3 days in Maui, Hawai'i

3 Days in Maui, Hawai'i

Maui is an island located in the Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. The other main islands are O’ahu, Kauai, Big Island (Hawai’i), Ni’ihau, Molokai, Kaho’olawe and Lanai. Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful island:

1. Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands
2. It is the third most populated Hawaiian island with approx. 145,000 inhabitants
3. Approximately 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui each year (December-April)
4. The Hana Highway includes 59 bridges and 620 curves
5. Black volcanic beaches can be found on Maui
6. Lahaina on Maui was once the capital of Hawaii (now is Honolulu in the island of O'ahu)

Breakfast 

• Maui Coffee Roasters -  Their menu includes bagels, sandwiches, salads, wraps, benedicts, coffees, pastries, teas and smoothies. 

• Iao Valley State Monument - Entrance fee is $10 per car and $5 per person; FREE with Hawai'i Identification Card. Stunning views of a 4,000-acre valley in a short 0.4 mile loop trail. 

  

Stop #3

• Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens - Just down the road you can enjoy the garden, picnic areas, nature and learn about contributions to Hawaiian heritage from people from Korea, Portugal, China, Japan and Puerto Rico. 

 

Stop #4

• Farmer's Market @ Kukui Mall - quick stop at a small market to support local businesses. We bought some guavas and continued our road trip!

Stop #5

• Beaches down the road in Kihei and Wailea-Makena - Multiple stops to see different beaches on our way. Lifeguards were constantly advising of strong currents.

Stop #6

• Lava fields - Awesome views of lava formation with waves splashing the trail.

  

Lunch

• Kihei Food Trucks - About 7 different food truck options to choose from. My husband had Hawaiian food and I had poke sushi. There was a coffee drive thru as well!!

Stop #8

• Haleakala National Park - You need reservations to go up the summit for sunrise. Nevertheless, we went for sunset and had a breathtaking experience! The entrance fee is $30 per car. Military members and their families enter FREE with an annual pass card. It took us an hour and 30 mins to drive up to the summit. Parking is limited so plan on getting there at least an hour prior to sunset time. 

 

• Kaulahao Beach / Ku'au Beach Park - We saw 7 turtles resting at shore. It was impressive! There were some people snorkeling but no lifeguard on duty.  

Stop #3 (8:50am)

• Hookipa Beach Park - Passed by for a quick look of the beach and the area.

Stop #4 (9:15am)

• Twin Falls - Parking is $10 but FREE with Hawai'i Identification Card. Short walk to what should be two waterfalls but only one was flowing; still beautiful though. Our friends jumped in the water for a little bit. 

Stop #5 (10:35am)

• Honomanu park - rough road down but if you don't have reservation to enter the black sand beach then this is your option!

Stop #6 (11:15am)

• Keanae Alboretum - Short trail to see bamboos, Eucalyptus trees, bread fruit, Taro, Torch Ginger and Ti Leaf.

Stop #7 (12:40pm)

• Waikani falls - You have to drive past the bridge to find parking on the left side of the road then walk back and get on the trail under the bridge. Time to enjoy the freezing water! 

Lunch (1:40pm)

• Halfway to Hana - Kiosk with refreshments. We found the famous banana breads! We also bought hotdogs, ice cream, etc. 

Stop #9 (2:00pm)

• Hana Harvest Café - Time for coffee and more banana bread!

  

Stop #10 (2:40pm)

• Lava Tube - Self guided tour is $15 per person. Cave trail created by underground lava rivers. 

  

Stop #11 (3:35pm)

• Koki Beach - Passed by to see the beach and the 'Alau Island Seabird Sanctuary.

Stop #12 (4:00pm)

• Wailua Falls - Stunning 80 feet waterfall accessible from the highway. Last stop in our Road to Hana!

Dinner (4:45pm)

• Hookipa Lookout - On our way back, we got to the lookout just in time for the Golden Hour.

Stop #15 (8:30pm)

• Slappy Cakes - We walked from our Airbnb to this delicious breakfast restaurant. You can create your own pancake or order from the kitchen. 

• Kapalua Bay - Beautiful spot for sun bathing, snorkeling and family time. Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment and beach gear available for rent. 

  

Lunch

• Betty's Beach Café - Tropical lanai with beach views. Appetizers and drinks specials from 2-5pm.

  

Stop #4

• Lahaina Historic District - Its historical importance is due to Lahaina being the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. 
• Hawaii gelato - You must try the coffee, Oreo and chocolate gelato! or if you prefer something more refreshing, try the coconut gelato. 

• Lahaina Banyan Court Park - Maui's oldest living banyan tree and the largest in the USA.

Stop #5