Only have 3 full days on this beautiful island? I got you! This guide will have you exploring all over Maui. If you follow this itinerary, I guarantee you'll have an unforgettable trip!

Maui, Hawaii, USA

Hawaii, USA

3-Day Maui Itinerary for the Adventurer

At Nakalele Blowhole in Maui, you can expect a dramatic natural spectacle where ocean waves forcefully shoot through a lava tube, creating a geyser-like water spout. The site offers stunning coastal views, rugged terrain, and a thrilling display of nature's power, but visitors should exercise caution due to the dangerous surf and slippery rocks. The terrain can be rocky and uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Get some fuel for your day by stopping at Kihei Caffe for breakfast. Try the POG Mimosa if you want a boozy treat. They're delish!

ʻĪao Needle State Monument is a stunning natural landmark located in the lush ʻĪao Valley of Maui. This towering, verdant peak rises 1,200 feet from the valley floor, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities in a historically significant area known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking beauty. (Reservations required - see note)

You won't regret attending this wonderfully authentic luau, complete with great food, Hawaiian culture and history, and hula dancing. Reserve your spot in advance so you do not miss out!

Before heading to lunch, stop by Lipoa Point for a scenic view.

The Road to Hana is a scenic drive along Maui's northeastern coast, stretching about 64 miles from Kahului to the town of Hana. Known for its winding roads, lush rainforest, and numerous waterfalls, the journey offers breathtaking views and opportunities to explore beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites. The road features over 600 curves and 59 bridges, making it an adventurous and memorable trip for visitors seeking to experience Maui's natural beauty and charm. 

I recommend getting started early, as this will be an all day excursion. I also recommend either downloading the coordinates ahead of time, or using an app like Shaka Guide, due to the remoteness of this area. I have included the mile markers in the notes for each stop. Here are some highlights to stop at along the way.

The road to Hana can get very narrow and curvy. Please be mindful and courteous of other drivers, as locals must use this route to get to and from their daily routine. 

There are so many more things to see beyond what is listed here. Feel free to stop if you see something that is not on this list. Just be mindful that you literally cannot visit everything on the Road to Hana in one day. So you will  need to pick and choose what to stop and get out to see. But regardless, you can't go wrong because everything is spectacular!

Beyond Kipahulu, the Hana Highway becomes the Piilani Highway (Hwy 31), which continues along the rugged eastern coast of Maui, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. The Piilani Highway eventually connects with other roads on the island, providing access to different parts of Maui. 

***PLEASE NOTE: Check with your rental car agency if you decide to take this more rugged route. Rental car companies may prohibit taking their vehicles on certain roads due to safety concerns, potential damage to the vehicle, and limited roadside assistance in remote areas. It's important to check with your rental car agency about any restrictions or guidelines they have regarding driving on the Hana Highway and other similar roads on Maui.

You can either turn around and head back the way you came, or you can continue on past Hana. If you continue past Hana on the Hana Highway (also known as the Hana Road), you will eventually reach the town of Kipahulu and the entrance to the Haleakalā National Park's Kīpahulu District. This area is known for its stunning coastal scenery, including black sand beaches, sea cliffs, and lush rainforest.

You may be tired from the busy day, and you'll need to rest up for the early day tomorrow. So I recommend getting a pizza to take back to your place of lodging. Flatbread Company is highly rated and has many options!

Hit the sack at a reasonable time, because tomorrow you will have an EARLY start.

If the activities on one of these days fall through, or if you have another day in Maui, here are some recommendations on how to fill that day!

I hope this helped you plan the trip of a lifetime! If you found this helpful, I'd be so grateful if you could do the following:

Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkeling Adventure

Helicopter Tour

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Lunch with a view at Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina

Look up the time of the sunrise for this day, and plan to arrive at least a half hour before that time. This will ensure you have a nice spot to view the sunrise. Also, the show is not just the moment the sun rises above the horizon line; it is beautiful leading up to and after. It takes about three hours to drive to the top, give or take a half-hour depending on where on the island you start from. It will be an early wake-up call, but I promise it will be worth it for the view!

*** The sunrise requires a reservation. Reservations are available online 60 days in advance, released at 7:00 am HST. The online inventory renews at 7:00 am every day, but often sells out within fifteen minutes. A portion of the reservations are also released online 2 days in advance at 7:00 am HST. Reservations are only available through Recreation.gov. Make sure you are already logged in on the website (easy and free to create an account) before you make your reservation. This makes the process easier and quicker when making your reservation.  

Haleakala Sunrise Reservations, Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise Reservations - Recreation.gov

Explore the lava fields at Kinau Nature Reserve

Relax for the afternoon at Makena Landing Park

Bring along some snacks/coffee/water to hold you over until breakfast. 

Be sure to bring pants, shoes, layers of clothing, hats, and blankets. Temperatures are often in the 40-degree (F) range, and often colder than that.

Heart-Shaped Rock: Near the Nakalele Blowhole, there is a rock formation that, from the right angle, resembles a heart. It's a popular spot for photos.

Acid War Zone: This area, close to the blowhole, features fascinating rock formations that have been eroded into unusual shapes by the natural elements.

Head back to your place of lodging to regroup and rest before the luau.

Yes, it is open! It resumed its operations in March 2024, following a seven-month hiatus due to the wildfires in August 2023.

Snacks, coffee, water, comfortable shoes (for rocky terrain), beachwear/equipment, snorkeling equipment, camera, sunscreen.

Snacks, water, comfortable/hiking shoes, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, camera, cash.

Snacks/water, comfortable shoes (Nakalele area has some rocky terrain), sunscreen, camera.

Kihei Caffe

Nakalele Blowhole

Old Lahaina Luau

Aloha Mixed Plate

Make Reservations Here

Iao Needle State Monument

Lipoa Point

Twin Falls Maui Waterfall

Ke’anae Peninsula

Upper Waikani Falls

Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside

Halfway to Hana

Hāna Farms Roadside Stand, Pizza Oven and Bakery

Roadside Lava Tube

Make Reservation Here

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Hana

Flatbread Company

Sugar Beach Bake Shop - Kihei

Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve

AMA BAR & GRILL

Makena Landing Park

Cafe O'Lei Kihei

Maui Seaside Hotel

Kohea Kai Maui, Ascend Hotel Collection

Maui Coast Hotel

Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas

Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux

Maui What a Wonderful World Bed and Breakfast

Ha'le Kiana B & B

Paia Inn Hotel

Howzit Hostels

Napili Village Hotel

This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place - renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest with an unforgettable hike through the backcountry.

3-Day Maui Itinerary for the Adventurer

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