🏝 Perfect 5 Day Maui Itinerary (Post-Fires) for 2023

5 Day Maui Itinerary blog post cover graphic.  Text overlaying an image of a golden sand beach on a sunny day with hotels and palm trees lining it in the distance.

⚠️ SEP 22, 2023 – MAUI WILDFIRE UPDATES

All fires are now contained. Travel is safe and encouraged to Maui, but the region of West Maui specifically will remain closed to non-essential travel until October 8, 2023. The town of Lahaina will remain closed indefinitely.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is urging visitors to maintain travel plans as tourism is essential to the local economy, but to be mindful and respectful of the hardships the locals are enduring, and to avoid Lahaina specifically.

5 days in Maui is the perfect amount of time for a Hawaiian vacation that balances a bit of sightseeing with plenty of beach time.

We visit the Hawaiian islands at least once per year and, having explored them all thoroughly, understand why Maui is most people’s favorite. It offers everything from jungle treks to secret beaches and is as good to visit for an exciting celebration as it is for a relaxing holiday.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know for planning the perfect 5 day Maui itinerary. This includes a clear breakdown of the best way to spend each day, as well as alternative options for personal customization.

In addition, you will find information especially valuable for first-time visitors such as how to get around, the best areas to stay, regional maps, and more.

Disclosure: In order to keep providing you with free content, this post likely contains affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links 🙂

🚒 Impact of Fires when Visiting Maui

The town of Lahaina in West Maui as seen from the harbor before being destroyed by wildfire on August 8, 2023.
A photo of historic Lahaina town before being destroyed by the wildfire on Aug 8, 2023.

⚠️ Sep 22 Update: The entire West Maui region is closed to tourists. This includes the areas of Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kapalua, and Napili.

These regions will re-open on October 8, 2023, with the exception of Lahaina which will remain closed indefinitely.

On August 8, 2023, high winds sent several wildfires raging across several regions of Maui.

Most of the island was able to recover quickly, but the West Maui region was severely impacted with the historic tourist town of Lahaina tragically reduced to rubble.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority urges visitors to continue to vacation in Maui to help support the local economy and recovery efforts, but to avoid the West Maui region entirely and to be mindful of the hardship that locals are enduring.

🌴 5 Day Maui Itinerary Overview

About This Guide

As most travelers will want to spend the entirety of their 5 days in Maui in one accommodation, times and distances for this itinerary are based on a stay in the Kihei / Wailea region.

Regarding suggested activities, we have designed the itinerary to include the best and most popular things to do.

However, we also understand that everyone vacations differently and have listed several alternative options at the end of the 5 day itinerary that you can substitute for activities that do not appeal to you.

Finally, we have covered the basic need-to-know information for first-time visitors below.

If you need more help planning your Maui vacation, you will want to open our PLANNING A TRIP TO MAUI ULTIMATE GUIDE in another window.


5 Day Itinerary Breakdown

5 Day Maui itinerary map showing color-coded points of interest on a Google Map.
Map of Maui showing points of interest for this 5-Day Maui Itinerary.

The interactive map of Maui above shows all of the points of interest recommended in this itinerary, color-coded by day. Click on the image above or here to open the map in a new tab.

Each day and activity will be covered in detail next. Here is an overview of the perfect 5 day Maui itinerary:

Day 1Arrive and explore locally around Kihei / Wailea, dinner at a sunset luau.
Day 2Road to Hana scenic drive with stops at waterfalls, beaches, and more.
Day 3Molokini Crater snorkel tour, beach day, end the day with a sunset sail.
Day 4Morning in Haleakala National Park & Upcountry, afternoon on the North Shore.
Day 5Check out and depart.

Regional Map of Maui

Regional Map of Maui showing the 6 districts in different colors including West Maui, Central Maui, North Shore, South Shore, Upcountry, and East Maui.

Maui is broken into six distinct regions that you should try and familiarize yourself with as they will be mentioned by name throughout this travel guide.

South MauiMost popular tourist destination with best beaches and weather.
West MauiSecond most popular place to stay and best snorkeling.
*CLOSED to non-essential travel due to wildfire damage until Oct 8, 2023*
Central MauiLarge stores, chain restaurants, and the airport (OGG).
North ShoreGreat for surfing, wind sailing, and quiet, secluded beaches.
UpcountryClimb in elevation as you near Haleakala volcano for sweeping views.
East MauiRainy side of Maui with beautiful nature and famous Road to Hana.

Where to Stay in Maui

Looking down the golden sand and palm-tree lined Wailea beach towards several of the best resorts to stay at on Maui.

The best area to stay in Maui is either Kihei or Wailea-Makena.

These neighboring towns are located in the region known as South Maui which sees the best weather on the island while also boasting some of the best beaches and most extensive tourist amenities.

Of note, the west coast of Maui is the leeward side (dry side). The east coast is the windward side (wet side).

To learn more about your other options, you can read about the pros and cons of staying in each region in our WHERE TO STAY IN MAUI COMPLETE GUIDE.


Getting Around Maui

A red and white jeep driving the Road to Hana cross over a bridge with a waterfall in the background.

The best way to explore Maui is by renting a car. The roads are well-maintained and easy to drive, though you will want to avoid oversized vehicles for the Road to Hana scenic drive.

It is also possible to explore Maui by campervan, which allows you to truly maximize your time. Be forewarned, however, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so as the island continues to crack down on overnight camping outside of designated sites.

Public transportation is available but limited and therefore not recommended.

If you’re not comfortable driving, then booking tours to areas you’re interested in will likely be the best option for you.

🏖 Maui Itinerary Day 1:
Arrive, Explore Kihei / Wailea, Sunset Luau

Day 1 has been kept very light and flexible due to variable arrival times and flight distances for all readers.

Also, it is important to have time in your schedule to allow a moment to switch into vacation mode!

Still, it’s your first day on Maui and you will want to enjoy it. We recommend checking in, hitting the beaches, then kicking off your vacation with a sunset luau.


Arrival in Maui

A view of the West Maui region with an airplane wing, captured from the window of a plane arriving in Maui.

The airport you will be flying into on Maui is Kahului Airport (OGG). It is located in the Central Maui region but is only a 15-minute drive to Kihei and another 5+ minutes to Wailea.

We recommend arranging your accommodation in the Kihei or Wailea region for all 5 days in Maui. These areas have the most tourist services, bars and restaurants, accessible beaches, and the best weather on the island.

The West Maui region, especially Ka’anapali, Lahaina, and Kapalua, is another popular option but is not recommended for the time being. The region will re-open on October 8, 2023.


Explore Kihei / Wailea

Two unoccupied beach chairs stand alone on a beautiful, empty beach in Wailea as a setting sun spills light onto gold sand and vibrant green palm trees.

The South Maui region is home to the best beaches and weather on Maui.

After you have unpacked, grab your flip flops and head to one of the many beautiful beaches of Kihei or Wailea.

Time and interest allowing, you can also skip the sand for now in lieu of getting familiar with the town and potentially stocking up on supplies.

Kihei has more bars, restaurants, shops, and services than anywhere else on the island.

In particular, our favorite place for a casual drink outdoors is at the incredible and family-friendly Maui Brewing Co!


Sunset Luau

A group of performers tell traditional Hawaiian stories through the art of dance during a sunset Luau in Maui.

A quintessential experience for everyone visiting Hawaii for the first time is to witness a modern rendition of a traditional luau.

Unfortunately, what most considered the best, most authentic luau in all of Hawaii, the Old Lahaina Luau was damaged by wildfire on August 8, 2023. It remains to be seen when, or if, it will reopen.

Still, there are a handful of excellent options to choose from that showcase the beauty of Hawaiian culture through food and traditional dance.

On both our visits, we enjoyed and recommend the Andaz Resort’s sunset luau: “The Feast at Mokapu.”

You can also browse the highest-rated luaus in Maui here.

🚗 Maui Itinerary Day 2:
Road to Hana Scenic Drive

Most imagine Maui to be just beaches and a tropical paradise. However, there is also a lush rainforest teeming with waterfalls, unusual beaches, and an assortment of natural gems to be discovered on the famous Road to Hana.

You will want to allow at least a full day for exploring the Road to Hana in its entirety.

In fact, we recommend any nature lovers with a little extra time consider an overnight stay in Hana or at Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach).

The journey from Kihei and back will be about 5 hours and 128 miles of just driving. Be sure you get an early start to allow plenty of time for sightseeing!


Tips for Driving the Road to Hana

A red car and white van drive at the base of sheer cliffs on a narrow stretch of the Road to Hana, Maui

You can do the drive as a full loop, or as a there-and-back.

However, many rental car agreements will forbid you from driving beyond the town of Kaupo as the roads become very narrow and poorly maintained.

If you are driving the full loop beyond Kaupo, it is recommended to drive clockwise beginning in the town of Paia so that you are going with traffic, not against it.

As there is a lot to consider, we recommend reading our ROAD TO HANA ITINERARY to find out more about how to maximize your time and for more information on arranging your visit.


Best Stops on the Road to Hana

Along this scenic drive, you will encounter a bevy of beautiful natural features including a collection of waterfalls and unusual beaches. The best stops to consider include:

As there is a lot to say about this incredible drive, we recommend reading our COMPLETE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE to find out more of the best stops, tips, and information for the excursion.

📸 READ MORE
25 BEST STOPS ON THE ROAD TO HANA

🤿 Maui Itinerary Day 3:
Molokini Crater, Wailea Beaches, Sunset Sail

Day 3 will be a fun-filled day of activities on, near, or under the water!

We recommend beginning with a snorkel tour to Molokini Crater, considered one of the best spots for snorkeling on Maui and impressive to see up close.

This should have you back just in the early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the South Maui beaches and relax for a bit.

To end the day, we recommend a sunset sail which can include dinner, drinks, or both.


Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour

Underwater photography of a green sea turtle taken off the shore of Kaulahao Beach.

Located off the south shore of Maui and rising 300ft (91m) out of the water, Molokini is considered one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world!

As a protected marine reserve, the conditions are pristine and the reef is abundant with marine life. While snorkeling you can spot manta rays, an array of tropical fish, sharks, and turtles that inhabit the coral reef.

Most tours also include a stop at Turtle Town; a long stretch of coastline in the southern district of Makena. As the name suggests, it is known for its high population of green turtles, or honu as they’re known locally!


Top Rated Molokini Snorkel Tours

Below are a few of the top-rated Molokini snorkel trips. Each will have different start times and slightly different inclusions, so make sure you compare them to find one that’s right for you.

It is also not uncommon for tours to be fully booked during peak season, so it is worth booking in advance.

  • Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei: 5/5 ⭐
    Get an early start and be one of the first to Molokini Crater. Departing at 7am,  this 5-hour tour includes breakfast and lunch. After snorkeling the crystal clear waters of Molokini, you’ll head to ‘Turtle Town,’ stopping on the way to see some recent lava flows at La Perouse Bay.
  • Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour with Lunch: 4.6/5 ⭐
    Starting at either 6:30am or 7:30am, this tour lasts 5-6 hours and takes you to both Molokini and Turtle Town. The tour includes your snorkeling gear, flotation devices, as well as breakfast and lunch. There’s even a slide on the boat for an added bit of fun!
  • Afternoon Snorkel to Coral Gardens or Molokini Crater: 4.4/5
    If you’re not an early riser, or are looking for a shorter time commitment, this afternoon tour starting at 1pm may suit you better! This tour lasts 3 hours and will take you either to Coral Gardens or Molokini Crater, depending on sea and weather conditions on the day of your tour. Snorkel equipment is included, however, lunch is an optional extra for this tour.

South Maui Beaches

Looking down the golden sand beach of Kamaole Beach Park in Kihei, with palm trees lining the shore and a large resort in the distance.
Kamaole Beach Park, Kihei

Once you’ve returned from your snorkel tour, it is time to relax and soak in the aloha!

The Kihei and Wailea-Makena areas in the South Maui region both have dozens of paradisiacal golden-sand beaches to choose from. All you have to do is pick a favorite!

As South Maui has the best beaches on the island, you really can’t go wrong, but our favorites are:

🏝 EXPLORE MORE:
BEST BEACHES IN KIHEI MAUI


Maui Sunset Sail

The Trilogy sailboat embarks on a Maui sunset sail during golden hour to end the third day of a 5-day Maui itinerary.

Maui is consistently named amongst the most romantic destinations in the US, and it doesn’t get much better than a sunset sail!

Whether you are on a family vacation, romantic getaway, or celebrating something special, few experiences will top a sunset sail off the west coast of Maui.

If you are there during whale migration season (November through April), you may even have the good fortune of spotting a passing humpback!

Be sure to watch as the sun crosses the horizon for a chance to witness the mythical “green flash.”

🌋 Maui Itinerary Day 4:
Haleakala, Upcountry, North Shore

A view of the pristine Paia beach on the Maui North Shore captured on a beautiful sunny day.
Paia Beach on the Maui North Shore

As this will be your final full day on Maui, we recommend making the most of it!

Your day will begin at the incredible Haleakala National Park summit, which is the most famous place for sunrise in all of Hawaii.

Whether you decide on partaking in sunrise or not, we recommend exploring the park and the beautiful Maui upcountry to begin your day.

The most popular ways to see Haleakala National Park are:

After enjoying the volcanic highlands, you will return to sea level to wander around one of Maui’s most charming, historic towns in Paia.

From here, you can choose one of many beaches to relax and/or snorkel from. The Maui North Shore is home at some of the best secret beaches on Maui.


Haleakala National Park

Looking out over a volcanic landscape from the summit of Haleakala Volcano in Haleakala National Park in Maui Upcountry.

The Hawaiian islands were forged by volcanoes, and the most beautiful place to immerse yourself in this volcanic nature is at Haleakalā National Park.

The park is broken up into two separate districts. You will have already visited ʻOheʻo Gulch in the Kīpahulu District on Day 2 while driving the Road to Hana, so Day 4 will focus instead on the Summit District.

As mentioned, you can choose to explore the park via a guided tour, downhill bicycle adventure, or on a self-guided drive. You will find links to recommended tours below.

The drive to the summit takes about 2 hours without stops. Accordingly, you will need to get an early start, especially if you want to be there for the iconic Haleakala sunrise experience. Permits are required for sunrise visits and are difficult to get, but are guaranteed with sunrise tours.

For those who prefer to visit independently and drive themselves, visit the official Haleakala NPS site. Here, you will find everything you need to know about the park, including reservations, hikes, planners, maps, and important park alerts including closures.

For those that have one, be sure to pack your NPS annual pass or consider buying one if you’ll be exploring several NPS sites this year!

⭐️ Pro tip: Pack warm clothes! You will be at 10,023 feet (3,055m) in elevation so it’ll be much cooler than the beach, particularly at sunrise!


Haleakalā National Park Guided Tours

Take the stress out of scoring reservations and driving switchbacks in the dark with a tour to Haleakalā.

There are several tour options, offering slightly different experiences. Some of the top tours to Haleakalā include:

  • Sunrise and breakfast tour to Haleakalā: 4.6/5
    This highly-rated tour will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to the summit to watch the sun come up. Here you will have coffee and pastries waiting, before returning to your hotel by late morning. It is a particularly great option if your Maui itinerary is tight, as it frees up the afternoon for beach hopping or whale watching.
  • Guided hike of Haleakala crater with lunch: 4.8/5
    Explore two popular hiking trails and learn about Maui’s heritage with an expert guide.
  • Haleakala and ‘Iao Valley tour: 4.6/5
    Take in the highlights of Upcountry Maui and witness the otherworldly landscape of Haleakala. After taking time to enjoy the national park, you will go on to explore ‘Iao Valley and witness the impressive ʻĪao Needle.
  • Haleakala Sunrise Downhill Bike Tour: 5/5
    After a ride in a van to Haleakala for sunrise, you will ride downhill at your own pace, stopping for photos and a light breakfast along the way.
    If you’re not interested in going for sunrise, you can save money by booking a tour that starts a little later.

Maui Upcountry

Low clouds blanket the summit of Haleakala Volcano in this photo from the Maui Upcountry region.

When you have descended from the summit of Haleakala National Park, you will find yourself in the highlands region known as the “Maui Upcountry”.

The Upcountry region is home to some quaint and charming tourist attractions for you to consider visiting prior to driving down the mountain.

Some of the top attractions in Maui Upcountry include:

  • Makawao: Small “cowboy town” with cute shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • Kula: Another popular tourist town in the region
  • Maui Gold Plantation: Offers tours of an active pineapple plantation
  • Hali’imaile General Store: Don’t be fooled by the name, this is actually a premier farm-to-table restaurant with exceptional reviews!
  • Ocean Vodka Distillery: Enjoy vodka tastings with exceptional, sweeping vistas.

Maui North Shore

A Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle rests on the shore of VOR beach below tall palm trees on the island of Maui.

While the South and West Maui regions get most of the attention, there are a handful of incredible tropical beaches on the north shore of Maui that rank among the best on the island.

Better yet, these hidden gems tend to be far less crowded than those in Kihei, Wailea, or Ka’anapali.

To end Day 4, we recommend taking a trip to Paia to wander around the charming historic town there. From there, head to Baldwin Beach Park or one of the many secret beaches nearby to enjoy some downtime until dinner.

For your final dinner on the island, book a reservation at Mama’s Fish House, considered the best sea food restaurant on Maui!

You can find out everything you need to know about the region including the best beaches (including the secret ones), restaurants, and more in our COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE MAUI NORTH SHORE.

✈️ Maui Itinerary Day 5:
Check Out & Depart

View of Haleakala on Maui from the plane window on a flight to Hawaii.

We didn’t want to include any specific recommendations for your final day on Maui since the amount of time you have available is entirely dependent on your time of departure.

Fortunately, the Maui Airport (OGG) is small and doesn’t require too much time to get through!

Wake up early and watch the sunrise, or sneak in one final trip to your favorite beach.

Time permitting, get back into the water to say goodbye to your honu friends! Or, order way too big a breakfast and enjoy that final indulgence before catching your flight.

If you have at least a half day or more, consider one of the “Alternative Activities” presented in the next section.

🥾 Alternative Options & Activities

If you find you have extra time and/or are not interested in some of the proposed activities included in the 5 day Maui itinerary above, consider adding or substituting some of the popular alternatives featured in this section.


Option 1: West Maui Road Trip

⛔️ Non-essential visits to West Maui are not permitted at this time due to regional damage and road closures as a result of the August wildfires. It will re-open on October 8, 2023.

The West Maui region has some of the best snorkeling, beaches, hikes, resorts, luaus, and towns you will find on Maui.

In the past, we included a visit to the region in a variety of styles within our main 5 day itinerary.

Unfortunately, however, wildfires in August 2023 destroyed much of the area, including the entirety of Lahaina Historic Town. This region is closed to non-essential travel until October 8, 2023.

Upon re-opening, people most interested in sightseeing can take a scenic road trip along the Honoapillani Hwy which joins the Kahekili Hwy to form a complete loop around the entire region.

Those more interested in snorkeling, beaches, and resorts can move at a slower pace and enjoy many of the stops along the Honoapillani Hwy, turning around at Honolua Bay Lookout (or sooner).


Best Places to Visit in West Maui

Snorkelers swim about the crystal clear water of Honolua Bay in West Maui, considered one of the best snorkel spots in Hawaii.
Snorkelers in Honolua Bay

These are the best places to visit on a West Maui road trip, in the order that you will see them while doing a clockwise loop along the Honoapillani Hwy and Kahekili Hwy:

  • Olowalu: Excellent snorkel spot with magnificent coral gardens.
  • Lahaina: Considered the best town in Maui before being destroyed by wildfire.
  • Ka’anapali: Home to the best resorts and beaches in West Maui.
  • Napili / Kapalua: Two other luxury resort towns with excellent beaches.
  • Honolua Bay: Marine sanctuary, considered the best snorkel spot on Maui.
  • Honolua Bay Lookout: Great sunset spot and turnaround point.
  • Olivine Pools: Dramatic volcanic coastal landscape.

Option 2: Hiking the West Maui Mountains

A photo of the Iao Valley with clouds blanketing the peaks of the West Maui mountains.

Many of the hiking trails suggested in this section remain accessible even as much of the West Maui region is closed due to recent wildfires. However, we always recommend checking before you go.

While most visitors vacation in Maui to relax, there are always those few whose idea of paradise lives on the trails.

For those of you who want to include hiking in your 5 day Maui itinerary, the best trails can be found in the West Maui mountains.

In particular, the short 0.6-mile hike along the Iao Needle Trail found within ʻĪao Valley State Monument is especially spectacular, though it doesn’t require much effort.

Other popular hikes in the area include:

TRAILDISTANCEDESCRIPTION
Iao Needle0.6 milesShort, paved walk to the Iao Needle formation
Entry & parking reservations are required for non-residents.
Ohai Loop1.2 milesShort walk along the coastal bluffs with sweeping vistas.
Waihe’e Ridge4 milesExciting climb along deep ridges in the heart of the region with incredible sweeping views.
Launiupoko Valley*
4.5 milesLong walk through a lush green valley.
Mahana Ridge*10.4 milesLong, difficult trek with 2,000ft elevation gain that begins at the beach and goes deep into rainforest.
*Currently closed due to West Maui fires.

Option 3: Day Trip to the Island of Lanai

Those with the time and desire should consider a short day trip or even an overnight visit to the neighboring island of Lāna‘i.

It is often referred to as the Pineapple Island as it used to have an island-wide pineapple plantation that produced 75% of the world’s pineapples!

You will be able to see Lāna‘i throughout your time on Maui off in the distance. The island has some very unique points of interest, including two renowned golf courses and some photogenic beaches, but it is not quite the tropical paradise that the other major islands are.

That said, the best reason to visit Lanai is to experience a change of pace from the tourist buzz of Maui.

You can take the ferry to Lanai for $30 each way, tickets are available from Go Lanai website. Since the devastating fires in Lahaina, the ferry for Lanai now departs from Maalaea Harbor instead of Lahaina.


Option 4: Road to Hana Overnight Trip

The Hyatt Residence honeymoon hotel in Hana during golden hour.

If seeing all there is to see on the incredible Road to Hana is a priority, or you would just like to stay somewhere different during your 5 days in Maui, consider spending one night in Hana.

By doing so, you are able to see a lot more of this beautiful part of the island and will be able to avoid some of the traffic that backs up on this small road throughout the day.

Plus, you get to spend a night in a lush rainforest that feels like an entirely different world from the rest of Hawaii.

If you are considering this alternative option, we recommend reading our 1-2 DAY ROAD TO HANA ITINERARY which explains how to amend your schedule to include an overnight stay.


Option 5: Whale Watching Tour

A whale tail splashes out of the water captured on a Maui whale watching tour during a moody day.

If you are visiting during whale migration season (November – April), you can consider a whale-watching tour to occupy half a day on your 5 day Maui itinerary.

To be clear, you will not NEED to take a tour to see whales during this time. They can often be seen right from the beaches and viewpoints, though typically at a much greater distance than you’ll see them from a boat tour.

🎒 Packing for 5 Days in Maui

A woman in a bathing suit grabs her snorkel gear from the back of a minivan during a 5 day visit to Maui.

For the complete rundown, we have created the COMPLETE GUIDE TO PACKING FOR MAUI with downloadable and printable checklists, as well as 25 items you probably haven’t thought of (or didn’t know existed) to bring with you.

If you just want the essentials, here are some things that you will want to consider packing for your 5 days in Maui:

  • Camera: Maui is a stunning place and you’ll want to capture many moments. We use the Sony a7riii and love it. However, beginners may wish to consider an entry level DSLR to start with.
  • Waterproof camera: With incredible snorkeling and waterfalls to explore you may find yourself taking more photos from underwater than on the land! We recommend either the GoPro or Olympus TG6, both of which we use.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen: Hawaii is the first state to require the use of reef-safe sunscreen. We use Stream 2 Sea sunscreen as it’s reef-safe and most of their bottles are made from sugarcane resin rather than plastic.
  • Beach towel: You will want to take a towel with you for use at the beach. We always have a travel towel with us as they are small, dry quickly and don’t collect sand.
  • Hiking shoes: Maui has some incredible hikes! Hiking sandals are the ideal choice as they keep your feet cool and can also be worn in the water.
  • Reusable water bottle: We don’t travel anywhere without a reusable water bottle. Remain hydrated without wasting single-use plastic bottles! Most restaurants and hotels will refill bottles for you.
  • Snorkel gear: If you’re planning on doing a lot of snorkelling while in Hawaii, it may work out cheaper and easier to bring your own snorkel and mask and fins than renting them each day. You can also buy these items as a snorkel set which works out cheaper still.
  • Mini first aid kit: Whether out hiking or just on the beach, we always have a mini first aid kit in our bag just in case.
  • NPS Annual Pass: If you’re planning to visit Haleakala National Park without a tour then it is worth packing your NPS annual pass to save paying the entry fee.

🙋‍♀️ FAQs for a 5 Day Maui Itinerary

Footsteps in the sand lead to the waters edge as palm trees blow in the breeze in this photo from Wailea Beach in South Maui.

This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions readers have when planning their 5 day Maui itinerary.

Simply click the drop-down arrows to reveal answers.

Is 5 days in Maui enough?

5 days in Maui is the perfect amount of time to visit, whether your ideal vacation involves exploration and sightseeing, relaxing on the beach, or both. Maui is very small with the two furthest points on the island only a 2 hour drive from each other.

What can you see with only 5 days in Maui?

5 days in Maui is enough time to see all of the highlights, assuming you are active and willing to rent a car. This includes a trip to the West Maui region, a drive along the Road to Hana, a half day on the Maui North Shore, a trip to Molokini Crater, a visit to Haleakala National Park, and plenty of time to enjoy the beaches of Kihei and Wailea-Makena.

Where is the best place to stay for 5 days in Maui?

Kihei or Wailea in the South Maui region are the best places to stay for 5 days in Maui. This area has the best weather and beaches, as well as the most restaurants, shops, and a variety of accommodation.

Ka’anapali in West Maui is another popular choice but is closed until October 8, 2023 due to wildfire damage.

How much does it cost for 5 days in Maui?

The average cost of a 5 day visit to Maui is about $3000 + flights per couple.

Expect accommodation to be in $200-$300 range per night on Maui, meals & drinks to be about $100 per person per day, rental cars to be around $50 per day, plus tours and misc expenses.

🌺 More Maui Travel Guides

The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂

If you have found this guide on the perfect 5 day Maui itinerary useful, you will also want to check out some of our other guides to the island.

In this list, you will find essential planning guides to help you prepare for your upcoming Hawaiian vacation.

💬 Final Thoughts

A sea turtle sleeps in the sand at a beach on the Maui North Shore.

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