Maui has a lot on offer for first timers. To me, Maui is more of a "resort" based island, is very family friendly, has some great, unique activities and it's own take on Hawaiian cuisine. Don't forget the banana bread! You could easily spend a week exploring.

I think of Maui from a geographical standpoint and there are 4 key areas to explore: Kaanapali in the north west, Kihei in the south west, Hana in the north east, and Kahului/Haleakala in the middle. The first two are more centralized with hotels/places to stay and the other 2 are easy day trips. 4-5 days is ideal for exploring Maui for the first time!

Maui, Hawaii, USA

Maui for first timers

Kaanapali

Kapalua

Waimoku Falls

Waioka Pond (Venus Pool)

Haiku

Napili Bay

Twin Falls Maui Waterfall

Ke‘anae

Keōpuka Rock

Wailuku

Makena Alanui

Haleakala Crater

Hoapili Trail

Wailua Falls

Kopiliula Falls

Upper Waikani Falls

La Perouse Bay

Kamaole Beach Park I

Honolua Bay

Iao Valley

Seven Pools

Kihei

Puohokamoa Falls

Pua'a Ka'a Falls

Hanawi Falls

Kahului

Kamaole Beach Park II

Hana

Hana Highway

Keonehe'ehe'e (Sliding Sands) Trail

Hamoa Beach

Wailea-Makena

Paia

Lahaina

Kamaole Beach Park III

Maui, Hawaii

Maui, HI, USA

Sumanti Maui Trip

This is a comprehensive guide with viewpoints, pit stops, and parking recommendation for your journey to Hana. It's definitely not as scary as people make it seem, and worth renting a car and driving by the coast yourself to take the necessary time. This guide follow Highway 360, so you are not taking the "backway". 

It is ideal to take at least 2 to 3 days to see and hike everything along the way. The guide is organized by by the route, with more details on Hana, Wainapanapa and Kipahulu.

This guide includes: mapped stops along Road to Hana, hotel recommendations, food recommendations, activities and hiking recommendations, and reservations links.

If you have any questions, please feel free to message!

Last visited: May 2023

Haiku-Pauwela, HI, USA

Hana, HI, USA

Road to Hana (Maui, HI)

From pure relaxation to the wildest adventures, Maui is the island that has something to offer for everyone. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and Hawaiian culture.

1 Week in Maui

I'll give you the perfect spots, places to eat and things to do in Maui without spending lots of money.
(also I add some tips for saving even more)

I'll give you the perfect and really affordable place to stay, free tours and the MUST DO´s.

A super complete guide.

Maui on a budget

What to do, see & eat on the island of Maui for a first time visitor! In this guide I include my recommendations for… 
✨Hotels & Airbnbs 
✨Must Visit Restaurants & Bars 
✨Outdoor Activities & Beaches 
✨Local Attractions & Shops 

This guide has been updated due to the devasting fires in Lahaina 

The Ultimate Maui Guide

Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread

If you want a chance to try the infamous Banana Bread, come early. There is a lot of amazing views/lookouts around the area for you to enjoy the bread.

Famous banana bread to get along the road to Hana 

Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread

What people say

Mentioned in these guides

About Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread