Experiencing Maui Magic For The First Time

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure

Maui is a mix of all the other islands. You have the spacious wilderness of the Big Island, and the convenience of Oahu, and the dramatic landscapes of Kauai all on one island. There are also many unique features like being part of Maui Nui (Maui, Lanai, Molokai), having Molokini Crater, and hosting the largest gathering of humpback whales every Winter!

We have saved you the time and hassle of research and planning by organizing the best tours of Maui at the best prices. We have built great relationships with the best tour providers on the island and can help you with any logistics or issues that may come up as well.

Below you will find the best of LAND, AIR, WATER, and CULTURE Maui has to offer with a little background info and a few options to consider. We have organized everything into a day-by-day itinerary for you based on years of experience of building dream vacations.

ARRIVAL
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DEPARTURE

ARRIVAL

The most common airport for arrival is Kahului Airport (OGG) but if you are coming from another island, Hana Airport (HNM) is also an option.

Right upon arrival, you will probably be hungry and if you are renting a car, this is the perfect time to check the largest gathering of food trucks on the island. You can simply type in ‘Costco food trucks’ on your phone to find it. Here you will find something for everyone with plenty of plant-based options, local farm-to-table options, and food truck staples like burgers and tacos.

We recommend staying on the sunnier South side in either Lahaina/Kapalua (West) area or Wailea/Kihei (East) area, both are between 30-45 minutes away on a normal day. Both areas have a wide selections of accommodations, dining, access to activities, and shopping.

Kahului Airport Sign Entrance Maui

Royal Lahaina Resort Exterior Maui

DAY 1: Haleakala Sunrise with a Relaxing Beach Day

Most people wake up early in their first few days in Hawai’i because of the time difference. This is the perfect time to have an early morning guided adventure to the highest point on the island for one of the most spectacular sunrises on the planet at Haleakala National Park. The name Haleakala means ‘house of the sun’ in Hawaiian and it is revered as an ancestor to the Natives. Along the way up or down, you may spot a pueo (owl), very elusive but also very auspicious, and most likely at least a few goats and cows.

You will be above the clouds, with a warm Kona brewed coffee in your hands, feeling like an astronaut with the silverswords, only found here, around you and with hills of reddish-brown soil beneath you. Afterwards, you will be driven over to a breakfast spot in historic Makawao, a town that looks almost exactly as it did a century ago. With tons of photos and a full stomach, you will be dropped back off at your accommodations giving you the rest of the afternoon to relax at the beach, watch the sunset, and get a dinner nearby.

It’s wise to do this activity first since it will give you a deeper appreciation of the whole island and especially of the warmth of the sun. Below are several options of tours that we provide. If any of your questions are not answered on the tour page, feel free to contact us!

haleakala sunrise visitors maui header

stunning landscape of haleakala volcano crater

DAY 2: Encounter Wildlife at the Molokini Crater

Maui offers dozens of ways to enjoy the ocean, there is something for everyone. If you here during Winter months, you MUST go on a whale watching tour because the world’s largest gathering of humpback whales happens right here in Maui Nui. Every tour is unique and you never know what else you will see, these waters are home to thousands of dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks, and four species of turtles.

The way to get the best value for your money is to do a Molokini Snorkel tour because you will most likely see whales on the way there and/or on the way back while also hearing them sing underwater around Molokini Crater Marine Sanctuary. You can go to Molokini year round, so don’t worry if you come here outside of whale season.

Hawaii, Maui, Molokini with Kaho'olawe in the Distance.

hula girl deluxe whale watch dinner cruise maui deluxe whales

DAY 3: Relax During the Day and Attend a Lu’au at Night

Catch up on sleep, have breakfast in bed, then lounge by the beach or the pool. Let your muscles rest from the first few days and be ready for the second half of your trip.

A luau is a special celebration of Polynesian culture that includes music, dance, food, and much more. This festive event is perfect for family and friends who want to have a great time while learning about the traditions of several different countries in Oceania. The Hawaiian food at a luau is always delicious, and the main course is usually a whole hog cooked in an imu (underground oven).

Not sure what foods to try? Definitely the Kalua Pig, Mahi Mahi, Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, Ahi Poke, delicious fresh fruit, and for dessert try at least two. Haupia pudding and Mochi are two favorites in the islands.

After dinner, sit back and relax as you enjoy an unforgettable evening of traditional Hawaiian music and dance. In addition to the fantastic food, the live entertainment will keep you entertained all night long. You can expect to see music and dances from the traditions of Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, and New Zealand. This is a great way to learn about the many island cultures that migrated to Hawaii hundreds of years ago.

Luau Show Westin Maui Luau

authentic hawaiian food mauis finest luau

DAY 4: Surf & Snorkel

Maui is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. There is a wave for every level of experience from beginner to world-class pro. There are many options to take a lesson in the morning, a time when the waves are most gentle and the wind has not picked up yet.

The south shore of Maui also offers many reefs and lava formations where turtles hang out to feed and hang out. You will also notice many different species of fish, possibly even an eagle ray!

beautiful girl surfing on big transparent waves maui

giant hawaiian turtle hawaii ocean project lanai dolphin snorkel tour

DAY 5: The Road To Hana

If you go to Maui, you MUST take the road to Hana. This is more than just a great drive – it’s an experience. And, in order to get the most out of your trip to Hana, it helps to know more about the history and legends of the area. Make sure you do Hana the right way – go with a knowledgeable guide who can show you all the best spots. You may find out that there are legendary stories associated with each spot where Gods have left their mark and historic battles have been fought. Hana is also home to a lush tropical rainforest, which means that the ziplining, hiking, and waterfall adventures are unlike anything anywhere else. There are some great places to eat along the way too – including the best banana bread you’ll ever taste. Cool off at a black sand beach and take a little time for a swim. To experience the road to Hana is to travel through the very heart of Maui.

blue hawaiian hana haleakala helicopter tour series of waterfalls and pools

hanauma bay state park oahu hawaii

DAY 6: View the Beautiful Maui Nui from Helicopter

One of the best ways to see Maui is from a helicopter. The island is known as the “Valley Isle” because of its two mountain ranges, and a helicopter tour from West Maui gives you a great view of the valleys and waterfalls. Another spectacular landscape of valleys and waterfalls is Haleakala. The northeastern slopes have hundreds of waterfalls cascading through the jungle forest valleys along the Hana side. There are dozens above it and often a few farther down each valley for every waterfall you see along the road to Hana. From the air, it’s truly stunning how many waterfalls there are – with some even cascading into the ocean! Tours can also include a flight across the channel to the island of Molokai, where you can see the thousand-foot high ocean cliffs. The views from the helicopter are simply breathtaking and something that you will not want to miss. So, whether this is your first time or your tenth time to Maui, make sure to consider a helicopter tour and see the island like never before.

blue hawaiian complete maui helicopter tour fly over the waterfall

the best golfers in the world playing at kapalua maui maverick helicopters

DEPARTURE

The most common airport for departure is the Kahului Airport (OGG), as this is ideal for going to another island or back home.

On your way out, you might be hungry for one last taste of local food, this is the perfect time to check the largest gathering of food trucks on the island. You can simply type in ‘Costco food trucks’ on your phone to find it. Here you will find something for everyone with plenty of plant-based options, local farm-to-table options, and food truck staples like burgers and tacos.

Kahului Airport Sign Entrance Maui

Royal Lahaina Resort Exterior Maui

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