3-Day Maui Itinerary

Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG) and pick up your rental car

Collect your car and stock up on water, snacks and reef-safe sunscreen at a Kahului grocery store.

Check in to a Kihei or Wailea base

Drive about 30 minutes south and settle in. The south shore is sunny, central and close to Molokini departures.

First swim at Kamaole Beach Park

Shake off the flight at one of Kihei's three Kamaole beach parks, with lifeguards, restrooms and gentle water.

Sunset and a poke bowl dinner

Watch the sun set over Kahoolawe and Lanai, then grab poke or a plate lunch from a local seafood counter.

Morning snorkel cruise to Molokini Crater

Depart from Maalaea or Kihei on an early boat to the crater's clear inner basin, often with a stop at Turtle Town.

Turtle Town and the return cruise

Swim with green sea turtles along the lava reef, then cruise back with views of Haleakala.

Stroll the Wailea Beach Path

Walk the paved 1.5-mile coastal path linking Wailea's beaches and lava points, with a swim at Wailea Beach.

Sunset at Makena (Big Beach)

Head to wide, golden Makena Beach in Makena State Park for sunset. Heed the strong shore break warnings.

Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala

With your Recreation.gov sunrise reservation, leave around 3:00 AM and watch dawn break over the crater. Bring warm layers.

Crater views and the Sliding Sands Trail

Walk a short way down the Keoneheehee (Sliding Sands) Trail and look for silversword plants at the overlooks.

Lunch and browsing in Kula and Makawao

Descend to upcountry Kula for farm views and lunch, then wander Makawao's paniolo (cowboy) town shops and galleries.

Early night before the Road to Hana

Rest after the early start, pack snacks and water, and fuel up for tomorrow's long drive.