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Of all Hawaii's islands, Maui is the personification of everything that keeps visitors returning to the islands year after year. The island abounds with natural beauty, captivating wildlife, history and culture, without being too big and busy or too quiet — striking the crowd-pleasing vacation feeling of "just right."
Maui is the destination to visit for travelers dreaming of turquoise waters and laid-back days to bring all your tropical vacation ideas to life.
Visitors enjoy days that delight the senses, and the sweet smell of plumerias and the relaxing sounds of trade winds rustling against palm leaves will continue to fuel their wanderlust for a lifetime.
As far as how you spend your time on Maui, the island's long list of things to do means you can pack your itinerary to your heart's content or kick back in true Aloha-style.
If you've got three days, we've got an itinerary full of vacation ideas for an unforgettable time on Maui.
Day One: Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel
Spend the first of your three days sailing to Molokini. This iconic crescent-shaped inlet is a protected marine conservation area and is only accessible by a boat with a certified tour operator.
Consider Pacific Whale Eco-Adventures, a long-time island favorite.
The five-hour experience includes:
- A continental breakfast
- A delicious BBQ lunch prepared onboard
- One complimentary alcoholic beverage
- A trip to Turtle Arches, a bonus snorkel site with underwater lava formations and sea turtle sightings
After you arrive back on the island, spend the rest of your day relaxing outside beneath a shade tree.
Day Two: Road to Hana Day Trip
Visitors have said that the trek to Hana is about the journey, and a journey it is. To complete the entire drive to Hana, you'd need to dedicate a whole day. However, if the "Maui" portion of your vacation is only three days, it's a better idea to drive halfway to Hana and turn back mid-afternoon.
While the Hana Highway is very safe and well-maintained, it's best to avoid driving in the dark.
During your halfway road trip to Hana, consider stopping off at these stops:
While on your way back, stop for dinner at Mama's Fish House in Paia. You'll need a reservation, so book well in advance. Mama's daily menu lists the angler's name and where they caught the fish, so there's no doubt that your catch is fresh.
Call it an early night to prepare for your final day's early wake-up call.
Day Three: A Volcano Sunrise, Beach and a Sunset Luau
The Volcano
Even if waking up before the sun is the opposite idea of your ideal Maui vacation, consider making an exception. Watching the sunrise from above the clouds on Haleakala is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For an unforgettable experience, active travelers can join guided or self-guided bike tours. This 8-hour tour begins with check-in at 3 a.m. Then, leave your vehicle and take a park tour up to the 10,000-foot summit, where you'll soak up breathtaking sunrise views. After witnessing the sunrise of a lifetime, cruise down the volcano on a top-of-the-line Kona bike.
The Beach
Head to Makena Beach, one of Maui's well-known beaches, to relax. Located in Kihei, Makena is one of the most extensive untouched beaches in Maui.
There, you'll find food trucks parked nearby to refuel after your adventurous morning.
So order a plate (or two), dig your toes into the white sand and enjoy the view. Then, round out day with a dip in the Pacific or a stroll along the shoreline.
The islands of Molokini and Kahoolawe are in the distance, making it a great place to appreciate Maui's natural beauty.
The Luau
Book a traditional luau at the Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, to commemorate your last evening on the island. Watch as Maui's history comes to life through ancient Polynesian storytelling combined with chants and hula dancing for a truly compelling experience.
Stay: Beginning September 29, travelers can get their fill of Maui magic at Maui Bay Villas by Hilton Grand Vacations. This oceanfront resort hugs the coast of Maalaea Bay and offers a perfect launchpad for exploring Maui.
Read "Best of Maui: Beaches" for more Maui vacation ideas.