Maui Day Trip’s
Here are my top tips for Maui to save a few bucks and make your trip more enjoyable. If you have snorkel gear bring it. There are several locations around the island where you can snorkel for free. Dress down! Hawaii is a laid back easy-going island. If you plan to go to a nice dinner dress up but for everyday dress comfy, bring sneakers or good walking shoes. Bring a reusable water bottle and clean up after yourself. Think zero waste and try to minimize environmental impact on the island life. Please bring reef-safe sunscreen. If you are staying in a condo plan to cook meals eating out is one of the highest expenses on the island. The last tip is to be nice and respectful to the locals. They have been through the wringer with Covid closing the island and the fires that decimated Lahaina and Kula. Be respectful Mahalo.
Typically you will arrive late into Maui and with the time zone, I usually grab food at Coconuts and pass out. For reference, I always stay in Kihei.
Day 1
Get settled and soak it all in you are in Maui! Go to Costco or Safeway to grab essentials. I typically try to buy breakfast and lunch groceries. With the time zone difference, I like to have a less eventful day but still go out to make the most of it. I recommend visiting these two places they are a 30-minute drive from Kihei.
Īao Valley State Monument you will need to make a reservation ahead of time for $15 per person - https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/
Kepaniwai Park - beautiful Japanese gardens - FREE
Later in your day, I recommend finding a happy hour spot or heading to the beach to watch the sunset. I personally love Nalu’s. The roasted beet salad and apple brie burger are my favorite.
Day 2
This will be an upcountry day. You will be gone the entire day, bring snacks and water. Either make breakfast or head to Freshies Maui located in Makawoa. They open at 7 am. This is a 30-40-minute drive from Kihei. Makawawo is a great little town known for its art and ranching history dating back to the 19th century. After Makawoa I have three recommended stops while spending time upcountry. They are all relatively close to one another. If you are a go-getter and have the stamina I would recommend ending this day at the summit of Haleakalā. More information and tips on that are below.
Surfing Goat – Goat cheese sampler platters are available for around $24, and you can do a tour at the average cost of $30.
Visit Maui Bees - it is free to explore, but you can book a hands on honey bee workshop on Saturday’s for $130. I have not personally done this workshop yet.
Ocean Vodka - the food here is tasty and the staff are amazing. We did the tour and tasting it was very informative and only $20.
After your day upcountry, I recommend heading to Haleakalā for sunset. It is a little over an hour's drive from Ocean Vodka. If you save this activity for another day I recommend checking out Kula Lodge for lunch or dinner check the hours online.
Tips for Haleakalā: You don’t need to book a tour. If you go for sunset stay after and look at the stars. It is incredible and you can avoid some traffic on the way back down the mountain. If you go for sunrise you need to make a reservation which can be difficult as it is popular. Regardless if you go for sunrise or sunset you need to wear warm clothes. I like to wear shorts under fleece-lined pants and a jacket. I usually bring light gloves as well. I would also recommend bringing chairs and a blanket. I have seen people pack drinks and food for a picnic as well. As you drive up and down the mountain take your time and be alert. You will see cows and sometimes they wander onto the road. My husband didn’t believe me until he saw it for himself!
Coming soon! Plan a day trip to see Pearl Harbor, the Road to Hana, plus my favorite offshore snorkel spots!
