Discover Maui, Hawaii: 3-Day Itinerary to an Unforgettable Island Adventure - Road to Hana and More!

If you’re looking to escape to a tropical paradise where the Aloha spirit reigns supreme. Maui is it! Hawaii is a tropical dream its year-round perfect weather, natural beauty, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. It lived up to the hype and more, this trip was a DREAM!

Hawaii is comprised of 8 islands nestled in the heart of the Pacific. It’s about 5 hours from LAX making it a popular destination for West Coast USA residents. It’s also 5 hours from Tahiti and an 8-hour flight from Tokyo.

Our Hawaiian adventure started in Maui which wouldn’t be complete without a day exploring the famous Road to Hana and the majestic Haleakala volcano. Read below to recount our incredible Hawaiian adventure and tips to plan your dream island getaway to this tropical haven.

Arriving in Maui

Our Hawaiian adventure started when we landed in Maui at almost 10 PM. We were exhausted after a 13 hour day of travel from Miami East with a layover in Vancouver. Once we landed we picked up our Jeep from the car rental pick up and drove for 45 minutes to the beautiful Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. It was late so we ordered room service before calling it a night.

Day 1: Day at the Beach Snorkeling and a Luau

There are few better feelings than opening your eyes and realizing that you’re in Hawaii! Powered by excitement to combat with the jet lag we woke up for sunrise on a Sunday morning, excited for our first full day in paradise.

The Sheraton is a renowned property that is popular due to its beautiful amenities and prime beachfront location and housing one of the most popular turtle hangouts on the island, where you can witness the majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. Its proximity to Napili Bay and Kalapula Bay makes it a sought-after destination, as these bays are home to some of the most beautiful and serene beaches on the island.

Day 1 in Maui

We got ready for the day, put on our bathing suits, and headed straight to the hotel’s beach to rent snorkel equipment and explore the vibrant marine life. After a couple of hours of snorkeling, we worked up an appetite and walked to the neighboring Whalers Village to get breakfast. I just had to get an acai bowl which was delicious.

We spent the day enjoying the hotel’s amenities. We started at the pool basking in the sun and then moved over to the beach. Snorkeling here was like being in an aquarium: turtles, so many colorful fish swimming up - it was an incredible experience! We also considered jet skiing and parasailing, which can be booked at the hotel, but decided to skip since we had a busy evening ahead.

Night 1 in Maui

For our first evening in Maui, we attended the Feast at Lele Luau to experience a traditional Hawaiian luau with food, drinks music, and dancing. If you ‘re in Hawaii experiencing a luau is a must!

What’s it like to go to a Luau?

We arrived at 5:30 PM and were served a Mai Tai welcome drink before walking out and being greeted with a lei and a cloudy sunset. We had a private table for 2 (they typically will attempt to accommodate table sizes according to your group). The ticket costs $230 (in 2019) for 2 people and included an open bar, 5-course dinner including a dessert.

The cuisine is curated by an executive chef with influences from Hawaii, Aotearoa - New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa. Each course was accompanied by Polynesian entertainment from each island. This was a served menu but many luaus provide a buffet. The evening paired perfectly with Hawaii’s laid-back style, featuring a show with dancers, traditional singing and instruments. Some of the foods we got to try included poi (a traditional Hawaiian staple made from steamed or baked taro root that is pounded into a paste and mixed with water to create a smooth, mildly sweet dish), lau lau (pork wrapped in taro leaves and ti leaves, then steamed), pineapple chicken, and kalua pork, each offering a unique taste of Hawaiian culinary tradition. The luau combines the island's rich cultural heritage with its distinctive flavors, creating an unforgettable experience that truly captures the spirit of Hawaii.

The start timing is usually between 5:30 and 6:30 PM depending on the time of year to align with the sunset. Eating a beautiful traditional dinner, feet in the sand while listening to mesmerizing music and cultural storytelling was an incredible experience. We highly recommend it!

Day 2: The Road to Hana

What is the Road to Hana?

You can read more about our Road to Hana adventure here. It's impossible to visit Maui without hearing about the Road to Hana. It’s a day-long scenic drive with designated stops across Maui that include breathtaking waterfalls, lush bamboo forests and black sand beaches. If you have the time and feel comfortable either driving or hiring a driver this is a must, it was the highlight of our trip, a novel experience with lifetime memories.

What to expect?

The Road to Hana is also a cultural experience some of the stops include visiting small towns and landmarks to learn about the history of the island. You can also expect adventure, hiking ambitious trails, jumping into frigid waterfalls, and exploring lava tubes. One of our favorite parts was the food! You can stop along the way for local delicacies like fruits and smoothies and the BEST homemade banana bread we’ve ever had (and still talk about to this day!).

#1 Tip: Download an audio guide. You will encounter remote areas with no internet which will make it tough to navigate. We wouldn’t have survived without the app Guide Along. We loved it@ It provided audio narration for the different areas and GPS instructions to make sure you don’t get lost.

#2 Tip: Plan your timing carefully. We ended up driving back in the pitch black on the side of a treacherous mountain.

Day 3: Sunrise & Relaxing Beach Day

We planned to wake up at 4AM to catch the breathtaking Haleakala sunrise and would recommend fitting this in if you can. After our big adventure-filled day and scary drive home we overslept. We walked to the Whaler’s Village for breakfast. We went back to the beach to soak in the sun and walked back to the Whaler’s Village for a late lunch afterward (can you tell yet that we really liked the food there?) We made a final stop for Hawaiian shaved ice.

After our relaxing day we freshened up and headed to Monkeypod Kitchen for sunset drinks and dinner. They have fresh seafood, pizza, and excellent cocktails. We loved our dinner there.

Wednesday, October 30th: Farewell, Maui!

We couldn’t leave without experiencing a sunrise so woke up early to catch the sunrise at Kapalua Bay Beach which is a 1-hour trial hike. We did enough adventure hiking on the Road to Hana so instead opted to watch the sun rise over the beach and then get breakfast nearby.

After sunrise, we popped over to the HonokowaiMarketplace and grabbed breafkst at Slappy Cakes. This was a fun breakfast - Slappy Cakes allows you to make pancakes at your own table on their built-in griddles. We also ordered an egg breakfast. As a bonus all of the ingredients here are fresh and non-processed.

This was our last day in Maui so after breakfast, we headed back to the hotel to pack our things and head to the airport. One stop we highly recommend is Mama's Fish House. This is one of the most popular restaurants on the island so you need to make reservations early. This meal was INCREDIBLE. We had the freshest seafood and Hawaiian cuisine. Save room for dessert too! We ordered the banana macadamia nut crisp.

Maui was a trip of a lifetime. In just 3 days we made lifetime memories. I highly recommend making your way there to explore the beauty and culture of Maui for yourself.

Insider Tips for Your Maui Island Getaway

Where to Stay in Maui

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa ($$$$): Located at 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, this luxurious resort offers world-class amenities and breathtaking ocean views. Prices range from $400-$700 per night.
Paia Inn ($$$): Situated in the charming town of Paia, this boutique hotel is a perfect base for exploring the Road to Hana. Prices range from $250-$350 per night.
Maui Seaside Hotel ($$): A budget-friendly option, this hotel is located in Kahului, offering easy access to the island's main attractions. Prices range from $150-$250 per night.

The Most Fun Activities in Maui

Haleakala Sunrise Hike: Witness a breathtaking sunrise atop the Haleakala volcano, followed by a hike in the area. Entrance fees for the national park are $30 per vehicle.
Jet Skiing and Parasailing: Add some adrenaline to your trip with these thrilling water sports, available for booking at many hotels. Prices range from $100-$200 per activity.
Snorkeling: Discover the vibrant marine life in Napili Bay, Kalapula Bay, or off Keawakapu Beach, where you can explore an artificial reef filled with antique cars.
Road to Hana: Embark on a scenic drive through lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and breathtaking waterfalls. Car rental prices vary but expect to pay around $60/day.
Waihee Ridge Trail : Hike this picturesque trail to enjoy stunning views of the island's lush landscape.

Favorite Spots in Maui

Mama's Fish House ($$$): Savor the freshest seafood and Hawaiian cuisine at this iconic restaurant. Expect to pay around $50-$70 per person.
Monkeypod Kitchen ($$$): Enjoy farm-to-table dishes and craft cocktails at this popular restaurant. Prices range from $30-$50 per person.
Ka Haku Smoke Shack ($): This roadside shack is famous for its grilled chicken plates. Prices range from $10-$15 per plate.
Braddah Hutt's Roadside BBQ Stand ($): Sample authentic Hawaiian barbecue at this roadside stand. Prices range from $10-$15 per plate.
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice ($): Cool off with a refreshing shave ice, featuring unique tropical flavors like lilikoi and guava.

Travel Hacks for a Cheaper Maui-Trip

Bundle and Save: Booking flights and accommodations together through travel websites like Expedia and Kayak can help you save money on your trip.
Be Flexible with Dates: If your schedule allows, be flexible with your travel dates to find the best deals on flights and accommodations.
Use Award Points: If you have accumulated airline or credit card reward points, use them to book your flights or hotels to save on costs.
Look for Freebies: Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary amenities such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi, or shuttle services, which can save you money during your stay.
Join Loyalty Programs: Enroll in hotel or airline loyalty programs to earn points or miles for future trips and enjoy exclusive perks like free upgrades or late check-outs.
Use Discount Websites: Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer deals on local attractions and activities, which can save you money on your Maui adventure.
Visit During Shoulder Season: Traveling to Maui during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) can help you avoid the crowds and find better deals on accommodations and activities.
Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss in Maui
Maui Friday Town Parties: Experience the local culture of Maui by attending one of the free Friday Town Parties held in different towns across the island each week. Enjoy live music, food, and crafts from local vendors.
Polynesian Luau: Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau for an unforgettable cultural experience, featuring live music, hula dancing, and a feast of traditional Hawaiian dishes. Prices range from $90-$150 per person.
Maui Arts and Cultural Center: Discover local art, performances, and workshops at this vibrant cultural hub. Ticket prices.vary depending on the event.
Iao Valley State Monument (Free): Immerse yourself in Maui's rich history by visiting this lush valley, home to the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot tall rock formation.