Explore Maui in 1 Week
Maui Seven-Day Itinerary Suggestions
With a whole week (eight nights) on Maui, you'll need to be prepared, and our Maui 7-day itineraries should help you feel ready to tackle the Valley Isle with gusto.
Ready to escape to your dream vacation, Hawaii? With kids to carpool, a house to clean, a job to maintain, who has time to plan a vacation? Most people find it staggering, planning their dream vacation to Maui. Don't let discouragement lead you to think, "Wow, this is a lot harder than I thought it'd be... there's so much to do."
Welcome to our site, where you can find limited options and guidance to building a flexible Maui itinerary. Plan your Maui vacation with ease. Visitors commend our itineraries as user-friendly, interactive, and customizable to fit their needs. Our website provides expert insights into planning your trip and organizing your vacation goals into simple itineraries.
Proper preparation will serve you well with a whole week (eight nights) on Maui. Use our Maui 7-day itineraries to tackle the Valley Isle with a plan of action. Planning your vacation doesn't have to be a chore, and hopefully, our recommendations will help your preparation.
Customizing Your Maui Stay With Our Guides
Ultimately, our Maui itineraries share insider tips regarding any of our Maui itineraries: one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven-day (this page) itineraries. Our guide explores how many days to spend in Maui. We list the best sights, best deals, and timesaving tips. Our guide holds it all, whether seeking an adventure, relaxing beaches, killer surfing, or a romantic getaway. With the help of our itinerary, expect to manifest your dream Maui vacation!
Mapping Your 7-Day Maui Trip
We've selected East Maui - Day 1 of 2 (along the coast) for the first day in this seven-day Maui itinerary. This journey takes you along this famous shoreline to the popular Road to Hana. After our first day of exploring, we recommend visiting West Maui for one full day of sightseeing, including Lahaina and Ka'anapali, on the second day. Explore the best lookouts and hikes in Haleakala National Park & Upcountry Maui (including the summit area). On our fourth day, head back to East Maui - Day 2 of 2, to complete our Road to Hana and Beyond tour, including Maui's premier hike along the Pipiwai Trail to 400' Waimoku Falls. Then, bask in the beaches and coasts along the South Maui shoreline on the fifth day. On your sixth day on Maui, we've selected several attractions in Central & North Maui, including Waihee Ridge Trail, the 'Iao Valley State Monument, and a few other attractions worth visiting while you're on Maui.
And for the final seventh day, consider some excellent tours and activities worth experiencing while visiting Valley Island. With seven full days to visit, we highly recommend spending at least a day partaking at a time.
Building the Best 7-day Maui Itinerary: Flexibility Matters
We ultimately think you'll find all seven days full of unique activities, beaches, trails, sights, and tours to experience. Think of our itineraries as a rough guide, and don't be afraid to switch, swap, and exchange days or stops in our itineraries so that you ultimately build the itinerary YOU want for your trip.
For instance, our seven-day Maui itinerary below includes many recommendations in our other daily Maui itineraries (linked above), plus some additional sights, attractions, and activities for the extra day(s) on the island. Seven days is typically more than enough to explore and discover most of Maui's top attractions thoroughly. We've covered all the highlights in the seven-day Maui itinerary below.
Find Your Way Around Maui: Google Maps for Every Day on Maui
We've provided all Maui directions via Google Maps when possible. Google Maps works on all platforms and across all devices. Search the site's address or name with your phone or tablet, and then go. To help you visualize each day's itinerary, we've also provided overview maps that help you get your bearings.
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2023 Maui Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Maui soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Maui Visitor Guides. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well).
~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~
Overview of Maui - the ‘Valley Isle’
As the second-largest Hawaiian island, Maui holds many wonders. Some quick highlights about Maui:
- Trek the two major volcanic areas, from the West Maui Mountains to the very expansive, active Haleakala on the eastern side of Maui.
- Between the two volcanoes, find valleys filled with deposits.
- Visit the "Valley Isle" lushness in the island's center. Discover a vast array of greenery and vegetation.
- Hit the sandy beaches that span the island, especially along the West Coast.
- Bask in the great climate and sunny days. Maui's volcanoes block most precipitation from reaching the island's leeward side.
- Delve into the rich green terrains found in the eastern portions of the island. Discover a lush paradise boasting waterfalls in many valleys.
- Enjoy the Hana Highway (aka The Road to Hana) as it winds its way along the coast to the sleepy town of Hana in the bay.
- Explore the dry and barren terrain on Maui's west coast.
Accommodations on Maui & Where to Stay
On Maui, most people choose to stay on the west side of the island in Lahaina or Ka'anapali. In contrast, others choose accommodations on the south shore, in Kihei or Wailea. Are you still weighing your options? We can help. Check out the Where to Stay on Maui article for the best tips and suggestions. Regardless of your chosen location in Maui, you can find many accommodations scattered across the island: B&Bs, inns, resorts, hotels, etc. Let our experts offer you the best insight into planning accordingly.
Quick Tip: Read our Best time to Visit Maui article for an in-depth look at which time(s) of the year is best for your travel party on Maui.
Getting Around Maui
A rental car is the best option for getting around the island and viewing all the sights we detail in our itineraries on Maui. The rental rates in Hawaii are often some of the cheapest anywhere globally because the competition is fierce.
There is no reliable bus service on the island. Moreso, taxi services are expensive and illogical for sight-seeing purposes.
What to Pack on Your Maui Trip
Leave as much as you can at home. As part of the USA, you can find nearly everything in Hawaii. Most likely, you will not find it ideal, schlepping around three suitcases after a long flight. With all consideration of your travel goals and past travel experience, we still highly recommend bringing only must-needed items.
Regarding clothing, consider packing:
- A few pairs of shorts
- Several t-shirts, cotton is best
- Hats or visors to protect you from the sunny days
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Light jacket for the higher elevations
Overall, such clothing items suit most outings, including fine dining options. Unless you plan to stay in an exclusive resort, our list will meet your vacation goals.
Follow the "less is more" mindset for any additional items. We recommend bringing:
- Sunblock (the UV in Hawaii is typically 10+ in the spring, summer, and fall),
- A backpack (for any hikes) and
- A water bottle
- Slippers (flip-flops, shower shoes, zoris)
- Equipment for snorkeling/swimming: mask, snorkel, and fins (or rent locally instead),
- Two bathing suits (one to wear while the other dries) and a cover-up
- your phone or a camera
- Lightweight raincoat or poncho (for mountain/rain forest hiking)
- Bug spray with DEET (for any forest hikes)
- Flashlight (if the sun goes down before your hike ends or for night walks on the beach)
- Hiking boots and hiking rods
Last, leave behind all your troubles and worries. See our What to Pack When Visiting Hawaii article for more information on what to pack.
1 Week Itinerary for Maui
7-Day Maui Wayfinder Guide
Let's kick off our itinerary suggestions by covering arrival day. Afterward, we will cover the departure day in the end. We recommend using these days to unwind and prepare for the next's day activities instead of significant sightseeing.
Arrival Day on Maui
On your arrival day, spend time lounging on the island. Grab a bite to eat, pick up supplies or groceries. Next, enjoy your first Hawaiian sunset that evening. Then, head to bed early after the long day of traveling. If you’re flying in from another island, some light sightseeing probably won’t be a problem once you’re set up with your new rental. But generally, we advise people to take it easy the first day, soak in their local surroundings, and acclimate to Hawaiian time.
Day #1 - East Maui Coast Day 1 of 2
This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches of East Maui, including the world-famous Road to Hana. Because this region prominently features the Hana Highway (a.k.a 'Road to Hana'), we often refer to it as the 'Hana Highway' region of Maui.
Driving the Hana Highway on Maui is the journey, not the destination. That is a notable attraction. Few words can describe the beauty of this drive, with its cliffs cloaked in green valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast. Thus, bask the beautiful views of the vast ocean to the Alaskan coastline. Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, many trails, and beautiful gardens, and you've discovered the highway to heaven itself.
Day #2 - West Maui Highlights
This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches of West Maui. With plenty of sunshine and an abundance of rainfall (as much as 390 inches a year), West Maui was once a major Hawaiian population center and the proverbial playground of royalty (the ali'i) in old Hawai'i.
Today, west Maui has become the playground of visitors worldwide.
Along the shores of West Maui, you'll find the resort area of Kapalua (northwest), Kahana and Honokowai (mid-way), the visitor community of Napili, and course, the bustling towns of Lahaina and Ka'anapali.
Day #3 - Haleakala & Upcountry Maui
This day's Maui itinerary explores the breathtaking sights, overlooks, gardens, and trails of Upcountry Maui and Haleakala, including the Haleakala National Park summit area.
The term Upcountry Maui refers to the towns, ranches, vineyards, parks, farmlands, and visitor attractions on the upper slopes of Haleakala volcano, including Haleakala National Park. Enchanting and rural, Maui's Upcountry is the heart of the island's agricultural industry and a thriving artists' community.
Many compare the beautiful landscape of Upcountry Maui to the countryside in Scotland. You'll also be sure to discover several unique floral gardens in this part of Maui. Plus, head to the peaks of Upcountry, Maui, for spectacular views of the South Pacific from anywhere on the island.
Day #4 - East Maui Coast Day 2 of 2
This day's Maui itinerary is our second within East Maui along the Road to Hana and Beyond. This part two of our East Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches along the last stretch of the Road to Hana and then explores the Pi'ilani Highway beyond.
This second half of our two-part East Maui itinerary lets you see additional attractions, spend more time at your favorite stops, and explore the Ohe'o Gulch more thoroughly in the Kipahulu portion of Haleakala National Park. We've got an excellent trail recommendation along the Pipiwai Trail for this portion of our two-day itinerary.
Our itinerary provides the best path to seeing more of the Road to Hana & Beyond.
Day #5 - South Maui
This day's Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, beaches, and hiking trails of South Maui. South Maui is best known for its miles of white sandy beaches, spectacular coastal areas, snorkeling on its reefs, and expansive lava fields like La Perouse Bay.
Sheltered on the leeward side of the Haleakala volcano, this side of Maui is relatively drier and sunnier than the rest of the island. This side of the island additionally provides spectacular views of Lanai, Molokini, and Kahoolawe offshore islands. This area offers world-class golfing in Wailea and the finest restaurants and dining in Maui. South Maui includes the coastal communities of Ma'alaea and Kihei and the growing resort communities of Wailea and Makena.
In South Maui, travelers can discover the true warmth of Aloha and genuine Hawaiian hospitality.
Day #6 - Central & North Maui
This day's Maui itinerary explores the great hiking trails, state monuments, and attractions in Central & North Maui. Central Maui is best known for the Iao Valley, technically in West Maui. Yet, access is via Central Maui. The Waihee Ridge Trail is technically in northwest Maui, but we've included it here because you'll also access it from central Maui.
The proverbial 'heart' of Maui, Central Maui, is the isthmus that connects Maui's two volcanoes. Your visit to Maui likely began here at the airport in Kahului. Central Maui includes residential communities, sugar and pineapple plantations, county and state government offices, and various visitor attractions, including the Kahului Airport (OGG), the Maui Tropical Plantation, golf courses, parks, shopping areas, and more.
Day#7 - Maui Tour & Activity Day
This day's Maui itinerary provides an overview of our recommended Maui Tours & Activities. A Maui tour may be the perfect way to experience parts of Maui that you'd otherwise never get to see for visitors who have five or more days on the island.
Please select from one or more of the tours listed on this page. We guarantee an incredible time. We've hand-selected these Maui tours due to their popularity and high ratings with visitors like yourself!
Here you'll find an incredible assortment of tours and activities to enjoy: whale watching, a Road to Hana tour, ziplining, boat & sailing tours, and Molokini snorkel trips are just a few of the many amazing adventures available on Maui.
Departure Day from Maui
Use this day to wind down from your trip and prepare for your departure for the journey home. We suggest grabbing a bite to eat from one of your favorite local restaurants near your accommodation and maybe some final souvenir shopping at some of the many stores and local shops around the island. Undoubtedly, the local community would appreciate your business. There are no "Goodbyes" in Hawaii, so we'll say A Hui Hou, which in Hawaiian means 'Until we meet again.' Aloha!
Alternative Itinerary Options for Maui
7-Day Alternate Maui Itineraries
If something in the seven days we've selected doesn't feel right to you, we've provided alternate day itineraries below. Just swap the day below with the one (or more) you don't like from above. Our itineraries are meant to mix, swap, and shuffle as needed to create the perfect trip for your travel party.
Alternate Day: East Maui 1-Day Adventure
This day's Maui itinerary replaces BOTH East Maui days (Day #1 and Day #4 specifically) above. This one-day East Maui itinerary explores the incredible sights, attractions, and beaches along the world-famous Road to Hana and the Pi'ilani Highway beyond; over just one day instead of having to devote two full days to this part of Maui.
As an alternative, this East Maui itinerary frees up your time. Make use of this valuable time. Use your extra time for shopping or hiking another trek. If anything, relax during your extra day- Island style. This itinerary is also a good bet if you were rained out on a previous day.
Remember, this one-day itinerary replaces the East Maui Itinerary Days from above! If you were looking for a way to see the Road to Hana & Beyond more quickly or all in one day, we designed this itinerary.
Quick Tips for Your Visit to Maui:
The best length of stay in Maui: Ideally, we recommend spending a week in Maui to sample this island's richness. Even two to three days are great options, too.
Best Month to Visit: The best time to go to Maui is between April to early October for the best weather. Visitors love the weather in Maui in July. Even the weather in Maui in September is worthwhile for the temperatures not so high but still sunny. For fewer crowds, better deals, and fantastic weather, visit April to May or September to November.
The best area to stay in is Maui: Wailea because it has a lot of activities and restaurants. It also attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, resorts, shopping centers, spas, and golf courses, making it the perfect getaway for families looking to spend some time together. Wailea is one of the best places to stay in Maui for couples.
Best time to spot whales: Whale-watching season in Maui begins in November and lasts until May. Yet, the best times to spot a whale fall between January to March. Though still possible, your chances to spot one decline during June, September, and October.
Best way to get around: You have the option of hiring a taxi or Uber driver. Renting a car offers the best deal and flexibility. It permits you to explore the island on your schedule.
Must-see sights: Though we recommend seeing everything, we understand that some may encounter time constraints. Don't leave Maui without seeing the Road to Hana, traditional luau feast, and Mt. Haleakala. Also, visit the shores for great water activities: swimming with sea turtles, snorkeling, whale watching, etc.
For more tips about Maui, check out our Maui Travel Tips.
Let Our Guides Help Your Planning:
Are you ready to explore the island of Maui in a whole new way? We have a seven-day Maui itinerary for you. This seven-day itinerary includes many of our recommendations in our other daily Maui itineraries (linked here ). It also contains other sights, attractions, and activities for the island's extra day(s). We review all the critical regions of Maui, like the famous East Maui and West Maui, to the best lookouts and hikes in Haleakala National Park. Don't make the planning process a chore. Our list of recommendations serves as assets to planning the perfect itinerary for you. Click here to view our outstanding itinerary for East Maui, West Maui, South Maui, North Maui, and Haleakala & Upcountry. Click here for guides of Maui regions, more information about Maui, and the best lodging locations in Maui.
