Hawaii takes about a week to explore each island, but many visitors have limited time to explore Maui. Many opt for a round-trip drive around the island in just one day, allowing them to experience all that Maui has to offer, including the picturesque road to Hana, beautiful sandy beaches, charming island towns, and breathtaking outdoor attractions found inland. This allows them to fully enjoy the beauty of Maui and its diverse attractions.
One must catch a 7:00 a.m. flight on Island Air and enjoy a quick trip. They will land in Maui. They must make their first stop at Krispy Kreme, indulging in a sweet treat only available in Maui. Then they should continue the journey from Kahalui to the trailhead at Haleakala National Park which would take about two hours, and the scenic road along ocean cliffs and rolling green hills will make their time pass quickly. Maui has numerous magical places, attractions, and beaches to enjoy, whether outdoors, in the water, or relaxing by a pool. The most popular time to visit Maui would be during the winter season, from December to the end of February, when visitors from colder areas flock to the island. Summer will also be a busy time for family vacations, typically from the end of June to August. While Maui can be an expensive destination due to high demand, limited accommodations, and the high cost of goods, there are ways to save money while still enjoying the island. Traveling during the low season, choosing affordable accommodations, cooking meals, using public transportation, and participating in free activities are all ways to make a trip to Maui more budget-friendly.
One must reach Haleakala National Park around 11:45 a.m. and immediately scope out the Pipiwai trail. One can also explore the seven sacred pools by hiking in the opposite direction. The well-maintained trail winds through a bamboo forest and leads to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls, overlooking the seven sacred pools of Oheo Gulch. One must typically stay at resorts on the west side or south shore, but for a short trip like this, convenience is key. The courtyard in Kahului may not have the picturesque beaches of a resort, but it offers a convenient location. Many people travel to Maui during the winter months from December to March, but it is also a great destination in the spring, especially for retirees. Maui has a bus system for transportation, and visitors can also rent self-contained vans, camping equipment, and motorbikes for a unique island experience. Regardless of how you choose to return, end your evening in historic Lahaina, once a bustling whaling port and now a charming town.
Lahaina is a bustling tourist town known for its vibrant nightlife, making it one of the island’s best spots for evening entertainment. However, one is advised to call it an early night as morning will come quickly. The beauty of Keawakapu Beach was witnessed at 3:30 p.m., a hidden gem in south Maui with soft sands and gentle waves. Nearby, the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge offers a glimpse of Maui’s remarkable biodiversity, home to endangered species and migrating birds. At 7:30 p.m., Matteo’s Pizzeria in Wailea provides a more affordable dining option compared to the upscale restaurants in the area. Run by an Italian couple, the restaurant offers fresh, thin-crust pizza and other delicious Italian dishes. Later at 9:45 p.m., one can enjoy the lively jazz piano performance by Sal Godinez at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, a luxurious beachfront hotel with stunning views. The hotel also features a notable collection of contemporary Hawaiian artists like Mary Mitsuda’s meditative abstract painting is displayed near the front desk, while Toshiko Takaezu’s sculptural ceramic pots can be seen flanking the lobby elevators.
At 9:30 a.m., one can begin their morning at Grandma’s Coffee House in the village of Keokea, located on the slopes of Haleakala volcano in Maui’s upcountry. The shop offers organic coffee from a fifth-generation farm. By 2:30 p.m., the cowboy town transformed into an art colony stood at approximately 1,600 feet above sea level on Mount Haleakala’s slopes. Fresh marveled at the old wooden storefronts, family-owned eateries, and hippie herb shops. At Hot Island Glass on Baldwin Avenue, one must witness the mesmerizing glass-blowing process, where molten glass transformed into jellyfish, bowls, and oceanic shapes. The gallery also features works by landscape artists George Allan and Margaret Bedell. To experience the essence of old Hawaii with tikis and plumeria trees under the stars, one may visit Kaanapali Beach Hotels. The authentic Hawaiian music and outdoor setting provide a memorable experience. At 9:30 p.m., one must retire for the night, enjoying a peaceful sleep accompanied by light music. The next morning at 10:00 a.m., one must head to Kahului Airport in Maui to catch a flight.
Article by Anushka John | Edited by Saumya Sharma
