Quick Trip Hawaii: 3 Days in Maui

Experience Maui with Snorkeling, Haleakala Sunrise, and Scenic Drives

Begin each day early, with time set aside in the late afternoon for relaxation, followed by dinner and a café stop to unwind.
Hotel in South Maui with a Rental Car

🌴 Day 1 – West & South Maui (Snorkeling & Beach Relaxation)

Shared Google Map itinerary is here. Use it on your Phone.

Time	Activity	Location / Notes
7:00 AM	Drive to Mākena Landing	Calm early-morning waters ideal for snorkeling with turtles. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
7:30 – 9:30 AM	Snorkeling at Mākena Landing or Maluaka Beach	Excellent visibility in the morning before winds pick up.
10:00 AM	Coffee stop at Akamai Coffee Co.	Grab a cold brew or acai bowl. 📍1325 S Kihei Rd
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Drive north to Lahaina / Kāʻanapali	Stop along scenic lookouts; optional short visit to Lahaina Front Street shops.
1:00 PM	Lunch at Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop	Famous for fresh sandwiches and mini pies. 📍820 Olowalu Village Rd
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM	Relaxation – Beach time at Wailea Beach	Swim, read, or lounge with an afternoon cocktail.
6:00 PM	Dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen	Excellent mai tais and local seafood.
8:00 PM	Return to hotel	Optional stroll along the beach under the stars. 🌙

Shared Google Map itinerary is here. Use it on your Phone.

Time	Activity	Location / Notes
2:30 AM	Wake up & drive to Haleakalā National Park	Sunrise reservations required (book online in advance). Bring warm layers!
5:45 AM	Sunrise at Haleakalā Summit	Watch the clouds change color above 10,000 ft elevation. Magical experience.
7:00 AM	Explore summit area	Short hike on Sliding Sands trail (optional 30 min loop).
8:30 AM	Drive down from the summit	Take your time descending the winding road.
9:30 AM	Breakfast at Kula Lodge & Restaurant	Great views and fresh local produce. 📍15200 Haleakalā Hwy
11:00 AM	Visit Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm	Peaceful gardens with light walking paths.
12:30 PM	Pick Lunch at Haliʻimaile General Store	Modern Hawaiian cuisine in a historic pineapple-plantation building. 📍900 Haliʻimaile Rd
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM	Relaxation – Head back to Kihei/Wailea area	Nap, beach, or resort pool.
6:00 PM	Dinner at Nalu’s South Shore Grill	Nice for a comfortable dinner after the beach
8:00 PM	Unwind	Optional spa or stargazing on the beach. 🌌

Shared Google Map itinerary is here. Use it on your Phone.

Time	Activity	Location / Notes
6:00 AM	Breakfast & Coffee at Island Fresh Café (Paʻia)	Fuel up before the scenic drive. 📍381 Baldwin Ave
6:45 AM	Begin Road to Hāna drive	Start early to avoid traffic. Bring water, snacks, and swimsuit.
7:30 AM	Stop #1: Twin Falls	Short hike + small waterfall for a refreshing dip.
9:00 AM	Stop #2: Ke‘anae Peninsula	Great banana bread stand (Aunty Sandy’s) & dramatic lava coastline.
11:00 AM	Stop #3: Waiʻānapanapa State Park	Famous black-sand beach; reserve entry time in advance.
12:30 PM	Lunch at Hāna Farms Roadside Café	Local pizza, smoothies, and fresh-baked bread. 📍1750 Hāna Hwy
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Optional swim or rest at Hāmoa Beach	Calm surf, great for relaxing before heading back.
4:00 PM	Start drive back to Paʻia	Take it slow, enjoy the scenic return.
6:30 PM	Dinner at Mama’s Fish House (Paʻia)	Iconic oceanfront dining—reserve weeks ahead.
8:30 PM	Return to accommodation	Relax after a full day of adventure. 🌺

Car: A rental car is essential for this itinerary.
Snorkel gear: Rent from Boss Frog’s or Snorkel Bob’s (available in Kihei or Lahaina).
Reservations: Required for Haleakalā sunrise and Waiʻānapanapa Park.
Packing list: Water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, light rain jacket, hat, and reusable water bottle.
Timing note: Maui mornings are calm and clear — ideal for water or summit activities. Winds pick up mid-afternoon.

Experience Maui with Snorkeling, Haleakala Sunrise, and Scenic Drives