TRAVEL • MAUI, HAWAII

Our Maui Favorites

A tropical beach scene with palm trees along the sandy shore, clear ocean water, and a sky filled with large, fluffy clouds.

A Little Piece of Paradise

Maui is one of those places we could visit again and again. From driving the Road to Hana and seeing the black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa to snorkeling, beautiful beaches and some amazing food, there was so much we loved about this trip.

I put together some of our favorite places, experiences and little tips along the way to give you a few ideas for your own Maui adventure.

These are simply places we visited and loved. Be sure to check current hours, reservations and conditions when planning your trip.

A tiled brick wall with a large white sign that has writing promoting a traditional Hawaiian feast called 'E Komo Mai'. The sign also features a colorful flower arrangement and a hand holding a yellow flower.
Colorful food truck with a sign that reads "Maui Shrimp" parked outdoors under a cloudy sky, with another yellow food truck behind it and people visible in the background.

DAY 1

Arrive + Settle Into Island Time

One of our first stops was the food truck court near Costco in Kahului—an easy, casual place to grab something to eat after flying in.

Then it’s time to check in, unpack and slow down. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring, walking the beach and enjoying your first Maui sunset.

OUR TIP: Don't plan too much for your arrival day. Give yourself time to settle in and enjoy being in Maui. 🌺

DAY 2

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana was one of our favorite days in Maui. The drive itself is part of the experience—lush tropical scenery, waterfalls, incredible ocean views and plenty of places to stop along the way.

We started early and made a day of it, taking our time and enjoying the journey.

Entrance gate to Twin Falls park with a colorful sign, yellow gate, and trees in the background.

1. Twin Falls
A beautiful first stop along the Road to Hana. Take some time to walk around, enjoy the tropical scenery and see the waterfalls.

2. Hana Lava Tubes
We had such a cool experience exploring the Hana Lava Tube in Maui! Walking through an underground tunnel created by ancient lava flows was fascinating. The unique rock formations and volcanic history made this a fun and memorable stop during our Road to Hana adventure.

Sign that reads "HANA LAVA TUBE" in front of a garden wall with foliage and plants.

3. Waterfalls + Scenic Overlooks
Some of the best moments are the unexpected stops along the way. Give yourself time to pull over safely and enjoy the views.

A small waterfall flowing over rocks into a lush green forested area, adjacent to a paved road with traffic signs.
Welcome sign for Hana, Hawaii, with lush tropical plants and a road in the background.

4. Hāna Town
Take some time to explore Hāna, grab something to eat and enjoy the slower pace before continuing your drive.

5. Waiʻānapanapa State Park
The black sand beach and dramatic coastline made this my favorite stop on the Road to Hana.

Advance reservations are required, so make sure this is planned ahead.

A coastal scene with a rocky shoreline, blue ocean waves, and a partly cloudy sky.

MY FAVORITE 😍

Molokini Crater + Turtle Town

One of our favorite Maui adventures was getting out on the water and snorkeling at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.

Molokini is known for its clear blue water and incredible underwater views. From there, we headed to Turtle Town, where you may get the chance to see Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural environment.

After a morning on the water, keep the rest of the day easy—grab lunch, head back to the beach or pool, and enjoy another Maui sunset.

OUR TIP: Book an early-morning excursion when possible. Ocean conditions are often more comfortable earlier in the day.

DAY 3

People swimming near a white boat anchored in the ocean close to a rocky hill under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A sea turtle swimming over a vibrant coral reef.

DAY 4

Maui From the Sky

Seeing Maui from above was such a special experience. We took a Helicopter ride over the island, and it gave us an entirely different view of Maui.

From the coastline and mountains to the valleys and waterfalls, seeing the island from the air was absolutely beautiful—and definitely one of those experiences we'll always remember.

OUR TIP: If you take a Helicopter ride, bring your camera and try to get a window seat. The views are incredible!

A scenic coastal landscape with lush green hills descending into the blue ocean, a clear blue sky, and clouds over a mountain in the background.
A black helicopter parked on a grassy field with trees and bushes, mountain, partly cloudy sky in the background.
People enjoying a day at the beach with rocks and the ocean, some standing on rocks, swimming, and sunbathing under a partly cloudy sky.
A tropical beach with golden sand and turquoise water, with people swimming and playing in the ocean, and umbrellas providing shade on the shore. Buildings and palm trees are visible on a hill in the background.

DAY 5

Beach Day + Black Rock

After a few days of adventures, this is the perfect day to slow down and enjoy what Maui is famous for—its beautiful beaches.

Spend the day swimming, relaxing, walking along the sand and exploring some of Maui’s most beautiful coastline.

Black Rock at Kaʻanapali Beach was one of the places we wanted to experience. The beach is beautiful, and Black Rock makes this area especially memorable.

DAY 6

Good Food + Island Time

Some of our favorite Maui memories were simply slowing down, enjoying great food and taking in the island.

Make this a relaxed day—sleep in, grab some coffee, explore, shop a little, spend more time at the beach, and enjoy a restaurant you've been looking forward to.

Mama’s Fish House
One of Maui’s most memorable dining experiences. The beautiful setting and atmosphere make it feel like more than just dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.

OUR TIP: Don't fill every day with activities. Leave some room in your itinerary to go back to a favorite beach, find a new restaurant or simply enjoy Maui at a slower pace.

Entrance to Mama's Fish House with tropical plants, bamboo fencing, and a thatched roof, under a blue sky with clouds.
A tropical dish served in a coconut shell garnished with herbs and lime, accompanied by fried plantains and tortillas on a colorful plate.
View of a tropical beach with palm trees, ocean waves, and partly cloudy sky during daytime.

DAY 7

One Last Day in Paradise

There’s something bittersweet about the last day in Maui. Instead of trying to squeeze in one more big adventure, we like to slow down and enjoy a few final moments on the island.

Have a relaxed breakfast or coffee, take one last walk along the beach, revisit a favorite spot, pick up a few souvenirs, and soak in those Maui views before heading home.

OUR TIP: If you have a later flight, keep your swimsuit and a change of clothes somewhere easy to reach. It gives you the option to enjoy a little more beach time before leaving.

A tropical beach scene at sunset with three tall palm trees, rocky shoreline, calm ocean waves, and a colorful sky with clouds.

Beaches We Loved

Maui has no shortage of beautiful beaches. Whether we were looking for a place to swim, relax, snorkel or simply watch the sunset, these are some of the beaches worth adding to your list.

A sandy beach with a few people near the shoreline, calm turquoise water, a rocky headland on the right, and a distant landmass on the left under a partly cloudy sky.
Tropical beach with black volcanic rocks, green shrubs, palm trees, ocean waves, and a cloudy sky.

Kaʻanapali Beach + Black Rock
Beautiful beach with the iconic Black Rock at the north end.

Kapalua Bay
A gorgeous protected bay that's popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Napili Bay
A smaller crescent-shaped beach with beautiful water and a relaxed feel.

Wailea Beach
A beautiful stretch of sand surrounded by some of Maui's well-known resorts.

Keawakapu Beach
A great South Maui beach with a quieter feel.

Makena Beach / Big Beach
A huge stretch of golden sand with incredible scenery. The waves and shore break can be strong, so use caution.

A sandy beach with gentle waves, people in the distance, green hills, and partly cloudy sky.

Remembering Lahaina

Lahaina will always hold a special place in our memories. We were fortunate to experience this beautiful little town before the devastating fires of 2023.

Walking through the shops, enjoying the waterfront and simply taking in the charm of Lahaina are memories I'm grateful we have.

The fires changed this community forever, and so many families and businesses were deeply affected. As Maui continues to heal and rebuild, we remember Lahaina with love and encourage visitors to be respectful and support local businesses whenever possible.

Lahaina, you will always be a beautiful part of our Maui memories. ❤️

A sidewalk by the waterfront with cars parked along the street, trees, and a sign that says 'No Parking 5am-5pm Loading Zone Mon.-Sat. 15 Min. Only'. There are some trees, a street lamp, and a view of the ocean with a sailboat in the background. The sky is clear and blue.

Until Next Time, Maui

Maui gave us so many beautiful memories—from the Road to Hana and black sand beaches to incredible food, ocean adventures and simply slowing down together.

There is still so much of the island we haven't seen, which just gives us another reason to come back.

Until next time, Maui. ❤️

Planning your own Maui adventure? Save this page and come back anytime for a little inspiration.