Hawaii, US, United States · Trip plan
5 days in Maui
Humpback whales, the Road to Hana and sunrise above the clouds on Haleakalā.
- Best time
- Dec – Apr
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $350 per person
- Trip for two
- about $3,500
Planning a 5-day trip to Maui? Here's a day-by-day Maui itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Thousands of humpback whales arrive to breed from December to April, and Maui's west coast stays sunny and 27°C all winter.
Maui is Hawaii's second-largest island: volcanic peaks, rainforest valleys, long golden beaches and some of the best whale watching in the world.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to April: 24–28°C on the coast; near freezing at Haleakalā's summit at dawn.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Maui
- 01
Whale watching
Humpbacks breaching off Lahaina and Kīhei, December to April.
- 02
Haleakalā
Sunrise from a 3,055 m volcanic summit above the clouds.
- 03
Road to Hana
620 curves, 59 bridges, waterfalls and black-sand beaches.
- 04
Molokini Crater
Snorkelling in a sunken volcanic crater.
Day by day
Maui itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Arrive and beach
- Morning
- Land at Kahului and pick up your car.
- Afternoon
- Head to Wailea or Kāʻanapali and swim at Kāʻanapali Beach.
- Evening
- Sunset at Black Rock, where locals cliff-dive at dusk, then a poke dinner.
Load up on groceries at Costco or Safeway near the airport.
- D2
Day 2: Haleakalā sunrise
- Morning
- Drive up Haleakalā in the dark for sunrise above the clouds.
- Afternoon
- Hike part of the Sliding Sands trail into the crater, then breakfast in Kula on the way down.
- Evening
- Rest, then an early night.
The summit is near freezing; bring a warm jacket and a blanket.
- D3
Day 3: Whales and Molokini
- Morning
- Morning snorkel trip to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.
- Afternoon
- Whale-watching cruise from Lahaina or Maʻalaea.
- Evening
- Dinner in Pāʻia.
Whale season peaks in January to March.
- D4
Day 4: Road to Hana
- Morning
- Leave by 7 AM for the Road to Hana: Twin Falls, the Garden of Eden and Waiʻānapanapa's black-sand beach.
- Afternoon
- Banana bread at Halfway to Hana, then the Pools of ʻOheʻo if open.
- Evening
- Drive back before dark.
Reserve Waiʻānapanapa State Park entry in advance.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- A last swim at Makena (Big Beach).
- Afternoon
- Shave ice and souvenir shopping.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow time to return the car.
Shorter or longer
Maui in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Maui
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Maui
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in San Diego.
What it costs
Maui trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $180 | $1,800 |
| Mid-range | $350 | $3,500 |
| Luxury | $800+ | $8,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Maui is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Maui for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Maui
Poke
Cubes of raw ahi tuna with soy and sesame.
Shave ice
Fluffy ice with tropical syrups.
Plate lunch
Kalua pork, rice and mac salad.
Getting there
How to reach Maui
- Travel
- Kahului airport (OGG) has direct flights from the US West Coast.
- Getting around
- You need a rental car; buses are limited.
- Reserve Haleakalā sunrise entry on recreation.gov 60 days ahead.
- Respect areas still recovering from the 2023 Lahaina fire.
Before you go
What to pack for Maui
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Maui trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Maui?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Whale watching, Haleakalā, Road to Hana. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Maui trip cost?
Roughly $180 a day per person on a budget, $350 mid-range and $800+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $3,500 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Maui?
Dec – Apr. Thousands of humpback whales arrive to breed from December to April, and Maui's west coast stays sunny and 27°C all winter.
Where should I stay in Maui?
Budget: Condos in Kīhei (South Maui), from about $200 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Kāʻanapali (West Maui), from about $400 a night. Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (Wailea), from about $1,200 a night.
How do I reach Maui?
Kahului airport (OGG) has direct flights from the US West Coast.
Is 4 days enough for Maui?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Maui?
December to April: 24–28°C on the coast; near freezing at Haleakalā's summit at dawn.
What food should I try in Maui?
Poke: Cubes of raw ahi tuna with soy and sesame. Shave ice: Fluffy ice with tropical syrups. Plate lunch: Kalua pork, rice and mac salad.
How do I get around Maui?
You need a rental car; buses are limited.
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