4 to 5 Days in Maui: South & West Beaches, Molokini, Haleakala Summit & the Road to Hana

This route follows two key rules of Maui planning: never schedule the Road to Hana and Haleakala Summit on back-to-back days without beach time in between, and always schedule snorkelling in the calm morning hours before afternoon winds rise. Read our mandatory reservations checklist before Day 1.

Day 1 (South Maui): Turtle Town, Wailea Path & Big Beach

• Morning: snorkel at Ulua or Maluaka Beach ('Turtle Town') with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, then stroll the 2.4-kilometre Wailea Beach Path.
• Midday: grab fresh Ahi Poke in Kihei at Tamura's or South Maui Fish Co. for a picnic at Kamaole Beach Park, followed by Ululani's Shave Ice.
• Afternoon: visit Makena Big Beach and La Perouse Bay, then join a Sunset Whale Watch Cruise in winter.

Day 2: Molokini Snorkel, Upcountry & Haleakala Summit

• Morning: take an early boat to Molokini Crater & Turtle Town to snorkel inside the volcanic crescent.
• Afternoon: pack warm layers and drive into Upcountry Maui: visit Makawao, sample cheese at Surfing Goat Dairy, and relax at Ocean Organic Vodka Distillery in Kula.
• Evening: climb Highway 378 into 3,055-metre Haleakala National Park (keep your receipt for Kipahulu), walk the Sliding Sands Trail, spot Silverswords and Nene Geese, and watch sunset above the clouds.

Day 3: The Road to Hana, Black Sand Beach & Pipiwai Trail

• Full Day: start at dawn with the GuideAlong App on the Road to Hana. Stop at Twin Falls (MM 2), eat banana bread at Aunt Sandy's on Ke'anae Peninsula (MM 16.8), use your slot at Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach (MM 32), and hike the Pipiwai Giant Bamboo Trail to Waimoku Falls in Kipahulu. On the return, see sea turtles at Ho'okipa Beach Park and dine in Pa'ia.

Day 4 (and Day 5): 'Iao Valley, West Maui, Luau & Lana'i

• Morning: visit 'Iao Valley State Monument (with reservation) and free Kepaniwai Gardens, then stop for pie at Leoda's.
• Afternoon to Evening: swim at Kapalua or Napili Bay, walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail, watch the sunset cliff dive at Ka'anapali's Black Rock, and attend the Old Lahaina Luau or a resort luau. On Day 5, take the ferry to Lana'i Island's Hulopo'e Bay.