DAY 1

  Sunrise at Haleakala
4 hours

It's your first day, so you shouldn't mind waking up at 4am for today's itinerary. Seeing the sunrise on the rim of the world's largest dormant volcano is something you don't want to miss. Haleakala means "House of The Sun", and witnessing the sunrise from the 9,400 foot rim of the volcano is almost mystical in nature – with the pre-dawn light gradually blossoming into an amazing glow that beautifully reveals the volcanic landscape at your feet. It feels less like a sunrise and more like the dawn of time.
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  Haleakala
2 hours

Once the sun is up, you'll undoubtedly want to venture into the crater to get a better look at that landscape – and there are two ways to do it. For the athletic, the hike along the sandy, switchback trail is a great workout. For an equally memorable, and considerably less arduous journey, you can join a horseback expedition that will take you from the rim of Haleakala down to the crater floor. If you don't care to make the trip all the way into the crater, there are several other hiking trails, some as short as a quarter mile, that will provide you an up-close look at this remarkable environment.
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  Makawao and Upcountry
4 hours

Take your time driving home to explore the relaxed charm of upcountry Maui. The paniolo (Hawaiian for "Cowboy") town of Makawao is lovely – home to real, working cowboys and some of the island's best art galleries. Not far away, the fragrant fields of the Alii Kula Lavender farm are both educational and relaxing. And for gourmands, the Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula is a must – and the farm tour is as delightful as the award-winning cheeses.
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DAY 2

  Lahaina
2-6 hours

For your second day, we recommend basing your activities around the charming town of Lahaina. Try breakfast at one of the many restaurants alone the shore, or fuel up with a fresh latte at a local coffee shop. Take a walk through the former whaling town… you'll find an eclectic mix of shops and galleries, as well as historical sites and the world-famous banyan tree – a single tree that has grown to encompass a full city block.
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  Whale Watching
5 hours

If you're visiting from December through May, you may want to join one of the many Whale Watching expeditions. You can often spot the giants breeching from the shore, but the best views are from the deck of a boat. Charters leave daily from Lahaina.
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  Kaanapali / Puu Kekaa

3 hours
As the day fades into one of Maui's legendary sunsets, make your way to the famous Puu Kekaa (or Black Rock) of Kaanapali Beach. This legendary landmark is home to a nightly cliff-diving ceremony, a practice that has been taking place since 1963. The perfect way to kick off the night's events.
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  Whalers Village
2 hours

Be sure to save time to wander the fun and funky shops and restaurants at the popular Whaler's Village, or settle in for dinner at one of the area's many delicious restaurants. Be sure to check menus for examples of Hawaii Regional Cuisine – a unique cuisine that blends Hawaii's diverse, ethnic flavors and incorporates fresh, locally grown ingredients.
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DAY 3

  Road to Hana
6 hours

For your third day, we recommend renting a car and setting off on the one-of-a-kind adventure that is the Road To Hana. The road's 600 hairpin turns and numerous one-lane bridges will take you through lush rainforests, along deserted beaches, and into some of Hawaii's most spectacular untouched nature. You'll find many opportunities to stop and explore, so you may wish to pack hiking clothes and a swimsuit. The drive to and from Hana can be done in about 3 hours in either direction. Of course the more you stop to sight see, the longer it will take.
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  Hana
1.5 hours

At the end of one of Hawaii's great driving adventures, one finds the tiny, magical town of Hana. As much a place as it is a state of mind, Hana hasn't changed much in the century since it was linked to the rest of Maui. Wander its tiny streets, stop at the general store for snacks, or find a sunny spot for an impromptu picnic.
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  The Pools of Oheo
3 hours

If you've managed to drive the road to Hana and arrive by early afternoon, you've still got time to experience one of Maui's most popular destinations – the Pools of Oheo. Just 30 minutes from Hana, the naturally terraced pools and waterfalls are the stuff of a tropical dreams.
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DAY 4

  Iao Valley
2.5 hours

For your fourth day, head into the heart of Maui and visit the natural and historical playground of the Iao Valley. Surrounded by volcanic ridges and bisected by a lovely mountain stream, the valley is the perfect place to escape the warmer temperatures of the coast and ponder the creation of the spectacular Iao Needle.
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  Paia
3 hours

After you've worked up an appetite exploring Iao Valley, take the short drive to the wonderful town of Paia. This eclectic little community has a variety of delightful restaurants, many featuring locally grown produce and freshly caught seafood. Save room for a shave ice (the softer, sweeter, and uniquely Hawaiian version of the snow-cone) and round out your stay in Paia with a stroll through its funky boutiques and surf shops.
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  Hookipa
2 hours

In the afternoon, you should head to nearby Hookipa Beach. Not only is the setting spectacular, it is widely considered one of best places to windsurf on Earth. Whatever time of year you visit, the nearly constant trade winds promise you'll see some pretty amazing offshore action.
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DAY 5

  Maui Ocean Center
3 hours

Everyone who comes to Maui leaves with a new appreciation for the beauty of the ocean, and there's no better place to start your study than the Maui Ocean Center (also known as The Hawaiian Aquarium). Located adjacent to Ma'alaea Harbor, this marvelous marine park was established to further understanding of Hawaii's diversity of oceanic life. Center highlights include live coral displays and up-close encounters with green sea turtles, sharks, rays and much more.
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  Molokini
4 hours

for total emersion? The volcanic crater of Molokini is a beautiful snorkel and dive destination that is home to around 250 species of fish. Accessible through several charter companies, the crater is generally considered one of best dive sites in the world. Plunging hundreds of feet below the surface, the crater is a wonderland for experienced scuba divers, but is equally accessible to snorkelers and snuba-divers (a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving.)
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  Makena Beach
2 hours

After a visit to Molokini, we recommend drying out at one of Maui's favorite destinations, Makena Beach. At almost 2/3 of a mile long and over 100 yards wide, it is one of the largest in the state. Both are popular with visitors and residents alike. It's a great place to relax and take in the sunset.
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