Affectionately known as “The Valley Isle,” Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is celebrated for its stunning beaches, the sacred ‘Īao Valley and breathtaking views of migrating humpback whales in the winter. Now, a recent survey of 2,000 Americans has found that Maui is the most romantic destination in the world, outscoring even Paris. While the island has a lot to offer every kind of visitor, it is important for tourists keen on experiencing its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness to demonstrate the spirit of aloha—showing compassion, respect and gratitude. The wildfires of 2023 that devastated the town of Lahaina sparked a backlash against tourists frolicking in the sea and sand as residents grieved. Educate yourself on the culture, respect the land and its people, and spend your money wisely by supporting local businesses.
Here's how to spend 3 days in Maui.
Start by heading into the lush rainforests of Haleakalā National Park. Named after Haleakalā, a dormant volcano within the park’s boundaries, the wilderness preserve offers countless opportunities for adventure, fun, sightseeing and solitude. With over 48km of hiking trails that range from just 10 minutes to multi-day overnight trips, there are many options in the Summit District. Due to the fragile nature of Hawaiian ecosystems, it is required by law that hikers stay on marked trails.
Choose from the Pīpīwai Trail and the Kūloa Point Trail where cascading waterfalls, sweeping ocean vistas and Hawaiian archaeological sites will keep you company; the Leleiwi Overlook and the Halemau‘u Trail for a stroll through Hawaiian trees and shrubs, including many critical to nēnē (the Hawaiian goose) and other endemic, endangered species; and the Pā Ka‘oao and Keonehe‘ehe‘e trails to see ancient lava flows and pu‘u (hills denoting old eruption sites).
If you wish, you can choose to stay overnight at Haleakalā National Park in a designated camping area. Reservations can be made at the Hosmer Grove Campground in the summit district or at the Kīpahulu Campground in the coastal district. Staying overnight or sleeping within a vehicle outside of a campground is prohibited.
Watch the sunset from Hāmoa Beach, a picturesque crescent-shaped beach known for its clear water, white sand and hala-tree backdrop. It is a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding. When the water is calm, swimming is enjoyable in the cove.
Visit the Maui Tropical Plantation to learn about sugarcane and pineapple farming. A tram ride on the Tropical Express offers visitors an overview of Hawaiʻi’s famous fruits and plants. This 40-minute tour is inclusive of a 15-20 minute coconut husking demonstration. Visitors can also zipline over farmland, tropical gardens and a lagoon while they’re here. This mountainside adventure features five side-by-side ziplines, ranging from 91m-274m in length, and lasts approximately two-and-a-half hours in total.
Next, check out the ʻĪao Valley State Monument where the Battle of Kepaniwai was fought between the forces of Hawaiʻi’s Kamehameha I and the Maui army in 1790. A short paved walk provides a scenic viewpoint of Kūka‘emoku—also known as the “ʻĪao Needle”—which is an erosional feature that dramatically rises 365m from the valley floor. The iconic landmark is a symbol of strength, resilience and cultural significance to the people of Maui. Paddle along the ʻĪao Stream and immerse yourself in the valley's verdant serenity. Stop by the Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Garden which celebrates the various ethnic groups of Hawaiʻi by displaying a building for each one. There's a traditional Hawaiian hale (house), a New England-style missionary home, a Filipino farmer’s hut, Japanese gardens and a Chinese pavilion, all of which can be seen on a 15-minute walk.
Time to head underwater. Visit the Coral Gardens, Maui’s largest and healthiest reef. Lava fingers stretch across the ocean floor allowing visitors a chance to experience an ancient time when lava flowed from the Mauna Kahālāwai crater 500,000 years ago. In between the long stretches of volcanic formations, incredible ocean marine life flourished. Put on your snorkelling gear and wonder at the angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, octopuses, crabs, and eels as they swim past you, and explore the secret coral caves and passageways.
Maui’s food scene is as much about native ingredients as it is about fusion, creating a sumptuous coming-together of Asian, European and island flavours. As a general rule, restaurants in the island’s western and southern regions specialise in oceanfront views and freshly caught seafood, while in central Maui and the coastal town of Kihei, mom-and-pop diners, ethnic eateries and an ultra-casual vibe are the norm.
For your second evening on the island, we recommend checking out Ka‘ana Kitchen, where family-style fare features ‘ōpakapaka (pink snapper) or liliko‘i (passion fruit). Chef Isaac Bancaco, a Maui native, sources 85 per cent of his ingredients, such as crisp Asian pears, velvety Wagyu beef, abalone and more, from island growers, ranchers and fishers. Afterwards, head to the nearby branch of the Maui Brewing Co., Hawaiʻi’s largest independent craft brewery.
On the last of your 3 days in Maui, visit the Wailua Falls just north of Līhuʻe. Located at the south end of the Wailua River, it cascades into two streams and drops 24m. It is easily accessible so you can leave your hiking boots behind. If you visit in the mornings, you may be treated to a rainbow as the sunlight meets the mist of the falls, making for an amazing photo opportunity.
The remote, wild and volcanic coastline of Waiʻānapanapa State Park beckons next. Offering solitude and respite from urban life, it is the perfect place for picnicking, shore fishing and hiking along an ancient Hawaiian coastal trail which leads to Hāna. You will have the opportunity to view a seabird colony, a natural stone arch, native vegetation, tidal caves and a black lava sand beach.
Visit the Garden of Eden Arboretum. This 10.52-hectare arboretum and lush botanical garden has numerous beautiful plants, flowers and trees. There are 4km of walking trails and several terrific scenic overlooks with ocean views. There’s also a tall waterfall cascading into a natural pool. Have lunch here and soak in the splendid sights.
Next, ride the waves at Peʻahi Beach. It gained recognition due to its big surf break “Jaws” and so attracts all stripes of surfers here. The best view when the wave is breaking is from the Pe'ahi Overlook, located at the end of Hahana Road. Access can be difficult, especially when wet, so be cautious. There are no beaches in the vicinity but you can get awesome views from the top of 30m-45m ocean-side cliffs.
Wrap up your 3 days in Maui with dinner at Mama's Fish House, an iconic Pāʻia restaurant. You will find fine dining, island-style here: classy and refined, decked out in glossy hardwood finishes, and wrapped in expansive ocean views. Servers clad in Hawaiian-print muumuus and aloha shirts glide about gracefully, balancing beautiful cocktails and exquisite-looking seafood. The cocktail list consists of classics with a tropical twist, like Papa’s Whiskey Sour with liliko‘i. There's an equally small list of very good wines: Billecart-Salmon bubbles, New Zealand sauvignon blancs, Napa Valley cabernets and half-bottles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The quickest way to get to Maui is with a Qatar Airways flight from Mumbai to Doha, Doha to San Francisco and San Francisco to Kahului Airport (OGG).