Make the Most of Maui

Everything You Need to Know to plan a GREAT trip to Maui

Relaxing on a beach in Maui, enjoying the sunshine and breeze.

Let's get A-W-A-Y to Maui!!! The first trip I planned to Maui was on my honeymoon with my husband and we loved it so much that we've been back a few times. We even had the opportunity to take the kids back with us. This destination is at the top of my absolute favorite places to get away. I hope the information below inspires you to start planning your trip to Maui. There’s so much this beautiful island has to share and explore.

This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. I independently evaluate all recommended products and services.

---

Looking over the cliffs on the road to Hana.

ACTIVITIES

Top 3 Activities in Maui

There are so many beautiful things to see and do in Maui! Snorkeling can be done with a tour or by just checking out the reefs right outside of your hotel. The hiking trails are lush and moderate enough to do even with seniors and tiny humans. For more on the best hiking in Maui, check out my other article Have to Hikes in Maui. If you're going as a couple, I absolutely recommend star gazing at the Merriman's restaurant. I would also recommend renting a car for at least a brief portion of your trip as some of the best things to see and do will take you away from the tourist center of Kaanapali. Below are my top three Maui activity recommendations:

A view of sunset from the top of Haleakala National Park.

1. Visit Haleakalā National Park

A visit to the Haleakalā National Park is a must do on your trip to Maui! You can definitely spend the entire day there so pack plenty of snacks and water. The drive up is very windy so be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Reservations are required for sunrise visits but are not required for sunset or night sky viewing. Check the weather before you go and bring shoes appropriate for hiking if you plan to spend the day exploring all the trails. If you enjoy hiking be sure to check out Have to Hikes in Maui.

2. Snorkel at Turtle Town

Turtle Town is recommended as one of the top snorkeling spots in Maui. There are tons of tours available on Trip Advisor and you can even plan a day that includes a visit to Molokini Crater. If this is your first time snorkeling, I highly recommend going with a guide for the safest experience. If you are a seasoned pro, then Maui has great snorkeling everywhere and you won’t regret taking up the extra space to bring gear or renting it for the week from your resort if that’s an option.

3. Explore the Road to Hana -

The Road to Hana is certainly one of those attractions that is what you make of it. I’ve done it three times now and each time was different. When my husband and I journeyed to Hana the first time together we had very different days in mind and easily became frustrated when one person wanted to stop, and the other didn’t. The 2nd time around we learned from that experience and pre-selected stops we didn’t want to miss and stayed open to stops that weren’t as high on the list but still fun to explore with time. There are tours that will drive you to Hana and back, but those limit how much time you can spend at each stop, and they can be pretty pricey per person. Our third and most recent trip to Hana we stopped at the top spots on the way down and then did other stops on the way back. In my opinion, this was the best of both worlds!

Sitting on the beach right off the Westin Resort.

WHERE

Where to Stay on your Trip to Maui

The majority of the hotels and resorts are in Kaanapali. Without a car, it can be pretty easy to book tours and still see a ton right from there. If you're a little more adventurous or looking to save some of your room money for activities, I'd recommend getting a car and staying closer to Wailea. Maui is a super popular tourist destination so the earlier you can book your accommodations the better. Our favorite resorts in Maui have been:

1. Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali

The Westin is at the top of my list because their service is amazing. We’ve stayed there at least for part of each of our visits to Maui and always had a great time. They have something for everyone including newlyweds and families. There are free shows and the food options are delicious and affordable.

2. Residence Inn Maui Wailea

Coming in at a very close 2nd is the Residence Inn Maui Wailea. Stays here are great with the kids because breakfast is included in the room rate and that can save you tons. The location is convenient, and they even offer a free shuttle to a lot of the local attractions.

3. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Last but certainly not least, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. This resort has some of my favorite views on the island. Their Spa at Black Rock was designed with ultimate relaxation in mind, so be sure to take advantage of the treatments there if you do pay a visit.

A waterfall and natural pool I came across on a hike.

Affordable

Making your trip to Maui Affordable

Let's talk numbers. The average flight to Maui from Los Angeles is around $400. Hotels with 3 stars or higher average $375 per night. So just getting there and having a place to sleep can be a huge undertaking. However, even in a place as expensive as Maui, there are ways to save. Here are some things we've done to have a great vacation while not breaking the bank:

1. Meal Prep

Fair warning- this is going to sound like the recommendation of a true penny pincher… and maybe it is but I’m going to put it out there because it really can save you tons. Plan out and pack dry goods to bring with you. My husband and I get free checked bags with our credit card, and we often use that to bring dry goods and pantry items with us. This is a non-negotiable when we’re bringing the kids. Food is a big expense especially for a family of five, having granola, cereal, oatmeal, etc. has kept us from breaking the bank when we travel. It also lets us reallocate those funds for a really nice date night while we’re out there.

2. Use Groupon and book activities in advance

My first trip to Maui, I used Groupon to find deals on activities and tours. Groupon actually has a pretty wide variety of deals on local attractions and activities. In addition to saving money, you also are taken off the beaten path to areas and locations you might not have explored otherwise.

3. Bring activity equipment with you

I can’t stress this enough. For anyone going to Maui packing your activity gear with you will save you hundreds. Pool toys, snorkeling gear, my husband has even loaded his inflatable stand up paddle board in the luggage. Totally worth it. Rentals will easily run you $45 - $150 depending on the equipment and frequency.

A great spot for a quick swim with the little ones.

Your Packing List

All the things you need to Pack on your Trip to Maui

Last but not least. Let's talk all the things you want to bring with you to either save money or to make the most of your trip.

1. Hiitave Water Shoes - I've tried a few different water shoes, and these are my favorites. The protection is great, and the feel is lightweight.

2. Greatever G2 Full Face Snorkeling Mask- I'll admit I had my doubts about how effective this would be. After using it and being able to snorkel comfortably without adjustments and fog- Game changer.

3. Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Case - This case is a MUST HAVE for water activities. I've used it while kayaking and paddleboarding. Kept my phone dry and I was able to take a few decent pictures while on the water.

4. Saucony Trail Shoes - These are slightly smaller and lighter than your traditional hiking boots, but I take them with me on all hikes and they're perfect for on the go.

5. Monster Hiking Daypack - The first trip we brought an expandable backpack, I thought it was overkill, until our first full day outing where we needed it and then it became a mandatory item for all trips.

6. Intel Pool Lounge - My husband and I use these almost every time we take a trip and know that there will be a pool. It's perfect for relaxing and fairly easy to roll up and throw in your carry on.

7. Banzai Pool Rings - These rings turn my kids into everyone's best friend at the pool. They are tons of fun and keep my kiddos entertained for hours.

8. Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle- Even without hiking on your to do list, this travel water bottle is super convenient and can clip onto any bag. I use it at the airport to save on those overpriced water bottles.

Hope these tips and recommendations have motivated you to kick start your planning. Make sure to check out Have to Hikes in Maui and subscribe to be the first to know when new blogs are posted.

Happy Exploring!