because of how big it is! Nearby Little Beach is infamously known as a nude beach if you’re looking for a more adventurous option. No matter where you choose to visit, you’re sure to enjoy a warm day of relaxation in the sand and surf.
Drinks at Maui Brewing Company
This is one of my favorite beers ever! Seriously.
End your day in the sun with a cold, refreshing beer at Maui Brewing Company. This brewery makes some of the best craft brews on the island, including my favorite, the Pineapple Mana Wheat Beer, made with real Maui gold pineapples!
Their main location in Kihei has a large outdoor patio for visitors to enjoy. Here, you can order beer in flights or full pours, as well as tasty pub-style food including burgers, flatbreads, and fish tacos.
If you’re a beer lover and have the time, you can also go on a brewery tour for $15 a person. This hour-long tour will take you through the brewhouse, cellar, and packaging line, and even ends with a tasting!
Day 7:
Hike Iao Valley State Monument
The lush landscapes at the Iao Valley State Monument are quintessential Hawaii.
Spend today exploring the lush greenery of western Maui. Iao Valley State Monument is one of the most beautiful parts of the island and completely different than anything you’ve seen so far!
At the park entrance, there are a few signs you can read that discuss the history of the park and its cultural significance. I love learning about the significance of where I’m visiting in addition to appreciating its natural beauty.
The main trail in the park is a short, paved 0.6 mile trek up to an observation point, where you can get a closer look at the Iao needle that sticks straight up nearly 1,200 feet in the air. There is another unofficial dirt trail on the left side of the observation tower that is well maintained and will take you up higher into the mountains if you feel like exploring.
As you leave the observation deck, if you stay to the right, you can explore another area of the park near the river. There is also a botanical garden you can walk through on your way back to the parking lot.
While Iao Valley State Monument is a small park, it was one of the most beautiful places we visited on Maui, and is definitely a must visit!
Lunch at Coconut’s Fish Cafe
Excuse my drool over this delectable taco at Coconut’s Fish Cafe.
For lunch, stop at Coconut’s Fish Cafe for some of the best tacos in Hawaii (and the country)! Their fish tacos are made with grilled mahi mahi and ono, then piled high with 7 layers of goodness including coleslaw, mango salsa, tomato salsa, and cheese. (My mouth is watering just thinking about them.) Each order comes with two tacos, and trust me, you won’t want to share.
If you’re thirsty, stop by Wow Wow Lemonade Stand a few doors down after lunch. They serve fresh pressed lemonades with amazing flavor combinations. You’ll have a hard time choosing just one!
Read more: Check out my detailed guide to Kihei and the surrounding area!
Maui Itinerary Days 8-10: Lahaina
On the last few days of your Maui itinerary, head northwest to Lahaina! Here you’ll have access to tons of delicious restaurants and adventurous Maui activities!
Day 8:
Adventure with Molokini Snorkeling
Just look at the color of that water!
Today is all about getting out on the water! And you definitely can’t leave Maui without going snorkeling. There are tons of places to do it around the island, but the best is at Molokini Crater, an ancient half-submerged volcano that has created a coral reef about three miles offshore from Maui.
To get to the crater, take a tour through Calypso or Alii Nui. They will provide transportation to the crater, snorkel gear, and usually breakfast and lunch.
Tours leave Maalaea Harbor early in the morning, as conditions are best for snorkeling at that time. On the ride out to the crater, you’re likely to see whales or dolphins!
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater was unforgettable.
You’ll have about an hour at the crater to snorkel. The visibility here was incredibly clear, unlike anywhere else I’ve snorkeled. It felt almost like looking through glass down to the bottom. And there were tons of fish swimming around!
Next, it’s back on the boat to head to a second location to look for Hawaii’s famous green sea turtles!
Most tours will run about 5 hours. I cannot recommend doing this enough – it was one of my favorite mornings on Maui!
Explore Lahaina
Lahaina is a cute resort town on the western side of the island. Spend an afternoon walking around its old town, which is full of restaurants and shops!
Ululani’s Shave Ice
This shave ice will cool you off in no time!
One of the most popular desserts in Hawaii is shave ice! If you’re unfamiliar with this tasty treat, it’s essentially a snow cone with syrups or juices on top, and sometimes is served with ice cream as well. After a hot day at the beach, you’ll definitely be craving one of these, and there’s no better place to get one than Ulalani’s. I got coconut ice cream topped with shave ice and passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. It was incredible! Packed with flavor and so refreshing. Don’t miss this spot during your visit.
Dinner at Old Lahaina Luau
Almost every resort in Hawaii has a luau, but for those looking for a more traditional cultural experience, there’s nothing better than the Old Lahaina Luau. Dinner is near the beach, so you’ll be treated to a beautiful sunset as a backdrop. During the luau, dancers will take you through the story of Hawaii. Plan to leave full of tropical drinks, tons of delicious Hawaiin food, and a better understanding of Hawaiian culture.
Unfortunately this luau was sold out when we visited, but you bet it’s on my list for our next visit!
Day 9:
Surfing Lesson with Maui Surfer Girls
My wife, well on her way to surfing stardom.
No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a surf lesson. After all, Hawaii is widely considered to be the birthplace of modern day surfing!
Maui Surfer Girls is one of Maui’s oldest and best surfing schools. You can choose from a variety of lesson types, from private, one-on-one sessions to groups of up to eight. Maui Surfer Girls provides everything you need: booties to protect your feet from the reef you’ll be surfing over, a rash guard to protect your skin from both the sun and the board’s rough texture, and, of course, a surfboard!
You’ll start with a land lesson to get the basics down, and then will head out into the water with your group! Expect to have at least five opportunities to catch a wave (trust me, your shoulders will appreciate this), most of which are about two feet tall.
Late Lunch at Down the Hatch
The Mai Tais at Down the Hatch were pure bliss.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives made this Lahaina restaurant famous in 2017, and it’s definitely a place you should visit! This seafood restaurant serves up local fish in a creative ‘southern aloha’ style. Plus, their bar features a healthy selection of tropical drinks that are the perfect pair to their delicious eats.
Everything on the menu looks amazing, but we got the lobster and crab grilled cheese (per Guy’s recommendation) and ahi tacos. So rich, but so delicious! The lava lava shrimp are supposed to be great as well. Don’t miss happy hour from 2 – 5 pm with discounts on traditional Hawaiian drinks!
Day 10:
Brunch at Betty’s Beach Cafe
The only way to see Betty’s this empty is to arrive right as they open – otherwise, they’re hopping!
One of the only LGBT-owned businesses that we could find on the island was Betty’s Beach Cafe. This beachfront restaurant in Lahaina is known for their weekend brunch, so of course we had to try it! With open air views directly to the ocean, there definitely wasn’t a bad seat in the house. We also appreciated the $3 mimosas! It was the cheapest drink we had all trip. (Tip: try a POG-mosa for a leveled-up Maui drink.) The food was fairly good as well. I was a little disappointed to not see more signs of the LGBT community in the restaurant (there was only a little pride flag on their website), but I still enjoy supporting other members of the community when I can.
Prepare to head home
Spend the rest of your day doing any final things you don’t want to miss on Maui! We grabbed a few final souvenirs and then spent some time at the beach, soaking in the last bits of beautiful Maui scenery.
There you have it – everything you need to know to have an amazing 10 days on Maui! There’s so much to do and see on this beautiful island and you’re guaranteed to have an amazing visit.
Are there any other things you’d add to a 10 day Maui itinerary? Let me know in the comments!
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