Even though Maui is only 48 miles wide, it’s packed with so much beauty and things to do that you’ll want more than just 7 days to cover it all. I’ve been to Maui twice now and it tops the list as a family favorite. Not just because Maui is home to one of the world’s top 10 beaches, Kaanapali Beach, but because it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and activities.
Kaanapali, located on the northwest coast of Maui between Lahaina and Kapalua, is home to world-class resorts, 3 miles of a white sandy beach and boardwalk, ocean-front restaurants, and enough adventure to keep you busy for weeks. Or if endless whale watching and sunsets are on your mind, Kaanapali covers that too! Kaanapali is a great base for family members with varied activities and interests in mind.
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Table of Contents
Week In Maui Itinerary
Use this itinerary to organize your 7 days in Maui. Detail descriptions of things to do are further down in this post.
Day 1 – Kaanapali Beach Day
- Spend the day taking in your resort and enjoying Kaanapali Beach
- Go snorkeling (keep your eyes up and not down for spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles)
- Take a walk on the Boardwalk
- Schedule a surf lesson in front of Marriott Maui Ocean Club
- Dinner: Hula Grill
Day 2 – Discovery Scuba at Airport Beach & Iao Valley
- Take a discovery scuba class and shore dive at Airport Beach
- See the 150-year-old Banyan Tree in Lahaina
- Hike 1.2 miles round trip to see the Iao State Valley Monument
- Dinner: Lu’au at Westin Maui Resort or Old Lahaina Lu’au
Day 3 – Paia, Hookipa & Road To Hana
- Hookipa Beach Lookout
- Jaws lookout (if you have 4-wheel drive) and stop at the Jaws Country Store
- Road to Hana
- Dinner: Paia Fish Market
Day 4 – Molokini Crater & Turtle Town
- Scuba diving or snorkeling at Molokini Crater, then at Turtle Town. If you book a guide for Molokini Crater, many dive and scuba tours combine Molokini with a second stop near Turtle Town.
- Shopping at Whaler’s Village
- Dinner: Mala Ocean Table
Day 5 – Kapalua & Honolua Bay
- Zipline tour in Kapalua
- See the Nakalele Blowhole erupt
- Snorkel at Honolua Bay
- Visit the patio at Merriman’s Kapalua for their famed Mai Tai on your return to Kaanapali
- Dinner: Duke’s Beach House
Day 6 – Mount Haleakala
- Witness the Mount Haleakala Sunrise
- Visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Fields
- Grab food at Hali’imaile General Store
- Dinner: Monkeypod Whaler’s Village
Day 7 – Final resort day!
There’s a good chance that your departure flight is in the evening so you have one last day to squeeze in any final activities, souvenir shopping, and Mai Tais to try. We spent our last day snorkeling one more time at Kaanapali Beach, enjoying our resort, eating as much Hawaiian shaved ice as possible, and another shopping round at Whaler’s Village.
Some of my best time in Maui was doing absolutely nothing
Alternatives for your itinerary
If you have more than 7 days in Maui or interested in swapping out activities with the ones recommended above, consider these other Maui favorites:
- Deep sea fishing with a local Lahaina captain. Our family ended up splitting up for the day when the boys went on a last-minute deep-sea fishing trip, and the girls had a resort day. It completely threw off our itinerary but it was worth the fresh mahi mahi we cooked for dinner that night!
- A half day exploring the cute boutiques and surf shops in Paia
- A beach hop day in Wailea and the south shore: Makena Beach, Ulua Beach, Po’olenalena Beach
- Golfing at Kapalua Plantation Golf Course, Kaanapali Golf Course, Wailea Golf Club, or The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course
Catch mahi mahi or tuna on a deep sea fishing tour
Important itinerary scheduling info – Must Read
You can NOT arrange scuba diving, Mount Haleakala, and flying on back-to-back days. Give yourself a day in between these activities to prevent decompression illness.
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Details About Things To Do For Your Kaanapali Maui Vacation
Below is a detailed list of activities for personalizing your itinerary. It’s what I created to make an itinerary for our week in Maui. See highlights on my Instagram.
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is the reason why this island is the BEST. Forbes ranks it as 1 of the top 10 beaches in the world and for good reason.
There are 3 miles of soft sandy white beach and a boardwalk for resort hopping. No reason to even wear your shoes if you’re seeking a stroll and Hawaiian shaved ice. Visit the shaved ice truck parked outside the Westin to cool off after a hot day in the Kaanapali sun.
Surf huts line the boardwalk with endless group or private surf lesson options. Cruises depart daily for both sunset sails and whale watching. You can book a tour from a kiosk along the boardwalk opposite Whalers Village.
Snorkeling Kaanapali Beach is one of the best reefs I’ve ever seen, including Kauai, Grand Cayman, Moorea, Bora Bora, Cozumel, and Aruba. You’ll see gorgeous arrays of colorful reef coral, tropical fish, and possibly even turtles! We snorkeled with a turtle just a couple of feet away from us. Once we realized the turtle was right beside us, we backed off to give it at least 10′ (required by Maui law).
Because snorkeling at Kaanapali Beach is at your own risk, there are a few important safety considerations before grabbing your snorkel gear and walking into the Pacific.
Spend at least 1 day on Kaanapali Beach
Tips for snorkeling Kaanapali
1 – Time the waves just right to avoid getting tossed up onto the beach
2 – Pay attention to the current. It might be super easy on the way out, but the return trip to shore could be a challenge. Be mindful of the power and direction of the current before and during your snorkel adventure.
3 – Always buddy up!
4 – Enter and exit via the beach where there’s no reef. Look for dark spots and avoid those areas to prevent touching or getting thrown onto the reef. A safe entrance is between Boneyards (surf spot that anchors the right side of the Marriott Maui Ocean Club facing the Pacific) and the “Junkyard” (junky-looking setup in the ocean that anchors the left side of the Marriott Maui that rents jet skis during the non-whale season).
5 – Wear reef-safe sunscreen. It’s the law!
Surf lesson in front of Marriott Maui Ocean Club
Beginner surf lessons are available at Kaanapali Beach. Book a lesson as soon as you can but no later than 24 hours before the day you want to surf. Group lessons sell out fast during peak season and cost $90+ per person. Or you can opt for a private lesson.
Aqualani, located in front of the Marriott Maui Ocean Club, is open for group surf lessons as early as 7:30. Their team of surf experts will ensure you get up on the board at least once and they have a professional photographer to capture it all.
Surfing in Maui may seem intimidating, but this area is gentle compared to Maui’s North Shore. In March, the waves were comparable to surfing in Cornwall, England in July.
Aqualani offers beginner surf lessons on Kaanapali Beach
Discovery Scuba at Airport Beach
Dive Maui, located in Lahaina, offers discovery scuba and a refresher course for certified divers. If this interests your family while in Kaanapali, prebook weeks in advance to complete the necessary coursework and medical release forms (if applicable).
Airport Beach is a fabulous location for anyone interested in becoming a certified diver. Dive Maui spends a couple of hours going over essential diving instruction, safety, and equipment. For my husband and I, Joe gave us the refresher we needed to get back into scuba again. He put our kids at ease to try scuba diving for the first time.
The first dive allows you to descend up to 40’. The hardest part is that Airport Beach is a shore dive so you need to be able to walk into and out of the the ocean with all equipment on.
Airport Beach has bathrooms, outdoor showers, and covered picnic areas. It’s a great beach park in Kaanapali to hang out after a scuba diving session.
Polynesian Lu’au
Attending a luau is a must while in Maui and I highly recommend doing it first to kick off your vacation. While there are many luau options to select from in Kaanapali, the one most referred to by locals is the Old Lahaina Luau. The Old Lahaina Luau focuses on traditional Hawaiian dances and rituals born in Hawaii. It is the oldest operating luau on the island. It was closed due to the fire but reopened in March 2024.
Another popular luau that takes you on a Polynesian voyage of dance, food, and fire is the Wailele Lu’au at Maui Westin Kaanapali. The show lasts for 2.5 hours and is equipped with a fresh lei, endless Mai Tais, a Hawaiian buffet, and local desserts. The ukulele band is the best!
Wailele Lu’au at Maui Westin Kaanapali includes a fire & knife show
Shopping at Whalers Village
Whalers Village is a shopping center located along the boardwalk in front of Kaanapali Beach, centered between the Westin and The Whaler resorts. It offers high-end brand-name shops to unique Maui boutiques.
Must stores to shop at Whalers Village
- Lululemon – There is a small rack with select items featuring a subtle Maui emblem, whale tail, or other Maui insignia. Items are put out regularly first thing in the morning. It’s a super-limited collection with high demand. If you see something grab it before someone else does!
- Kai Aloha – Kai means ocean, and aloha means love. This store puts profits towards turtle and whale conversation. If you want a meaningful give-back souvenir, this store is the best.
- Rip Curl – I found the best selection of female swimsuits, sandals, and surf t-shirts with Hawaii on them.
- SOHO – Find colorful seashells, ocean decor, and mini Hawaii travel bags.
- Aloha Bags – Super colorful waterproof bags to use as a clutch, makeup bag, travel bag, or whatever you need. Every bag is beautifully designed with Aloha.
- ABC Stores – Pick up so many souvenirs here: Ocean vodka distilled in Maui, wooden surfboard bookmarks, and Kona coffee.
From Louis Vuitton to Aloha bags, you’ll find an awesome souvenir to remember your Maui trip here.
Shop at Whalers Village for the best Maui gifts
Whale watching tour
Over 10K whales migrate to Maui from Alaska every winter to mate and give birth. Between January and March, you don’t necessarily need to book a whale-watching tour to see these whales in action.
Just look out to the Pacific and scan for whales breaching and you’re certain to see one, if not dozens during your week in Maui.
You can also hear the whales singing while scuba diving! Between whale watching from Kaanapali Beach and listening to the whales underwater, it’s a pretty epic experience.
If you’re hoping for a more up close and personal experience with these magnificent mammals, book a whale watching tour.
Watching humpback whales in March – an unforgettable experience!
Snorkel or scuba dive at Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped submerged volcanic crater located a few miles from Maui’s south coast. Molokini is THE snorkel destination in Maui.
Snorkel and scuba diving are permitted in front of the crater but scuba diving the back side of Molokini requires a minimum of 100 certified dives.
We scuba-dived the front of the crater at a location called Reef’s End and saw everything from reef sharks to a big blue lobster!
See reef sharks & protected Hawaiian fish at Molokini Crater // photo credit @_divewithdave_
Drive the Road to Hana (12-14 hour day from Kaanapali)
The famous Road to Hana is a MUST do at least once during your travels to Maui. The drive is at least a 12-hour day from Kaanapali if you want to make it to Maui’s famous black sand beach, Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Or opt for Twin Falls and the Garden of Eden before turning back to Kaanapali instead of navigating more of those hairpin turns – there are over 600+ by the way! Get the full list of stops for a day trip to Hana in Road To Hana Stops: What You Can Realistically Do in 1 Day.
Hike Twin Falls on your Road to Hana day
Mount Haleakala Sunrise
Mount Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano at 10K feet tall. Watching a Mount Haleakala sunrise is one of the most popular things to do for first-time Maui visitors. The summit is a 2-hour drive from Kaanapali so it requires a super early start to witness this epic sunrise.
You need national park tickets to reserve a spot for the sunrise. There are limited tickets so it’s really important to purchase tickets as soon as you can.
I booked our original Mount Haleakala sunrise reservation months before our trip. I made the mistake of losing our sunrise ticket in an effort to purchase a reservation on a different day while we were in Kaanapali.
Despite having my browser ready to buy a ticket as soon as the tickets were released at 7:00, all 50 available tickets were gone within 10 seconds.
I tried buying tickets 3 days in a row during our Kaanapali vacation but was not lucky enough to get through. All tickets are purchased within seconds of being released at 7am.
Mount Haleakala Sunrise Tickets Tip – Don’ t do what I did
My best tip is to have another person in your party also try to buy tickets. Since you cannot have more than 1 Mount Haleakala sunrise reservation within 3 days, don’t release your existing reservation until someone else in your party secures one.
Thankfully I’ve seen the Mount Haleakala sunrise before, but the rest of my family missed out!
Snorkel at Honolua Bay (non-winter months)
Honolua Bay is located on the north shore along west Maui and is only 15 minutes from Kaanapali. This is a popular surf spot in the winter months. Due to its swells and rocky conditions, snorkeling and swimming are not advised during the winter months but otherwise safe other times of the year.
Note that the beach at Honolua Bay is very rocky. Even if the conditions aren’t pristine for swimming or snorkeling, its tucked-away location is fun for watching surfers in the late afternoon. It’s also a secluded location for taking in nature (the trees look like they belong in a fantasy movie) and whale watching. Honolua Bay is where I watched a humpback whale lobtail 53 times and had several close encounters with inquisitive chickens.
There are about 5-7 spots for parking and toilets are available at the start of the 5-minute trail. Bring cash to buy a coconut from the locals who live on the surrounding private land.
Beautiful blue Honolua Bay is only 15 minutes from Kaanapali Beach
See the Nakalele Blowhole erupt
Nakalele Blowhole is a natural geyser located a few minutes east of Honolua Bay. You don’t need to hike the trail to see Nakalele erupt but it’s far more fun up close and personal.
If you plan to hike the Acid-War Zone Trail to the blowhole, be cautious of weather conditions and waves. The trail is rocky so if it’s wet take it slow. If you get too close to the blowhole you can get sucked in.
Although you can navigate the trail leading down to the blowhole in sandals, sturdy trainers or hiking shoes are far more suitable.
Despite the danger, hiking to Nakalele Blowhole was one of my top things to do during our Kaanapali stay.
Watch expert surfing at Honokohau Bay
If Honolua Bay excites you, travel further east beyond Nakalele for another expert surf location at Honokohua Bay. The beach at Honokohua is equally rocky to Honolua so take caution if you choose to snorkel here. The west side of the bay offers the easiest entrance for getting into the water.
Snorkel at Maluaka Beach, Turtle Town
Maluaka Beach is a popular beach and snorkeling destination about 1 hour south of Kaanapali. It used to be known for its abundance of Hawaiian green turtles but due to the mass number of snorkelers over the years, turtles have taken refuge elsewhere along the Maui coast.
If it’s turtles you seek you have an equal or better chance to spot one while snorkeling anywhere along Kaanapali Beach. It doesn’t mean you won’t see one or two at Maluaka, but the population isn’t as dense as it used to be.
Maluaka Beach is a pretty beach with soft white sand and typically calm blue waters since it’s protected from the trade winds via Mount Haleakala. If a less touristy beach is what you seek compared to Kaanapali, visit Maluaka Beach.
Iao Valley State Monument
For hiking go to Iao Valley State Park, located 45 minutes from Kaanapali. There is a paved .6-mile walk that leads you to clear views of Iao Needle. The lush needle, or lava remnant covered with lush vegetation, stands 1200 feet tall. Taller than the London Shard!
You only need about an hour to see Iao Needle. Park tickets are required.
Jump off Black Rock
For the ultimate adventure seeker, jump off Black Rock, also referred to as Pu’u Keka’a.
Black Rock is found along the north end of Kaanapali Beach, closest to the Sheraton Maui Resort. To jump Black Rock you have to swim out and climb the cliff. Then jump once you’ve worked up the courage!
See the 150-year-old Banyan Tree in Lahaina
The Banyan tree in Lahaina is a symbol of hope for Maui people.
Before the Lahaina fire, the Banyan was so big it rose more than 60’ tall and took up an entire city block. As soon as roads reopen, see for yourself the sprouting leaves on the oldest Banyan tree in the USA.
ATV or zip line tour in Kapalua
10 minutes north of Kaapalani is Maui’s zipline adventure: Kapalua Ziplines. It’s the only zipline in Maui that offers panoramic views of the ocean and islands of Molokai and Lanai. Ride ATVs through the rainforest and walk across Hawaii’s biggest suspension bridge.
Reward yourself at Merriman’s Kapalua for the BEST Mai Tai on Maui
Wander the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
If you skip the Maui Nut Botanical Gardens on the Road to Hana, there is another location in Kahului. You can see rainbow eucalyptus and other native plant species along Hana, but this is the place to go if you’re keen to learn about native and endangered Hawaiian plants.
Witness Jaws Surf Break
Maui’s most prestigious wave for professional surfers can be found on the north shore of Maui east of Paia. Jaws, or its native Hawaiian name Pe’ahi, is one of the 10 largest waves surfed in the world. It has waves reaching 100’ in December when pro and legendary surfers flock to Maui – if they aren’t already living there.
The downfall is that Pe’ahi Lookout is hard to get to. The road to the overlook is a 1.5-mile dirt road that requires a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. We attempted the drive in March with a Jeep and the closest we got to Jaws was the parking lot at the top of the road.
If you can’t reach Jaws Lookout, stop at the Jaws General Store across Hahana Road for cool t-shirts and souvenirs.
Jaws happens in December – you need 4WD to get there
Helicopter Tour to see Maui’s tallest waterfall: Honokohau Falls
Book a helicopter tour to see Honokohau Falls (the only way to see it) or fly over the nearby island of Molokai. Air Maui offers several different tour options.
Although we didn’t go on a helicopter tour in Maui, we toured Kauai with the doors off and it’s a pretty epic experience. A helicopter tour is adventurous and also practical if you want to see several landmarks but don’t have the time.
Helicopter tours leave from Kahului Airport, 45 minutes from Kaanapali.
Ali’i Kula Lavender Fields
Maui has lavender fields! Located not far from the base entrance of Mount Haleakala, you can wander the lavender fields and tour the gift shop Friday through Monday.
Peak lavender blooming season is June through September.
Must Try Restaurants In Kaanapali
If you want to walk to all your restaurants during your week in Maui, there are many great options within easy walking distance between the Hyatt and the Sheraton. For restaurants just north of Black Rock, don’t miss out on the food trucks across from the Hilton and Duke’s Beach House. Many Kaanapali resorts offer free shuttle service.
- Mala Ocean Tavern, Lahaina. The most charming oceanfront fine dining. It’s so close to the water that tables get sprayed from the waves. Views are epic and the Mai Tais are delicious. You have to make reservations weeks in advance to get into Mala Ocean Table.
- Hula Grill, Kaanapali. Hula Grill offers a relaxed dining environment. It’s the perfect restaurant for your first night and Mai Tai in Kaanapali. They take walk-ins so reservations are not required but a typical wait is at least 30 minutes. Kids are welcome to sit in the bar area.
- Ulu Kitchen, Kaanapali. Ulu Kitchen is a new Merriman restaurant open at the Westin on Kaanapali Beach. This means you don’t have to drive to Kapalua for the best Mai Tai on the island!
- Leilani’s On The Beach, Kaanapali. Leilani’s is perched right next to the boardwalk on the edge of Whaler’s Village. This is a super popular location for lunch and dinner. Since it can be hard to get into for evening dining as a walk-in, add it as a lunch spot to your 1 week in Maui itinerary.
- Monkeypod Kitchen, Kaanapali. Monkeypod is located at the beach end of Whaler’s Village. The restaurant does not take reservations so plan on an earlier dining experience to avoid a 50+ minute wait. You can also have one of the famed Merriman’s Mai Tai’s at Monkeypod if you can’t make it to Merriman’s in Kapalua on day 5. Our meal at Monkeypod was my husband’s favorite!
- Maui Brewing Company, Kaanapali. A new Maui Brewing location opened in Kaanapali! This is a full open-air venue. Super laid back, modern, and a great place to try all the local Maui brews. They offer Mai Tais, too.
- Duke’s Beach House, Kaanapali. Duke’s Beach House is located on the north side of Black Rock. This is a sister location to Duke’s in Huntington Beach. We’ve been to both restaurants and both are truly special. The food, live music, and waterfront views are the best! Book an early reservation to watch the sunset. Duke’s Beach House was our favorite all-around experience restaurant during our week in Maui.
- Kaanapali Lower Honoapilani Food Truck Park, Kaanapali. The food trucks are in a parking lot area across from the big peachy-colored Hilton. You can order anything from aloha sweets to sushi.
Duke’s tops the list with its live music, surf roots & epic sunset views!
Must Try Restaurants 45 minutes from Kaanapali
- Paia Fish Market, Paia. Make this restaurant your dinner stop on your way back from the Road To Hana. You don’t need reservations to eat at Paia Fish Market. You order at the counter and your food is delivered to your table. The restaurant walls are covered with professional surfing photos and cups feature the notorious Jaws. Hands down one of our favorite dining spots in Maui.
- Mama’s Fish House, Paia. Mama’s Fish House is ranked as the #1 restaurant in Maui. It’s located on the north shore, east of Paia’s central town. To get into Mama’s Fish House, make reservations months in advance. This restaurant is perfect as a destination dining experience from Kaanapali.
Most Surprising Fun Fact About Hawaii
The Hawaii state flag includes the Union Jack! No idea how I never knew this before, but for anyone who loves Great Britain, this is a fun discovery.
When the flag is upside down, it’s called the “angry Hawaiian”. Many flags were positioned upside down along Kaanapali Beach due to the aftermath of the Lahaina fires.
Final Tip On A Week In Kaanapali Maui
With the recovery underway for Lahaina and all its residents, consider supporting local during your week in Kaanapali. Stop at food trucks, buy roadside banana bread, and tip!
Colorful art drawn by local children hang along Lahaina highway
Now may be the best time more than ever to visit this beautiful island. Residents need tourism to help bring in the funds to get back on their feet. Although the rebuild is underway, locals are displaced and in some cases have to live in tents along the beaches (all of which are public).
Access to Lahaina is mostly closed, so the Banyan Tree can be seen once roads are safe enough to open again.
For a digital printable of my 7-day Maui itinerary, including a daily plan template and Maui packing list, join the newsletter and reply to my email with “Maui”. Mahalo!