The Ultimate Maui Itinerary: 7 Days in Maui, Hawaii

(Last Updated On: May 14, 2021)

Sandy beaches, exotic jungles, luxurious resorts, landscapes out of the world – If you are still deciding, which Hawaiian island to pick for your tropical vacation, This blog post is the answer why MAUI IS THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION!!!

Maui; AKA “The Valley Isle” is the second largest island of the Hawaiian archipelago. The island is known for its world-famous beaches, the scenic Road to Hana, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. Did that get you dreaming? Read along to see how you can plan a vacation to this beautiful island destination.

On our first trip, we spent just 3 days in Maui, and we fell head over heels for the entire island (and we had only seen half of it). We knew we’d return. And as soon as we could, we did – this time for 10 days!

Our Maui itinerary and travel guide includes everything you’ll need to know for your trip. Let’s get to it!

First lets get a few questions out of the way.

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED TO VISIT MAUI?

We decided to take a 3 day trip for our first visit to Maui because we were hopping between two islands and we stayed at Honolulu, Oahu for 3 days- to get a taste of the Tropical glamour and Waikiki beach. But was 3 days enough for Maui? When we landed in Maui and took a trip down to Hana, we realized that Maui has so much to offer and 3 days was just enough to adjust to island time, do a few must-see highlights, eat at a few renowned restaurants, and then fly back.

3 days in Maui is barely enough to get the whole experience of its diverse landscape and culture. And you would absolutely want to go back. But it’s also a LOT less pricey than a full week! Maui is a fairly expensive destination, with luxurious resorts and high end restaurants ; So a 3 day trip would seem more doable and maybe you can come back later for a full week of extravaganza.

In my opinion, 3 days would be a great vacation span to cover the popular spots of Maui, but if you are looking for a deeper experience; the ideal trip length is at least 7 days!

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT MAUI?

The best times of the year to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. Although the weather in Maui is warm and pleasant all through the year, during those months there are both fewer crowds and perfect weather to do all activities.

DO YOU NEED A CAR IN MAUI?

Yes and No! The island of Maui is pretty spread out and depending on which part you plan to visit during your trip, you may or may not need a car. If you are staying at a luxury resort in West Maui (Ka’anpali Beach side) and South Maui (Wailea Beach side) , you don’t need a car; you will be pretty much in the resort and if you need to get around, there is a coastal trail right along the beach which will take you to all the resorts and restaurants in the area.

Bonus Tip: All the resorts rent out bikes for free which you can ride out to see near by places.

If you are planning on a road trip to Hana (East Maui) or the sunrise tour to Upcountry Maui(Haleakala) you definitely need a car.

That said, rental cars in Maui are PRICEY. We recommend using Priceline to compare deals across car rental companies and book the best car that suits your needs.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Hawaii does have some travel restrictions due to the Pandemic. You need to take a pre-travel COVID-19 NAAT Test within 72 hours prior to departure to avoid the state’s mandatory 10-day self-quarantine while you visit any of the Hawaiian islands. And the negative test result from the test must be uploaded prior to departure of the last leg. Get more info here!

WHAT FOODS (AND DRINKS) YOU MUST TRY IN MAUI?

Yummy Tummy all the way!!! Seriously Maui has such an amazing palette of delicious food options, you will most certainly never go hungry while you are there.

Here are a few absolute must-try foods in Maui:

Kalua Pork: *drools* just thinking about the Kalua Pork from our luau. The most juicy, delicious, pulled pork you will ever eat. A whole pig is smoked in a sand pit with sea salt, banana leaves and koa wood; If that doesn’t get you drooling already…. The best place to try this is at a Luau.
Poke: If you love seafood and don’t mind it being raw, you have to try Hawaiian poke. Poke is diced raw fish mixed with a variety of local seasonings including Hawaiian sea salt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ponzu sauce, and mayo.
Banana Bread: The goodness of apple bananas, chocolate chip and macadamia nuts all in one fluffy loaf – the best you’ve ever had. Get it at Aunt Sandy’s or Kak’s Kafe on the Road to Hana.
Pineapple Pizza: Honestly I was a little reluctant to get pineapple topping on my pizza, but ever since I tried the pineapple pizza at The Monkey Pod, there is no holding back. It was delicious.
Shaved Ice: You cannot miss this…Hawaiian shaved ice is made from shaving a block of ice and flavoring it with syrup. Try Ululani’s shaved ice with coconut ice cream base and you will thank me later!
Mai Tai: A refreshing tropical drink that resonates with Hawaii . Combined with pineapple juice, light rum, orange curacao and lime juice – It’s “the best” cocktail in Hawaii.
Pina Colada: A blend of rum, cream of coconut and fresh pineapple juice is a perfect cocktail to tingle those taste buds.

WHERE TO STAY?

Maui has plenty of resorts and airbnb options to stay all around the island.. but we recommend staying in Lahaina, Ka’anapali or Wailea.

PLACES TO STAY IN WAILEA

Private beaches, stellar golf courses, all inclusive resorts – This part of South Maui is everything about luxury and beyond. 1,500 acres of land featuring major resorts, distinctive condominiums and private homes, you have many options to pick for your luxury stay.

We stayed at the Wailea beach Resort for the first 2 days of our trip. A stunning resort at the ocean’s edge offering sweeping views of the pacific with stylish island inspired rooms – was exactly what we’d dreamed of for a romantic getaway.

At the Wailea Beach Resort, you have five different pools to choose from! Slide through the longest water slide in all of Hawaii at the adventure Pool, or grab a drink at the adults only Maluhia Serenity Pool -featuring a stunning infinity edge – the best pool days are here!

The resort also has amenities like a modern fitness center, diverse dining options, top-level golf courses, koi pond, a tranquil spa and a vibrant luau show which add to your experiences.

Book your stay at the Wailea Beach Resort here!

Other great options in Wailea are:

PLACES TO STAY IN LAHAINA TOWN

Looking for a place to stay close to all the action and buzzy night life? An Airbnb or vacation home at Lahaina is your best bet.

Front Street shopping, oceanfront restaurants and stunning mountain scenery are just a few of the reasons to visit this seaside town. This place is also super accessible to various activities like snorkeling and whale watching tours, sunset sails, surfing and dinner cruises. PLUS staying at Lahaina is way cheaper than any exotic resort in Ka’anapali or Wailea areas.

We booked an Airbnb at the Maui Sands – and were mindblown at how amazing it was. it was equipped with everything we could possibly need for a beach vacay. The condo flaunted beautiful island decor throughout with garden and ocean views and a fully equipped kitchen. The owner was also thoughtful to leave a box full of beach toys, beach shoes, snorkel gears, tubes. We loved it!.

Book your Airbnb here!

PLACES TO STAY IN KA’ ANAPALI

Kaanapali is the resort area in west Maui just a few miles south of Lahaina. With a wide array of resorts to choose from- The Hyatt Regency Maui was our choice for the last leg of our trip – it’s in a great location with a short walk to Whaler’s Village!

The property is absolutely beautiful. The minute you walk in, you are whisked away into luxury and greeted with a fresh flower lei- which is the sweetest touch. The resort features 40 acres of tropical gardens with a swan pool, 7 restaurants/bars, 2 outdoor pools, tennis courts and contemporary rooms with ocean views.

One of my favorite activities there was the cabana experience! You can rent a cabana for the day and have your own personal and private space to lounge around in paradise. There is also a swim up bar to grab a cocktail and a waterslide + lagoon pool for kids- so lots of fun amenities for all ages! Oh, and there are penguins in the lobby!

This place is truly an authentic Hawaiian experience set in tropical paradise.

Book your stay at the Hyatt Residency Maui here!

Itinerary Summary

Here’s the general overview of each day of my Maui itinerary. Click on the links below to jump right into specific day/itinerary!

Wailea & South Maui
Kula, Haleakala Crater & Upcountry Maui
Road to Hana (East Maui)
Paia Town
Iao Valley(Central Maui) & Lahaina
Snorkeling and Luau
Ka’ anapali Beach (West Maui)

You can mix and match most of the days on my Maui itinerary, according to which side of Maui you are staying in.

But I’d recommend doing Iao Valley, Paia Town, Road to Hana & Haleakala crater while you are staying on the Kihei or Wailea or Paia side of the island. It’ll save you some driving time!

And you can do all the whale watching, snorkeling, sunset cruise and Luau while you stay on the Ka’ anapali/ Lahaina side of the island.

The only day that you’ll be booked for an entire day is for Road to Hana, so note that down!

Here’s an interactive map of all the places mentioned in the itinerary :

Red – Places to stay in Maui
Orange – Places to eat in Maui – Restaurants/Breakfast stands
Blue – Beaches to visit
Yellow – Other places to visit
Green – Must see spots in Road to Hana
Purple – Activities to try in Maui

Day 1 : Explore Wailea

We took an early morning flight and flew out of San Jose airport to reach Maui at 10.45 am. Our first two days would pretty much involve working from our rooms and chilling at the resort, so we decided we wouldn’t need a car; So when we reached the airport we hauled us an Uber to get to the resort.

1pm – Hop off the plane and jump right into the pool!

Right when we checked into the hotel, we toured the property for a bit and decided it was a good day for a swim! We quickly changed into our swimsuits and jumped right into the adventure pool at the Wailea Beach Resort.

The Nalu adventure pool offers four water slides – one of which measures the longest in Maui at 325-feet – and splash zones for younger kids – perfect for family fun. Grab a drink at the Nalu Pool Bar + some delicious fish tacos from the Mo Bettah Food Truck and you are set to start the Hawaiian vacation.

Evening Stroll through the Shops at Wailea

If you are staying in Wailea – The shops at Wailea is your best bet at some luxury shopping, souvenirs or dining at some amazing restaurants in the area. You have to get breakfast at the Longhi’s Wailea. (Must try – Hawaiian Pancake)

At sunset take a walk on the beach trail – This 3 mile beach side walk takes you along the fronts of many high end rental properties and resorts. It’s fun to see their lush surroundings and even peek in at a couple of luaus if you hit the right time.

Dinner at Ferraro’s

This is one of best Italian food I’ve had in Maui. Oceanfront with Tuscan flair & Live music… could it sound any better? I would also recommend the calamari and the Pappardelle Bolognese.

Get in early for an amazing sunset view. If you are lucky you will see whales spouting too from your dinner table!

Reservations are required to dine in.

Day 2: Ulua & Maluaka Beach

7am – Morning walk to Ulua beach and Mokapu beach

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Rise and shine! You’re probably up early because of the jet lag, so get an early start on the day! Wailea beach in the early morning hours is an absolute paradise! Take the same beach path towards Andaz Maui Resort and you will reach the Ulua beach. Spend some time listening to the sound of waves and soaking in that Hawaiian morning sunlight!

On the way back, grab a farm-to-table breakfast at Ka ‘ana kitchen.

Up for a little adventure today? Ride out a bike to Maluaka Beach.

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Most resorts/condominiums give out bikes to their guests on a first come first serve basis for 2-3 hours a day. and riding a bike is a great way to explore locally and burn those extra calories from tasty dinners.

We rented out bikes(with helmets) from the reception and set forth to Maluaka beach, the road takes you through expansive golf courses, beautiful tree-lined lanes, resorts and suburbs ; you get to see some of the unique flora on the island too. And Oh, don’t forget your beach towels + food – It definitely calls for a beach picnic.

Malu’aka Beach is located along a stretch of Wailea-Makena coastline right behind the Maui Prince Hotel. To get there you have to go down the Wailea Alanui Road. This spot is popularly known as the “Turtle Town” – the best Maui beaches for snorkeling with sea turtles in their natural habitat. But since we were short on time, we could not snorkel. We ate a romantic lunch by the beach, enjoyed some great views and rode our bikes back.

Note: The Whole loop to the beach and back is 6 miles and involves many uphills. This activity is not for the faint hearted.

Swim into the sunset at the Infinity Pool (Wailea Beach Resort)

The sunsets in Hawaii scream romance, no matter which corner of the island you are in. Grab a cocktail and relax in a floating cabana or swim in the gorgeous infinity pool(Maluhia Serenity pool) overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Trust me, it will be a magical sunset of your life.

Dinner at Ko in Fairmont kea Lani

Ko is Fairmont Kea Lani’s award winning signature restaurant- offering sugarcane plantation-inspired food featuring Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese cuisine. The food was so scrumptious and a definite must when in Maui. We wanted to try a bit of every cuisine so we ordered a bunch of items which were really delicious. For the appetizers, we enjoyed Chicken and Mushroom Lumpia and Oishi Sushi(so fresh and tasty we wanted to order another one). We tried the Grilled Lamb Chop and Chicken Red Curry; we licked our plates clean out- it was that good!

After this episode of yummy tummy, I’d recommend you walk back to your hotel through the beach path. With the sound of waves, under the stars and in your partner’s arms, its one of the most romantic things to do in Hawaii.

Day 3: Iao Valley & Lahaina Town

Morning beach side yoga

The resort experience is incomplete without taking a beach side yoga class – Don’t worry its complimentary to your stay. Most resorts have some unique activities for their guests all through the days of the week, and we definitely wanted to burn a few calories from last night, so we took a yoga class at 7am. From beginner to yoga lover, this class will get everyone flowing , plus you have the best DJ in town – nature. Practicing yoga to the sound of waves is very calming and energizing; you’ve got to try it!

Breakfast at the Brekkie Bowls

After the yoga sesh, walk up to the Wailea’s farmers market to grab a healthy acai bowl at the Brekkie Bowls (only on Tuesday’s ). Layered with acai + chia pudding and topped with fresh fruits and flowers – The superfood bowl is layers and layers of goodness. You can support local stores and shop some souvenirs from the farmer’s market while you enjoy some live music.

Explore Iao Valley

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

It’s time to check out of your hotel because today you’ll step back into the Jurassic Period. (if you’re following my itinerary, you can check out of the resort today coz you’ll be heading to Lahaina tonight).

After checking out, you can rent a car (from the airport) and drive to central Maui to see one of Maui’s most iconic landmark. Rising 1200 feet from the valley floor, the Iao Needle is taller than the Eiffel Tower and is a great destination to hike through towering green ridges, swim beneath a flowing waterfall or just take in the scenic beauty from the lookout point.

With lush green canopies and low fog hanging around the towering mountain peaks,this place looks like a scene out of the Jurassic Park. Don’t forget to snap a few pictures.

After exploring this gorgeous place, head to Lahaina to check in to your resort/airbnb – its time for a fun night buzz.

Lahaina Harbor Sunset & Dinner

Take a walk around Lahaina town to checkout an eclectic mix of history, restaurants, art galleries and a dramatic sunset at the harbor.

For dinner, you have two options:

If you want to stay on land, you can dine on the patio of Kimo’s Maui. With great harbor views and delicious coconut shrimp, fish tacos and their famous Hula Pie dessert – you’ve got to hit this place.
If you’re up for a sea adventure, book a sunset sail for tonight! Four course dinner + mai tai’s against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding islands of Lana’i and Moloka’i. It has romance written all over it!

Here are a few options:

Sunset sail with open bar from Ka’anapali Beach
A sunset dinner cruise that departs from Lahaina
Sunset luau cruise that departs from Ma’ alaea harbor

Day 4 : Road to Hana

Time Needed : A Full Day

Today on my Maui itinerary you will explore the main reason you are in Maui – Road to Hana

A few tips before you go:

Get an early start to the day to avoid crowds and get as much out of the day as possible- plan on reaching the first point at 7am.
Download the “Gypsy Guide Road to Hana” App- an audio guide app that gives you insightful information about road to Hana, important spots along the route, history of Hawaii and much more..
Pack – swimsuit, hiking shoes, beach shoes, a picnic basket ( loaded with snacks and blanket) , umbrella, a pair of sunnies
Stop at the 5 main spots mentioned below, if you are running late on schedule.
You have to get food/breakfast at Paia, coz there are not many food options after this town.
Bring cash for roadside fruit stands.
Fuel your car up – there won’t be a gas station until you reach Hana.

Road to Hana, a curvy, narrow road that winds along eastern part of Maui with some incredible landscapes, lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, pristine beaches and single lane bridges is one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Honestly there is so much to share about Road to Hana – so a full detailed blog post is coming soon.

Here are a few must stop spots along the way:

1. Ke’anae Arboretum

Located near the 7 mile marker, this place is also known as the Painted Forests. It boasts groves of rainbow eucalyptus trees. These trees can grow more than 6-feet-wide and 200-feet-tall. The bark sheds annually, exposing a bright green inner bark that changes to blue, purple, orange and maroon as the bark matures. The best time to visit is right after a rain when wood has the deepest version of its colors.

2. Waiʻanapanapa Black Sand Beach

Waianapanapa State Park boasts a black sand beach that’s simply unparalleled on the island of Maui. The black sand is formed out of volcanic rocks from lava flow which is cooled and hardened by the ocean waves over thousands of years. It’s a perfect spot for tanning, dipping your feet in to cool off.

Reservation are required to visit this beach. Book your reservation here.

Stop at Kak’s kafe or Aunty sandy’s fruit stand for some delicious fresh out of the oven banana bread; trust me its one of the best I’ve tried in my life.

3. Kaihalulu Bay Red Sand Beach

A dramatic and hidden cove in Maui; The crescent-shaped beach is cut deep into the Ka’uiki Head cinder cone, whose rust-red lava cinder cliffs supply the beach with its red sand. Part of the trail was lost to a landslide, so the path is dangerous and not recommended to someone who is not comfortable with hiking at cliff-edges or with slippery/unsound footing.

This beach has the bluest water on the island and is undoubtedly a beautiful find along Road to Hana.

4. Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a picturesque, yet very easily accessible waterfall visible from the Hana Highway. You don’t even need to get out of your car to snap a few pictures.

Before you arrive, be sure to stop at nearby attractions like Koki Beach and Hamoa Beach to relax in the sand and sun or eat your lunch.

5. Pipiwai trail, Bamboo Forest and Seven Sacred Pools

A 4 mile hike unfolds alongside a string of (many more than seven) pools and waterfalls framed by the lush green diversity of the tropical rainforest and the famous bamboo forest. At the end of the trail, you are greeted with the view of a magnificent 400 ft Waimoku Falls. The Pipiwai Trail is one of the finest hikes I’ve been on in Hawaii and is a MUST on your itinerary.

Road to Hana is more about the journey, the drive than the destination itself so enjoy your time as you zip through the lush rainforests, scenic coastal views, countless waterfalls and don’t forget to turn up the volume to your favorite romantic music.

Day 5: Haleakala Sunrise/Sunset & Downhill Bike Tour

Time Needed : Half a Day

A Haleakala tour is one of the Maui bucket list items that we checked off on our Hawaii trip. Dramatic sunrise over Maui’s highest peak, rising 10,023 (3,005 m) feet above sea level, above the clouds line and out of the world landscapes cannot be missed.

You have two options to see the Haleakala Sunrise:

Haleakala Maui Sunrise Tour tour that costs $160+
Self Guided Haleakala Sunrise Tour that costs you $1

The first option is popular coz You MUST book tickets to see Sunrise at the park in advance and usually, you need to do so at least 6 weeks before your visit. And they sell out pretty fast. The Haleakala Maui Sunrise tour, typically pick you up from your hotel and provide a guided tour of the sunrise and drop you back.

For an added adventure you can also choose Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour ; After watching the sun rise over the Haleakala crater, you can ride a bike back down to the national park boundary while exploring the towns of Makawao and Kula.

In the second option, you can easily do this experience on your own ; all you need is a park reservation to enter the the Summit District from 3:00 am to 7:00 am to view the sunrise. Make your reservation here.

Note: You need to make this reservations at least 6 weeks before you visit and additional tickets are made available 2 days before at 7am.

Now there is also a third option : Haleakala Sunset Tour

Waking up at 3am to drive to the top of a Maui volcano probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and undoubtedly the sunsets here are as beautiful as the sunrise. Haleakalā National Park is $30 to enter and but if you have your ticket to enter ’Ohe’o Gulch/pipiwai trail at the end of Road to Hana ( from yesterday’s trip), you can use the same ticket – its valid for 3 days.

Now lets get back to what we did on Day 5:

Breakfast at Paia Bowls

Fuel up for an adventurous day with one of Hawaii’s best Acai Bowls! Palms trees dotted patio at a charming outdoor cafe serving acai bowls with unique toppings – ya’ll know I wouldn’t miss this for anything.

Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour

Time Needed – Half a Day

Maui offers the longest self-guided downhill bike tour. Geared up, you are taken up to the crater’s entrance at 6500ft in a shuttle; this is where the adventure begins. We rode our mountain bikes downhill for 26 miles, through low visibility, fog, pouring rain and warmer temperatures. Along the ride we experienced some great views of towering mountains, upcountry farmlands, pine & eucalyptus forests and passed through quaint little towns of Kula and Makawao. This is definitely a must-do expereince in Maui.

You can book your Bike Tours here!

On the way down, Stop at the The Maui Cookie Lady for some artisan, hand crafted, giant sized cookies. The flavors are so unique, I bet you wouldn’t have tasted anything like it. And the cute little shop + decor, makes you feel like you are in a fairytale.

Lunch at Paia – Cafe Des Amis

Enjoy the authentic taste of India and the Mediterranean – get a savory crepe and an Indian curry + mango chutney. After an adventurous day, this food is to devour. The tropical courtyard and live music adds a great vibe to this place.

Sunset at Haleakala Summit

Time Needed – 4 hours

Remember when I was talking about the third option – YES this was our thing. We are more of Sunset lovers anyway! We drove up to the Haleakala Visitor’s Center to experience one of the most breathtaking sunsets ever. The drive itself was so beautiful; As we went higher in altitude, we drove through clouds and witnessed Mars like landscapes.

9,000 feet up, you’re above the cloud line. It feels like you’re literally on top of the world and when that sun sets behind the clouds and covers the entire volcano crater with golden light, just WHOA. Words can’t describe that feeling and you can’t do that anywhere else in the world.

Best spot for photography : Kalahaku Overlook

Note: It gets super cold on top so don’t forget to get some warmer/sweater and a jacket.

On the way back, dine-in at the World famous restaurant on Maui’s North Shore – Mama’s Fish House. The fresh Hawaiian flavored fish and Polynesian decor is to die for. You need to book a reservation to dine in at least a month before your visit – its super popular.

Day 6: Snorkeling and Luau

Time Needed: 5-6 hours

Time for some water adventures ! While you can go snorkeling for free at any of the beaches, I think it’s absolutely worth to book a snorkel cruise to Molokini and Turtle Town. If you are visiting Maui during whale migration season, the cruise includes a whale-watching session too!

You have tons of options to book a Snorkeling tour in Maui, but after lots of research, this is the best option we found:

Book your Snorkeling and Whale watching tour here!

Molokini is a crescent-shaped, volcanic crater which forms a small islet between the islands of Maui and Kahoʻolawe. It’s famous for amazing snorkeling. But unfortunately the weather was not in our favor; the boat tour was cancelled. But we had no regrets, since we had already snorkeled Molokini, the last time we were in Maui. So I’ll share a bit about our snorkel experience from last time- that should give you an idea to plan your snorkel trip.

The tour we booked provided a good tropical breakfast and a BBQ lunch, along with unlimited drinks. (Mai Tai only on the way back) We snorkeled for a couple of hours then enjoyed the sail around the ocean with a beer in hand. We got to see some of the best Maui coastlines, explored the ocean waters of Hawaii, swam with beautiful tropical fish and green sea turtles and spotted a few dolphins. And Oh there is a waterslide on the cruise, super fun for kids and adults!

Grab a drink at the Grotto Bar

After a fun day of water activities, you can return your car and check in to your luxury resort on the shores of Ka’anapali for lazy pool days & romantic beach sunsets.

We checked in at the Hyatt Residency Maui Resort and Spa ; after quick unpacking, we dove right into the pool and swam up to grab a drink. YES you read that correct, GROTTO BAR is a swim up bar, located between the resort’s two pools and waterfall, inside a cave. Drink of the day: Lava Flow.

Shaved Ice at Ululani’s

If you haven’t tried the Hawaiian Shaved Ice – head to Ululani’s to try Maui’s best Shaved Ice. If you are staying in Lahaina the closest location is over at the Hyatt Regency Maui, near the pool.

Every flavor is amazing so you can’t go wrong, but the most popular combinations are the Sunset Beach (guava, mango, and passion orange), the Hawai’ian Rainbow (strawberry, pineapple, and vanilla), and the Coconut Lovers (coconut, tigers blood, pina colada, and fresh coconut). And definitely opt for the snowcap, a topping of creamy sweet condensed milk! Trust me you can’t stop at one!

Drums of the Pacific Luau at Hyatt Maui

Time Needed: 4 hours

What is a Luau?

The Luau is a Hawaiian feast, featuring vibrant entertainment such as live music and hula dances. The celebration involves traditional Hawaiian cuisine – including kalua pork(smoked slow cooked pork), poke, taro corms, lomi salmon, haupia(coconut pudding) and beer.

There are several Luau options in Hawai’i, and after much research and deliberation, we chose the Drums of the Pacific Luau.- one of the longest running luau on the island. The sound of the conch shell and beating of the drums signal the start of an exciting evening.

And speaking of catering, the FOOD THOUGH. The three course meal was sooo yummy! There’s also an open bar all night long, which we took full advantage of (one benefit to staying at Hyatt Maui: we walked back to our room).

We also loved the romantic ambiance of the luau. It’s right on the beach and you’ll get to enjoy a stunning sunset as you watch authentic dances and music of Hawaii, Tahiti, the Tuamotus, Rarotonga, New Zealand, Tonga, and a thrilling three-man Samoan fireknife finale. This is an unforgettable experience in Maui!

Day 7: Hawaiian Massage & Ka’anapali Beach

Breakfast Buffet at Son’z Steakhouse/Swan Court

Rise & Shine lazy birds, today you will be having breakfast with other birds; Swans, Ducks and Flamingos- I absolutely loved this place. Enjoy a delicious buffet with a wide array of tropical fruits, freshly baked goods, savory continental options and build your own pancakes & omelet station – with the view of the gorgeous swan pond.

The buffet was massive with so many options for Western and Asian palettes alike. One of my other favorite parts was the fresh juice they served to your table, freshly squeezed pineapple & passionfruit!

Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage at the Black Rock

After a full week of exploring, adventurous activities, hiking and snorkeling; its time to unwind and relax. Book a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage at The Spa at Black Rock – your body will thank you!

We booked an oceanfront cabana couples massage and loved every bit of pampering right by the ocean, as we drifted away to the melody of ocean waves and soothing smell of lemongrass ginger oil used for the massage. It was such a great relaxation sesh. We spent some time chilling in the pool after our massage.

Alternatively you can also spend a relaxed day by booking one of the oceanfront cabanas at your resort. Its a great way to soak in the sun and enjoy some of the best views.

Lunch at the Duke’s Beach House Maui

After a few glorious hours of swimming, you’ll have an appetite worked up for some mouth watering lunch. So head to Duke’s Maui for a plate of fish tacos! We also highly recommend ordering some Panko Crusted Calamari with guava cocktail sauce.

Romantic Sunset & Dinner at Monkeypod Kitchen

Its the last Day in Maui, so make it count. Catch a romantic sunset on the shores of Ka’napali as you walk down the beach path to explore the Whalers village and pick out your dinner spot.

I’d suggest dining at the Monkey Pod at the Whaler’s Village. Reservations are recommended but if you don’t have one, still head over and check on the wait time! You can walk around the Whaler’s Village while you wait for your reservation.

The food is worth the wait, and they are known for their handcrafted Beers! Try the Rosemary Roasted Chicken Wings and Kalua Pork & Pineapple Pizza – it was our favorites.