Wailea Beach in Maui with white sand, green blue waves , and clouds off in the distance.

An Unforgettable 6 Day Maui Itinerary – Perfect for First Timers

This post may contain affiliate links. When you purchase something through these links I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more in my disclaimer policy. Many, many thanks for using these links!

Are you a first timer looking for the perfect 6 day Maui itinerary?

We recently went to Maui, Hawaii for the first time. Convinced that we were the only Californians who had not yet been to Hawaii, it had been on the bucket list for a long time!

We wanted to see the island and experience the culture, but we also wanted a lot of time just sleeping on the beach and hanging out in the waves. I created this unforgettable 6 day Maui itinerary and it was a huge success! It allowed us to achieved our goals and we had the bucket list trip we dreamed of!

This 6 day Maui itinerary tells you how we made this a once in a lifetime vacation. I think this will keep you happy, relaxed, and give you the full Hawaiian adventure you’re looking for.

Carrie Green-Zinn in the lush green upcountry of Maui, Hawaii

The Maui Itinerary This Is Not:

This is not an itinerary for those looking to do serious surfing, windsurfing, or foiling. This itinerary will not take you to the west part of Maui, due to the ongoing recovery from the recent fires. This is an itinerary for a solo trip, a couple, a family, a friends’ trip, and anyone who wants a tropical vacation with a lot of relaxing and some fun and active adventures.

Why Visit Maui, Hawaii?

Maui has been recommended to us more times than I can count for several reasons. Mainly because it has everything you could possibly want! Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, snorkeling, surfing, over 275 days of sunshine per year, great food, and lovely people. Here are a few Maui facts:

  • An airport easily accessible with direct flights from many major cities.
  • It’s the second largest island of all the Hawaiian Islands, which means there is plenty to see, but it’s still easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Maui was formed by two volcanoes, The West Mountains has the Mauna Kahalawai volcano which has not erupted in an estimated 320,000 years! This area is the West Maui Natural Area Reserve. The East Maui Volcano is Haleakalā, which last erupted somewhere between 1480 – 1600. This area is the Haleakalā National Park.
  • There are about 15 waterfalls to visit in Maui.
  • Lahaina, a very popular resort area on the Western side of Maui, tragically suffered a massive fire in August of 2023. Many people lost their lives in the fire, and over 2200 properties were destroyed. Obviously, this has affected the larger community of Maui as well as the western region. Due to the ongoing recovery from the fires, we were advised, by close friends who live in Maui, not to stay in, nor tour that area.
  • The east side of Maui is where the airport is, the famous Road to Hana, and the lush, rainforest of the “upcountry,” as well as the beautiful beaches of the south coast. So, a little bit of everything!
Table of contents

Click on the Map for all the places to see on your 6 Days in Maui Itinerary

A map of the things to do on a 6 Day itinerary in Maui, HI

Carrie’s Quick & Easy Links

🌍 Flights & Hotels: I recommend Expedia
🏠 Vacation rentals: I recommend VRBO
🚘 Car Rental: I recommend Hertz
🌐 Tours: I recommend Viator
🛍 Gear: Check out my Travel Stuff
📷 Create Your Travel Memory Books with MILK

Your 6 Day Maui Itinerary

Mix and match these daily itineraries according to where you stay and your interests. Similar to our time spent on other Tropical vacations, like Puerto Rico, or Costa Rica, I wanted to combine active hikes and seeing sites with napping on the beach!

Tips:

  • Arrival: You’ll land at the Kahului Airport (OGG) in Kahului, about 8 miles (20 minutes) from the town of Paia. 
  • Click Here to Rent a Car: You will definitely want to have a car during your visit to Maui. Take the airport tram in front of baggage claim to the car rental facility.
  • Equipment: Check in advance with your resort or accommodation if they supply you with beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrella, beach cooler, snorkeling gear, boogie board, or surfing gear. There are rental shops all over the island for boogie boards and snorkel gear.
  • Costco: Plan to stop at the Costco minutes from the Kahului Airport to grab supplies for your stay. Locals will tell you that the supermarket prices are high in Hawaii because everything has to be shipped in or flown in from the mainland. Thus, Costco prices are considered better. You can also buy beach supplies such as snorkel gear, towels, beach chairs, etc if you need it.
  • Make a dinner reservation at Mama’s Fish House in advance. If you can’t get a dinner reservation, then try for the end of the lunch service. Have cocktails, an early dinner, and linger with dessert. That way you can still get to enjoy sunset on the property.
  • Leave No Trace! Do not leave anything in this magical wilderness, nor can you take anything such as shells or rocks or plants.
A view of the beaching Wailea, Maui, HI

Day 1 Maui Itinerary – Swim with Turtles & Beach Sunset 

Today is your first day and you’ll be dying to get to the beach. So, why not choose the beach with soft sand, warm water, and sweet giant turtles?

Day 1 Morning & Afternoon – Ho’okipa Beach Park

What to Bring:

  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Beach chairs, blanket, towels, umbrella
  • Picnic supplies
  • Snorkel gear
  • Water Shoes

Grab Breakfast and drive to Ho’okipa Beach on the Hana Highway near Paia.

You’ll be happy to spend a full day here, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and picnicking. This beach is well known for its excellent surfing waves and hosts major surfing events. This is considered Mile Marker #9 on the Road to Hana.

Park in the lower lot near the restrooms and picnic tables, and walk down a staircase to the beach. Look to your right to see the turtle sanctuary.

Hawaiian Green Turtles on the Ho'okipa Beach in Maui, HI

This is one of Maui’s most treasured beaches because it is home to the Honu or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. These giant turtles only live in the Hawaiian islands.

Ho’okipa Beach is one of the few nesting and resting places for the turtles. They are a protected species and are in danger because of contact with humans. PLEASE respect the signs and rules. Keep your distance!

The turtles bask in the sun on the far end of the beach tucked into a cove against the rocks. There’s a sign marking the protected turtle space on the sand. It was shocking to see how many people violated the signs!

Use your zoom lens, not your legs to see the turtles closer up! The turtles do swim in the water, so while you watch them from a distance on the sand, you may encounter them up close in the water! The shore is rocky, so wear your water shoes. You can swim out and snorkel, watch the surfers, and enjoy the warm water and waves!

Book a Kayak & Snorkel Turtle Town Tour Here!

Cocktails at Mama's Fish House in Maui, overlooking the ocean.

Day 1 Evening – Dinner & Sunset at the Beach

Dinner at Mama’s Fish House – 799 Poho Pl, Paia

Mama’s Fish House is Maui’s most iconic restaurant located in the perfect setting on the water. Known for its incredible service, fresh catch seafood, and beautiful atmosphere, it’s worth the high prices.

We had a table with the best view, stayed for hours, and loved all the dishes. The decor is Polynesian and Hawaiian and the gardens and flower arrangements are remarkable.You will need a reservation far in advance, especially if you want to be there at sunset.

Carrie Green-Zinn on a bridge on the Pipiwai Trail in Maui

Day 2 Maui ItineraryRoad to Hana & the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

Today is a big adventure hiking day. You’ll take a drive on the famous Road to Hana to reach the trailhead for the most beautiful hike in Maui. Get an early start and follow these tips for a successful and memorable trip to Hana.

Day 1 Morning – The Road to Hana

What to Bring:

  • National Park Pass or $30 Entrance Fee
  • Motion sickness medication or wrist bands
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Bug Spray
  • Water
  • Lunch/Snacks
  • Hiking shoes/boots – the trail has many roots, stone steps, gravel, and can be muddy.
  • Load a “Road to Hana” app on your phone to listen to on the drive.
  • Cash because of the banana bread stands and smoothie kiosks are cash only.
A waterfall along the Pipiwai Trail in Maui


About the Drive:
Grab Breakfast. Start EARLY!!! This is a very beautiful, yet extremely winding road, with speed limits of 10 miles per hour in many stretches.

The length of the drive will depend on where you’re starting from. We started near Paia. It’s only about 64 miles to the trailhead, but it took us 2.5 hours to get there.

There are 620 curves and 59 bridges along the way. The road was not very crowded, however, because it is so winding and the bridges are only one car width,  you must follow the speed limits of 10 – 25 miles per hour. 

IMPORTANT!!! Your GPS will offer you a “faster,” less winding route, along the south west side of the National Park on HI 37 and the Piilani Hwy. This is NOT The Road to Hana. If you choose this route, be sure to CHECK FOR SOUTHBOUND ROAD CLOSURES.

We chose to drive The Road to Hana going to the trail, and the “faster” route on the return because: 1. We wanted to see the beautiful scenery on this famous road..
2. Road construction and possible closures southbound on the Piilani Hwy would have affected our journey.
3. Whereas, on our return, northbound on Piilani Hwy, there were no closures.

The Banyan Tree on the Pipiwai Trail

Day 2 Afternoon – Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

I recommend you get to the trail first before stopping at other sites along The Road to Hana, to avoid crowds. This is a magical hike and thus, very popular.

Find the Entrance to the Haleakalā National Park at Mile Marker 42 on The Road to Hana. You’ll need your National Park Pass or to pay the $30 entrance fee. Then drive to the Visitor Center parking lot.

You’ll begin at the visitor center, following the trail signs leading to the left. Here are some highlights:

The Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls Hike

The hike is a 3.7 mile, moderate difficulty, out and back trail and can take about 2.5 hours, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the views and for photos. You’ll begin at the visitor center, following the trail signs leading to the left. Here are some Pipiwai Trail highlights:

  • At the .5 mile point, you’ll see the Makahiku Falls.
  • At about 1 mile in, you’ll reach the famous and giant Banyan Tree.
  • About 1.5 miles in, you enter the amazing Bamboo Forest.
  • After you exit the Bamboo Forest, you’ll soon reach your first view of the 400 foot Waimoku Falls.
  • Rest at the water and enjoy views of the Falls. If you cross the water, the trail goes for a very short distance before a sign restricting passage ends the trail. There is a big boulder to stand on at the sign to get excellent pics of the Falls.
Waimoku Falls at the end of the Pipiwai Trail in Maui

After your hike, then follow the trail to Kuloa Point Trail to the ‘Ohe’o Gulch, aka the Pools of ‘Ohe’o  or Seven Sacred Pools hike.  It’s only a .5 mile loop trail just above a series of waterfalls cascading into beautiful pools. You’ll see people swimming and jumping into the pools.

The Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail

Check Out This Top Rated Road To Hana Small Group Tour With Lunch!

Day 2 Late Afternoon & Evening – Drive Back & Dinner

Plan Ahead Option! You may want to back track and stay in the town of Hana for the night and enjoy more of the Road to Hana Mile Marker sites the next day. 

The Return Route


On drive back doing the loop road which means you DO NOT return the way you came on the Hana Highway. Instead drive SOUTHWEST on Highway 360, to the Pilani Highway 31 to Highway 37. You may read or hear that that road is not safe to drive, but we found it unpaved and gravelly initially, but it was fine to drive on. Quickly, it becomes a paved road that is not nearly as winding as the Road to Hana. It took us under 2 hours to return vs. the 2.5 hours to get there.

Dinner Option :
Nalu’s South Shore Grill – 1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei
Nalu’s South Shore Grill in Kihei serves fresh, in an comfort food style. It’s a laid-back, open-air setting with live music. It’s definitely a locals’ favorite and was recommended to us by many people. It did not disappoint!

Tree roots on the Pipiwai Trail

Day 3 Maui Itinerary – Keawakapu Beach & Hula Show & Food Trucks

Today is a beach recovery day from the big hiking adventure and all the driving on The Road to Hana. Relax on the beach all day and enjoy a Hula show in the evening.

What To Bring:

  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Beach chairs, blanket, towels, umbrella
  • Picnic supplies
  • Water Shoes
A view of Keawakapu Beach in Wailea, Maui, HI

Day 3 Morning & Afternoon – Keawakapu Beach

Grab Breakfast. You’ll enjoy a full beach day at Wailea’s relaxing and fabulous Keawakapu Beach. I am not exaggerating when I say that we spent hours in the water here with mild temps and easy to manage waves. We also spent hours napping and walking on this beach. The Mana Kai resort on this beach has a General Store if you need any supplies.

Note: If you are staying at the Mana Kai Resort, as we were, then you also have access to the beach side pool and restrooms during your beach day.

Hula Dancers at the South Maui Gardens Hula Show in Wailea, Maui

Day 3 Evening (Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays only) – Hula Show

South Maui Gardens Hula Show & Kihei Food Oasis Food Trucks
35 Auhana Rd, Kihei
Sun, Wed, Fri 5PM – 7PM

This was by far one of the best experiences we had in Maui. You may not know, but in my former life, as a dancer, I studied a lot of different cultures’ dances and rituals. I knew we needed to see some authentic Hula while visiting Hawaii, but the Luau shows are very expensive! $300 per person! As an alternative, we chose the much more affordable South Maui Gardens Hula Show at $100 per person, $90 for Seniors.

A fire dancer in the South Maui Gardens Hula Show in Wailea, Maui

This is a Hula and Fire Dance show, on an outdoor stage in a very laid back, park-like setting the the South Maui Gardens. The show focuses on the different island dance traditions that make up the Hawaiian culture. This show was beautiful! The music was live and authentic. The dancers and costumes were gorgeous and the host gave insights into what we were seeing. Honestly, I can’t recommend this enough. It was appropriate for all ages and the many food trucks on the property make for a perfect dining experience while watching the show.

The Kihei Food trucks at the South Maui Gardens Hula Show


Plan on finding excellent food at the Kihei Food Oasis Food Trucks that are parked adjacent to the Hula Show stage and grass area. There are 14 different food trucks to choose from!

Get your tickets in advance via this link – South Maui Gardens Hula Show
The show is only offered on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The show is from 5PM- 7PM. They ask that you arrive at 4:45. There are picnic tables, but you are also encouraged to bring your own beach chairs or picnic blankets to sit on the grass in front of the stage. 

Get Your South Maui Garden Hula Show Tix Here!

Carrie Green-Zinn at the Haleakala Crater in Maui

Day 4 Maui Itinerary – Haleakalā  Crater Hike & Baldwin Beach & Coconuts & Shave Ice

Today is an opportunity to have an adventure and hike in the morning and still have time for a beach nap in the afternoon!

You’ll also get to have amazing fish tacos and some famous Hawaiian Shave Ice! (No, it’s not “shaved,” it is “shave.” The internet tells me that the origins of this are from the original Japanese word for the dessert. That word does not include the past tense or the letter “d” so, when the term became an English word, it was known as Shave Ice).

What to Bring:

  • National Park Pass or $30 Entrance Fee
  • Motion sickness medication or wrist bands
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Hiking shoes/boots – the crater trail is an easy gravel surface,
The Haleakala Crater in Maui

Day 4 Morning – Haleakalā  Summit & Crater Hike

Grab Breakfast. Drive to the Haleakalā Summit (1.5 hours from Wailea). The Haleakalā National Park is not only home to the Road to Hana and its special sites, but it’s where the Haleakalā Volcano is. It’s very popular to see the sunrise or sunset at the summit of the volcano.
Here’s what you need to know to make your decision:

  • Sunrise is at about 5:30AM much of the year, (6:30- 7AM in the winter).
  • You’ll need a permit in advance to enter the park for sunrise. Haleakalā National Park Info
  • The drive from the park entrance to the summit is about 30 minutes long, on a well paved, but very winding road, at about 10 miles per hour. Be careful as rare NeNe Birds cross the road sometimes! There are steep drop offs and changing weather can affect visibility.
  • It will be dark as you approach and there are no lights on the road, but there will be other cars. A lot of people love this adventure.
  • Sunset does NOT require a permit.
  • Sunset occurs roughly between 6PM & 7PM throughout the year.
  • It will be very cold and windy at the summit at sunset hour.
  • It will be dark on the drive down, but others will be on the road.
  • There is limited parking at the summit parking lot. There is a lower lot at the volcano trailheads below, but that requires a hike up to the summit.
  • There are often foggy clouds at the summit as it is 10,023 feet above sea level. This affects the view, obviously.
  • Stay Hydrated! due to the altitude changes.
  • Wear layers!
The Haleakala Crater Trail in Maui

What we Decided:
We decided on neither sunrise nor sunset! And instead chose to enjoy the volcano during the early part of the day. We had many factors weighing in on this decision, but the short version is:
We wanted to enjoy a hike into the crater after seeing the summit, during the daylight, when we could actually see the scenery.

We did not want to get up in the middle of the night to get to the summit by 5:30AM, nor did we want to be cold, in the dark, driving back to our lodging after 7PM.

My Recommendation:
Drive to the Summit parking lot and walk around, take in the views, and then drive down to the lower lot Visitor Center with trailheads into the crater. The “crater floor” is 3.9 miles down one way. The elevation change is almost 2,500 ft.

The Silversword plant in the Haleakala Crater

What You’ll See:
Majestic views of the crater and surrounding mountains. It doesn’t exactly look like a big giant hole from the top, more like you’re looking into a sweeping, colorful, and breathtaking valley. 

The silversword plants that are growing everywhere are a rare species that only grows at Haleakalā. They survive in the dry climates like that of the crater and live up to 90 years old! They only flower once with a tall stalk and then die soon after.

A view of the Haleakala Crater

Trail choices:
Pā Ka‘oao Trail – 0.4 mile round trip – Trailhead next to the Visitor Center to see an ancient rock wall shelter and crater views.

Keonehe‘ehe‘e (Sliding Sands)Trail – .50 mile round trip- Trailhead next to the Visitor Center. Basically, hike down as far as you like, but remember that you have to hike back up and it is deceivingly more steep than you think! I’m in pretty good shape, but with the altitude and steep incline, the hike back up was slow and challenging! Hydrate often!

A sign warning of a rare bird, NeNe, crossings in Haleakala Summit

Keonehe‘ehe‘e (Sliding Sands) Trail – 11 mile hike across the crater to the Halemau’u Trail. The trailhead is in the Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot near the road. This is a full day hike that crosses the valley floor, and ends at Halemau’u. There are no shuttles back to the Visitor Parking Lot, but people can wait at the Hiker Pick-Up for a kind soul to drive them back! It’s a risk and inclement weather may reduce visitors to the park which means your chances of getting a ride may be slim.

The NP website suggests you park at Halemau’u, hitchhike up to Keonehe’ehe’e and then when you’re finished, you’re at your car.

If you choose this hike, after reaching the Crater Floor, at 5.7 miles into the hike, you’ll see Pele’s Paint Pot (colorful waves of volcanic rock) at the north side of Halāli’i cinder cone and the Kawilinau volcano pit which is 65 feet deep. 

Check Out This Private Open Air Jeep Sunset Haleakalā Summit Tour!

Baldwin Beach in Maui, HI.

Day 4 Afternoon – Baldwin Beach

What To Bring:

  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Beach chairs, blanket, towels, umbrella
  • Picnic supplies
Three Beach chairs near the trees at Baldwin Beach in Maui, HI.

Day 4 Afternoon – Baldwin Beach

Baldwin Park, Hana Hwy

Baldwin Beach is another of Maui’s spectacular beaches along the Hana Highway near Paia. Baldwin Beach is a one mile beach next to Baldwin Park. There’s plenty of parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. One of my favorite features is that it’s a tree lined beach with a wide sand shore. You can find a little shade if you sit back near the trees. The waves are excellent here and the water is clear and warm.

Walk to the west end of Baldwin Beach and you’ll come to what is known as Baby Beach. This is a protected beach perfect for bringing little ones.

Fish Tacos with mango from Coconuts in Maui

Day 4 Evening – Dinner & Dessert

Coconuts Fish Cafe – 2463 S Kihei Rd, Kihei OR 279 S Kihei Rd, Kihei

Have dinner at Coconuts Fish Cafe or do Take Out and eat on the beach. Either way, Coconuts serves the best Mahi Mahi fish & chips and fish tacos I’ve ever had! We loved these tacos so much that we ordered them three times during our trip!

Da Kine Shave Ice – 2349 S Kihei Rd Unit 3

OK, everyone raves about the shave ice in Hawaii, so you should try it. For me, it’s kind of like the old Italian Ice we used to get from the ice cream truck as kids. However, for many, this is the ultimate in shave ice. Visit Da Kine and let me know what you think.

Colorful Shave Ice in Maui, HI

Day 5 Maui Itinerary – Kihei Caffe & Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve & Makena State Park

Today is all about seeing the volcanic rock and coral at a terrific snorkel spot and then having another stellar afternoon on the beach.

What to Bring:

  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Beach chairs, blanket, towels, umbrella
  • Snorkel Gear
  • water shoes, sneakers, or hiking shoes.
  • Snacks
The Kihei Caffe in Maui should be on your Maui Itinerary

Day 5 Morning – Kihei Caffe & Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve

Kihei Caffe – 1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei

Have a fun breakfast the Kihei Caffe. Fun because it’s an outdoor cafe, with excellent breakfast items, and a lively vibe. Sadly, there was no decaf, which is often the case in Maui, but I managed with a delicious mango smoothie.

A volcanic and coral beach in Ahihi - Kinau Reserve in Maui


Ahihi- Kinau Natural Area Reserve
End of the Road, Kanahena/Keone, Wailea
Drive to the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve (25 mins from the Kihei Caffe) Park in the lot for a fee with a parking meter.

Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is considered to be one of the best snorkeling areas in Maui – if the “swell” is cooperating. Ahihi-Kinau is a coastal area with volcanic rock and white coral covering the beach.

This is not really a sit on the sand and sunbathe area, it is more of a hike on the trail along the coast and snorkel in the coves. You’re likely to see others snorkeling which may give you a hint as to where the best spots are on any given day.

Coral and Volcanic Rock in Maui

Kanahena Trail
0.9 out and back trail

After a swim and snorkel take this easy 0.9 out and back trail. Hike along the coastal Kanahena Trail until a sign asks you to stop due to protection of wildlife. This is a rugged trail over lava rocks, white coral, and stunning views of the water.

Day 5 Afternoon – Mākena State Park & Mākena Beach

Mākena State Park & Mākena (Big) Beach – 5083 Mākena Rd, Wailea

Mākena Beach is just a 9 minute drive from Ahihi-Kinau. Park in the lot for a fee with a parking meter.

Mākena State Park is a 165-acre coastal park with 3 beaches and a dormant volcanic cinder cone.
Also known for great snorkeling, this beach is also called Oneloa or Big Beach because of its wide, white sandy beach.

Mākena State Park is also home to the Oneuli which is a black sand beach, as well as the  Puu Olai or Little Beach which is rumored to be the “clothing optional” beach in the

Cocktails at Monkey Pod in Maui

Day 5 Evening – Dinner & Beach Sunset

Dinner at Monkey Pod Kitchen – 10 Wailea Gateway Place in Kihei

Another fantastic meal at the renowned Monkey Pod Kitchen! So many people recommended There’s live music, excellent service, and a great menu. We loved everything and would definitely go back! after dinner head to the beach with an ice cream cone and watch the sunset.

Sunset in Maui

Day 6 Maui Itinerary – Farm Visits & Paia Galleries & Shopping

Today is about seeing the upcountry farms and getting in some last-day-of-vacation shopping.

Day 6 Morning – Kula Farms

Kula is Kula is a beautiful area west of the Haleakalā National Park. Kula is in the central part of Maui and is known for its lush green terrain, perfect for different types of farming.

Choose one or all of the following farms to visit today!

Goats at the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm in Maui

Surfing Goat Dairy Farm – 3651 Omaopio Road, Kula
The Surfing Goat Farm (my top pick) Take a 30 minute tour, feed the goats,  taste the fabulous goat cheeses, and the amazing goat milk chocolate truffles in this beautiful setting.

Ali Kula Lavender Farm – 1100 Waipoli Rd, Kula
Imagine 10 acres of lavender and other gardens with sweeping views of Maui. Enjoy the gardens, the gift shop, and light refreshments.

Maui Tea Farm – 18303 Haleakala Hwy
Maui Tea farm is called a Garden of Eden with acres of tea, herbs, and fruit trees of all kinds. They grow vegetables and more and maintain a completely sustainable farm. Take a 1 hour tour of the farm and taste some tea!

The Ocean Vodka Distillery in Maui

Day 6 Afternoon – Lunch & Shopping

Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery – 4051 Omaopio Road Kula
You’ll be ready for lunch and this is one more farm stop that is not negotiable! This organic farm transforms the Hawaiian sugar cane into its famous vodka. The setting is gorgeous and you’ll have lunch outside overlooking the best views of Maui from the foothills of Haleakala. The menu is awesome! You can enjoy personal guided tastings, shop in the store, and enjoy cocktails with your lunch!

Shops in Paia, Maui

Paia Gallery stroll and shopping

The drive to Paia is about 20 minutes.
It’s your final day and you might want to do a little shopping for gifts and local art. Paia is known for being a “surfing” town and has a very relaxed atmosphere.  The Paia streets are filled with boutique shops, at least 15 art galleries, plenty of restaurants, and cafes. Did I forget to mention ice cream?

Day 6 Evening – Dinner in Paia

Paia Fish Market – 100 Hana Hwy 
An institution in Paia since the days when Paia was only known to hippies, surfers, fisherman, and sugar mill workers. This fishmarket and restaurant has some of the best fish on the island in a great atmosphere.

Ice Cream shop in Paia, Maui

Where to Stay in Maui

Mana Kai Resort – 2960 South Kihei Road, Wailea.

We rented a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with a full kitchen and living room, on the 8th floor with a balcony and killer views of the beach. We were 2 couples, so it was the perfect set up for us. The place supplied everything we needed, ie: beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrella, a cooler. We ate meals on the balcony, overlooking the beach and could watch the sunset. There’s a pool, a general store, parking, and a laundry facility. I highly recommend this stay!

Mana Kai Resort

  • $$$
  • Privately owned apartments in resort setting, parking available, general store, fitness center, wifi, laundry service, air conditioning, full kitchen, beach supplies, pool, concierge.
A rainbow in Maui

Is It Worth Going to Maui for 6 days?

Absolutely! A 5 – 6 day trip is a great amount of time to visit.  I do think that a car rental is essential to comfortably explore the island. If you and your travel companions are up for more driving than we were, then you could also spend time exploring the  western part of Maui that we did not venture to.

You could add lots of other activities if you want. For instance, try a beginner surfing lesson!

Book A Beginner Surfing Lesson Here!

Carrie Green-Zinn at the Banyan Tree in Pipiwai Trail

What to pack for 6 days in Maui?

Think Tropical vacation with a few cool evenings and some hikes.

  • Swimsuits (2–3)
  • Beach Cover-up
  • Light layers – sweater, sweatshirt
  • Casual clothes – sleeveless
  • One nicer outfit – sun dress, nice pants,
  • Lightweight packable rain jacket
  • Flipflops/sandals
  • Sneakers
  • Hiking Boots – Everyone gave me a hard time about packing my hiking boots, but boy was I happy I had them and they were unhappy that they didn’t!
  • Water shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Bug spray
  • Snorkel gear (or rent there)
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Lightweight backpack
  • Camera
Bamboo Trees in Maui

Best Time to Visit Maui

Maui, as you can see has perfect weather all year long! While the rain is often, it doesn’t interfere with a good beach vacation! It literally rained every night we were there, but only while we were sleeping!

April–May and September–November are great shoulder seasons for fewer crowds.

December–March is typically busiest and can be more expensive.

June–August is a great time for families with school aged kids, but will be more crowded.

Maui TempsAverage High (°F)Average Low (°F)
January7155
February7055
March7155
April7356
May7457
June7659
July7760
August7861
September7860
October7760
November7458
December7256
Carrie Green-Zinn at Mama's Fish House in Maui

Start Planning Your 6 Day Maui Itinerary Today!

In a nutshell…

I hope this unforgettable 6 day Maui itinerary helps you plan the relaxing, adventure-filled island trip you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re hiking through bamboo forests to hidden waterfalls, watching the sunrise from a volcanic crater, or just floating in the waves at a quiet beach, Maui truly is magical. We can’t wait to go back!

Safe travels, and may your Maui itinerary be just as dreamy as ours was! Aloha!

xx,
Carrie