Ready for the ultimate tropical escape? Maui Hawaii is the perfect island for those looking to break away from their daily routines, and enjoy a little fun and sun. First off, you should know this isn’t your typical Maui itinerary! Our 5 day Maui itinerary is full of beach hopping, hiking, and all the Hawaii adventure you can handle.
Planning Your Maui Itinerary
Maui is a beautiful island for a vacation or even to include as part of a larger Hawaii trip. We spent over two weeks exploring, and STILL didn’t see all that Maui has to offer.
The good thing is it doesn’t matter how many days you have for your Maui itinerary. There is truly something for everyone in this special destination on Hawaii.
Check out our full guide for planning a trip to Maui. Also, read about where to stay in Maui before your first visit.
Renting a Car on Maui
Something you should know when planning your trip is that Maui is a pretty big island! That means many of the best beaches and activities are spread out.
Unless your 5 day Maui itinerary will be simply lounging at your hotel, you’ll need a car. The best way to do this is to pick one up directly from the airport.
We $550 for two weeks on Discover Cars, which is actually very cheap for Maui. We also paid just over $100 each way for direct flights from California on Hawaiian Airlines.
You’ll want to confirm as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re traveling in peak season. Here’s 6 more tips for renting a car on Maui Hawaii. A rental car is typically a big expense, but we promise it’s worth it for what you’ll see.
Our 5 Day Maui Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Maui Hawaii
When traveling to Maui, try to book a flight that lands in the morning or as early as possible. That way you’re able to fully enjoy your first day.
We arrived around 1pm on a flight from San Diego California. While there are many great places to stay. we highly recommend basing your adventures in Kihei. There are amazing hotels, great restaurants, and so much to do in the area.
After checking in, the first thing you should do is hit the beach! From Kihei, you can stroll directly along the Wailea Beach Walk to multiple stunning beaches.
The trail goes right by the Andaz Maui Resort, Four Seasons Resort Maui, and Fairmont Kea Lani. If you are staying at one of these properties, then even better!
Maui Itinerary Tip: Not staying on this part of the island? Use this time in your itinerary for Maui Hawaii to see your own area.
Day 2: Driving the Road to Hana
On day 2 you’ll be waking up excited to see the island. So you might as well take on one of the most popular activities!
Driving the Road to Hana is a day of twists, turns, hiking, and lots of roadside snacks. You should plan for a full day experience, starting the drive at sunrise and returning to your hotel late in the afternoon.
The Road to Hana was one of our favorite days in Maui, but we did do it a little differently than most! Instead of stopping along the way, we made the drive to the end of the route to be one of the first people on the Pipiwai Trail.
This famous bamboo forest and waterfall hike will be one of the highlights of your 5 day Maui Itinerary. After experiencing the 400 ft Waimoku Falls, we took our time on the way back to see more waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Here’s all our favorite stops on the famous Road to Hana in Maui!
Day 3: West Maui
On the third day of your itinerary for Maui Hawaii, we’re jumping right back in the rental car! It’s time to take an epic drive out to West Maui.
Assuming you’re staying in the Kihei or somewhere else nearby, you’ll have an incredible coastal drive with sweeping views of the ocean.
There is so much to see and do along this route! You can snorkel at Honokohau Bay, walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail, and visit the local Maui farmers markets.
Staying in Lahaina?: If you are already in that area of the island, then simply do the drive in reverse. Head to Kihei, stop at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice, and check out the Wailea Beach Walk.
Day 4: Haleakalā National Park
A visit to Haleakalā National Park is not to be missed on your 5 day Maui Itinerary! Although the massive Haleakalā volcano is visible from all over the island, it’s actually quite far from most places to stay.
In fact, from Kihei it took about an hour and a half just to drive to the top. Also, we left the warm 87 degree weather behind at the beach. It was under 60 on the top of Haleakalā!
Bring extra layers, especially if you are going early in the morning. There are a few different ways to enjoy the park, which we break down below.
Maui Sunrise Mission
Watching the sunrise from the top of the island is one of the most popular activities in Maui. Tickets can be hard to come by, and often need to be booked on the National Park website weeks (if not months) in advance! Pre-order your tickets and drive yourself or take a sunrise group tour.
Hit the Trails
Haleakalā National Park also has some of the most unique scenery we’ve ever seen. Sliding Sands is a wild trail and known as one of the best hikes on Maui.
It’s quite long and a good degree of fitness is required. However, you can also walk 30-45 minutes into the crater before turning around.
After visiting Haleakalā National Park, it’s best to make the most out of your time exploring this part of the island. In the area known as upcountry, you can also include the Maui Nui botanical gardens into your 5 days in Maui itinerary.
Day 5: Beach Day w/Goat Walk
For your final day, it’s time to mix adventure with relaxation. Take a morning drive out to the Maui Lava fields where you can hike the Hoapili Trail!
This path is more of a long walk than a steep hike. It will give you a special look at this side of the volcanic island.
Afterwards, head down the road to Mākena State Park. This long sandy beach has fun waves and crystal clear water. Pack a lunch or stop at Jazzy’s food truck for tacos across the street from the entrance.
If you’re looking for something more extreme, then plan to hike the Waihee Ridge Trail. This is the most difficult climb on our Mau itinerary, but the views were spectacular!
Ending Your 5 Days in Maui Itinerary
After almost a week in Maui you’ll surely be exhausted! Still, we’re sure you’ll be happy to have seen so much of this amazing island.
If you have extra days to explore, there are plenty of adventures to be had. Check out our post below for more of the best things to do in Maui Hawaii.
Have any questions about our 5 day Maui itinerary or want to share your favorite island activities? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
There is no “white” sand on Maui. Look at your pics for crying out loud. What a markethype.
Author
One of our favorite parts about Maui is the different colors of sand at the beaches! There is some we would consider to have “white sand” but understand if you disagree. Definitely no need to overhype such a beautiful island (-:
Wow… I miss having an exotic beach vacation. Glad you had fun. Thank you for sharing.
Author
So much fun! Maui is magical (-: