How to Plan a Trip to Maui

Your Ultimate Guide to Planning an Unforgettable Maui Vacation

Join Marcie on the Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast as she guides you through planning an unforgettable trip to Maui. Drawing from over 40 trips to Hawaii, Marcie covers everything you need to know including where to stay, top attractions, budget considerations, and where to eat. She also provides respectful travel tips post the August 2023 wildfires. Learn about key activities like the Haleakala Sunrise, the Road to Hana, and snorkeling at Molokini Crater. Marcie offers pro tips and cautions against common mistakes to ensure your Maui adventure is both enjoyable and respectful of the local community.

00:00 Welcome to Hawaii Travel Made Easy
00:42 Planning Your Maui Vacation
02:50 Choosing Where to Stay in Maui
05:27 Top Activities and Adventures in Maui
13:17 Budgeting for Your Maui Trip
15:48 Must-Try Food Spots in Maui
17:43 Common Mistakes to Avoid
19:35 Traveling Responsibly in Maui
20:13 Final Tips and Recap

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Transcript

 Aloha and welcome to the Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast, your go-to resource for planning an unforgettable Hawaii vacation. I'm Marcy, a mom of two and a Hawaii travel expert. If you're new here, I've been to Hawaii more than 40 times, and Maui holds a special place in my heart. It's got stunning beaches, incredible adventures, and a laid back island vibe that's perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

If you're listening, you're probably pretty sure you wanna visit Maui, but haven't actually planned anything yet. You might be wondering, where should I stay? How long should I go? Do I need to rent a car? What should I do once I get there? Trust me, I totally get it. Planning any Hawaii trip can feel overwhelming with so many choices and options.

Well, you're in the right place because today I'm giving you a step-by-step guide to planning an amazing Maui vacation, covering where to stay, top attractions, day trips, budget considerations, and of course where to eat.

And before we get started, I wanna acknowledge the wildfires that devastated parts of Maui in August, 2023. Lahaina, including the historic downtown and famous Banyan tree is still recovering. So I'll be giving you alternative recommendations to help you plan respectfully while still supporting the island's economy.

It is important to travel thoughtfully and understand that visiting Maui in a respectful way actually helps the local community rebuild. So grab a notepad or just sit back and relax  📍 and let's jump in.

First things first. How many days do you actually need on Maui? This is one of those questions that really depends on what kind of vacation you're looking for and how much you wanna see. My sweet spot recommendation is seven to 10 days. If you wanna see the best of the island without feeling rushed, this gives you time to do the Road to Hana.

Experience Haleakala Sunrise. Get some serious beach time and maybe even fit in a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater. Now, if you only have four to five days, don't worry. You can still have an incredible trip. Just focus on one or two major areas, maybe West Maui and Upcountry or South Maui. With the day trip to Haleakala, you'll get a great taste of what makes Maui so special.

And if you're lucky enough to have two weeks while you're living the dream,

you can explore at a much more relaxed pace, maybe even hop over to another island and really soak in that Maui time vibe. Here's something I learned the hard way. Always build in some flexibility to your Maui schedule. On one of our trips, we actually landed right as a fire broke out, not the devastating August 2023 one, but a smaller one that still caused major disruptions.

We ended up stranded on the highway for 12 hours with a baby and a toddler, and let me tell you, that was not fun. We finally got to our vacation rental, well past midnight, completely exhausted. Now, I always tell people to have backup plans and don't pack your schedule too tight because Mother Nature sometimes has other ideas.

Now, let's talk about where to lay your head at night, because this decision is going to shape your entire Maui experience. Maui has several distinct regions, and honestly, they each offer a completely different vibe. All right, west Maui, which consists of Kaanapali, Kapalua, and Lahaina. I really wanna make sure that everyone understands the parts of Lahaina are still closed due to wildfire recovery from the devastating August, 2023 fires.

If you had your heart set on staying in historic Lahaina, I totally understand the disappointment, but please check with your accommodations before booking and be prepared for possible changes. That said, areas like Ka'anapali and Kapalua are absolutely gorgeous alternatives and weren't affected by the fires.

Ka'anapali Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. Long stretches of golden sand with perfect swimming conditions. The resorts here are top notch and your close to great snorkeling at BlackRock. Kapaa is more upscale and quieter with stunning bays like N Bay that are perfect for families.

The water is usually calm, and the crescent shaped beach feels like your own private paradise. All right, south Maui, which consists of Kihei and WAilea, south Maui is where you go for sunshine. This side of the island gets less rain and more consistent weather. Yle is home to some of the most luxurious resorts on the island with pristine beaches and world class golf courses.

If you wanna feel pampered, this is your spot. KeHE is more budget friendly, but still offers amazing beaches and tons of restaurants within walking distance. Plus, you're close to the departure points from Moloch crater snorkeling trips, which is super convenient up country, Maui, which consists of Kula and awa.

Now, this is where things get interesting. Upcountry is cooler, greener, and has this amazing panola, which is a Hawaiian cowboy culture. AWA is one of my favorite little towns. It's got the cutest boutiques, and I'm totally obsessed with shopping at HOA holo surf there. The whole area has its authentic local feel that's completely different from the resort areas.

If you stay in upcountry, you're also super close to Holly Acala, which means you don't have to drive as far for that sunrise adventure. Plus the scenery is just gorgeous. Rolling Green Hills, flower Farms, and this peaceful vibe that feels worlds away from the typical tourist areas. My pro tip is if you want resort luxury with perfect weather, stay in Yle or Capal Lua for a more local, authentic experience with cooler temperatures up.

Upcountry is amazing, and if you're budget conscious but still want great beaches, KeHE is your best bet. All right. Let's talk about the fun stuff. What you're actually gonna do once you're there. Maui has this perfect mix of adventure and relaxation that makes it so special. Let's start with the big one, Holly Acala Sunrise.

Now I need to warn you about a few things here because I want you to be prepared first. You absolutely need reservations. As of 2025, you must have a reservation for each vehicle entering the park between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM. You can book these up to 60 days in advance through recreation.gov, and they cost just $1 per vehicle, plus a separate park entrance fee.

But here's the catch, you can only buy one Sunrise reservation per customer every three days, and they do sell out, especially during peak season. Second, and I cannot stress this enough. It is cold up there. We're talking about a 10,000 foot elevation, and the temperature drops about three degrees for every thousand feet.

I've been up there when it was in the forties, even in the summer. I always recommend lots of layers, including a knit hat, warm jacket, and clothes toed shoes. We've actually brought blankets up there for the kids, and trust me, you'll be grateful for them. The drive takes about two hours for most parts of the island, which means you're getting up around two 30 or 3:00 AM.

It sounds brutal, but I promise it's worth it. There's something absolutely magical about watching the sunrise rise above the clouds from the rim of a volcanic crater. It's one of those experiences that will stick with you forever. My pro tip is don't leave immediately after the sun comes up. Stay for an extra 20 to 30 minutes and watch the colors change across the crater landscape.

It's absolutely stunning. All right. The road to Hana is probably Maui's most famous adventure. And for good reason. It's a 64 mile drive along the coast with 620 curves and 59 bridges. But here's the thing, it's not really about getting to Chinatown. The magic is in all the stops along the way, waterfalls, bamboo forests, black sand beaches, and tropical fruit stands.

Plan to make this a full day adventure and start early. Some of my favorite stops include Twin Falls, which is great for families. The Garden of Eden Arboretum. Yan APA State Park with its Black Sand Beach reservations are required there and the pools at O Ohio at the end.

Important note is that the road can be challenging. It's narrow winding, and some people get car sick. If you're not comfortable driving it yourself, there's some great guided tours available. Molokini creator is hands down one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. This crescent shaped volcanic crater about three miles off. Maui's coast offers crystal clear water with visibility up to 150 feet and is home to more than 250 species of marine life. You can only get there by boat and there are tons of tour options ranging from large catamarans to smaller, more intimate boats.

Expect to pay around $80 to $150 per adult, depending on the length and tour type. Most tours also visit Turtle Town where you can swim with the Hawaiian Green Sea turtles. My pro tip is morning tours, usually have calmer water and better visibility. And if you're prone to seasickness, take some Dramamine about 30 minutes before you board.

Since some parts of West Maui are still recovering, let me give you some great alternatives to explore this beautiful area responsibly. El Valley State Monument is absolutely stunning. It's a slush green valley with the famous El needle rock formation. It's a short, easy walk and gives you a taste of Maui's incredible natural beauty.

Nelli Blue Hole is this dramatic coastline feature where ocean water shoots up through the lava rock formations. It's especially impressive during winter when the surf is bigger. Enc Kapaa Coastal Trail is a gorgeous, easy walk along the coastline that connects several beautiful bays.

It's perfect for families and offers amazing photo opportunities. Speaking of supporting Maui's Recovery, I wanna mention that I attended the old Leida luau right after they reopened following the 2023 fires. They're donating a portion of their proceeds to help Le Haena fire victims. So attending actually helps the community rebuild.

It's also, hands down, one of the best luo I've ever been to. Authentic, respectful, and incredibly moving. The Maui Ocean Center is another great option, especially for families. It's Hawaii's largest tropical Reef Aquarium, and does amazing work in marine conservation.

If you're looking for more adventure, Maui has plenty to offer zip lining through eucalyptus forest and upcountry helicopter tours that show you parts of the island you can't reach by car. Whale watching, which is December through April when humpback wheels come to Maui's warm waters, surfing lessons at beginner friendly beaches like Cove Park and stand up paddle boarding in calm bays like McKenna.

Maui has so much to offer from Haleakala Sunrise to the road, to Hana, to a world-class snorkeling. If you're feeling overwhelmed about how to fit it all in, let me help. My Hawaii travel consultations are designed to create realistic Maui itineraries that work for real families For $149, you'll get a 60 minute consultation.

With me, you'll get my recommendations. Plus, a travel agent partner who books everything without charging her usual planning fee. Kim at Stuff Suitcase will handle it all. Need something shorter? Try a 30 minute consultation for $69. Head to Hawaii, travel with kids.com to get started on your Maui adventure.

Okay.

So, do you need a rental car on Maui? This one's easy. Yes, you absolutely need a rental car on Maui, unlike Oahu, where you can get around Waikiki pretty easily without a car. Maui is much more spread out and public transportation is really limited. If you wanna do the Road to Hana, visit Holly Acala.

Explore up country or beach hop around the island. You definitely need wheels, even ride shares can be unreliable in remote areas and you don't wanna be stuck somewhere beautiful with no way to get back. So my budget tip is to book your car rental as early as possible. Maui car rental prices can absolutely skyrocket during peak seasons, and I've seen rates go from $50 a day to $200 or more a day when inventory gets low.

Also, fill up your gas tank before heading out on long drives. Gas stations can be sparse in some areas, especially on the road to Hana.

Okay, I wanna talk about best day trips. Next. Upcountry Maui is my personal favorite. I absolutely love spending time in upcountry. Start in Awa Town. It's got this charming old west vibe with art galleries, boutiques, and great restaurants. As I mentioned, I love shopping at hoa holo surf there, and the whole town just has this authentic local feel.

From there, you can visit Alii, Kula Lavender Farm, which is absolutely gorgeous and smells amazing. Surfing goat dairy is super fun, especially if you're traveling with little kids. You can feed the goats and sample some incredible goat cheese and ocean vodka Organic Farm and distillery offers tastings and tours with stunning views.

And if you're feeling adventurous, there's some beautiful hiking trails up here with way fewer crowds than the coastal areas. You can also do Halaka National Park Beyond Sunrise. If you do the sunrise, consider staying in the park for a while to explore. There are some incredible hiking trails, including the sliding sands trail that takes you down into the crater.

Even a short walk gives you a completely different perspective of this other worldly landscape. The PPY trail is in the Kipa Hulu section of the park, which is near ha, and it's one of my favorite hikes on the island. It's about four miles round trip.

It takes you through bamboo forest to the stunning 400 foot wa moku falls. You can also explore West Maui Nelli blowhole, and the dragon's teeth make for a great half day adventure. The coastline here is dramatically different from the resort areas, rugged, wild, and absolutely beautiful.

There's also Capua and Honua Bay, which are perfect for snorkeling when conditions are calm, and the drive up there is gorgeous. Okay, let's get real about money for a minute, because Maui can definitely be pricey. But there's some ways to manage costs. If you plan. Smart resort prices in Yle can easily run 500 to $800 or more per night, especially for ocean front rooms.

Kaanapali resorts are typically 250 to $500 per night. If you wanna save money, look at KeHE condos or vacation rentals, which can be 150 to $300 per night, and often include kitchens so you can prepare some meals. Upcountry vacation rentals are often the best value. You'll pay 120 to $250 per night for some truly unique properties with amazing views.

Alright, let's do a food budget breakdown. Restaurant prices and resort areas can be shocking. 25 to $40 for breakfast and $50 or more for dinner per person. But here's the thing, some of the best food on Maui is at local spots that cost way less.

My go-to breakfast spot is KeHE Cafe. Their banana macadamia nut pancakes are incredible and only about $12 for lunch. I'm obsessed with the fish tacos at Coconuts Fish Cafe. They're around $15 and anything at PAA Fish Market is amazing and reasonably priced. For a special dinner cafe Ole has incredible food and setting without the resort markup.

Expect 25 to $35 per entree and if you really wanna splurge, I had a fabulous dinner at Roy's during my babymoon. When I was pregnant with my youngest. It was pricey, around $75 per person, but the experience was absolutely worth it. Here's some activity, cost breakdowns. Holly Acala Sunrise is $1 for the reservation and about $30 park entrance fee per vehicle.

Molokini snorkel tours are about 80 to $150 per adult depending on the tour road to hana. Guided tours are about 150 to $200 per person. Luaus are 100 to $200 per adult, and helicopter tours are about 200 to $400 per person. So what are some money saving strategies? I recommend shopping at grocery stores like Foodland or times for breakfast items and snacks.

Even resort guests can save a hundred dollars or more per day by doing breakfast themselves. Happy hours are your friend. Many restaurants offer great deals from three to 6:00 PM beach days are free. Pack a lunch and spend the day at gorgeous beaches like McKenna Beach or Nly Bay, and local food trucks and plate lunch spots.

Offer authentic Hawaiian food at great prices. Usually 10 to $15 for a full meal. All right. Now let's talk about food because honestly, this might be my favorite part of any Maui trip. Here are some of my personal favorites. Ulai Shave Ice is hands down my favorite shave ice spot on Maui. They use real fruit syrups and it's just incredible.

There are several locations, but the original in Laina was sadly lost in the fires. Thankfully, you have other locations in KeHE and Paia. Coconuts Fish Cafe. I am totally obsessed with their fish tacos. They're fresh, flavorful, and not too expensive. It's perfect for casual lunch, Paia fish market.

Everything here is amazing. It's in this little local spot that doesn't look much from the outside Patia fish market. Everything here is amazing. They have a few locations on Maui, and the fish is incredibly fresh and the portions are generous. I always have leftovers to eat for lunch the next day. In Cafe Ole.

The food here is incredible, but it's really the setting that makes it special. Beautiful views, great service, and you feel like you're dining somewhere really special without the resort prices. All right, let's talk traditional Hawaiian food. Tin Roof. Maui in Kahului is owned by a Top chef alum and serves amazing local comfort food.

Their plate lunches are authentic and delicious, and the kitchen has some of the best local style Hawaiian food on the island. Try the Kalu of pork or the local MoCo. Now let's talk about special occasion dining. Mama's Fish House in Paia is expensive, but worth it for special occasion. The seafood is incredibly fresh and they tell you exactly which boat caught your fish and when make reservations well in advance.

Merriman's men's and Kalu offers farm to table dining with stunning ocean views is perfect for romantic dinner or a celebration. There are also some cool breakfast spots. Number one, KeHE Cafe. Those banana macadamia nut pancakes I mentioned are seriously life changing and Gazebo. Restaurant at Nli Shores has amazing macadamia nut pancakes and beautiful ocean views. There's always a weight, but it's worth it. Now let's talk about common mistakes to avoid. Let me save you from some mistakes I've learned over my many trips to Maui. Mistake number one, not booking Holly Acala Sunrise reservations early enough. These sell out, especially during peak season. Mark your calendar to get reservations is soon as you know your travel dates.

Mistake number two, underestimating drive times the road to Hana. Takes all day if you wanna do it right, don't plan anything else that day. Mistake number three, not making restaurant reservations. Popular spots like Mama's Fish House book up months in advance. Mistake number four, not bringing warm clothes for Holly Acala.

I cannot stress this enough. It's cold up there. Bring layers, including a warm hat and jacket. Mistake number five, forgetting reef safe sunscreen, regular sunscreen is banned in Hawaii to protect coral reefs by reef safe brands. Or you'll be paying premium prices at resort shops. Mistake number six, not packing snacks and water for the road to Hana.

Good options are limited along the route, and you'll be out all day. Mistake number seven, ignoring ocean conditions. Always check with lifeguards about conditions before swimming or snorkeling. Winter surf can be dangerous on North Shores. Mistake number eight, touching or standing on coral. This damages the reef and can hurt you.

Look, but don't touch. Mistake number nine, not respecting sacred Hawaiian sites. Places like El Valley are culturally significant. Be respectful and follow all posted guidelines. Mistake number 10, only eating at resort restaurants. You're missing out on incredible local food and paying way too much.

Mistake number 11. Booking activities through random beach vendors use reputable companies with good reviews and proper licensing. And mistake number 12. Rushing through everything Maui operates on island time. Embrace a slower pace and don't over schedule yourself. All right. As I mentioned earlier, parts of Maui are still recovering from the devastating August, 2023 wildfires.

Here's how you can travel responsibly and help support the community. Visit respectfully. Some areas are still rebuilding be patient with closures and construction support local businesses. Eat at local restaurants, shop at local stores and book activities with local companies. Consider cultural experiences like the old Laina luau that are giving back to the community.

Be mindful of resources, water and other resources may be limited in some areas. So be conscious of your usage and follow all posted signs and restrictions in recovery areas. All right, that's everything you need to know to plan an amazing Maui trip. Let me quickly recap the highlights plan for seven to 10 days.

If you can swing it and build in some flexibility for unexpected adventures or disruptions, you absolutely need a rental car. Book it early. Make your reservations for Holly Acala Sunrise popular restaurants, and any activities you really wanna do. Bring warm clothes for Holly Acala. Trust me on this one.

Try the local food. Some of my best Maui memories include discovering hole in the wall spots with incredible food, and most importantly, respect the island and its culture, especially as parts of Maui continue to recover and rebuild. Remember, Maui isn't just about checking things off a list.

Some of my favorite moments have been completely unplanned, like discovering a hidden beach, chatting with local farmers at roadside stand, or watching an incredible sunset from an unexpected spot. I'd love to hear from you. What's your number one thing you're most excited about for your Maui trip? Send me a DM on Instagram at Hawaii, travel with Kids, or visit my blog for even more detailed itineraries and tips.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps other travelers find the show. Mahalo for listening and  📍 I'll see you in the next episode. Aloha.